Screamcatcher: Web World (Screamcatcher Book 1) by Christy J. Breedlove

Screamcatcher: Web World is a YA fantasy book sent to me by the author. Ever since Jory Pike lost her parents to a car accident, she has been haunted with terrible nightmares. She reluctantly agrees to try the original Chippewa dream catcher during a sleepover with her friends Choice, Darcy, and Lander. However, the dream catcher works too well- not only catching their dreams- but the teens as well! They get sucked into an alternate universe created by centuries of nightmares. Jory and her friends must attempt to survive their own worst nightmares and find the center of the dream catcher where they can escape through the light.

Screamcatcher is a very creative concept. I've always thought of dream catchers as pretty, peaceful items, so it was intriguing for them to be representative of evil. I loved the alternate universe! The setting was extremely fascinating and creepy at times, especially with the humongous insects. The book was very mysterious, and I enjoyed the mix of danger and excitement. I also love how theories of evolution and the nature vs nurture debate came into play. It was fascinating to watch how Lander's personality and characteristics changed after being stuck in this opposing environment.

I love how the end turned out and the progress of Choice and Joy's relationship. The contrast between the character's personalities, especially Darcy, was humorous. It was also really sweet how Choice and Joy refused to leave Darcy behind, even though she was a weak link. Screamcatcher also showcased the importance of having a positive attitude, and Darcy's circumstances amusingly reminded me of The Little Engine That Could.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Screamcatcher: Web World
Author: Christy J. Breedlove
Publisher: Fire and Ice Young Adult Books
Pages: 219
Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 5 Stars
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Hidden Scales (Merrows Book 1) by A.M. Robin

Hidden Scales is a middle grade fantasy book about a girl who finds out she's a Merrow. This first book in the Merrows series was sent to me by the author. Hidden Scales will be released on September 1st! When eleven-year-old Mira and her friend Peter discover that she has grown actual scales on her feet, the discovery triggers a curse that has them running for their lives. With the help of their new friends, Mira learns that she is a Merrow, and must master her new powers to fight back against the Empress of the Sea.

I enjoyed the major thematic similarities to Keeper of the Lost Cities. If you enjoy that series, you’ll definitely love this book! The plotline was fun to read and easily understandable. I enjoyed the unique representation of many types of magical creatures, like gnomes, pixies, and dragons. I also liked that humans were able to coexist and share the same kingdom with the magical species, an idea often not written about. I wish I could live there! The setting was vivid and realistic with lighthearted, peaceful imagery that makes you feel happy.

I liked how even though Peter is human, his intellectual ability and determination to protect his friends still made him a beneficial ally and an important character to the story. Mira's internal conflict and growth was instrumental. She goes from being insecure and terrified of her powers to embracing her identity and having newfound confidence. The cover art is also beautiful and captures both the dangers and the wonders of the ocean and their abilities.

I am excited for the next book in this series!

Title: Hidden Scales
Author A.M. Robin
Publisher: A.M. Robin
Pages: 324
Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 5 Stars
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Hyperion's Shield (The Scales of Torma Book 1) by Nathan Schivley

Hyperion's Shield is the first YA fantasy book in the Scales of Torma series. This book was sent to me by the author. After the Eighth Great War between the Reysa and the Gartune, the Gartune defeated the Reytanas and built a huge shield that prevented their sun-based powers. The citizens live fearful lives under their rule. Inside the city, twins Loras and Regan dream of being Reytanas and taking back their home. When their dream shockingly comes true, the twins, along with their best friend Tinko, are forced to flee for their lives. After discovering a refugee camp for fellow Reytanas, the twins participate in a massive battle to take back their city.

I loved Hyperion's Shield! While the book is quite long, it is worth the time! This strong, exciting story was very well written and captivating! The world-building was special and vivid. The literal battle between darkness and light was intriguing and ironic. It is a completely original and extremely creative plotline. I enjoy it when I get to read content that I've never thought of before.

I enjoyed Xander's vast internal conflict- if he decides to be with the girl he loves, he turns his back on his family. It was fun for me to predict what side he would be on. Tinko was enjoyable and confident. While he has no powers of his own, he still managed to stand out with his creativity, humor, and resourcefulness. I loved the twins' struggle to adjust to their powers and solve the mystery of their destiny. I was shocked by the identities and roles of Loras and Regan in the amazing final battle, and I loved the sweet cliffhanger at the end!

I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

Title: Hyperion's Shield
Author: Nathan Schivly
Publisher: Blue Avenue Media
Pages: 585
Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 5 Stars

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The Unfettered Child by Micahel C. Sahd

The Unfettered Child is a YA fantasy book sent to me by the author. Long ago, the great magician Abizou became trapped inside a gem. He eventually is let out, and replaced with the evil elf Illtud. Years later, Abizou's spirit inhibits eight-year-old Samara, who discovers great power when fighting back against the elves who attack her village. Samara discovers the gem, and Illtud manipulates her magic with the goal of getting his revenge on the Havallan Empire. Meanwhile, her father fights to get his daughter back, no matter the cost.

I haven't read any concept like The Unfettered Child and highly enjoyed this unique magical story! I also liked the addition of Elves and their mischievous nature. I liked this unique approach to having a young child hold so much power. It was fascinating to watch her brain struggle to understand what she could do and the ramifications of her actions when she lost control of her magic.

I was amazed at how Samara was portrayed accurately to her age with emotional breakdowns. She also obtained a strong sense of moral beliefs and showed a massive amount of guilt that only a pure, innocent child could have. I felt bad for her struggle to overcome gullibility and traumatic memories. This much power caused quite the emotional turmoil in her, and my eyes teared up by the end of the book. Speaking of the end of the book, it was astonishing and I was totally shocked at the ending!

I highly recommend you read this book!

Title: The Unfettered Child
Author: Michael C. Sahd
Publisher: Michael C. Sahd
Pages: 414
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Clash Of The Celestials (The Red Rover Book 2) by C.E. Whitaker III

Clash of the Celestials is the second YA scifi book in the Red Rover series that was sent to me by the author. Two years ago, the teens on the Red Rover became the last surviving members of the human race after the Galicia star system was destroyed. Their resources have fallen extremely low and they tempt a landing on a new planet to find a new energy source, food, and water. Not only did the teens discover all of the above- they are also drawn into a war.

I liked the introduction of new species and the expansion of their world. How the teens were able to drastically impact the worlds around them were fascinating to me. Clash of the Celestials definitely grew in intensity and the climactic huge fight at the end was spectacular and vivid! The spider monsters were very creepy, if I do say so myself.

I enjoyed the growth in maturity of the characters and their desire to become leaders, not followers. Their determination, teamwork, and heroism is a huge step up from the previous book. The reasons behind Andrew's parent's deaths were explored, and I liked watching his emotional breakdowns that provided a surge of realism.

I highly recommend this book!

Click here to read my review of the previous book in this series, The Red Rover: Origins

Title: Clash of the Celestials
Author: C.E. Whitaker III
Publisher: C.E. Whitaker III
Pages: 305
Series: Yes, Book 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads