Tag Archives: YA

Luminous Ties by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Spotlight)

 

When Ellie Winters discovers Zyx, an alien stranded on Earth after a crash, her world changes forever. Known as a “nerd” and an outcast at her high school, Ellie has never felt like she belonged—until Zyx shows her she’s capable of far more than she imagines.

As they forge an unbreakable friendship, Zyx teaches Ellie to embrace her inner strength, blending advanced alien technology with a magic-like energy that unlocks her potential. But their growing bond is threatened when Zyx’s ship is discovered, drawing the attention of relentless government agents.

Now, Ellie must outwit forces far greater than herself to protect Zyx and the future he represents. In a climactic journey of courage and sacrifice, Ellie will discover that the brightest lights come from within—and the ties we form with others are what truly make us strong.

Luminous Ties is a thrilling and emotional YA sci-fi novel about resilience, friendship, and finding your voice, perfect for fans of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson and Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray.

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 Partial Sample of the…

Prologue

The vast night sky unfolded like an endless tapestry, its stars flickering with quiet majesty. To some, it was a symbol of wonder, a reminder of infinite possibilities. To others, it was an ocean of darkness, filled with unseen dangers and uncharted paths. For one traveler, it was both—a place of beauty and peril that demanded precision with every step, every choice.

The traveler’s ship moved gracefully through the asteroid belt, its sleek frame gleaming with an ethereal light. Advanced technology hummed softly within, guiding it through the labyrinth of celestial debris. But even the most advanced navigation systems could falter. A rogue asteroid, spinning unpredictably, veered suddenly into the ship’s trajectory. Alarms screamed to life, red lights flashing in a chaotic rhythm as the traveler scrambled to react.

A momentary miscalculation. A fatal turn.

The ship jolted violently, spinning out of control. Instruments sparked, systems failed, and the vast blue-and-green orb of a nearby planet loomed closer. The traveler gripped the controls, attempting to stabilize the descent, but gravity had taken over. The ship became a streak of fire against the sky, hurtling toward the planet with unstoppable force.

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Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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Green Horizons by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Spotlight)

What would you sacrifice to save the future?

In a world where climate disasters are engineered for profit, BioCore reigns supreme—controlling resources, governments, and lives. But when Skye Parker stumbles upon evidence of their crimes, she becomes the face of a global resistance determined to bring them down.

With a team of misfits by her side, Skye launches a bold campaign to expose BioCore’s greed and corruption. But as the stakes rise, so do the risks. Facing devastating betrayals, impossible choices, and BioCore’s final gambit to destroy everything they can’t control, Skye must rally the world to stop a company willing to sacrifice it all.

Green Horizons is a gripping dystopian thriller that blends high-stakes action, complex characters, and a powerful message about resilience and hope. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Maze Runner, this heart-pounding story will leave you breathless—and ready to fight for change.

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The Price of Progress

 

The sky was dying, bleeding ash and fire across the horizon. Below, New Angeles teetered on the edge of ruin, its crumbling skyscrapers jutting like broken teeth from the rising tides. To those who could afford it, there were climate sanctuaries, domes of clean air and artificial sunlight. For everyone else, there was this—a world of unbreathable air and endless survival.

Seventeen-year-old Skye Parker adjusted her gas mask as she crouched on the edge of a dilapidated rooftop. The mask fogged slightly with each exhale, a constant reminder of how far humanity had fallen. In her hands, she held a damaged drone, its sleek frame scarred by something sharp and unforgiving. Its blinking red light cast faint, uneven pulses against her gloved fingers.

“Think it’s worth anything?”

Skye didn’t look up. She didn’t need to. That was Leo Martinez, her best friend and resident pain in the ass, leaning against a rusted railing like they weren’t perched above a city ready to devour them whole. His usual smirk was audible in his voice.

“It’s not about worth,” she muttered, her focus on prying open the drone’s casing. Wires spilled out in a tangle of frayed circuits, and her hands worked with practiced precision. “It’s about what it knows.”

