Reviewed by Tracy Traynor for Readers' Favorite

Matt Barron’s Prentice Ash, Book 1 in the Rage of the Lions Series, is a thrilling read. Prentice Ash is a convict working in a quarry in the Western Reach. The chief steward is a miserable man too fond of his whip. After years of doing the same thing, their day is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of knights and the disheveled Duchess of Dweltford. Bandits are chasing them and the knights demand that the convicts step in to fight against the pursuing men. Only these are no ordinary bandits; they’re an organized killing team. When a fierce beast appears and starts tearing people apart, a few run for shelter in the church. When the attackers finally leave, only three convicts, the priest, the duchess, and a handful of knights are left alive. Duchess Amelia admires the way Prentice and Turley save Bellam and decides to take them with her to Castle Dweltford. The prince is rallying the Grand Kingdom Army to battle the invaders, but he has no idea of their strength and numbers. Prentice must submit to unjust punishments and hold onto his values because he has a vital part to play in the battle at Fallenhill. The promise of his freedom drives him to win against all odds.

Wow! Not since I read the Wheel of Time twenty-five years ago have I had to immediately go and buy the next in a series! Prentice Ash by Matt Barron melds two of my favorite genres—fantasy and Christian fiction. Prentice is a convict (the lowest of the low). His treatment, and that of his fellow convicts, is horrendous. I seethed against it; sometimes I found it almost too hard to read. But I had to… from the very beginning questions arise to which I needed answers. Why is he a convict? Where does he come from? Who attacked them? What was that creature that couldn’t enter the church? The whole book was suspenseful from start to finish. Barron has created a gripping fantasy series, dramatic, full of tension, and with an opening that immediately had me invested. The images of God as the lion and the serving convict were powerful. The knowledge that God stood behind Prentice and was doing His work through him had me on the edge of my seat. The plot is terrific, the pace is fast, the fantasy elements enthralling, and the main character unforgettable. Prentice Ash is a brilliant read, and highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Genesis Awakens is the first book in the Footnail series by authors Howard Haugom and Akorede Adekoya. The Nail Bears have the responsibility to keep the three special nails of history hidden from the Accursed. The Accursed is a group of people who will do whatever it takes to get hold of the three special nails of history and abuse the great power in them. Coming from a long line of Nail Bearers, Gen is the new guardian. Although she was shocked at first, with the help of surprisingly capable friends and family, Gen is ready to protect the nails. The tussle leads to a chase that will end with one of the groups in possession of the nails. If the Accursed get their hands on the nails, they will unleash their powers and destroy everything. Gen needs to do whatever it takes to get to the nails first and protect them. But can she?

Genesis, a.k.a. Gen, is a relatable character that I formed a connection with instantly. I loved her witty charm and sarcastic dialogues. The story is the kind of young adult fantasy that people of any age or genre bias can read and enjoy. While the current young adult fantasy genre is filled with royalty and tortured female leads, Gen is a breath of fresh air and a break we desperately need. The opening scene with Helena and Calisto is incredible and from there onward, authors Howard Haugom and Akorede Adekoya did a fantastic job to keep the same pace and action alive. The story is fantastic, and the mystery behind the Accursed is handled exceptionally well. The suspense is sustained until the end, the mystery keeps readers guessing what will happen next, and the authors leave enough questions unanswered for readers to anticipate the next novel in the series. Fantastic!

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Shawn Michael Gotch pens an out-of-this-world narrative in The Scent of Heaven. Throughout the ages, humans have pondered the question of life after death. Is there a heaven and what is it really like? Aubrey Christopher Lewis discovers the answer to this question. Aubrey is a writer and a journalist. After dying in a car accident, Aubrey arrives in heaven. It's not quite what he imagined, but it far surpasses all he could have ever wished or hoped for. Using his gift of writing, Aubrey attempts to chronicle his heavenly adventures. Yet earthly words cannot truly do it justice. Upon his arrival, he is transformed in body, soul, and spirit! His graduation from earth to heaven is beyond description. He hears angelic language, meets his “guardian,” sees unfathomable sights, and experiences the extraordinary as he discovers his true self. There is nothing ordinary in heaven, mysteries abound, you “learn as you go.” The Breath of Life beckons Aubrey to come, behold, and breathe in The Scent of Heaven.

