Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Animal lovers should rejoice for The Wise Ass seems to be the perfect embodiment of animals altering a person's life with their love and positivity. Jimmy McCarthy is an Irish American from the Bronx who works for the mob boss Ty Valanchi and his crew. After decades of working for the mafia, Jimmy, Valanchi, and his associates get arrested on a RICO case by the FBI. Jimmy decides to enter into the witness protection program and bring down the entire organization when he gets news of his brother's murder on the orders of Ty Valanchi. The FBI relocates Jimmy and his wife Gina to Berthoud, Colorado, where Jimmy's life takes a drastic turn when he comes in contact with a talking mule named Claire.

The Wise Ass is a riveting story that perfectly encapsulates how a change in one's environment can significantly impact a person's outlook on life. Author Tom McCaffrey's novel is well-written, smart, funny, and above else, heartwarming. Every single one of Tom McCaffrey's characters is fully fleshed out with layers of depth to them. The conversations between Jimmy, Claire, and Gina were some of my favorite portions of the book. I found Claire's backstory to be very compelling and was particularly impressed with Jimmy's gradual change as a person as he spends more time with Claire. There are also bouts of humor sprinkled throughout the book that make for an entertaining reading experience. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Wise Ass, and I would highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Primed to Kill is the second book in the Kill Crime series by Mike Slavin. It follows Jeff Case, a former Green Beret and two-war veteran whose soul is scarred by pain, loss, and tragedy. Life is quiet at his house, a ranch outside Houston, but when the lives of a psychic friend, a child, and a cop are threatened, Case gets back into the game. The hunt for a serial killer morphs into a cat-and-mouse game that puts lives in danger across different cities: Houston, Boston, and Miami. Case and his team are not only dealing with one psychopath but with serial killers who won’t stop piling up the dead bodies. With few resources and the complexity of the case, can they put the killers out of business once and for all?

First, you’re going to love the characters in Primed to Kill. Second, you’re going to be enthralled by the twisted plot. And third, you’re going to be utterly hooked by the conflict. Fourth, you will love how the author ties these elements together. While there is so much to love in Primed to Kill, the author’s gift for character is the best element. I couldn’t take my eyes off the protagonist, a man who has his internal struggles and unique trauma to deal with and who is in the quest for answers to his own personal tragedy. Mike Slavin is a great storyteller whose novel will entice readers who enjoy stories with vigilante themes, sleuthing, and crime. This book is a page-turner with fully drawn characters that readers can’t stop following.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

How Can a Man Die Better by Roy V Gaston is a compelling historical novel with powerful themes of war and fans of Civil War novels will find it utterly fascinating. While there is chaos as the war rages on, Cage Carew is withdrawn, focused only on his academic pursuits. Although his fiancée covertly helps slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad across the River Jordan, he doesn’t seem bothered. But then his fiancée is killed by the slave catcher, Francois Devol, and everything changes. Cage is deeply wounded and resolved to hunt down the killer. So, he joins the 52nd Ohio Infantry Regiment under Colonel Dan McCook. Cage quickly grows from an intellectual into a dangerous fighter. But what drives him and will he succeed in exacting his revenge on the man who killed his fiancée?

Well-plotted and skillfully written, here is a novel that captures the pulse of the American Civil war in a way that is captivating. It is interesting to notice the transformation in the protagonist and to see how far love and revenge can drive the human heart. The setting takes readers through dangerous landscapes, filled with vivid descriptions that capture details of the environment and locales in which the story takes place. The action is pulsating and it doesn’t overshadow the emotional and psychological depth of the story. Roy V Gaston’s gift for character, prose, and plot is exemplified in this novel. The writing is atmospheric, the characters so alive they feel like part of the reader’s world. How Can a Man Die Better is hugely entertaining.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

I have never before embarked on reading a trilogy, and I might not have lasted the experience if it weren’t for the excellence of Carl Lakeland’s writing. What an amazing imagination Lakeland has, one that steers clear of anything predictable. So refreshing. Each book stands alone, but all three are connected and the characters we meet in the first book, Eagle Shield, appear and disappear in the second book, Project Amber, and resurface in a new way in the final book, The Lost Ones. Along the way, readers are treated to a marvelous mix of characters, both good and evil, and unpredictable plots that never stand still. Eagle Shield focusses on the tough military soldier with a heart of gold, Nathan Masters, who battles hell and high water to fulfill his mission to bring a very special child, Angel, to safety and ultimately to what is her pre-ordained, glorious destiny as a savior.

