Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Dream of Shadows is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres, and forms the opening novel to The Shadow Bidder series. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Peter Eliott, this electrifying fantasy thriller introduces readers to the dark and treacherous world of Hell's Labyrinth. This is a city where danger lurks around every corner and the line between good and evil blurs into shades of gray. The novel is a masterful blend of post-apocalyptic dystopia and romantic thriller, offering a unique and captivating reading experience. The character of Vazeer the Lash, a criminal with a cultured personality, is both complex and compelling. His journey from a life of smuggling to a mission to overthrow a notorious power broker, The Raving Blade, is filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

Author Peter Eliott's writing style was a standout feature of this work for me, with vivid, atmospheric descriptions and a gripping, fast-paced narrative that kept me turning the pages until the bitter end. I also always appreciate a varied ensemble of characters in a fantasy tale, each with their distinct skills and backgrounds. Elliott has crafted such realistic attitudes, approaches, and worldviews for each figure that they feel totally realistic to the world they live in. Combine this with the imaginative plot events and superb narrative skill for total immersion, and you have a novel you can’t bear to put down. What results is a thrilling and unforgettable tale of action, intrigue, and moral ambiguity that challenges conventional notions of good and evil, making readers question the true nature of the characters and the fantastic world they inhabit. Overall, A Dream of Shadows is a genre-blending masterpiece and an absolute must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and fans of suspenseful storytelling.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

He assumed a new identity, as per usual. This time, he was Cy Ford. Ford landed a job as an officer with the DNR in Michigan. Aloof and introverted, he was the strange one. But somehow, Ford and his colleagues, Jett and Avery, became drug mules for Niko Krowchuck across the Canadian/American border. Work was smooth until Oscar Easter, the Detroit drug lord, coveted Niko Krowchuck's territory. A pawn in the game of thrones between two elephants, the trio of Ford, Avery, and Jett, was caught in the middle. Unfortunately, Sheriff Anson got suspicious of the officers, especially Ford. When chaos erupted, Ford became a target, and he had to bolt. Oscar, Niko, and Anson all wanted him for different reasons. Who will get to Ford first? Cold Run by Michael Dault has the answer.

Cold Run by Michael Dault is a fast-paced and action-packed novel that I couldn’t stop reading. If you love stories about cartels, intrigue, and plenty of action, then this book is for you. Cold Run is a riveting tale of survival, betrayal, wit, and loyalty that got my adrenaline pumping. Michael is a talented storyteller who brought the characters to life with his descriptive narration. I loved the plot and unique storyline that never ran out of shockers. Ford was my most favorite character for his focus, resourcefulness, and survival instincts. Drifter Sam also endeared himself to me with his unassuming yet formidable personality. I fell in love with the sled dogs, especially North. His ferocity and loyalty until the end made me teary. Anson reminded me to prioritize family because they’ll always be there for me, even when all is lost.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Golden Light is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and mythological fiction subgenres, and was penned by author Anne MacReynold. The work is intended for the general adult reading audience and works as a parallel tale to Red Sand, the first book in The Creations Saga. Our protagonist is Lucifer, who finds himself awakened amidst the chaos of Earth, but is called away from his base desire to hunt by a female figure seeking protection from the First Man. What results is a very engrossing tale of desire, passion, trials, and triumphs that is sure to keep readers turning the pages from cover to cover.

Author Anne MacReynold has crafted a most engrossing work of fiction that takes a fresh and original look at the characters from the traditional biblical tale and really dives into the most interesting aspects of their psyches. The work certainly encouraged me to seek out Red Sand so that I can also see it all from Lilith’s perspective too. The author creates a sensually rich mood with the attention to detail in their atmospheric language, setting a suspenseful and mistrustful air with lexical and descriptive choices that inform both the characters and the plot as it progresses forward. I particularly enjoyed the arc of Lucifer’s struggle throughout the story and his battle between domination and longing was realistically portrayed and very psychologically detailed. Overall, I would certainly recommend Golden Light to fans of highly atmospheric descriptions, intense interpersonal drama, and mythos and magic enthusiasts everywhere.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

After Charles of Anjou (Re Carlu) from France vanquished Prince Conradin in 1269, Sicily became a shadow of itself. Re Carlu used his fierce Angevin soldiers to subdue, dominate, and make the lives of Sicilians unbearable. However, seven-year-old Aetna Vespiri and her elder brother, Cicero, enjoyed relative comfort and safety until one day, Aetna’s life came to a grinding halt. The Angevins invaded her home, burnt it to the ground, killed her father, and took Cicero. But she escaped for years and learned to become a stiletto and combat master. The crossover of the Vespers heralded Aetna’s return as a new woman—Siciliana! Siciliana was ruthless, fearless, and on a mission to free Sicily. However, with unlikely allies and an unexpected enemy, will she succeed? Siciliana by Carlo Treviso has the complete details.

