Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Splendid Secrets of 66 Lilly Pilly Lane (The Faren Chronicles Book 1) by Elena Paige is a fantastical adventure that will take young readers on an adventurous trip with twelve-year-old Chia, a blind girl working in the mines, to 66 Lilly Pilly Lane, a whimsical house where she is transported along with her duck, Pip, by a mysterious woman. Chia always wanted to escape from the mines and from her stepmother, Priscilla, who wants her to work in the mines to get diamonds. She wants to take Pip and her twin sister Viola along with her. Ms. Roberta, the mysterious woman, makes her change her clothes and leaves her at the doorstep of the new house, promising her that there will be people inside who will take good care of her. There are lots of secrets in the house that are still to be discovered but for the first time in her life, Chia feels that she belongs there. Though she is keen to rescue Viola, her new friends do not think Viola is as innocent as she seems to be. Will Chia be able to free herself and Viola from Priscilla? Do you think Chia can trust Viola? What is the biggest secret Chia discovers about 66 Lilly Pilly Lane along with the other secrets there?

The story has lots of twists and turns and will keep young readers glued till the very end, leaving them eagerly waiting for Book 2. The author does a marvelous job portraying the many interesting characters and making them memorable to readers with their actions and deeds. The plot has magic, fantasy, adventure, intrigue, and suspense and Elena Paige knits them together seamlessly, giving the story a good pace and fluidity. There is not one boring moment in the book as readers join Chia in an adventure of fantasy as she tries to break the curse put on her family!

Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Thomas Wildus and the Wizard of Sumeria by J.M. Bergen is the second book in The Elandrian Chronicles. Thomas and his closest friends are back for another adventure as they become entangled in the search for a powerful object and face off against a surprising new threat. Thomas won the fight against Arius Strong and managed to save mankind. Still, Thomas and his friends quickly discover that was only the start of the battles they'd face. Their next adventure kicks off after Thomas receives a mysterious message which sets them after a powerful talisman before Arius and his cohort of wizards and witches can reach it first. A betrayal soon surfaces that will shake Thomas to his core, and he'll need to rally with his friends to prevent another brewing threat that could have severe consequences. Thomas and his friends have their first battle behind them, but Arius Strong is still a threat that steadily grows as he puts his next plan into action. The three friends have realized what they're capable of and are training under their mentor Scott Alpheus, helping them reach the true extent of their abilities. They've saved the world but still have a lot to learn, and these lessons are woven throughout as Scott's guidance is key to helping them handle their next challenge.

Thomas and his friends have maintained their fun-loving and carefree attitude despite their responsibilities and training, which gives the story a lighter tone that drives the adventure. The three maintain their carefree spirits, which captures the wonder these three kids have and how they use this to become heroes. Saving the world doesn't keep them from enjoying their lives or having fun racing each other and going on group dates. Their friendship is at the base of the story, as their real strength lies in their bond with each other. Part of the charm that author J.M. Bergen works into Thomas Wildus's story is the friendship between the three central characters, and the other part is the thrilling elements of magic and action with epic battles, quests, and hellhounds. They're just three ordinary kids with abilities that make them extraordinary and drive them to make a difference in the world. It quickly becomes evident that the threat isn't over as Arius sets in motion his latest plan. A mysterious new threat soon comes to light that challenges everything they know. These action-packed moments make Thomas Wildus and the Wizard of Sumeria an urban fantasy that all ages will be addicted to with humor, suspense, and twists as Thomas continues his quest to discover his destiny.

Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Unicorn Princess by Ektaa Bali is the first book in the Pacific Princesses series. Sonakshi is the first princess to be born as a unicorn. Her parents have kept her locked away to keep her safe, but the isolation has made her long for freedom. The witch Mankini kidnaps Sonakshi's friend Rowen, and only Sonakshi and Kiera can find him. The adventure takes them through the Australian Bushland and far across the water to Fiji to go up against Mankini. Along their journey, a secret is revealed that could change everything and puts the princess on a journey where she encounters various beings, including mermaids, emus, and kangaroos. But danger lies in wait as Sonakshi and Kiera prepare to save their friend.

The story centers around the secret that the king and queen have kept about their daughter. Sonakshi was born a unicorn, and though her parents have given her everything she could need, she's not free to truly embrace her unicorn side. Ektaa Bali explores Sonakshi's longing for freedom by searching for her identity and purpose as a unicorn. Her wish for freedom comes true unexpectedly when an evil witch kidnaps her friend, and it's up to her, along with her companion, to find him. The story weaves an epic adventure throughout the search for self-discovery and freedom of self. The adventure to save Rowen creates an opportunity for Sonakshi not only to get her freedom but allows her to explore the unicorn part of her and lets her become who she was born to be. The world she ventures into is full of amazing creatures, which provides new allies for Sonakshi and Kiera. The world Ektaa Bali brings to life is stunning with beautiful details. The Unicorn Princess is an enchanting story brought to life through lovely details, endearing characters, and an epic quest for identity.

