stories in

Sing to Me of Rain

Sing to Me of Rain by E.B. Dawson

An innocent naiad. A wounded boy. An adventure that will change their lives forever. Plip is a naiad of the Great Waterfall, destined to one day sing the songs that send rain out into the world. Akino isn’t destined for anything but trouble. His father long gone, his mother working on a plantation far away, he doesn’t really belong in the village below the Waterfall. And the villagers don’t let him forget it. When Akino convinces Plip to travel down the mountain with him, for his own selfish purposes, he launches them into a world more dangerous than either of them could imagine. A world where people are not always what they seem and the rain does not fall evenly across the land.


The Ghost in the Garden

The Ghost in the Garden by Alisse Lee Goldenberg

Twelve-year-old Sophie Madison has no idea what she's in for when she moves from the big city of Calgary to Stratford, Ontario. And she misses her friends, her apartment, and all her favorite places. Although her parents found a beautiful house with a bedroom she loves, none of them knew it was full of secrets and surprises. When a young girl keeps lurking in the back garden, she begins to suspect her new home is haunted.


Tales of Mundane Magic: Volume One

Tales of Mundane Magic: Volume One by Shaina Krevat

Nothing too strange ever happens to Gertie and Bridget Mallon. The sisters don’t have magical adventures fighting off dark lords or saving the world. Gertie spends her time learning the skill of enchantment, and Bridget has the ability to see things no one else can see with her left eye, which was bewitched in an accident many years ago. Sure, they attend Flories Boarding School, where Gertie takes a potions class and Bridget plays basketball, and the occasional magical anomaly takes place, but who doesn’t deal with the occasional poltergeist or curse? Life is relatively calm for the Mallon sisters, but things might not be quite as mundane as they appear.


Ransom

Ransom by E.R. Yatscoff

"A real page-turner, I couldn't put it down." - Alberta Writing for Youth Competition Three friends face off against a rival gang in a suspenseful story of integrity, bravery, and friendship in a territorial battle. Out manned, out-sized, and outsmarted, they attempt to turn the tables. It totally backfires. They are shocked when Big Bill, their strongest and bravest, is captured and held for ransom by the imposing Fat Harold and his gang. How far will they go to rescue a friend?


 Avalon: A Heartwarming True Cat Story

Avalon: A Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan

Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one. From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat. With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. Avalon was so incorrigible that even her landlord ordered her to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon’s demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline, and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion. Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.


Akasha (Cats of Catarau Book 2)

Akasha (Cats of Catarau Book 2) by Sandra Cox

Akasha is a pretty little calico who, along with two of her kittens, has drowned and passed on to Catarau. Now she must journey back to earth to save the kitten left behind.


Archie's Gold

Archie's Gold by E.R. Yatscoff

“A spellbinding juvenile mystery novel that is sheer magic." - Michele Rooney Literary Agency “
I was charmed by Archie.” – The Rights Factory Twelve year old Archie Crane has a dream to be reunited with his estranged father. Shining shoes in front of a hotel in a tough blue-collar town is the only way, but it'll take a lot of nickels and dimes for a bus ticket. Shining shoes is his first job and it's not easy fending off drunks and cheats. Archie has developed a tough exterior working the streets, but inside he’s just a lonely kid who seeks his father’s love. Archie doesn’t like his school and the kids at school don’t like him. His only friends are an old ex-vaudeville entertainer, Freddie Fox, a secretive Indian, Lyle Raintree, and Ma Belasky, a mysterious gypsy woman who runs the local cafĂ©, a hangout for ex-cons and riff-raff. The mean streets get a whole lot meaner when Boogy, rink rat and bully, is determined to wrest the shoe-shine spot away from Archie by any means. After Boogy pushes him into traffic, Archie awakens in the hospital with two detectives at his bedside, very curious as to how a stolen gold coin ended up in his money can. One stolen gold coin is a curiosity, but when he stumbles upon 42, his simple world is turned upside down. The two cops catch gold fever, determined to find all the coins. Caught between holding stolen items and finding a trustworthy person to turn the gold into cash proves to be fraught with danger. As the walls begin to tumble and the police close in, Archie's hope of rejoining his father may only be a dream.


In the Spirit of Christmas

In the Spirit of Christmas by William Beck

All the warmth and cheer of Christmas can't thaw a frozen heart. To some, Christmas is a time of family and love. Moments to cherish and joy to share. But not for Ebenezer Scrooge. After the tragic loss of his wife Marley, Christmas has become a beacon to grief, and a life long since lost. This Christmas Eve, his wife will return. But, will Ebenezer have the strength to confront a painful past in order to save a once-promising future?


Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy

Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy by X Zombie

SOMETHING IS CREEPING IN THE DARK
 Tristan Skeleton's life is already busy. Being the king of Skeletonia is no effortless task. With zombies roaming the earth and the human population reduced to villages, Tristan's plan is clear: protect and survive. Surrounded by strong castle walls, security seems easy. That is until four uncanny zombies break into the Skeletonia library. After the break-in, Tristan discovers the undead have been developing their skills beyond their lethal bites. They're learning to read, wield weapons, and even use magic. Tristan and his friends soon learn that Malice, a dangerous demon, is assembling her army of zombies, and it’s up to them to stop her before she conquers what’s left of the world. They must find the hidden Apocalypse Grimoire, which holds the key to Malice's defeat. But to do so, Tristan must cope with his forbidden powers.


Warriors of the Suburbs

Warriors of the Suburbs by Tim Kreher

Micas was ready for the summer of his life, going to computer summer camp with his friends for the first time. But then, strange events began to unfold, starting with the disappearance of his beloved uncle, a local university professor. Soon, he would realize this would be anything but a typical summer. Upon his search for his uncle, Micas and his friends discover unusual objects, showcasing elemental powers that beckon them into a trance. Waking from his daze, Micas began seeing a mysterious fox, but there was more to this creature than appearance. The red furred animal was luring him to another world. Will he be able to escape this treacherous new land and find his way back, or remain there forever hunted by sinister stone-like beings?


Santa Claus: The Beginning

Santa Claus: The Beginning by Terry Broxson

On Christmas Eve 1839, an extraordinary young toy maker named John Nicholas is visited by his angelic best friend Ben and their mentor, Mr. Rudolph Stern. The angels present John with a mission: to embrace the role of Santa Claus and bring joy to children worldwide. Follow John as he encounters magical elves and meets Jessica, the manager of Santa's castle at the North Pole. Experience the excitement of Santa's first global trip on Christmas Eve, 1840, as the story reaches its heartwarming conclusion. This enchanting tale unveils the origins of a talented toy maker, his special abilities, the loyal reindeer by his side, and the devoted friendships that shape his destiny. Suitable for all ages, this classic story is a delightful adventure filled with magic, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.


Worth His Salt

Worth His Salt by Dr. Joel Anthony Hamilton

Where is salt? It pumps through your veins, dusts your fingertips in the drive-thru, and has seeped into that comforting bite of your favorite childhood meal. Surprisingly, salt is not in the earth’s crust, not anymore. Centuries of overharvesting, spurred by human gluttony and the food industry, have depleted every source of salt beneath the surface. To make matters worse, global pollution has become so severe that other sources of salt, like seawater, have become too toxic to ingest. The Armageddon that ensued would convince you the world was at war or a zombie apocalypse had begun. This lasted until Pillars, mysterious human-like creatures made entirely of salt, suddenly appeared in one country. The government seized this opportunity to reignite their economy, spurred by powerful food companies, and gathered them into salt farms. The country’s profits and standing in the world blossomed with this newfound resource. In order to keep this momentum, it became law to turn every Pillar into the government. However, one small restaurant defied this order when they agreed to hide a water-bottle-sized Pillar named Geo. They risk their careers, families, and very lives keeping him hidden from random inspections, salt hounds, and Inspector Hans. To save their future, all it takes is a phone call to turn him in and obtain their monetary reward. To keep him concealed takes a sacrifice few are willing to make anymore. They weigh these choices each day and must decide if he is truly worth his salt.


Sue B and the Ridders

Sue B and the Ridders by Melissa Ruth Rotert

Susan Michelle Beezly has a pest problem. In fact, Sue B has such a pest problem that she wonders if there isn’t some sort of exterminator who specializes in little siblings and brazen bullies. By day she's tormented by Barnaby T. Plumbol, an addle-brained oaf. By night, her nuisance takes the form of four-and-a-half-year-old Jessie Jess, oppressor to sisters and dolls alike. When a mysterious new janitor appears at her school and offers to help her with her problem, Sue B discovers that banishing her pests to the strange magical world of the Ridderlands doesn’t give her the relief she had hoped for. Instead, she’s riddled with guilt as she watches the world erase the memories of her foes. Sue B must figure out what’s truly important in order to rescue her pests from the Pterosaur-like creatures who carried them away and find it within herself to bring them home.


Joy and the Intergalactic Librarian

Joy and the Intergalactic Librarian by Alex Idris Thomas

SPSFC 2023

Joy Pritchard is scared of the black dog that lives inside her dad. It’s not a real black dog of course, she looked in his mouth once to check. But it makes him very sad and angry a lot of the time. So when she discovers someone who can help, she leaps at the chance. The only problem is that someone is an alien psychiatrist called Larson Wix who has lost his memory. Oh, and he’s also trapped inside a book. Also did I mention the book is being hunted by mysterious alien forces intent on destroying the book and anyone who knows about it? Luckily Joy has some help in the form of a short grey space librarian called Steve (a strange name for an alien I agree). With him she goes on a desperate adventure to the Great Space Library meeting many friends and enemies on the way. Will Joy discover the secrets hidden inside the ancient book and the key to helping the black dog in her dad?


