Missouri-based Mormon author to release YA dystopian novel

A Nothing Named Silas
By Steve Westover

Publisher’s Weekly says Steve Westover’s “A Nothing Named Silas” falls “somewhere between ‘The Hunger Games’ and Ayn Rand’s ‘Anthem,’” which means it is sure to appeal to Young Adult readers.

The book is Westover’s fifth novel.

Silas doesn’t exist…not really. But neither does anyone else he knows. Bred for a life of Command, Silas’ life is thrown into crisis when he’s drafted into a menial life of Labor instead. Everything he knows about himself is about to be challenged.

When he steps through the entrance of the domed Labor shield and see’s prisoners hanging in cages overhead, Silas’ worst fears are confirmed. What he can’t see is that insurrection is brewing under the shield and the insurgents have devised a role for him to play. Silas must determine which side he will fight for as he learns the truth about who he is and why he was drafted into a life of Labor.

“I think at some point every teenager questions his or her value and wonders about who they really are,” said Westover. “In Silas’ case, the answers are both enlightening and disturbing. I wanted to write an exciting adventure full of political intrigue and self-discovery to show everyone that there is something special in them.”

Readers of all ages are sure to enjoy this dystopian adventure.

Buy "A Nothing Named Silas" in hardcover and e-book on Amazon.

About the Author:

Steve Westover first started writing in 2009 and “A Nothing Named Silas” is his fifth published novel. Steve has also written two FBI thrillers set in northwest Missouri – “Defensive Tactics” and “Gold Clash” – and a youth fantasy/adventure series – “Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island” and “Return of the Mystic Gray.” Steve lives on a small hobby farm in rural Missouri with his family.

12 year old Utah author McKenzie Wagner releases her latest novel, “Benotripia: The Stones of Horsh"

Benotripia
by McKenzie Wagner
With the queen gone, the Darvonians have the perfect opportunity to invade Benotripia, find the Stones of Horsh, and harness their great powers. Only three children stand in their way: Roseabelle, Jessicana, and Astro. But this time, the Darvonians know not to underestimate these children, and the invaders come prepared. Roseabelle and her friends must survive long enough to save the stones.

Get "Benotripia" on Amazon

Twelve-year-old Utah author McKenzie Wagner will release her latest novel, “Benotripia: The Stones of Horsh,” on Sept. 10.

“Stones of Horsh” is the follow up to “Benotripia: The Rescue,” which is one of Cedar Fort's bestselling titles in 2013.

As reported in the Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch, Wagner recently signed with TransMedia, an international PR firm, joining a group of pre-teen prodigies. The group includes 12-year-old Monster truck driver Kaid Jarret “KJ” Olson-Weston and 12-year-old inventor Zach Marks who created GROM Social, a Facebook-like social network for kids.

Wagner has been fond of reading since she was four years old, reports her father, Robert, and started writing when she was seven.

Michigan author to release new novel, a ghost story

Raven's Fire
By John Gubbins

“Raven’s Fire” is a ghost story that involves a 30-year-old secret that tears apart Joe’s and Carol’s marriage and sends Joe into his beloved woods to recuperate, only to discover that they’re filled with evil spirits.

When a person dies, an ancient spirit takes his soul to the next life. This spirit is Pauguck, the Retriever of Souls, and he has a long-standing feud with Raven, a mischievous spirit who blinds the spirits of the dead.

So when two men – including Joe – are on a river trip in the woods, Pauguck does not think his services will be needed, but Raven is intent on ending both men’s lives.

Filled with ancient spirits and deadly secrets, “Raven’s Fire” is sure to keep your heart racing, for no one is safe from the terror of the river.

Buy "Raven's Fire" on Kindle.

John Gubbins lives with his wife, Carol, alongside the Escanaba River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He spends his free time with Carol and his son, Alex, fishing, camping, and reading poetry. Alex is a published poet, attends and teaches in the MFA program at Northern Michigan University, and lives nearby in Marquette, Michigan.

Mr. Gubbins’ first novel, “Profound River,” a historical novel set in Fifteenth Century Britain, has been acclaimed for its lyrical writing, scholarship, and originality.

