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Recommend this book:
The First Son of Man
P. E. N. Bortolotti
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
In P. E. N. Bortolotti’s The First Son of Man, the world is filled with monsters. At the dawn of the 22nd century, scientists resurrected dead bodies. Then, they modified them into powerful beasts, the Nosferatus. Hungry for blood and medically manipulated to madness, the Nosferatus spiraled out of control and hunted humans to near extinction. The few mortals that remained formed self-preservation groups and learned to turn buildings into fortresses. When lonely wanderers emerge from the devastation, they offer to help, except nothing about their newest member is human. Meet Cain, the First Son of Man, cursed to eternal darkness and suffering by God the Almighty for the first murder in the Bible. Cain prefers to stay out of daylight, and everything he consumes causes him pain, except for human blood. The Son of Darkness needs every last mortal to be healthy and alive. But he’s not the only one of his kind who would kill for them. Welcome to your new nightmare!
The First Son of Man by P. E. N. Bortolotti brings you the ultimate in science fiction: a battle between immortals and humanity. There’s a wilderness of horrors and immortal monsters that will haunt you. Almost everyone is a vampire. The fights are scary and intense. Enemies strike with everything deadly, from bites that paralyze and curse to bone-severing buckshot and blessed shells. I believed every chilling scene. The characters were the heart of it. They felt real to me, and each one was essential. Cain is especially remarkable. He is not just an original vampire; he’s the culmination of everything superior in the vampire world. But will even that be enough? Witness the legend, the mightiest monster, a being more powerful than evil, fighting for everything he holds dear. Grab a copy now!
In P. E. N. Bortolotti’s The First Son of Man, the world is filled with monsters. At the dawn of the 22nd century, scientists resurrected dead bodies. Then, they modified them into powerful beasts, the Nosferatus. Hungry for blood and medically manipulated to madness, the Nosferatus spiraled out of control and hunted humans to near extinction. The few mortals that remained formed self-preservation groups and learned to turn buildings into fortresses. When lonely wanderers emerge from the devastation, they offer to help, except nothing about their newest member is human. Meet Cain, the First Son of Man, cursed to eternal darkness and suffering by God the Almighty for the first murder in the Bible. Cain prefers to stay out of daylight, and everything he consumes causes him pain, except for human blood. The Son of Darkness needs every last mortal to be healthy and alive. But he’s not the only one of his kind who would kill for them. Welcome to your new nightmare!
The First Son of Man by P. E. N. Bortolotti brings you the ultimate in science fiction: a battle between immortals and humanity. There’s a wilderness of horrors and immortal monsters that will haunt you. Almost everyone is a vampire. The fights are scary and intense. Enemies strike with everything deadly, from bites that paralyze and curse to bone-severing buckshot and blessed shells. I believed every chilling scene. The characters were the heart of it. They felt real to me, and each one was essential. Cain is especially remarkable. He is not just an original vampire; he’s the culmination of everything superior in the vampire world. But will even that be enough? Witness the legend, the mightiest monster, a being more powerful than evil, fighting for everything he holds dear. Grab a copy now!
Recommend this book:
If I Had Only Known
The War of Two Worlds (Part 1)
H H Fowler
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
H. H. Fowler’s If I Had Only Known follows Tiana Folsom, a young woman whose fascination with supernatural creatures leads her toward an invitation to Tiger Island. The trip appears to offer adventure, money, and a chance to prove that beings beyond ordinary human life may exist. Her father, Christian radio host Alrick Folsom, believes the island is dangerous and warns her that curiosity can open doors she does not understand. Tiana refuses to give up the journey, especially after her secretive neighbor Yosef Patel agrees to travel with her. Far from Tampa, a powerful organization is preparing for new arrivals and a spiritual agenda. Tiana sees a dream opportunity, but unseen forces have something very different in mind.