The Pastel Grand Prix

The Pastel Grand Prix by Skyler Krenn

Together, they'll paint the town.When thirteen-year-old Alec learns about the annual bike race that combines racing with art, he's expecting a fun new experience. What he isn't expecting is Damian, the lanky, curly-haired boy who helps him out of his shell and becomes his first real friend. With Damian's help, Alec aims for first prize -- and learns some surprising things about himself along the way.


Beyond The Falling Snow

Beyond The Falling Snow by Qualia Reed

Wizards of the multiverse unite! Across the 100 worlds of the grand multiversal empire, magic and steampunk technology exist in a fragile balance maintained by a brutal and powerful emperor. In an isolated, northern village, young Sigir's life takes an unexpected turn when a thief steals his late father’s pocket watch. Fueled by determination to recover his precious family heirloom, Sigir is aided by an enigmatic fugitive and his father’s magical robot. Together, the trio embark on a journey across the multiverse to recover what was stolen from them. As the mystery surrounding the thief deepens, Sigir finds himself drawn into events that threaten the safety of the entire empire. Beyond the Falling Snow is a tale of chosen family, and the journey of all who grow up in a rapidly changing world.


Ghosts of Mars: Adventures of Eva Knight

Ghosts of Mars: Adventures of Eva Knight by Stuart White

SPSFC 2023

The first book in the award-winning, space adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Vashti Hardy, AF Steadman, and Christopher Edge. ★★★★★ "Simply brilliant" - LoveReading ★★★★★ “A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat ride for all space loving adventurers!” Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm ★★★★★ “I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.” AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief Mars. 2045. 13-year-old Eva, the first Martian, will risk everything to save her dad. Fame, Type 1 diabetes and a sarcastic AI companion haunt her, but when her dad goes missing on the red planet, she must overcome the 'Ghosts of Mars' to save him. The Martian for middle-grade, full of science, friendship and adventure. With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn't sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.


Legend of Samantha Torres

Legend of Samantha Torres by Jacob Ryckman

For twelve year-old Samantha Torres, her Type 1 diabetes used to just be a frustrating nuisance - one more thing for her mother to tell her she wasn't being responsible about. But when her cruise ship crashes on a mysterious jungle island and separates her from her family, managing that chronic illness becomes a struggle for her life. Luckily, she receives some help from a 3,000 year-old woman named Belby, who claims that Samantha's powers indicate that she is supposed to protect the island from intruders. Specifically, she has to stop a bunch of creepy zombie-people - who most likely have kidnapped her mom - from reaching the magical tree at the center of the island. With just a single bottle of insulin, some awesome gravity-bending superpowers, and a quippy attitude, Samantha is guaranteed to succeed and prove to her mom once and for all that she can be responsible. After all, putting yourself in harm's way to fight a bunch of bad guys is super responsible
right?


Bad Grains

Bad Grains by Susanne Schmidt

SFINCS

Eleven-year-old Jo loves Halloween and all things horror, but she doesn't believe anything bad could ever happen in Fels, her small German hometown. When Hektor, her annoying older brother, disappears on his way home from school, Jo assumes he is playing a prank on her. But then both her father and grandma forget Hektor's name, and his stuff mysteriously disappears from his room. With the adults of no help whatsoever, Jo starts an investigation of her own, uncovering an old legend that has haunted the children of Fels for centuries. A monster lives in the rye fields, and draws children into its world under the roots. With two days until the gate between their worlds closes, and only Hektor's obnoxious best friend to help her, Jo must figure out a way to rescue her brother, or lose him forever.


The Elinormal Saga

The Elinormal Saga by Kate McCarroll Moore

In Elinormal, her bossy mom threatens to sue if Elinor is not granted a spot in a prestigious ballet academy. The problem is, Elinor has no interest in ballet. While sitting out the first class in an area park she meets Indira who helps her realize that she is a capable and kind individual. Elinor opens up and makes a friend at school who enjoys all the same things she does. The people in her life finally converge-secret identities are revealed, and Elinor has an epiphany about the nature of relationships and the power of love. In New Girl: The Further Adventures of Elinormal, Elinor is ready for the first day of seventh grade when a last-minute phone call turns her world upside down. She misses the first week of school and when she gets back she's called "the new girl" even though she's not. Elinor quickly learns that people are complicated and relationships take work. Lots of work. As she discovers who she is, who she wants to be, and what she wants most in life, she struggles to balance friendships, both old and new, while also unraveling her mother's mysterious past. Both of these delightful books explore the complexity of friendships, the reality of disappointments, and the trouble with secrets.


The Fateful Curse

The Fateful Curse by Kirsten Hardin

Chryssa, a fairy, lives in a realm called Fairborn. She has a comfortable life 
 until she’s summoned to break a curse on Astra, a young human girl. Tensions quickly grow, as Chryssa despises all humans. And the effects of the curse are worsening. Will Chryssa complete her task? Or will Fairborn go to war with the human world?