Reviewed By Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Why are children vanishing from their beds in the middle of the night? And what does the local toymaker have to do with their disappearances? Find out in the exciting children's fantasy, Mr. Figgletoes' Toy Emporium by M. J. Evans. The story begins on East Sherman Avenue in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where an exclusive and delightful toy store is located. Owned by Mr. Figgletoes, the enchanting shop contains a vast selection of unique toys. Recently, a scary witch with evil plans for the children of Coeur d'Alene has infiltrated Mr. Figgletoes' Emporium. Now, after making a purchase at Mr. Figgletoes' shop, select customers, along with their new toys, disappear during the night. What is the mean old witch going to do with her captives? Can Mr. Figgletoes be trusted?

Mr. Figgletoes' Toy Emporium by M. J. Evans is a delightful and entertaining children's fantasy book with an important message. With enchanting imagery, incredible illustrations, and a thought-provoking plot, this charming story captures the essence of childish qualities and dispositions. Easy to read and understand, it promotes unconditional love and consideration for others. Capturing the heart and imagination, the characters are engaging, realistic, and relatable. Jasmine, Frederick, and Brinnli accurately display the characteristics of an average child. I admired how Parker passed on the lessons life had already taught him to the others. It was gratifying to witness the children emotionally grow and mature as they began to realize the world didn't revolve around them. With a wicked witch, magic, and a mystery, children from the ages of eight and up will love this enchanting book.

Reviewed By Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Stitches in Time Travel: A Magical Trip Through Time Kids Book by Peter G. Reynolds is a charming, whimsical fairytale for time-travel fans everywhere. Charlotte is a little girl who has to go to her grandmother's aging manor for Christmas but isn't into the idea at all. But her life is brightened by a time-traveling quilt that takes her back to the past, where she finds herself caught and unsure of the way back. This is where the story gets interesting as her grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother, also her age, are the only ones who can help her get back to the present.

Reminiscent of A Christmas Story, yet this story is fresh and contemporary and is perfect for adults as well as children. This holiday offering will activate the imagination and perhaps cause young readers to think about their families, past and future, in new ways. Reynolds combines clever ideas with a heartfelt message that almost anyone can relate to. I especially like the idea of the time-traveling quilt, which is magical in more ways than one and brought back memories of my own grandmother, who made special quilts through the years. Children love the fantastic, and this illustrated book will feed a child's imagination and also touch the heart. It was a neat thing to read about Charlotte being with her 10-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother again, prompting readers to wonder what it would be like for them if they got to spend time with their ancestors as children. Stitches in Time Travel: A Magical Trip Through Time Kids Book by Peter G. Reynolds could very well be your new Christmas classic and should not be missed.

Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Gemstone Chronicles: The Amethyst by William Stuart is the second book in the Gemstone Chronicles. Aidan and Maggie along with their grandparents have another mission awaiting them which will take them back to Celahir. This is a magical world where a group of Light Elves asks for their help to recover four gemstones that were stolen by Dark Elves. The loss of the gemstones has tipped the scales in the way of evil and weakened the barrier between the two worlds, allowing evil to grow in power. They retrieved one of the gemstones during their last journey into Celahir but the Light Elves have once again arrived to ask for the family's help to find the next gemstone: the Amethyst. Their upcoming journey is waylaid when it's discovered that Naesse has kidnapped Aidan and Maggie's father, which pulls their mom along into a race against time to rescue him and to retrieve the Amethyst.

The story is a family orientated adventure which takes the whole family into another world to save two worlds from evil. The family weaves between two worlds, with the human world and Celahir drawing them into this ultimate battle. They're the heroes of the story which veers from the typical fantasy-adventure as instead of the protagonist venturing off to save a magical world on their own, this is a family that takes this journey together. Family is at the heart of the story as they band together to rescue one of their own which provides a sweet center and drives each of the characters forward. The plot is driven by the love and bond of this family which is the key to stopping the plan of the Dark Elves and tipping the scales back to good. The fate of the two worlds and the balance of good rests on the shoulders of this family as the Light Elves trust in them.

William Stuart delves more into the rich and incredible mythology brought to life within this world by the balance between good and evil. Balance is a key theme of the story represented through light and dark, good and evil, and the two worlds. The gemstones even add to this theme of balance as they maintain the separation of the two while keeping in the favor of good. The fight between good and evil is represented through the Light and Dark elves. The Gemstone Chronicles: The Amethyst is an exciting and magical story that pulls a family into the middle of the fight between good and evil with the fate of a world at stake.

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Slug Queen Chronicles is a work of playful fantasy fiction written for middle-grade aged children and penned by author S. O. Thomas. Billed as Season One of the chronicles, the opening to the story sees twelve-year-old Cricket Kane face a dangerous magical adventure as she learns the truth: fairies do exist, and they’re much more terrifying than you’d think. When Cricket’s brother is kidnapped and toxic dust takes his place and infects her family, so begins a wild adventure to recover him and discover why fairies don’t take single teeth anymore. The story is told over four short novellas that make up the season as a continuing arc.

Author S. O. Thomas writes with a delightful sense of imagination that teeters between fun and darkness nicely for the target middle-grade age range. There are plenty of hairy moments for young Cricket to endure as she solves dangerous problems, fights for her family and learns a lot from the characters she meets along the way. The four-novella format actually breaks a large, complex story down into very manageable chapter-chunks for MG readers, making it easy to lose yourself in this fabulous, cute and creepy world. Fans of visual feasts like the works of Tim Burton will fall in love with Thomas’s descriptive techniques, the atmosphere and color palette that falls as a backdrop to the magic and mayhem of the plot. Overall, The Slug Queen Chronicles is a sharp series with plenty of fantasy fun for children everywhere.

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Guitar of Mayhem is a work of children’s fantasy fiction penned by author Jessica Renwick and is the sequel to the award-winning The Book of Chaos. We continue the adventures of our heroine Fable Nuthatch and her faithful friends a little while down the road from their last great escape out of the clutches of Endora. Now, in this second instalment in the Starfell series, the children are busy practising magic until incredible messages appear in Fable’s book. It seems Endora is on their trail again, and a series of bizarre signs send them on the hunt for a magical guitar that holds life-changing secrets for all.

This truly magical sequel has tons to offer fans of fantasy and incredible magical adventures. Fable is a plucky heroine with plenty of smarts, but the authenticity of the youth of her and her friends is palpable on every page, making them highly relatable to children of the same age reading this book. The prose is simple enough to be understood by independent readers, but also offers gorgeous, lavish descriptions of the magical elements of the world and hidden brilliance that adults reading along are sure to enjoy too. The plot turns with clever pinpoints that mimic a traditional fairy tale but also twist the conventions into new and surprising directions, thus offering something inventively new but comfortingly familiar. Overall, The Guitar of Mayhem is a fun and frolicking sequel that author Jessica Renwick can be truly proud of. Any kid’s new must-read!

Reviewed By Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Twelve-year-old twins Karina and Charlie Rosas are on a trip to Switzerland with their famous survivalist uncle, Diego Rosas, when their train mysteriously derails. They find themselves in a strange world, prompting them to find the nearest help. Unfortunately, a ferocious dragon appears, snatches Uncle Diego up, and flies away. Afraid but determined, the twins decide to rescue their uncle with the help of a dwarf, Zid, and a pirate, Captain Niraya Storm of the Red Hood. The task, however, is not easy. Other than the deadly dragon, they have to face a Kraken, werewolves, ghosts and other fantastical creatures that one can imagine. It's an impossible rescue mission that could end their lives. How will they fare? Roses in the Dragon's Den is an exciting children's fantasy adventure by Jacob Devlin.

Filled with adrenaline-pumping and heroic moments, Roses in the Dragon's Den hits all the right notes with spunky characters and a fascinating but dangerous world. The plot is well-paced and has great surprising twists. Family bonds is a strong theme that resonates in chapter after chapter. Alternating the POVs between Karina, Charlie, and Diego is deftly done, easily giving readers the chance to relate to the protagonists. The twins are easy to root for even though they let their emotions get the better of them at times. I gravitated towards Captain Niraya Storm instantly, the fearless and intelligent pirate who becomes the twins' protector during their journey. Simply put, this is an entertaining story by Jacob Devlin that has charm, a great sense of wonder and adventure for its readers.

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

My Dad is a Mad Scientist is a science fiction adventure book for children penned by author Matthew Cox, and forms the first book in The Adventures of Ubergirl series. Twisting the traditional conventions of the superhero genre in new and interesting ways, we meet the young Kelly Donovan when she is just nine years old. Precocious and advanced at school, Kelly is a loner with few friends, and she retreats often into the comic book world of heroes and villains for solace. But when an alien invasion gives her actual superpowers, she vows to use them to rid the world of evil. There’s one small problem: her own father has vowed to do just the opposite.

Comedic and crazy, but with a lot of heart, the work of author Matthew Cox is sure to tickle the funny bone and warm your heart at the same time. I really enjoyed the presentation of Kelly as an outsider type, but someone who is still kind and friendly despite her introversion. The plotline with aliens travels from freak occurrence to a really interesting and credible conclusion as the plot progresses, and I particularly enjoyed the numerous puns and quips planted in the quirky narrative. This is definitely a book that can be enjoyed by adults and children together, and one which subverts many conventions of comic book and superhero plots in fresh and entertaining ways. Overall, My Dad is a Mad Scientist is a highly recommended read for ages eight and above.