H. H. Fowler’s If I Had Only Known is bold Christian speculative fiction, and Fowler is at their best when the evil behind Tiana’s dream trip begins taking physical form. My favorite character is Croix ben Dema, a local warrior on Tiger Island whose village has suffered under the organization. The author has turned the island itself into a character almost its own. Pooja Adamos is an insanely fascinating individual; a high priestess and something of a mad scientist that Fowler makes absolutely diabolical. A lot of the Christian framing comes through both scripture and Jeremiah Harcourt, a preacher who gives the danger a ready link to biblical prophecy. Well written and imaginative, readers who enjoy Christian fiction with supernatural warfare are in for a treat. Very highly recommended.
H. H. Fowler’s If I Had Only Known follows Tiana Folsom, a young woman whose fascination with supernatural creatures leads her toward an invitation to Tiger Island. The trip appears to offer adventure, money, and a chance to prove that beings beyond ordinary human life may exist. Her father, Christian radio host Alrick Folsom, believes the island is dangerous and warns her that curiosity can open doors she does not understand. Tiana refuses to give up the journey, especially after her secretive neighbor Yosef Patel agrees to travel with her. Far from Tampa, a powerful organization is preparing for new arrivals and a spiritual agenda. Tiana sees a dream opportunity, but unseen forces have something very different in mind.
H. H. Fowler’s If I Had Only Known is bold Christian speculative fiction, and Fowler is at their best when the evil behind Tiana’s dream trip begins taking physical form. My favorite character is Croix ben Dema, a local warrior on Tiger Island whose village has suffered under the organization. The author has turned the island itself into a character almost its own. Pooja Adamos is an insanely fascinating individual; a high priestess and something of a mad scientist that Fowler makes absolutely diabolical. A lot of the Christian framing comes through both scripture and Jeremiah Harcourt, a preacher who gives the danger a ready link to biblical prophecy. Well written and imaginative, readers who enjoy Christian fiction with supernatural warfare are in for a treat. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The First Unicorn
Miracle on Wonder Island
Kathleen J. Shields
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite
Most of us have probably spent zero time wondering who the first unicorn was. But that's exactly the kind of question Kathleen J. Shields decided deserved a whole story, and the result is something genuinely charming. The First Unicorn: Miracle on Wonder Island drops us onto an untouched island paradise — pink skies, crystal beaches, the whole dream — where a white colt named Aden is busy being nothing like the other horses around him. He's got a red mane, ocean-blue eyes, and apparently no interest in keeping to himself the way everyone else does. While the rest of the herd minds their business, Aden's out there making friends with ducks, nudging baby turtles toward the water, and somehow getting rabbits unstuck from thorn bushes. When an angel appears and gifts him a golden horn, his gentle habits take on a much larger purpose. It’s a lovely, layered look at what it means to be different, face rejection for it, and choose to stay kind anyway.
Kathleen J. Shields writes with a genuine warmth that never feels forced or overly sentimental. While the narrative has a wonderful, almost magical rhythm to it, the plot moves along beautifully without ever losing its gentle momentum. One of the best moments in the book is a quiet scene where Aden comforts a young horse named Buck during a terrible storm; it’s a small, sweet interaction that really anchors the book’s entire message. The individuals are drawn with a lot of heart, especially Aden’s mother, whose poetic words at his birth set a beautiful tone for everything that follows. The themes of faith, kindness, and the dignity of standing out give The First Unicorn a depth that goes way beyond a typical children's story. It’s one of those rare books that adults will find just as comforting and meaningful as the kids they’re reading it to.