Inspirisles

Inspirisles by Hatchling Games

Experiencing visions of a mythical land throughout childhood, you are guided to a kingdom ruled by the fae. Responsible for a pact made long ago by your ancestors, Arthur & Guinevere Pendragon, you must now earn Belief and the respect of their gods to secure your ticket back home. INSPIRISLES is a completely original all ages Tabletop RPG promoting storytelling, empathy and Deaf awareness with an emphasis on cooperation. - Play as teens gifted extraordinary powers. - Meet famous characters and fearsome creatures from Celtic folklore. - Work together to heal an ailing land and restore a fractured kingdom. - Learn British and American sign language as you cast spells, solve puzzles and battle monsters. This project came about after running my teen Dungeons & Dragons group Hatchlings for over a year. I wanted to create something for them, something they could have a hand in building, and something I could take beyond the group to use in schools and communities as a workshop tool. Inspirisles is the result of this: a game for all ages that reflects my interest in mythology and my ongoing work with the Deaf community. With Inspirisles, we are especially encouraging parents, educators and tabletop beginners to invest in our game. Many of us have fond memories of 80s fantasy classics such as The NeverEnding Story & Labyrinth. Inspirisles aims to capture some of that nostalgic magic and transport its older participants back to a more carefree and imaginative time. Inspirisles features a unique system we have called Shaping. It allows participants to engage with Deaf culture and learn sign language (ASL and BSL included). It also forms the dice mechanic at the heart of the game, where our Pendragons will wield the elements to fight Disbelief (our negative force) and heal the World Tree. Inspirisles encourages teamwork at every turn. Only by Shaping can the party overcome the tests of our game. Belief Barriers are non-combative tests where our Pendragons must think up ways their elements can solve puzzles. Disbelief Battles are combative tests, where our Pendragons must pit their elements against a dangerous opponent.


An Echo of the Fae

An Echo of the Fae by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Echo enjoys the peace and solitude of the Faeorn forest, regardless of how strange spending time in the "haunted" wood seems to others. But on the cusp of her thirteenth birthday, the discovery of a family secret reveals why Echo has never been drawn to the sea like her mother. This discovery shakes the foundations of her world and sends Echo on a quest, not merely into the forest, but into the heart of the fae-lands themselves, to rescue the sister she didn't know existed. Elves, dragons, and fairy courts will put Echo's wit and resolve to the test. But with time running out for her sister, will Echo even be able to save herself? A fairytale adventure perfect for fans of The Secret of Roan Innish and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.


Aboard the Timeline

Aboard the Timeline by Bastian Gregory

Aboard the Timeline It's the story of a bored boy, Pete who doesn't find anything interesting at school. One day he becomes so bored, and time stands still and he escapes to Outermind. Here he befriends various living beings in different worlds, and along the way becomes aware of a constant conflict going on in these different lands. Ultimately, Pete is asked to make a difference, and the question is whether he is up to the task? Anyone who has a passion for words and wordplay will enjoy reading “Aboard the Timeline” In this wonderful children’s book , Bastian takes us on an adventure with his main character Pete, a young boy who at first seems to be lost (in many more ways than one!) but who ultimately finds his way together with the help of his companions, the lovely dinosaur Reginald and the ancient Greek thinker, Philosophocles. Bastian manages to keep the reader engaged page after page, with clever puns and witty plays on words, which makes his story even more entertaining. Here is a quote from a teacher on Amazon: “My 10 year old son and I read this together and we both really enjoyed it. Redolent of Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories/Luka and the Fire of Life plus Walter Moers’ Captain Bluebear series, it’s a consistently chuckleworthy, highly imaginative, multi-layered yarn that carried us wackily along its narrative tracks from start to finish. There’s a great cast of characters - from a doddery old dinosaur to an ebullient Ancient Greek philosopher (“Philosophocles”) to some suitably dastardly demons - and the illustrations, which perfectly complement the text, are great fun too. Highly recommended!”


Toby's Tale

Toby's Tale by Jennifer Freedman

Toby’s Tale is a story of strength, perseverance and love. Toby is a Schnauzer puppy who selflessly leaves his family and embarks on a great adventure as he seeks his forever home. He learns about friendship, loyalty and kindness, but he also experiences cruelty and hopelessness. Toby’s Tale is full of colorful characters — both two-legged and four-legged — who play key roles as Toby takes each step of his journey. Traveling with Toby on his journey to adulthood is an excursion along life’s road; a trip that shows how all creatures are searching for the safe, secure place where they belong. With that goal in mind, Toby overcomes hardship and loneliness by finding an inner strength stemming from the values of family, friendship, loyalty and faith. Toby’s Tale is a learning experience shared in a visionary, fun way with valuable lessons about life. It’s a story about hard choices. An adventure that gives people four legs instead of two, by allowing them to view life through the eyes of a dog. A tale about belief, tenacity and love. As your fingers run through the pages, Toby will run through your heart.


