Reviewed by Joshua Olokodana for Readers' Favorite

When a leader becomes paranoid, followers lose hope. In Assassin's Mace by Ron McManus, Jake Palmer and Alona Green are US JSOC officers, and they have been assigned their most difficult mission yet: to enter Russia undetected and escape with Dmitry Sokolov, a high-value asset. Sokolov is Russia's top hypersonic missile scientist, and he has always been patriotic, even though he is disturbed by how his work is being used to devastate Ukraine. He would never leave. But when Russia's FSB begins to round up his colleagues, and he sees a document above his pay grade, he makes a run for it. However, Russia is on edge, and the FSB is alerted as soon as he meets Jake and Alona. Together, they head for the border, but the obstacles on their way are impossible to surmount unless they get lucky. Will they? Grab a copy of Assassin's Mace by Ron McManus to find out.

Military fiction merges with civilian reality in this high-octane and action-packed blockbuster. It starts with an explosive prologue and progresses steadily to one of the best endings I've read in a long time. The author balances plot progression with character development by deploying one incredible plot twist after another, which keeps you guessing until the end. Ron McManus definitely knows how to retain his readers' attention and tie up loose ends. One of the most compelling aspects is how real the premise is, based on glacial melt and an area of military technology where Russia trumps the United States. This turned out to be more reality than fiction when I checked. Overall, Assassin's Mace features shootouts, espionage, military professionalism, and modern warfare. It will appeal to readers who enjoy military and action novels.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Backfire is an action-packed thriller novel by James Cutley. Jayden Walker, a former engineer, embarks on a hike deep into the heart of a dense Californian forest. Along the way, seemingly out of nowhere, a male bobcat joins his trek. It follows his every move as he neutralizes one man after another in what appears to be a security team. Patricia, a young woman suffering from past trauma, leads a covert organization that sells high-tech weaponry off the grid. When Jayden reaches the sanctuary of the organization, he reveals the intentions of his client. Unbeknownst to the client, however, Jayden has a history with his intended target. Now, Jayden must find a way to take down the person pulling the strings from behind the shadows.

Steeped in suspense, mystery, and romance, Backfire is an enthralling thriller that slowly unravels its secrets one reveal at a time. James Cutley takes his time setting up the plot, letting the setting and the characters draw the reader into the narrative. The author rewards your patience with a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot has enough surprises in store to keep you hooked all the way through. The chemistry between Jayden and Patricia was the main draw of the book for me. Both characters have strong personalities, and they play off each other brilliantly. I also enjoyed the other members of Patricia's crew. The action sequences are depicted in a realistic manner, which helps build tension and intrigue. In conclusion, this is a book tailor-made for readers of action-packed thrillers.

Reviewed by Isabella Harris for Readers' Favorite

Assassin Royale by Richard Davis is a compelling fantasy that follows the journey of Killian Lord, a deadly assassin, on a mission for his king. It begins when the mysterious and ruthless Maximilian Durandal violently seizes an independent estate, killing off its master and mistress. The king, Ember, ordered his most trusted assassin, Killian Lord, on a mission to investigate the true intentions of Durandal. Lord goes undercover and infiltrates Durandal's convoy. After a series of plots and investigations, Lord discovers that Durandal is mining for a special shard. He infuses it with the souls of people to forge a devastating magical weapon, with the intention of using it to help King Globe lead a great invasion. Lord partners with Naiomi, Durandal's supposed relative, to defeat Durandal. However, what might seem like a simple mission will soon spiral out of control.

I was completely captivated by Lord's character, which was defined by his empathy and unwavering loyalty to his king. I found how Lord was able to communicate with animals to be unique. I appreciate Richard Davis's thoughtful and unique writing style, which kept me in suspense, and now I can't wait to get my hands on book 2 of this series. The action is detailed and sharply written, especially the duels between Lord and Durandal. The characters' development was really fantastic, and the author did a great job of maintaining multiple characters, which kept the book engaging. Assassin Royale maintained a really fast pace. The plot is centered on a sense of duty and responsibility. The book masterfully covers themes of loyalty, cruelty, betrayal, and many more. I recommend it to readers who enjoy high-stakes fantasy mixed with clever and intense action.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

World War H by FX Holden is set in a near future where scattered incidents across major cities and strategic waterways begin to form a single operational picture. Lieutenant Siku Smith follows trails that point to a coordinated effort to draw civilians into disruptive tasks, including Tayla Aaronson, a high school student, inside an online game. His findings align with observations from Ensign Melissa Mayeux, who tracks a freighter edging through a protected zone used for new data cable work, as well as with intelligence sought by Captain Anthony Kellog during a recovery mission inside Belarusian territory. Flying Officer Karen O’Hare enters this wider situation while supporting trials of a naval Ghost Bat variant. Each development pushes governments toward the conclusion that a hidden planner is shaping events across their domains.

