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When Life Knocks You Off Your Happy: Facing Challenges for the First Time: Providing Practical Tools for Building Resilience, Self-Awareness, and Empathy
D. A. Mintaka’s When Life Knocks You Off Your Happy is a compassionate, twelve-chapter journey through the emotional and social trials faced by tweens and early teens. Told through the eyes of various young characters, the book explores big issues like perfectionism, bullying, self-worth, emotional burnout, and peer pressure, with simplicity and warmth. Each chapter features a different protagonist navigating their “first time” through a major emotional experience. What makes this book shine is how it gently folds life lessons into compelling, relatable narratives without ever feeling preachy.
I found myself genuinely moved by how Mintaka writes children’s emotional lives. The writing is clean and clear, full of sensory detail and believable dialogue. The author has a gift for showing how kids think, their logic, their fears, their hopes, and doesn’t write down to them. What stood out most for me was the emotional layering. Each story starts with a small moment, a science fair project, a school play, a treehouse, and slowly unpacks something much bigger about trust, identity, or self-compassion. I was especially struck by the story of Evelyn and the hummingbirds. Her anxiety and need for control felt so real and raw, and her small decision to let go and live a little was quietly powerful.
There were moments where I wished the book let readers sit a bit longer with the tension before spelling out the moral. And while the language is geared toward younger readers, I craved just a touch more complexity in some of the emotional resolutions. That said, I reminded myself this book is written for kids who are in the thick of figuring things out for the first time. And in that regard, it does a beautiful job of meeting them exactly where they are.
I’d recommend When Life Knocks You Off Your Happy to kids ages 9 to 13, especially those who are navigating new or tough experiences like first disappointments, social friction, or growing pains at home. It’s also a great read for parents, teachers, or counselors who want to understand what kids might be feeling but don’t yet have words for. This isn’t just a book to read, it’s one to talk about.
Pages: 204 | ISBN : 1732342601
Coven of Andromeda
After reading Coven of Andromeda, I found myself swept into a world where magic, family, and destiny dance together in both surprising and deeply emotional ways. The book follows two main narrative threads. One centered on Sameril, a gifted apprentice drawn into the dark elegance of necromancy, and the other on Bree Tanner, a young woman returning home to uncover her family’s magical legacy. Their stories, though miles apart in tone and setting, intersect in meaningful ways as both characters grapple with the burdens and beauty of inheritance, self-discovery, and the cost of power.
Personally, I was drawn to the writing’s warmth and richness. The prose flows with a quiet confidence, painting vivid images without getting bogged down in heavy description. The emotional beats, especially those between Bree, her sister Molly, and their mother, resonated with me. The magic system felt thoughtful and layered, and the way it tied into character growth was really satisfying. There were times when the pacing felt a bit uneven, particularly in the middle sections where side characters and subplots began to pile up. Still, the heart of the story never got lost, and that kept me engaged.
What really stood out to me were the ideas at play. This isn’t just a fantasy about spells and grimoires. It’s about the strength of matriarchal bonds, the tension between tradition and innovation, and the bravery it takes to choose your own path when expectations press hard against you. The story asks big questions about death, memory, and transformation, and doesn’t pretend to have simple answers. I appreciated that. Some parts made me misty-eyed. Others made me smile, especially the interactions between the coven women, who feel like real, complicated people with equal parts wisdom, mess, and sass.
I’d recommend Coven of Andromeda to anyone who loves generational stories with strong female leads, lush worldbuilding, and a touch of the mystical. It would especially resonate with readers who appreciate fantasy that feels grounded in emotion and family, rather than epic battles or political scheming.
Pages: 518 | ASIN : B0F88X1Z2Z
The Last Ayer
The Last Ayer by J.E. Rogers is a richly imagined, adventure-packed tale set in a fantastical version of Australia, where talking animals face ecological ruin and tyranny. The story follows Keera, a spirited young numbat with a mysterious past, as she uncovers her identity as the last of a sacred line known as the Ayers. Aided by a quirky band of animal allies, including the mimicking lyrebird Echo and the flamboyant bowerbird Griffin, Keera stands against Jago, a ruthless perentie lizard bent on domination. What begins as a story of survival quickly evolves into a narrative about nature, memory, and the courage to face your purpose.
