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Recommend this book:
The Mark
Built to Vanish Book 1
Anne Keene
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Stephen Christopher for Readers' Favorite
Gary Hale, Darnell King, Peter “Newbs” Newburg, and Brenna Stanton forge an unlikely foursome. Gary is a wanderer, never fully present. Darnell is almost a stereotypical jock, but he has more depth. Newbs is a Rainman-type super-nerd, and Brenna, the token female, hides a secret that the US Navy doesn’t feel positive about. So, how do they become a crew? A last-minute room switch results in the three boys becoming roommates. They meet Brenna accidentally when the four of them are getting back at a bully in an incident that results in everything that happens afterward being referred to as PD. What transpires that night bonds the foursome, and for the rest of their time at the Naval Academy, they’re almost inseparable. But life goes on, and cracks appear. Can they remain friends long after graduation, or is this yet another friendship that has no purpose? You’ll need to read Anne Keene’s The Mark: Built to Vanish Book 1 to find out.
I love literary fiction as it has a broad scope, is more character-driven, and often features an introspective tone. The Mark is all this and more. Anne Keene draws you in with her unique characters, slow-burning revelations, and smart, realistic dialogue. I knew very little about the US Naval Academy rules and practices, but I feel extremely educated after reading this book. The theme is friendship, but the threat of it being a 'situationship' lies constantly underneath the surface. The narrative unfolds over six distinct episodes, with numerous breaks in each. It’s not the kind of book to read in one sitting, as you need to take time to reflect on what you’ve just read. This story will evoke a wide range of emotions from the reader, from cheers to tears, anger to joy, and confusion to understanding. I felt like someone who’d been privy to a four-person friendship but only ever as an onlooker. The Mark is a book that will stay with me for a while. I recommend it to other literary fiction lovers who appreciate a character-driven narrative.
Gary Hale, Darnell King, Peter “Newbs” Newburg, and Brenna Stanton forge an unlikely foursome. Gary is a wanderer, never fully present. Darnell is almost a stereotypical jock, but he has more depth. Newbs is a Rainman-type super-nerd, and Brenna, the token female, hides a secret that the US Navy doesn’t feel positive about. So, how do they become a crew? A last-minute room switch results in the three boys becoming roommates. They meet Brenna accidentally when the four of them are getting back at a bully in an incident that results in everything that happens afterward being referred to as PD. What transpires that night bonds the foursome, and for the rest of their time at the Naval Academy, they’re almost inseparable. But life goes on, and cracks appear. Can they remain friends long after graduation, or is this yet another friendship that has no purpose? You’ll need to read Anne Keene’s The Mark: Built to Vanish Book 1 to find out.
I love literary fiction as it has a broad scope, is more character-driven, and often features an introspective tone. The Mark is all this and more. Anne Keene draws you in with her unique characters, slow-burning revelations, and smart, realistic dialogue. I knew very little about the US Naval Academy rules and practices, but I feel extremely educated after reading this book. The theme is friendship, but the threat of it being a 'situationship' lies constantly underneath the surface. The narrative unfolds over six distinct episodes, with numerous breaks in each. It’s not the kind of book to read in one sitting, as you need to take time to reflect on what you’ve just read. This story will evoke a wide range of emotions from the reader, from cheers to tears, anger to joy, and confusion to understanding. I felt like someone who’d been privy to a four-person friendship but only ever as an onlooker. The Mark is a book that will stay with me for a while. I recommend it to other literary fiction lovers who appreciate a character-driven narrative.
Recommend this book:
The Soul-Sung
The Vaeritas Saga Book 1
Daniel Sheley
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by S. Mathur for Readers' Favorite
Fantasy lovers will welcome The Soul-Sung by Daniel Sheley, the first book in the Vaeritas Saga. Denny is a young boy attuned to the stars and the mysterious soul-force known as Veym, who sees his village destroyed by dragon-fire. At the same time, he is given an ancient legacy, which is needed for the world to continue. But the gift is an uncertain one, which Denny must master before it destroys him. Powerful clan leaders, the warrior and the priest, want to control his gift. Denny meets up with a group of fugitives led by Kaelari, the deposed clan leader, but they are in danger themselves. Echoes of old legends of the Draken bring both helpers and enemies. In the end, the big question remains: is justice served by power or mercy?