World War H by FX Holden delivers a frighteningly plausible picture of modern conflict driven by a gamified sabotage network and ruthless state actors. Tayla Aaronson’s arc, from Detroit high school student to fugitive arsonist, is both chilling and strangely sympathetic, while Siku Smith anchors the book with dogged, anxious investigation as fires, drone attacks, and financial chaos pile up. The Payback Cookbook videos feel horrifyingly authentic, and the way ordinary people ignite international crises made me think about how easily online rewards could push real people toward violence. The global canvas, from Belarusian data bunkers to Pacific carrier skirmishes and canal brinkmanship in Panama, is easy to follow and full of razor-sharp suspense. The author’s knack for technical detail and tightly staged action kept me hooked and eager for the next page of this sharp techno thriller.

Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite

David Buzan's In the Wrath of Legends unfolds in the early 20th century in Oregon. This tale follows the harrowing adventures of Chenoa Winterhawk, a brave Nez Perce U.S. Army Indian Scout. As the daughter of a renowned Civil War hero, Chenoa tries to balance her heritage, her civic duties, and survival in a country divided by sexism, racism, and social tension. Chenoa is assigned to escort Major Quinn, a U.S. Army officer, to a base camp. Quinn carries a Chinese mining map, which is a potential key to underground gold and water resources, sought by multiple parties for personal and political gain. Chenoa's estranged and infamous uncle, Akando, resurfaces with a devious plan that threatens their people. Along the way, Chenoa must confront monstrous threats and historical shadows. Can she find a way to save her people and her soul?

David Buzan's In the Wrath of Legends is a gripping tale that explores themes like trauma passed down across generations, racial identity, and the clash between national progress and tradition. At the same time, it delivers an action-packed and character-driven story using Chenoa's experiences as a scout. Buzan's writing style is remarkable, blending poetic reflection and social commentary. He does an exceptional job of highlighting descriptions of war, both historical and supernatural. It depicts Chenoa in two roles. She is a courageous scout, as well as the victim of a nation built on injustice and racism. Her character development encourages readers to reflect deeply on concepts like heroism and loyalty. Overall, the novel creates a detailed picture of how issues like racism, trauma, and power struggles can shape a person's identity and a nation over time. It is sure to leave a lasting impact.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom by Lena Gibson is the explosive conclusion of the Train Hoppers series, throwing readers right back into the action where the last story left off. The plot follows Elsa and her band of rebels as they mount their final offensive against the tyrannical GreenCorps, orchestrating daring rescue missions and acts of rebellion to reclaim their homeland. Gibson masterfully interweaves the personal journeys of multiple characters, including Janna, a survivor seeking justice for past wrongs, and Clark, a broken rebel discovering a new purpose in the resistance.

Author Lena Gibson offers readers a unique read, presenting people who feel real and complex despite the heightened circumstances of their world. The emotional depth of Elsa's journey resonated with me deeply, particularly in how her motivations drive the larger narrative of resistance, and how she empathizes with the different stories and motivations in her crew. The action sequences maintain intense momentum while never losing sight of the human element at their core. The exploration of corporate tyranny and grassroots revolution is particularly relevant to contemporary discussions about power and resistance. I loved the way that the narrative skillfully balanced some very large-scale action moments with intimate character conversations, creating a rich tapestry of struggle, hope, and determination. These themes of hope and unity emerge organically through the characters' dialogue and experiences and the well-developed relationships between different members of the team add complexity and realism to their choices and sacrifices. The pacing keeps readers engaged through both quiet moments and intense action. Overall, Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom delivers a satisfying conclusion to the Train Hoppers series that will leave readers thinking about it long after the final page, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Reciprocity by D.C. Gilbert is a fast-paced journey that pits a group of mainly ex-Special Forces soldiers against evil criminals who run cartels specializing in sex trafficking and human slavery. It is set mostly in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. The workers of the Spring Lotus Foundation, a Thai organization set up to help young victims of trafficking, are in a desperate race against time. Two of their girls have been kidnapped by a corrupt and evil senior civil servant in Vietnam. He is seeking revenge for the death of a relative and the disruption to his lucrative trade in human flesh from an earlier attack by retired Navy SEAL JD Cordell and his team. JD is back in America with his pregnant wife but will return to Southeast Asia to try to rescue the kidnapped girls. 

