Category: Young Adult

“Over the Fence” by Debbie Schrack

May 19, 2023

Over a decade ago, six-year-old Katie Figg was abducted outside her home, never to see her family again. Now at seventeen—forced to go by the name Eve Anderson—she endures torture daily at the hands of “Papa,” her captor. The tortured girl lives with Papa and his partner “Mama” in a dilapidated house infested with cockroaches, bars covering the windows, and a tall, impenetrable fence shutting her from the outside world. Eve’s sole reason for surviving is to care for Honey, the four-year-old daughter she had with Papa. … More “Over the Fence” by Debbie Schrack

“The Royal Matchmaking Competition: Prince Zadkiel” by Zoiy Galloay

May 12, 2023

“The Royal Matchmaking Competition: Prince Zadkiel” is the second book in Zoiy Galloay’s series, “The Royal Matchmaking Competition.” As the heir to the throne, Zadkiel must participate in a special competition specifically designed to bring together twelve beautiful, talented girls for the express purpose of competing to be Zadkiel’s bride and, beyond that, the next Queen.  While everything seems like fun and games at first, he soon realizes that love is not easily won.  Not to mention that amidst forming special connections with several of the contestants, Zadkiel starts to get the feeling that someone is out to get his family – perhaps even hoping to assassinate one of them.  All becomes fair in love and war when both hearts and the kingdom itself may be at stake. … More “The Royal Matchmaking Competition: Prince Zadkiel” by Zoiy Galloay

“Tales of Asterra” by Michael Frank Rizzo

May 9, 2023

In “Tales of Asterra,” Penniforth Octavius Rodgers, otherwise known as Penny, narrates stories about different places, times, and people of this mystical land which is comprised of 50 different realms. The unique characters are not all mundane; some have very special gifts and abilities. Unfortunately for some, the gifts come from dark magic. In this world, there are magical serpents, trolls, dwarves, fairies, pirates, man-eating plants, and other mystical beings, some of which were previously unknown to me. … More “Tales of Asterra” by Michael Frank Rizzo

“Kill Your Darlings” by L.E. Harper

May 8, 2023

“Kill Your Darlings” by L.E. Harper is one of the most unique books I have ever read.  In this book our protagonist is both the hero and the creator.  Kyla Starblade is the main character in a bestselling young adult fantasy series and is named for the author herself.  Where Kyla Starblade is a strong leader who is helping save her realm from an evil dragon lord, Kyla the author, feels like she is the complete opposite.  She feels hopeless, devoid of motivation, and alone.  The fictional Kyla, and the world of Solera, in fact, were created as a way for human Kyla to cope with debilitating mental illness and suicidal tendencies.  Now, Kyla Starblade and Kyla-the-author appear to have merged – with human Kyla’s soul now inhabiting Kyla Starblade’s body.  At first a dream come true, human Kyla realizes quickly that meeting her characters face-to-face is dampened when, first, she is suspected of being a spy, and also Kyla-the-author has devised terrible fates for all of them.  Kyla will have to trade her pen for some armor and a trusty dragon to help her beloved characters change the outcome of the war she made up.  If she can find the courage within herself to keep fighting, then maybe she can save them all, and Solera, with them. … More “Kill Your Darlings” by L.E. Harper

“Hidden Shifters” by David Dann

May 1, 2023

After aliens from planet B3 invade planet A7, much of the indigenous population is declared dangerous and locked away.  More dangerous than any of the animal hybrids are the shapeshifters, who can take on any form.  “Hidden Shifters” is the story of Adrian Walker, one such shifter.  Since he was a kid, he has pretended to be an innocuous sheep hybrid to escape the notice of the aliens.  Working as a janitor at the prison for the dangerous hybrids, he is suddenly thrust into the role of warden after the previous warden is discovered to be part of the rebels against the aliens.  To further complicate matters, his girlfriend—another shapeshifter—is captured at a rebel protest.  In order to rescue his girlfriend, Adrian falls into the rebellion, despite his misgivings.  … More “Hidden Shifters” by David Dann

“The Ring of Truth” by Peter Pactor

September 29, 2021

Eddie Andrews is fifteen years old and dealing with typical teenage angst. Unfortunately, he often lets his anger get out of hand when dealing with common issues. Without intending to, Eddie attracts the attention of a mischievous wizard named Murkles. The wizard sees promise in Eddie and is determined to help him overcome his anger and discover some magical talents in which he was unaware that he had. … More “The Ring of Truth” by Peter Pactor

“War Bunny” by Christopher St. John

August 31, 2021

“War Bunny” is a spectacular fantasy novel written by Christopher St. John. Set in a dystopian world where humans are non-existent, a female bunny called Anastasia begins questioning the ways of Yah in her home, Bloody Thorn Warren. It was believed that prey should not fight back and should accept their fate of being devoured by predators (Blessed Ones). This was known as Glorification. That was the will of Yah and was never to be questioned. … More “War Bunny” by Christopher St. John