Most of us have probably spent zero time wondering who the first unicorn was. But that's exactly the kind of question Kathleen J. Shields decided deserved a whole story, and the result is something genuinely charming. The First Unicorn: Miracle on Wonder Island drops us onto an untouched island paradise — pink skies, crystal beaches, the whole dream — where a white colt named Aden is busy being nothing like the other horses around him. He's got a red mane, ocean-blue eyes, and apparently no interest in keeping to himself the way everyone else does. While the rest of the herd minds their business, Aden's out there making friends with ducks, nudging baby turtles toward the water, and somehow getting rabbits unstuck from thorn bushes. When an angel appears and gifts him a golden horn, his gentle habits take on a much larger purpose. It’s a lovely, layered look at what it means to be different, face rejection for it, and choose to stay kind anyway.
Kathleen J. Shields writes with a genuine warmth that never feels forced or overly sentimental. While the narrative has a wonderful, almost magical rhythm to it, the plot moves along beautifully without ever losing its gentle momentum. One of the best moments in the book is a quiet scene where Aden comforts a young horse named Buck during a terrible storm; it’s a small, sweet interaction that really anchors the book’s entire message. The individuals are drawn with a lot of heart, especially Aden’s mother, whose poetic words at his birth set a beautiful tone for everything that follows. The themes of faith, kindness, and the dignity of standing out give The First Unicorn a depth that goes way beyond a typical children's story. It’s one of those rare books that adults will find just as comforting and meaningful as the kids they’re reading it to.
Recommend this book:
The Accident
A Story of Faith, Psionics and the Supernatural
Kenneth Bliss
2026 Silver Medal
83 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite
The Accident by Kenneth E. Bliss is a Christian sci-fi novel about the power of faith and fighting for what you believe in. When psionic EMT Paul Miller finds a 5-year-old child in a wrecked car with his deceased parents inside, he is shocked, but what stuns him even more is that the boy is psionic. Usually, psionicists develop their gifts at puberty, but this boy, Eric, has fully developed powers. The team learns that Eric is a 4th-generation psionic and, knowing what it would mean for Eric, Paul and Mitch, the lieutenant on the case, hatch a plan. But as it happens, the Psi-Ops discovering Eric is only part of the problem. There is a criminal network of demons intent on abducting Eric. Paul knows that these beings possess powers he cannot match, but as a man of faith, he also knows what can—his unshakable faith in God.
Fast-paced and action-packed, The Accident is a novel about empathy and showing up for those in need. I liked how Kenneth E. Bliss defined his characters; each had their own unique voice that allowed them to stand out, including the demons, Stephanie, and Vision. Despite his poor decisions, I sympathized with Vision, especially since he carried a lot of demons of the past inside. Paul’s good nature and trust in God really set the tone for the storyline, and his and Mitch’s immediate concern for Eric’s welfare warmed my heart. Entertaining and inspiring, The Accident is a beautifully written novel with a good plot that will melt readers’ hearts.
The Accident by Kenneth E. Bliss is a Christian sci-fi novel about the power of faith and fighting for what you believe in. When psionic EMT Paul Miller finds a 5-year-old child in a wrecked car with his deceased parents inside, he is shocked, but what stuns him even more is that the boy is psionic. Usually, psionicists develop their gifts at puberty, but this boy, Eric, has fully developed powers. The team learns that Eric is a 4th-generation psionic and, knowing what it would mean for Eric, Paul and Mitch, the lieutenant on the case, hatch a plan. But as it happens, the Psi-Ops discovering Eric is only part of the problem. There is a criminal network of demons intent on abducting Eric. Paul knows that these beings possess powers he cannot match, but as a man of faith, he also knows what can—his unshakable faith in God.
Fast-paced and action-packed, The Accident is a novel about empathy and showing up for those in need. I liked how Kenneth E. Bliss defined his characters; each had their own unique voice that allowed them to stand out, including the demons, Stephanie, and Vision. Despite his poor decisions, I sympathized with Vision, especially since he carried a lot of demons of the past inside. Paul’s good nature and trust in God really set the tone for the storyline, and his and Mitch’s immediate concern for Eric’s welfare warmed my heart. Entertaining and inspiring, The Accident is a beautifully written novel with a good plot that will melt readers’ hearts.
