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Hidden
Olivia Gold’s Hidden kicks off as a middle-school romp but quickly spirals into an action-packed rollercoaster involving secret identities, quirky characters, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. The protagonist, Xander Hall, is thrust into a witness protection program, moving from his bustling Washington, D.C. life to the peculiar Gizmo, Utah. The juxtaposition of his spy-like parents’ high-stakes paranoia with his own struggles to navigate Soda Club meetings and middle school drama creates a surprisingly heartwarming and comedic tale.
One thing I loved about this book was how the author made the mundane hilariously exaggerated. The Soda Club, for instance, is absurd in the best way possible. Hayleigh, the overzealous club president, treats soda crafting like an Olympic sport, barking orders about “the essence of a quality soda.” And then there’s the Jell-O obsession at Morrison Middle School that’s so strange it had me laughing. Xander’s disbelief and discomfort were palpable, making it easy to root for him even as he stumbled through this bizarre culture shock. The scene where Xander fakes enthusiasm for a soda recipe he doesn’t have? Hilariously awkward.
Gold’s writing shines in its humor but also captures family dynamics beautifully. Xander’s parents are hilarious in their hyper-vigilance, from his mom’s insistence on banning internet access to their utter suspicion of seemingly harmless dog groomers. The chaos in their house during the infamous grooming scene had me laughing out loud—who knew dog groomers could be so suspicious and inept? The blend of humor and tension is handled well, keeping the plot lighthearted yet engaging.
The plot isn’t without its depth, either. Beneath all the soda club madness and misadventures, there’s a genuine story about adaptation and finding a sense of belonging. Xander’s growth—his gradual acceptance of his new life and his understanding of his parents’ choices—feels authentic. His clever idea of creating Jell-O soda to fit in illustrates his desire to connect without losing himself. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show how much he evolves.
Hidden will be great for anyone looking for a fun, quirky read with heartfelt moments. Middle schoolers will enjoy the relatable humor, while adults might find themselves nostalgic for their own awkward teenage years. It’s lighthearted, yet it surprises you with its emotional beats. If you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water, Xander’s story is bound to resonate—and make you laugh along the way.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0DP26WT2V
Life-Altering Event
Jesus Take My Wheels follows a teen aspiring NBA player who is shot in the back and paralyzed from the waist down who spirals into despair, feeling like his future has been taken from him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In 2024, I faced one of the most challenging periods of my life. My best man and one of the kindest people I know was terminally ill, my father’s health was rapidly declining, and I was grappling with serious health issues of my own that deeply unsettled me.
While recovering from surgery and confined to a hospital bed, I came across a documentary on wheelchair basketball. Watching these incredible athletes, I was struck by how skilled they were—many of them playing better than I ever could, even though I could walk. This realization sparked my curiosity, and I began researching the sport further.
In my search, I discovered the story of an athlete hailed as the best wheelchair basketball player in the world—a Canadian whose journey captivated me. Learning how he came to use a wheelchair made me wonder: how would someone with great talent cope if faced with such a life-altering event?
That thought planted the seed for a story. I started writing, and to my surprise, I couldn’t stop.
The characters in this novel draw readers into their story with strong emotions. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Writing for Efrem was a deeply personal experience for me. Having grown up without a father and in poverty, I found myself relating to his struggles on a profound level. In contrast, writing for Veronica presented a unique challenge, particularly when it came to seamlessly integrating her into the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently working on three projects simultaneously. While I’m not certain which will be released first, I anticipate it might be Last Kiss, a poignant and tragic love story that should be out this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
With his dreams shattered, Efrem spirals into despair, feeling like his future has been taken from him. But with the support of his church community and a newfound love, Veronica, who shares his passion for basketball and understands his struggles, Efrem finds the strength to keep fighting. Together, they inspire each other to pursue new dreams, and Efrem sets his sights on becoming the next wheelchair basketball star, proving that no matter how hard life hits, it can’t stop him from reaching his goals.
Jesus Take My Wheels: The Rise of a Wheelchair Basketball Superstar
Jesus Take My Wheels takes you on a journey that’s heart-wrenching, hopeful, and at times, downright gut-punching. It’s the story of Efrem Williams, a kid from the rough streets of Philly who dreams big but is constantly thrown into situations that test his spirit. From the basketball court to facing unimaginable challenges, this book hits hard. But it’s not just about Efrem; it’s about his indomitable mom, Sandra, who might just be one of the most resilient characters I’ve ever come across.
D.T. Scarola has this way of pulling you right into Efrem’s world. The early chapters are vivid. Chapter 1 hooked me immediately with Sandra’s sheer determination to protect her son despite the chaos in her life. She’s cleaning houses, dodging gang violence, and raising a kid who she hopes won’t get sucked into the same darkness. Scarola writes her struggles and triumphs with raw honesty, and by the end of that first chapter, I was fully invested.
There’s this one scene where Efrem confronts his mom about her decision to make him stay away from Malcolm, his best friend who’s joined a gang. You can feel the pain in both of them, Efrem torn between loyalty to his friend and his mother’s fear for his safety. And then Malcolm’s tragic fate? My heart shattered. The scene in the liquor store, with Malcolm’s final, bittersweet joke before he passes, stays with you. It’s moments like these where Scarola does a great job of showing human connection in the midst of despair.