Siciliana by Carlo Treviso was an action-packed, suspense-filled, and captivating novel. If you love historical stories with formidable heroines, this is your book! Siciliana exposed me to medieval Sicily between 1269 and 1282, much of which history books do not cover. This novel effortlessly blended fact and fiction using descriptive writing. I enjoyed Carlo’s storytelling style, which was appropriately dramatic. I also loved the plot, storyline, and development. The unpredictability and twists worked for me. Siciliana got a standing ovation from me, but Manon and Tziporah were two other powerful women who held the fort. Both women made giant strides, never hesitated, and never missed a beat. Don Rapaci and Fra’Diavulu also kept me at the edge of my seat, regardless of where they stood. I enjoyed the power play, government politics, religious manipulation, and the desperation for power. Carlo Treviso is a talented writer, and this novel deserves a place on our screens.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Hot Solar by Anthony Robinson is the second installment of The Inner Solar War Series and the sequel to Cold War. The story is set in a futuristic dystopia in 2048 where Earth and Mars have just entered into a ceasefire after coming to the brink of war. Reluctantly, Marcus Bowen takes up Prince Dothan's offer and boards the Soloran Kingdom's warship Soldrake. Disliked by nobles and commoners alike due to his mixed heritage, Bowen has to acclimate himself to the royal Soloran lifestyle after Prince Dothan declares him a prince, son of Princess Maryanne of Mars. Meanwhile, Bowen's friends Joanna, Low, and Vladimir undergo struggles of their own at the hands of their captors. After risking his life to ensure Joanna's freedom, Bowen must now travel to Earth to complete a mission that may have lasting consequences.

An action-packed tale filled with political intrigue, drama, and suspense, Hot Solar will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the end. Anthony Robinson builds on its predecessor to expand the narrative and springboard it to an epic sci-fi climax that space opera fans will devour with relish. This installment falls into a unique genre between space sagas such as The Expanse and dystopian survival tales like The Hunger Games. The characters have their motives and battles to navigate that give agency to their actions. The action sequences are gritty and visceral, described in vivid detail. If you love action-oriented sci-fi stories, get into The Inner Solar War Series.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The fourth book in the Northern Wolf Series, Northern Dawn by Daniel Greene brings you a promoted Lieutenant Johannes Wolf, a man who has been changed by the ongoing war. Rising from the ranks, he has managed to escape Libby Prison, vowing never to return or speak about it, as if it were a curse. The war is still far from being won, and he is not only fighting for himself but for his regiment and country as well. Brigadier General Custer is going to request assistance or his brigade will be destroyed down to the last man. Custer’s luck will be tested, as it is only a matter of balancing between survival and disaster. As for Wolf, his new appointment will be tested in the largest cavalry battle.

As inherently astonishing and powerful as the story of Custer’s Luck is, it has never been so well-depicted in historical fiction as in Northern Dawn. Daniel Greene’s well-conceived narrative ends up giving readers a ringside look at the American Civil War. With vivid details, the novel serves as a searing reminder of the horrors of the only war fought on American soil, and the noble sacrifice of the brave men who fought for freedom. There is plenty of dramatic interest in this novel that measures the intensity of Greene’s storyline. From start to finish, it proves to be a focused depiction of history, and it reaches a thematic point. This is a military history series that is worth reading. Greene is very much on solid ground in this fine story that is powerful and dignified.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

VanWest The Present is the second entry in the VanWest Series by Kenneth Thomas, a fast-paced, engrossing science fiction story with a protagonist that I loved. VanWest has grown up to be a loyal Enforcer, who blindly obeys every command — however dark and morally corrupt — from the Universal Council. He has ingrained in his mind the mission to serve without question, to work for the growth of humankind and the universal commandment, and to destroy everything or anyone who stands in the way of the Universal Council.

Everything changes after his promotion to captain and after getting injured at the Games. But this also unveils his latent psychic sense — the ability to see future events. The Council sends him on a precarious mission to stop the Utopians, a renegade set led by the former Head of Science, the genius Dr. Isaac VonHelmann. While he is about to be reunited with his childhood best friend, Iris, the daughter of the Utopian leader, there are far more disturbing truths when he gets to Mars. The choices he makes with what he knows will determine the survival of Earth. Will he follow orders or his heart on a far-off planet?

I didn’t read the first book in this series but I absolutely enjoyed VanWest The Present. The characters are exceptionally written and the adventure is exciting. I also loved the twist in the plot. The protagonist is a multi-layered character whose complex nature is brilliantly written. The conflict — both on internal and the physical levels — is well-conceived and deftly articulated. Kenneth Thomas’s gift for plot and character creates the success of this story that puts the past and the future at an intersection in the present. It is a fantastic story, indeed.

Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite

In Ken Gordon’s Bad Dogs: A Black Cadet in Dixie, we first meet the protagonist Jon H. Quest as the CEO of a mega-successful company. He’s late for the monthly dinner get-together of his mega-successful Black family at their mega-amazing family compound. We will get the cadet story as he tells it to family members at this dinner. Gordon starts us off with no doubt that whatever happened to Cadet Quest did not prevent his overcoming it. But we learn that what he overcame was the trauma of racism and violence during his time at M.U.T.S (Military University of The South). An early assault on freshman cadets (toads) was during hazing by upperclassmen who forced them to sing the school’s song “Dixie.” Cadet Quest didn’t like that song and began a campaign to free black cadets from being forced to either sing it or do pushups, or worse—much worse. Also, to endure blatant racist “jokes.” White cadets immediately saw Toad Quest as “uppity” and began a vigorous campaign to bring him to his knees.