Recommend this book:
The War in Heaven
Mano Sotelo
2026 Gold Medal
130 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The War in Heaven by Mano Sotelo explores the fall of Lucifer from Heaven and the intense battle between good and evil. In the beginning, long before the existence of humans, God created angels, including seven Archangels. Among these, Lucifer and Michael were the eldest. God assigned each Archangel a level of Heaven to learn from and utilize their knowledge. He constructed a dome in the mountains called Tartarus, located on the fourth level, where the Material World was created for humans to govern. God sent Lucifer to the Material World to study and develop a deep understanding of humanity. Unfortunately, after his assignment, Lucifer desired domination over humans and the Material World, which was against God’s laws. He influenced a group of angels to join him in attempting to seize control of Tartarus. This rebellion caused a rift in Heaven, leading Lucifer to act for his own pleasure and the destruction of humanity, straying from God’s intended plans.
The War in Heaven is a captivating story that delves into free will, the struggle for human souls, and the conflict among angels. Mano Sotelo weaves biblical, mythological, and science fiction elements into a retelling of Lucifer’s disobedience, which ultimately led to his loss of favor with God. The story has a rich lore and features electrical panels, terminals, and advanced systems that connect angels to humans in the material world. The narrative highlights the moral choice that humans face: to choose between God's will and salvation, or to succumb to Lucifer’s manipulation. Archangel Michael's fight for righteousness to save humanity and heaven is contrasted with Lucifer's stubborn, rebellious stance. The visuals are striking and complement the storytelling, vividly capturing the heavenly realms. Subtle details, such as the silhouette image of Lucifer’s angels on a mountain with horns before revealing their final transformation, add depth to the art and make it immersive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in Christian graphic novels that offer a compelling plot and important lessons about salvation.
The War in Heaven by Mano Sotelo explores the fall of Lucifer from Heaven and the intense battle between good and evil. In the beginning, long before the existence of humans, God created angels, including seven Archangels. Among these, Lucifer and Michael were the eldest. God assigned each Archangel a level of Heaven to learn from and utilize their knowledge. He constructed a dome in the mountains called Tartarus, located on the fourth level, where the Material World was created for humans to govern. God sent Lucifer to the Material World to study and develop a deep understanding of humanity. Unfortunately, after his assignment, Lucifer desired domination over humans and the Material World, which was against God’s laws. He influenced a group of angels to join him in attempting to seize control of Tartarus. This rebellion caused a rift in Heaven, leading Lucifer to act for his own pleasure and the destruction of humanity, straying from God’s intended plans.
The War in Heaven is a captivating story that delves into free will, the struggle for human souls, and the conflict among angels. Mano Sotelo weaves biblical, mythological, and science fiction elements into a retelling of Lucifer’s disobedience, which ultimately led to his loss of favor with God. The story has a rich lore and features electrical panels, terminals, and advanced systems that connect angels to humans in the material world. The narrative highlights the moral choice that humans face: to choose between God's will and salvation, or to succumb to Lucifer’s manipulation. Archangel Michael's fight for righteousness to save humanity and heaven is contrasted with Lucifer's stubborn, rebellious stance. The visuals are striking and complement the storytelling, vividly capturing the heavenly realms. Subtle details, such as the silhouette image of Lucifer’s angels on a mountain with horns before revealing their final transformation, add depth to the art and make it immersive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in Christian graphic novels that offer a compelling plot and important lessons about salvation.
Recommend this book:
Echoes of the Tomb
M Tobias Harris
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Echoes of the Tomb by M. Tobias Harris is a Christian fantasy and sci-fi novel that explores the profound significance of choice and its lasting impact. The story follows Sword 1-1-8, an elite group of warriors endowed with the power of Choice, as they defend a dilapidated fort from nightmarish creatures and traitorous former allies. Tasked with protecting a mysterious object connected to their king and their ultimate enemy, the team must navigate deadly encounters and profound moral decisions. The author crafts an intense, layered battle narrative that underscores how even the smallest choices can reverberate through eternity. This is a rich and compelling world where faith and fantasy merge seamlessly into an action-packed narrative, and it's a really interesting and innovative way to use Christian themes to craft an exciting novel.
