#Blogtour Frank Penny and the Last Black Stag by Jeremy Elson

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour and also Publication Day for Frank Penny and the Last Black Stag by Jeremy Elson.

About the Author

Jeremy Elson found that most of his education went on outside the classroom. Learning things that he was interested in, away from normal lessons, was far more valuable. Now he and his wife home educate their son; Frank Penny was borne out of a desire to bring life to a home-educated child, as well as tell a compelling adventure story.

Jeremy lives in Guildford, UK. Apart from writing, his passions includes the outdoors, The Smiths, Chelsea Football Club and Star Wars Battlefront (apart from when he's being comprehensively beaten by his son!).

Follow Jeremy @ElsonAuthor and @FrankPennyBooks on Twitter, on Amazon, on Goodreads, on Facebook, Visit frankpennybooks.com, Buy Frank Penny and the Last Black Stag

About the book

Power is not for the weak or faint-hearted. If Frank, Cas, Gabby and Anya want to find the next two guardians of the Simbrian and keep them safe, they need to journey across the dangerous borderlands and into the dark and shadowy world of Kzarlac, sworn enemy of Byeland.

Ruled by the fearsome Etamin Dahke, Kzarlac is no place for four naïve teenagers. Keen wits and a large helping of luck are no guarantee they will succeed and return safely.

Driven by their desire to protect the delicate peace that has existed since the time of Kester, their quest is about to take a deadly turn, and the exposure of an inconceivable secret may make Frank regret ever having started.

Frank Penny and the Last Black Stag is the third book in the Frank Penny series.

Book 1: Frank Penny and the Mystery of Ludlow Hums

Book 2: Frank Penny and the Kzarlac Spy

Review

This is the third book in the Frank Penny series. This can be read as a standalone novel, however I would recommend reading the others in the series, not necessarily for the backstory - the author adds enough to get the gist, but for the read itself.

On their quest to find the guardians of Simbrian the group of teens must venture beyond their own safe borders and into the dangerous area of Kzarlac. Discovery could mean death or worse for themselves or anyone who decides to aid them.

It's hard to determine who to trust and when, but Frank seems to have an instinct for the when to do the right thing, as opposed what others think is right. I think it solidifies the way he makes decisions and his confidence going forward.

It will be interesting to see whether the young woman Frank has set his sights on will create a rift between the team, betray his trust eventually or become part of the bigger picture. Not everyone is enamoured by the pretty young thing and the budding relationship.

Elson does an excellent job of balancing the genre, the readership he is writing for and hooking the audience. The result is a read that will engage multiple age groups and readers eager to discover the secrets along with this intrepid team.

It's a Young Adult/Teen fantasy series. An adventure which gets a little more complex as the story goes on. One filled with secrets, betrayal and danger in every corner. Now that Frank has finally had his eyes opened what will he do with the knowledge he has acquired. I guess we will have to wait until the fourth book to find out.

Buy Frank Penny and the Last Black Stag at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Eyrie Press pub date 30 Nov. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive. At Eyriepress.co.uk

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Despite what people may have heard or read this book doesn't encourage teenage suicide nor does it romanticise the idea of suicide. I can't speak for the popular Netflix series inspired by this book, simply because I haven't watched it.

It's important to bear in mind that teenage brains aren't fully developed until they reach a certain age in adulthood. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the rational part of the brain, which isn't fully developed until the age of 25. This is why a teen is more likely to make rash, illogical, dangerous and impulsive decisions. Everything is overly dramatic and every slight is the end of the world as we know it.

In the mind of a teenager every insult, imagined or real, is a reason to make a decision you can't just undo.

The reader meets Hannah after she has made the decision to end her life. After she has convinced herself that there is no other way out of her situation other than killing herself.

