{Nerd Blast} Beyond Midnight by D.J. MacHale

ASIN: B0BSK1XBR2
Publisher: The Equinox Curiosity Shop, Inc. (February 7, 2023)
Publication Date: ‎February 7, 2023
Language: ‎English

D.J. MacHale is the author of the bestselling book series Pendragon – Journal of an Adventure Through Time and Space; the spooky Morpheus Road trilogy; the sci-fi thriller trilogy The SYLO Chronicles; the spooky anthology The Library; the Audible Original fantasy The Equinox Curiosity Shop and the whimsical picture book The Monster Princess. In addition to his published works, he has written, directed and produced numerous award-winning television series and movies for young people including Are You Afraid of the Dark?; Flight 29 Down and Tower of Terror. D.J. lives with his family in Southern California.

A collection of seven strange and supernatural short stories and novellas from the storyteller who gave voice to The Midnight Society of Are You Afraid of the Dark? and authored the #1 NYT bestselling Pendragon - Journal of an Adventure Through Time and Space book series. These yarns, intended for more mature readers, invite you into the lives of several individuals who find themselves trapped in unusual dilemmas that range from eerie to impossible, from frightening to deadly. Join author D.J. MacHale on a twisted journey that will take you to the limits of sanity and challenge you to find a way back.

Influence Island - A desperate author goes to extreme lengths to break through writer's block.
The Blood Code - A doctor's search for immortality pushes him to deadly extremes.
Freshly Squeezed - A middle-aged man's strange odyssey through a haunted town.
Time Trials, Unlimited - A young man gets a second chance at life, and death.
The Scout (Redux) - Lost in the desert, a boy is pursued by a relentless killer.
The Weeper - A chilling legend may prove to be all too real.
The Paper Trail (Vera) - The arrival of a stranger in a small town triggers a series of terrifying events.

You can purchase Beyond Midnight at the following Retailer:

        

Photo Content from D.J. MacHale

D.J. MacHale – Is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the book series Pendragon – Journal of an Adventure Through Time and Space as well as the spooky Morpheus Road trilogy and the sci-fi thriller trilogy The SYLO Chronicles. In addition to several other published works, he has written, directed and produced many award-winning television series and movies including Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Flight 29 Down, and Disney’s Tower of Terror.

D.J. lives with his family in Southern California. Visit him at djmachalebooks.com as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

        

PastTours

Read More

{Nerd Blast } Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee

ASIN: B09RX41PKP
Publisher: Aladdin (September 27, 2022)
Publication date: September 27, 2022
Language: English

Praise for HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET

"A powerful depiction of the impact of climate change on a young activist’s mental health." —Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old Haven Jacobs can’t stop thinking about the climate crisis. In fact, her anxiety about the state of the planet is starting to interfere with her schoolwork, her friendships, even her sleep. She can’t stop wondering why grownups aren’t even trying to solve the earth’s problem—and if there’s anything meaningful that she, as a seventh grader, can contribute.

When Haven’s social studies teacher urges her to find a specific, manageable way to make a difference to the planet, Haven focuses on the annual science class project at the local Belmont River, where her class will take samples of the water to analyze. Students have been doing the project for years, and her older brother tells her that his favorite part was studying and catching frogs.

 

But when Haven and her classmates get to the river, there’s no sign of frogs or other wildlife—but there is ample evidence of pollution. The only thing that’s changed by the river is the opening of Gemba, the new factory where Haven’s dad works. It doesn’t take much investigation before Haven is convinced Gemba is behind the slow pollution of the river.

She’s determined to expose Gemba and force them to clean up their act. But when it becomes clear taking action might put her dad’s job—and some friendships—in jeopardy, Haven must decide how far she’s willing to go.

You can purchase Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Carolyn Simpson

Barbara Dee is the author of twelve middle grade novels including Violets Are Blue, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.

        

PastTours

Read More

{Nerd Blast} The Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (May 10, 2022)
Language: English
Hardcover: 240 pages
ISBN-10: ‎0593175778
ISBN-13: 978-0593175774

Praise for THE NATURAL GENIUS OF ANTS

"Endearingly executed, this gentle tale will see readers applauding as they reach the end." —Booklist, starred review

"Quietly and emotionally intelligent, this tale satisfies." —Kirkus Reviews

"This hopeful story that explores the reality of hardship and mistakes amid themes of forgiveness and resilience.” —Publishers Weekly

Praise for DONW TO EARTH

“A captivating middle-grade novel.” —Booklist (Starred Review)

“Heartwarming and absorbing, this is a solid choice for middle grade collections. Perfect for readers who want a great small-town story mixed with STEM.” —School Library Journal

“This is the perfect match for middle graders starting to sort through what we do know, what we don’t know yet, and what might be unknowable.” —The Bulletin, April 2021

A summer ant farm grows into a learning experience for the entire family in this lyrical coming-of-age story from the award-winning author of Down to Earth.

