However, if you don’t mind being completely grossed out one minute and laughing your head off the next, please read on ...
˃˃˃ Praise for Walkabout“I would read ANYTHING this man wrote.” That’s what Mr La Rue said. Plus he didn’t just read Walkabout, he had a little nap and then read all the way through to book 8, Final Straw! Pretty impressive.
˃˃˃ Other 5 out of 5 star reviews for the Urban Hunters series ...“Mad writing skills you’ve got. Billy is a juxtaposition of seasoned warrior and innocent child that makes him incredibly easy to like.” Jessica B, Publisher, BooksATrueStory
“This is definitely a one-of-a-kind book worthy of recognition and literary appreciation. Kudos to Gary Taaffe!” JB Cacdac, Singapore Review of Books
˃˃˃ Overview of Walkabout ...Billy’s gotta find some girls. The problem is he’s an Aborigine from the Australian bush and all he’s got to wear is a loincloth. Not a good look in the city. And what’s worse, he’s never even seen a girl before. Could life get anymore difficult? Why yes it could. Billy could fall in love ...
Billy arrives in the city to mixed reactions: he has to fight off a mongrel old man, he makes a gruesome discovery in a barrel at the tip and wolf-whistles leave leave him confused over the appeal of his bare bum. That’s all easy, until he meets Amber down a rat-infested alley.
˃˃˃ More praise ...“Taaffe's series is a wonderful action series for boys and girls who don't mind a little grit in their stories.” Tammy and Alex Dewhurst, Canada
“I have just finished reading the first three in this series and they were the funniest books I have ever read in my entire life! By the time I had finished Four Small Stones I had tears rolling down my cheeks I was laughing so hard. I couldn't wait to read Tribal Scarring and Walkabout and they were both just as good if not better. Can't wait for number 4.” Wendy and Andres, UK
“While written for a younger age bracket, adult humour has been included. However it has been written in such a way that what seems like a funny incident to a younger audience, holds an underlying meaning for the adults. I highly recommend this series to everybody who is interested in reading a beautifully written story.” Pinky Pollock, Australian Book Review
URBAN HUNTERS is laugh-out-loud, gut-churning, heart-wrenching storytelling at its best. Unlike anything you’ve ever read, in typical Taaffe fashion. Hilarious as usual. Always surprising. Wonderful!
#2 Teen and Young Adult Action Adventure Series#3 Teen and Young Adult Humorous eBooksBest selling Children’s eBooksBest selling Middle Grade eBooksBest selling Teen eBooksBest selling Young Adult eBooksSurvival is climbing up the charts- fingers crossed :)Scroll up and grab a copy today.
However, if you don’t mind being completely grossed out one minute and laughing your head off the next, please read on ...
˃˃˃ Praise for Budgie Smugglers“I would read ANYTHING this man wrote.” That’s what Mr La Rue said. Plus he didn’t just read Budgie Smugglers, he had a little nap and then read all the way through to book 8, Final Straw! Pretty impressive.
˃˃˃ Other 5 out of 5 star reviews for the Urban Hunters series ...“Mad writing skills you’ve got. Billy slowly learning about girls and falling in love for the first time in his innocent way was just plain adorable. And there were just enough gross-out scenes to make you squeal.” Jessica B, Publisher, BooksATrueStory
“It's wonderful how Gary made Billy's character learn how to fall in love for the first time.” JB Cacdac, Singapore Review of Books
˃˃˃ Overview of Budgie Smugglers ...Billy’s found a girl but what to do with her? A dinner date! Great idea, nothing like a freshly roasted rat over the coals on a starry night. Very romantic. Norm the council worker doesn’t think so though, he wants them out of his park! Until he sees what’s for breakfast. Yummo! And those loveable puppies: Larry, Curly and Moe, make a meal of a dying man, much to Amber’s relief. Life in the city, much more exciting than the bush.
˃˃˃ More praise ...“Taaffe's series is a wonderful action series for boys and girls who don't mind a little grit in their stories.” Tammy and Alex Dewhurst, Canada
“I have just finished reading the first three in this series and they were the funniest books I have ever read in my entire life! By the time I had finished Four Small Stones I had tears rolling down my cheeks I was laughing so hard. I couldn't wait to read Tribal Scarring and Walkabout and they were both just as good if not better. Can't wait for number 4.” Wendy and Andres, UK
“While written for a younger age bracket, adult humour has been included. However it has been written in such a way that what seems like a funny incident to a younger audience, holds an underlying meaning for the adults. I highly recommend this series to everybody who is interested in reading a beautifully written story.” Pinky Pollock, Australian Book Review
URBAN HUNTERS is laugh-out-loud, gut-churning, heart-wrenching storytelling at its best. Unlike anything you’ve ever read, in typical Taaffe fashion. Hilarious as usual. Always surprising. Wonderful!