The writing felt warm and whimsical, with a tone that dances between lighthearted banter and moments of quiet intensity. I really enjoyed how the characters spoke. There’s an earthiness to their voices, a kind of dusty charm that suits the world they inhabit. The dialogue, while sometimes leaning into a kind of theatrical rhythm, gave the book its pulse. Rogers has a knack for pacing and a keen sense for building small moments that echo large themes, like the cost of progress and the value of community.
What stood out to me was how energetic and fast-paced the storytelling felt. It moved with real momentum. The names, places, and lore were full of color and imagination, and the story never lingered too long in one place. Big moments and plot twists came quickly, which kept the tension high and the stakes clear. Keera is without a doubt the emotional center of the story, and I found myself wanting to know even more about what was going on beneath the surface. That curiosity speaks to how engaging she is as a character. There’s a deep sense of care in every scene, and it’s clear the author poured real heart into this world.
The Last Ayer is a heartfelt journey best suited for middle-grade readers or older kids with a love for animal tales, fantasy worlds, and environmental themes. It’s a great fit for readers who liked Redwall or Watership Down, but want something a little more modern, a little more playful. Rogers clearly loves these creatures and this world, and that love comes through in every description of a gum tree, every rustle of the outback wind. I’d happily recommend this to families, classrooms, or anyone looking for a story that blends fun and meaning with just enough danger to keep you turning the page.
Pages: 202 | ASIN : B0F5C4XFLJ
Multiverse Mayhem
Multiverse Mayhem, the third installment in Aurora M. Winter’s “Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse” series, picks up right where the chaos of book two left off. Ana Zest, the sharp-witted and surprisingly courageous teen heroine, faces down the Crimson Censor, a villain as stylish as she is brutal, in a fiery, magic-fueled standoff that propels Ana and her friends on a desperate quest across fantastical realms. From spell-splintered forests to dwarven strongholds, Ana grapples with betrayal, trauma, and the aching weight of responsibility, all while missing her tongue, her brother, and any semblance of a normal life. The multiverse is at stake, and the only things standing in the way of destruction are a talking dog, a bag of enchanted dust, and the pure grit of a girl who just wants her brother back.
I was charmed and unnerved by the writing in equal measure. The prose flips between whimsical and dark without warning, which makes the tone delightfully unpredictable. One moment, you’re giggling at a sass-tossing talking dog, and the next, you’re gritting your teeth as Ana gets her tongue magically severed. The worldbuilding is rich and clever, though sometimes a bit dense. There were moments where I felt lost in the swirl of spells, tech, and shifting allegiances. Still, I never wanted to stop reading. The action scenes are tight, the banter is sharp, and Winter’s pacing rarely falters. The emotional beats like Ana’s fear, her guilt, and her stubborn hope land beautifully. Even the villain, Crimson, is magnetic in her evil elegance.
What surprised me most was how invested I became in the book’s ideas about identity and choice. Hunter, the conflicted vampire-son of the Big Bad, is a standout. His scenes teeter on the edge of romantic tension and moral ruin, and I never knew whether to root for him or throw something. The story doesn’t sugarcoat the consequences of betrayal or the trauma of war. Ana’s struggle to reclaim her voice, literally and metaphorically, felt raw and real, even surrounded by magic hippogriffs and portal keys. There’s also a healthy distrust of authority that threads through everything, and the book doesn’t pretend that good and evil are always easy to spot. I liked that. It made the stakes feel more grounded, even when the characters were flying through dimensional portals.
Multiverse Mayhem is a chaotic, clever, and heartfelt ride through a universe that’s as magical as it is dangerous. I’d recommend this book to readers who love found families, high-stakes fantasy, and just the right amount of weird. Fans of Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, or Percy Jackson will feel right at home, though they might be surprised at how much darker and more philosophical this series is willing to get. It’s a wild ride, but it’s got heart. And magic. And a dandy-lion that turns the tide of battle. What more could you want?
Pages: 370 | ASIN : B0DCKCGT7R
The Secret Hamlet
The Secret Hamlet, the second installment in The Harmonie Books Series by Brian Barnes and Judith Briles, is a sprawling historical fiction novel that blends medieval intrigue, mystical elements, and family drama in a 1000 AD setting. The story follows Nichol, a brave and intuitive young woman gifted with a mysterious spiritual connection, as she gives birth to her daughter Lucette under extraordinary circumstances. As whispers of witchcraft and danger spread, Nichol, her husband Robert, and a group of devoted allies, including a loyal dog, a monk turned farmer, and a wise matriarch, are forced to flee, seeking safety in a secret land revealed to Nichol through visions. This is a tale of survival, belief, and the forging of a new community amidst threats from both church and state.
Reading this book pulled me into a richly painted world, and I often found myself surprised by how real the characters felt. The writing flows like a familiar story told around a fire. There were moments when the dialogue felt a bit modern for the time period, but honestly, that made it more personal. What stood out most was how the authors balanced the mystical with the grounded. I didn’t expect to care so deeply about a donkey named Moki or find a newborn’s connection to light so emotionally moving, but those scenes resonated with me. The pacing slows down at times with a lot of description, but the story always picks up again with a new challenge or twist that pulled me back in.
What I really appreciated was the heart behind the ideas. This isn’t just a book about a woman escaping danger. It’s about trust, rebuilding from nothing, and holding on to light when others call it darkness. The theme of found family shines bright throughout, and that really resonated with me. I also liked that the mystical “Lady” guiding Nichol isn’t explained too much. She’s a force, not a plot device. That restraint actually made her presence more powerful. The final chapters, where they start building their new haven, gave me chills. There’s real hope in those pages.
If you love historical fiction that leans into emotion and magic without turning into a fantasy epic, this book is worth your time. It’s perfect for readers who want strong women leads, tight-knit communities, and a little mystery wrapped in old-world charm. I’d especially recommend it to book clubs. There’s so much here to talk about, from gender roles to spiritual belief to survival under persecution. This is a warm, soulful book that doesn’t shy away from darkness but still manages to feel like a candle flickering in it. I closed it feeling deeply moved.
Pages: 428 | ASIN : B0CRXRD3JH
Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins
Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins is a cosmic love story wrapped in science fiction, spirituality, and mysticism. At its heart, it’s about two soul-connected beings, Kheira and Khogee, who are Twin Flames separated by memory loss and a mission that transcends lifetimes and galaxies. Kheira has forgotten who she is. Khogee remembers just enough to guide her back to herself. Together, they must resist powerful agents sent to erase them from existence and rekindle the deep spiritual light that binds them across space and time.
The book is written almost like a telepathic dialogue between lovers, with a flow more like a play than a novel. It’s heavy on feeling and energy and light on traditional narrative structure. At times, this made it difficult to follow, especially since the plot dips in and out of time and dimensions without much warning. But strangely, that worked. The lack of structure echoed the timeless, otherworldly nature of their connection. It felt less like reading a story and more like being swept up into someone’s intimate dream.
Emotionally, the book hit me in waves. There’s a yearning between the two leads that’s raw and constant, and I was moved by their devotion. The writing focuses more on energy exchanges and inner awakenings than on external world-building or dialogue. That’s not a flaw, it’s a choice, but it means the story will either totally click with you or leave you lost. What stood out to me was the unwavering message of unconditional love, spiritual power, and remembering who you truly are. It’s beautiful. At times, it’s overwhelming. But it’s always sincere.
