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A New Way To Know
A New Way to Know is middle-grade historical fiction that follows Francis Bacon from a sharp-eyed boy in Queen Elizabeth’s noisy court to a grown man who helps invent a new way of doing science and then pays a steep price in politics. We watch him question his teachers, tinker with secret experiments, navigate his risky friendship with the fiery Earl of Essex, rise to become Lord Chancellor, and finally fall under charges of corruption, before the story jumps to a modern classroom where kids are using his method without even realizing it.
The scenes at court are vivid and concrete – the rustle of gowns, the sharp look from Elizabeth, the way everyone seems to be acting on a stage. I liked how often the book slows down for small details, like a feather falling or a pear dropping from a tree, and uses them to show how his mind works. The writing is clean and very readable, with short, punchy lines sitting next to longer, thoughtful ones. The recurring image of his little notebook and planting questions like seeds gives the story a gentle rhythm that feels just right for younger readers without talking down to them. Sometimes a line of dialogue spells the lesson out a bit plainly, but overall it still feels like a story first and a message book second, which I appreciated.
What really hooked me was the way the author builds Francis’s inner life. The author does not pretend that loving truth is simple. We see Francis grieving his father, scrambling after lost inheritance, testing seeds in chilly sheds, and then standing in rooms where his words might condemn a friend or save a kingdom. The chapters around Essex’s failed rebellion and trial are especially rough; Francis chooses evidence and duty over loyalty, and the book lets that ache sit there instead of smoothing it over. Later, when Bacon himself is accused of corruption and decides to accept blame to protect the stability of the realm, you can feel how much he has learned about pride, power, and bending so the world does not crack. For a work of historical fiction aimed at kids, that is a pretty honest look at how messy integrity can be. I also loved the author’s note that says this “new way to know” grows out of grief and doubt and the refusal to stop asking questions. It made the whole story click for me.
The last section, where a modern science teacher walks her students through a simple rot experiment, might have been cheesy in another book, but here it felt earned. The kids joke about grapes having “five-star freezing” and complain about gross samples, yet they keep coming back to Bacon’s basic rules: observe, test, compare, let evidence lead. As someone who likes both history and science, I enjoyed seeing the genre stretch a little. This is historical fiction that almost turns into a quiet science class at the end, and it works. It ties his life to their world in a way that feels practical rather than heroic and distant.
I’d say A New Way to Know is historical fiction for middle-grade readers that also works as a very human introduction to how the scientific method grew out of one person’s stubborn curiosity. If you like character-driven stories set in real history, if you teach upper elementary or middle school science, or if you have a kid who asks “why” ten times in a row, this book is a great fit. Adults who want a warm, accessible look at Francis Bacon will get a lot from it too, as long as they are happy to read in a younger voice. For that curious crowd, I’d recommend it without hesitation.
Pages: 132 | ASIN: B0GFVWBNQV
Centered On The Dream World
The Dreamer follows a teenager traveling through space with her parents, who experiences terrifying visions and must cope with the aftermath of a vicious attack that forces her to make important life decisions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been highly interested in dreams, past lives, and parallel universes. I like to believe it’s all connected. Dreams play a big part in most of my stories. I’m currently working on a new series that is centered on the dream world. When I was little, I had a very lucid dream where I was an older woman who was running through a battlefield and got shot in the leg. I told my father (who is also a historian) about my dream the next morning, and after hearing all the details, he was convinced I had been dreaming of the Revolutionary War. I was too young to know about it! I wanted to write a series with a vast, complex timeline, exploring how one person and their choices could impact an entire reality, because we actually do that every day. I have been working on this series for 17 years, so it’s pretty planned out!
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
I wanted my teen and young adult characters to feel real, with their emotions and dialogue feeling natural. I spent a very long time crafting each character’s background so that I could drop them into any situation and have their interactions flow without me having to think too hard. Sometimes they would say or do things, and I would be surprised as I was writing it! I love that feeling when your book starts writing itself! There are characters in the second book that popped up as I wrote, and I would think, “Who’s this guy?”
