Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Koolura and the Mayans by Michael Thal is the third book in the Koolura series, an exciting story that will take readers on a historic ride back into the old Maya civilization. Koolura and her friend, Leila, are just two young teens visiting Mexico. They stumble on a device that allows them to travel back in time. They are thrust into an early Maya civilization, whose people are enslaved by the Aquari. The people hope for a goddess who could set them free. Could Koolura be this goddess?

Although Koolura and the Mayans is written for a pre-teen audience, it was fun to read as an adult. Michael Thal’s characters are awesome and I enjoyed Koolura and Leila, two girls who are smart and very ingenious. They make a great team. Readers will enjoy watching them evolve through the story. The author seems to create a whole new culture around the Maya and the story feels so real, reading about the people and the challenges they face. At the level of style, this book is beautifully accomplished. First off, the reader will notice the gorgeous accessible writing, composed of short and easy-to-understand sentences. The writing also features great descriptions of characters and setting. The descriptive prose creates powerful images in the minds of readers. I enjoyed the well-crafted dialogues which make the characters come to life. Readers will love the adventure, the drama, the conflict, and the entertaining nature of this story. I enjoyed it!

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid begins as thousands of children disappear with only one child ever having returned. Will Cleary returned with a falcon and a wolf to watch over him, but his twin sister remained behind in Echoland, another world filled with reflections of us called Echoes. All Will's parents have done since he came back is to plot ways to find his sister, often barely acknowledging his existence. When his faithful protectors reveal a shocking truth, Will is pulled back into the world he doesn't remember on a journey to find his sister. Along the way, he turns to new allies for help as he's swept into the discovery of the missing children, into solving a murder, and into helping the rightful heir onto the throne.

Dew Pellucid blends together an exciting fantasy adventure with a murder mystery in a journey of growing up. Echoland is a unique and ghost-like mirror world with transparent trees and people. Everything is described in ghostly detail, but often reflects our own world with a mix of absurd and ominous twists. Every little detail of this world matters in the larger picture of the story. It's a wondrous and yet dangerous place that pulls you along for the journey. The stakes are high with Will's life constantly at risk, but his journey through this world teaches him bravery and true friendship. Will's friendships are the strongest connections he has as both of his parents seem to shrug him off whenever he's around, too occupied with trying to find his sister to really see him. Dea and Damian are more than just his pets, they're his protectors, the ones watching over him since he returned home, and the ones that lead him back to Echoland. His life at the beginning is only briefly touched upon, but it's clear he's alone except for his pets so, when he makes friends in Echoland, it further illustrates how important that bond is for him.

His new friends liven the story up while also giving a sense of heart to the tale and providing him with people he wants to protect. Peter is his first real friend in this world. He's a magician who starts off a bit suspicious, but quickly turns into Will's strongest supporter. He has a mischievous side to him, but he's also loyal and compassionate. Animals play a large role throughout the story as Will's pets are the catalyst for his return to Echoland, but it's the Echo Wolf he bonds with later that fills a certain void. Peter has a strong attachment to his dog Poudini, who has an emotional place in the story. Fun nods to common things in our world maintain a lot of the humor throughout as Echoland has Crystalmas instead of Christmas and Poudini is a fun play on the famous magician. The illustrations are stunning and capture important moments throughout with an array of blue hues that capture the lucent essence of the world. The Crystilleries of Echoland is a hero's journey in a story of strength and courage with a dazzling array of illustrations.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

From Frights to Flaws: Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions: Book 1 is a fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Sunayna Prasad. Life had gotten very dreary for Alyssa and her cousin, Hailey. When Alyssa’s parents died in a car crash five years earlier, a life with Hailey and her aunt and uncle seemed a welcome respite after the loss. They formed a close and loving bond. But the tragedy of her aunt’s death two years later did something to her uncle. He had become a harsh and demanding disciplinarian and had taken the two girls out of school to be home-schooled instead. Their babysitter, Mrs. Hutchinson, treated them like her own personal Cinderellas as she supervised the endless chores she assigned them. Mopping floors, washing dishes and vacuuming the rugs took up time they might have spent playing or learning. But something strange and wonderful happened one day as Alyssa stared out the window at the raindrops which had suddenly, unexpectedly, turned black and began to form letters on the window pane. They read: "Your life will never be the same, Alyssa McCarthy, as magic will interfere."