M. Tobias Harris's talent for character development shines through in the complex personalities of the various members of Sword 1-1-8, making their internal struggles as engaging as their external battles, but also using great dialogue exchanges to show their commonalities, bonds, and changing attitudes. I was particularly impressed by his ability to maintain suspense while weaving deeper philosophical questions about choice and moral responsibility into the story. The vivid descriptions and attention to detail in the worldbuilding transport readers completely into a unique universe. What I found most powerful was how Harris managed to explore profound spiritual themes through the lens of intense action sequences, creating moments that stick in readers' minds not just for the great descriptions of the action, but for the message behind them. Overall, Echoes of the Tomb is a masterful blend of Christian themes and fantasy storytelling that will resonate with readers seeking both adventure and spiritual depth, and I'd definitely recommend it.
Echoes of the Tomb by M. Tobias Harris is a Christian fantasy and sci-fi novel that explores the profound significance of choice and its lasting impact. The story follows Sword 1-1-8, an elite group of warriors endowed with the power of Choice, as they defend a dilapidated fort from nightmarish creatures and traitorous former allies. Tasked with protecting a mysterious object connected to their king and their ultimate enemy, the team must navigate deadly encounters and profound moral decisions. The author crafts an intense, layered battle narrative that underscores how even the smallest choices can reverberate through eternity. This is a rich and compelling world where faith and fantasy merge seamlessly into an action-packed narrative, and it's a really interesting and innovative way to use Christian themes to craft an exciting novel.
M. Tobias Harris's talent for character development shines through in the complex personalities of the various members of Sword 1-1-8, making their internal struggles as engaging as their external battles, but also using great dialogue exchanges to show their commonalities, bonds, and changing attitudes. I was particularly impressed by his ability to maintain suspense while weaving deeper philosophical questions about choice and moral responsibility into the story. The vivid descriptions and attention to detail in the worldbuilding transport readers completely into a unique universe. What I found most powerful was how Harris managed to explore profound spiritual themes through the lens of intense action sequences, creating moments that stick in readers' minds not just for the great descriptions of the action, but for the message behind them. Overall, Echoes of the Tomb is a masterful blend of Christian themes and fantasy storytelling that will resonate with readers seeking both adventure and spiritual depth, and I'd definitely recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Alliance
The First Book in the Kingdom Trilogy
T. J. Miller
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Alliance by Tyler Svec begins when Roy Van Doren discovers a hidden door that leads to another world. There, he meets the Reno family—Alexander, Abby, and Cyrus—who explain the power issues between the authoritarian Alliance and the resistance, the Chrystarians. Roy is sent to the Hentar Academy, where he trains as a soldier, while Cyrus joins the Alliance’s ranks. As Roy and his friends grow closer to the resistance, they learn more about the Alliance’s manipulative control and their plans for war. Roy's rapid success in training raises suspicion, and he starts uncovering troubling truths about the Alliance’s intentions, especially with the manipulation of off-worlders like him. As trouble brews, Roy and Abby develop a secret relationship and embark on covert missions to expose the Alliance’s lies.
Tyler Svec’s Alliance is a unique fantasy hybrid that effectively mixes the best of military strategy with equal doses of mysticism. Svec's writing style is straightforward and sharp as we get into the heart of the action, the standout being when Roy’s team is sent to a ghost town and discovers horrific evidence of betrayal. This also leans into Svec’s excellent world-building, with detailed descriptions of the recruits’ training, Griffins, places like the mysterious city of Darsujes, and the threat of looming war. The character development is strong and it's interesting to watch two young men who begin on a similar footing, even if one is off-world, that end up on drastically different sides. Overall, this is a solid first installment in what looks like a really promising series, and while it does not end entirely on a cliffhanger, it's clear there is so much more to come. Very highly recommended.
