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The Crown’s Shadow
Geraldine Nyika’s The Crown’s Shadow is a stirring speculative political fantasy set in the richly imagined island nation of Reduarnia, a world caught in the snare of a deceptive monarchy. Told primarily through the eyes of Anansia and Princess Lumière, the novel plunges deep into themes of state surveillance, colonial legacy, resistance, and friendship. The plot unspools through a vivid split-perspective narrative—Anansia, an undercover operative raised in trauma, is tasked with manipulating Lumière, the radiant daughter of a tyrannical queen. But as the girls grow up together, their bond becomes complicated by secrets, love, and rebellion. What begins as a tale of espionage becomes a deeply emotional examination of power, identity, and sacrifice.
Nyika’s writing is deeply emotional, raw in a way that makes you pause, reread, and feel. There’s a lyrical quality to the prose that makes the dark underbelly of Reduarnia feel real. The tension was constant—Anansia’s double life, the manipulative Queen, and the slow-burning realization of how history is erased in favor of control. It didn’t feel like dystopia; it felt like a mirror. The pacing was a slow build, but never dull. Some scenes felt like a gut punch, especially Anansia’s backstory and the scenes involving The Whistle. It’s rare to find a fantasy book that blends deeply personal trauma with a critique of imperialism and government control so seamlessly.
Sometimes the exposition about Reduarnia’s history or society felt a bit like a lecture. There were moments when the pacing slowed, especially around the middle. But the character work more than made up for it. Lumière’s emotional arc, especially her disillusionment with the crown, had me rooting for her fiercely. And Anansia is one of the most complex characters I’ve read this year. Cold and calculating on the surface, but underneath, she’s just a kid trying to survive and protect the people she loves. The subtle love between the two girls broke my heart, quiet, slow, and heartbreaking in its restraint.
This is not a feel-good book. It’s a book that sits in your bones and makes you think. If you’re someone who loves fantasy with substance—something more than just swords and magic—this is for you. It’s for readers who care about politics, power, and the unseen toll of empire. It’s also for those who want queer love that’s soft and aching, not loud and cliché. I can’t recommend it enough to fans of Leigh Bardugo, N.K. Jemisin, or anyone who believes that fantasy can be both beautiful and deeply political.
Pages: 260 | ISBN : 9781998753390
To Look for a Star
In a world of galactic politics and intrigue, Zebut, a young man with newfound responsibilities as an Assistant Councilor, ventures into the complex realm of the council. Little does he know that his path is about to take a treacherous turn as he grapples with the weight of an impending galactic battle and must confront malevolent forces threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of the universe. Will Zebut answer the desperate pleas of his friends on Earth and Maven, stepping into battle against the ominous forces threatening to plunge the universe into chaos?
In this gripping novel, To Look for a Star, Jane McKay takes the wheel from the very beginning, steering the plot with a narrative that’s sure to ignite the reader’s imagination. Fueled by suspense and shrouded in underlying motives, the story keeps readers eagerly flipping the pages as its intricate tale unravels.
The author’s writing style is a blend of compelling dialogue and vivid descriptions. Through skillfully structured conversations, readers gain deep insights into the characters’ personalities and their genuine reactions to the evolving storyline. This balance adds depth to the narrative, making it easy to connect with the characters’ emotions and motivations. To Look for a Star, by Jane McKay, falls under the genre of speculative fiction, offering a thought-provoking journey through Earth and the vast expanse of the intergalactic universe. This riveting science fiction book successfully piques curiosity and explores intriguing dimensions of dark thoughts, leaving readers with much to ponder. With a touch of suspense and an array of well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an enthralling and immersive dystopian young adult novel.
ASIN : B0CJ3X6VM8
The Dragon Garden
An eleven-year-old girl named Pingzi Po possesses a unique and rare ability – she is a demon queller, a role that has been unheard of in the Far East for centuries. However, when an Honorable Scholar named Gao Guang claims to be a demon queller from the Feng Shu Province, Pingzi’s world is turned upside down as she fears for her freedom and her place in a society that has long forgotten her kind.