What I like most about Ken Gordon’s Bad Dogs: A Black Cadet in Dixie, a serious and important novel, is that even with all their attempts, the white cadets cannot make him quit. On the contrary, he rises, gains strength, pays the difficult price, endures, fights, keeps his sense of humor, his lust for life, and using his smarts becomes a true leader. For years after he graduates (he’s hissed at during the ceremony), he refused to wear the college’s ring. Until his dad reminds him of his slave heritage and the true meaning of that ring. I admired the directness of this novel, its humor, and its grit. As a white, it has continued to instruct me about the trauma racism generates and the strength it takes to overcome. As a reader, I clenched my fist in victory when CEO Quest finally slides that ring on his finger as a symbol of triumph. Bravo, Mr. Gordon! You taught us one helluva lesson!

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Wow...Sulu Sea...what a fabulous read! Better yet, what a fabulous writer Marshall Riggan is. But then, I shouldn’t be surprised given that Riggan has penned scripts for over 200 TV films and won an Emmy for an ABC documentary. Those skills, coupled with his extensive world travels and familiarity with sailing, provide the authenticity and credibility that readers will enjoy in the exciting adventure story, Sulu Sea. This is one novel you won’t be able to put down. Come aboard the Galway Bay and enjoy a shot or two of vodka with Captain O’Hara and his trusted friend, former priest Toussaint, as they navigate the oceans. Not long after, you’ll be joined by the beautiful Gabriella who hires O’Hara to safely transport her and her priceless cargo of jewelry, art, and artifacts to Miami. It’s a dangerous mission to which O’Hara is agreeing: Gabriella’s husband is the head of a huge drug cartel.

But saying “yes” to Gabriella is only the beginning of a hair-raising adventure on and under the seas, which sees Riggan’s protagonists within inches of losing their lives time and again. With the help of yet another outstandingly beautiful Albino female, Valentina, who just happens to be a former Russian military soldier, the principal characters elude drug traffickers and save a group of children from child traffickers. The occupants of the Galway Bay deep-sea dive to the wreckage of Captain O’Hara’s former cruise ship, the Sulu Sea, and just when it starts to feel like all missions have been successfully accomplished toward the end of the novel, more surprises and sacrifices are in store. In short, the action just about never stops in this brilliantly written novel.

Riggan’s plot is convoluted and perfectly executed. His characters’ emotions, motivations, and actions delight and capture readers’ imaginations and hearts with their realism. Descriptions of the seas, scenery, boats, settings, and weaponry are so well done that envisioning it all is easy thanks to Riggan’s extensive cinematic background and familiarity with his subjects. Reading this story is like watching a movie...and what a great movie Sulu Sea would be. For someone who loves the ocean, but knows very little about it other than how it looks from a cruise ship or the shores of a holiday island, I came away vastly enlightened. But best of all was discovering such a talented author. My sincerest hope is that Marshall Riggan is planning several more books, but my recommendation is that you pick up a copy of Sulu Sea now and embark on a thrilling voyage aboard the Galway Bay. Simply awesome reading!

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

In Cold Solar, the first book in The Inner Solar War series by Anthony C. Robinson, the reader is introduced to a turbulent, futuristic moment in the history of humanity. While governments waste their financial resources and plunge their countries into huge debt, a private corporation explores Mars before 2020. This corporation establishes a colony and exploits a rare fuel source called ziberium, which makes them rich. But they treat the colonies like slave labor. Everything changes when one of the colonies discovers the secret to genetic engineering on Mars, giving them the ability to become supermen that Aether forces could not compete against. Once they defeat Aether Megacorp, they form their own empire called the Soloran Kingdom and shut off all communication with Earth. After several years, they are mounting an act of revenge against Earth. Bowen, Vladamir, Low, and a few others might be the only hope of saving humanity. But do they have enough in them to fight against such an enemy bent on revenge?

Cold Solar is well-plotted and beautifully written, with characters that are rock-solid and sophisticated. A private company is able to buy all the debt of the governments and takes control of the world after making a discovery that can alter human DNA, making the human exposed to it operate at their maximum potential. This is a tale of greed, with themes of slavery and terrorism skillfully included. There is romance as well and readers will adore Bowen and Joanna, the personal guard of a princess and a character who should hate Bowen but who finds herself passionately in love with him. Cold Solar is a well-written, cleverly plotted science fiction novel with an interplanetary setting, compelling characters, and a conflict of huge magnitude. Unlike science fiction books that are filled with jargon and neologisms, this one is written in prose that is not only elegant but accessible and inviting. I enjoyed the action, the pacing, and the compelling plot, as well as the realistic and richly written characters.