Alliance by Tyler Svec begins when Roy Van Doren discovers a hidden door that leads to another world. There, he meets the Reno family—Alexander, Abby, and Cyrus—who explain the power issues between the authoritarian Alliance and the resistance, the Chrystarians. Roy is sent to the Hentar Academy, where he trains as a soldier, while Cyrus joins the Alliance’s ranks. As Roy and his friends grow closer to the resistance, they learn more about the Alliance’s manipulative control and their plans for war. Roy's rapid success in training raises suspicion, and he starts uncovering troubling truths about the Alliance’s intentions, especially with the manipulation of off-worlders like him. As trouble brews, Roy and Abby develop a secret relationship and embark on covert missions to expose the Alliance’s lies.
Tyler Svec’s Alliance is a unique fantasy hybrid that effectively mixes the best of military strategy with equal doses of mysticism. Svec's writing style is straightforward and sharp as we get into the heart of the action, the standout being when Roy’s team is sent to a ghost town and discovers horrific evidence of betrayal. This also leans into Svec’s excellent world-building, with detailed descriptions of the recruits’ training, Griffins, places like the mysterious city of Darsujes, and the threat of looming war. The character development is strong and it's interesting to watch two young men who begin on a similar footing, even if one is off-world, that end up on drastically different sides. Overall, this is a solid first installment in what looks like a really promising series, and while it does not end entirely on a cliffhanger, it's clear there is so much more to come. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
63 Hours In Hell
Susan L . Davis
2025 Bronze Medal
350 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Susan L. Davis's 63 Hours in Hell is a gripping biblical fantasy that interlaces the stories of biblical figures, spiritual realms, and cosmic battles into a vivid narrative of faith, redemption, and divine sovereignty. The story opens with Eve in the Garden of Eden, confronting the serpent and the prophecy about her offspring crushing evil, setting a tone of conflict between good and evil. The story then moves into the spiritual realm—hell, paradise, and the celestial battles—where Jesus preaches, angels and demons vie for control, and the fate of souls hangs in the balance. After an accident, Hannah and her brother find themselves in the afterlife. Jesus sends them and Dismas, the Good Thief, to retrieve pieces of a divine key to Hell scattered across different epochs. They will face monsters, fallen angels, and sacred mysteries, all in a race against Lucifer’s sinister plans to corrupt creation and trap souls in eternal darkness. As time passes, their success becomes imperative, but can they succeed against the staggering odds?
Susan L. Davis surprised me with this beautifully crafted fantasy that will appeal to fans of Christian literature. The setting spans from ancient times, including Eden and biblical Jerusalem, to the spiritual landscapes of hell, paradise, and celestial realms. These divine and infernal worlds are described with imagery of fiery angels, shadowy pits, and heavenly gardens, creating a vivid contrast that underscores the eternal battle between righteousness and rebellion. Key characters include Eve, who represents human frailty and faith; Jesus, depicted as divine and approachable, the symbol of sacrifice and authority; and Dismas, the repentant thief, representing redemption. Other characters, such as Ramel, a fallen watcher angel, and Lucifer, the fallen rebel, symbolize spiritual opposition. Davis's 63 Hours in Hell is spellbinding, and I marveled at how expertly the author writes the motivations for the characters; the prose is exquisite, and the characters are larger-than-life. I have read many fantasy tales that explore spiritual themes and the conflict between Hell and Heaven, and none have ever been so unique and captivating as this book.
