The Entirely Strange and Miraculously True Christmas Tails of Mia and Eve

The Entirely Strange and Miraculously True Christmas Tails of Mia and Eve, by Robert William Duder, free

Kittens, Mia and Eve, head to Helmston with their Aunts for some Christmas shopping. While there they find some new friends that they will have to help find the meaning of Christmas and help Helmston save a ship full of Christmas passengers! 

Rouge

Rouge, by Leigh T. Moore, free for a short time: Dec 19-21 (only)

Trapped in the underground theater world of 1890s New Orleans, Hale Ferrer has only one goal: escape. But not without Teeny, the orphan-girl she rescued from the streets and promised to protect.

Freddie Lovel, Hale's wealthy Parisian suitor, seems to be the easy solution. If only his touch could arouse her interest like Beau's, the penniless stagehand who captures her heart.

Denying her fears, Hale is poised to choose love until an evil lurking in their cabaret-home launches a chain of events that could cost her everything. (Recommended for mature readers.)

The Wards of Clovis Gloober

The Wards of Clovis Gloober, by Duance L. Ostler, free

Maddie has never cared much for the stars, her world revolving around normal eight-grade life at Centennial Middle School. Then she befriends an exchange student named Asteria, a girl with glowing white skin.

But there a number of strange things about Asteria. Why does she claim she's never been outside to look at the stars at night? Where is the strange place called 'Rana' she says she comes from? Who is the mysterious 'Clovis Gloober' who acts as her guardian? And why is the dark-eyed boy named Ukrat so determined to ruin Asteria's budding friendship with Maddie?

Asteria unexpectedly takes Maddie on a fantastic journey among the stars, a voyage beyond Maddie's wildest dreams. But not long after, Maddie and Asteria are faced with a terrible choice that threatens to destroy them both ... 

Playing with Matches

Playing with Matches, by Lee Straus, free at Smashwords and Amazon and Kobo

Oops. Update: this book is no longer free.

Emil Radle is a dedicated Hitler Youth member. He’s loyal to the Fuehrer before family, a champion for the cause and fan of the famous Luftwaffe. Then one day they take the Jews away, including his childhood friend, Anne. Still, there must be a good reason, right? It must be for the good of a great and glorious Germany. When his friends Moritz and Johann discover a shortwave radio, everything changes. Now they listen to BBC broadcasts, news reports that tell both sides. Now they know the truth. The boys band together to write out the BBC news and covertly distribute flyers throughout their city. An act of high treason that could have them arrested or...worse. But when Germany’s losses become immense, even their greatest resistance can’t prevent them from being sent to the eastern front.  Will Emil survive the battle? And will he ever see his family again?

New Breed (#1) (Dragon's Fire)

New Breed (#1) (Dragon's Fire) by Danielle Kazemi, free

Annabel Wells works at a job she hates and her boyfriend just dumped her. Things couldn't get worse.

While out, she is attacked by the Unseen - a creature made of pure darkness that kills mortals. When she is saved by a mysterious hero, she uncovers the world that operates behind the scenes of the normal world. Dragons live among us, disguised as humans. 

With the aide of Crispin, Henry, Sera, and Jules, Annabel is going to need their help to protect herself from another attack. She only hopes it won't take them long to discover how to hide her.

Book 1 of the epic Dragon’s Fire series. 

Sunset Rising

Sunset Rising, by S.M. McEachern, free on 11/25 only

February 2024: the world is about to devastated by a global nuclear war and a Hitler-like madman has seized control of the only shelter from the bombs. So when a group of civilians come to the Bio-Dome seeking refuge from the nuclear storm, they are forced to make a deal with the devil; submit to slavery or get out. Subjected to the inhumane living conditions of the Pit, the ragtag group of refugees are forced to agree to strict population control laws, including the Cull: execution at the age of thirty-five.