Ultimately in the midst of all the drama and overhyped teenage interactions Asher is trying to deliver an important message. When someone reaches the end of their tether, and leans towards jumping off the nearest cliff, they will send out subconscious signals. The signals are there for us to see, hear and read, we just need to acknowledge them. Instead of ignoring the changes in behaviour, appearance or the almost indiscernible cries for help, we need to open our eyes and try to help.

The story starts with Clay Jensen receiving a box full of tapes, a spoken testimonial from a dead girl. A girl he knew, a girl he kissed, and a young girl who somehow thinks he belongs on a list of people who pushed her towards suicide. He has to deal with the emotional upheaval caused by this unexpected accusation and the experiences Hannah has been through. Clay also has to deal with the fact he will eventually come face to face with the other people on the list. The people who ignored her, turned her away, ridiculed and assaulted her.

Suicide brings an element of desperation with it, but also one of selfishness. Suicidal thoughts are all encompassing, especially when depression is part and parcel of the equation. There is no room for thoughts of what those left behind will have to deal with. The why, the who and the fact they didn't see it coming and couldn't stop it. Even when there is light at the end of the tunnel Hannah is already so enveloped by her own darkness that she chooses self destructive behaviour instead of choosing a path other than death.

I could go on and on about this book. It isn't just a straightforward 'everyone was mean to Hannah and that's why she is dead' scenario. Hannah isn't exempt from criticism. She makes mistakes and some dodgy choices, especially in regards to Jessica and Bryce.

Hopefully this read will make someone reconsider their actions and behaviour towards their fellow humans. Teens really need to take on board that actions have consequences, rumours ruin lives, bullying is destructive and suicide is a one-way ticket with no return.

Buy Thirteen Reasons Why at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Follow @jayasherguy @PenguinRHUK

This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

I think it would have put things into a clearer perspective if some of the info from the last page had been at the beginning, then again perhaps that was intentional. I am talking specifically about the duration of the event.

Time seems to wander by in drip drop moments throughout the story, so much so that I started to wonder why no-one was rushing to their aid. Surely the world outside isn't ignoring the tragedy unfolding in the high school?

Then in the information about the book and promotion of said book it states a specific time-frame, 54 minutes, and it all made much more sense. So I wondered why the time-frame wasn't mentioned as part of the foreword.

Perhaps the author wants the reader to comprehend how time stands still during such an event. Each second and minute seems like an eternity. It also puts the emphasis on how quickly such a tragedy can occur. Lives are lost within mere seconds. Time cannot be stopped nor can it be wound back.

The beginning was a little confusing. Hopping from one person to the other seemed a little arbitrary, until the doors closed on the auditorium.

One thing these events always have in common in hindsight is the why. Why did he or they do it? Why my child, son, daughter or spouse and not someone else? Were there any signs? Could someone have stopped it?

Unfortunately none of us possess the power of being able to see into the future. All we can do is be vigilante and try to pick up on the subtle and not so subtle signs. It is hard to comprehend the kind of anger that festers deep inside and takes over someone, who ends up killing innocent, men, women and children.

Tyler isn't the nice boy next door. He is a troubled young man, with violent tendencies and a penchant for abusing others. Perhaps not such a surprise that he is capable of killing.

It is a powerful story, a frightening one and a nightmare for every parent. There isn't really a moral to the story, but rather a shock of reality for readers. It is more a story about loyalty, love and compassion for others. In times of great fear and need we humans can do the one thing nobody would ever expect us to do. To protect and save others. A selfless and yet such a brave act.

Nijkamp is definitely an author to watch out for.

Buy This is Where it Ends at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

It's a Wonderful Death by Sarah J. Schmitt

Poor RJ is in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up in the middle of a Grim Reaper and gypsy, who isn't ready to depart from this world. Oops you're dead.

Instead of being shocked, dismayed or upset RJ is angry and indignant. How dare the Reaper make a mistake and interrupt her busy teenage schedule. She insists on being sent back pronto.

Essentially this story is about having the chance to rectify mistakes, to take the right path instead of the wrong one and being given a second chance.