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
Honestly, I tried my hardest not to turn this into a super “sciencey” book. I wanted to write a sci-fi saga that was easy to read and accessible to a broad audience. It makes me sad that so many people are intimidated by science fiction. It can get too heady or science-based, taking away from the emotional journeys. I wanted to write about teens who happened to be in space. I wanted to be inclusive and normalize the marginalized. I wanted the fate of the galaxy to fall on a group of misfits who end up saving it, but I also wanted them to be stressed out about their first kiss, engulfed by jealousy, and annoyed with each other. I was a teenager who grew up overseas, performed in theater, and was also trying to learn Klingon… if that tells you anything!
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of the The Black Stone Cycle series? Where will it take readers?
We open with two brand-new characters, one of whom is the one I mentioned above, who appeared without me planning him at all. He turned out to be one of my favorites! It will explore the galaxy and society further. It’s already written, and I’m always interested in ARC readers, so please contact me if you’re seriously interested!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
But when a quick stop on Phobos goes from routine to disaster, Ash’s fragile world implodes. Stranded and hunted by enemies she doesn’t understand, she’s thrown together with a ragtag crew of teens just as lost as she is.
There’s Isaac and Isabel, telepathic twins caught between uncovering the truth about their missing parents and outrunning the Mind Squad agents they once thought were a myth; Edan, a street-smart survivor who just happens to be the prince of the space pirates; Moon, a savant who speaks code more fluently than feelings; and Xai, a mysterious blue alien boy who lingers in Ash’s dreams―and who might be far more real than she wants to believe.
As Ash wrestles with grief, trust, and the colossal power flickering to life inside her, she stumbles into a prophecy that feels way too personal. Being the “chosen one” isn’t what Ash signed up for. All she’s ever wanted was a chance to stop running and just be a regular teenager on some boring moon colony.
With telepathic super soldiers closing in, betrayals around every corner, and a galaxy-shaking secret in her hands. Ash must decide whether to keep running―or finally stand and fight. Because some destinies can’t be outrun.
The Dreamer is the first book in The Black Stone Cycle, a thrilling YA sci-fi saga about found family, hidden legacies, and the messy, exhilarating journey of discovering who you really are. Fans of Firefly, Skyward, and The Expanse will feel right at home among the stars.
Final Eclipse
After reading Final Eclipse by Matthew Huddleston, I can say it’s one of the most unpredictable and strange sci-fi thrillers I’ve come across this year. The story begins with a sudden and total blackout of critical solar satellites at Lagrange Point One, launching an escalating mystery involving scientists, governments, and eventually, an unexplained anomaly near the sun. Kevin, a teenage protagonist, gets drawn into the crisis alongside his brilliant but emotionally distant father, Dr. Mycroft. What starts as a quiet domestic drama evolves into a sprawling, globe-spanning narrative that combines real space science, speculative threats, and teenage adventure. Think Contact meets WarGames, but with more snow gear and solar flares.
There’s something endearing about the way Huddleston writes characters, especially Kevin. He’s sharp but awkward, competent but unsure of himself, and his internal monologue feels genuine. The writing itself is clean and fast-paced, and despite the science-heavy content, the story never bogs down. I liked how the science was treated seriously without turning into a lecture. But I also felt some of the adult characters, especially the government and military ones, could’ve used more texture.
What really caught me was the balance of tone. It goes from geeky high school hijinks to doomsday speculation without losing its footing. Some of the emotional beats, like Kevin’s strained relationship with his father and the quiet absence of his mother, hit harder than I expected. The mystery of the solar anomaly builds nicely, and while the ending leaves things open I never felt cheated. I was actually glad not everything was wrapped up neatly because it gave it a sense of realism and weight.
Final Eclipse is a great ride for anyone who likes smart sci-fi with a human core. I’d recommend it for teenagers who love science, adults who grew up reading Michael Crichton, or anyone curious about space weather and likes the idea of kids being thrown into global crises.