Sunayna Prasad’s fantasy novel for children and preteens, From Frights to Flaws: Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions: Book 1 is a fast-paced and exciting adventure tale that follows the orphaned girl as she tries to understand how her very sheltered life in a New Jersey suburb could change so entirely. I loved seeing the Fiji Islands through Alyssa’s eyes and experiencing with her the challenges of her adventure. Prasad’s plot is well-developed and her characters are finely honed and credible. From Frights to Flaws: Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions: Book 1 is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Thirteen-year-old Ayrion spent his entire life training to become an Upakan warrior, the youngest ever to claim the title. With determination, hard work and his secret gift of magic, he excelled in his tests and proved himself worthy when he joined his father in a mission and returned successfully. However, Brim, the head of the clan, and his 17-year-old son, Flon, often treated Ayrion and his family unfairly. When Ayrion accidentally caused a death that he didn’t see coming, his banishment to the outside world will test all his years of training and wise guidance from his father, as he heads to the city of Aramoor.

Banished (Street Rats of Aramoor, Book One) by Michael Wisehart starts in the Lost City. The world building is fascinating and well structured. The Upaka is an interesting community. As they spent so much time underground, they can see in lower light but have to cover their eyes with shaders, their version of sunglasses, when they do go above. They are mercenaries－their fighting ability is their greatest asset. Overall, the plot pace is moderate but well thought out with plenty of action. The story is both plot and character-driven, giving it a good depth. The characters are a diverse and interesting bunch of individuals with their own eccentricities, particularly the infamous Captain Treygan and his crew. His time as one of the Wind Binder’s crew is the highlight of the story for me. Ayrion’s character development is deftly done, and the narrative is vivid and brings the story to life nicely.

There are enough great messages here for teen boys in term of ethics and principles, good traits and strength of character that they can emulate. Banished is not just a YA fantasy adventure, it’s also a good coming-of-age story for its intended readers, a great start for the series from Wisehart. I truly enjoyed it and the sneak peek of Book Two will definitely make readers look forward to joining Ayrion on his journey once more.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Mona Lisa's Ghost: Lucy Nightingale, Book 2 is a science fiction and fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Nancy Kunhardt Lodge. Who stole the Mona Lisa from its secure location in the Louvre, leaving no traces of the theft? Lucy Nightingale and her science-geek best friend, Sam Winter, formed the SLARP, otherwise known as Sam and Lucy’s Anomalies Research Project, to solve exactly this kind of mystery. Lucy had a particular fondness for this picture, as well as its brilliant creator, as a result of her adventures in the first book in this series, The Crystal Navigator. So when her teacher showed her class the video about the Mona Lisa being restored to its place in the Louvre, after having been studied with a Spectrographic Scanner, Lucy was stunned to see the changes that had occurred to the picture. The golden-toned backdrop had been replaced with an angry purple sky that bristled with lightning bolts. Lisa, herself, was in tears, and when Lucy looked even more closely at her eyes, she could swear there were letters in Lisa’s eyes. What had happened? Lucy was determined to find out and try to reverse the damage which seemed to be worsening before her very eyes.