#2 Teen and Young Adult Action Adventure Series#3 Teen and Young Adult Humorous eBooksBest selling Children’s eBooksBest selling Middle Grade eBooksBest selling Teen eBooksBest selling Young Adult eBooksSurvival is climbing up the charts- fingers crossed :)Scroll up and grab a copy today.
However, if you don’t mind being completely grossed out one minute and laughing your head off the next, please read on ...
˃˃˃ Praise for Bullies“I would read ANYTHING this man wrote.” That’s what Mr La Rue said. Plus he didn’t just read Bullies, he started at book 1, Four Small Stones, had a little nap and then read all the way through to book 8, Final Straw! Pretty impressive.
˃˃˃ Other 5 out of 5 star reviews for the Urban Hunters series ...“Another brilliant adventure from Billy. The fight is fantastic. Loved it. Making his first phone call - hilarious! Great storytelling.” Jack S, Australia
“It's comical, hilarious, and witty. It's nothing like anything you've read before because nothing like it has been written before. This is clearly a literary breakthrough!” JB Cacdac, Singapore Review of Books
˃˃˃ Overview of Bullies ...Turns out that shoving a fishing spear into a mongrel old man’s leg has its consequences. His son wants revenge, forcing Amber to come to Billy’s rescue. A brutal battle ensues leaving Amber with blood on her hands now too. Billy tidies up the mess with a lesson in respect that will leave you gobsmacked.
˃˃˃ More praise ...“Taaffe's series is a wonderful action series for boys and girls who don't mind a little grit in their stories.” Tammy and Alex Dewhurst, Canada
“These characters are so likeable and the message is so humane and positive. I am so tired of literature full of anger, angst and cruelty. I find this entire series uplifting. You won't find vampires, werewolves, magic etc. Just plain old folk relating to each other and their environment and doing the best they can with what they have. What can I say? I love this series and look forward to it's continuation. By the way, be sure you visit the glossary at the end of each book. The glossary is an entertainment in and of itself. Read these books. Enjoy!!” New York Book Review- WD La Rue
“While written for a younger age bracket, adult humour has been included. However it has been written in such a way that what seems like a funny incident to a younger audience, holds an underlying meaning for the adults. I highly recommend this series to everybody who is interested in reading a beautifully written story.” Pinky Pollock, Australian Book Review
URBAN HUNTERS is laugh-out-loud, gut-churning, heart-wrenching storytelling at its best. Unlike anything you’ve ever read, in typical Taaffe fashion. Hilarious as usual. Always surprising. Wonderful!
#2 Teen and Young Adult Action Adventure Series#3 Teen and Young Adult Humorous eBooksBest selling Children’s eBooksBest selling Middle Grade eBooksBest selling Teen eBooksBest selling Young Adult eBooksSurvival is climbing up the charts- fingers crossed :)Scroll up and grab a copy today.
However, if you don’t mind being completely grossed out one minute and laughing your head off the next, please read on ...
˃˃˃ Praise for The Orphanage“I would read ANYTHING this man wrote.” That’s what Mr La Rue said. Plus he didn’t just read The Orphanage, he started at book 1, Four Small Stones, had a little nap and then read all the way through to book 8, Final Straw! Pretty impressive.
˃˃˃ Other 5 out of 5 star reviews for the Urban Hunters series ...“Way beyond wonderful. A spine-tingling experience of anticipation. Fear and terror a plenty. I think it is the best so far.” Anne, Editor Australia
“Just finished reading the book. It was AWESOME!” JB Cacdac, Singapore Review of Books
˃˃˃ Overview of The Orphanage ...Billy and Amber go up against the dreaded dog catcher with a hot pursuit leading them into a creepy, rundown old orphanage where they find themselves under attack by a savage pack. Lives will be lost in this heart pounding edge of your seat episode.