The Scent of Heaven by Shawn Michael Gotch takes us to where we all long to go – Heaven. Mr. Gotch is an excellent wordsmith. He takes you into the realm of heaven with vivid and imaginative descriptions. The plot is written intelligently, yet with joviality. It captures your heart and pierces your soul with “could this be possible?” amazement. The inclusion of angelic language gives depth to the dialogues and adds to the air of mystery of the marvelous world of heaven. Gotch skillfully uses creative liberties in developing the ethereal setting. He gives us a story that goes beyond singing and harp music. The plot depicts heaven with an eternal objective, and its residents have a purposeful forever life. I like that concept. The narrative does have elements of fantasy, unusual characters, and visions of the vastness of the heavens. Gotch transports the reader into the heavens, revealing the never-ending wonders of God. “The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the skies display his craftsmanship” (Psalm 19:10). This scripture is illustrated with an incredible imagination. The Scent of Heaven lingers in your mind; it touches your soul in unusual ways. Its aroma hovers long after the last word is read.

Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite

In his novel The Penitent: Part 1, author A. Keith Carreiro tells the story of Pall Warren. Pall’s mother died during childbirth, leaving his father, David, to raise him. Pall met High Marshall Solace Umbré, who commanded an elite unit of men called the Aeonian Guard, and his captain, Joseph Martains. Pall joined Solace’s army under the tutelage of Sergeant Meginhard and Sergeant Burchard. Pall went to war where he met Commander John Savage and the two encounter a Valravn, a supernatural raven. Pall and John find shelter in an abandoned farmhouse where Paul is attacked by Captain Error and his men, Gregor and Gordo of the Mordant Marauders. Savage kills two of the men before seeing an Ünger, an evil three-in-one monster who devoured people. After his escape, Pall met Thomas and Alicia Cooper with their two daughters, Myra and Mary, and traveled with them to Gullswater. Along the way, Ünger found them and it was up to Pall to save himself and the Cooper family.

The Penitent is a suspenseful story filled with action and adventure. Author A. Keith Carreiro has penned a beautiful novel with an array of unusual characters, both real and imagined. The scenes and locations including the farmhouse, forest, rivers, and trees come to life as Pall makes his way to Gullswater. I love Keith’s use of the English language and descriptive writing, including poems and songs. The battle scenes show us that war is brutal and causes only suffering and pain. “The wonder and guilt of it all were seen in the survivors who walked away from the sufferings of war. However, if you want peace, prepare for war.” The Penitent is an exceptional story, highly recommended to everyone.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Ashley McCoury pens a riveting futuristic saga in 2020 Injection. Today, serial number 2020 turns seventeen. She realizes no matter what her future holds, the life she knows now is over. As a child, her surrogate named her Alexandra, but under the rule of The Sovereignty, she is just a number. She enters the ever-dreaded sanitorium, her fate lies in their hands. Will she become a “carrier,” or will she receive the injection? 2020 has never fitted in, always feeling inferior to others, never being allowed the freedom to be herself, so she is not surprised that the Sovereignty determines – injection! With her mind and heart racing, 2020 exits the sanatorium. Trying to flee her thoughts and her doomed situation, she begins running. 2020 has been taught the injection brings unity and equality to society. Yet she cannot help wondering how having all her emotions stripped from her makes the world a better place. In her haste, and distracted by her thoughts, 2020 collides with a stranger. She is confused by his smile, kind words, and light-hearted manner; his behavior is extremely odd. 2020 remains bewildered long after returning to her dwelling at the Establishment. While trying to explain her bizarre encounter to 0207, there is an explosion. At this moment 2020’s world turns upside down, chaos erupts, and there amid the danger is the stranger. He leads her and a small group away from the destruction. 2020 is horrified by the devastation and mystified by this mysterious man? Who is he? Where is he taking her? More importantly, can he be trusted? Only time will tell.