Harvard is used to his father coming home from the hospital and telling him about all the babies he helped. But since the mistake at work, Dad has been quieter than usual. And now he is taking Harvard and his little brother, Roger, to Kettle Hole, Maine, for the summer. Harvard hopes this trip isn’t another mistake.

In the small town where he grew up, Dad seems more himself. Especially once the family decides to start an ant farm— just like Dad had as a kid! But when the mail-order ants are D.O.A., Harvard doesn’t want Dad to experience any more sadness.

Luckily, his new friend Nevaeh has the brilliant idea to use the ants crawling around in the kitchen instead. But these insects don’t come with directions. So the kids have a lot to learn—about the ants, each other, and how to forgive ourselves when things go wrong.

ABOUT DOWN TO EARTH

Counting by 7s meets See You in the Cosmos in this heartwarming coming-of-age story perfect for the budding geologists and those fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.

Henry has always been fascinated by rocks. As a homeschooler, he pours through the R volume of the encyclopedia to help him identify the rocks he finds. So, when a meteorite falls in his family’s field, who better to investigate than this rock enthusiast–with his best friend, James, and his little sister, Birdie, in tow, of course.

But soon after the meteorite’s arrival, the water in Henry’s small Maine town starts drying up. It’s not long before news spreads that the space rock and Henry’s family might be to blame. Henry is determined to defend his newest discovery, but his knowledge of geology could not have prepared him for how much this stone from the sky would change his community, his family, and even himself.

Science and wonder abound in this middle-grade debut about an inquisitive boy and the massive rock that came down to Earth to reshape his life.

You can purchase The Natural Genius of Ants at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Betty Culley

Betty Culley’s debut novel in verse Three Things I Know Are True, was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick, an ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nominee, and the 2021 Maine Literary Book Award Winner for Young People’s Literature. Her first middle-grade novel Down to Earth is inspired by her fascination with meteorites, voyagers from another place and time. She’s an RN who worked as an obstetrics nurse and as a pediatric home hospice nurse. She lives in central Maine, where the rivers run through the small towns.

        

PastTours

Read More

{Nerd Blast} The Sisters of Luna Island by Stacy Hackney

ASIN: ‎B09841SCGN
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 12, 2022)
Publication date: ‎April 12, 2022
Language: ‎English

Praise for THE SISTERS OF LUNA ISLAND

“This is a captivating fantasy with a touch of mystery centered around family. Readers will connect with Marigold’s thoughts and emotions as she deals with her parents’ separation, sibling conflicts, and middle school drama…A charming story of magic and sisterhood.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Blooms with heart—steeped in splendiferous scents and in the poignant complexities of magic and family.” —Ingrid Law, Newbery Honoree and New York Times Bestselling Author

Little Women gets a Nevermoor twist in this bewitching novel about a young girl tasked to break a centuries-old curse or risk losing her beloved sisters.

Twelve-year-old Marigold Lafleur is the last of a long line of aromages: witches who blend scents into practical charms using aromagic. But ever since a terrible accident injured her father and damaged Luna Island, Marigold and her sisters, Birdie and Lou, have vowed to abandon their family legacy and mama’s way of life. Shunned by their neighbors and overlooked by their parents, Marigold relies on her big sisters above all else.

But when Marigold discovers a secret curse that threatens her family, her sisters can't stop the impending danger. It’s up to Marigold and her best friend, Sam, to uncover the origins of the curse and break the spell. To do so, she must learn to trust her instincts and believe in her own unique magic or risk losing her beloved sisters forever.

You can purchase The Sisters of Luna Island at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Stacy Hackney

Stacy Hackney grew up in Virginia where she spent her early years forcing the neighborhood kids into performing plays she wrote, reading everything she could get her hands on, and singing in the school choir. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA in English literature and received a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. She currently lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, four sons, and their rescue dog named Albert. Stacy is the author of Forever Glimmer Creek and Sisters of Luna Island.

