Red Queen meets The Scorpio Races in a high-flying new fantasy series filled with passion, betrayal, and adventure from debut author Shina Reynolds.
Seventeen-year-old Aluma Banks has always dreamed of soaring freely through the skies astride a powerful winged steed of her own. But flying is a privilege granted only to the Riders of the king's Empyrean Cavalry, the aerial warriors who defend the borders of their land from the fallen kingdom of Laithlann.
Each year, Rider hopefuls across Eirelannia compete in the Autumn Tournament for the honor of joining the Cavalry. Aluma, trained to ride and fight by her retired Empyrean Rider father, knows she has what it takes to prove herself worthy-if only her father hadn't forbidden her from joining their ranks, in the hope of protecting his only daughter from the perils of war. To make matters worse, Thayer, Aluma's best friend who could be becoming something more, is competing-and if he wins, he'll leave her behind.
Finalist Fiction: Young Adult 2022 Best Book Awards
Claudia lives in a very small town in Southern Italy where the cobblestone streets are so narrow you can’t have a car, not that there is any money for one. No money, no food and barely any education. All around her is poverty and nothing to do but marry a local boy and start a family of her own. But Claudia has a feeling that there’s more for her out in the world. One fateful visit from a distant relative and suddenly she knows what she needs to do. Despite all the obstacles she knows she will face, Claudia sets out on a very difficult and unknown journey that challenges her every step of the way. A journey that will either be the best thing she’s ever done or the biggest mistake of her life.
Beyond the Cobblestones is a heartwarming tale based on true stories told to the author by her parents. It reminds us that it is important to stay true to oneself; to follow one’s dreams. Readers will feel inspired by this story to take action in their own lives and follow their passions!
Finalist Fiction: Young Adult 2022 Best Book Awards
DOLLEY MADISON UNITES YOUNG AMERICA!
Amidst the nonstop turmoil of the War of 1812, the decisive First Lady takes action and inspires an anxious nation.
Dolley Madison faces a bitterly divided Washington City when her husband, James Madison, becomes our fourth president. The prospect of war against Great Britain threatens to tear our fragile republic apart. The "Presidentess" hosts open parties in the new President's House to unite political foes and cultivate an American identity.
When President Madison declares war with disastrous results, Dolley carries on, ignoring the threats against her. However, as British soldiers march toward Washington City, she becomes their target. Now America's Second War of Independence hinges on her. What must she do to save the United States while also saving herself?
The true story of a woman with humble Quaker roots who rallies America during the War of 1812!
Finalist Fiction: Young Adult 2022 Best Book Awards
The times were dark. In a green land before time, all world animals laboured under the repressive rule of King Roar the Lion and the fierce Felines. Miaow, the timid and inconsequential chief of the cats, befriends a sixteen-year-old mysterious explorer, Jack. These two unlikely heroes engage in the impossible struggle for the liberty of the repressed animals. The conflict reaches its apogee with an epic but disastrous battle. Although the two protagonists were aware their survival was at stake, little did they know that their enduring friendship would radically alter the destiny of the Animal World forever.
Finalist Fiction: Young Adult 2022 Best Book Awards
17-year-old Raven Jamison, and her three best friends, Nia, Jasmine, and Trinity, make up The Brown Girls Club. The girls spend long and carefree days in their bayou town of Lake Lacroix, nestled behind the big city of New Orleans.
A dinner time knock at the door abruptly changes everything.
When child protective services descend on their doorstep dropping off her younger cousin Carter, Raven is suddenly thrust into a brand new reality. Generational ties that affected the entire family for decades soon resurface. Carter’s presence rips at the Jamison household, and his aggressive and shocking behaviors may prove too much to handle for this seemingly picture perfect family. Raven, her family and friends must work together to overcome their shared pain and help Carter find his voice before it’s too late.
Finalist Fiction: Young Adult 2022 Best Book Awards
Kyra Valorian is the most gifted Astral healer the golden-blooded realm of Aeles has seen in ages. When tragedy strikes, Kyra discovers she possesses a life-changing gift: she’s a Recovrancer, able to enter the realm of the dead and recover those who’ve died before their time. Unfortunately, recovrancy is outlawed in her realm. Desperate for answers, Kyra will do anything to get them . . . even partner with a dangerous enemy.
Sebastian Sayre is the most sought-after Daeval assassin in all of Nocens. A silver-blooded Pyromancer, he wields fire and dreams of finding Rhannu, a legendary sword that makes its holder invincible. Since the sword was long ago stolen from Nocens and hidden where no Daeval can retrieve it, however, such a dream seems impossible . . . until he encounters the one Astral who might be both able and willing to help him.
