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Herencia Encantada (Spanish Edition)
Herencia Encantada es una novela de fantasía, y su protagonista es Celeste. Ella es una huérfana de diecisiete años y está atrapada entre dos mundos: el mundo humano y el mundo de las hadas. Ansiosa por vengar la muerte de sus padres, sabe que debe reconocer el lugar que le corresponde en el mundo de los mortales. Con la ayuda de la princesa de las hadas, Nahia, la Corte Luminosa y su verdadero amor, Celeste se propone derrotar a la hechicera Arantxa.
La autora Patricia Bossano brinda a sus lectores una historia encantadora, llena de escenas vívidas que encienden la imaginación del lector. La creatividad dentro de este mundo es impresionante y fue una de las razones por las cuales volví, una y otra vez, a visitar esta fascinante fantasía juvenil. Pude imaginar claramente el mundo en el cual Celeste vive, y el mundo de las hadas es un deleite.
La historia fluye bien, disfruté de la fluidez de los diálogos, y las descripciones ayudan a desarrollar una trama exuberante y creíble. El desarrollo de los personajes es algo que de verdad disfruté, la evolución de la personalidad de Celeste sorprende y fascina por la forma sutil en la que se ejecuta en la historia. Pude conectarme con ella y me gustó verla crecer mientras superaba los obstáculos que encontraba en su camino. En una historia de fantasía como ésta, el diálogo sólido y auténtico hace que los personajes sean creíbles.
Esta es una aventura muy entretenida, con giros sorprendentes, uno en especial que realmente me asombró.
Herencia Encantada es una novela obligatoria para adultos jóvenes que buscan una fantasía visionaria que utilice la magia de maneras ingeniosas. La transición entre el mundo de los mortales y el de los inmortales es creativa, y los lectores quedarán encantados con el mundo que descubrirán ahí.
Pages: 382 | ASIN: B0B3S2JYM9
Power and Control
Bully Boy follows a teen boy who has been bullied and abused for years, now he decideds to fight back and get retribution for those that caused harm directly or indirectly. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My idea for Bully Boy basically came from watching the constant real-life stories of physical and verbal abuse still plaguing our school systems. This abuse is being given the reason for a lot of kids acting out emotionally and sometimes tragically through shootings and suicides. And I’m asking myself why is this still happening in 2022? This was going on when we were kids and seems to continue from generation to generation without end, mostly because the adults of each generation can’t seem to control the problem, which is very controllable. It is a problem, admittedly a complex one, that can be resolved. What happens a lot is that the adults blame the kids and the kids blame the adults. Many schools today are doing a better job today addressing the problem, but others are not. So, thinking of all this, I decided to write a story about it.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
I took a look back at my own school years, ages ago, when bullying was part of growing up and only addressed if something very serious happened. I wasn’t a victim as much as Henry Wilton was, but I remembered being a little bullied as a kid and seeing it as well and teachers not doing that much to stop it. But I also remember doing a little bullying, too. I think that’s normal growing up–getting bullied, doing some bullying. We all can take a little bullying. But it’s the constant, consistent harassment and belittling of one person or a group of people, daily, weekly, that leads to the emotional damage. And I find it hard to believe teachers and administrators don’t see some of that. I believe that after researching the subject and writing it for a while, my own anger about this ongoing problem worked its way into the writing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several important themes easily relate to this story. Power and control is certainly one of them. Who has the power and who doesn’t and how those dynamics work themselves throughout the school. We all know how that works, don’t we, and we never forget it and take it into adulthood. The themes of injustice and feigned ignorance are important in this story, as Henry tries desperately to bring some order to his life against people trying to avoid the real problem. The theme of how anger and rage can tear a kid apart. The theme of life and death is played out in the book, about how tenuous and uncertain both can be in the teenage mind. But, most important, accountability and responsibility. Who’s responsible and accountable for the abuse problems in a school system? Not just in a school, but the workplace, the home, and anywhere else.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Right now I’m in the planning stages of a novel, so nothing will be available for a while.
Author Links: GoodReads
The First Buds of Spring
High schooler Azalea Wood leads a double life. By day, she is a mean popular girl. By night, she morphs into a lonely artist. Ever since her family perished in a car accident, Azalea feels lost and can’t seem to fit in with her group of friends. So she forgoes her role as the “alpha” female when she meets Bruce Green, a mysterious transfer. Bound by their mutual love or creating art, they find themselves falling in love. But as their relationship blossoms, Bruce’s veiled past worries Azalea. Who is Bruce, and what is he hiding from her?
Author Hermione Lee’s The First Buds of Spring is a beautifully written story with likable characters. Lee has done an outstanding job using language and sentence structure to build suspense and tension. You can’t help but be intrigued by the plot and characters. Lee’s descriptions of Azalea’s phony friends added substantially to the plot development and helped showcase how Azalea doesn’t fit in with their crowd.