        

PastTours

Read More

{Nerd Blast} The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport

Publisher: ‎Harper Voyager (April 5, 2022)
Language: ‎English
Hardcover: ‎464 pages
ISBN-10: ‎0063058480
ISBN-13: ‎978-0063058484

Praise for THE BLOOD TRIALS

"The Blood Trials is one of my top reads of the year--a riveting story with richly-drawn characters caught in a tangle of political intrigue, systemic racism, and nonstop peril. Don't miss this one!" —Melissa Marr, New York Times Bestselling Author of Wicked Lovely

"The Blood Trials is a fresh, intense gut punch of a book that has everything I love most in sci-fi and fantasy. I rooted for Ikenna, the trials gripped me, and the political mystery at the heart of it all kept me constantly on my toes." —Susan Dennard, New York Times Bestselling author of the Witchlands series

“With a high-octane sci-fi setting, a twisty murder mystery, and a badass heroine, THE BLOOD TRIALS is a damn good time.” —Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf

“The Blood Trials is an electrifying debut that deftly incorporates the best elements of science fiction and fantasy. A must-read!” —Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching

"An action packed adventure paired with luscious world building makes The Blood Trials an enthralling, unputdownable read. Davenport is a force to be reckoned with." —Bestselling author of Cinderella is Dead, Kalynn Bayron

"Davenport’s ambitious debut is gritty and bloody, and balances emotional arcs with fast action. Fans of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising and Evan Winter’s The Rage of Dragons will find similarities in Ikenna’s journey." —Library Journal

"Davenport debuts with an ambitious epic that blurs genre lines, setting futuristic technology against a historical fantasy backdrop...this invigorating debut marks Davenport as a writer to watch." —Publishers Weekly

"If you want to be on the edge of your seat, find another book, because this one hands you a blade, shoves you right into the action, and demands you start running if you want to keep up. It is action, mystery, and heartfelt character--all balanced perfectly on the tip of a knife." —Scott Reintgen, Bestselling author of the Nyxia series

“Each bloody scene has depth and leads to more answers that compel you to keep reading, which was one of my favorite aspects of Davenport’s writing.” —Lightspeed Magazine

"The Blood Trials is an ambitious debut by N.E. Davenport had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and constantly guessing. This story beautifully tackles some difficult themes that resonated with me deeply and imagined the main character that I fell in love with." —Bookish Brews

Blending fantasy and science fiction, N. E. Davenport's fast-paced, action-packed debut kicks off a duology of loyalty and rebellion, in which a young Black woman must survive deadly trials in a racist and misogynistic society to become an elite warrior.

It's all about blood.

The blood spilled between the Republic of Mareen and the armies of the Blood Emperor long ago. The blood gifts of Mareen's deadliest enemies. The blood that runs through the elite War Houses of Mareen, the rulers of the Tribunal dedicated to keeping the republic alive.

The blood of the former Legatus, Verne Amari, murdered.

For his granddaughter, Ikenna, the only thing steady in her life was the man who had saved Mareen. The man who had trained her in secret, not just in martial skills, but in harnessing the blood gift that coursed through her.

Who trained her to keep that a secret.

But now there are too many secrets, and with her grandfather assassinated, Ikenna knows two things: that only someone on the Tribunal could have ordered his death, and that only a Praetorian Guard could have carried out that order.

Bent on revenge as much as discovering the truth, Ikenna pledges herself to the Praetorian Trials--a brutal initiation that only a quarter of the aspirants survive. She subjects herself to the racism directed against her half-Khanaian heritage and the misogyny of a society that cherishes progeny over prodigy, all while hiding a power that--if found out--would subject her to execution...or worse. Ikenna is willing to risk it all because she needs to find out who murdered her grandfather...and then she needs to kill them.

Mareen has been at peace for a long time...

Ikenna joining the Praetorians is about to change all that.

Magic and technology converge in the first part of this stunning debut duology, where loyalty to oneself--and one's blood--is more important than anything.

You can purchase The Blood Trials at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from N.E. Davenport

Nia "N.E." Davenport is the Science Fiction/Fantasy author of the forthcoming The Praetorian Trials and its sequel (Harper Voyager). She attended the University of Southern California and studied Biological Sciences and Theatre. She has an M.A. in Secondary Education, and she teaches English and Biology. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys vacationing with her family, skiing, and being a huge foodie. She’s an advocate for diverse perspectives and protagonists in literature. You can find her online, on Twitter @nia_davenport, or on Instagram @nia.davenport, where she talks about binge-worthy TV and great books. She lives in Texas with her husband and kids.

        

PastTours

Read More