Susan L. Davis's 63 Hours in Hell is a gripping biblical fantasy that interlaces the stories of biblical figures, spiritual realms, and cosmic battles into a vivid narrative of faith, redemption, and divine sovereignty. The story opens with Eve in the Garden of Eden, confronting the serpent and the prophecy about her offspring crushing evil, setting a tone of conflict between good and evil. The story then moves into the spiritual realm—hell, paradise, and the celestial battles—where Jesus preaches, angels and demons vie for control, and the fate of souls hangs in the balance. After an accident, Hannah and her brother find themselves in the afterlife. Jesus sends them and Dismas, the Good Thief, to retrieve pieces of a divine key to Hell scattered across different epochs. They will face monsters, fallen angels, and sacred mysteries, all in a race against Lucifer’s sinister plans to corrupt creation and trap souls in eternal darkness. As time passes, their success becomes imperative, but can they succeed against the staggering odds?
Susan L. Davis surprised me with this beautifully crafted fantasy that will appeal to fans of Christian literature. The setting spans from ancient times, including Eden and biblical Jerusalem, to the spiritual landscapes of hell, paradise, and celestial realms. These divine and infernal worlds are described with imagery of fiery angels, shadowy pits, and heavenly gardens, creating a vivid contrast that underscores the eternal battle between righteousness and rebellion. Key characters include Eve, who represents human frailty and faith; Jesus, depicted as divine and approachable, the symbol of sacrifice and authority; and Dismas, the repentant thief, representing redemption. Other characters, such as Ramel, a fallen watcher angel, and Lucifer, the fallen rebel, symbolize spiritual opposition. Davis's 63 Hours in Hell is spellbinding, and I marveled at how expertly the author writes the motivations for the characters; the prose is exquisite, and the characters are larger-than-life. I have read many fantasy tales that explore spiritual themes and the conflict between Hell and Heaven, and none have ever been so unique and captivating as this book.
Recommend this book:
Forever
Book 5 of The Forlorn Series
Gina Detwiler
2025 Silver Medal
412 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Forever by Gina Detwiler is book five in The Forlorn Series. Previously, Grace Fortune and Jared Lorn, a Nephilim, must defeat his father, Azazel. Aided by her guardian angel’s weapon, they battle demonic forces while resisting the corruption threatening to consume them. Jared, trapped in a silo with others, confronts Lester Crow. He journeys cross-country to save Grace, while she searches for her unknown father. Jared and Grace must stop Darwin Speer, who seeks to exploit Jared’s power and unleash imprisoned Watchers using a Machine controlled by the Interlaken Group. Jared and Grace enter the spiritual realm, battling Watchers to return, while Azazel rules Earth. They join the remaining resistance group known as the Forbidden. Now, Grace leads a rebellion against United Earth, believing Jared has turned evil. Meanwhile, Jared, now Baldyr, fights his father, Grigori Zazel, who intends to destroy the world.
“Grace Fortune, leader of the Jehovian faction known as the Yellow Brick Road...You are under arrest for crimes against the United Earth.” Gina Detwiler's Forever is a unique display of spiritual resilience amid dystopian chaos. The music aspect is creative, especially in a story anchored by hope and grace. And I mean literally, Grace, who sings a song of her own name in a beautiful scene, and whose drive to reconcile Jared's fate and her own propels much of the story. Detwiler employs a brilliant contrast between the protagonists' faith-driven actions and the Shepherds' cold pragmatism, and the balance between destruction and redemption. The setting of Jerusalem becomes a symbolic battleground, and we are left questioning how hope can survive in a broken world. Tightly written, adventurous, and tense, in a world on the brink of collapse, Forever remains a testament to the possibility of grace and transformation even in the darkest of circumstances. Recommended.
