Ocean Heart by Ally Aldridge
Genre
Contemporary YA Fantasy
Book
Ocean Heart
Extras
Bookmark
Ocean Heart magnet
Letter from the author
About the Book
High school teen Mariah's life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early.
When Mariah’s guardian meddles in her life with magic, she causes more harm than good. The soul reapers are coming and there’s a werewolf hungry for merblood. All secrets wash ashore sooner or later, and Mariah’s about to discover hers.
Mixing a messy love life with deadly powers will whip up a storm of trouble. Can Mariah contain it or will she be swept up in its wake?
A gripping story about a mermaid, self-acceptance, and romance that literally sparks.
About the Author
Ally was born in London, but grew up in Suffolk which is where most of her YA Fantasy novels are based. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising their son, daughter, and two cats. When she’s not writing (or at her day job), she loves spending time with her family at the local beach, in the forest, or watching way too much Netflix. Ally loves a cup of tea and has been known to order one on a night out.
Links
Website: https://allyaldridge.com
Ocean Heart: https://books2read.com/OceanHeart
Ko-Fi Shop: https://ko-fi.com/redfae/shop
Black Ice by Julia Blake
Genre
Steampunk Fairytale Retelling
Book
Black Ice
Extras
Bookmark
Steampunk China Mug
Pair of apple-shaped scented candles
Letter from the Author
About the Book
Black Ice is the Snow White tale as it should always have been told. Fast-paced and exciting, it tells the story of Princess Snow of House White, destined to ascend the throne in two weeks. An orphan, Snow has been groomed by the evil controlling religion of the land to rule as a puppet princess, but Snow has other ideas.
Surviving an assassination attempt by her jealous aunt, Snow seeks refuge with the seven sole survivors of the Dwarvian race. They are eking out an existence after the mass extermination of their people. From then on, it’s a race against time as Snow and her unlikely band of heroes look for allies and weapons to help the Princess seize her throne and save her people.
Think you know the Snow White story? Think again! Black Ice is a wonderful read containing over fifty pages of hand-drawn illustrations and is an imaginative and heartwarming read of loyalty and friendship.
About the Author
Julia Blake is a multi-genre author living in the heart of Suffolk. Inspired by a love of British folklore, fantasy, and all things bookish, she refuses to be defined by just one genre. To date, Julia has released sixteen books ranging from contemporary and romantic suspense to fantasy, sci-fi, short stories, and poetry. Winner of the Readers Digest 100-Word Story competition and a top-ranking finalist in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Novella Competition, she is a founding member of the Writers of Bury and Beyond group, and a staunch supporter of authors everywhere.
Links
Website: juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Amazon: getbook.at/BlackIce
The Battle Ground Series by Rachel Churcher
Genre
YA Dystopia
Book (The Battle Ground Series)
Battle Ground
False Flag
Darkest Hour
Fighting Back
Victory Day
Extras
Battle Ground Series tote bag
Battle Ground Series character posters
Pink camo multi-scarf
Book-themed notepads
Book-themed stickers and sew-on patch
Bookmarks
Letter from the author
About the Books
Sixteen-year-old Bex Ellman has been drafted into an army she doesn’t support and a cause she doesn’t believe in. Her plan is to keep her head down, and keep herself and her friends safe – until she witnesses an atrocity she can’t ignore, and a government conspiracy that threatens lives all over the UK. With her loyalties challenged, Bex must decide who to fight for – and who to leave behind.
With settings from Herefordshire to Scotland, and Wales to London, The Battle Ground series is a uniquely British near-future dystopian story – suitable for readers from 13 to 103.
- Bronze Medal, Reader’s Favorite International Book Awards 2021
- Bronze Medal, Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2019
- Reader’s Favorite Five-Star Book
About the Author
Rachel Churcher is the award-winning author of the UK-based dystopian Battle Ground Series, and co-organiser of the Foreword Festival – the UK’s first Literary Fringe Festival. She is a promoter and community organiser for East Anglian authors, a professional editor, and science-fiction enthusiast. Follow her on social media (@rachelchurcherwriting), and find her books at TallerBooks.com.