˃˃˃ More praise ...“Plenty of laughs, as usual, love it. Great dialogue. The Bullie’s antics are hilarious.”Jack S, Australia
“Great ending.”Hermione, Editor Australia
“Taaffe's series is a wonderful action series for boys and girls who don't mind a little grit in their stories.” Tammy and Alex Dewhurst, Canada
“These characters are so likeable and the message is so humane and positive. I am so tired of literature full of anger, angst and cruelty. I find this entire series uplifting. You won't find vampires, werewolves, magic etc. Just plain old folk relating to each other and their environment and doing the best they can with what they have. What can I say? I love this series and look forward to it's continuation. By the way, be sure you visit the glossary at the end of each book. The glossary is an entertainment in and of itself. Read these books. Enjoy!!” New York Book Review- WD La Rue
“While written for a younger age bracket, adult humour has been included. However it has been written in such a way that what seems like a funny incident to a younger audience, holds an underlying meaning for the adults. I highly recommend this series to everybody who is interested in reading a beautifully written story.” Pinky Pollock, Australian Book Review
URBAN HUNTERS is laugh-out-loud, gut-churning, heart-wrenching storytelling at its best. Unlike anything you’ve ever read, in typical Taaffe fashion. Hilarious as usual. Always surprising. Wonderful!
#2 Teen and Young Adult Action Adventure Series#3 Teen and Young Adult Humorous eBooksBest selling Children’s eBooksBest selling Middle Grade eBooksBest selling Teen eBooksBest selling Young Adult eBooksSurvival is climbing up the charts- fingers crossed :)Scroll up and grab a copy today.
However, if you don’t mind being completely grossed out one minute and laughing your head off the next, please read on ...
˃˃˃ Praise for Bowels of Hell“I would read ANYTHING this man wrote.” That’s what Mr La Rue said. Plus he didn’t just read Bowels of Hell, he started at book 1, Four Small Stones, had a little nap and then read all the way through to book 8, Final Straw! Pretty impressive.
˃˃˃ Other 5 out of 5 star reviews for the Urban Hunters series ...“By far the best in the series, cliffhanger at end is driving me crazy.” Wendy and Andres, UK
“This is one hell of a book!” JB Cacdac, Singapore Review of Books
˃˃˃ Overview of Bowels of Hell ...Will this be the end of Billy and Amber after an accident entombs and dooms them to a slow and gruesome death? How can they be saved when no one even knows they’re in trouble? Can they save themselves?
˃˃˃ More praise ...“WOW! Great pace. A wickedly graphic conclusion. Loved it.” Anne, Editor Australia
“Just gets Better and Better. As this series of wonderful books goes along, character development, plot and involvement acquire greater depth.. The humour is there, as usual, but as this story goes along we have more of our questions answered (and more asked). Mr Taaffe, your cliff-hangers are killing me....
Anyway, I love these books, I truly do, and believe they are books that you will read over and over because as time passes and one gains a different set of experiences, so to will the books mean something different to you. Yes, they are that kind of read...
I may have said this already in another review, but, seriously..I would read ANYTHING this man wrote.” New York Book Review- WD La Rue
“Taaffe's series is a wonderful action series for boys and girls who don't mind a little grit in their stories.” Tammy and Alex Dewhurst, Canada
URBAN HUNTERS is laugh-out-loud, gut-churning, heart-wrenching storytelling at its best. Unlike anything you’ve ever read, in typical Taaffe fashion. Hilarious as usual. Always surprising. Wonderful!
#2 Teen and Young Adult Action Adventure Series#3 Teen and Young Adult Humorous eBooksBest selling Children’s eBooksBest selling Middle Grade eBooksBest selling Teen eBooksBest selling Young Adult eBooksSurvival is climbing up the charts- fingers crossed :)Scroll up and grab a copy today.
Twelve-year-old Jillian Blairington never thought she was particularly special.
She was wrong. She’s a Dream Shaper.
The scientists responsible for the genetic modifications kidnap her in order to teach Jillian how to use her Gift. But she isn’t alone. They also have her babysitter, Danielle Matheson, snatched to keep her in line.
They also have a task for her.
If Jillian can’t master her Gift quickly, Danielle might only be the first victim of many.
Interview with the Author:
Q: What makes the Devya’s Children series special?
A: At the heart, this series is about family and friendship as well as the ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering. It’s been likened to the Orphan Black TV show. I like to think of it as a more family-friendly take on those themes. The premise is that a brilliant scientist and his team created several genetically altered children who have special Gifts, such as telepathy, healing, and dream shaping.