Nancy Kunhardt Lodge’s science fiction and fantasy novel for children, Mona Lisa's Ghost: Lucy Nightingale, Book 2, is a beautifully written, imaginative and action-packed adventure story that just happens to have one of the most intriguing young heroes I’ve come across -- and I’m thrilled to see that she’s a girl. The relationship between Sam and Lucy is marvelous, and it comes quite close to that between Q and agent 007 in Ian Fleming’s iconic James Bond series. I love seeing what new device Sam dreams up, and then getting to see Lucy use it in the field is grand fun. This time-traveling series educates as it entertains, and while it’s geared toward a younger audience, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and mind-expanding science fiction adventure tales. Mona Lisa's Ghost: Lucy Nightingale, Book 2 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Gorgon is the second book in the WhipEye Chronicles, written by Geoffrey Saign. Estranged friends and neighbors, Jake and Samantha, celebrate a special dinner hosted by Bryon (Samantha’s father) and Cynthia (Jake’s mother), but the festivities are interrupted when a giant Komodo Dragon crashes the private party, demanding the WhipEye staff be handed over to Gorgon. When the children refuse, Bryon and Cynthia are attacked, leaving them fighting for their lives. Armed forces quickly arrive, taking both children prisoner, whilst using their ailing parents’ lives as leverage to get answers. With the help of friends and the WhipEye, Jake and Samantha escape to safer ground, but must hurry to find an antidote to save their parents, whilst hiding from their kidnappers. With time not on their side, and the added discovery that one of their dearest friends – possibly the only one they can trust – is in grave danger, the children use extreme caution in an effort to save their parents, protect the inhabitants of KiraKu, as well as the people of Earth. Achieving these things, whilst fighting a battle filled with death and bloodshed, and without falling under WhipEye’s spell, is a whole lot harder than it sounds.

The allure of The WhipEye Chronicles is one that I simply cannot resist. Geoffrey Saign has created other-worldly creatures which can take on many forms, whether in their home dimension of KiraKu or on Earth. In true form, the book dashes from a peaceful, celebratory introduction, before fast becoming a mass of action, drama, thrill and mystery. I strongly recommend that the books from the WhipEye Chronicles are read in order, so that the reader is able to thoroughly grasp the important role that each character of the story plays. Although many new characters are introduced, some old favorites return, creating a feeling of happiness and recognition, which brings a smile to the face of this particular reader. I tip my hat to Geoffrey Saign - not only for the amazing continuity between the first and second books, but also for the well-roundedness in each of the characters, whilst leaving the reader guessing whether each one is friend or foe. I thoroughly enjoyed Gorgon from beginning to end, and recommend it to readers of all ages, especially those between 8-14, who are fans of epic adventures from out of this world.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

When eight-year-old Marjorie Beatrice Weaver (Jorie) arrived at her great-aunt's grand residence in Dunham, she had mixed feeling. She was happy to be away from the awful boarding school and excited about living in a place with such a rich history, but she was not sure whether she was going to enjoy a full summer cooped up inside the huge mansion with just her elderly and strict auntie and the maid. If only she had known the adventure that awaited her! On the very night of her arrival, Jorie discovered a mysterious ancient book hidden beneath the floorboards under her bed. With her curiosity and sense of adventure now at an all-time high, Jorie, with the help of her new friend Rufus, is ready to explore the seemingly mythical possibilities suggested on the pages of the mysterious book. Unknown to her, however, others in far away lands have been eagerly watching for her arrival for she is foretold to be the Atir - the Chosen One, the Child with Hair of Fire - who is to play a central role in securing the safety of all the worlds. If only the kids knew the depth of the mystery they had dipped their little hands into. Their adventure begins with a trip to another world and the ensuing quest to recover the sacred magic stones. But the adventure will not be all fun and games as others, far more powerful, more conniving and ruthless, are desperately searching for the same stones.

Jorie and the Magic Stones by A. Richardson is an amazing fantasy tale that will be enjoyed by kids across several age groups and adults too. The pivotal character is fresh and engaging, and she will draw you into her world with her infectious prying ways, sense of adventure, and positive energy. Jorie is inquisitive, brave, and wise beyond her years, and yet still a child at heart; A. Richardson struck this balance perfectly. A. Richardson also effortlessly captured the atmosphere and style to create a setting with a good balance between cold and inviting, and gloom and light. It was also quite refreshing to read such a story with a girl taking the pivotal role, and rightfully so; she is everything a heroine should be - quick-witted and brave. All this, coupled with a one of a kind plot and an exceptional setting, brought to life an amazing fantasy tale.