Links
Website: http://TallerBooks.com
Battle Ground: http://getbook.at/BattleGroundBook1
Author info: http://viewauthor.at/RachelChurcher
Author Photo by John Woodward Photography, 2023
The Guidal: Discovering Puracordis by Roxy Eloise
Genre
YA Dystopian Romantasy
Book
The Guidal: Discovering Puracordis
Extras
Letter from the author
About the Book
Growing up here in this institution, I learned to keep out of Jennson’s way. I’m left alone as long as I follow the rules and allow them to make all my choices. But now that I’m sixteen, they want to make a life-changing decision. Others are excited to be entered into Unity, and it seems I’m the only one who doesn’t want my husband chosen for me. As my Unity ceremony looms and I’m maturing, I’m starting to feel weird—different. And being different is not something that will be tolerated, not where I’m being raised. Serve, Honour, Protect, and Defend.
About the Author
Roxy Eloise is a successful participant of the Pitch Wars event held quarterly on Twitter. Her pitch cut through the noise, capturing the attention that ultimately led to a traditional publishing contract. Through the act of writing, Roxy discovered not just an art form, but a lifeline – a place where she could both express herself and find solace.
Links
Website: https://www.roxyeloise.com
Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/3bLTnHI
Tiktok and Instagram: @RoxyEloiseOfficial
Leaping Beauty by Rebecca Fox
Genre
YA Fantasy
Book
Leaping Beauty
Extras
Framed A3 map of Landfelian – signed on the back
Framed poster of the cover for Leaping Beauty – signed on the back
Bookmarks
Letter from the author
About the Book
In a kingdom that has lost its way, at a time when there are few bright things left to stop the carriage for, a young woman jumps out of a window and blazes an unexpected trail. Breaking out of the palace she’s been shackled to by a dark curse, the last remaining heir to the throne, Red Felian, has days to remove a voodoo anklet that has begun to leech away her life. Determined not to die before tasting mead, seeing more of the land she is due to inherit, and discovering what happened to her missing parents, this princess isn’t about to let anything get in her way – not even an army of guards, a sadistic son of a lawyer, a floating wood of amorous tree toads or her growing curiosity for Robbie, a knavish Man of the Road. But at death’s door, there’s only so much a girl can do alone …
About the Author
Rebecca Morrison-Corley (writing as Rebecca Fox) was born in Hong Kong in 1981 and spent most of her young life imagining stories with a Burmese cat, an English Setter called Ben and a bamboo stick masquerading as a magic wand.
For the next part of her life, she just watched lots of films with her brother James instead of doing her homework. After studying English and Film Studies at university. She left to complete an NCTJ with every intention of pursuing a career in journalism. Here she realised a fantasy-prone imagination was not the most useful tool for reporting current affairs.
So, after a brief stint in film production in Malaysia, Rebecca returned home to the wilds of Suffolk to work for her local theatre whilst juggling two small children in the air. She continues to write whenever she can on the third book in the trilogy, having completed Missing Midnight, the sequel. Her first novel, Leaping Beauty, was published in August 2023.
Links
Website: https://www.tinytruths.co.uk/
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/leaping-beauty/rebecca-fox/9781739356101
The Dwelling Hunter Series by MJ Glenn
Genre
YA Fantasy
Books (The Dwelling Hunter Series)
On the Edge
In the Dark
Bounty Hunter (prequel short story)
Snatcher (prequel short story)
Extras
Poster
Bookmarks
Letter from the author
About the Books
On the Edge: An orphaned outlaw is recruited into the Bounty Hunters gang, and discovers a secret that changes her world.
In the Dark: With a close friendship in jeopardy, Ebony Wick needs allies. But when Samuel Sanker is captured by the Bounty Hunters, Ebony has a difficult decision to make. Is trusting the enemy her only option?
Bounty Hunter: Hunter Sparrow is a young man forging his way as the leader of the Bounty Hunters. But when he receives a letter from his brother, things take a turn for the worse.
Snatcher: When Alastor’s dream job is taken from him, he must find another way to protect his daughter. But with his cousin in the way, proving his potential could take an ugly turn.
About the Author
Founder of award-winning Softwood Books, Maddy Glenn has also written a series of YA fantasy novels; a story of survival, demons, fairies, and gangs.
Links
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/maddyglenn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyglenn
(Photo Credit: Penny Morgan)
Sorceress of Truth by JD Groom
Genre
YA Urban Fantasy
Book
Sorceress of Truth
Extras
Metal bookmark
Keyring
Badge
Stickers
Letter from the author
About the Book
Sorceress of Truth is the story of Tory Harper, a young woman coming of age while growing into powers that she knows nothing about. The world around her is a lie and she falls into the truth almost by accident. As her life is flipped upside down, she unravels the stark reality that our entire existence is hanging in the balance. A demon is rising, and he's out for revenge. Tory quickly has to come to terms with the fact that nothing is as it seems, and that trust and betrayal go hand in hand.