The Soul-Sung is built around themes that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. It’s a story about enduring and finding purpose after everything you knew and loved is destroyed, about the importance of memory and forgetting, and the responsibility that comes with power. Daniel Sheley has created a complex and hauntingly beautiful fantasy world, full of unforgettable characters, mythic beasts, and a past that readers will be eager to discover. The writing is lyrical and measured, keeping pace with the action and bringing the world of Vaeritas to life. It skillfully shows the characters on both the mythic and human scale at the same time, making it deeply relevant. Highly recommended for readers who love fantasy, magic, dragons, and plucky and unlikely heroes.
Fantasy lovers will welcome The Soul-Sung by Daniel Sheley, the first book in the Vaeritas Saga. Denny is a young boy attuned to the stars and the mysterious soul-force known as Veym, who sees his village destroyed by dragon-fire. At the same time, he is given an ancient legacy, which is needed for the world to continue. But the gift is an uncertain one, which Denny must master before it destroys him. Powerful clan leaders, the warrior and the priest, want to control his gift. Denny meets up with a group of fugitives led by Kaelari, the deposed clan leader, but they are in danger themselves. Echoes of old legends of the Draken bring both helpers and enemies. In the end, the big question remains: is justice served by power or mercy?
The Soul-Sung is built around themes that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. It’s a story about enduring and finding purpose after everything you knew and loved is destroyed, about the importance of memory and forgetting, and the responsibility that comes with power. Daniel Sheley has created a complex and hauntingly beautiful fantasy world, full of unforgettable characters, mythic beasts, and a past that readers will be eager to discover. The writing is lyrical and measured, keeping pace with the action and bringing the world of Vaeritas to life. It skillfully shows the characters on both the mythic and human scale at the same time, making it deeply relevant. Highly recommended for readers who love fantasy, magic, dragons, and plucky and unlikely heroes.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-dragon-of-dread-deep&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91ZewXkPp3L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=The Dragon of Dread Deep by C.D. McKenna follows Cassian, a boy betrayed by his thieving parents and raised as a cutthroat pirate, always seen as less for not being a "pure" pirate. When he suddenly finds himself in the role of captain, it quickly becomes clear how unprepared he is as everything begins to unravel. When the crew of the Torment choos...){kind=link}
The Dragon of Dread Deep
A Vorelian Saga Novel
C.D. McKenna
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
The Dragon of Dread Deep by C.D. McKenna follows Cassian, a boy betrayed by his thieving parents and raised as a cutthroat pirate, always seen as less for not being a "pure" pirate. When he suddenly finds himself in the role of captain, it quickly becomes clear how unprepared he is as everything begins to unravel. When the crew of the Torment chooses to hunt a sizeable prize in the Grave, a dead stretch of ocean, everything goes sideways. What begins as a simple bounty hunt turns into something greater when a dragon hatches, changing the course of Cassian's life. Facing the truth that legends are based on while finding his own place in the world, Cassian must survive ruthless enemies, cruel captors, and the harsh realities of a life thrust upon him.
C.D. McKenna's latest offering is a swift, adrenaline-fueled tale, a seamless addition to the Vorelian Saga. It's a pirate novel, no holds barred, populated by characters as hard as the sea itself, and a plot that never lets up. The world is authentic, describing a brutal seafaring existence formed by both belief and the need to endure. Cassian emerges as a compelling, tragic figure, struggling with the man he is and the man he's supposed to be, perpetually striving to validate himself in a world where only the ruthless survive. The Dragon of Dread Deep is an edge-of-your-seat read filled with violence, death, and some bad language. This is no romantic pirate tale, but raw, dark, and relentless, and nothing like Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Dragon of Dread Deep by C.D. McKenna follows Cassian, a boy betrayed by his thieving parents and raised as a cutthroat pirate, always seen as less for not being a "pure" pirate. When he suddenly finds himself in the role of captain, it quickly becomes clear how unprepared he is as everything begins to unravel. When the crew of the Torment chooses to hunt a sizeable prize in the Grave, a dead stretch of ocean, everything goes sideways. What begins as a simple bounty hunt turns into something greater when a dragon hatches, changing the course of Cassian's life. Facing the truth that legends are based on while finding his own place in the world, Cassian must survive ruthless enemies, cruel captors, and the harsh realities of a life thrust upon him.