The journal/letters style is not unique to this series, but I believe ultimately it suits my need to get in these people’s heads. I’ve worked very hard to fill the books with relatable characters. Some of them happen to have superpowers, but as Jillian points out, everybody has gifts, if not Gifts. It’s just a matter of finding out what those gifts are and how they can be applied for the good of the world.
Q: What order should I read them in?
A: I suggest the traditional order of:
- Ashlynn’s Dreams
- Nadia’s Tears
- Malia’s Miracles
- Varick’s Quest
… before jumping into the prequel—The Dark Side of Science—or the Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts.
The prequel and the short stories can certainly be read as standalones, but they may be more enjoyable once the reader’s already familiar with some of the characters.
Q: Where does this book fit in the series? What theme(s) make it special?
A: Ashlynn’s Dreams is where it all started. This is definitely the place where you want to jump in and get connected. If I had to pick a few central themes, I’d say kidnapping, family, and genetic engineering.
Why kidnapping? Well, it’s awful and scary and just plain wrong, but in this case, there’s a specific reason the scientists do it.
How does family fit in? What makes a family? The truth is that family’s a complicated thing. For example, here, Jillian has a mother, a father, a step-father, and much more. It’s been fun to explore those connections.
Science fiction’s all about the what-ifs. We’re actually just getting into the advancements in real world genetics where some of these things could be in the near future. That’s going to open a whole can of ethical worms. Fiction’s a wonderful playground for delving into scientific ethics.
Q: Why should readers check out this series?
A: Because Devya’s Children will introduce you to a charming cast of characters dealing with some big issues. Right or wrong, the children exist, so now what? If you have the power to change the world, should you? What are the personal cost and consequences of shaping the world? These are all questions explored by the series.
Q: Can the reader get the whole series at once?
A: Readers can grab books 1-3 in a combination.
15-year-old Ondine is struggling to fit in at Psychic Summercamp and doubts she possesses any of her family's magical abilities. She resolves to leave, determined to follow her own path and be a normal teenager. Whatever normal is in a place like Brugel.
On the way home Ondine is shocked when her pet ferret Shambles starts talking - in a cheeky Scottish accent no less! He is in fact a young man trapped in a witch's curse. When he briefly transforms into his human self, Ondine is smitten. If only she can break the spell for good, Shambles can be handsomely human on a full-time basis.
During the summer, these two misfits uncover a plot to assassinate a member of the royal family and discover a secret treasure that has remained hidden for decades. This attracts the attention of the arrogant Lord Vincent, and Ondine can't help being drawn in by his bad-boy charm.
With so many demands on Ondine's attentions - and affections - normal has never seemed so far away.
The Summer of Shambles is the first in the four-part ONDINE series. Fans of The Princess Bride or the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series will love this delightfully quirky fairytale.
Dark forces, magical creatures, and the world Lil thought she knew collide when a dream transports her to the strange world of Orenda. Stunned and terrified, Lil comes face to face with her doppelganger, Willow, who possesses the ability to travel between the two worlds. Everything Lil knows logically says that Orenda can’t exist, but a small clue may be proof that it was more than an ordinary dream. With the threat of her sister in danger, Lil crosses dimensions but it may cost her even more than she bargained for.
A sword wielding girl, the eternal suit, and a parallel universe come together in this action-packed Young Adult fantasy adventure that will keep readers of all ages turning the pages. Orenda is the first novel in the Orenda series.
He's forced to fight in a child army
Against the most evil of people
And learns the first casualty of war is the truth
“If you can’t trust yourself, Thomas, who can you trust?”
Contemplate your actions for a moment. If a love swept you off your feet, and turned you into your past, could you maintain your sanity? Would you understand its purpose? Explore the story of Queen Constanjii, the water element formerly known as, Jolan Vajnbirg.
While working on her studies at the Churchill Military Academy in Kinsburgh, England, Jolán Vajnbirg’s final year at the academy develops into a year of competition, aristocratic love, a reincarnated breakthrough, fierce romance, and a calling from the sky world to help save earth from the death and destruction caused by the Order of the Hunters.
When Jolán Vajnbirg encounters Prince Colemund William Frederik Van Oranje-Nassau, the two bring the celestial destiny of the sky world to perfection. Jolán was born as a reincarnated spirit, but it took a synchronicity of events to spark her supernatural breakthrough.
The sky world is steadily preparing Jolán for her future fate. The hunters have upset the universal balance of earth, and the hunters have upset the sky world.