River of Crows

River of Crows by N.P. Thompson

Ty Baxter just wants to survive seventh grade without dying of boredom or getting flattened by the school bully. But when he tries to help an injured crow, his ordinary life is suddenly upended. Now trapped in a secret, magical world, Ty finds himself at the center of a cryptic prophecy, and the target of a brutal emperor who will stop at nothing to protect his power. In a desperate gamble, Ty struggles to control his emerging magical Talent so he can help his friends rescue their kidnapped family members before the emperor uses his dark sorcery to transform them into birds and enslaves them forever as soldiers in his enchanted avian army.


Smoochy and the Maga

Smoochy and the Maga by Lea Kinley

Okay, okay. I admit I was bored with the tedium of my centuries of work as a magical Familiar. But did I really deserve to be punished with an assignment on Earth of all places? My employer, The Society for the Conservation of Wholeness, tasked me with locating a fellow Familiar that appeared to be working for a destructive wizard . . . which is a big no-no according to our employment contract. While Earth is generally a non-magical, dull, and undesirable location, I never thought I’d have any trouble at all with the assignment . . . until I realized I knew far less about Earth than I needed to and my enemy, the destructive wizard, knew far more than I did. The stakes were high for me for the first time in tens of thousands of years . . . had I finally met my match? Smoochy and the Maga is a fun, fanciful, and charming middle-grade urban fantasy novel by introductory author, Lea Kinley. The perfect cozy fantasy for tweens, teens, and the young at heart. Recommended for grade five and up or ages 9 and up.


The Maiden Tree (The Umbral Origins Trilogy)

The Maiden Tree (The Umbral Origins Trilogy) by Julianna Drumheller

At eight years old, Amardine Desmarius longs to know all about her mother, a famous opera singer who died under mysterious circumstances. But her father is strangely reticent about the subject, becoming alarmed, even angry, when she shows signs of wanting to follow in her mother’s footsteps. As Amardine’s curiosity grows, so too does her anxiety about the future, especially as a deadly epidemic threatens her household. After a vagabond dies of the disease on her family’s land, Amardine begins to see ominous signs and portents. Influenced by her maid’s beliefs about spirits and demons, she imagines that something is reaching out from another world to communicate with her. But is she just a fretful child, or is there a pattern drawing her into a fate she doesn’t understand? As she attempts to uncover the truth about her mother’s legacy, Amardine must contend with an emotionally distant father, a high-society aunt who treats her like a charity project, and her two resentful, bullying cousins. Then her life is suddenly turned upside down by an event she didn’t foresee, and she is drawn even deeper into the shadowy world her mother inhabited. In the process, she learns to stand up for herself, take pride in who she is, and accept that people are not always as she imagines them to be. The Maiden Tree is the first volume of The Umbral Origins Trilogy, a coming-of-age series set in a world where magic is evolving with culture, and poised to collide with new technologies. Told from an older perspective, Amardine recounts the childhood experiences that will shape her into an artist and mystic, and eventually bring her infamy. How far will she go to find the truth and unlock her own potential? And will it bring her the healing she seeks, or lead her further into darkness?


Dragon and Mr. Sneeze: Charli's Story

Dragon and Mr. Sneeze: Charli's Story by Blue Skeleton

Do you love fantasy? Do you like rebellious witches? You'll love this smart suspenseful novel with a twist, because it has shades of Harry Potter.Seventeen-year-old Charli wishes that ghosts would just go away. After her mother’s death, she’s barely making ends meet and having dead people nag her all day isn’t helping. But when her best friend Dotty falls deeply ill, Charli discovers she’ll need to learn to Tune in order to keep her companion from becoming a monster. Can Charli control her magic in time, or will she lose her best friend forever? Dragon and Mr. Sneeze: Charli’s Story is the first in a fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, unusual magic, and unique takes on mythical creatures, you’ll love Blue Skeleton’s enchanting tale. Buy Dragon and Mr. Sneeze: Charli’s Story to speak with the dead today!


The Polar Bear and the Dragon: Dawn of an Alliance (A Middle Grade Coming of Age Fantasy Adventure)

The Polar Bear and the Dragon: Dawn of an Alliance (A Middle Grade Coming of Age Fantasy Adventure) by Debbie Watson

Whitney’s thirteenth summer is being hijacked. Plagued with terrifying nightmares and confused by strange new abilities, her life is spiraling out of control. Joining forces with a mysterious and powerful ally may be her only solution. Whitney, her mom, and their unique cat live high on a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Whitney has spent her entire life unaware of the unique gifts lying dormant deep inside her. But the summer of her thirteenth birthday changes everything! Strange new talents surface that can’t be ignored, and nightmares terrify her. On top of all that, she suddenly misses a father she never knew. A Chicago fireman, her father died tragically on the night she was born. Whitney’s tired of losing sleep over frequent and frightening nightmares, and these disturbing new skills are baffling her. She knows she needs help, and her mom, Susan, seems like the perfect choice. They’re very close, and never keep secrets from each other. Confiding in Susan should be so easy. But an instinct, both puzzling and believable, surfaces and stops Whitney in her tracks. It warns her not to tell Susan, because doing so might put her in grave danger. Realizing she must find a way to deal with everything by herself, Whitney feels lost and alone. Powerful and strange new allies arrive without warning, and just in time. These new friends, and a series of unbelievable events, help Whitney cope with her nightmares and guide her toward understanding and welcoming her unique abilities.