C.D. McKenna's latest offering is a swift, adrenaline-fueled tale, a seamless addition to the Vorelian Saga. It's a pirate novel, no holds barred, populated by characters as hard as the sea itself, and a plot that never lets up. The world is authentic, describing a brutal seafaring existence formed by both belief and the need to endure. Cassian emerges as a compelling, tragic figure, struggling with the man he is and the man he's supposed to be, perpetually striving to validate himself in a world where only the ruthless survive. The Dragon of Dread Deep is an edge-of-your-seat read filled with violence, death, and some bad language. This is no romantic pirate tale, but raw, dark, and relentless, and nothing like Pirates of the Caribbean.
Recommend this book:
Return to Aneleya
The Silver Sphere Series
David Gittlin
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Return to Aneleya by David Gittlin transports readers back into the Silver Sphere universe with a thrilling space adventure that’s equal parts danger and charm. When Jacob Casell, his wife Amy, and their AI companion Arcon embark on a routine mission, things go off the rails fast. Alien freighters are harvesting Jupiter’s atmosphere, the Dauntless is nearly destroyed, and diplomacy quickly turns into a fight for survival. Despite the stakes, this installment balances high-concept sci-fi with accessible storytelling, witty dialogue, and strong emotional beats. And while it’s technically book five, the story stands solidly on its own, introducing its stakes and characters in a way that welcomes new readers to the galaxy.
Author David Gittlin blends smart sci-fi ideas with a warm, character-focused heart. I enjoyed how much fun this book was—it didn’t just throw me into danger, it gave me a crew I wanted to root for. Arcon, the AI, brings just the right touch of humor and logic to balance the very human tensions between Jacob and Amy. The pacing is fast but not rushed, and the imaginative settings that go from deep space to the swirling chaos near Jupiter really drew me in. Even the politics were interesting without bogging the plot down. Overall, Return to Aneleya is an exciting, thoughtful, and thoroughly entertaining space opera for anyone who loves adventure with a human (and artificial) touch. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and I can't wait to see what else comes out of this fascinating story universe in the future.
Return to Aneleya by David Gittlin transports readers back into the Silver Sphere universe with a thrilling space adventure that’s equal parts danger and charm. When Jacob Casell, his wife Amy, and their AI companion Arcon embark on a routine mission, things go off the rails fast. Alien freighters are harvesting Jupiter’s atmosphere, the Dauntless is nearly destroyed, and diplomacy quickly turns into a fight for survival. Despite the stakes, this installment balances high-concept sci-fi with accessible storytelling, witty dialogue, and strong emotional beats. And while it’s technically book five, the story stands solidly on its own, introducing its stakes and characters in a way that welcomes new readers to the galaxy.
Author David Gittlin blends smart sci-fi ideas with a warm, character-focused heart. I enjoyed how much fun this book was—it didn’t just throw me into danger, it gave me a crew I wanted to root for. Arcon, the AI, brings just the right touch of humor and logic to balance the very human tensions between Jacob and Amy. The pacing is fast but not rushed, and the imaginative settings that go from deep space to the swirling chaos near Jupiter really drew me in. Even the politics were interesting without bogging the plot down. Overall, Return to Aneleya is an exciting, thoughtful, and thoroughly entertaining space opera for anyone who loves adventure with a human (and artificial) touch. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and I can't wait to see what else comes out of this fascinating story universe in the future.
