Celtic Healing Oracle by Rosemarie Anderson and Susan Dorf

• The cards feature black-and-white symbols representing goddesses, gods, cauldrons, leprechauns, faeries, animals, trees, and other figures to express the Celtic way of “carving” reality from darkness rather than light

• The accompanying guidebook explores the meaning and mythic background for each card, the Celtic worldview, the principles of Celtic divination, as well as how to use the oracle to receive answers to specific questions

Attuned to the movements of nature, the Celts understood that all things are connected, and they “divined” answers to their queries as well as what the future holds from the animals, plants, the winds, and the seasons. Trees and animals had particular knowledge of past, present, and future. Through natural methods of divination, bards, healers, soothsayers, and holy women and men gained powers to see into the unseen. Stories and legends of their powers were told and retold, transmitting an enormous store of wisdom across the generations.

In this oracle deck and guidebook, Rosemarie Anderson interprets Celtic myths and legends to create an oracle system of 64 cards featuring symbols from the ancient Celtic ways of knowing. The symbols represent three thousand years of Celtic culture and history, derived from archaeological excavations of Bronze and Iron Age Celtic sites throughout Europe and from the myths, folktales, and faery traditions still flourishing in rural Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The symbols of the cards represent cauldrons, spirals, leprechauns, faeries, animals, trees, the wondrous child (Cú Chulainn), the Sacred King, Cernunnos (the antlered god), the Morrigán (the raven goddess), Tir na nóg (the Blessed Isles), and other imagery and figures from Celtic lore.

The accompanying guidebook explores the meaning, symbology, and mythic background for each card, such as how the Triple-Mother Goddess (Card 1) represents magnificence and the primal goddess in all her aspects--maiden, mother, and crone. The guidebook also explores the Celtic worldview, the basic principles of Celtic divination, as well as how to use the oracle to receive answers to specific questions.

Conveying the power and wisdom of the ancient Celtic ways of knowing, this oracle offers a hands-on way to gain insight into the hidden forces at play in our lives.

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O'Clover

A clever, charming, and poignant debut novel about a girl who must decide whether to pursue her dreams or preserve her relationships, including a budding romance with her ex-best friend, when an app she created goes viral.

Ro Devereux can predict your future. Or, at least, the app she built for her senior project can.

Working with her neighbor, a retired behavioral scientist, Ro created an app called MASH, designed around the classic game Mansion Apartment Shack House, that can predict a person’s future with 93% accuracy. The app will even match users with their soul mates. Though it was only supposed to be a class project, MASH quickly takes off and gains the attention of tech investors.

Ro’s dream is to work in Silicon Valley, and she’ll do anything to prove to her new backing company—and the world—that the app works. So it’s a huge shock when the app says her soul mate is Miller, her childhood best friend with whom she had a friendship-destroying fight three years ago. Now thrust into a fake dating scenario, Ro and Miller must address the years of pain between them if either of them will have any chance of achieving their dreams.

Through the Aftermath ed. by Shawn Schuster

Have you ever wondered what the world will be like when everything ends? Why will it end? HOW will it end?

This anthology was created as an opportunity for a variety of voices to be heard in one place. From best-selling authors to first-time writers, this collection showcases some of the best short stories in modern apocalyptic fiction.

#Bookpost

Happy Tuesday, all! Given the week that's in it, we expected to have a long list today, but this has exceeded all our hopes! We're mentally preparing for some very lean weeks to balance it out.

As always, you can click on each cover to learn a bit more about the book.

Girls who Slay Monsters by Ellen Ryan and Shona Shirley Macdonald

Unsung stories from ancient Irish myths re-imagined for nine to twelve-year olds.

Have you heard of Eithne the supernatural scholar or Fand the shape-shifting eco-warrior?

What about Bé Mannair, a gender-fluid spy who challenges an entire army, or Bé Binn, a giantess who gets her own back on her bullies?

From mermaids and fashionistas to athletes and farmers, meet goddesses of all shapes and sizes from Ireland’s ancient myths. Stand by their sides as they wield magic, fight monsters, and protect the powerless – and you might discover that you, too, are a force of nature.

Weekly roundup

Happy Sunday and Merry Christmas! I hope Santa was good to you all.

Blackout Trail by Linda Naughton (slight spoilers in review)

A World Without Electricity

Doctor Anna Hastings is no stranger to disasters, having spent much of her career as an aid worker in conflict zones around the world. Yet when an electrical phenomenon known as an EMP brings down the power grid, Anna faces catastrophe on a scale she never imagined. She must learn what it means to be a doctor in a world deprived of almost all technology.