283 years later… Sunny O’Donnell, a slave born in the bowels of the Pit, has reached a breaking point in her life. In the wake of her mother’s execution, Sunny is torn between caring for her grieving father and protecting her own future by marrying Reyes Crowe. At seventeen years old, Sunny is already middle aged and past the time when most girls secure a husband, but she knows her father will lose his life if she leaves him now. 

Through a twist of fate, Sunny meets Leisel Holt, the daughter of the Dome’s insane President, and sees a spark of hope for the future of the Pit. In an effort to fan that spark into a flame, Sunny agrees to pose as the bride at Leisel’s wedding to Jack Kenner in order to save the bride from a possible assassination attempt. But instead of saving Leisel, Sunny unknowingly plays into her political game and ends up marrying Jack Kenner herself. Now on the run for crimes of treason, Sunny and her new husband discover that together they possess the power to raise an army.

Sunset Rising is the first book in a series. It is the tale of how the human spirit can be revived to rise up and fight the bonds of oppression.

Skid

Skid, by Doug Solter, free on Amazon 11/26 and 11/27 only

RACING IS A GAME THAT KISSES DEATH ON THE LIPS...

Samantha Sutton drove the car that killed her dad. Now the seventeen-year-old can’t rest until she becomes the racing champion her dad molded her to be. Samantha exploits the system and earns a spot on a German racing team struggling to be relevant against the elite teams of Formula 1.

Samantha pushes herself, pushes her car, pushes her luck at 200 miles per hour. She battles Emilio Ronaldo, seven time world champion and Ferrari racing god. A hero to young girl, but now a rival to a young woman.

To keep herself sane, Samantha relies on her best friend Manny. But she doesn’t know quite what to do about his deep feelings for her. She would love to ask her sisters for advice, but they won’t talk to her. Not since Samantha told them the truth about Dad’s accident. The truth about that dark and rainy night.

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. Blind turns cutting deep into the lush forest of the Ardennes. Drivers have died on these turns. Samantha must beat Emilio here to be crowned world championship. But she smells the moisture in the air. Samantha knows that Formula 1 drivers are expected to race flat-out, even in the rain.

And that thought terrifies her. 

Baby Grand: The Beginning

Baby Grand: The Beginning, by Bill Ellingsen, free

In this first novel of the series, teenage hero Kevin Johnson is dumped off in a remote region of southern Wisconsin with grandparents he barely knows. But they are fantastic, and the family racing legacy troubling his father captivates him. Their busywork project is restoring an antique race car like the one Kevin's look-alike great-grandfather drove in the 1927 Indianapolis 500 for Al Capone: the car that landed him in prison over a fiasco at the Illinois State Fair. As it turns out, redeeming the old racer is the key to mending their broken family. Shrewdness on Kevin's part is needed to pull-off the tryst with his girlfriend. Everything is on track until he is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time with an exotic pianist named Desiree Chantelle. 

Other books in the series: Baby Grand II: The Conspiracy, Baby Grand III: The Big Time.

Scattered

Scattered, by Jaylyn Cairo, free

Ambrosine Devanney has no memories of her life. All she has are her most loyal best friends, three devoted assassins who call her Boss, and the knowledge that she is the daughter of two Greek gods. With their help, Ambrosine uncovers more and more about her past, and finds that the life she led was truly extraordinary and dangerous beyond belief. This free book is the first of an epic series.

Deadly Wands

Deadly Wands, by Brent Reilly, free

Billy’s parents hid his unique powers as if his life depended on it. Used for flight and firepower, wands give their owners great power, and Billy has the best. 

So when ambitious rulers murder his parents, the orphan leads his friends in an epic war against an oppressive empire that seeks to conquer the other half of the world. Ready to die for liberty, can he bear to see his friends die, too? 

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.

Sea Dweller

Sea Dweller, by Melanie Atkinson, free

Aylen has been considered an outcast on the secluded island of Vairda her entire life.  It doesn’t help that her parents forbid her to acknowledge any island traditions and refuse to tell her anything about the mysterious mainland they left behind before she was born. Meanwhile, her only friend, Sai, is suddenly distancing himself because his parents don’t approve of the time he spends with “that girl who isn’t a native.” 

