Tag: YA novels

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Elimination: The Mind Breaker Trilogy Book 1 by Marina Epley Book Review:

It’s not often one finds themselves at the forefront of a fantastic new YA series, and yet that is what’s happened to this reviewer after reading author Marina Epley’s Elimination, the first in the Mind Breaker Trilogy!

First, the description.

ELIMINATION is the first novel in THE MIND BREAKER trilogy, set in a violent dystopian world where governmental forces hunt down, imprison and even kill those with psychic abilities.

Rex is an eighteen-year-old mind breaker hoping to keep a low profile. Unfortunately, he was forced to use hypnosis on criminals during an attempted bank robbery, revealing his abilities. Now considered a national threat to society, he has to flee through devastated countryside in order to remain alive. Even worse, by going on the run, he’s endangering his one and only friend Kitty, another strong hypnotist.
Rex soon realizes that together they make a vulnerable target. And the only way to save Kitty is to allow himself to be captured, thus diverting attention while his friend escapes. But nothing goes as planned, as his actions only serve to push Kitty into an even worse situation than a life sentence in prison. With his world falling apart, Rex must figure out how to fix his accumulating mistakes and regain their freedom before it’s too late.
What Rex doesn’t yet understand, is that he may soon play a major role in preventing all-out war between ordinary humans and mind breakers, a war which could lead to total extinction of the entire human race.

The dystopian future created by Epley feels so real in this first book that one expects to open their front door and see it for themselves. The complex world that protagonist Rex is forced to navigate conjures up feelings of anxiousness, fear and loneliness that can mirror parts of our world.

What really makes me love this book is how similar in plot the novel mirrors both our world and the world created by legendary comic book company Marvel, and that is the world of the X-Men. The fear of the unknown or different showcases a human tendency to judge, hate and cast out people who don’t follow the “social norm” that they create. It’s a fantastic social point made through a well written and amazingly creative novel, and I can’t wait to see more from this incredibly talented emerging author, so be sure to pick up your copy of Elimination: The Mind Breaker Trilogy #1 by Marina Epley today!

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HW5AKK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kdFNxbQ9H5DQ9

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The Queen’s Poisoner (Kingfountain #1) by Jeff Wheeler

A fantastic new mythology that will have YA fans reeling with the emotional character development and political intrigue. This is how this reviewer
views the first in a brand new trilogy of books, The Queen’s Poisoner (Kingfountain #1) by Jeff Wheeler.

Synopsis: King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of
traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as
the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.

Seeking allies and eluding Severn’s spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father’s betrayal
threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king’s favor by proving his worth—through extraordinary means. And only one person can
aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.

This first entry does a masterful job of establishing a brand new mythology that fans will be eager to learn and delve into. The various cultures
and Kingdoms explored in this first tale are just as incredible as the various characters both in and out of court that are introduced, from the
fearful King Severn to our young protagonist, Owen Kiskaddon. The race for survival leaves readers on the edge of their seat, eager to see if and
how Owen can outwit the King and survive his wrath. The introduction of the mysterious magic of the Fountain presents a fantastic riddle that one
hopes will be thoroughly explored in future installments, and by book’s end readers will be eager to get their hands on the next in the series.

Overall, The Queen’s Poisoner is a fantastic read that showcases the powerful themes that the YA Fantasy genre allow to be explored. Family,
power, deceit and survival are all explored wonderfully in this book, and if this is any indication, author Jeff Wheeler has a long and prosperous
career in the YA genre ahead. Be sure to check out the adventures of Owen Kiskaddon in The Queen’s Poisoner now!

https://www.amazon.com/Queens-Poisoner-Kingfountain-Book-ebook/dp/B013UVNZ2K?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013UVNZ2K&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_glide_bb&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20

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The Girl From The Well by Rin Chupeco Book Review

Ever wondered what goes through the minds of the spirits that haunt the unsuspecting victims of classic Japanese inspired horror films such as
The Ring or The Grudge? Well now you can find out in Rin Chupeco’s The Girl from the Well, a thrilling horror story that follows an ancient spirit
who’s spent hundreds of years exacting revenge on child killers, much like the man who killed her. One day however, she comes across a young boy,
strange tattoos scattered across his body and an air of mystery that draws the ancient spirit ever closer to him. Soon they are both sent spiraling
into a world filled with strange dolls, dark entities and ancient Shinto exorcisms that will take them from American suburbia to the remote
valley’s of Aomori, Japan.

The interesting thing that drew me into this story was the intricate attention to detail concerning the Japanese culture and the characterization
of the spirit associated with the lore. So often when you see films concerning ancient Japanese horror stories the spirit is just this menacing
figure, but in this book the spirit is given such a humanized backstory and the reader is immediately drawn into their story. The introduction
of this young boy and his family gives the spirit a connection to the human world that has not been seen often in ghost stories, and while I found
this book in the YA section of a store, this tale had a real maturity to it, in terms of spine-tingling horror with adult language and violence
that echoes the brutality and realistic nature of this kind of story if it were to occur in real life.

Overall, the fantastic characters, the vivid imagery used and the intricate backstory make this one of the best ghost stories I’ve read in years,
and if you like revenge stories that combine with Japanese horror tales, then The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco is for you. Be sure to pick
up your copies today!

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Zenith (The Androma Saga #1) by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings Review

Imagine if science fiction cult classics such as Joss Whedon’s Firefly or the visceral story of the hit gaming series Mass Effect, and then you
put a YA spin on both franchises, then you’d have this soon to be fan favorite YA Science Fiction book Zenith (The Androma Saga #1) by Sasha
Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings. The fresh voice of Sasha Alsberg when combined with the seasoned voice of author Lindsay Cummings makes for one
of the most adrenaline fueled, heavily character driven YA stories I’ve read.

First, here is the official story synopsis.

There is darkness sweeping across the stars.

Most know her as the Bloody Baroness, the captain of a fearsome glass starship called The Marauder. Androma and her crew strike terror in the
hearts of those who cross them amongst the many corners of the Mirabel Galaxy.

When a routine mission goes rogue, the all-female crew is captured by a bounty hunter from Andi’s past and forced into a job that could, quite
literally, start a war that will devour worlds.

Meanwhile, on the far side of the galaxy, the ruthless ruler Nor waits in the shadows of the planet Xen Ptera, biding her time. The final pieces
are about to fall into place, liberating a plan that will tear Mirabel in two.

As the Marauder hurtles toward the unknown, there is one lesson that proves to be true: No one can be trusted in a galaxy that runs on lies and
illusion.

From internet sensation Sasha Alsberg and multi-genre author Lindsay Cummings comes a new serialized space opera, full of action, intrigue, and
steamy star-crossed romance.

Perfect for fans of Hugh Howie, Sarah J Maas, and Beth Revis.

Now as both a newcomer to the YA genre and a fan of science fiction, I was already excited about the release of this book. What really sets this
book apart is that there is no set good guys in this story. The protagonist of this story, Androma, the Bloody Baroness, is a feared outlaw who
isn’t afraid to get bloody and kill to accomplish her goals. While there are even deadlier threats in the galaxy, she isn’t ruled by an overwhelming
sense of honor or duty, but rather very real human emotions and complicated histories that have shaped her into the person she now is. It was
refreshing to see a predominately female driven book that showcased how men aren’t needed to have an action-fueled adventure.

The pace of this first story is very fast, and the complicated history the characters bring to the book immediately hook the reader in, to the
point where I finished this book in one day and am ready for a second go. In just a few pages, the reader immediately gets a sense of just how
large this galaxy is, and the bubbling conflict that is sure to consume it with just one conflict. Overall, this is one of the most promising new
YA series that both YA readers and science fiction readers will want to consume now. By the end of the story, readers will be eager to sink their
teeth into The Androma Saga #2, so be sure to pick up your copies of Zenith (The Androma Saga #1) now and help support authors Sasha Alsberg and
Lindsay Cummings to get more of their incredible work out in stores now! Be on the lookout for an official video review on my channel, Avina
Vlogs, soon!

https://www.amazon.com/ZENITH-Androma-Saga-Sasha-Alsberg-ebook/dp/B01DIIU7DK?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01DIIU7DK&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

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Curse of the Sphinx by Raye Wagner

Greek
mythology has never been more alive than in Raye Wagner’s Curse of the
Sphinx, the first in her Sphinx series. In this incredible YA novel,
a
young girl named Hope Nicholas has spent her entire life on the run. No
one knows she even exists, and that’s a good thing. Living under the
constant
threat of being hunted, she and her mother have moved from town to
town, never staying long enough to make any sort of connection or
put
down roots. However, soon Hope’s mother is tragically ripped away from
her, and she’s left orphaned and alone. Is this the fulfillment of
Apollo’s
curse, the work of shadow monsters from the Underworld, or have
demigods finally found her? That’s the mystery that presents itself
to
Hope as the reader must follow a young girl who’s struck by tragedy and
must navigate a deadly world where she can’t trust anyone but herself.

Getting
to see mythology come to life like this was a real treat when reading
this book. Raye Wagner writes with a fresh and invigorating voice
while
navigating the lines between the fictional world she created and the
real hardships of loss and independence young teens go through. It
was
incredible to see the legends and lore from Greek mythology get
incorporated into this fiction world by making them well known and real
tangible
gods and creatures that humanity believes in wholeheartedly. Overall,
the incredible story and look at what makes a monster and what
makes a
hero are amazing to see unfold, and if this book is any indication, the
Sphinx series is one that is not to be missed. Raye Wagner is a
shining star in the YA genre and this reviewer cannot wait to see more from her in the future.

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Resthaven by Erik Therme:

The struggles of the teenage years mix with heart pounding terror in this 2016 Kindle Scout Winner by author Erik Therme, titled Resthaven.

In this thriller, young Kaylee finds herself forced into a childish game when she meets up with a group of girls in the new town she recently moved to. When the girls are taken to an abandoned retirement home to take part in a scavenger hunt, Kaylee soon discovers a bruised young boy in the building, but when she tries to lead him to safety, she discovers the doors are locked and her friends are nowhere to be found. Soon she’ll learn that there are real terrors in the world, and ghosts are the least of her worries in this night of scares and tears.