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

J.T. Meeks, a 13-year-old outsider in his school, does not subscribe to the popular belief that Bigfoots are creatures to fear. While there are reports that large, hairy beasts are stalking the forests, capturing hikers and hunters, J.T. has a different experience of these non-violent and loving beings. Author Rebecca Coyte presents an intriguing tale in The Bigfoot Rebellion (The Bigfoot Paradox Book 2). Other interesting characters, with varying motivations, are also described. There is Billy Matrix, an eccentric fellow who is relentless in his pursuit of these creatures. Add to the mix a new reality television show, with egocentric, ratings-obsessed Ophelia Everheart. Many other characters round out the cast, as J.T. and others are determined to prove the Sasquatch (the proper name for the Bigfoots) are motivated by good intentions for the earth’s environment.

Although this book is geared towards the juvenile/young adult group, it is enlightening and entertaining for the adult reader too. The author has strong writing skills, tying together many characters, scenes, and both realistic and supernatural elements. She moves between two areas of the country, Tennessee and Washington, as well as from this world to the other world, with great ease. Details are sprinkled throughout the text which add to the mystique and drama of the story. How J.T. is able to navigate between these two worlds is also a very interesting perspective. There are many appealing elements in The Bigfoot Rebellion (The Bigfoot Paradox Book 2) by Rebecca Coyte.

Reviewed by Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite

Magora: The Golden Maple Tree by talented author Marc Remus is the second book in the Magora children’s fantasy series and is, quite frankly, utterly magical. Twelve-year-old Holly O’Flanigan alternates between ‘the real world’ of Donkleywood, where she lives in a mansion with her foster parents, the Smoralls, and the alternate magical world of Magora, via a very special fantasy painting that had been created by her Grandpa Nikolas. In Magora, Holly and her three friends - Rufus, Brian and Amanda - had attended Cliffony, Academy of the Arts, where they had learned to paint with the help of magic. Now Holly and her friends are heading back for their second year at Cliffony – but the only problem is that Holly’s friend, Ileana, is very sick. She is suffering from a disease that dissolves her blood and the only cure for her illness lies in the leaves of the Golden Maple Tree. Holly and her friends set out on a quest to find the mystical maple tree, but things become very complicated when Rufus is kidnapped.

As mentioned earlier, this book is the second in the Magora series and should be read in order to fully appreciate the turn of events and to learn the back stories for each of the characters. Reading the books out of sequence doesn’t mean you won’t understand the story – it may simply take you a little longer to figure out the who, what, where, when and whys. Remus’ story is charming and full of vibrant imagery, much like a beautifully painted canvas. From interesting creatures/beings called Hisslers and Chandrills to funny and creative names like Villa Nonesuch, Papplewick Street and Wrinkle Dimple Skin Care Shop, each adds an element of creativity that will fuel the imaginations of its readers as they excitedly follow Holly and her friends on their quest to find the mystical Golden Maple Tree that will save their friend. The pages of the story are chock full of adventure, excitement and wonderment. If you liked the wizarding world of Harry Potter, you’ll love the magical world of Magora in all her vibrant splendor. Marc Remus, like J.K. Rowling, gives his readers a wonderful and magical place to escape!

Reviewed by Carol Coetzee for Readers' Favorite

The Death of Death by K.N. Parker deals with the upcoming death of twelve-year-old Tabitha Wilkinson, who is visited by a death guide to be told she will be moving on to the next realm two days from then. Tabitha is curious about the guide and asks many questions that the guide is unable to answer. She is simply a guide, with no before, no after, no name, only now. Tabitha asks her guide to find out who she was before she became a guide; what her name was; how she died; and how she came to be a death guide. These are unusual and unexpected questions, which leave the guide perplexed. The guide returns to her home, and begins a quest for answers. A surprising answer awaits her.

In The Death of Death, a short story by K.N. Parker, we venture into a strange and unknown world. We all have questions regarding death, what becomes of us, and of those we will be leaving behind. This tale explores one possible outcome for those who pass from this world to the next. A death guide seems like a comforting way to go, knowing that there is someone there beside you as you take your final breath, someone to guide you to the next realm. A sad, yet heartwarming tale of a young girl and her death guide, and the story they share. An interesting tale that will leave you wondering about what happens when we die.