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High School Epic
High School Epic is a coming-of-age YA novel that follows Danielle from the first days of freshman year in 1989 through the messy, funny, dramatic, and sometimes painful moments of early adolescence. The story centers on Dani’s tight bond with her two best friends, her growing fixation on a skater boy named Kevin, and the quieter, heavier ache of her dad’s disappearance two years earlier. Built around friendships, crushes, family fractures, and the small-but-big moments that mark high school, the book blends teen romance and heartfelt drama in a voice that feels both nostalgic and relevant.
I found myself slipping into Dani’s head easily. Her voice feels like sitting on someone’s bedroom floor with the lights low while she tells you everything that’s been happening. There’s a looseness to the writing that works, especially in scenes with Tiff and Kris, who bounce off each other in a kind of chaotic harmony. Their friendship is loud and weird and sometimes exhausting, which is exactly why it feels real. The author leans into those small sensory moments that stick, like the smell of Dani’s dad’s sweater or the warm buzz of walking outside with Kevin after detention, without ever feeling showy. The tone stays grounded even when the drama spikes, which kept me on Dani’s side even when she spiraled or overthought things, which she does a lot.
What surprised me most is how layered Dani’s inner world is. The school crush storyline is fun and sweet and very YA-romance, but running right underneath is this deeper thread of loss and confusion around her dad. Those moments hit in a softer way, like when she tries on his sweater in the attic or clings to old fantasies of him returning. They add weight without dragging the story down. It also made her desperation to feel wanted by Kevin and her friends hit harder. The book captures that strange ninth-grade cocktail of insecurity and longing and sudden boldness, the way you can feel childish one minute and painfully grown the next. It felt honest and familiar.
I found myself thinking that High School Epic will speak most to readers who like contemporary YA that blends romance, friendship drama, and emotional family threads. It’s especially perfect for anyone who remembers the late ’80s or early ’90s, or just loves that vibe in their coming-of-age stories. If you want something that feels like reliving freshman year through a friend who tells it all, the awkward, the funny, the embarrassing, the sweet, this book is worth reading.
Pages: 353 | ASIN : B0FVFCL3YC
The Belt of Chaos: A Teen’s Quest to Free a Kingdom Held by Time
In The Belt of Chaos, Shan Shan Nie transports readers the familiar streets of modern-day Boston to a fantastical realm where time stands still. This young adult fantasy centers around Sasha Ears, a teenage photography enthusiast faced with a pivotal moment in her life. Distraught over her parents’ impending decision, a simple phone call unexpectedly whisks Sasha away to an alternate dimension brimming with magic.
In this new world, Sasha allies with Bulkee and Sye, two enchanting creatures. Their mission is to locate the prince of AmaReegon, whose destiny is mysteriously linked to Sasha’s. The narrative weaves adventure, mystery, and a subtle romance through its pages, presenting Sasha not just as a protagonist but as a loving daughter and sister, which marks a notable shift from the archetypal fantasy hero.
The novel excels in its vivid storytelling, capturing the essence of a journey marked by self-discovery and the resilience required to save not only her family but also an entire realm. Amid a backdrop where time is irrelevant, Sasha’s urgent quest against it to safeguard her loved ones adds a layer of irony and tension. The landscapes are challenging, the creatures whimsical, and the romantic nuances with the prince enhance the tale’s charm. The ambitious scope of the plot in The Belt of Chaos introduces a broad tapestry of themes, which occasionally leaves some areas lightly touched upon. This breadth invites readers to eagerly anticipate further exploration and richer development in these fascinating aspects of the narrative.
The Belt of Chaos offers a delightful escape, rich with imaginative details and a heartfelt journey, inviting readers to traverse magical realms alongside Sasha and her extraordinary companions. I recommend this tale to anyone seeking a unique blend of adventure and mystery.
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0CWH784F2
Do the Ends Justify the Mean?
