Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Marco Swift and the Mirror of Souls is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at younger readers and was penned by author D.E. Cunningham. The book follows Marco as he is lured into a dangerous mission by an enchantress who offers to cure his declining mother if he agrees to venture to the World of Souls. On his journey he’ll realize that the secret life that his late father was leading could hold the information he needs to survive his quest, but will it be enough to rebuild the sword of light, save the World of Souls, and stop him from losing his mother too?

This was an excellent and fast-paced adventure for young readers, perfect for kids who have discovered the excitement of fantasy storytelling and are hungry for more. Author D. E. Cunningham’s ability to create such an engaging story with such important themes for young people – in particular the loss of a parent – is sublime, and this book is always willing to talk honestly about issues whilst never losing sight of the high fantasy adventure at its heart. Children will love the fantastic characters and creatures on display here, and the descriptive writing is a perfect example of creating beautiful prose at the middle-grade reading level. Macro Swift and the Mirror of Souls is a must-read for kids; it shares a fantastic story with wonderful themes and showcases some of the best elements of the genre for the next generation of fantasy readers.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

The Homotium species live near the mechanicary house, the old and creepy place that caused the extinction of the Sapien people. Two Homotium people have already died because of that place. All Homotium fear going into it so as not to catch the sickness from the bones of the now extinct, but Azalea Fern and Oak-Lea Moss venture into it anyway. Azalea's foe, Bryony Vine, locks them inside the mechanicary house. Once Azalea and Oak-Lea escape, they think they have caught the sickness and will soon die. When only Oak-Lea gets sick, Azalea begins to unravel an ancient secret that threatens not only her but the future of the whole Homotium species. If you want to learn what has caused the extinction of the Sapiens and how they may still be a danger to the Homotium species, you should read Azalea Fern and the Last Ruin of the Extinct by Becci Murray.

There is much to commend in this book and I think it is worth reading simply for its originality. It's engrossing and engaging and destined to capture imaginations. The clear wake-up call about diversity, equality, and inclusion makes this book a standout. Azalea Fern and the Last Ruin of the Extinct by Becci Murray is riveting, brutal, and brilliantly told. This grittily provocative children's fantasy explores the true horror of damaging the environment and the importance of trust, equality, and unity in a community. All readers who sink into the pages of this enthralling middle-grade children's book will be rewarded. This book will surely keep readers thinking past the final page.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Eudora Space Kid: The Lobster Tale by David Horn is the second book in this fun and amazing adventure series designed for early chapter book readers. An adopted child of benign aliens, Eudora is a human third-grader who lives on a 36-deck Astroliner named Athena where she has lived her whole life. Athena helps them explore the galaxy and defends the Planetary Republic from evil aliens. Eudora’s dad has a laboratory full of aquariums, including lobster tanks that are famous on the ship. The ship’s Chef Franklin has asked Eudora’s dad for some lobsters for the annual New Year’s Grand Dinner Buffet. Of course, this is met by a resounding no. But Chef Franklin is determined to find a way to get to those lobsters. On top of that, the Qlaxons, the Planetary Republic’s biggest and most evil enemy, are threatening to attack. Will Eudora and her best friend Arnold be able to save the lobsters and prevent the Qlaxons from launching an attack?

Eudora’s adventures bring a smile to a readers’ face. Every page is filled with hilarity and funny moments that your young reader will giggle at upon reading them. Children and adults can expect to join Eudora and her friends on an adventure that inspires. Moreover, Eudora Space Kid is an excellent teaching tool, especially these days when most children are schooled at home. It is ideal for engaging emergent and early chapter book readers as well as young ESL learners to hone their competencies in reading and comprehension. On top of that, David Horn has created a role model character in Eudora. This series teaches values of friendship, perseverance, family, and diversity. Space adventure complemented with clean humor makes Eudora Space kid a fun read that both children and parents can sit and read together.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

The Doa Fora people of the Cloud forest and the villagers of Last Hope got along until they didn’t. While the villagers encroached on the forest, the Doa Fora warriors fought back with poisoned arrows. But who could explain the monstrous Illwen? When the villagers captured a Doa Fora named Fen, twelve-year-old Ash, who had a gift for naming things, rescued him from death. She gained a friend in Fen but became a traitor among her people. Ash, Fen, and her tamed Illwen puppy journeyed into the Cloud forest to save her village from the constant war. She went through caves, waters, and spirits into places unknown to discover a long-hidden secret that could take her life. Can Ash save Last Hope and survive? Find out in The Namer of Spirits by Todd Mitchell.

The Namer of Spirits by Todd Mitchell is a fable appropriate and highly recommended for children between nine and fourteen years old. This moving yet wholesome story revolved around deforestation, magic, kindness, selflessness, and environmental consciousness. Todd used a relatable story and excellent character development to portray our roles as change agents, regardless of our sizes and status. Also, ruining nature harms us because we have a symbiotic relationship. Hence, we should educate people more about the impact of deforestation on the climate. The Namer of Spirits puts motives, actions, morality, and logic into perspective. Was there anything like good and evil captivity, considering Ash’s and Lord Ocra’s respective Illwen? Was it okay to ignore the greater good in favor of doing something right, like setting Fen free to the villagers’ potential detriment? This situation is where balance becomes a crucial lesson for children. I loved the simple language and writing style. Great job, Todd.

Reviewed by Cloie Belle Daffon for Readers' Favorite

Ellen Dee Davidson's Wind is a story about a young girl named Katie who has a special power that no one is aware of. It starts with Katie having a pretty bad day. She has been ridiculed in class for telling the teacher that the tree talked to her. After class, when she and Amy, her closest friend, are hanging out in her room, she notices that her cat is acting strangely. She could have sworn she hears the feline shout “EARTH”! She tells Amy but her friend won't believe her. Not long after Amy goes home, there is an earthquake and Katie falls into a huge crack. Instead of finding herself in the basement of her house, she realizes pretty soon she is in a whole new world with a strange alien boy named Za who is also lost. Will Katie be able to find her way home or will she stay lost in this new and magical world?

Wind by Ellen Dee Davidson is a moderately-paced story filled with valuable lessons which adults and children alike should learn. One lesson I found in the tale was to learn how to stay quiet when feeling angry or frustrated because we tend to say or do things out of anger and most of the time we will find ourselves regretting such thoughtless outbursts later when we are more levelheaded. Katie’s parents fought in front of her and she was also somehow pulled into the fight and it ended badly, with her expressing her anger by throwing an object at her mother. This mean act weighed heavily on her mind all throughout the story. I found this tale to be interesting and distinctive, and the characters brought about the potential of the unique plot. I had fun following Katie’s adventures with Za. Despite her mistakes and regrets, she is a remarkable little girl and I admire the side of her that can stay strong despite being lost in a whole new world. Overall, the whole story is well-written and magical from the beginning until the end. It was a fun and amazing read! Well done!

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.