Each interaction we have with another human being moves a cog in life. Depending on which direction it moves it sets different things in motion. So it goes without saying that changing one movement or direction in one cog can change a life.

The powers that be, and there are quite a few in the Heaven/Hell/In-between station, finally decide RJ at least deserves a try at being a better person. So she gets placed back into certain situations in the hope that she will make better choices for herself and for her fellow human beings.

Schmitt lays at lot of emphasis on bullying, peer pressure and taking responsibility for your actions. The underlying message being; how each of us and our decisions can impact others. If our interactions with others are negative then perhaps we are leaving a trail of destruction behind us.

Instead of ignoring the bullied kid in the corner maybe you should talk to them. If being with the popular kids means you have to be mean to others then maybe you need to find new friends. Do you ignore it when others are being picked on? Stand up and speak out.

A strong message to young people, but wrapped within a story, which is both witty and serious at the same time.

Thank you to Edelweiss for my copy of It's a Wonderful Death.
Buy It's a Wonderful Death at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Need by Joelle Charbonneau

Fascinating premise and perhaps not quite as unrealistic as one might think. Given the power of social media and how vulnerable and easily influenced young people are, it isn't really that far-fetched.

Imagine a social media site that will fulfil any need you might have. Not your wants or your wishes, but your needs. An Ipad, a phone, a trip to Disneyland or perhaps you need a car.

It all starts out with simple invitations and the fledgling members have the ability to invite a specific number of other users. (Reminds me of the way the social media platform Ello started out, and how coveted the invitations were at the beginning.)

Each user has to request a need, which is then submitted only when invites have been sent out. At least that's the way it starts out. All innocence and fun until the Need site starts asking their members for more than just extra members.

Things quickly become insidious and dangerous. Teenagers are manipulated into doing seemingly innocent deeds, all of which are connected in some way.

In the midst of all this is Kaylee, a young girl living with the an enormous burden on her shoulders. She has been looking for a solution to her problems and has lied, stolen and deceived to do it. Her mother no longer trusts her and everyone else thinks she is desperate and crazy.

Charbonneau has a fresh voice with innovative ideas. I think she let the story run away with her a little towards the end, because it wasn't as tight as in the beginning, but other than that it was an interesting idea and read.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of Need.
Buy Need at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Demon Road by Derek Landy

Derek Landy is also the author of the incredibly popular Skulduggery Pleasant series. His stories, and that includes Demon Road, have a subtle layer of wit running throughout them.

In this new venture Landy introduces a tough teenage girl, who is faced with a certain death sentence and changing her already sealed fate.She learns to accept her inner beauty and outer strength.

Poor Amber, imagine finding out you're not only a monster, but you're also the next full course meal for your parents and their friends. Luckily for her she has someone on the inside on her side, and that person leads her to Milo.

Milo is the dark horse, I hope we get to know him a lot better in a possible sequel. He starts out as the untrustworthy stranger and slowly becomes Amber's new family.

Everyone seems to spend all their time trying to outsmart the boss demon, which tends to end up complicating matters. Amber seems to be particularly talented at making bad situations even worse.

Will we see Glen again in the next book? There was a slight or suggestion that we might not have seen the last of him. I hope so , because he was quite funny.

It is a fast paced supernatural demonic extravaganza with witty dialogues and strong memorable characters. Oh, and kudos to Landry for making a point of calling out the cat-callers of our society.
I received a  free copy of this book via Netgalley.

Buy Demon Road at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Read Desolation (Demon Road #2).

Awake by Natascha Preston

Scarlett seems like a normal happy 16 year old with a very normal family. She finds herself falling falling for new boy Noah, who appears to just be your everyday 16 year old, except he isn't.

He is in fact part of a religious group, who have come to reclaim their sacrificial lamb. In a nutshell that is the plot, which is surrounded by a lot of teenage angst and romantic anxiety.

It is definitely more on the teen side of YA. The language is simplistic, and a lot of the scenes seem to suffer from hop skip and jumps in the thinking.

