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Editorial Reviews It’s 2117 and Promo City is blazing with advertising pollution, but all sixteen-year-old Bjorn Bear cares about is having fun, until the city’s deadliest assassins attack him. With his motley gang of friends by his side, Bjorn must evade a crime boss with a vendetta, overcome genetically-engineered mini hippos, and race against time to discover and stop whoever is out to get him—all while facing the possibility that the only family he’s ever known isn’t real. Counterblow Clemency follows the journey of three primary protagonists: Bjorn Bear, Doodle, and Murgatroyd, as they navigate a futuristic world filled with wonders, perils, and a desperate need for change. Bjorn, a rebellious teen, is joined by his friends, who come from radically different circumstances. Together, they face the consequences of Bjorn’s actions and are drawn into a conflict far beyond their control. Shibles masterfully balances the familiar with the unfamiliar in this sci-fi tale. A hallmark of great science fiction is the blend of relatable elements with the fantastical, allowing readers to anchor themselves in the story while exploring new and strange wonders. Shibles achieves this by leveraging familiar experiences, such as parent-child relationships and friendships, while setting the characters in a world that is entirely fantastical. This technique allows readers to stay connected to the narrative, even as Shibles’ creativity runs wild with the setting. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, their struggles and imperfections making them both believable and engaging. As the story unfolds, readers find themselves rooting for these flawed yet endearing characters, even as their situation grows increasingly dire. Shibles’ approach of not providing convenient explanations for everything mirrors the experience of the protagonists being thrust into situations beyond their control. This technique adds to the immersive quality of the world Shibles has created. While it might be a bit challenging for those new to sci-fi, it is a testament to the depth and richness of the narrative. Experienced sci-fi enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate this intricate storytelling, and newcomers will find it a rewarding and enriching dive into the genre. Counterblow Clemency works beautifully as a standalone adventure and has the potential to launch a new series. Shibles ties up most loose ends within the book’s relatively brief runtime, making it a satisfying read. For fans of the fantastical and the unknown elements of science fiction, this book is a must-read. Experience the thrilling world of Counterblow Clemency, where every page bursts with heart-pounding action and mind-bending drama. This sci-fi masterpiece is a dream come true for fans craving a story that defies the norm. Enter the extraordinary world of renowned author Naomi Shibles, where sci-fi mastery meets unparalleled storytelling. With a pen that weaves magic on every page, Shibles invites you to join a thrilling journey filled with heart-pounding action and characters that will resonate in your soul. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as each twist and turn grips your imagination tighter, refusing to let go. Get ready to lose yourself in an adventure that transcends boundaries and leaves an indelible mark on your very being. Shibles' work is not just a story; it's an experience waiting to be embraced. Counterblow Clemency is a YA science fiction thriller by Naomi Shibles. Set in the year 2117 in Promo City, the story follows Bjorn Bear, a sixteen-year-old teenager born into an affluent family. After inadvertently destroying his parents' wine collection, Bjorn is thrown out of the Bear Estate alongside his friends, Doodle and Murgatroyd. But soon, he is shot at by strangers hell-bent on killing him and finds himself on the run with his two friends. A crucial mistake by Murgatroyd almost gets them killed by the crime boss, Lolly Normandy. As Lolly's men hunt for them, Bjorn learns that he, like Murgatroyd, is an Atlas, and the person who wants him dead has a turbulent history with him. Additionally, his mother's life is also in danger. Will Bjorn be able to save himself and his friends? Fast-paced and action-packed, Counterblow Clemency is an adrenaline-pumping thriller that never lets its foot off the gas. Naomi Shibles wastes no time in putting the reader into the midst of the action, and, from the first page to the last, it's a wild rollercoaster of a ride you don't want to end. The setting of Promo City feels futuristic, with some unique features that bring an authentic flavor to the world, be it the addition of genetically engineered mini-hippos, the Spark devices, or the machinations of the B.A.B.E. laboratory. The dynamic between the three friends and Carter Lock is genuine and was one of the primary highlights for me. I also immensely enjoyed the back-and-forth between Bjorn and Murgatroyd. In conclusion, if young adult dystopian stories are your jam, you won't regret reading this one!