Leo tilted his head, watching her like one might watch a stray cat deciding if it wanted to trust you. “You keep chasing ‘what it knows,’ and one day, it’s gonna know too much. You know BioCore doesn’t like when people get curious.”

Skye’s grip on the drone tightened, her voice sharpening. “Yeah? Well, I don’t like BioCore. So I guess we’re even.”

Leo snorted, crouching beside her. His spray can rattled faintly in his bag. “You’ve got a death wish, you know that? What’re you even looking for?”

“Answers,” she said flatly. “And maybe a way to fix this mess while I’m at it.”

Leo’s laughter was dry, bitter. “Fix it? Skye, this mess doesn’t get fixed. It gets bought and sold by guys in suits who’ll never set foot in a place like this.”

Skye finally looked up, her eyes sharp behind the mask. “That’s what they want you to think.”

Before Leo could reply, the drone in her hands crackled to life. Its embedded screen flickered, displaying a distorted image—a set of coordinates, a timestamp, and a single word.

EMBER.


I hope you enjoyed a look at the story’s prologue. It’s not all of it. Only a portion to (hopefully) peak your interest. 

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Authors! 

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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Ellis in Imaginedland (or Prince of Whales) by Rocky Leplin (Book Spotlight)

Far in the future, a teenaged girl named Ellis Antlers is the last person left on Topside, her side of the planet.

After meeting the Guardian of Imaginedland and falling through the Earth, Ellis finds that her Topside compatriots have been there first, and all have been brainwashed in the sinister land of Purplevania. With a walrus-mustachioed Anglo-Siberian named Borax Meerschaum, the Prince of Whales and Leader of the Overground; his shape-shifting Golden Retriever sled dogs; and a slightly goofy athlete named Ribs Mgumba, the Congo Kid, Ellis encounters many strange hazards on her mission to unbrainwash her friends.

Near the end of Ellis in Imaginedland (or Prince of Whales), Ellis is unsure if she’s back in the real world, or still in Imaginedland. And isn’t this something everyone can relate to? After all, it’s your imagination that takes you on the wildest ride.

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Meet the Author

Rocky Leplin

Author of six books of rhymed verse, including the epic novel Humphrey’s Long Journey Away from the Sea.

His next publication is called Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk, a field guide to ominous animals.

In 2020 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his story The Incredible Man-Eating Marshmallow.

In 2022 his wacky how-not-to manual A Psycho’s Guide to Animal Companionship— Instructions for the abnormal pet companion was a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
 
In 2023 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his poem The Apartment Building Bore.
 
In 2024 he was a Finalist in the Humor category of the Next Generation Short Story Awards for his story The Tumultuous Tire Revolution.

He has written three novels, the musical The Purpose of the Moon and over 500 songs, many of which can be heard on this website.

 

https://www.rockyleplin.live/
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Punctuation Retreat: Adventures in Language by G. L. Sinclair (Book Review)

Brimming with wit & whimsy, this sweet picture book is a creative & stress-free introduction to basic punctuation. In this delightful children’s book, each punctuation mark comes to life with its own personality, helping readers understand their important roles in writing. Join the overworked punctuation marks as they embark on a whimiscal retreat to four Caribbean Islands! Hitchhiking on a tourist book to board the airplane, these lively characters take young readers on a colorful adventure. With vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes, discover how commas help you take a breath, periods end a sentence, question marks make you wonder, exclamation points show excitement and much more. This enchanting journey makes learning punctuation fun and memorable.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Learning how to punctuate a sentence properly can be tiresome. Most kids would rather be doing anything else than editing a sentence or paragraph. Teachers and (homeschooling) parents continually search for new ways to excite their students or children about learning. Well, look no further… Punctuation Retreat makes learning fun! 

