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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!