I found Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins to be less of a sci-fi adventure and more of a soul journey. I’d recommend this to readers who are deep into spiritual work, soulmates, reincarnation, or Twin Flame concepts. If you’ve ever felt like you’re waking up to something ancient and real inside you, this might feel like home.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0DMG8CSXW
Monkey Flip
Monkey Flip is a quirky and heartfelt mystery about a has-been indie pro wrestler, a pair of precocious kids, and a reclusive talking chimpanzee detective drawn back into action to solve a murder. When Mitch Mayhem, an arrogant wrestling champion, is found dead, suspicion falls on his ring rival, Bonecrusher Brannigan, a part-time wrestler, full-time dad. His kids, Addie and Bennett, refuse to believe their father could be guilty, and they enlist the help of Sebastian Winthrop, a grumpy but brilliant chimp detective with a taste for banana cream cookies. What follows is an absurd, emotional, and surprisingly touching journey through wrestling locker rooms, family kitchens, and dusty detective tropes turned on their heads.
This book surprised me. At first, I thought it was just going to be another wacky comedy with talking animals and goofy dialogue. And sure, it is funny, very funny, but underneath the humor is a real story about self-worth, family, and redemption. The writing is sharp and packed with personality. I genuinely laughed out loud at some of the lines, especially the banter between Addie and her brother. Addie, in particular, is a standout. She’s pushy, stubborn, a little bit of a know-it-all, but she’s also fiercely loyal and has a heart big enough to carry the whole story. The author walks a fine line between parody and sincerity, and for the most part, it works. The world is weird, but the emotions feel true.
The story works best when it leans into the kids’ perspective, their scrappy determination, their silly arguments, the way they see the world in terms of good guys and bad guys. The wrestling backdrop is painted with affection and authenticity, which makes sense since it reads like it was written by someone who really loves (and understands) the theater of it all.
Monkey Flip is a delightful surprise. It’s weird in all the right ways and warm in ways I didn’t expect. If you love wrestling, kids who act like tiny adults, or detectives with a tail and a chip on their shoulder, this book is for you. It’s especially great for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated, because sometimes the best heroes are the ones who’ve been counted out.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0D867KR4T
Wolfhound: The King’s Hounds Book I
Wolfhound is a gritty and heart-wrenching fantasy tale that follows Cassian, the leader of a King’s Hound team—elite enforcers of royal justice in the kingdom of Fentia. When a mission to arrest a treacherous baron goes terribly wrong, Cassian is forced into a desperate escape that leaves him with nothing but the duty to report the betrayal and the weight of lost comrades. Along the way, he crosses paths with a scrappy, abused orphan boy named Theo, and what begins as a simple act of mercy turns into a test of Cassian’s soul. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, honor, justice, and grief with an emotionally raw and action-packed narrative.
Austin Davis knows how to keep your heart pounding with intense action scenes that don’t let up, but what surprised me most was how emotionally resonant it was. Cassian isn’t some one-note hero; he’s wrecked and angry, grieving and fiercely loyal. I felt every moment of his pain and frustration. The writing strikes a balance between immersive world-building and intimate character focus. Davis doesn’t get lost in fantasy tropes. Instead, he pulls you into the dirt and grit of being a King’s Hound. I especially loved the way he handled Theo—what could’ve been a tired “rescued orphan” trope felt alive, vulnerable, and earned.
Some scenes, especially action-heavy ones, occasionally ran long. But those dips are minor compared to how invested I was. I laughed at Cassian’s sarcasm, teared up more than once (no shame), and fist-pumped when justice was served. The dialogue felt natural and snappy, with a good amount of humor even in the darkest moments. Most of all, I appreciated that this wasn’t just a fantasy adventure—it was a meditation on loss, found family, and the cost of doing the right thing when it’s hard. And the horses? Don’t even get me started. I’d follow Strider into battle, no question.
If you’re into emotionally charged fantasy with grounded characters and a dash of political intrigue, Wolfhound will be right up your alley. I’d recommend it to fans of Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson’s grittier moments, or anyone who loves loyalty tested in the fire. It’s perfect for readers who want more heart than high magic, more scars than spells. Just don’t expect to walk away without feeling something deep in your chest.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0F8FS1HYD
LITERARY TITAN 