What could possibly have been an interesting psychological thriller with a religious cult twist is unfortunately a very placid teen story, which lacks any kind of oomph or twist.

The characters need more depth and the plot could have done with being a bit more fleshed out. Less haste and more time to develop the story.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

A Million Miles Away by Lara Avery

This is the kind of story, which attracts the type of reader, who is looking for a bit of heartbreak with their romance.

I have to say the characters are still quite young and the story leans towards the teeny side of YA.

Avery covers quite a few important issues, such as omitting the truth to keep someone safe and the way grief is dealt with individually.

However in the midst of all the heartache, tears and general drama there are some rays of light.

Would you make the same choice to keep someone safe and from unravelling if they are in a combat zone? Knowing or assuming the truth might just break them or be the one thing that takes their attention away from more important situations. The kind of situations, which may just cost their life or others lives.

Was Kelsey's choice wrong? I think there can be some debate about that, because I think her decision was instinctive, altruistic and made with the best interest of Peter in mind. Was it also about holding on and not being able to let go of Michelle? Absolutely, but I don't believe Kelsey was aware of it at the time she made the choice.

Is it predictable, well yes, but I think many who use that particular word tend to forget the fact romance readers really do like a specific pattern to the stories they read. Predictable then becomes exactly what I needed and what I wanted to read today.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

Everything You and I could have been If we weren't You and I by Albert Espinosa

Original title: Todo lo que podríamos haber sido tú y yo si no fuéramos tú y yo

Marcos has just lost his mother and has sworn to stay awake forever more. He has paid for an injection, which will render him unable to sleep ever again.

Although definitely an interesting sub-plot, it wasn't really linked to the main story in a way that made any sense or difference to the story.

I thought it was a missed opportunity, especially after Espinosa had gone to the trouble to point out how much we would miss sleep if it wasn't available to us any longer. Linking it to the more surrealist aspect of the book would have been intriguing.

There was an unspoken, yet hinted at, sense of inappropriate closeness between mother and son. It seemed almost incestuous, which is interesting because of the way that theme links to the end of the story. ( the book is about 130 pages in length)

It isn't easy to fit this into one genre, because it is a mixture of sci-fi (just a smidgen) and a kind of transcendental fantasy. Personally I think the story was more about souls, rebirth and parallel worlds.

Souls and soulmates being connected through time, space and different worlds. Connected, disconnected and reborn to find each other once again. Sometimes they find each other, but the relationships they are born into keep them from being together in the here and now.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine

I really enjoyed this little gem of a book. I think it may strike a chord with teen and young adult readers.

It combines the complexity of a vitriolic separation, the strained relationship between mother and daughter, the rekindled relationship between father and daughter, and the mindset of an arsonist. It also shows a connection via art, and in doing so teaches the reader about the subject.

Valentine has described the mentality of a firebug to a tee. The emotions, the feeling of release, the sense of power, the fascination and the peace after the fact.

How trauma and stress makes her retreat and use the fire as a coping mechanism. In a way it is also an excellent tactic to annoy and exact revenge on those around her.

Watching the relationship between Iris and Ernest be re-built within a few days left a feeling of nostalgia and sadness. Lost time can never be regained, and in a way I feel this was the author's way of shouting out to parents in divorce situations.

The parents, who are right-fighters and use their children as weapons against the other parent. The ones who end up alienating the child from one parent. Leaving aside the fact there are certainly situations, such as abuse of any kind, where keeping a parent away from a child is perhaps in the best interest of the child.

In this story it is about control and using Iris or rather her absence, as a weapon against Ernest. Hannah is only motivated by greed, money and the need for complete and utter control. She starts playing Iris and Ernest off against each other, well at least she thinks she is. There seems to be no maternal instinct at all. In fact she as far as Hannah is concerned Iris needs to be a non-factor when it comes to Ernest.

