YA fiction – Everything Is Better With Dragons

Audiobook Review: A Kind of Spark, by Elle McNicole

A Kind of Spark cover art — By: Elle McNicoll
Narrated by: Emma Tracey
Length: 4 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 28-07-21
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios

A Kind of Spark tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there’s more to the story of these ‘witches’, just like there is more to hers. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her and her autism, and make her voice heard?

A story about friendship, courage and self-belief, perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy.

My Review

I listened to this book on the recommendation of other members of the Narrative of Neurodiversity Network, it’s the subject of this month’s Salon.

The best representation of the autistic experience I have read in fiction. The characters are very realistic and Addie is an absolute darling.

I have been both Addie and Keedie, but without the knowledge I was autistic. I didn’t quite have a Ms Murphy as a teacher at primary school but I had two teachers who combined would have been her. It was awful.

Keedie’s campaign and her developing friendship with Audrey is at the heart of the story, with her relationship with her sisters being a close secondary plot. It was heart wrenching. I cried a lot.

Brilliantly written and narrated. Highly recommended.

Cover Reveal: ‘The Emerald Tablet Series’, by JM Hart

The Emerald Tablet Omnibus Edition; three books in one.
Shaun can’t shake the deep anger over his mother’s death. But when his father’s desperate actions release parasitic hell-beasts upon the world, he has a much bigger fight on his hands.
Kevin hoped his country would be immune to the pandemic turning everyday people into psychopaths. But as his horror grows, an incredible new power could be the only thing that prevents Earth’s destruction.
Sophia is terrified of God’s plan for her. Plagued by visions of planetary devastation, she prays she can reach her allies in time to save humanity.
As doomsday approaches, can the teens accept their destiny in time to protect their world?
The Emerald Tablet: Omnibus is three books of dark speculative fiction in one. If you like brave teenage heroes, intriguing mystical connections, and apocalyptic international settings, then you’ll love JM Hart’s incredible collection.
Buy The Emerald Tablet to unlock the adventure today!

Purchase Link: http://books2read.com/The-Emerald-Tablet-Omnibus-book-1-2-3

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QH8KWDZ Reduced price for a limited time: $4.99 ebook only on Amazon

Convergence
As doomsday approaches, can the teens accept their destiny in time to protect their world?
Seven special teens. A deadly ancient evil. Can they combine their unique powers and halt the infection before humanity is obliterated?
Shaun is dying. The plane’s engine is failing. Kevin must open a portal to catch the falling plane and save Shaun’s life.
Sophia is terrified of God’s plan for her. Plagued by visions of planetary devastation, she prays Shaun and Kevin can reach her in time to save humanity.
Convergence book three in The Emerald Tablet Series

Purchase Link – http://books2read.com/Convergence-book-3-in-the-emerald-tablet-series

For a limited time only book one, of the trilogy Shadows of Doubt is only $1.00 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K69DXG4

And now, the cover reveal:

Review: Zombie Nation book 1: Zombie Juice, by Samantha Warren

Publication Date: 5th October 2016

Available from Amazon: UK, US

Ebook received in return for an honest review.

The Kin twins, Kinley and Kincaid have lived in White Willows all their lives, almost sixteen years. They can just about remember the time before the zombie apocalypse. They live with their grandmother and help her run the town diner around their schooling. Soon they’ll finish school and become adults with more responsibility.

Then a convoy comes to town, bringing with it a new and deadly drug. And and new future for the twins.
This is a short book, only 80 pages long, but it was very enjoyable and certainly more original than some of the zombie apocalypse books I’ve read in the last year or so. The Kin twins are likeable characters and well-written, plot is well thought out and easy to read, and I like where it’s going. This book is a prologue to the series and we must wait to see where the author takes her characters.
There were a few editing errors, in word choice or grammar, which I’m sure will be ironed out before publication, but other than that I liked this YA novel.