Reciprocity by D.C. Gilbert is an all-action thriller that will have readers turning pages to uncover the next twist in the multi-layered plot. Despite my not having read the first two books in this series, this adventure is a stand-alone story and the author does an excellent job of dropping background information into the narrative to bring new readers up to speed. Perhaps because I am based in Manila, and have visited Thailand and Vietnam, three of the primary locations, this story resonated with me. I could pinpoint the locations, the customs, and the people. The writing is fast-flowing and the action is ever threatening which will keep readers fully engaged at all times. The different locations, perspectives, and protagonists in an ensemble cast are indicative of a well-crafted and plotted story, which gives added depth to the action and also allows for a quieter, human side to the narrative. The characters, especially the young female victims of the trafficking, are developed and explored allowing for greater empathy and understanding. Even their extreme naivety on occasion is both understandable and forgivable, given their background. This is much more than just an action-adventure thriller; it is a multi-layered story of culture, love, humanity, and family. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this talented author. I highly recommend this read.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Alaska Bloodlust by J. L. Askew is a gripping thriller that follows private investigator Race Warren as he faces a vengeful enemy from his past. After barely surviving a brutal case in Alaska, Warren returns to Tennessee, hoping to leave the horrors behind. But when bodies start piling up, he realizes the psychotic cult leader he defeated has followed him home. With a new love interest caught in the crosshairs, Warren is forced to return to the frozen wastelands of Alaska for a final, bloody confrontation. This fast-paced novel is packed with action, suspense, and a relentless battle for survival.

Author J. L. Askew has a way of writing that just pulls you in with charm and confidence right from the off, and the sharp, punchy prose keeps the tension high from start to finish in a really enjoyable thriller. The shifts between different settings in wildly different parts of North America create interesting contrasts for the mood, and the icy Alaskan setting is especially atmospheric and chilling as a backdrop to the suspense and gory scenes later on. This enhances the central cat-and-mouse dynamic as the psychotic pursuer closes in, offering many gripping, edge-of-your-seat moments as you sit with your heart in your throat, wondering if Race will survive or not. It's easy to become attached to such a capable hero when we see his fight become even more personal and compelling as people he has deeper feelings for are dragged in. Overall, Alaska Bloodlust is a thriller that has absolutely everything you could want from an intriguing and immersive action mystery, and I would certainly recommend it.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Born in Tehran, young Ricardo did not know why his father had abandoned him, his younger sister, and their mother. But then, his father’s decision was the beginning of the small family’s troubles. Ricardo’s mother remarries, but her new husband has a dark secret. It all happened just as the bloody Islamic revolution of 1979 broke out. As Iran drowns in chaos, Ricardo joins a rebel faction opposing the totalitarian rule of the Islamic regime, quickly earning respect and a name as the Shadow Rider. Things escalate in Iran when Iraq invades the country. Barely eighteen, Ricardo is forcefully drafted to fight for Iran. However, it is not long before his role in the opposition faction is leaked to the regime’s ruthless police. Ricardo has to flee Iran to save his life. Find out what happens next in Nick Berg’s Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict.

This is a gripping, poignant tale of untold agony, resilience, heart-pounding action, suspense, and thrills. Nick Berg’s Shadows of Tehran is a must-read for lovers of action and realistic novels. Berg hooks readers from the first page, introducing them to the protagonist’s layered and flawed world. The evocative and cinematic depictions bring the scenes to life on the pages. Berg captures the mood and setting of the story uniquely, adding a nostalgic touch to it. I was given a glimpse into the lives of Iranians during the Islamic revolution in the late twentieth century. Some scenes brought me to tears and left me heartbroken. The introspective voice and the sharp conversations gave depth to the cast’s conflicts and complex traits. The sentiment harnessed to the narration allowed me to connect with the cast. I loved this book. It’s one of the best stories I’ve read.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Last POW by Howard Cohen follows Jax Wilder, a CIA operative tasked with extracting Vitaly Sonkin, a Russian scientist secretly living under the alias Robert Miller—a former American pilot who defected to the USSR decades earlier. After a covert meeting and preparations, Jax infiltrates Sarov, a highly restricted Russian city where Sonkin works on sensitive military technology. Sonkin plans to defect to the West, bringing critical knowledge about a virus embedded in Russian aircraft systems. To escape Sarov, Jax and Sonkin must evade relentless Russian security forces, including the FSB led by Yuri Bykov. Using disguises and up against brutal confrontations and a dangerous trek through forests toward the Latvian border, allies are lost or killed, and Jax faces impossible choices to ensure Sonkin’s safe extraction. All this unfolds while under intense pursuit by Russian military and intelligence units desperate to prevent the defection.

The Last POW by Howard Cohen is an intense thriller that offers a sharply written and tightly paced story of loyalty and survival under relentless pursuit. Cohen’s crisp prose and clear, direct style are perfect in a tale that moves at a clipping speed, and with a momentum that draws readers into a world of spycraft, quick and covert maneuvers, and deadly decisions. I thought that the character interactions were really convincing, the organic dialogue contributed greatly to the plot's urgency, and the detailed descriptions of tactics and terrain grounded Cohen's writing, bringing realism to the chase. Rather than relying on melodrama, Cohen maintains an even tone that respects the gravity of the situation and the calculated actions of each member. The plot’s progression feels natural, avoiding unnecessary detours, and the balance between action sequences and backstory allows us to fully appreciate the resourcefulness of each player. Overall, an excellent read. Very highly recommended.