The Hunters and the Queen Series:
Book I: Resurgence
Book II: Transcendence
Book III: Emergence (Coming Soon)
Book IV: Soon Thereafter
In the meantime, Sadeiq, the gypsy hunter, tries desperately to stop her transformation. She is turning into a hunter, and she desires to stop the process. Sadeiq desperately needs to locate Jolán for help.
The realm is deeply disturbed by the overwhelming destruction caused by the Order of the Hunters. The Order must keep a planetary balance, but they have developed into selfish and monopolistic creatures. The hunters are prepared to fight for their dominance; they do not want to lose their control. The sky world hungers for a planetary balance, and are prepared to use their forces in a fight against the Order.
The Hunters and the Queen Series:
Book I: Resurgence
Book II: Transcendence
Book III: Emergence (Coming Soon)
Book IV: Soon Thereafter
****Chapters from book III, Emergence, included at the end of Transcendence.****
Greg, a self-confessed “indoor person,” is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg’s mom has a different vision for an ideal summer . . . one packed with outdoor activities and “family togetherness.”
Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything?
F&P level: T
When you build an entire life on a foundation of lies, it only takes one truth for the whole thing to come crashing down. I never invited the truth in. I never went searching for it. I never had any reason to suspect that the two people I loved most were dishonest with me every second of every day.
I made one bad decision, and in a single day my entire world changed. If I'm ever going to discover the truth about myself and my parents, I have to trace all the lies back to their source. I have to try to find the truth that they're hiding.
The more I discover about myself, and my past, the more I realize that lies really are better than the truth. But now that I know the lies are all around me, I can't stop until I've discovered them all. I'll pull each lie away, one by one, and examine it to see what's underneath...until this house of cards crumbles into dust at my feet.
I just hope I can survive the crash.
"Before you even start this review, put down anything you are doing and go read Thrall. It's AMAZING! BREATHTAKING! Engaging and smart, Thrall leaves you speechless!"
- Savannah, Books With Bite
"How do I even begin to put all the crazy, gushy, ramblings in my brain about this book onto paper?!? Where to even begin?....This book is a MUST read!"
- Hooked In A Book review on Amazon.com
"This was an amazing little gem of a book... It is everything you could want in a book: thrilling, exuberant, filled with myth and well drawn out characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing right to the very end. Unlike anything I've ever read before! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something different to read within the YA paranormal genre - or even the adult YA paranormal genre."
- Margay Leah Justice review on Amazon.com
"I read this book months ago and the plot still sticks with me in its entirety. This book really should be made into a movie - the imagery and plot is all there waiting for the big screen and whoever plays Braedyn is going to explode into superstardom. In the meantime, would Jennifer Quintenz please, PLEASE write the sequel because this is a story that must continue!"
- Memrid, Amazon.com review
"This was a terrific read! After I finished this book (at 2:00 AM on a work night) I immediately went in search for more from this author. I hope to see more from her soon!"
- Wynnona, Amazon.com review
About Thrall
Welcome to Braedyn Murphy’s life. She’s a typical—if shy—sophomore navigating the slings and arrows of high school life with her two best friends, Royal and Cassie. Then a new boy, Lucas, moves into the house next door, and Braedyn finds herself falling in love for the first time.
But Braedyn’s normal life comes crashing down around her ears when she learns she’s a descendent of Lilith, the mother of all demons - and that she might play a critical role in an ancient war between the Sons of Adam and the Daughters of Lilith. Turns out the right answers aren’t always clear or easy. And as for “good” and “evil” – it all depends on how you choose to act.
Inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian myths of Lilith and her offspring, Thrall explores first love, strong friendships, and taking on adult responsibilities against the backdrop of powerful supernatural forces and life-and-death stakes.
About The Author
Originally from New Mexico (and still suffering from Hatch green chile withdrawal), Jenn includes Twentieth Television's WICKED, WICKED GAMES and AMERICAN HEIRESS among her produced credits. Outside of TV, she created THE BOND OF SAINT MARCEL (a vampire comic book mini-series published by Archaia Studios Press), and co-wrote THE RED STAR graphic novels (with creator Christian Gossett from 2007 to 2009). She's also the author of the award-winning DAUGHTERS OF LILITH paranormal thriller YA novels, and is currently realizing a life-long dream of growing actual real live avocados in her backyard. No guacamole yet--but she lives in hope.