As the blackout causes planes to fall from the sky, Anna crosses paths with devoted father Mark Ryan in the chaos at the airport. Mark convinces Anna to travel with him and his seven-year-old daughter Lily to their family’s cabin in remote Maine. There Mark hopes to reunite with his wife, and find a safe refuge from a society on the brink of collapse.

Journeying across a thousand miles of backcountry trails, they will face a daily struggle against nature. Their biggest peril, though, may come from their fellow survivors. As Anna grows closer to Mark and Lily, she resolves to see them safely home. But can she hold onto her humanity in a world gone mad?

A Tricky Kind of Magic by Nigel Baines

Cooper is brilliant at magic tricks. Card tricks, clever illusions – he can do them all. His dad, also known as the Great Eduardo, taught him the tricks of the magical trade before he passed away. But the one thing Cooper can’t do is see his dad again.

So when a talking rabbit appears from his dad’s top hat, and reveals there is a place where Cooper might find him, he jumps at the chance. Magic is about believing the impossible, after all. And Cooper desperately wants to believe that he can see his dad once more.

But what – and who – is waiting for them in the land where magic goes wrong?

Filled with filled with humour and emotion, this is an action-packed graphic novel about finding magic when you need it the most.

Happy #BookBirthday!

Happy Thursday, all! This week there's ONE book from our lists publishing!

The Tribe Collector's Edition Screenplay by Raymond Thompson

'The Tribe' has distinguished itself as a television series with truly cult status around the world. Almost 300 episodes were produced over 5 seasons. And the series heralded other Tribal activity, from soundtracks to albums to novel tie-ins. Including the bestselling works by A.J. Penn being 'The Tribe: A New World', 'The Tribe: A New Dawn' and 'The Tribe: (R)Evolution'. Which are rather like seasons 6, 7 & 8 in the continuing saga.

There has been much speculation about a sequel or a motion picture version which was explored in the enormously successful 'Keeping the Dream Alive' which was not only a Tribe memoir, but also a fascinating account of what occurred behind the scenes. It is also a compelling memoir of the creator of 'The Tribe' - as well as the founder of the Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment Group - who produced the iconic series. 'The Tribe' screenplay has an introduction, bringing the behind the scenes story right up to date to 2022 since the time 'Keeping the Dream Alive' was published.

And the screenplay is a must read for 'The Tribe' fans to read. Along with anyone interested in the motion picture and television industries and what it takes to bring productions from conception to the silver screen.

#Bookpost

Happy Tuesday, all! Christmas came early for us this week with SIX new books for us to enjoy over the holiday.

As always you can click on the cover to learn more about each title.

Essential Oils and Gemstone Guardian Cards by Margaret Ann Lembo

A deck to help you amplify your intentions with aromatherapy oils and vibrationally matching crystals

• Includes 42 full-color cards, each featuring an essential oil, a vibrationally matching crystal, and a positive affirmation

• Includes a 160-page booklet explaining how to use the cards

• Provides, for each essential oil, its therapeutic properties and safety precautions as well as how the gemstone relates to the use of the oil

Just like gemstones, essential oils work on an energetic level to rebalance us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and offer many physiological benefits.

Bringing aromatherapy into partnership with crystals, Essential Oils & Gemstone Guardians Cards present a hands-on way to engage with the enhanced powers of allies from the mineral and plant kingdom together. Specifically created to help you establish clear intentions, the 42 two-sided cards each show an essential oil and a vibrationally matching crystal, offering guidance and positive affirmations for your life. The color-coded cards are divided into six groups: Focus, Grounding, and Protection; Health and Well-Being; Love, Friendship, and Romance; Money, Creativity, and Motivation; Happiness and Self-Confidence; Intuition and Communication--each helping you to understand yourself better. With an intention or request for clarity or insight in mind, you can either draw just one card or create a card spread by choosing several cards.

The accompanying booklet provides, for each essential oil, the botanical name, fragrance profile, chemical components, therapeutic properties, and safety precautions as well as how the gemstone relates to the use of the essential oil. As author Margaret Ann Lembo explains, the energetic value, or vibration, of an essential oil is stabilized by the devic forces associated with mother plant, flower, root, or bark. The energetic vibration of a gemstone holds records and goals to help you focus on the reality you wish to create. You design your reality and the cards in this deck will help you focus on your intentions and ignite transformation in your life.