Pages: 294 | ASIN: B0DGL8JV33
Something That Isn’t What It Seems
Forgotten Realm of Secrets follows a curious young boy seeking answers to the truth about his identity who winds up in a realm where dreams and reality blur. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from a short story I read on a blog several years ago. It was based on the idea of “a square peg not fitting in a round hole”and was semi-autobiographical in nature. What made it especially unique was that the protagonist wasn’t a person—the tale was told in a fantasy fiction narrative where the character was actually a “little square” wooden block, not a human. I found the premise deeply touching, and with the agreement of the blogger, knew it could be beautifully incorporated into a fantasy fiction novel—especially since fantasy fiction is my passion. The feeling of not quite fitting in resonates with so many people, and I was inspired to take that emotional theme and expand it into a larger, more complex story. Forgotten Realm of Secrets was born from that. I imagined what the character would be like as a living breathing person and Little Square came to life. I envisioned him not “fitting in” to his world, and going on a long journey to find the truth of who he was; and in a fantasy world, the possibilities of what could happen to him are untold.
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?
To me, there’s nothing more intriguing-or frightening, than something that isn’t what it seems. When I first imagined the realm where Lit was born, I pictured the setting of a peaceful, charming small-town. On the surface, it seems almost perfect. But as you explore, you realize something is not quite right with this place. Being frozen in time gave it an eerie, “Twilight Zone” kinda quality. The sweet, idyllic exterior masked the secrets and dangers lurking beneath. As the story progressed, the world shifted with Lit’s journey. His surroundings change depending on the challenges I needed him to face.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the key themes I wanted to incorporate were those integral to the story. Forgotten Realm of Secrets is not just a fantasy fiction novel. Themes of self-discovery, coming of age, adventure, mystery, and courage were important. Lit’s journey is not just a physical one, but an emotional and personal journey where he faces the unknown, uncovers hidden truths about himself, and grows in ways he never expected. These themes are woven throughout the story, as Lit learns to confront each challenge with bravery and courage, while discovering what he is truly made of.
At the beginning, Lit is a homesick boy, who was very dependent on his parents and siblings. But as the story progresses and he starts to fend for himself, though he never stops missing them, he realizes that he has the ability to survive on his own. In that vein, the theme of love and support from his family, as well as dear friends, was important to express because it contributed to his growth.
Even though Lit never stops missing his loved ones, he knew from the start that by choosing to leave home and take on this quest, he risked never seeing them again—something that almost made him reconsider. But in the end, he made the decision to have the courage to follow his heart. Lit believed that if he succeeds in his quest, he might one day find his way back to his family—not as the uncertain, unhappy boy who had always wondered where he fit in, but as a happier, more fulfilled young man. He no longer wanted to be the mope who had spent so much time feeling lost and out of place at home. Instead, he wanted to return with a clearer sense of who he was and the confidence that he had discovered his true self and maybe his true home.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, Forgotten Realm of Secrets is the first book in the series. Book Two is expected to hit book shelves around early 2025. Things really heat up in the next installment as Lit who is now seasoned and toughened by his experiences, faces even bigger challenges, and the threats are more terrifying.
Lit’s already been through a lot, and in this next part of his journey, he’s determined not to give up. He’s ready to take the risks and push forward to reach his ultimate goal—to find wisdom, discover where he fits in, and uncover the secrets that have been kept hidden from him. But will he?
At this point, Lit has gained a new level of confidence. He’s not just surviving—he’s realized he enjoys the journey he has embarked upon. Even though the world around him is full of unknowns, supernatural and life threatening situations, it’s a journey he never could have imagined.
In the next book, readers can expect to meet even more strange and intriguing characters, some alive and some not, along with immersive worlds, strange phenomena, and ancient artifacts. Lit’s journey is far from over, and it’s going to challenge him in ways he never imagined.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website