About the Author
In true Sagittarian fashion, JD Groom was born to learn, travel, and have multiple projects on the go! Her fictional tales – like her interests and hobbies – are spread over many genres, ranging from short stories to full-size novels. As well as writing, Jodie enjoys crafts of all kinds, reading, has an interest in history, and is a big fan of Formula 1.
Links
Website: https://jdgroom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodie_at_home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjdgroom
The Other Side of the Whale Road by KA Hayton
Genre
Historical YA
Book
The Other Side of the Whale Road
Extras
Letter from the author
About the Book
The Other Side of the Whale Road is a time-slip novel suitable for readers of 13 years and up, set partially in Anglo Saxon Suffolk. It uses the myth of the martyrdom of King Edmund as a framework to tell a coming-of-age story. The main character is a 16-year-old boy from a troubled family. Expect some moderate violence and strong language.
About the Author
KA Hayton studied English Literature at university and has been writing for a long time. The Other Side of the Whale Road is her first novel, and was shortlisted for two prestigious literary awards: the East Anglian Book Award in 2022, and the New Angle Prize in 2023. She is currently working on her second teenage novel.
Links
Publisher Shop: https://www.eye-books.com/books/the-other-side-of-the-whale-road
The Quarton Trilogy by Ian Hornett
Genre
YA Science Fiction
Books (The Quarton Trilogy)
Quarton: The Bridge
Quarton: The Coding
Quarton: The Payback
Extras
Letter from the author
About the Book
Four Souls. Two worlds. One titanic struggle.
The Quarton Trilogy starts with Quarton: The Bridge.
Fen, a young scavenger in a London ripped apart by a nuclear attack, finds the last Quarton – a piece from a bridge built to span two worlds. The powerful stone shows glimpses of her past; many lives lived in other times and places. Soon, her fight to stay alive will turn into a much larger battle: the battle for the future of the planet she, with three other reincarnated souls, have lived on for thousands of years.
The Quarton Trilogy is fast-paced, highly original science fiction, with a dystopian twist, complex characters and a scintillating plot that will delight adults – young and not-so young.
About the Author
Possibly the only Customs-Officer-turned-teacher-turned-author who supports Colchester United, Ian is busy making up for lost time not writing, by writing. His other works include a theatrical production, Saddle Sore, a compendium of 100-word stories, and an adult cosy-mystery series about Maggie Matheson, a sprightly octogenarian spy.
Out very soon, his latest novel, Shoal, is written for children, and takes Ian back to his sci-fi roots.
Links
Website: https://ianhornett.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Ian-Hornett/author/B07NVNC3TW
Blogs: http://eepurl.com/hqtPnz
The Wolf and the Water by Josie Jaffrey
Genre
YA Dystopian Fantasy
Book
The Wolf and the Water
Extras
Book-themed goodies
Letter from the author
About the Book
The ancient city of Kepos sits in a valley overlooked by a towering, sacred wall. Teenaged loner Kala has never had any reason to question what lurks on the other side of that wall, until her father dies in suspicious circumstances. During her investigation into his death, she discovers a terrible secret that threatens to destroy the entire city. She will have to learn to trust new friends to make it out of the valley alive.
About the Author
Josie Jaffrey is a fantasy and historical fiction author who writes about lost worlds, dystopian societies and paranormal monsters (vampires are her favourite).
Links
Website: www.josiejaffrey.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/josiejaffrey/
The Hamgeean Misfit Series by MT McGuire
Genre
YA Fantasy
Books (The Hamgeean Misfit Series)
Night Swimming
Small Beginnings
Nothing To See Here
Close Enough
Too Good To Be True
Extras
Postcards
Bookmarks
Letter from the author
About the Books
If you like reading about witty and likeable characters and enjoy fantasy settings and plots, but appreciate a dash of modern technology, here and there—like laser guns and flying cars—you will enjoy the Hamgeean Misfit Series. Each book can be read as a standalone instalment but there is an overall story running through the books. McGuire is often compared to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett by reviewers, which she admits is flattering, but not that helpful. There are echoes of Pratchett and Adams, in that these books are as unashamedly British as Dr Who, contain jokes and share many similar themes, but as the author puts it, 'They're not as good as Adams or Pratchett, they're the best that I can do.' The most recent instalment in the series, Too Good To Be True, contains the only 11mph barge chase in British literature ... probably.