Designed to spark your courage and innate knowledge and abilities, this deck and guidebook set helps empower you to step forward with confidence and realize your unlimited potential.

Weekly roundup

Happy Sunday, all! We are rocketing towards Christmas and trying to decide what lovely books we want to have on our lists.

This Book Kills by Ravena Guron

"I'll make it clear from the start: I did not kill Hugh Henry Van Boren. I didn't even help. Well, not intentionally." 

When Hugh Henry Van Boren, one of the most popular and richest kids in Jess Choudhary's school, is found dead, the student body is left reeling and wondering who the murderer could be... Jess, a student under strict instructions to keep her record clean or risk losing her scholarship, finds herself at the centre of the investigation when it's revealed that Hugh died in the exact same way as a character in a short story she wrote. And then Jess receives an anonymous text thanking her for the inspiration. 

With time running out, Jess knows if she doesn't solve this mystery she'll finally have something in common with Hugh Henry. She'll be dead too.

All Four Quarters of the Moon by Shirley Marr

Everything so far, if Peijing had to sum it up, was a string of small awkward experiences that she hoped would end soon. 

The night of the Mid-Autumn festival, making mooncakes with Ah-Ma, was the last time Peijing remembers her life being the same. Now facing a new home, a new school and a new language, everything is different. Peijing thinks everything is going to turn out okay as long as they all have each other. 

But cracks are starting to appear in the family. Biju, lovable but annoying, needs Peijing to be the dependable big sister. Ah-Ma keeps forgetting who she is; and Ma Ma and Ba Ba are no longer themselves. Peijing has no idea how she's supposed to cope with the uncertainties of her own world while shouldering the burden of everyone else. If her family are the four quarters of the mooncake, where does she even fit in? 

A big-hearted, magical story about sisterhood and a family finding their way in a new place.

Different for Boys by Patrick Ness and Tea Bendix

Friendship, masculinity, sex—Anthony Stevenson has a lot of questions. Is it different for boys who like boys? A poignant and frank story filled with meta-humor by renowned author Patrick Ness.

Anthony “Ant” Stevenson isn’t sure when he stopped being a virgin. Or even if he has. The rules aren’t always very clear when it comes to boys who like boys. In fact, relationships of all kinds feel complicated, even with Ant’s oldest friends. There’s Charlie, who’s both virulently homophobic and in a secret physical relationship with Ant. Then there’s drama kid Jack, who may be gay and has become the target of Charlie’s rage. And, of course, there’s big, beautiful Freddie, who wants Ant to ditch soccer, Charlie’s sport, and try out for the rugby team instead. Ant’s story of loneliness and intimacy, of unexpected support and heart-ripping betrayal, is told forthrightly with tongue-in-cheek black-bar redactions over the language that teenagers would actually use if, you know, they weren’t in a story. Award-winning author Patrick Ness explores teen sexuality, friendship, and romance with a deft hand in this structurally daring, illustrated short novel.

#Bookpost!

Happy Tuesday, all! This week we received FIVE new books! Sadly no reviews yet - we'll get back to that in the New Year!

As always you can click on the cover to learn more about each book.

Harry Potter Magical Meditations

Let the wisdom of the Harry Potter films guide you with this card deck and book set featuring quotes, activities, and prompts to help you bring the magic of the Wizarding World to your daily life.

This enchantingly designed inspirational card deck features 64 cards, each of which offers the reader a unique question, prompt, or invitation for self-reflection based on the major characters, moments, quotes, and themes of the Harry Potter films. It comes packaged in a decorative gift box with a book that delves deeper into the cinematic moments explored in the cards and the inspiration the filmmakers drew from while creating them. Harry Potter Guided Deck and Book Set is the perfect gift for fans looking to tap into the powerful messages of love, hope, and heroism in the Harry Potter films.

INCLUDES 64 CARDS: Each card includes a question, prompt, inspirational quote, or suggestion to help guide your day

FACT-FILLED BOOK: Included book delves deeper into the themes of love, hope, and heroism in the Harry Potter films

PERFECT GIFT: Packaged in a beautiful gift box, Harry Potter Guided Deck and Book Set is an ideal gift for the Harry Potter fan

OFFICIAL WIZARDING WORLD GIFT SET: Created in collaboration with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Weekly roundup

Happy Sunday, all! Shops are getting busy and people are buying books by the hundred - what's on your wishlist?