Impossible Castle (Guardian of the Realm Book 1)

Impossible Castle (Guardian of the Realm Book 1) by M. Gregg Roe

Protecting an enchanted realm created by a god-like wizard is a responsibility she never wanted. But no one ever said life was fair. Trouble is brewing in Andoran’s Realm. Someone is intent on constructing a stone structure in a desolate area, but not in the usual fashion. Created by powerful magic, oddly shaped stone blocks have begun to appear. And there’s no sign of who or what is responsible. Is it a threat or just a curiosity? Resentful or not, the Guardian knows where her duty lies. She needs to investigate, and she knows she’s not smart enough to do that alone. But that also means an even greater disruption of the normal life she so desperately desires. If you’re tired of the same old tropes and predictable plots, then Impossible Castle may be what you’ve been waiting for.


The Search For Synergy

The Search For Synergy by Brett Salter

The Search For Synergy is the first book in The Talisman Series by author Brett Salter. It follows the exploits of two middle-school boys, Rome Lockheed and Julian Rider, as they transition from normal kids into epic warriors fighting for the existence of the Earth realm. Rome is secretly a fire dragon from the Den of Volcana placed under a spell which hides his true form. Julian is an oddball, up-and-coming knight with a case of the “try-hards”. Together, they perform an ancient pact which bonds their lives and souls forever. Under the tutelage and guidance of an eccentric, local librarian, Mr. Jones, the two learn of an impending invasion from an archaic evil desperate to invade from the other side of The Void.


The Blameless

The Blameless by E.S. Christison

Briana, Princess of Predonia, has lived a happy and sheltered life. Then, in a single night, her kingdom is overthrown and centuries of peace are abruptly shattered. Fleeing for her life as her kingdom burns, Brie is rescued by Flinton, Derek, and Kove, three powerful protectors who pledge to teach her how to fight and use the powerful magic that has awakened within her. Brie finds sanctuary in the mountain stronghold of the Blameless, people who receive magical gifts from the gods after performing acts of unparalleled selflessness. Among them, Brie’s grieving heart slowly learns to live and laugh again. With the help of her new friends, she strives to master her growing powers so she can avenge her family, take back her place as the rightful heir to the throne, and free her people from the clutches of a tyrant. But can one girl change the tides against an evil that has conquered an entire kingdom?


Kaylen’s Rising

Kaylen’s Rising by Yves Robichaud

Kaylen has been in the dark for fourteen years – in every sense. His people are hunted, so they must struggle to survive within underground caves. His community despises his family, taunting him constantly. His parents keep him housebound, forbidding him from wielding sword or wand. When he is finally allowed to attend school, the harsh truth reveals he has much to learn – including a unique magical ability. Kaylen can summon and control skeletons! With surface-dwellers threatening war, he will need every friend he can make, and to stay true to himself if he is to survive what is to come.


Presence: Fangs & Flasks

Presence: Fangs & Flasks by L.G Branch

After bringing the war with the mages to an end, the members of Band 13 were looking forward to starting the new year fresh and continuing their training in relative peace. Unfortunately they would soon discover that the mages weren't the only ones with traitors as that peace was shattered. The entire board has begun to move as the members of Band 13 find themselves in a race against time. Alliances are being made. Bonds and bands are being forged and shattered as the world hurdles toward a very dark future. Will they be swept up in the rising tide or will they once more rise to the occasion? More importantly, what are they willing to sacrifice when they discover that the love that once empowered them becomes the very thing that threatens to destroy them?


Castle: They Want To Make Her Their Queen (The Badlands Series)

Castle: They Want To Make Her Their Queen (The Badlands Series) by Emily Sawyer

When an author falls into her own book after being recently heart-broken, her world truly begins to change. Emlyn Lovet must now live out her own story and discover the mysteries of her true identity. Becoming queen, battling her own antagonist, and leaving the real world behind, adventure and magic awaits. It's all in this book for those who seek to find a way to leave their world behind, she's headed straight for the Castle, and they want to make her their queen.


The Gravity of Darkness (Gravity of Darkness Series)

The Gravity of Darkness (Gravity of Darkness Series) by Christina Crimi

Lissie Lockheart thought the city of Ruine would be another pin point on the map of a dozen ordinary places she had already called home. She couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s the start of her junior year in high school and Lissie has more to worry about than being the new kid. When she runs into the enigmatic and rebellious vampire, Connor Kingsley, her life takes a sudden and dangerous turn. Aside from Connor’s unorthodox vampire family, her new town seems to be home to a host of other problems: a crazy professor who dabbles in ancient magic, rampant and unexplained murders, political conspiracies, human disappearances, and a mob of zombies.Now Lissie has to dig deep within herself, and confront all the things that go bump in the night. Her heart isn’t the only thing at stake. If she can make it out alive, she may find more in this sleepy little town than she ever could have imagined. It's in the darkness that her dreams become reality... and once they pull her in, they will never let go.