Recommend this book:
Escala's Wish
Tales of Valla
David James
2026 Gold Medal
649 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
David James’s Escala’s Wish follows Escala Winter, a pixie princess from the Court of Dreams whose curiosity about mortal love breaks the fey Oath. After she crosses into the forest outside Dunwell and charms Jonathan Graves with a kiss, a wolf attack turns her forbidden visit into a disaster. The fey court cannot ignore the deaths linked to her choice, and Escala is stripped of her wings, changed into an elf, and banished to the material plane. Her only path back is to remove the boulders she has placed in the True Cycle, though no one explains what that sentence truly means. Alone in a world she barely understands, Escala has to learn whether repair begins with punishment, service, or something harder.
David James’s Escala’s Wish is enchanting fantasy fiction, and the author gives Escala a wonderful arc from a sheltered fey princess to someone who understands what love actually asks. The world-building is completely fleshed out, especially through Harper Darrow, a scarred fire sorceress who trains Escala to survive, and Roedyn Hammerfell, an elven scout whose quiet loyalty becomes one of the book’s greatest pleasures. I loved the Never Glenns because Sticky, a talking tripkee frog and archdruid, turns the forest into a place with humor, danger, and real wisdom about the True Cycle. The real star here, however, is Wigfrith, a larger-than-life, three-foot gnome, storyteller, and consummate adventurer who shares the tale. Well written and magical, readers who enjoy heartfelt fantasy quests that are dripping with wit will adore this. Very highly recommended.
David James’s Escala’s Wish follows Escala Winter, a pixie princess from the Court of Dreams whose curiosity about mortal love breaks the fey Oath. After she crosses into the forest outside Dunwell and charms Jonathan Graves with a kiss, a wolf attack turns her forbidden visit into a disaster. The fey court cannot ignore the deaths linked to her choice, and Escala is stripped of her wings, changed into an elf, and banished to the material plane. Her only path back is to remove the boulders she has placed in the True Cycle, though no one explains what that sentence truly means. Alone in a world she barely understands, Escala has to learn whether repair begins with punishment, service, or something harder.
David James’s Escala’s Wish is enchanting fantasy fiction, and the author gives Escala a wonderful arc from a sheltered fey princess to someone who understands what love actually asks. The world-building is completely fleshed out, especially through Harper Darrow, a scarred fire sorceress who trains Escala to survive, and Roedyn Hammerfell, an elven scout whose quiet loyalty becomes one of the book’s greatest pleasures. I loved the Never Glenns because Sticky, a talking tripkee frog and archdruid, turns the forest into a place with humor, danger, and real wisdom about the True Cycle. The real star here, however, is Wigfrith, a larger-than-life, three-foot gnome, storyteller, and consummate adventurer who shares the tale. Well written and magical, readers who enjoy heartfelt fantasy quests that are dripping with wit will adore this. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Treasure of Tundvala Gap
A Mateus de Silva Adventure
Jeffrey K Schmoll
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Treasure of Tundvala Gap is an engaging adventure by Jeffrey K. Schmoll. Angola, 1984 - Colonel Juan Mateus de Silva thinks of his family and the hidden treasure as the UNITA enemy advances. He doubts he will survive the battle. In California in 2009, the colonel’s grandson, Mateus, visits his estranged dying grandmother in Santa Domingo, Cuba. He receives a cigar box containing old letters from his grandfather and one of them is a cryptic poem about the treasure’s location. Mateus and his friends, Tay and Muni, decide to search for it. Muni, a computer hacker, assists with the “red tape,” while Tay and Mateus travel to Angola to follow the poem’s clues. Romania, an Angolan, becomes their guide, but danger seems to follow them everywhere. General Ilidio has invested much time and money to claim what he believes is rightfully his and win his father’s respect.
Jeffrey K. Schmoll’s The Treasure of Tundvala Gap is a suspenseful adventure that captivated me with the remarkable and brave Colonel Juan de Silva and his grandson, Mateus, who matured quite a bit on his treasure-hunting mission. He is clever, deep-thinking, and compassionate. Tay and Muni are strong-willed, fun characters who make the story entertaining. I love the Indiana Jones imagery in the action and adventure that kept taking me between the past in Cuba and Angola with Colonel de Silva and then to the present with Mateus. The author's writing left me feeling various emotions as many parts are touching and intriguing. I recommend The Treasure of Tundvala Gap for much reading enjoyment.