The blend of YA character development and adult thriller plot line are a perfect combination in this novel. It does a wonderful job of highlighting some of the very real life struggles young teens go through while also giving a much needed boost of female driven story in a genre filled with male driven action by making the majority of the characters female, including an amazingly strong female protagonist like Kaylee. Overall this is a fantastic novel that bridges the gap between YA and adult fiction and showcases the immense talent of breakout author Erik Therme. Be sure to pick up your copy of Resthaven today!

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Tales From The Shadowhunter Academy: (1-10) By Cassandra Clare

The story of everyone’s favorite former vampire and hero, Simon Lewis, continues in a collection of ten short stories from Cassandra Clare and
other amazing YA authors. The collection, titled Tales From Shadowhunter Academy, follows Simon as he travels to the famed Shadowhunter Academy,
recently reopened to train hopeful shadowhunters after the losses they recently had to endure in the recent wars. In an effort to remember the
boy he once was and become something more, Simon agrees to train, and faces the challenges that come with it, from the social classes that
divide the students, to the stress of trying to live up to a person he doesn’t remember being, to the demons and other creatures they have to
face while training. Throughout these ten stories, not only will fans be able to see the story of Simon Lewis continue, but will get a glimpse
into the vast history of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders, from the tales of Tessa Gray and the London Institute, to the early days of Valentine
and the Circle and more.

These stories are incredible pieces of fiction that will make everyone glad to see their favorite characters continue to grow and evolve in the
story, and while the focus is rightfully on Simon, everyone’s favorites from the original books make their presence known. Getting to know
some of the characters in the coming Lady Midnight book and the children who will make up the new generation of shadowhunters makes for a fun
read, and the vast history that is written and explored in just 40 pages a story is just amazing, and makes this reader believe that this world
is so open and great that the number of stories Cassandra Clare and other authors could tell is limitless. If you haven’t yet, read these incredible
stories today, and be glad that you did, because they are sure to be a big help when you read Lady Midnight, which this writer is set to do next.
The shadowhunter world is addictive to read, and one I never want to stop exploring.

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The Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Claire Review

SPOILER ALERT: MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD!

The Mortal War is over, and life has gone on for Clary, Jace, Simon and the rest of the group in Cassandra Claire’s fourth Mortal Instruments
book, City of Fallen Angels. Weeks after the bloody battle in Idris, the Shadowhunter home, Clary is back in New York, starting her training
to become a Shadowhunter. With the knowledge that they are not in fact siblings, Clary and Jace pursue their romantic relationship for the first
time, but soon Jace starts pulling away, and Clary is left to figure out what is haunting the boy she’s falling in love with. Meanwhile, Simon
is adjusting to life as not only a vampire and Daywalker, but as the bearer of the Mark of Cain. Wrestling with his vampiric nature and trying
to maintain a normal “human” life, (as well as an unexpected love triangle), Simon soon learns that there are new, powerful players interested
in him, and soon he learns just how powerful the Mark truly is. With dead Shadowhunters being found around the city, a new conspiracy threatens
to tear apart the happiness and peace they all thought they could enjoy with the death of Valentine.

Rather than leaving the fate’s of these incredible characters up to the imagination, fans will be delighted to delve deeper into their stories,
and it is quite a refreshing take on a story in which the battle continues for these naturally bred warriors and protectors. Multiple new enemies
are introduced, while this book does an excellent job of taking the reader through the viewpoints of multiple characters this time around. By
the book’s end, the book will have lain the groundwork for a brand new trilogy and a darker mystery than ever before imagined. The intricate
details lain in this book make for an addictive read, and the fifth book is sure to continue that addiction.

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The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Claire Review

The second novel in Cassandra Claire’s epic series, The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, really ups the ante in terms of action, drama and
mythology. Having just completed it for a second time, the novel really builds on the foundations of the first book and makes a bigger, more
open world within the same confines of New York City.

Faced with a startling truth, Clary struggles with her new life, being caught between her friend and the life they once shared and the new,
terrifying reality that demons and monsters roam the Earth and go hidden amongst the humans. Jace Wayland also struggles with a new reality, and
faces the scrutiny of the Clave, especially the judging eyes of The Inquisitor, a woman charged with upholding the laws of the Shadowhunters.
However they both will come to learn that their new realities are the least of their concerns, as Valentine returns, and brings an unstoppable
army that threatens to overrun the Shadowhunters. They must find a way to stop him before he can raise his army, but along the way they’ll face
shocking revelations, and twists and turns that all lead to a massive action scene that builds up to the next book in the series.

The depth of these characters and the supporting cast is phenomenal. The rich mythology introduced throughout this book really serves to
bring to life the bigger plot, and it’s easy to see why this series is not only so massive, but has spawned countless spin-offs. The complicated
relationships between these characters really builds up the drama ten-fold, and the introduction of modern social issues, (family, sexual
identity, etc), helps makes this one of the most compelling YA series to date. Tune in for the upcoming review of TMI: City of Glass, coming
soon!