The Dragon Garden, by Resa Nelson, is a young adult mystery novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey into a medieval-inspired world filled with demons, intrigue, and unexpected heroism. Nelson’s worldbuilding in The Dragon Garden is nothing short of phenomenal, immersing readers in a richly detailed landscape inspired by medieval kingdoms of Eastern civilizations. The authenticity of the characters is striking, as they act and speak like individuals from a bygone era, especially when in the presence of royalty. Pingzi emerges as a remarkable protagonist, a quick-witted and gifted girl who shoulders responsibilities far beyond her tender age. Her relationship with the Northlander Benzel is both endearing and relatable, making it impossible for readers not to root for this dynamic duo. As they navigate the treacherous waters of deception and betrayal, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, resembling a classic sleuth mystery set in a medieval backdrop. Yet, it manages to deliver poignant moments that add depth to the narrative.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Dragon Garden is how it subtly addresses relevant social issues, such as gender, through the lens of Pingzi’s quest for truth and her place in a society that questions her abilities due to her gender and age. Resa Nelson handles these themes with finesse, making them accessible and thought-provoking for young adult readers. In hindsight, I never imagined that I would become so engrossed in the adventures of an 11-year-old Demon Queller and her guardian. However, The Dragon Garden charts Pingzi’s growth, not only as a Demon Queller but also in her loss of naivety, a journey that resonates with readers of all ages.
The Dragon Garden is an enjoyable and thought-provoking tale with exceptional world-building and compelling characters. The story is well worth exploring, especially for those interested in a historical setting that addresses societal norms. This novel is a testament to the power of young heroes and heroines who challenge the status quo and seek to make their mark in a world that underestimates their potential. Young adult readers, in particular, will find the novel to be a thrilling and inspiring read.
Pages: 216 | ASIN : B0C8ZZ2ZRZ
The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Geometry Girls & The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Math Girls
Mathematics helps to have critical thinking and a logical mind. But many young students doubt its application in everyday life. However, this science is all around us and helps us to solve all kinds of situations. Tom Durwood demonstrates this in the Ruby Pi Adventure Series. In this collection of two books, different girls solve cases using applied mathematics.
The series consists of The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Geometry Girls and The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Math Girls. Each book contains five stories with valuable lessons about the use of geometry, the Gaussian series, and more. Among the mysteries are topics including cartography, economics, architecture, and more. The details for solving the mysteries are verifiable, and each story is set in a different time and place in the narrative, providing a variety of content in a reading that is easy to follow.
The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Geometry Girls is the first book in the series, and its first protagonist is Rupashana Lal Pyradhakrishnan, called Ruby Pi. Who also appears in the first story of The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Math Girls. But the stories are independent and can be read in any order. I liked how Tom Durwood creatively shows science, perfect for inspiring a teenage audience to find their own way in the mathematical world. Both books have helpful illustrations and diagrams to understand the riddles and codes to solve. The information shown is from different cultures. And it shows us that knowledge is a gift earned with time, which we should not waste.
Regarding the narrative, some scene changes feel abrupt, although they don’t affect the story. But I would have liked a little more explanation to make the content feel more fluid. But that’s a minor detail, considering that all the stories, though short, convey a lot of valuable information. One of my favorite parts was Tom’s Notes which appear at the end of each adventure. There they describe actual historical data and mathematical curiosities that give a more realistic context to the adventures. It shows that there was a lot of research work for this series. Tom Durwood astutely conveys teaching about subjects not taught so thoroughly in school. That’s why I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Ruby Pi Adventure Series is perfect for young teenagers who love historical fiction with adventure, mystery, and, especially, realism.