Vandella: Resilience follows a woman attending a wedding at Wewelsburg Castle who witnesses a séance wherein a supernatural entity promises Nazi victory in exchange for seven children and sets out to rescue them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration of this setup was real life itself. Despite being the most technology-advanced nation back then, Nazis were highly esoteric. During my investigation I found records about SS forces being devoted to occultist practices, including séances, which took place in Wewelsburg Castle. It’s unclear “what” or “whom” they were trying to contact through such means, but it made sense to me, if they had access to contact a “higher” being, they will pursue any agreement to guarantee victory. And this set-up fit perfectly for the children’s plot, enhanced by the real philosophical quest of Nazis for the Overman.
Peach is a curious and interesting character. I also felt that the supporting characters in this novel were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I loved to write all of them, but I think Ghislain truly grew on me. He had to be this combination of a virtuous man blinded by honour, patriotism and his sense for belonging, struggling to figure it out the truth, as I believe truly happened to many of the German soldiers during WWII. Becoming prey of the circumstances of their time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Obviously “Resilience” is the main theme of the novel, but just after that, I think is “Justice.” Through the eyes of the protagonist this novel continuously raises the question about “fairness,” if the end justifies the use of any mean, and the cost of taking such decision. And that is a question the readers should answer themselves.
And additionally, the novel explores the powerlessness caused by the philosophical concept of “determinism,” challenging the notion of how we, as individuals, can exert our “free will” under such overwhelming situations like a World War, when all the decisions seem to converge into a single ominous outcome.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I’m already working in the next instalment of the series. This time the story will focus again on Peach, as seen by the eyes of her brother. That’s all I can say for now!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Young Bund Deutscher Mädel Peach lives with her mother in the quiet German countryside, longing to return to Berlin once the war ends and realize her dream of stardom as an Olympic hurdler for the Fatherland.
At her friend’s wedding to an SS officer at Wewelsburg Castle, the heart and soul of the SS, she witnesses a séance wherein a supernatural entity promises Nazi victory in exchange for seven children held prisoner in the dungeon. Sickened, Peach rescues the children and leads them across a war-torn Germany toward the Dutch border, with the SS forces in hot pursuit.
On her perilous journey, Peach suffers all the horrors of war—loss of innocence, loss of dignity, loss of loved ones—all while haunted by the eerie company of the Harbinger of Death.
Vandella: Resilience (Vandella Series Book 2)
In Vandella: Resilience, the second book of M. Ch. Landa’s engaging Vandella series, the narrative seamlessly resumes from the first installment, transporting readers to an intriguingly reimagined World War II-era Germany. Central to the story is Emma ‘Peach’ Neimeyer, the grandmother of protagonist Maia. Emma’s journey begins dramatically when she stumbles upon a hidden ritual in a castle’s dungeon, an event that reshapes the course of her life.
A standout feature of this novel is its portrayal of a group of children with extraordinary abilities, such as the power to project their souls outside their bodies. Initially identified only by their prisoner numbers, these children are crafted with such depth and individuality that they quickly endear themselves to the reader. The storyline involving Emma’s discovery and subsequent rescue of these children from Nazi experimentation adds a heartwarming and exciting dimension to the plot. Landa’s creative blending of fantastical elements with the historical backdrop of World War II gives the novel a distinctive flavor. This bold fusion creates a unique world that, while divergent from historical accuracy, serves as a canvas for the author’s rich imagination. It allows readers to explore familiar historical events from a fresh, fantastical perspective.
Further enriching the series, the characters in the story show a marked development in depth and complexity compared to the first book. The narrative is constructed in a way that makes this book accessible and enjoyable, even for those who haven’t read the first installment. The endearing portrayal of the children, with their unique abilities and personalities, is a particularly charming aspect, ensuring a captivating reading experience.
Vandella: Resilience by M. Ch. Landa is a compelling and imaginative sequel that enriches the Vandella series. Landa’s creative integration of fantasy elements with a historical setting provides a fresh perspective on a familiar era, making the novel an intriguing read. The detailed portrayal of each character, particularly the uniquely gifted children, adds depth and warmth to the story. Whether you are new to the series or returning for the second chapter, this book stands out for its originality and engaging narrative, promising an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience for a wide range of readers.