Forever by Gina Detwiler is book five in The Forlorn Series. Previously, Grace Fortune and Jared Lorn, a Nephilim, must defeat his father, Azazel. Aided by her guardian angel’s weapon, they battle demonic forces while resisting the corruption threatening to consume them. Jared, trapped in a silo with others, confronts Lester Crow. He journeys cross-country to save Grace, while she searches for her unknown father. Jared and Grace must stop Darwin Speer, who seeks to exploit Jared’s power and unleash imprisoned Watchers using a Machine controlled by the Interlaken Group. Jared and Grace enter the spiritual realm, battling Watchers to return, while Azazel rules Earth. They join the remaining resistance group known as the Forbidden. Now, Grace leads a rebellion against United Earth, believing Jared has turned evil. Meanwhile, Jared, now Baldyr, fights his father, Grigori Zazel, who intends to destroy the world.
“Grace Fortune, leader of the Jehovian faction known as the Yellow Brick Road...You are under arrest for crimes against the United Earth.” Gina Detwiler's Forever is a unique display of spiritual resilience amid dystopian chaos. The music aspect is creative, especially in a story anchored by hope and grace. And I mean literally, Grace, who sings a song of her own name in a beautiful scene, and whose drive to reconcile Jared's fate and her own propels much of the story. Detwiler employs a brilliant contrast between the protagonists' faith-driven actions and the Shepherds' cold pragmatism, and the balance between destruction and redemption. The setting of Jerusalem becomes a symbolic battleground, and we are left questioning how hope can survive in a broken world. Tightly written, adventurous, and tense, in a world on the brink of collapse, Forever remains a testament to the possibility of grace and transformation even in the darkest of circumstances. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
Skellig
The Tales of Conor Archer, vol. 2
E. R. Barr
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Skellig is the second entry in The Tales of Conor Archer by E. R. Barr and a great read for fans of urban fantasy. The tragedy at Tinker’s Grove that has left good people dead seems to be the work of magic. It is no accident that Aunt Emily sends Conor Archer off to Ireland. But upon arriving, he gets into trouble with a war criminal who has become a sorcerer and there seems to be more danger lurking in the shadows. On his side are his dog, Jace, the Tinker Travelers, and Roan. In the Skellig Islands dwells a being who is benevolent towards him and the land. Armed with his shapeshifting abilities and friends, can he defeat the evil that grows stronger every day?
Skellig is an engrossing read with believable characters. The protagonist is a compelling character thrust into the middle of a conflict that involves magic and I loved that the author creates an enemy stronger than the protagonist. Conor is a character that is genuinely human, flawed, and who still has to hone his magical skills. His growth through the story is well-written. I loved the worldbuilding and the exquisite, magical world the author creates. The descriptions are terrific and real. E. R. Barr creates a strong conflict and then allows the characters to evolve through it, discovering themselves as the story progresses, finding strength in friendship, and exploring an existence where the natural and the supernatural meet. This is a gorgeous narrative that explores the conflict between good and evil; a story that will excite readers who enjoy tales of magic.
Skellig is the second entry in The Tales of Conor Archer by E. R. Barr and a great read for fans of urban fantasy. The tragedy at Tinker’s Grove that has left good people dead seems to be the work of magic. It is no accident that Aunt Emily sends Conor Archer off to Ireland. But upon arriving, he gets into trouble with a war criminal who has become a sorcerer and there seems to be more danger lurking in the shadows. On his side are his dog, Jace, the Tinker Travelers, and Roan. In the Skellig Islands dwells a being who is benevolent towards him and the land. Armed with his shapeshifting abilities and friends, can he defeat the evil that grows stronger every day?
Skellig is an engrossing read with believable characters. The protagonist is a compelling character thrust into the middle of a conflict that involves magic and I loved that the author creates an enemy stronger than the protagonist. Conor is a character that is genuinely human, flawed, and who still has to hone his magical skills. His growth through the story is well-written. I loved the worldbuilding and the exquisite, magical world the author creates. The descriptions are terrific and real. E. R. Barr creates a strong conflict and then allows the characters to evolve through it, discovering themselves as the story progresses, finding strength in friendship, and exploring an existence where the natural and the supernatural meet. This is a gorgeous narrative that explores the conflict between good and evil; a story that will excite readers who enjoy tales of magic.
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