Where Masters’ covert Eagle Shield mission concludes, the now-adult Angel, a journalist, picks up the narrative in Project Amber. What a narrative it is...a mixture of science fiction and a not impossible future for planet Earth should nuclear warfare ever become a reality. Perhaps the current interest in living on Mars isn’t all that far-fetched if what happens in Project Amber eventuates. The world readers experience in the final book of the Milestone trilogy is vastly different from that in the first two books, and I’m sure it’s one I would never want to live in. Through a new narrator, Lakeland depicts the future of a radioactive planet Earth, where cannibalism, cruelty, and survival of the fittest rule. His rendering of this world is horrific yet oddly credible. One cannot come away from reading The Lost Ones...indeed all three books...without feeling you have just completed a fantastic and unforgettable voyage.

Style-wise, Lakeland expertly uses every literary tool: excellent descriptions that appeal to all the senses; colorful and touching characters with whom we can easily identify; superbly rendered dialogue that captures growing tension one minute, deep love the next; and for those who enjoy military rationale and details before, during and after battle, riveting plots. By allowing each protagonist to narrate his/her book in the first person, Lakeland adds to the immediacy and credibility of the events and those who make them happen. Having lived in Australia for several years, I was particularly drawn to and intrigued by Lakeland setting this trilogy down under. Those unfamiliar with the Aussie “lingo” might need a few minutes to catch on to some turns of phrase, but by using these, Lakeland adds even more color to the narratives. And for readers who believe in the Bible and its stories of angels and devils, Lakeland offers another most unexpected touch, fulfilling his own mandate to keep readers guessing and asking themselves, “what if?” Indeed, what if?

Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite

Dart by Dale Renton is a science fiction action thriller that features an exciting new hero. His name is Darthanil Black, or Dart for short, and he’s best described as a combination of Captain James T. Kirk and Will Ferrell. He can trade punches and bullets with the best of them all the while cracking jokes and making light of every situation. The story puts Dart in the center of a war between three players; the town settlers called the Formers, the Sylth, humans who inhabit the jungles, and a group of supercomputers that control the planet. He doesn’t choose to get involved but it’s a good thing he does because he has a strong desire to see good win out over evil along with the guts, skill, and sense of humor to make it happen.

I had a great time reading Dart by Dale Renton. As an action thriller, it succeeds with strong characters who are put into many dangerous situations and a nail-biting plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. I also found the science fiction setting to be lots of fun. The story mixes futuristic technology with a wild west sensibility. The book is filled with many interesting characters, but the main character, Dart, steals the show with his dashing looks, fearless character, and ready wit. He’s a refreshing new hero for the 21st century. I highly recommend Dart, the book for anyone who likes a little science fiction thrown in with their action heroes.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Anarchy of the Mice is the first novel in the Third Chance Enterprises series by Jeff Bond. Molly McGill is the quintessential single suburban mother of two. She has a PI business that barely stays afloat, but a woman's got to do what she needs to do. So, when Quaid Rafferty, the former governor of Massachusetts, comes knocking on her door to help him and his “muscle” Durwood Oak Jones uncover The Blind Mice, she knows this is an offer she cannot ignore. The Blind Mice are a group of terrorists/hackers who are trying to disrupt society. Molly needs to go undercover and become a part of the Blind Mice to reveal them; however, they are not your usual terrorists. They are smart, they are wicked, and the leader of the group is vicious. It will take all of Molly’s strength and determination to get the job done. Can she infiltrate The Blind Mice, stop them, and make it out alive?

The intricate, smartly woven plot and complex characters are the highlight of Anarchy of the Mice. I love Molly’s character, her sass, and her ability to just charm her way into situations that might be impossible for others made me fall a little in love with her. To be honest, each character has a certain appeal and an element of surprise that turns out to be a game-changer for the story. Even Sue-Ann adds some extra sparkle to the story and makes it more interesting. The plot runs on a very original idea. The concept of The Blind Mice and what they do is terrifying and believable. Jeff Bond paces the story in a way so that it picks up and drops the speed whenever it is important for the story. The narrative is rich, the characters are flawed with redeeming qualities, and the action is relentless. This is an entertaining novel!

Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite

Shadow Wolves by Jake Kaminski is a chilling sojourn into a dark world, where humanity is laid bare in extremes of both good and evil. Ethan Crowe, a Lakota Indian, is an incredibly honed weapon of warfare who has seen more than his share of horror, from the genocide of Catholics and Muslims in Bosnia, through to the war on drugs in Thailand. Now, having suffered an incredible loss, he has withdrawn to Italy in an effort to find a peace that has long eluded him. Just when he believes he may have found a life worth living, Ethan is once again called on to join the battle against the Zetas, a deadly drug cartel based in Mexico. From his base in Southern Arizona, Ethan knows he is at war yet again; a war against an enemy just as ruthless and cold-blooded as any he has faced. Will his team of highly trained Indian trackers survive this battle, or will Ethan’s story be etched in blood on the sun-baked sand of the Sonoran Desert?