Efrem’s resilience and the way he rebuilds his life after the shooting is inspiring. When his mother discovered wheelchair basketball, I couldn’t help but cheer her on. She’s always Efrem’s biggest advocate, even when he’s stuck in his anger and grief. The basketball tryout is the spark of hope I desperately needed at that point in the story. Can we talk about how much we all need a Pastor Jones in our lives? His quiet wisdom and unwavering belief in Efrem give the story its soul.
Scarola doesn’t tie everything up in a neat bow, and I loved that. Life is messy, and Jesus Take My Wheels embraces that messiness. If you love stories about perseverance, the power of community, and finding light in the darkest of times, this book is for you. Basketball fans will appreciate the sports moments, but the emotional depth makes it so much more than a sports story.
Pages: 74 | ASIN : B0DL6ZFRXP
One Happy Accident
Sean McLaine, a high school junior, faces the kind of challenges that resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt outmatched or overlooked. As a late-blooming soccer talent, his ambitions outstrip his physical growth, leaving him to contend with teammates who wield his smaller size as an advantage against him. At school, he’s practically invisible, a shadow moving through crowded hallways, unnoticed by classmates and seemingly forgotten by girls—except for one. Yet as Sean immerses himself in soccer, a pivotal question emerges: Can he balance his relentless drive for success with the budding promise of something more meaningful? Or will his dedication to the sport demand a sacrifice too great to bear?
One Happy Accident, by Gary Simonds, is a stirring exploration of ambition, resilience, and self-discovery. With Sean at its heart, the novel captures the grit and determination of a young athlete striving to achieve greatness on the field while navigating emotional and personal hurdles. From the first chapter, Simonds weaves a world that feels immediate and real, where raw perseverance often eclipses innate talent, and the divide between ambition and struggle is razor-sharp. Adding depth and nuance to Sean’s journey is Kayleigh, a thoughtful and layered peer whose presence introduces themes of connection, growth, and unexpected transformation. Their dynamic brings warmth and introspection, offering readers a lens through which to explore the profound impact of relationships on our lives.
What sets One Happy Accident apart is its ability to intertwine universal themes of resilience, mental health, and community without losing the emotional intensity of its characters. Sean’s story compels readers to confront enduring questions: Where do we find strength when our dreams feel unattainable? How do we reconcile hope and determination with the inevitable setbacks of life? Simonds writes with precision and heart, crafting vivid soccer scenes that pulse with energy and moments of vulnerability that linger long after they’re read. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, blending humor and insight in a way that grounds the narrative in a deeply human reality. Each character feels alive, their flaws and triumphs forging a powerful connection with the reader.
For those who appreciate tales of perseverance and emotional complexity, One Happy Accident is a must-read. Soccer enthusiasts will revel in the thrilling depictions of the game, but the novel’s appeal extends far beyond the pitch. It is, at its core, a story of hope and inspiration, one that leaves an indelible mark long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0DPBMD9T8
The Call of The Dreamwalkers
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a vivid and emotional adventure that pulls readers into the life of Anael, an ordinary teenager thrust into extraordinary circumstances. As Anael discovers her role as a “Light Warrior,” the story weaves together elements of friendship, self-discovery, and the battle against dark forces threatening her school and beyond. Alongside her best friend Heloise and other allies, Anael navigates dreams and reality, where forces of good and evil clash, testing her courage and resolve. The narrative’s blend of teenage relatability and mystical undertones makes it an engrossing read.
What struck me first was the authenticity of Anael’s voice. Désiré captures her adolescent worries—from crushes to high school bullies—with remarkable precision. The early chapters brim with realism, like Anael’s awkward yet touching encounter with Angel on the bus, which showcases her insecurity and hope. These moments ground the reader in her world, making the later fantastical elements feel believable. Anael’s evolving friendship with Heloise, especially through the tragedy of Heloise’s accident, adds emotional weight.
The author’s ability to depict vulnerability and resilience is one of the book’s strongest suits. The dreamscapes, however, steal the show. They are nothing short of cinematic. At times, the pacing slows as Anael’s internal monologues and anxieties slow the momentum of the plot. The book’s exploration of moral themes—courage, empathy, and teamwork—is woven seamlessly into the narrative. Anael’s realization of her role as a “Virtue” is both empowering and relatable. The story’s emphasis on overcoming fear and self-doubt feels universally resonant. The exposition surrounding the Mind Worms and the dream mechanics, while intriguing, sometimes made me yearn for moments that leaned more into showing rather than telling.
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is an enchanting tale that balances teenage drama with spiritual and mythical elements. It would resonate most with young adults or anyone who enjoys stories of self-discovery paired with fantastical quests. If you’ve ever felt lost or doubted your own strength, Anael’s journey will remind you of the power of courage and connection.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B0CKB3BMZB
Ashes of the City
Ashes of the City by Quinton Taylor-Garcia delivers a gripping tale set in the aftermath of an earthquake that leaves a group of high school students stranded in a shattered urban landscape. Maya, a compassionate leader, strives to bring unity, while Jace, a ruthless pragmatist, champions strength as the key to survival. Their opposing ideologies fracture the group, igniting tension over scarce resources. As aftershocks loom and destruction mounts, both leaders grapple with harrowing choices and the weight of their decisions.