Blood Ties (The King's Chosen Book 1)

Blood Ties (The King's Chosen Book 1) by L. Waithman

At the heart of an ancient prophecy is young Lucas, who has the sole power to save two medieval kingdoms from destruction . . . but will he discover this ultimate secret before it’s too late? Lucas has been raised as a blacksmith’s son; an outsider ostracized by the other village children. One night at a nearby monastery, a mysterious black stone whispers a haunting premonition to Lucas. When his father is murdered, the monks take Lucas in, convinced he is an extraordinary hero foretold by destiny. However, a restless Lucas runs off to join a circus where he draws the attention of the powerful King Itan, who believes Lucas is one of “the chosen”―a group of boys who are descendants of great warriors. The king will stop at nothing to compel Lucas to join his chosen army, all while the soldiers who killed Lucas's father are closing in. Before long, Lucas is embroiled in a plot to defeat the king while an unseen enemy begins planning to bring the young man down before he learns of his remarkable power. This first novel of L. Waithman’s richly imagined fantasy series will leave you eagerly awaiting Lucas’s next adventure.


Freedom Ring (SERPENTIA Book 2)

Freedom Ring (SERPENTIA Book 2) by Frances Pauli

Sometimes the hardest part of being the hero is knowing when not to
 Sookahr has been cast out, forced to live in exile while the Burrow’s corruption continues. He’s determined to stop the crimes of his people, so when an encounter with the terrifying rebel rodents brings him an unexpected ally, his quest begins anew. From the great nursery tower to the heart of the darkest jungle, Sookahr and his friends seek a path to justice, pursued by the viper general who wants nothing more than to see him dead. His dreams whisper to him of freedom, his heart longs for Virrlahn, and the whole of Serpentia is threaded through with oppression, subjugation, and war. Dive into the latest Serepentia adventure!


Disbanded

Disbanded by Frances Pauli

Award-Winning Coming of Age Fantasy They told him he was chosen, but everything they told him was a lie. Sookahr believes he’s destined to change the world. With his rodent companion and a motley crew of fellow serpents, he journeys to the farthest outpost of Serpentia, determined to prove himself. The quest leads him to the very edge of the jungle, where Sookahr encounters, not only sabotage, but a dark secret that could shake the foundation of his civilization. Betrayed and abandoned, Sookarh must discover his own power, harness the magic inside his dreams, and decide who he really wants to be. Because if he can’t rise to the challenge, expose his enemy, and uncover the truth, he won't just lose his way. He’ll lose his friends, his place in society
 and his life. In a world ruled by reptiles, one snake must fulfil his destiny to overthrow corruption, expose a dark secret, and save his people
 from themselves.


Joss the Seven (Guild of Sevens Book 1)

Joss the Seven (Guild of Sevens Book 1) by j. Philip Horne

New powers. Big problems. Joss Morgan loves joking around, but it’s no joke when he discovers he has superpowers. Those powers could get him killed. Heroes and villains want Joss to join them. Both will use him. Everyone has secrets. And his life isn’t the only one on the line. If Joss can’t figure out who to trust, his whole family could die.


Sparkles of Blue: Sleeper Chronicles

Sparkles of Blue: Sleeper Chronicles by Ray Zdan

Book One of Kyle's Story, Sleeper Chronicles. The secret world of Sleepers broke my life like a powerful twister. I was a humble office rat, spending my grey days hiding in the crowd, doing my job as thousands of others without attracting attention. Then everything changed. The alien world sneaked into my dreams with the persistence of a scarab. I was puzzled at first, I was Prince there, but then the dreams turned into nightmares with dangerous creatures, wars and twisted plots plaguing the alien realm. My consciousness was bouncing between two worlds. I was forced to live two lives. It wasn’t easy. I thought I could cope with my dreams, but then hunters from the alien world began tracking me down the streets of London. I was on the verge of insanity. Until I found others living the same cycle. And none of us had the slightest chance to break free.


The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons by Virlyce

Blue mages learn skills from beasts. This is the story of one fortunate enough to be taken in by dragons.


The Wanted Child (Chaos Gods Book 1)

The Wanted Child (Chaos Gods Book 1) by Aneeka Richins

ALL SHE WANTED WAS A HAPPY ENDING. Fifteen-year-old Ki doesn't care what half of the nine gods say. She will not let her parents die to save the Four Lands. Tavk, the trickster god, agrees to protect her parents as long as she completes his missions. For the promise of a happy ever after, Ki evolves into an infamous demonic fighter and tries to ignore her fading humanity and growing loneliness. Then she meets De: the gods' new Hero. The gods need him trained fast and Tavk is only too happy to sign her up for the job. Two years older -- and distractingly handsome -- De practically worships Ki and wants to be both her best trainee and her best friend. But he doesn't know who she really is: The Wanted Child. The one the new Hero, De, is destined to kill so the gods can finally destroy her parents.