Jake Kaminski’s Shadow Wolves is an incredibly gripping read that is almost impossible to put down until the final climax has played out. The characters are very special, with each being uniquely carved from a wide range of social environments, leading to a world full of diversity that closely matches reality. I particularly enjoyed the Apache twins and their relationship with each other, and the bonds forming between them and Ethan. The way the story wrapped up made me want much more of Nalin Chee and the promise of a future that may unfold with Crowe. This is a top-notch book that will appeal to those wanting fast-paced action, molded with a perfect mix of emotions and excitement on a grand scale. One of the best books I have read.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

Three Degrees and Gone is a dystopian novel set in the year 2080 when author J Stewart Willis takes us to America which is suffering badly from climate change. Sea levels have risen, leaving several cities underwater, frequent and fierce hurricanes have battered the land, and the economy is in a downward spiral. The title takes its name from the average three-degree rise in temperature over planet Earth. Three families decide to enter Canada illegally to begin new lives. Frank, Dana, and their daughter Embrey live in an industrial park, an enclosed community that protects them. In theory, they are safe from the elements, but their biggest challenge is boredom. Harry Sykes is a chartered accountant and divorced. He has lost everything and watches helplessly as the tide engulfs his house. He takes desperate measures to pay for his son’s university education and escaping to Canada is a good option. The third pair is a wealthy mother and daughter from Chicago where the wife is locked in a mixed-race, loveless marriage.

I found Three Degrees and Gone by J Stewart Willis a refreshing read. The author describes life as he imagines it 60 years into the future with some interesting and innovative gadgets. However, human nature has not changed one iota and nor have today’s prejudices and attitudes. I found that realistic. The beauty of this story for me, besides being a twist on refugees escaping to the West for a better life, was the idea of this happening due to climate change. I particularly liked the brilliantly drawn characters who leap off the page, from grinding my teeth every time Frank opened his mouth to the reactions of suburban Cynthia having to live rough. Minor characters, those who facilitated the escape route, were also well-drawn. I found it very difficult to put this book down once I started reading it. Recommended with 5 stars from me.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

Michael and Kyle were brothers in both arms and blood, but any in the Black Knights would stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder. They would put their lives into the hands of their fellow guild members without question. Experience from the twenty-year war had taught many lessons, ones the other guilds serving the king of Avalon did not always understand. As such, they were the only ones Shawn could trust at his back on a mission of grave importance. When a rumor from the Count of Lyoness whispered of the King's Warriors inciting war with heinous, unspeakable acts, there was a choice to be made; peace or war. One thing is clear, someone attacked protected villages. Someone seeking to implicate Avalon is behind these attacks. The question is who, and what are their motives?

Ascension by Brian Lambert makes for an entertaining read. Many readers may find the segregation into only nine chapters an unusual choice, but fear not, within each are scene breaks that can act as a good place to stop when you need to put it down. The attention to hierarchy and guilds will put people in mind of the detail paid to such things in Game of Thrones. Realistic relationships make for not only conflict within the Black Knights, but their tightly knit relationships mean they can overlook such things to stand beside their brothers in arms as needed.

A detailed and descriptive style of writing provides vivid and clear descriptions of places, people, and things to create clear imagery of the lands and its people, adding to the world building undertaken. An amalgamation of action, adventure, challenges, tension, drama, faith, honor, revenge, legacies, and justice fill the pages of this gripping journey and provide an exciting foundation and foothold for the next book in The Chrusion Saga.

Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite

With The Dream Traveler Book I, author Ernesto H. Lee begins the Out of Time series, a time-traveling, cold-case detective story that impresses with verisimilitude and fast-paced action. Detective Constable (DC) Sean McMillan has a unique ability to travel back in time through the medium of his dreams. However, Sean soon discovers that changes to the past to influence the future can have unexpected and deadly consequences. The past is not the past, the future is not set and nothing in life is certain.

Utilizing personal knowledge and experiences of dreams, the entanglement theory of quantum physics, and a superb imagination, Ernesto Lee introduces unforgettable characters and lays the groundwork for what I believe will be a hit series for fans of science fiction and detective/crime stories. As with all great characters, DC McMillan embodies a likeable personality engaged in battle with criminal elements while keeping his personal demons and unusual talents secret. Other than McMillan, the remaining players are reminiscent of characters in any number of detective/crime novels; the loyal partner, the hard core boss that's actually soft inside, the bad guy bully without redeeming features, et al. These characters, however, are perfect in that they complement the fantastic story and lead character without distraction.

Without giving away a spoiler, the process of McMillan's time travel, both going and coming, is unique in the extreme. Verisimilitude is an important factor in fiction that oft times offends readers sensitive to crude language or graphic violence and/or sex. Lee uses language relevant to the locations and characters' personalities perfectly. For me, it's a highlight in Lee's story telling talent and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.