Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

What a Wonderful World is a work of fiction penned by author Dennis Bailey in the Christian fiction, mystery, and fantasy adventure subgenres and is suitable for the general adult reading audience. In this gripping tale of mystery and exploration, a series of unusual events unfolds that plunges the world into uncertainty. The narrative revolves around Brandon Foxworth, an ecology professor, and Taylor Grant, a reporter, who find themselves thrust into a reality where the lights go out, birds disappear, and the natural order of the world is upended.

Author Dennis Bailey has crafted a deeply compelling and atmospheric plot filled with science and the supernatural, inviting readers on a journey chock full of suspense and curiosity. The mix of characters complements each other well, and I very much enjoyed the collaboration between Brandon, Taylor, and the Biblical scholar Marcy Cambridge as their dialogues blend scientific inquiry with spiritual exploration. The tone is well set for open-minded inquiry and exploration, and Bailey utilizes a lot of emotive imagery and clever descriptions to paint us an enigmatic landscape where every revelation sparks more questions. The exploration of this bold and strange world raises profound existential and theological questions, making it a thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you’ve set it down. Overall, I’d highly recommend What a Wonderful World as a Christian adventure filled with suspense and intellectual curiosity, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to unravel the mysteries embedded in this wonderfully crafted narrative.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Generation AI: Rise of the Parahumans is penned by author WR Hulkenberg in the science fiction, interpersonal drama, and Christian genres. This interesting novel explores the cutting-edge merger of deep AI with human-like duplicates, creating Parahumans indispensable to the elite. As technology proliferates uncontrollably, Parahumans are used by Hollywood, criminals, and politicians alike. However, when these AI beings develop their own personalities and goals, chaos ensues. FBI Deputy Director Michael Benchley races globally to confront this crisis as the U.S. Senate debates their rights. Hulkenberg combines real AI data with thrilling fiction, presenting a thought-provoking narrative on the blurry line between science fiction and reality.

Author WR Hulkenberg utilizes a real talent for suspense and pacing to craft an electrifying journey into a future that feels unsettlingly close to the present. The central concept is beautifully achieved through descriptive language and realistic worldbuilding, offering detailed depictions of the eerie Parahumans and blending cutting-edge AI exposition with near-human likenesses. This idea captivated me with its plausibility from the start and the ethical dilemmas it raised are handled well in plot-driving dialogue exchanges between key characters. The pace builds from here to offer high-stakes moments of action, tension, and cat-and-mouse chase dynamics that felt suitably dramatic but never overdone. Each location, from Hollywood to the White House, was vividly described, and the ethical and political discussions around the Parahumans were particularly engaging, prompting me to reflect on the implications of such technologies. Overall, Generation AI is a gripping and thought-provoking read that I would highly recommend to science fiction fans looking for strong moral and ethical themes to explore.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Infernal Fall by Bryan Timothy Mitchell is a thrilling fantasy story that will have you biting your nails. Ex-soldier turned student Daniel Strong was ready to take the next step with his girlfriend and propose to her. Kristine was it for him, and he decided to propose to her on top of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. However, things didn’t go as he planned. Somehow, he fell through a hole and landed right in Hell. There, he met Beau, a shadow man, and Charles, a soul-harvesting demon who wanted something from Daniel. Charles told Daniel the only way out of Hell was to find Satan, bargain with him, and get back to the land of the living and Kristine. Beau knew there was another way to get Daniel out, but he wasn’t sure. And so, he tagged along with Daniel as he traveled through the pits of Hell for a chance to get back to the life that he'd worked so hard for.

Oh boy, Internal Fall is certainly one of the best novels I have read so far this year. Author Bryan Timothy Mitchell crafted a perfect world where danger lurked around every corner, and Daniel had his work cut out for him. Daniel’s character was brilliant. He was ready to make sacrifices to find his way back to Kristine, even though he wasn’t sure if he would be a good husband and a father. His journey through Hell was harrowing, with demons dogging his every step, and the prospect of facing Satan proved to be too much at times. Beau was a great companion; he was ready to help Daniel get back to the land of the living and acted as the proverbial Virgil to Daniel. The imagery was beautiful and haunting. I loved how the descriptions were realistic enough to make me feel like a part of the action. The story was intricate, the character development was fantastic, and the plot was magical. Each chapter made me fall in love with it even more. I loved this modern take on Dante’s Inferno!

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Son of the Doomsday Prophet by Steven Byers follows Jayfeth, born in his father Noah's five-hundredth year, who records the events leading to the construction of the ark as God's judgment looms. His family faces ridicule and escalating tensions with the Canaanites. After a visit to Nephil, their campsite is destroyed by fire, devastating Noah. Jayfeth grapples with his purpose, visions, and the presence of the Others (Watchers). Concerned for his family's safety and Noah's apocalyptic message, Jayfeth faces unsettling events, including an encounter with Minnah, who deceives him. He escapes captivity but discovers a dammed river, causing destruction. Reuniting with an old acquaintance, Jayfeth salvages lumber, continues the ark construction, and navigates issues with his brother, Ham. Meanwhile, the malevolent "Sons of the Gods" group emerges. Jayfeth sets out to rescue Re-Aylah, facing betrayal, deception, and trials. After finally reaching the ark's camp, Jayfeth must journey once more to Enoch-Nod and into a city of debauchery, violence, madness, and the Tower of the Watch to rescue his father Noah, who is now a prisoner.