In chapter one, the writer uses alliteration (words that start with the same letter) when presenting most of the punctuation marks: Penelope Period, Cedric Comma, Eloise Exclamation, Quincy Question, Lenny and Ricky (left and right quotation marks), Clara Colon, Sammy Semicolon, Amelia Apostrophe, Harry Hyphen, Peter and Pippa (open and close parenthesis), and Spencer Space. Swirly McWhirlpool (@ used in emails and to tag), Señor Wiggleworth (~ aka the tilde), Dottie Ellipsis (…) didn’t follow the alliteration route, but their names were catchy and cute, nonetheless. During the first few pages, readers will notice that each character’s name is assigned a specific color with their corresponding mark in the same hue. For example, Quincy Question was in dark green, and so was their punctuation mark. A creative touch that extensively feeds into visual stimuli, which is how most of the information is transmitted to the brain.  

Feeling overworked and underappreciated, the punctuation pals set off to a Punctuation Island Retreat for much-needed rest, relaxation, and fun. The first stop is Havana, where kids learn about Cuba’s capital and gain insight into the unique way the Spanish language uses question marks and exclamation points. Readers will also get the inside scoop on the “squiggly line over the N”: its name in English and Spanish and its function. 

Next, the punctuation marks jet off to the Cayman Islands, my dream vacation spot. There is much to do there, and the weather and sights are beautiful! In this chapter (#3), readers discover fun activities the island holds while understanding which grammar mark goes where. Readers will learn interesting facts, too. For instance, I had no idea of Blackbeard’s real name. Do you? If you answered no, I encourage you to pick up this wonderful book and discover the answer. Attend the Pirate Week Festival, too!  

After the friend group hopped out of the tourist book and into a magazine, they flew to Martinique, a French-speaking island many readers might have yet to hear of. During this section, I noticed the most missed opportunities to shade and bold punctuation marks used by their namesakes, like Amelia and her apostrophes. On the plus side, this chapter (#4) taught me a thing or two. I discovered how important ONE grammar mark was to the French people (to all of us, really) and what the French used in place of quotation marks. The most significant language difference came when the punctuation marks team visited Jamaica. (Read the sign written in Jamaican Patois and ask your class to note the differences and similarities between it and American English.)

Punctuation Retreat takes readers on an amazing adventure from Cuba to the Grand Cayman, onward to Martinique, and then to Jamaica before returning home. Kids learn to punctuate sentences correctly, are introduced to foreign languages, and gather wonderful information about each tourist spot. Young or old, we will all discover something new during our journey. Though I applaud the writer’s innovative way of teaching kids how, where, and why each punctuation mark is used, the writer missed moments when punctuation was not highlighted when their character spoke. But again, I must commend the long hours spent crafting this book; it had to be no easy feat! 

Punctuation Retreat presents information in a whimsical and fun way that’ll entertain kids instead of their typical reaction to grammar lessons — yawns. This book hits the mark from text to images, and I recommend including it in your grammar lessons. BTW: my favorite was the tilde. I loved the artist’s play on the grammar mark, using it as a mustache for Señor Wiggleworth.

 

Amazon’s recommended age group is 5-11 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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Meet the Author

I am an accountant by profession and have retired after many years of service. I always wanted to write a book. I developed a series of 6 books on punctuation/grammar for kids. This is a completely new experience for me, and I hope you like what I have written.


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Magical Noun Quest: Adventures in Language by G. L. Sinclair (Book Review)

Join four adventurous kids on an unforgettable treasure hunt in “The Magical Noun Quest”! When Emma, Jack, Liam and Sophie stumble upon a dilapidated cottage deep in the woods. Their curiosity gets the better of them, ignoring the warnings of their parents, they venture inside and discover a hidden library filled with dusty, ancient books.

Among the forgotten tomes, one book stands out—glowing and shimmering with a magical light. Drawn to its enchanting aura, the kids open the book and are instantly transported to a series of mystical worlds. Each new place they visit is filled with exciting challenges and wondrous discoveries, all centered around the fascinating world of nouns.