Pages: 363 | ASIN : B0CF858L8Q
How Powerful Can Love Be?
The Space Traveller’s Lover follows a bright young student and a powerful alien soldier caught in a romance that transcends the differences in their two worlds and the war they are both about to face. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by science and technology and the intense emotions stirred by love stories. Hence I started wondering, “How powerful can love be?” I wanted to explore the specific case of alien romance, unrequited love, impossible love, and fatal attraction within the science-fiction background. Once aliens meet humans, their different origins can play a decisive part in a unique plot that could not possibly happen had the lovers been only humans.
The main characters in the book are unique to the story and are inspired by it. I created my protagonist to be smart, beautiful and fiercely independent, stirring strong emotions from humans and aliens alike and creating a love triangle from which true, all-powerful love finally triumphs.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Rothwen and Erin?
I created two characters with entirely different values and aspirations who find themselves attracted to each other with a wild romantic chemistry they cannot control: Rothwen, the all-powerful alien soldier who shows no mercy, and Erin, the delicate yet strong-willed human who deeply loves her planet and her race. The stage was set for two completely different beings confronting immense obstacles and intense emotions, eventually discovering the one and only thing they cannot live without.
What draws you to the science fiction genre and makes it ripe for you to write such a great young adult story in it?
Since I was very young, I have always wanted to write a book. I love writing, especially about subjects close to my heart, like science and technology. My favourite genre is, without a doubt, science fiction. This is where I can explore the fantastic mysteries of our physical world and let my imagination run wild. The creation process is so enjoyable and rewarding that it compels me to keep writing. I had so many characters and subplots that it was challenging to organise the whole book. So, I had to draw out the scenes and the characters’ physiques and make a wall chart where I could place carton cards with a summary of each chapter to set up a storyboard from the initial, middle, and final scenes. Eventually, everything fell into place in this mesmerising story of love against all odds.
Is there a second instalment planned? What are you working on now?
Definitely! Many storylines are waiting to be explored and developed further from my first book, and I am gathering all these ideas and doing a scrapbook with pictures and texts, which I intend to put together for the sequel.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Rothwen never shows mercy. An elite and vanguard soldier for a powerful alien race, he swore undying loyalty to the vengeance-fuelled invasion that’s set on wiping out Earth. But when he stumbles upon Erin, a bright and enigmatic human, he does the unthinkable – he brings her into his world…
Rothwen quickly finds himself locked in a profound struggle against everything he’s ever known. Erin is suddenly caught up in a brutal conflict that will decide the fate of humanity while she wrestles with her deep attraction to Rothwen and her loyalty to her own species. Their two worlds are destined to collide, but one wrong step could mean the end of everything Erin holds dear.
Can she outwit the alien’s destructive plans and save Earth from annihilation? Will she find true love with the all-powerful alien soldier who stole her heart?
The Space Traveller’s Lover is an exhilarating sci-fi alien romance that expertly blends high-octane action with pulse-pounding romantic suspense.
The Space Traveller’s Lover
The Space Traveller’s Lover, by Omara Williams, is a science fiction romance that features both aliens and humans. Rothwen is an elite soldier, one who is always the vanguard and never shows mercy. But before he leads a vengeance-fuelled invasion to wipe out Earth, he finds himself intrigued by one human–Erin. When Erin finds herself transformed into an alien on her sixteenth birthday, she is torn between her desire for Rothwen and her loyalty to humans.
Omara Williams excels in world-building in this young adult novel. Although I feel the initial exposition is a bit heavy, it sets the stage for a vividly imagined universe. Williams’ imagination shines, particularly in the alien landscapes. The characters are relatable, with Erin and Sam authentically embodying their teenage roles. Rothwen and his fellow soldiers add a layer of complexity, their moods hinting at deeper, unexplored backstories, leaving room for further installments. The dynamics among the human characters, including the tension between Sam’s sister and Erin, and the protective stance of Erin’s adoptive father, are intriguing, though I believe they may leave some readers curious for more depth. Erin’s journey is a true adventure, culminating in a transformative discovery of her true self.