2020 Injection by Ashley McCoury is a thought-provoking, on the edge of your seat, nail-biting look into the future. McCoury grabs you with her opening line, and then reels you in with thrills, twists, and turns galore! Extremely captivating and intelligently written, the pages seem to turn automatically. The narrative is told from the point of view of the heroine; therefore, you do not miss out on a single thought or emotion as her dynamic character develops and grows. Surrounding her is an excellent cast of characters. Each one unique and pivotal in the telling of the story. Being a Christian myself, I became curious when the element of Christianity was going to be introduced. McCoury places this aspect in the plot with finesse and precision, creating an alluring character rather than a pious, religious idea. The conflict is both external and internal. World systems collide. Establishment versus the Outlandish, the Outlandish against the Seditionist, each trying to overthrow and outwit the other. Yet, the inner turmoil of the characters is just as traumatic and dramatic. In the center of all this turmoil is the “injection” that creates emotionless, empty vessels, easily controlled. The theme subtly woven into the plot is summed up in this perfectly placed line - “without emotion, there is no individual thought.” Ashley McCoury takes you on a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and emotions are at the helm. 2020 Injection reveals the essence of uniqueness, combined with the power to forgive those who try to take it from you. As Ashley McCoury’s 2020 Injection concludes, you are left clinging to hope and begging for more of it.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The kingdoms of Daecland and Sunder and those who live within them create the landscape for the dark high fantasy novel Hælend's Ballad by Ian Conrey. The brutality of a war that splinters from a years-long occupation against the Sunderians by the Daecish. The depth of persecution and despair runs incredibly deep, the disparity between the haves and have-nots, and the system established both politically and underground are crushing to those below the upper echelons. The rise of the Silent Hither movement, initially crippled but once more growing in momentum, and the strength of its Dark Horses, are ready to fight back against all odds.

“With brothers, we march this day
For Theos, we shout and pray
Our hearts will kindle and burn
Though few of us return...”

Ian Conrey has undertaken a wildly ambitious project in his steampunk-medieval fantasy tome Hælend's Ballad. The book is expertly written with really gorgeous prose and some of the most authentic dialogue I've come across in a while in the genre. It is the restraint of Conrey's pacing and the focus on characters that truly elevate the story, both the mark of an exceptionally gifted storyteller. The sheer volume of characters requires a bit of homework on the part of a reader, at least at first, to keep them straight and play connect-the-dots with plots and subplots amidst a massive amount of finely-crafted military strategy. War crimes are courageously depicted with no holds barred, but without even entering the realm of gratuitous, and action scenes leap from the page. There is also a top layer of nuanced religious tones that is applied a' la Lewis, Dekker, and Tolkien. I'm not putting Conrey in the space of these titans right now, but this is a genuine 'sit and wait' moment with the world-building that has the potential to get at least 2/3 of the way there. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The Seventh Spark: Knights of the Trinity by J.B. Lion is a highly entertaining graphic novel that looks like the offspring of a consumer magazine and a gamer’s manual guide. It paves the way to a new format in fiction influenced by the popularity of electronic games. The story opens in the dead of night as three mysterious beings meet to talk about the last two planets being protected by the Knights of the Trinity. One of these beings, the Reaper, claims that the realm of men is about to fall. He has a devious machination of igniting evil that will spread and infect life. Meanwhile, most of the knights have lost faith and confidence in the people that they protect, but they present their best-trained warriors when Artemus the Protector is killed and it precipitates a celestial war.

I found myself very invested in reading this graphic novel. The illustrations may not be on par with popular comic book illustrators, but they do the job and it saves you time from pouring too much energy into imagining what these fantastic beings look like. J.B. Lion has created an immersive world with likable characters in a narrative voice that is foreboding and poetic at the same time. The angels appear unique in the sense that they slightly deviate from the traditional preconceived images we have of them. For all we know, The Seventh Spark may be embodying a kind of power that is unknown to us during an earlier time. Reading this graphic novel offers a spiritual and philosophical question of whether or not humankind can still redeem its rightful place in paradise. I recommend this book for its creative and imaginary vision. It’s a totally unique reading experience.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Phoenix: Field Of Mars is a work of fiction in the science fiction, Christian and historical adventure fiction sub-genres, and was penned by author Jackie Anders. The work is intended for the general reading audience, and it forms the first novel of The Phoenix Trilogy of sci-fi historical crossover adventures. Our protagonist is Kyla Marshall, an ambitious young woman whose life changes forever when she stumbles upon a secret operation that takes her back to the year 8 A.D. in ancient Rome. Never knowing if she’ll reach home again, Kyla must learn who to trust and how to survive, as well as seeking out a secret plot that could rewrite history as the world knows it.