The Treasure of Tundvala Gap is an engaging adventure by Jeffrey K. Schmoll. Angola, 1984 - Colonel Juan Mateus de Silva thinks of his family and the hidden treasure as the UNITA enemy advances. He doubts he will survive the battle. In California in 2009, the colonel’s grandson, Mateus, visits his estranged dying grandmother in Santa Domingo, Cuba. He receives a cigar box containing old letters from his grandfather and one of them is a cryptic poem about the treasure’s location. Mateus and his friends, Tay and Muni, decide to search for it. Muni, a computer hacker, assists with the “red tape,” while Tay and Mateus travel to Angola to follow the poem’s clues. Romania, an Angolan, becomes their guide, but danger seems to follow them everywhere. General Ilidio has invested much time and money to claim what he believes is rightfully his and win his father’s respect.
Jeffrey K. Schmoll’s The Treasure of Tundvala Gap is a suspenseful adventure that captivated me with the remarkable and brave Colonel Juan de Silva and his grandson, Mateus, who matured quite a bit on his treasure-hunting mission. He is clever, deep-thinking, and compassionate. Tay and Muni are strong-willed, fun characters who make the story entertaining. I love the Indiana Jones imagery in the action and adventure that kept taking me between the past in Cuba and Angola with Colonel de Silva and then to the present with Mateus. The author's writing left me feeling various emotions as many parts are touching and intriguing. I recommend The Treasure of Tundvala Gap for much reading enjoyment.
Recommend this book:
Zebra
Friends by Fate. Enemies by Destiny.
Jill Wallace
2025 Honorable Mention
494 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Zebra by Jill Wallace is a poignant and powerful coming-of-age adventure that traces the arc of a rare friendship set against the brutal backdrop of apartheid South Africa. Jock, a white hotel owner's son, and Papin, a Zulu teen from a nearby village, form a deep bond exploring the Drakensberg mountains in childhood, undeterred by social disapproval and racial tensions. Known mockingly as ‘the zebra’ by guests who see no boundaries between them, their friendship becomes a quiet act of resistance. But societal forces tear them apart, and years later, they find themselves on opposing sides of a battlefield: one a conscripted soldier, the other a revolutionary. As past affections collide with present ideologies, each must confront whether love or loyalty will guide their fateful decisions. Inspired by real events, Zebra is a moving tale of innocence, betrayal, and the enduring possibility of reconciliation.
Author Jill Wallace has a knack for relating a character to readers with great emotional immediacy, and she delivers a deeply evocative and culturally rich narrative that lingers for a long time after you’ve read it. Papin and Jock are fully realized characters who feel as real as your friends. Seeing them grow and change through their bond and the challenges of the plot brings a personal viewpoint to life under apartheid that is both harrowing and uplifting, marked by moments of profound humanity. For people outside the experience of apartheid, it’s a firsthand way of growing your empathy and understanding, whilst also undergoing a heartfelt story about the innocence of youth and the tragedy of lost brotherhood. Wallace achieves this with rare and heartbreaking insight, and her detailed, up-close narrative and telling dialogue give the work a unique voice that stands out from the crowd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Zebra as a must-read with storytelling that’s at its most immersive and soul-stirring.
Zebra by Jill Wallace is a poignant and powerful coming-of-age adventure that traces the arc of a rare friendship set against the brutal backdrop of apartheid South Africa. Jock, a white hotel owner's son, and Papin, a Zulu teen from a nearby village, form a deep bond exploring the Drakensberg mountains in childhood, undeterred by social disapproval and racial tensions. Known mockingly as ‘the zebra’ by guests who see no boundaries between them, their friendship becomes a quiet act of resistance. But societal forces tear them apart, and years later, they find themselves on opposing sides of a battlefield: one a conscripted soldier, the other a revolutionary. As past affections collide with present ideologies, each must confront whether love or loyalty will guide their fateful decisions. Inspired by real events, Zebra is a moving tale of innocence, betrayal, and the enduring possibility of reconciliation.