Aylen wants more than just the life of an outsider and she’s determined to figure out how to get it, even if it means defying her parents or spying on her best friend. But the night she finds a strange jewel that gives her the ability to breathe underwater, Aylen thinks she may have found a way to leave the island for good. As she learns to use the jewel, however, Aylen uncovers the nightmarish secrets about her parents’ pasts and the dangers which made them leave the mainland in the first place. And it turns out those dangers may have found their way to the island. With the help of her jewel, Aylen is the only person who can protect her family and the entire island nation from the biggest threat they have ever known.

Colt O'Brien Sees The Light

Colt O'Brien Sees the Light, by George Matthew Cole, free

Colt O’Brien doesn’t think that he has to prove anything. He is the most savvy computer technician at Highline High in Burien, Washington. When a PC needs fixing, Colt is called in to save the day. The short, energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. He expects the respect that is showered upon him by peers and teachers. School will soon be over and freedom beckons. No more girl friend to tell him what to do. No more schoolwork to bore him to death. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. Two freshman nerds start a computer class that will put Highline High on the map and challenge Colt’s credibility. Three women will show him the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, his hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Hang on Colt.

Tempo Thompson And Deadly Mountain

Tempo Thompson And Deadly Mountain, by Justin Black, free for a limited time

The eleven-year-old, curly-haired, eye-brow raising Tempo Thompson moves to Sabrise, Michigan after leaving from the town he has known all his life. But in the shadowy streets of Sabrise lies a darker history to be discovered. The curious Tempo discovers a magical world that is inhabited by genies and gypsies. However, these magical beings are different from what Tempo has known them to be, which is for the better. With help of his genie, he embarks in this magical world learning its wonders and its dangers; dangers of mass murders and kidnappings in his genie's home. Along the way, Tempo is drawn into his friends' troubles, which at a point puts his life in peril. 

The Puppet Queen: A Tale of the Sleeping Beauty

The Puppet Queen: A Tale of the Sleeping Beauty, by Mira Zamin, free

After Selene's homeland falls to the Pari curse, she is forced to must contest for the throne by her insidious fiancé. When rivalries threaten to plunge the country into civil war, Selene must fight through magic and malice—her family's fate hangs in the balance. The Puppet Queen is a young adult fantasy retelling of Sleeping Beauty infused with the folklore of the Middle East 

Run, run, run as fast as you can—and that is exactly what Selene does when she discovers that the curse set on her family and emirate, destining them to eternal slumber, is solely her fault. But pasts are not so easily left behind.

On Selene’s eighteenth birthday, her emirate falls to the enchantment and her jilted fiancé, the conniving Lord Gwydion drags her home. While Selene clashes with her fiancé, the ailing Queen of Ghalain summons the emirs to contest for the throne. Each emir has a claim, but the crown holds special meaning for Selene: as queen, she would have the leverage necessary to oblige the Pari to lift the curse.

In Ghalain’s capital, Selene stumbles into the labyrinthine mire that is court intrigue. When political rivalries threaten to plunge the country into civil war, Selene must fight through magic and malice to emerge victorious. Her family’s fate swings in the balance. 

Sarah Smiles

Sarah Smiles, by Seanpaul Thomas, free

It's Nineteen ninety one and eleven year old Paul and his family have just moved to the climatic sunshine paradise of Cyprus with his father's work as an army sergeant with the Royal Engineers.

On Paul's first day at school he is befriended by the dominant school bully Michael who takes young Paul under his sinister wing. Michael though only wants to hang out with Paul after school since they are neighbours and the only same age kids on their respective army estate and introduces Paul to the beautiful but wildly dangerous and adventurous world of the surrounding wasteland caves and valleys.