The end is nothing less than poetic justice. Possibly the dream of every teen in similar situations.
I really liked the way Valentine was able to relate to how a teen like Iris would feel and react. A really good read.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

Talon by Julie Kagawa

This is the first in Julie Kagawa's dragon-shifter Urban Fantasy.

Ember and Dante are dragons,who can assume a human form, which they need to do to stay hidden within the human society. The two of them come from the same nest, which is highly unusual in dragon society.

Note that although the assumption is that they are considered by all and themselves to be twins, however the phrasing Kagawa uses may indicate a second origin for either Dante or Ember. Just speculation on my part, mainly due to the way their egg nesting or hatching is described.

The two teens couldn't be more different. Ember is outgoing, free-spirited, rebellious and Dante is determined to abide by the rules, regimented and happy to stay within the boundaries laid out for him. Ember is torn between her two souls.

Her human soul and body wants Garret the human, and her dragon body and soul really want Riley. Ember and Riley's dragons speak to each other on such an intimate level it is as if they were destined to find each other.Little does Ember know that both her hunky heartthrobs have hidden agendas, one of them is planning to kill her and the other save her from Talon. Apparently Talon isn't exactly what they are pretending to be. Are they really protecting the hatchlings?

Kagawa has once again created an exciting venture into Urban Fantasy. I can see this story appealing to younger readers, especially those in the midst of the their first experiences with love. Is it as intricate as Kagawa's Iron Fey series,? No. Or as dark and mesmerizing as her dystopian Blood of Eden series? No.

It is a little more mellow when it comes to complexity and focuses a lot more on matters of the heart and gut emotions. Perhaps time will tell if this romantic ménage à trois will develop into a series with more grit. At the moment it does tick all the boxes for a compelling Urban Fantasy read, but knowing Kagawa this is only the beginning and there is much more to come.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK & Harlequin Teen.

Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts

A tale of hope and despair in equal measures.
Zac is trapped in his bubble of medical loneliness, his day-to-day tedious routine and his constant deliberation of statistics. What are the odds, what are his odds?

The only connection he has to the outside world are nurses, doctors, his family and other patients in similar situations. All on the same treatment ward, some with hope and others holding on to a smidgen of hope.

This is where he meets Mia, a young girl trying to come to terms with her own diagnosis. She is in complete denial and is coping by pretending it isn't really happening. This, and the medical decisions  her parent has to make, has caused a breach between Mia and her mother.

Mia places the blame firmly on the shoulders of her mother, because of the drastic decisions she has had to make in the course of the treatment. She follows the path of least resistance and runs away from her problems, her family and her medical problems.
Zac and Mia become close, mainly because they share a bond, a connection or perhaps just an understanding between two young people in the same dire situation.

When Mia does finally accept the reality of her illness she turns away from Zac. Unfortunately the bond between them becomes strained and threatens to tear. This pushes Zac further into a black cloud of despair, which is always hanging over him since he became ill, but this time it's different.

This is a sweet little story about love and friendship blossoming in the middle of a difficult time for two very young people. Although I felt at first that the ending was a little insipid, after some thought I appreciate the fact the author didn't opt for a dramatic ending, but rather for an open and realistic one.
I received a copy Zac & Mia via NetGalley.

The 100 Society by Carla Spradbery

This sort of reminded me of a YA version of Scream. The reader is introduced to group of teens fairly quickly and they disappear one by one just as fast. One death more horrible than the next.

Thinking about it, it is certainly more a YA than a teen read from a plot perspective.

The actual 100 Society the title refers to isn't given much attention.

I think it could have done with a wee bit more space in the story, as it is it just sinks into a quagmire of trivial details instead.

The author sets it up well with the line you've been tagged, let the games begin, but fails to deliver a decent game.

A pity really, because as a reader I felt as if the author had let the chance to create an interesting back-story and history slide through her fingers.

How was Grace's brother involved and why is he against her involvement in the society? How did it get started? Why, who and what kind of tags?