The lighthearted, effortless dialogue between Bruce and Azalea contributes to their budding relationship and allows readers to fall in love with their love. Azalea’s dual identity is perfectly written as we see her character’s internal struggles to mask her loneliness and her need for someone to like the real her. I enjoyed watching Azalea’s character change and develop for the better throughout the story. Her character embodies what many teens feel in high school and how we put on a façade to hide who we really are out of fear. Lee’s writing shines in her character development, making this a relatable read and book that is hard to put down.
Lee has constructed a wildly entertaining love story with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a fantasy YA novel that will take them on a whimsical adventure.
Pages: 311 | ASIN : B0B4MX4J9L
The Covid Kid: Another Marshall Morris Adventure
Robert John DeLuca’s The Covid Kid follows the misadventures of Marshall Morris, who we encounter as a high school student embarking on his first year at college. Having won an enviable football scholarship, Marshall expects his college experience to be full of sport and socializing — yet the encroaching presence of an unfamiliar virus threatens everything. As fear and tensions surrounding the virus continue to build, Marshall must decide what sacrifices he is willing to make for the good of his friends and the wider community. In the face of worldwide tragedy and conflicting opinions, the value of friendship is made clearer than ever before — something that the carefree Marshall must learn the hard way.
With its warm and humorous cast of teenagers, alongside ambitious antagonist Tommy Kinder, The Covid Kid encourages its readers to laugh ruefully at the hijinks and efforts of its characters — efforts which frequently backfire. There is a vein of tragedy that runs alongside this comic adventure, however — set during the rise of Covid-19, this story does well at balancing fun action with thoughtful commentary.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there were moments when we’re given a lot of exposition, and are told things about characters rather than shown. Otherwise, Marshall is a likable character that readers will enjoy following and the plot is compelling. The dialogue is straightforward and and delivers facts in a reporter-style of speech that serves an educational purpose, as characters’ fearful discussion of the impact of the virus marks a particular point in human history.
The Covid Kid successfully explores the effects of Covid-19 on society, particularly the younger generation. This is a compelling medical thriller that is as enlightening as it is entertaining.
Pages: 284 | ASIN: B09XWFMPR3
Sofia Gama and the Templar’s Prophecy
From the country of Portugal comes a fresh new take on the genre of middle-grade fantasy. In the days of the Templars, heroes bravely sacrifice everything to seal away a deadly threat. But the forces of evil are not so easily extinguished. The insidious force remains, seeking to one day overthrow all that is good in the world.
Sofia Gama, a Portuguese schoolgirl in the modern day, soon learns that she is a part of this mysterious world of magic and mystery and will have her own part to play in saving the world from utter annihilation. However, when the truth of her story comes forward too quickly, Sofia must harness the strength within her spirit to do what is right and protect those she loves.
Translated from its original Portuguese, Sofia’s story is a fantasy adventure that thinks outside the box. A tale is woven over a thousand years of world events, the interplay of the fantastic and historical meld together perfectly. The historical information was, in most respects, correct. However, as this book was originally in another language, there are a few interestingly translated words throughout. Additionally, I was nearly a quarter of the way through the book before Sofia’s part of the story truly began.
Once the book takes off, it is a nonstop rollercoaster of an adventure. Sofia and her best friends Eduardo, Joana, and Filipe face dangerous magic, evil henchmen, and despicable bullies. The descriptions of the Portuguese coast and school life, something an American audience seldom gets to see, were the best moments of this story. Add that to the unique perspective of a magical world where there is no separation between the sacred and the secular, and you get an incredible adventure that’s as out of the box as it gets. From hardcore single dad Miguel to the spunky Joana, the characters in this narrative are as vibrant and memorable as the colors of the rainbow.
A tale of faith, family, and friendship, Sofia Gama and the Templar’s Prophecy by Isabel Ricardo is a thrilling young adult fantasy novel. This in-depth book is perfect for avid readers who crave something new and great for ages 12 and up due to fantasy violence, fatalities, and mild language. An original take on an established genre, Sofia’s story is packed full of surprises and suspense in a truly unforgettable story.
Pages: 417 | ISBN : 1949868605
Kindreds
Kindreds is the impassioned story of a girl who has experienced tragedy. When trying to adapt and make something of herself, a boy from her past comes back into her life. Together they experience the magic of Carnival Nolianna.
Lilah lost her parents and her twin brother, Aiden, in an accident when she was younger. She lived with her Grandma Pea until recently, when she passed away. Lilah was placed in a home with only 22 months left until she aged out of the foster care system.
While staying with this family, she is introduced to Joey, who is being fostered next door. Joey was Aiden’s best friend growing up and recognized Lilah as soon as they were introduced. Being reconnected has brought up painful feelings from the past and has formed a deep bond between them. This emotional turmoil is explored in deep and meaningful ways throughout the story and I really enjoyed it because B.B. Russell uses it to establish characters, motivations and connections seamlessly. Lilah is introduced to many other kids in the system at her new school. Sebastian, one of Joey’s friends, quickly takes a liking to Lilah and is always trying to provoke her. The three of them form a friendship with both boys trying to get Lilah’s attention. Each of them is unique and intriguing and readers will enjoy seeing their characters evolve as the story progresses.
One night Lilah follows Joey to a hangout she wasn’t invited to. Sebastian notices her following and invites her to join them. Lilah then finds herself looking at a full-blown carnival. Carnival Nolianna only exists for a select number of nights out of the year and only those who are invited can come. This feels so magical and exotic and I was excited when I learned about the carnival. On the last night, ten selected participants will become members of the carnival “Nolies” and live there until a certain age. Each person chosen has a unique set of skills that will benefit the community and the person they are matched with. Joey has always wanted to join and is enjoying every moment spent in Nolianna. Lilah on the other hand is curious as to how everything works and doesn’t quite believe everything she is being told. This helps to ground the story. The dynamic between Lilah, Joey, and Sebastian shifts as she uncovers the truth behind Nolianna. This situation created a lot of intrigue and was one of the reasons I kept coming back to this book.
The writing style in this enchanting young adult romance novel is engaging and fluid throughout. The plot moves quickly, maybe because I was more than willing to follow the intriguing characters. The relationships between characters were interesting, especially the love triangle with the three main characters. The layering of storylines added surprising depth to the book.
B.B. Russell has written a heartfelt story in a creative world with compelling characters. I enjoyed this magical teen mystery story and I can’t wait for more stories in this world because I feel like there is so much more left to explore.
Pages: 319 | ASIN: B098FGHLRM
Child of Etherclaw
Humanity was on the brink of extinction, their last days upon them. That is, until the mysterious entities known as Aeons arrived and gave the humans of earth a second chance. Now, under the control of a universal conglomerate, the world begins anew. Fenlee and her brother Elliot are two poor children, who spend their days scavenging the now abandoned undercity for anything they can sell. When Fenlee has her life saved by a stranger, it sets off a chain of events that will not only change her completely but also affect the lives of those closest to her.
Child of Etherclaw by Matty Roberts is a riveting young adult, sci-fi adventure that is set in an intriguing dystopian future. The story follows Fenlee and her younger brother, Elliot, two young scavengers. One day, Fenlee has her life saved and discovers a secret about herself, her family and her future that will have her question everything she ever knew.
I enjoyed the unique and detailed world that Roberts has created in this futuristic story. The backstory feels deep and is well suited for the methodical plot that unfolds slowly and in interesting ways. This creates a fantastic foundation for what can be a fascinating series where the ideas in this novel are fleshed out and explored further.
If you are a fan of dystopian fiction then you will find yourself right at home with Matty Roberts’ cyberpunk thriller. I enjoyed the diversity in the characters and wanted to see them develop further; which is one of the reasons why I can see this being a series where the characters go through more evolution. This is a novel that thrives on its compelling plot and its ability to wield genre tropes to great effect. If this is your first foray into young adult science fiction then this novel will feel fresh and exciting.
The author has created a compelling universe for their intriguing plot to wind through. Child of Etherclaw is an engrossing post-apocalyptic story that will send readers on a spellbinding adventure.
Pages: 350 | ASIN: B09WKQPRWM
This Was Never About Basketball
This Was Never About Basketball by Craig Leener follows a young teenage boy named Zeke whose entire life revolves around the game of basketball. Unfortunately, due to past experiences, he finds himself attending a school for children who have been expelled or are deemed problematic; thankfully, this includes his friends. Unfortunately, this also means he now has to miss out on playing his beloved game at college, almost having to begin again. His luck does begin to change when he has a chance to play in a tournament; however, this is when things start to get a little strange, which is made clear by another boy from school, Lawrence.
The imagination that has gone into this story is impressive; combining an uplifting story of a person trying to play basketball and the life lessons he faces along the way with elements of an unusual adventure works wonderfully and definitely keeps the reader intrigued. But, of course, this is assisted by how the story is told.
Using a first-person narrative to get the full story from Zeke’s perspective works well. I especially liked the story’s opening, where he addresses the audience directly, ‘Great way to start a story, right? But that’s exactly how it happened…’. It is an excellent hook that immediately grabs your attention and leaves you wondering what will happen.
This Was Never About Basketball by Craig Leener is a fantastic coming-of-age teen and a young adult novel. I was able to read one of the books in this series from another character’s perspective and I personally enjoyed it a little more due to how intriguing the writing was; however, this book is definitely one you can read repeatedly. The way the story flows with the short chapters and the constant build of tension and mysterious events will keep anyone on the edge of their seat.
Pages: 221 | ASIN : B08QXYWY53
LITERARY TITAN 