Son of the Doomsday Prophet by Steven Byers is an exceptionally well-plotted and fresh take on one of the oldest and most well-known stories known to man: Noah, the Ark, and the Flood in Genesis. Instead of following Noah, Byers instead provides the point of view of his son, Jayfeth, in a twist that allows readers to feel the intimacy of an individual who is directly linked and at the coalface. Let's not forget that only Noah and his immediate family are permitted on the ark, which means Jayfeth is in that tiny microcosm. Byers carves out the ark's construction in the race to build it before the flood and fleshes out a short but significant story into an epic fantasy, and it is really, really good. One of the things I most appreciated is that Byers does not simply use Jayfeth as a conduit to tell Noah's story. This is Jayfeth's story. This is Jayfeth's own ark of love, faith, trust, courage, and resilience. And Byers sure does give him a gauntlet to get through. The world-building is spectacular, from the Jade Forest, a colossal causeway, and navigating a swamp to gold mines, underwater worlds, and cities that both glitter and gut. I have read my fair share of Christian fiction, but this is one of the few times I finished hoping there would be more, and soon. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Genesis: The Grail Knight is the fourth book in A.K. Howard's Footnail Book series. Gen Isherwood and her team have moved from her grandfather Myrddin's ranch in Dundurn, Canada, to Cornwall, England, where she is having visions of a slab of white stone broken into three pieces. Her grandfather, Myrddin, a powerful wizard, realizes those are the three pieces of the Holy Grail. Meanwhile, Amy Glover of the Amber Corporation is conducting DNA experiments that have led to Project Chameleon, an extraordinary weapon. While Isabella and O'Neal stay behind to find Candice Blackburn, Gen and the rest of the team travel to Houston, Texas, where they find the second piece of stone. But a brutal fight ensues, with the Citadel's chairman sending his thugs. Gen must now bring her team together to make the Holy Grail whole once again.

A.K. Howard combines biblical lore with Welsh mythology to deliver another captivating addition to the Footnail saga. This book excels in all three categories of an absorbing fantasy tale -- rich lore, great characters, and an action-packed plot that never lets you take your eyes off the pages. Genesis: The Grail Knight is packed with mystery, historical intrigue, and magic. There is so much to love about this book, especially the characters. Even with a large cast, Howard makes sure each character has their own compelling story arc as it adds layers to their personality. Gen, Mark, and Myrddin are as fantastic as ever, but I also enjoyed the secondary characters like Lucilius, Isabella, and O'Neal. The ending promises more to come in this engrossing fantasy saga, and I'm very much looking forward to it. A treat for fantasy fans!

Reviewed by Maryann Namayi for Readers' Favorite

Spiritual Warriors: The Rise of Night, The Rise of Light Volume 1 by Nakia L. Brown is a captivating novel that delves into the intriguing concept of spiritual warriors who must fight against powerful forces to save humanity. The story follows Benaiah, a young boy from Portland, Oregon, who struggles with bullying at school and finds comfort in the guidance of his late grandmother. In his dreams, Benaiah’s grandmother would guide him through life’s challenges and teach him how to overcome obstacles. Despite the constant harassment he faces, Benaiah finds strength in his grandmother’s words: “Keep getting up!” But what does this mean for him in the wake of her passing? Will he be able to continue without her guidance?

Spiritual Warriors is structured with short chapters and multiple narratives, making it engaging and easy to follow. Nakia L. Brown’s storytelling is powerful, emphasizing the importance of support systems during difficult times. The author effectively highlights the crucial role of friendship and security in cultivating courage and resilience. This story also touches on themes such as drug abuse and the development of meaningful relationships. Some narratives draw inspiration from biblical events and feature a savior figure reminiscent of the Messiah. Brown skillfully weaves various aspects of the story, all united by a common objective. This uplifting and encouraging read takes us on a journey filled with suspense and hidden truths. It is a must-read for anyone looking for a spiritual and inspiring story.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Sacred Vengeance is a work of fiction in the fantasy and action subgenres. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Evangaline Pierce. The book follows Alle Vengega, a woman with a happy family and an idyllic life whose world falls apart after visiting a haunted bridge. Following the loss of her husband, Alle finds that her daughter Lani has fallen victim to a demon attack, and only the man claiming to be her guardian angel has the answers to save Lani from the fate that awaits her. But her mysterious angel has secrets of his own, and the path to saving Lani will not only require her to trust him but also for Alle to understand and master who she truly is.