Misfit's Rise

Misfit's Rise by Sara E Tall

A century after the Magi of Earth found sanctuary in an underground Realm, those whose magic is sub-par or are halfbreed outcasts are forced into exile back on Earth. As a powerless Fae/Human hybrid, Billie should fit right in. Except, she’s anything but powerless, making her a misfit among misfits. When her powers nearly destroy a human home, she's given a chance to return. Returning to the Realm has always been Billie’s dream, but the Realm is anything but a fairy tale. Despite its claims of acceptance and equality, ancient rivalries between the Realm’s magical species are threatening to rip it apart. Billie somehow manages to land herself in the middle, a dangerous place for an outcast to be. What’s more, the powerful magic that brought her there suddenly vanishes, leaving her vulnerable to the attacks of those who think a misfit doesn’t belong in the Realm. Staying in the Realm is her only chance to live life as a true Mage, but staying could cost her life.


The Berge Sisters Tour the Neitherswarth

The Berge Sisters Tour the Neitherswarth by J.L. DuRona

Lacey Berge is not happy about being dragged to her late great uncle’s mansion in the mountains, especially since her know-it-all stepsister, Cal, is along for the ride. Lacey’s dad wants them to bond, but that’s not going to happen! Soon after they arrive, an emergency forces Lacey’s dad to leave the two girls on their own. When they take the opportunity to explore, they discover a secret lab, and accidentally let loose a hoard of mischievous creatures into the mansion. Things look grim for Lacey and Cal until they're contacted by an “otherworldly exterminator” who offers to get rid of the creatures for them. The catch? They have to traverse the Neitherswarth, a heinous alternate dimension, to meet him. With Lacey’s dad due back soon, the girls will have to put aside their differences and work together to get things back to normal!


Rhonda Wray: Raptor Wrangler

Rhonda Wray: Raptor Wrangler by Charon Dunn

SPSFC 2022

Rhonda Wray: Raptor Wrangler is about a teenage girl who was innocently trying to listen to some live music 
 her favorite boy band happened to be playing a festival on a dinosaur planet 
 when bad things suddenly happened. Now she and her trusty robot are all alone in the wilderness, picking up survival skills and looking for her favorite singer, Sebastian Rose, just in case he needs to be rescued. There’s hard science, explosions, plenty of dinosaurs (with feathers), diversity, no sex (although there are a few references to it), less violence than many dinosaur stories, cliffhangers galore, and a little bogus science just to honor the fine tradition of speculative fiction (what if raptors had syrinxes and could sing like birds?).


Banneker Bones and the Giant Robot Bees

Banneker Bones and the Giant Robot Bees by Robert Kent

SPSFC

Fifth grader Ellicott Skullworth has always felt out of place at public school and now he's tested into the Archimedes Program at Latimer University. While in Latimer City, he’ll be living with his world famous and insane(ly) brilliant cousin, Banneker Bones, the eleven-year-old inventor of robots. The only problem: Banneker doesn't want to share his room. And he's got an army of robots to make Ellicott miserable until he goes home. When the boys are ambushed by robot bees as big as cars, Ellicott's only friend is carried off and held for ransom. To rescue him, Ellicott has no choice but to partner with his maniacal cousin. Ellicott doesn't know what's worse: facing a hive of giant robot bees or spending more time with Banneker Bones. BANNEKER BONES AND THE GIANT ROBOT BEES is a humorous, science fiction adventure for readers of all ages written in the spirit of a comic book.


The Lucky Diamond

The Lucky Diamond by Valinora Troy

SPFBO8

An exciting magical adventure perfect for fans of C.S. Lewis and Cornelia Funke Twins Cathy and Alan don’t pay much attention to elder sister Yvonne ‘s instructions to stay hidden, keep away from the street gangs, and avoid the town guard, so it doesn’t take long for them to be in trouble. Fortunately Cathy has a magical compass that always leads her back to safety. Which is just as well because when she meets Lucky, a magical talking diamond who persuades Cathy and her family to go on a dangerous quest, and Lucky’s diamond power drains, all Cathy has to rely on is her ever trustworthy compass. Why then is it telling her to enter the Great Forest, the last place she would dream of going to? Cathy has a choice – trust her magical compass and enter the forest of monsters or ignore it and perhaps risk the safety of her family and the country?


Tails

Tails by Jessica Grace Wright

SPFBO8

Winner of LitNet's international inspiring literary contest! https://litnet.com/en/blogs/post/86343 Aria is a professional mermaid at an aquarium. She wears a fake tail and performs for visitors. All her life, she has been in love with the mythical creatures, but her whole world is turned upside down when they turn out to be more than myths and she gets caught in the middle of feuding cities from deep under the sea.


© 2024 Hakea Media | Terms | Privacy