As they journey through an enchanted forest, bustling city, and mysterious islands, Emma, Jack, Liam and Sophie learn the true power of language. They uncover the importance of all types of nouns—people, places, things, and ideas—and how these words shape the world around them.

“The Magical Noun Quest” is a captivating adventure that teaches young readers the value of language and the magic hidden within words. Perfect for children who love a good story and are eager to explore the wonders of grammar, this book is sure to inspire and delight.

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

English can be tricky, and learning what each word represents in any given sentence can be mind-numbingly dull. Oh, how I wish Magical Noun Quest had been around when I was a child. Thank goodness it is here now! Magical Noun Quest helps elementary students discover the magic of nouns and how the world would crumble without them. 

Best friends Emma, Jack, Liam, and Sophie love going on adventures together, and so, on one hot summer afternoon, they pack and head to an abandoned cottage in the Maplewood Forest. Why this place, you may ask? There’s a rumor that inside the run-down building is a library filled with ancient and magical books. Guess what? The rumor was correct! Sophie, aged seven and the youngest member of the friend group, discovered a large dark brown book with gold patterns embossed on the cover titled The Enchanted Guide to Nouns. This book magically opened with a mist pouring out and engulfing the kids. It also spoke to them, saying it was a guide that would show them the magic of nouns. All the kids must do is say yes to the adventure, which they did.

As the library vanished, their quest (and yours at home) began: to find and categorize all the names in the magical realm before the Verb Goblin turns the nouns into other parts of speech. Noun hunters met many interesting characters in the book within a book, such as the talking eyeglass-wearing owl, chimera (discussed later), and Bella the talking butterfly. 

As we turn the pages, we first read the difference between singular and plural nouns. That’s not the exciting part, but what happened next was —each noun they read would magically appear in front of them. The forest came alive, but things began looking slightly off. The culprit? The Verb Goblin, as warned by the voice in The Enchanted Guide to Nouns. The children in the book have to identify plural and singular nouns. Extend the teaching by asking your class to name single and plural nouns they’d discover in a forest or classroom. Let your students become the heroes of their enchanted forest

On day two, the kids were transported to the City of Names and had to identify proper and common nouns to restore the city. Children did not learn the difference between the two right away; however, they got some assistance as the book characters arrived at the park and then pressed on to the museum and library. This adventure, like the forest one, offers educators a chance to get children involved in the story. Ask them to name proper or common nouns in their city/town. 

My favorite journey was in chapter four, where the magical journey took us to the Mysterious Island of Togetherness, home to the chimeras. (For those unfamiliar with mythical creatures, the illustrator added a cute drawing of this unique-looking animal.) In this section, Blazeclaw (the lead chimera) introduces readers to collective nouns representing groups of people, animals, and things. The author brilliantly reinforces the literary term by using familiar objects and groupings, such as a swarm of bees and a flock of sheep. 

As chapters 5-7 play out, readers transport to beautiful caverns (concrete and abstract nouns), a floating market (countable and uncountable nouns), and a meadow lacking descriptive words (noun phrases). In these final stops, the author once again used simple words to explain a possibly confusing subject matter. For instance, abstract might puzzle your reader at first, but after they read the writer’s definition and examples (i.e., happiness), their confusion will vanish as quickly as the Verb Goblin’s mischievous deeds! It is the same for countable (apples) and uncountable nouns (sand). And when I thought we’d never meet the Verb Goblin, they make a dramatic entrance, and chaos erupts. Join the brave noun hunters for the biggest challenge yet and share the wonders of language with your family and friends…one noun at a time. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 5-11 years old. With the excellent explanations and examples, I agree with this age range.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I am an accountant by profession and have retired after many years of service. I always wanted to write a book. I developed a series of 6 books on punctuation/grammar for kids. This is a completely new experience for me, and I hope you like what I have written.


Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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