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families

By Jonathan Decker

There are few subjects in the Mormon culture as divisive, opinionated, and polarizing as what constitutes a clean, entertaining, and interesting film. What one person considers to be clean, another considers to be dull and boring. What another considers to be thought-provoking and artistic, another may call provocative and distasteful. To create a list of films of interest and compatible with the standards of the Mormon culture is ambitious, but Jonathan Decker (www.mormonmovieguy.com) does it well.

Decker’s new book, “250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families” will appeal to families with younger children that seek wholesome and clean entertainment will find many old and new titles to consider.

The book includes a long list of films from several genres- cartoons, straight-to-video, classics, LDS Church produced, popular and recent, musicals, mysteries, etc. It runs the gauntlet from Veggie Tales to Brian Regan stand-up comedy. It includes all of the Harry Potter and Star Wars films, Bing Crosby flicks, romance, action, and everything in between. Conveniently there is a handy index at the back of the book to help you reference films by genre, theme, or title.

Decker reviews the films based on three components: Artistic Merit, Wholesome Content, and Gospel Parallels. He offers a rating of the film, a brief synopsis, and a list of scriptures and gospel parallels found in the film.  Each film in the book is judged by the media standards offered in the “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet. Additionally there are discussion guides, along with scriptures and quotes from latter-day prophets regarding the theme of each movie.

Some readers may be disappointed that the only flicks listed in the book are the ones that received high ratings. The book is not a reference tool to see what sort of rating a film received. Readers should not approach the book with a “Let’s see if this film is family friendly” mentality. All of the films in the book are deemed family-friendly.

For families looking for more suggestions and new ideas for clean, uplifting films, or for someone unfamiliar with the LDS-themed independent film market, this book will be a great resource.

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.

Five guys, five minutes. What could possibly go wrong?

Coming Friday, September 6--Arms Wide Open: a novella 

Lauren Brooks is in a rut, and her roomie is determined to yank her out of it by convincing her to participate in a local coffee shop's 5-in-5 speed dating event. Once she agrees, it takes her about 30 seconds to realize if there's an oddball out there looking for love, he'll find her. And creep her out. She confronts one weirdo after another until someone she used to know winds up in the same place, and she has to decide what she wants more: to make a break for it, or embrace the possibilities of another chance.

Fun Facts about Arms Wide Open:

Lauren Brooks is based on a real person...a real survivor.

Although the author doesn't name a city as the setting, she imagined it happening in a little shop by the pier in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

The eyeball guy, Rico Suave, and the amorous hipster are all based on actual dates the author suffered through.

Check out Arms Wide Open, a novella about taking a chance on love! 

About the author: Juli Caldwell is also the author of Psyched, a YA paranormal novel, and Beyond Perfection, a latter-day romance. She lives near the shores of the Great Salt Lake with her husband, two bookworm daughters, and a dog who sheds too much. She will love you forever if you like her facebook page and follow her on Twitter. Check her blog often for updates on upcoming books, contests, and giveaways from her and other amazing authors!

Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage

Heroes of Faith
By Marlene Sullivan

Our fast-paced society loves adventure and it loves a hero—but what about Latter-day Saint heroes?  Are there any?  There are plenty! Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage, is a collection of twenty-four riveting stories about people who rose above difficulties and impossible odds to emerge triumphant. You’ll read about stalwart men and women who stood firm and valiant in the gospel in spite of dangerous mobs, flying bullets, physical handicaps, extreme hardships, and dictatorial regimes.

It's fascinating to read about the exploits of real heroes and when that hero is acting in accordance with the principles of the gospel, the adventure is not only thrilling, but inspiring as well. In these days of increasing trials and tribulation, we can all use some worthy role models, especially those that strengthen our faith and increase our testimonies.

Get "Heroes of Faith" in paperback and e-book from Amazon.

Marlene Bateman Sullivan has written a number of non-fiction books, including:  Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s From Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, and Brigham’s Boys. Marlene also wrote the best-selling novel, Light on Fire Island. 

Earlier this year, Gaze Into Heaven, a fascinating collection of over 50 documented near-death experiences in early LDS church history, was published. Two months ago, Covenant published Marlene’s second novel, Motive for Murder, which is the first in a mystery series featuring the quirky private eye, Erica Coleman.