Naomi Shibles is the author of COUNTERBLOW CLEMENCY, an award-winning, 5-star reviewed science fiction novel for young adults. She lives in Charlotte with her family. It’s 2117 and Promo City is blazing with advertising pollution, but all sixteen-year-old Bjorn Bear cares about is having fun, until the city’s deadliest assassins attack him. With his motley gang of friends by his side, Bjorn must evade a crime boss with a vendetta, overcome genetically-engineered mini hippos, and race against time to discover and stop whoever is out to get him—all while facing the possibility that the only family he’s ever known isn’t real. BUY AMZ GR MORE Shibles masterfully balances the familiar with the unfamiliar in this sci-fi tale. As the story unfolds, readers find themselves rooting for these flawed yet endearing characters, even as their situation grows increasingly dire. Experienced sci-fi enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate this intricate storytelling, and newcomers will find it a rewarding and enriching dive into the genre. Counterblow Clemency works beautifully as a standalone adventure and has the potential to launch a new series. For fans of the fantastical and the unknown elements of science fiction, this book is a must-read. —Literary Titan Experience the thrilling world of Counterblow Clemency, where every page bursts with heart-pounding action and mind-bending drama. With a pen that weaves magic on every page, Shibles invites you to join a thrilling journey filled with heart-pounding action and characters that will resonate in your soul. Shibles' work is not just a story; it's an experience waiting to be embraced. —Midwest Book Review Fast-paced and action-packed, Counterblow Clemency is an adrenaline-pumping thriller that never lets its foot off the gas. Naomi Shibles wastes no time in putting the reader into the midst of the action, and, from the first page to the last, it's a wild rollercoaster of a ride you don't want to end. If young adult dystopian stories are your jam, you won't regret reading this one! —Readers’ Favorite Sign up to find out about new releases and announcements first. Email* Let’s Go LOOK FOR COUNTERBLOW CLEMENCY AT THESE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES Park Road Books 4139 Park Road Charlotte, North Carolina in Park Road Shopping Center Undercover Books & Gifts 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 11 Christiansted, St. Croix U.S.V.I. in Gallow’s Bay Bermuda Bookstore 3 Queen Street Hamilton, Bermuda

Hi! My name is Naomi Shibles. I’m a middle school mom and kidlit writer. I write all kinds of books for kids, including picture books, chapter books, YA novels, and coloring books. If you’ve ever been to St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, that’s where I grew up. My family is originally from a small town in California and still lives there, while I live in the Carolinas. I think that St. Croix, California, and the Carolinas are three of the prettiest spots in the U.S. My Nana taught me that you generate your own luck through hard work and perseverance. Above all else, I want young people to have fun reading my books. Professional Bio My name is Naomi Shibles, and I’m a freelance writer and editor. I grew up in the Caribbean, and went on to be a staff writer and photographer for the Naples Sun Times (now Naples Daily News ). After interning at Woman’s Day magazine, I served as editor of Min’s B2B , a weekly resource for business-to-business publishers. ​ I worked on VisonMonday.com and interviewed American Idol judge Randy Jackson for Jobson Publishing. Later, I managed all digital content for New York City’s Montefiore Medical Center. I’ve interviewed Hugh Hefner for Min magazine and contributed to MediaPost , OMMA , and Outdoorosity.com, among others. My YA sci-fi caper, Counterblow Clemency , is available from Golden StoryLine Books , and my work is forthcoming in 42 Stories Anthology’s Book of 42 . I live in North Carolina with my family and publish a podcast on Substack about my writing journey, including tips and encouragement for fellow writers. My memberships include the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Authors Guild, and the Association of Writers & Writing Programs. CLICK HERE

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BIRTHDAY RANCH Birthday Ranch is a chapter book adventure full of zany characters that appeal to reluctant readers. What would you do to save your birthday? That’s the question that nine-year-old Cody Nilsen asks himself when he is sent to Birthday Ranch, where the annual Pony Trials contest takes place. The grand prize is a lavish birthday party! Cody is determined to win the party at all costs, but when a friend goes missing, he must choose friendship… or victory. Only his 10th birthday is on the line. Available For Pre-Order In 2025 HOME

Awesome Gang Interview With Author Naomi Shibles What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? Counterblow Clemency was inspired by a dream I had in which the freeway was covered in huge, bright, electric advertisements. That’s how I thought of the problem of advertising pollution… ​ READ MORE CraveBooks Interview With Naomi Shibles Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer? My first book had a steep learning curve. I didn’t outline it, and probably ended up completely rewriting it five or six times. These days, I do everything I can to be efficient because… READ MORE Emwigsters Bookshelf Author Spotlight: Interview With Naomi Shibles How did you choose which character to centre the story around? ​ An element of Counterblow Clemency is belonging, or not feeling like you 100% belong anywhere… READ MORE

Counterblow Clemency Counterblow Clemency is a young adult science fiction story from Naomi Shibles that explores the themes of dignity, entitlement versus social responsibility, teamwork, and the kinship of chosen family. Read it today! Amazon Goodreads The Story Promo City is blazing with advertising pollution, but all sixteen-year-old Bjorn Bear cares about is having fun, until the city’s deadliest assassins attack him. With his motley gang of friends by his side, Bjorn must evade a crime boss with a vendetta, overcome genetically-engineered mini hippos, and race against time to discover and stop whoever is out to get him—all while facing the possibility that the only family he’s ever known isn’t real. Available Now from Golden Storyline Books BUY NOW

Praise for Counterblow Clemency

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