This novel is a riveting work of modern dystopian fiction. From the opening sentence, the author’s evocative prose commands attention. Vivid descriptions transform the ruined city into a visceral, almost living presence. Each crumbling building and each tremor in the earth feels real, immersing the reader in a world teetering on the edge of collapse. The story doesn’t just depict survival; it mirrors the fragility of the modern world, asking readers to confront unsettling truths about humanity and resilience.
The characters shine as the heart of this story. Maya and Jace, polar opposites, embody two sides of survival in crisis. Maya’s warmth and hope resonate deeply, offering a vision of collective strength, while Jace’s unflinching pragmatism challenges notions of morality when survival is at stake. Their clash is riveting, not only as a battle for leadership but as a commentary on what it means to remain human amidst chaos. The raw authenticity of their internal struggles makes them relatable, their humanity laid bare in every decision, every moment of doubt.
Themes of leadership, morality, and sacrifice pulse through the pages, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The story moves with relentless energy, but it also takes moments to reflect, adding depth and nuance to the chaos. The contrast between destruction and the characters’ determination to survive is both haunting and inspiring.
Ashes of the City is an exploration of resilience, a challenge to consider how far we’ll go to endure, and a testament to the enduring power of hope. It’s a must-read for anyone drawn to dystopian stories.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0DK4397YD
A Look at the Future
El aullido de los Invisibles immerses readers into a desolate future where Earth has been devastated by environmental collapse and social decay. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea came from a post I saw on social media. It was the seed from which the world and story of Onnyriom emerged, and what was originally going to be one book became three.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
Unfortunately, I found inspiration in the world around us and in the way humans treat animals and the earth in general. There is also a deep criticism of the society in which we live.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Above all, social criticism and reflection on the way human beings act today.
The idea was to create a hard story with a message, but one that would engage the reader. The truth is that it is having a very good reception.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
´´El aullido de los invisibles´´is the first part of the trilogy Onnyriom. I published the second part (´´Conciencia de hiel´´) in August, and the third part (´´El presagio de la desoñación´´) will be released in December of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Review
En el despiadado mundo de Onnyriom, un planeta donde las apariencias engañan y el karma se cobra sus deudas con intereses, la realidad es oscura y desgarradora.
Sin embargo, no todo está perdido. Del corazón temerario de unos pocos valientes nacerá el valor para arriesgar su vidapor salvar a los humanos de su inexorable destino.
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En un mundo post apocalíptico, la humanidad se convierte en la materia prima de una nueva raza que ha conquistado el planeta: los onnyrianos. Los humanos, considerados inferiores, se cultivan bajo escalofriantes condiciones y son comercializados de pies a cabeza por la gigantesca empresa Gova.
Alysa, una onnyriana que se verá obligada a seguir el legado familiar e incorporarse a trabajar en Gova, tendrá la oportunidad de cambiar su destino al crear una alianza con uno de los pocos grupos resistentes y embarcarse en la misión más peligrosa de su vida.
Everyone Has A System Now Book 1: System Activation
Harder, Better, Stronger, Faster. Isn’t that the dream? Imagine being one of the rare few who can achieve it all—success, wealth, and self-fulfillment—without spending a dime. Tempting, right? All your aspirations, seemingly within reach, hinge on one simple task: activating the System. Simple? Not quite. Alex Petters, the protagonist of Everyone Has A System Now: System Activation, soon discovers the truth—nothing in life is truly free. The cost of everything, it turns out, is steep, often paid in infinite suffering, pain, and effort.
This sci-fi/fantasy/RPG novel plunges readers into a world of intrigue when Alex wakes to find a mysterious floating panel before him. The panel delivers a cryptic mission: activate the System for someone else without them realizing it. What follows is a narrative that’s eerie, fascinating, and undeniably engaging. The story’s setup echoes the popular Isekai genre of Japanese storytelling, where characters are whisked into alternate worlds governed by distinct systems. Much like Isekai, the novel blends the fantastical with the surreal, maintaining a light-hearted tone that adds to its charm. It doesn’t overburden itself with seriousness, a refreshing approach that keeps the pages turning. While the premise may not reinvent the genre, it remains engaging and delivers a fresh, enjoyable perspective. Sci-fi, after all, thrives on reinterpreting familiar ideas, and System Activation does so in a way that feels fresh enough to engage both seasoned readers and newcomers to the genre. As Alex navigates the intricacies of the System, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. His personal growth is gradual but deeply satisfying. Watching him evolve—learning about himself and the world—becomes the emotional core of the story, offering readers a rewarding connection to the character.
For fans of sci-fi, RPG-inspired narratives, or character-driven storytelling, Everyone Has A System Now: System Activation is a solid pick. It’s a tale of ambition, struggle, and growth, inviting readers to question the true cost of their dreams.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0DKHG4CXP
LITERARY TITAN 