Bunny's First Christmas by Enid Blyton and Becky Cameron

An adorable Christmas picture book about friendship from a storyteller loved by many generations.

As Christmas approaches, most of the toys in the toyshop are excited to be going to new homes. But Bunny, the littlest one, is worried. He can’t imagine life outside the shop or without his best friend, the sailor doll. When Bunny is selected as a present to be given away at a Boxing Day party, he hopes desperately to go to kind children. Luckily, a happy surprise is in store for him!

A perfect story for sharing the Christmas spirit with the youngest children, beautifully illustrated with charming colour pictures throughout.

Millie and the Magical Moon by Brian Gallagher and Phillip Cullen

Mum, Dad and Millie are off on their summer holidays to beautiful Inis Oirr. With a little help from the not-so-shipwrecked MV Plassey, Millie has a magical moonlit adventure!

Maybe it's not quite so long since the Plassey's last voyage after all...

#BookBirthday! 8/12

Happy Thursday, all! This week there are FOUR books from our lists publishing!

Silver in the Mist by Emily Victoria

Eight years ago, everything changed for Devlin: Her country was attacked. Her father was killed. And her mother became the Whisperer of Aris, the head of the spies, retreating into her position away from everyone… even her daughter.

Joining the spy ranks herself, Dev sees her mother only when receiving assignments. She wants more, but she understands the peril their country, Aris, is in. The malevolent magic force of The Mists is swallowing Aris’s edges, their country is vulnerable to another attack from their wealthier neighbor, and the magic casters who protect them from both are burning out.

Dev has known strength and survival her whole life, but with a dangerous new assignment of infiltrating the royal court of their neighbor country Cerena to steal the magic they need, she learns that not all that glitters is weak. And not all stories are true.

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

The brand new, explosive crime thriller from Holly Jackson, best-New for 2022, an explosive crime thriller from the best-selling, award-winning author of the Good Girl's Guide to Murder trilogy.

Eighteen year old Red and her friends are on a road trip in an RV, heading to the beach for Spring Break. It's a long drive but spirits are high. Until the RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere. And as the wheels are shot out, one by one, the friends realise that this is no accident.

There's a sniper out there. He's watching them and he knows exactly who they are. One of the group has a secret that the sniper is willing to kill for.

As a game of cat-and-mouse plays out, the group desperately tries to get help. Buried secrets are forced to light and tensions within the group reach deadly levels. Only one thing is for sure. Not everyone will survive the night . . .

#Bookpost!

Happy Tuesday, all! We received five new books this week (and in true form, have read one already but not reviewed.)

As always, you can click on each cover to learn more about the book.

Out of Service by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

After the events in Coldbay where they sealed the hell hole, Lucy is trying to learn more about it and how to save Murzzzz from eternal damnation. Yes, he's a demon and all, but he's also a part of the family. Lucy's turned to her diocese for guidance but they've gone strangely quiet so she persuades the Rooks to drive there so they can sort this out.

On the way, they realise something is incredibly wrong with a motorway service station - it's empty except for lingering, sad ghosts and... oh no, another hell hole has opened up and sucked in a load of people. They know they need to stay until they can rescue them and close it down, but not before they've done everything in their collective power to rescue Murzzzz. After all, one man's hellhole is a family of ghost-hunter's opportunity to save their demon friend. That's the expression, right?

Weekly roundup

Happy Sunday, all! We are back to normal here on the blog with a full week of reviews and features, and we're looking forward to digging into some of next year's most exciting and/or upcoming titles!

Be Inspired! by Sarah Webb and Graham Corcoran

Meet the inspiring young Irish people taking on the world!

Award-winning author of Blazing a Trail and Dare to Dream, Sarah Webb interviews inspiring young Irish people about their amazing achievements.

It’s never too early to achieve your dreams – why not start today?

You can do it, Rosie! by Elena Browne and Brian Fitzgerald

‘Let’s go on an adventure!’ says Aoife. But poor Rosie is an old dog. Can she do it?

With a little imagination and lots of help from everyone they meet along the way, of course she can!

A trip to the park can be just as magical as any adventure to the mountains or the sea - as long as Rosie is there!

(lack of) #BookBirthday!

Happy Thursday, all! This week there are NO books on our lists releasing. There are a couple of weeks in December with nothing as well; depending on how we're doing we might put an extra review on those days or we might just leave them empty!