The Space Traveller’s Lover, by Omara Williams, dazzles with its wonderful world-building, creating an immersive and vivid universe. Williams’ strength in crafting an enchanting setting makes this a noteworthy read for fans of imaginative sci-fi. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore new and promising authors in the science fiction/fantasy genre.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B09SH9KBTD
Changing Tide
In Changing Tide, Robert Joncas masterfully entwines an evocative narrative of a young girl, Skye, wrestling with her personal turmoil while being swept into a journey far beyond her understanding. Haunted by cryptic dreams and grappling with the tragic loss of her father and her mother’s spiraling depression, Skye’s world is painted with a brush of melancholy. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as she rekindles a connection with Paul, an alluring figure from her past, previously known for his childhood mischief.
A sudden accident involving Paul propels Skye to listen to her intuition and the enigmatic visions that haunt her dreams. In her relentless pursuit to assist him, she unknowingly releases an extraterrestrial being intent on safeguarding Earth. This alien entity, originating from distant cosmos, reveals itself to be more fascinating and complex than Skye could ever anticipate, marking the onset of an extraordinary saga of friendship, love, and, importantly, trust.
Robert Joncas showcases an exceptional ability to portray raw emotions and delicate sentiments. His narrative is an intricate tapestry of romance, familial bonds, suspense, and an unmistakably human touch enveloped in a mantle of science fiction. The characters are vividly constructed, each contributing a unique hue to the narrative palette. Nana, Skye’s vivacious and fearless grandmother, was a particular standout, embodying a captivating blend of loyalty and audacious spirit.
The narrative is particularly successful in illustrating Skye’s internal struggle – her battle against emotional turmoil and her hesitant forays into new friendships. The character development of the alien entity is equally commendable, with its adaptation and backstory revealed in a layered, compelling manner.
While I enjoyed the novel, I think it could benefit from a richer depiction of its setting. Joncas provides glimpses of the environment through a scattering of sensory descriptions, but I think a more thorough exploration could lend an enhanced depth to the narrative, striking a more refined balance between the characters’ internal states and their external world. As events coalesce, the unfolding adventure achieves a natural, engrossing rhythm.
Changing Tide is a warmly recommended read, particularly for young adults who yearn for a slice of relatable, yet enchantingly fantastic, reality. This novel embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling interlaced with an adventurous spirit, ensuring a riveting reading experience.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0C9VHRC25
Vandella
Vandella by M. Ch. Landa is an interesting book about a girl facing certain death after a cancer diagnosis. When she’s presented with an opportunity to trade her cancer-ridden life for her grandmother’s soul, she embarks on a supernatural journey through the world of the undead. However, once she begins this new path, many obstacles lie ahead, and unexpected encounters with famous personalities and people from her life have passed onto the afterlife.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and landscapes created by the author, which are expansive and innovative. While the concept of this tale is common, the author explores it with new twists and intriguing characters. While I found the theme a bit simplistic at times, it’s a refreshing, gentle read that explores human connection and the will to survive. When Maia discovers her cancer, previously in remission, returns, she must decide whether to face her illness or take another journey that will plunge her into a world of mystery and the unknown.
As the reader delves into this new world, Maia discovers there are many obstacles to explore, from a train that takes passengers into the sky to a vibrant ballroom and an abandoned, haunted country residence. It’s a tale that ignites a sense of survival and a quest for another chance. As Maia is faced with saving a close relative, only to risk her own life in the process.
The author creates great character development who must face difficult situations while questioning the value of their existence. For example, Maia must decide if Sidney is in love with her or whether there is hope for them. I enjoyed the overall story and Landa’s take on a unique romance story while tackling themes of uncertainties in life and mortality.
Vandella by M. Ch. Landa is a teen and young adult magical realism novel. There are themes of dark fantasy and some romance throughout the original writing style and enjoyable storyline.
Pages: 303 | ASIN: B09GK557PF
LITERARY TITAN 