About the Author
Humorous science fiction fantasy author, MT McGuire, is old enough to know better but still checks every single new wardrobe she encounters for a gateway to Narnia. She hasn’t found one yet but she lives in hope. She’d like to be able to tell you she’s a NY Times bestselling author. Sadly, she can’t because that would be a lie. However some of her books have won Wishing Shelf Book Awards; a bronze (2015) and a silver (2011).
Links
Website: https://www.hamgee.co.uk
Webstore: https://www.payhip.com/hup
Photo Credit: John Woodward Photography 2023
XY, Z and SE6 by Jess Molyneux
Genre
Contemporary YA
Books
XY, Z
SE6
Extras
Letter from the author
About the Books
Being with Alex is all Zoe’s dreamed about for the whole of Year 12 ... but when he gets the chance to realise his dreams, does she love him enough to risk losing him?
If you like those miserable stories where it's the end of the world and people are being forced to eat each other in a police state, then XY, Z may not be for you. However, if you love feel-good romance with lots of realistic heat, look no further. This is a story of first love, including some mature content for older teenage readers.
In the follow-up, SE6, 19-year-old Zoe's bossing uni in London ... but where's Alex? The streets may be paved with gold, but are there a few potholes ahead when adult life gets in the way?
About the Author
Jess Molyneux is the pen name of author Sue Bordley from the Wirral. During her 25-year teaching career, she was alerted to the need for better relationship education for teenagers, so her Jess Molyneux novels are intended to give older teenage girls an insight into adult relationships in an educational, yet humorous way.
Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B07TBWH8T1/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suebordleywriter/
Air-Born by Laura Power
Genre
YA Fantasy
Books
Air-Born
Extras
Letter from the author
About the Book
Air-Born is the first in a five-part upbeat and action-packed young adult fantasy series, about a Fairy who loses the ability to fly but learns that her transformation is only just beginning!
Banished after losing a priceless heirloom days before her coming-of-age ceremony, Amber's search takes her far beyond the borders of Fairymead and sends her stumbling into a Goblin plot of sorcery and savagery. Giving up her ability to fly in order to rescue Racxen, a swamp-dwelling, claw-handed young Arraheng man who is battling demons of his own, Amber joins forces with him to both thwart a monster long consigned to legend and carve her identity anew. In a land where magic is fading, can two outcasts save the Realm?
About the Author
A steadfast believer in the value of fantasy as a nurturing space and safe escape, Laura draws inspiration from everywhere wild and magical and seeks to both celebrate and inspire the indomitable nature of the human spirit through her writing. After years working in forensic psychiatric and special education settings, she trained as a safari guide in South Africa and now lives on the Isle of Man where she helps train Search and Rescue dogs in her spare time.
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairiesAndArrahengForever
Tomorrow’s Ancestors series by AE Warren
Genre
YA Dystopia
Books (Tomorrow’s Ancestors Series)
Subject Twenty-One
The Hidden Base
The Fourth Species
The Final Rising
Extras
Bookmarks
Letter from the author
About the Books
What if our future lies 40,000 years in our past? Subject Twenty-One is an astonishing debut novel in which a young woman's refusal to accept the status quo opens her eyes to the lies her society is built on.
Elise's world is forever changed when she is given the opportunity of a lifetime – to work at the Museum of Evolution and be a companion to the Neanderthal, Subject Twenty-One.
As a Sapien, a member of the lowest order of humans, she and others like her are held responsible for the damages inflicted on the world by previous generations. This job may be Elise's only chance to escape a stagnating life in an ostracised and impoverished community.
But it doesn't take long for Elise to realise that, away from the familiarity and safety of her home, her own secrets are much harder to conceal.
And the longer she stays the more she comes to realise that little separates her from the exhibits ... and a cage of her own.
About the Author
After spending eight years working as a lawyer, A.E. Warren began to write in the evenings and early mornings as a form of escapism from life in a very small cubicle with lots of files. She self-published her first novels in her spare time, which were picked up by Del Rey UK who are the science fiction/fantasy imprint of Penguin Random House.
She is an avid reader, occasional gamer and fair-weather runner. Subject Twenty-One is her debut novel and there will be four books in the Tomorrow’s Ancestors series. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter and hopefully, one day, a wise border terrier named Austen.
Links
Website: https://www.aewarren.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P2QM4GW/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauthoring/