Things though take a turn for the worst when Michael bullies Paul into steeling some cigarettes from his dad's bar on the base and the two run off underneath a local bridge to try and smoke them. Here Michael is 'accidentally' urinated on from the top of the bridge by another young boy, Ben, who Michel and Paul chase into a local park to beat up for his prank.

Paul wants nothing to do with the savage beating, but has no choice in the matter with bully Michael over dominating him and forcing Paul to hit the boy too. The young boy though is finally saved by his older sister, Sarah, a pretty tomboy girl from Michael and Paul's class at school.

Paul is completely spellbound by Sarah and not only because of her pretty and athletic looks, but also her rough and tough no nonsense edged ways and handling of the bully Michael who, as of yet, has never been spoken to or stood up to before, the way Sarah stood up to him.

From here on in this incident sets off a series of events that brings the homely, well rounded Paul and the troubled young Sarah's worlds together and the two begin an unusual but adventurous and exciting friendship that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, as they both become a solid shoulder for each other to cry on while helping one another to confront their inner most fears and demons.

From the mystery of Sarah's Mother's sudden disappearance to the trials and tribulations of growing up on a British army base with Sarah's domestic abuse issues living in a broken home with her alcoholic father to Paul's school bullying from the borderline psychotic Michael, Summertime adventures on the gorgeous Cypriot beaches and bondoo wasteland valleys to haunted houses, dealing with growing up on the move and first teen romances. All the while dealing with that delicate yet rough transition into teenage-hood.

Daughter of the Sea

Daughter of the Sea, by Mira Zamin, free

Engaged against her will, Calista, a young Roman aristocrat, grapples with the annihilation of her world at the hands of her would-be husband. The violent aftermath uncovers a connection to the land of Atlantis and shatters Calista’s conception of family, the gods—and herself. 

Calista does not know why the sea sings in her veins—or why her parents have affianced her to the insidious Lord Avaritus. She watches, powerless, as he ruthlessly annihilates all she loves.

When Calista tries escape with the remnants of her family, a storm strikes their vessel and Calista is hurled overboard. She reemerges in Atlantis, summoned by the leaders of the undersea domain. The very fiber of her identity shudders after she learns that she is the daughter of Neptune—and not quite mortal. 

Despite the manipulation of Atlantis’s leaders and the romantic temptations of a pair of smirking grey eyes, Calista must find a way to return to Portus Tarrus to rescue her family and seek revenge against the man who destroyed everything she held dear. 

Inner City

Inner City, by Scott Norton, free

The cities have gated their walls. Those in rural areas have been reduced to savages. When Callen Carrus, a seven year old boy from the city, faces a personal crises and runs away, he's chased outside the city walls. What happens to him there sets him on a twelve year quest that leads to love and extraordinary adventure. The riddle of Callen's past will require him risking his life to solve. 

Free eBooks for Young Adults

This site lists FREE eBooks for Young Adults, featuring Smashwords books, and is hosted by Smashwords authors, but all books for (and about)(and by) Young Adults are welcome. The listings are updated weekly, (usually) on Mondays. Listings include genre and length.

Mind Games

Mind Games, a short story by Susan Kaye Quinn, free

Raf, a regular mindreader, is in love with Kira, the only girl in school who can't read minds. Raf struggles to keep his thoughts about her private, but secrets are something that only zeros like Kira can keep. As he works up the nerve to ask Kira to the mindware Games, his friends have other games in mind for him. (Mind Games is a short story prequel to the novel Open Minds.) 

Still a few Free eBooks for summer reading

This site lists FREE eBooks for Young Adults, featuring Smashwords books, and is hosted by Smashwords authors, but all books for (and about)(and by) Young Adults are welcome. The listings are updated weekly, (usually) on Mondays. Listings include genre and length.

Did you miss the July Sale at Smashwords? Well, don't panic too much; there are still a few books available that are normally priced free, at Smashwords.  On this site, regular weekly updates will resume on Monday, August 6th.