Overall I found it all a little rushed and underdeveloped. The characters lacked depth and the plot was predictable. With some fleshing out it could have been much better, but it wouldn't change the fact it is a killer kills everyone one by one Scream scenario.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

HeartBeat by Elizabeth Scott

Raw, emotional and heartbreaking.
It is all that and also manages to hit upon a key ethical medical and moral issue.
Sustaining and keeping alive a person, who is brain-dead for the sole purpose of growing and harvesting the child within them.

If a person has made arrangements or signed documents to the effect that they do not wish to be kept alive if they have no brain activity for instance, if they happen to be pregnant those wishes become secondary to those of the person left in charge and able to make medical choices. The patient becomes little more than a highly effective incubator.

Now, one can argue about the life of the child, but the fact remains the mother in that situation is used and abused to get the end product ready.

I can understand those choices being made if a fetus or baby has reached a stage in the pregnancy that they are able to survive outside the womb, then a few days or a few weeks is understandable. However if the woman is in the very early stages of pregnancy and the mother would have to be kept  alive for most of the duration of that pregnancy, well to me that is a highly contentious issue.

That is what made this story more than your average tale about a troubled teen.

I enjoyed the way it was written from Emma’s very self-obsessed teenage point of view. Her voice rang out with the singular focus only teenage girls can aspire to. No other person or their emotions are relevant, just her pain and her anger. How dare the husband grieve for his wife or worry about his unborn child.

Filtered subtly into this highly emotive storyline is the beginning and blossoming of a new relationship for Emma. She has connected with Caleb on a level no other person can comprehend. They have both suffered a loss, which has changed them and their lives forever. Their mutual understanding helps each one of them to move forward in their lives.

I really thought it was an excellent read and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and MIRA Ink.

Lingering Echoes by Erica Kiefer

I think it is a story that will appeal to the young romantics with a penchant for heartbreak.

Allie has been taken back to the scene of a traumatic experience, one that fills her with guilt, despite her lack of blame. I was surprised by the fact she had not felt it necessary to share any details about the incident prior to her conversation with Damien. No police? How about the poor parents, surely they would have asked how and why?

There was a wee element I found disturbing, which kept seeping into the story and was part of both Allie and Damien’s story. The way the author described and referred to one of the three youths, who late take the girls to a party. In the second half of the story one of the Samoan guys says something similar. I found it borderline racist.

Apparently this is New Adult, strange I had it pegged as YA, especially due to the teeny feel and lack of romp action. Not that the lack of romp was or is a negative factor, but the story seems to be more geared towards the younger reader, hence my surprise at finding out it isn’t.

Damien and Allie have a connection and they share a past, although only one of them knows it. It is time Allie took a deep breath and a dive into the cold murky waters of her past.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

Take Me On by Katie McGarry

I enjoyed the fact this author did not bow down to the en-vogue propensity in YA to blame the victim or excuse the bad boy. Instead McGarry has created and displayed the issue of teen relationship abuse within the constructs of a secondary romance.

Instead the author has dispelled some of the mythical attitude about victims of abuse only been physically weak. In this case Haley is a prize-winning martial arts champion, and yet she still falls prey to an abusive boyfriend. She struggles with the acknowledgement and comprehension of the abuse. Part of that inner struggle is due to her own physical capabilities and strengths.

Although it seems as if that particular sub-plot only sails by quietly during the storms of the main plot it is, as far as I am concerned, the most important part of the story.

Family dynamics and dysfunctional relationships within families are put on display and that includes the relationship between Haley and West.

The two teens dance around their emotions and the instability of their surroundings in a way only people of that age can. Obsessive, passionate and often irrational. Going from angry to heartbroken and then deliriously happy in a matter of seconds.

It is a spirited tale of connection, support and encouragement.

This paperback edition also includes a bonus ‘Pushing the Limits’ novella by Katie McGarry called ‘Crossing the Line’ featuring Lincoln and Lila.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK & MIRAInk UK.