The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Geometry Girls Pages: 178 | ASIN : B0BFG186JR
The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Math Girls Pages: 205 | ASIN : B0BFGBSZYZ
Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight
Boone and Jacque are back again in Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight! It has been 15 years, and they are living their best lives. Boone got married to Shammy, and they have two amazing children together. Boone and Shammy just want to live a life of peace and quiet. Jacque, on the other hand has become a detective and loves his job and his woman named Xantia, who happens to be a detective as well. Boone and Jacque still have a very strong friendship, but their lives turn upside down when a new mysterious murder happens. This throws Jacque and Boone into a new quest that they never wanted. They just want to live their simple lives.
The new book in the Boone and Jacque series is stupendous! Readers that have enjoyed prior books in this series will be blown away by the new characters and adventures. AG Flitcher takes readers on a magical and fantastical adventure that surpasses prior novels, going in a completely different direction and showcasing the growth of Boone and Jacque. In addition, this an inclusive novel. Jacque, Xantia, and Coralie are all part of the LGBTQI+ community.
Jacque and Xantia are a wonderful couple. Xantia was a great addition to the group and is a strong woman. Her character is well developed and fits perfectly into the story. Coralie is new as well, and I learned a bit about her, but I do hope to learn more about her in the next book. Reading about Boone and Shammy’s children is delightful; they add a new demension to the storyline. Boone’s character is still growing and figuring himself out, but I can say he is a loving father. It made me happy to see his character get some happiness after the childhood readers learned about in past books. Having Shammy to share his life with gives his story the joyful component he had been missing.
I still have some questions, but I imagine the next book will answer them. AG Flitcher seems to be very good at wrapping up loose ends. The story overall was well written. While I have my questions about Dr. Button and Jacque’s aunt and uncle, I am sure I will get my answers over time.
I give Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight 5 out of 5 stars. This novel felt very different from the others, but I can tell it is leading up to similar adventures with an extra twist. I look forward to the next book in this amazing series!
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0B5SBNQ27
Bully Boy
From the very first pages of this thought-provoking young-adult novel author Tom Wade paints a vivid picture of a teenage boy cowed and made miserable by groups of bullies who have victimized him for years. From the first day of the school year, 15-year-old Henry struggles against a system that is determined to keep him down. He gathers the courage to stand up to his oppressors and find retribution, but at a high price to himself. In the end he must make the pivotal decision about his own future — take the ultimate peace that his friends chose or continue to fight.
Henry might be terrorized by bullies, but he has had enough. He begins to stand up to the kids who are violent and abusive as well as to the apathetic adults who are shockingly willing to turn a blind eye. These scenes are heart wrenching but feel authentic. He is a smart kid, and he knows exactly how to push everyone’s buttons, and I enjoyed how sharp his character is. Gradually, readers see Henry change from one of the “meeks” to the biggest bully of them all. He provokes fights to prove his point and he browbeats his teachers into taking action. His character evolution is compelling and makes for an engaging read.
Throughout this enthralling coming of age tale is a simmering undercurrent of menace that will have readers on the edge of their seat. Has the system that failed him created a monster? And, if so, just how big a monster? On more than one occasion, Henry’s musings imply that he has been pushed too far and, just like his nervous teachers, readers wonder if he is going to produce the gun he knows is kept in his father’s desk. The dialogue is another real strength of this book and is used to great effect to both tell the story and build character.
Bully Boy by Tom Wade is an eye opening read that explores contemporary issues in schools with a captivating main character. If you enjoy gripping teen fiction novels that have something important to say, then this is a book you must pickup.
Pages: 294 | ASIN: B0B1NTV8Z3
Marvels of the Underworld
Marvels of the Underworld, by Hermione Lee, is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of four teenage girls. Alexandria and her three friends, Eileen, Clarissa, and Daphne, discovered something remarkable about themselves the year before. It turns out that these seemingly ordinary girls were the descendants of the four gods that created the dimension known as the Otherworld. As a result, they become caught up in a magical adventure that completely changes their lives. Now, the four girls get to return to the Otherworld after spending the year attending school and honing their powers. This time, however, the Elders have called upon the girls to help them overcome the newest threat to the Otherworld. Alexandria’s parents, King Patrick and Queen Marianne appear to blindly trust that their kingdom is no longer in danger… but this is not the case.
Lee is a master of suspense and intrigue. Good vs. evil stories are tales as old as time, but the battle between good and evil that Lee has created with her fascinating cast of characters is particularly unique. There is nothing like reading a fantasy novel in which an entire group of characters is suspect, and the course of the story could ultimately change at the drop of a hat. Lee brings readers just that kind of tale, and it is a most welcome addition to the adventure and fantasy genres.
Marvels of the Underworld, by Hermione Lee, adds a certain magic found in Alexandria’s adventure–a magic that comes from a place far outside the plot of the story. I found the genuine tone and nature of Lee’s writing to be comforting–something that is not often found in many adventure and fantasy novels. The story brings up those strong emotions that I love so much about teen and young adult fiction. Impactful books in this genre create the feeling within readers that they are meant for something greater, and Lee’s work certainly strikes a similar chord.
Marvels of the Underworld will captivate fans of science fiction and teen and young adult novels. In addition, those interested in exploring a novel with high-quality writing and an exceptionally well-thought-out storyline will find this a pleasure to read.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B09TRTR8NM
A Person Can Choose to be Good or Bad
Stone Dragons Kingdom follows a city of people that are dragon riders as they try and protect their city and world from destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for this story was to create a situation where a villain can have a change of heart. It shows, I think in a dramatic way, how allowing other people to help you can lead down a wrong path, as indicated by the Stone Dragons Kingdom, but also on a human level, we have Belinda who focuses on all she doesn’t have, rather than what she does have. If she could only reach that light inside her, what would change?
Learning she has strong and deep powers changes Belinda. What were some driving ideals behind Belinda’s character’s development?
Belinda is a very interesting character. She stems from a person consumed with being the best, but when she isn’t, she’ll go to the extreme to show that she is the best. In her development, I wanted to show, no matter what, a person has a choice of what they want to be, either for bad or good. With Belinda, I chose to show that she was only one choice away from changing her life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Yes, but as always, they only come to light after I’ve written a story. I think the main theme of this one is redemption. The story starts out harshly for Belinda, even though others believed her to have changed, it took her a long time before she could shake her demons to find the person she wanted so much to become.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Thank you for asking! Well, The Stone Dragons Kingdom was supposed to be the last for this series, but… one of my characters had something else in mind! I’m currently writing The Spires of Dasny: 5 ~ The Northern Kingdom. It’s on pre-order now and will be released by Fall 2022.
It may not be the last of the series, either ~ the same character has been given knowledge of how their current kingdom will undergo change, and he’ll be instrumental to this change.
Author Links: GoodReads
It’s only after Seyra hears from the Truth Speaker, that she learns the truth behind Belinda. What she learns could not only destroy the Spires, but every other kingdom in their world. Belinda holds a magic so powerful, so destructive, there may be no way of stopping her.
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Belinda
Returning to Sezalor’s lair, I pause to connect to the Rocks. Splaying my hand open, I lay my palm flat against the wall immediately feeling the surge of power enter me.
“Time is short. As promised, you will have your own kingdom as long as you carry the Rock and Water energy for us to expand. We have been locked in one place for too long. Agola grew old and set in his ways, this is why you have this opportunity to expand with us. Use the energy we absorbed by the stone-encased Xi to bring our Stone dragons under control.”
A blinding flash cracks through the wall. I feel like I’m hit by lightning, my head screams in pain with an ache like it’s being crushed by an enormous hand. Behind me, the roar of Sezalor adds to the unbearable pain. Clasping both hands over my head, I beg for it to stop. Anything, please take this pain from me! Briefly, I smell burning. In my horror I look down to find myself being burnt alive before I’m hit by a wall of Water. Darkness.
Rebirth. I suck in First Breath. Expelled from the womb of Rock and Water, I stand on shaky legs and return to my chamber to dry. As my hands move the drying cloth over my body, I discover more scales covering me from my shoulders to the biceps. I grin. Large, stone scales. Who needs armor when I have these?
LITERARY TITAN 