Author Jackie Anders has crafted a rip-roaring adventurous work of fiction with plenty of conceptual excitement, deep emotions, and harrowing moments to offer its readers. In terms of its presentation of character, I found that the use of close narration created a deeper emotional resonance, especially with Kyla and her struggles, and I felt that the adjustments she made to a whole new reality were inviting and convincing. The dialogue was also highly effective, serving to display the unique traits of the characters whilst moving the plot forward in a natural way. These elements created a powerful sense of immersion which, along with the cinematic detailing of the descriptive work and the excellent pace of the plot, makes for a striking trilogy opener that delivers everything it promises. Overall, I would highly recommend Phoenix: Field Of Mars to fans of fantastic historical crossover fiction, realistic and heartfelt character depictions, and sci-fi enthusiasts everywhere.

Reviewed by Timothy R Baldwin for Readers' Favorite

When King Kaison is poisoned, his wife Alanna is on the run in hopes of protecting their unborn child, Alric. It is prophesied by the Oracle that this boy will possess a power no other before has ever known. In one final act of her own gifts, Alanna exchanges the unborn Alric within her womb with the stillborn boy of a woman carrying twins. This woman will become Alric’s surrogate mother and her daughter, Elainea, will become his sister. Both will be raised by this woman, Wleia, to believe in “The One” and live good and virtuous lives. Thus, King Kaison’s and Queen Alanna’s child is preserved until he and the sister of the womb are able to take on and hone their gifts. Meanwhile, with no good person ruling in their stead, evil takes hold at the hands of Alric’s aunt Devona who dabbles in dark magic and uses it to place her son, David, in power. Only, her dark magic works far better and far less predictably than she, or anyone, could ever imagine. Charged by Wleia to work together and protect each other in the battle to come, the siblings will soon meet an ally in the most unlikely of persons who they will need more than they could ever imagine in the trials soon to come.

Author Nicole Thomas creatively captures a tale of prophecy, treachery, and magic in her fantasy novel, Tales of Elhaanai. Thomas’ tale of betrayal and the fulfillment of a prophecy related to Alric is reminiscent of so many stories. Yet, lest one thinks it lacks originality, Thomas puts her own spin on the motif, incorporating Judeo-Christian mysticism that points to a higher purpose in this fantasy world where there is a true battle between good and evil. Middle-grade readers will identify with the sibling rivalry and banter between Alric and Elainea as they grow and come to maturity. They will also be immersed in the adventure when Alric and Elainea venture off to hone their gifts while around them evil is mounting. Overall, I liked the story and I think it could be a real hit with middle-grade readers.

Reviewed by Donna Parrey for Readers' Favorite

The FBI is called in when a young boy disappears from his New York City high-rise apartment, and readers of The Boy Who Cried Christmas by Dennis Bailey are off on an adventure that might be described as “It’s a Wonderful Life” meets “Polar Express” meets “CSI: NY.” Nine-year-old Logan lives the rich-kid life, but kindness to a homeless vet sets off an unlikely string of events that brings Logan back in time to witness the birth of Jesus. Meanwhile, his parents are frantic, the police are perplexed, and FBI investigator, Marcus, is troubled by his own connection to the event. This book is a study in relationships … the increasing conflict between Logan’s parents, agent Marcus’s troubled past, the introduction of Wendell and the uncertainty about his intentions, and more.

Author Dennis Bailey holds the reader’s rapt attention by alternating the chapters between Logan’s experience in ancient Israel and current-day happenings back home. The Boy Who Cried Christmas excels in character development, and Logan’s sharing of his beloved Chick-Fil-A lunch with a homeless man is just the start. While the protagonist is a child, the FBI agent’s consideration of suicide, the threat of a beheading in Israel, and an atheist’s bomb-making research all contribute to a concept appropriate for mature readers. More importantly, Logan’s character arc is intriguing for readers to witness as he develops relationships with the shepherds. This is a Christmas story unlike no other. Yes, it’s a Christian theme, but the action in both New York City and ancient Israel will keep readers captivated through to the book’s stunning conclusion.