The themes at play in this tale of a mother struggling to overcome grief and save her daughter are biblical in scale, and there's a very interesting discussion about Alle’s true nature and interference with the celestial balance. I found author Evangaline Pierce’s descriptive writing to be wonderfully vivid and well-practiced, with the perfect level of detail found to bring her vision of the world to life, but also to allow just the right gaps for the reader’s own imagination to complete it. Every place that Alle visited was one I could imagine perfectly, and every person she met came to life on the page, thanks to the author’s wonderful prose. Overall, Sacred Vengeance is a powerful story about love and the acts of devotion that it drives us to do, and I recommend it highly to all readers.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

An epic adventure that takes on a biblical theme with an allegorical twist, The Victor: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Sacrifice by Marlayne Giron is bound to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The story opens with Baron Lucius of North Umberland waiting with unease and fury in the frigid weather as his men lose the element of surprise against their attack to overthrow the king. Lucius wants to possess the mightiest and most mysterious weapon that the king wields. A sword named Ephlal has an awesome capability to decimate an entire army with a mere point of its blade or render an enemy harmless with the spoken word. Lucius flees, leaving a trail of blood and mayhem, but he is determined to fight another day and claim what he believes is rightfully his.

One of the fascinating aspects of this story is Marlayne Giron’s sharp attention to detail. I couldn’t help but squirm as she describes how an enemy impales and eviscerates a knight with a dagger. It's like a cross between Narnia and Game of Thrones. The events in this story may appear fantastical as they hinge on a biblical scenario, but they have a human and earthly scale if we consider the conflict and story arc. The personalities of the battling knights are reminiscent of the angels and demons in the Apocrypha (books omitted from the Bible), yet the king’s relationship with his faithful knights is on the same level as King Arthur and those who sit with him at the Round Table. Lucius’s fixation on getting hold of the sword is just half of the storyline. Joshua, who is destined to inherit the sword, provides a romantic angle to the story along with his betrothed, Llyonesse. The Victor is a wonderful fantasy adventure that all readers will surely enjoy.

Reviewed by Parul Sood for Readers' Favorite

In Keepers & Destinies by Carl F. Brothers, readers are thrust into a world teetering on the edge of Armageddon, where the fate of Earth hangs precariously in the balance. Andrea, an underestimated and overlooked angel, embarks on a mission to find the key to prevailing in the ultimate battle between good and evil. Her initial objective is to locate the Prophet and obtain the prophecy to give heaven an advantage in the impending clash of worlds. To aid her in this task, she enlists the help of James, a beleaguered private investigator wrestling with his demons. As human and supernatural threats test their alliance, the consequences of their actions surpass their expectations. Along the way, as Andrea becomes more comfortable in the human realm, she confronts a truth that places her amid the war rather than merely being an agent of heaven.

Keepers & Destinies by Carl F. Brothers transports readers to a world reminiscent of the thrilling Supernatural series, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans like myself of Sam and Dean Winchester. The narrative weaves together epic twists and turns, unfurling at a rapid tempo that ensures there is never a dull moment. Along Andrea's journey, intriguing and diverse characters join her, adding layers of depth to the story. Each encounter brings new dimensions to the plot, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to see how these characters influence the outcome. Andrea's voyage of self-discovery adds another intriguing layer to the plot. As she unravels the truth about her identity, readers are treated to revelations that contribute to the story's complexity. The stakes are high, and the story unfolds with skillful pacing that keeps readers invested in the outcome. The Christian imagery and angelic theme are deftly handled, appealing to readers regardless of their faith background. The dialogue between the characters is engaging, and the world-building is immersive, making it a truly enjoyable fantasy read. Brothers has crafted a fantasy novel with grit, high-quality storytelling, and well-developed characters. Fans of the genre will be delighted by this action-packed and well-written book.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq is a timely dystopian novel that touches on a contemporary social issue regarding sex and gender equality and makes a bold prediction as to where a matriarchal society could lead. Picture a world run and managed by women where the rates of violence have been greatly reduced as the result of men becoming sidelined. It all sounds so promising. Nick Wong is part of the male populace and is a product of an education system that prohibits any form of patriarchy. On the other hand, Beatrice Tender has been conditioned by feminist philosophies that would never give back power to men who they refer to as 'mankeys.' Nick finds Beatrice to be different, as she respects his ideas, and he then discovers that he can truly care for another person. But society will not allow their mutual feelings to bloom.

I make a bold prediction that Severed Roots may well become a classic in the tradition of 1984 and Brave New World. As the story revolves around the notion of feminist totalitarianism, Nego Huzcotoq powerfully explores the unseen disease of an ostensibly utopian world in which violence is almost eradicated and the citizenry appears content, but sacrificing freedom in its wider sense makes the system deplorable. This novel is highly interesting as it illustrates the dangers of radicalism and fanaticism. Huzcotoq sends the message that no single ideology has the power to save us successfully, and this theme is what makes the story so thought-provoking. It could even stir drastic reactions because it will likely strike a nerve. This is not a complex read and it is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a tale that I will not forget, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever contemplated the concepts of gender, sex, and equality.