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.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

The townsfolk of Killington become concerned when their children start going missing under unusual circumstances. Many of them are casting suspicious glances in the direction of a particular section of the residents with an unusual history. In a bid to forestall another violent incident from the townsfolk caused by mistaken identity, a few of these special individuals band together to find the missing children but can Frankenstein, Dracula, and his bride succeed? Years of misunderstanding, cruelty, and unfair accusations have led to the beginning of an insidious agenda in Holiday Spirit by John DeGuire.

In this horror novel by John DeGuire, a character hatches a cunning scheme to exact revenge on the community she lives in for the years of cruelty and abuse she and her family have endured. DeGuire's writing is rich with nuanced layers of complexity. First, the dark lord of the vampires, Dracula, has a close relationship with a werewolf; second, the town fire chief is a relatable version of Frankenstein's monster. These bases ensure the reader an exciting read in which their imagination will undoubtedly contribute to their appreciation of DeGuire's literary skills. A reader will be drawn into the story by the characters' well-developed origin stories, and fans of the horror genre will enjoy DeGuire's analytical style of narrating the particularly graphic parts of the novel. The author provides each character in this story arc with a positive aspect that the reader can relate to, which makes his work stand out. Holiday Spirit is a tale in which the reader's perspective determines who the real antagonist is. This is a masterfully written book that sends shivers down the spine.

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

"There are different kinds of justice," and Fireline by Anthony DeCapite reveals one more. Mace and Caleb are brothers serving time together. Their world is the tragedy of prison, where life is a brutal reality that few can understand without having been there. Once Caleb is killed (while protecting Mace) over an incident that makes little sense to the outside world, his brother vows revenge. Possessed by all-consuming hate, Mace devises a plan to hunt down and murder Graham, the man who killed his brother. Joining a prisoner firefighting unit with his newfound ally, Ortiz, Mace eventually comes close to his target. But this is a different existence from the penitentiary, and the would-be-assassin discovers new possibilities when he finds himself regarded as more than a convict. In a world where the stakes become higher than expected, Mace realizes there are many types of fire; some are external, others burn within, but all can destroy equally.

There is nothing generic about this novel, and reading it made me feel as if I were walking a tightrope without a safety net while someone threw knives at me. What begins as a tale of revenge slowly and imperceptibly becomes a story of redemption. Anthony Decapite offers a masterclass in immersion as I found this novel authentic, fascinating, and sublime. There is violence, but it's never gratuitous; there is action, but it's not over the top, and there is humor and compassion when I least expected it. Character development is exemplary, and I readily sympathized with the protagonist, even when his actions were questionable. It's a harsh read at times, not because it's written poorly but because of the subject. Yet it is also a beautifully balanced tale where every ingredient is in the perfect quantity and sequence. The result is that Fireline is a vivid and realistic thriller that will appeal to fans of many genres, including action, drama, and adventure.

Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite

In A Bargain With Darkness, Peter Eliott explores a hellish landscape through the eyes and experiences of its main character, Vazeer the Lash. This tale begins in Hell’s Labyrinth after the destructive effects of the Swell Driver, a catastrophic flood. Amid the disarray left behind in Sullward, the Raving Blade appears from the shadows. This sinister villain is driven by an insatiable desire to inflict anguish on the people. Vazeer is the only one skilled enough to defeat him. Vazeer, however, is thrust into a web of lies and betrayals that he must cleverly maneuver through if he wants to stay alive. He aligns himself with a formidable assassin and former associates who would rather see him dead. Vazeer's actions might eventually propel him into the pathway of the ever-sadistic Raving Blade. All readers can do at this point is hope he does not lose himself to the same darkness he is fighting against.

Peter Eliott is a brilliant writer. His detailed character analysis and world-building will draw you into this gripping and intriguing saga. Eliott depicts Hell’s Labyrinth as a harsh and unpredictable land. The line between ally and enemy is often obscured and constantly changing in this tale. The intricately written plot binds readers in suspense from beginning to end. Eliott successfully brings his characters to life through his enigmatic storytelling. Vazeer is naturally the star of the hour. His wry and nuanced personality style adds mystery to the storyline. The numerous twists and turns, treacheries, and countless subplots will make you question who you can and cannot trust throughout the storyline. It was a pleasure watching Vazeer maneuver his way out of close encounters. Like a cat with fifty lives, Vazeer immerses readers in neverending anticipation. A Bargain With Darkness is a stunning addition to the fantasy genre. Fantasy lovers are certainly in for a treat.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Of Friction is a work of fiction in the dystopian, conspiracy thriller, and suspense subgenres. The work is best suited to mature adult readers owing to the presence of explicit language throughout, as well as scenes of graphic violence, death, and mentions of substance abuse. Penned by author S.J. Lee, this bold and interesting work explores decades of hostilities and the chance for peace amidst belligerent groups. Sam ‘Valkyrie’ Ryan, a recon specialist, grapples with personal and professional challenges as she navigates a pivotal reconciliation summit between Altered and Human factions while combating human-supremacist terrorists.

Author S.J. Lee has crafted a superb work of dystopian thriller fiction that expertly weaves together all the precision and sharpness of great military fiction with compelling character dynamics and a tense, fast-paced plot. Sam is a complex and relatable protagonist, struggling with her emotions while fulfilling her duties in a volatile and dangerous world, and I enjoyed the way her speech and thoughts were portrayed to give us a deeply personal look at her journey. The tension escalates with a fantastically sharp pace to the plot, and although I could never quite predict the twists that were coming, there were plenty of clues laid to make each revelation feel realistic and really satisfying. The slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance was a pleasant addition that never felt gimmicky, but added a lot of nuance and originality to the narrative, enhancing the emotional stakes and character development all the more. Overall, Of Friction is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression, and I would highly recommend it to dystopian fiction fans seeking a unique new read.

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

Some barriers should never be breached because once crossed, there is no going back. Interview With Death (Tales From The Afterworld book 1) by V.K. Pasanen does more than cross boundaries; it obliterates them. Nathan Miller, a gifted journalist who pursues fame at considerable cost, also has one unique and perhaps unwanted talent. Mr. Miller has the uncanny ability to see Death personified as a grandfatherly figure dressed in black. While tragedy embraces Nathan's life from an early age, it doesn't diminish his hunger for fame, regardless of the escalating price. As alternate realities and timeless secrets are exposed, Nathan will also learn that he isn't interviewing Death but that Death is interviewing him, and his transgressions must be paid for in full. If not in this life, then certainly in the next.

Interview With Death by V.K. Pasanen is a psychedelic and metaphysical tale that cleverly relates to real-life choices and consequences. It's action-packed and filled with flights of fancy that showcase the author's vivid imagination while creating a kaleidoscopic reality. The writing style is flexible and highly effective, with even a brief switch to diary mode that provides deeper insight into the protagonist's slide into wretchedness. The characters were fascinating, and as this type of novel allows a writer to disregard some constraints when developing them, I was delighted to see V.K. Pasanen exploit that advantage to the fullest. I highly recommend Interview With Death to fans of supernatural tales; reading it is akin to the giddy delight of opening an unexpected present.