Secrets: The Hero Chronicles (Volume 1)

Secrets: The Hero Chronicles (Volume 1), by Tim Mettey, free

The Midwest lies in complete ruins after a catastrophic disaster kills tens of thousands and leaves hundreds of thousands injured. Nicholas Keller emerges out of the devastation as a shining light of hope for all. But his newfound fame comes with a price that his aunt will not let him pay. They flee into the shadows in order to protect his secret.

As Nicholas begins his sophomore year at his fifth school in five years, strange and unexpected things begin to happen. He soon tumbles into a web of doomed love, extraordinary talents and a secret past, which threatens the lives of everyone he cares about. It's up to Nicholas to confront the truth, even if it means his own death. 

101 Ways to Contribute

101 Ways to Contribute, non-fiction by Nathan Youssef, free (any amount donation)

A great book written by a teen, for teens, based upon his own experiences and his more-than-two years of blog posts. This book compiles 101 ways kids and teens can give back to their communities, and is currently offered for free download on the website, 101waystocontribute.com. The author is asking those who are able to give a $2 donation. All profits will go to the Elephant Nature Park, a home for rescued elephants in Northern Thailand. The book offers practical, helpful information for teens who want to get involved but don't know where to start. 

"I don't think kids realize how much we can do," says the author, Nathan Youssef, a 17-year-old high school senior from Durango, Colorado. "We can impact political campaigns. We can get issues into the media. We can influence environmental policy. We can draw attention to causes that matter. And most importantly, we can give our time and energy and help our neighbors. Huge donations get media attention, but writing to a soldier who is serving our country to sitting down to chat with someone of a different religious background matter. These things breed tolerance and help strengthen communities. We have the power to do that, and I wanted other kids to benefit from what I'd researched and learned." 

Perception

Perception, by Lee Strauss, free October 15-17, only

Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.

Her brother Liam is missing.

Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.

Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.

PERCEPTION is a ( SF/mystery/romance) Young Adult novel that takes place in the not too distant future in a world changed by climate extremes, natural disasters and impending wars, and where scientific breakthroughs cause class divisions—both financially and philosophically. It explores the clash between faith and science and how differences can separate us as enemies or ally us together. And in some cases, even in the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there’s room to fall in love. Recommended 15+

Zombies Don't Read: 5 Living Dead Stories

Zombies Don't Read: 5 Living Dead Stories, by Rusty Fischer, free

5 Living Dead Stories by Rusty Fischer: 

• Zombies Don't Swim 
• Zombies Don't Carve 
• Zombies Don't Kiss & Tell 
• Zombies Don't Study 
• Zombies Don't Sleep 

Sweet Blood of Mine

Sweet Blood of Mine, by John Corwin, free

From Mega Nerd to Super Stud.

Justin Case and women do not mix. Man boobs, a love of Kings and Castles, and being tight with the "nerd" crowd certainly don't win him any points either. After rescuing Katie, his crush, it turns out she might not be the girl he thought she was, while Elyssa, the school's Goth Girl, turns out to be more. Can high school get any more confusing? 

Determined to improve himself, he joins a gym and meets a sexy girl that just oozes a "come hither, Justin" vibe. Until she attacks him in the parking lot, and Justin realizes she's no ordinary girl but a being with supernatural speed and strength. After a narrow escape and an excruciating migraine headache, he wakes up with supernatural abilities all his own: speed, strength, and the ability to seduce every woman he sees. 

While that might sound like the perfect combo for any hormonal teen, Justin is a hopeless romantic who wants his first time to be special. Is that too much to ask for? But he doesn't know what he is or how to stop his carnal urges. One thing is clear: If he doesn't find answers there are other more sinister supernaturals who would like nothing better than to make him their eternal plaything and do far worse than kill him.