Alexander the Great. Genghis Kahn. Julius Caesar. Attila the Hun. Mao. Stalin. For thousands of years, the Stones have been hidden among us, giving a privileged few power to rule over masses, destroy empires and create new ones. It's near the end of the 21st century. When Matt Newmark was ten years old, his mother was killed in a vicious corporate assassination. For the last twelve years, he's been living off grid under the over-protective care of his father, running from dark forces, trying to stay alive. Now Matt finally has a chance to break away and start a new life. On the eve of a trip to Japan, he finds a dark rock in the shape of a claw. Life is never the same again. With the help of a Shinto priest, Matt discovers it's a Stone, a piece of ancient alien technology that gives him a sweeping view of history and control over time, matter and energy. But Matt is not alone. Mikal Ryzaard has a Stone of his own and a burning vision to eliminate suffering from the earth and bring back Paradise. With all the resources of a massive multinational corporation behind him, he tracks down Matt and makes him an offer. Join me or die.

Walter Willapippy is a children's novel set in the mid-1800s outside of London, in the small town of Wilsham. Willapippy, or Pip as he is known in the village, is a unique fellow. He is known for his impeccable fashion habits, his red curly hair, and his crazy inventions. One day while working on his rooftop, Willapippy drops one of his inventions and it almost hits a little boy named Adam Dall, working on the street below. Adam is eight years old, extremely poor and becomes awestruck by the strange contraption. The two meet and strike up and quick relationship. Pip likes Adam so much; he decides to invite him into his strange world of "imagination and inventions." Little does Pip know that what is to follow is a string of events that changes both of their lives forever. Adam and Pip become intertwined in a race against time to save those that are dear to Adam.

Looking for a book for kids and young adults that isn't fantasy or paranormal? One that teaches them about hunting, the outdoors and a respect for animals in an engaging, entertaining, page-turning way? You've found it. Volume one of this series introduces us to Shawn Buckner, a 14-year-old outdoorsman who hits the Minnesota woodlands (by himself) in search of his first wild turkey. What transpires is a series of spectacular wildlife encounters that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. From rattlesnakes to game wardens, this one has it all. Through his simple delivery, vivid descriptions, and knowledge of the outdoors Pedersen succeeds in planting you firmly in the hunting boots of our young hero, and makes you want to grab your bow and have an adventure of your own. No matter how old you are. -- Nick Viau, lifeandlongbows.wordpress.com