Author Jill Wallace has a knack for relating a character to readers with great emotional immediacy, and she delivers a deeply evocative and culturally rich narrative that lingers for a long time after you’ve read it. Papin and Jock are fully realized characters who feel as real as your friends. Seeing them grow and change through their bond and the challenges of the plot brings a personal viewpoint to life under apartheid that is both harrowing and uplifting, marked by moments of profound humanity. For people outside the experience of apartheid, it’s a firsthand way of growing your empathy and understanding, whilst also undergoing a heartfelt story about the innocence of youth and the tragedy of lost brotherhood. Wallace achieves this with rare and heartbreaking insight, and her detailed, up-close narrative and telling dialogue give the work a unique voice that stands out from the crowd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Zebra as a must-read with storytelling that’s at its most immersive and soul-stirring.
Recommend this book:
The Fell Deeds of Fate
The Saga of Hasting the Accursed
C.J. Adrien
2025 Bronze Medal
379 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Fell Deeds of Fate by C.J. Adrien is a thrilling and immersive start to The Saga of Hasting the Accursed. Set against the backdrop of the Viking Age, this story offers a blend of historical intrigue, personal ambition, and the complex ties of loyalty and betrayal. Hasting, a Viking chieftain haunted by his infamous reputation and visions of the wolf Fenrir, is a compelling protagonist. The narrative examines his quest for redemption and revenge as he strives to restore his honor and navigate the complex web of alliances and enmities that shape his world. His fierce yet deeply flawed character illustrates the rich tapestry of human complexity, propelling the story forward with emotional depth.
C.J. Adrien’s meticulous attention to historical detail vividly recreates the Viking world, from the intricacies of shipbuilding and Norse warfare to the cultural dynamics of the era. The descriptions of Hasting’s home, the politics of Armorica, and the brutal realities of raiding and survival create an immersive atmosphere that transports readers to the harsh beauty of the 9th century. Hasting’s visions of Fenrir are a powerful metaphor for his internal struggles, adding mysticism that complements the historical narrative. While the plot is intricate, it remains engaging, balancing action, political intrigue, and introspection. The supporting characters add richness to the narrative. Bjarki, Hasting’s loyal yet straightforward comrade, adds moments of levity and wisdom, while Reifdis, Hasting’s wife, introduces tension and a sharp emotional edge to the story. Their interactions illuminate the personal stakes intertwined with Hasting’s greater ambitions, anchoring the epic scope in intimate, relatable conflicts. The Fell Deeds of Fate is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mythological undertones, making it a must-read for fans of Viking tales and epic sagas. Adrien crafts a world as brutal as it is captivating, and I highly recommend it.
The Fell Deeds of Fate by C.J. Adrien is a thrilling and immersive start to The Saga of Hasting the Accursed. Set against the backdrop of the Viking Age, this story offers a blend of historical intrigue, personal ambition, and the complex ties of loyalty and betrayal. Hasting, a Viking chieftain haunted by his infamous reputation and visions of the wolf Fenrir, is a compelling protagonist. The narrative examines his quest for redemption and revenge as he strives to restore his honor and navigate the complex web of alliances and enmities that shape his world. His fierce yet deeply flawed character illustrates the rich tapestry of human complexity, propelling the story forward with emotional depth.
C.J. Adrien’s meticulous attention to historical detail vividly recreates the Viking world, from the intricacies of shipbuilding and Norse warfare to the cultural dynamics of the era. The descriptions of Hasting’s home, the politics of Armorica, and the brutal realities of raiding and survival create an immersive atmosphere that transports readers to the harsh beauty of the 9th century. Hasting’s visions of Fenrir are a powerful metaphor for his internal struggles, adding mysticism that complements the historical narrative. While the plot is intricate, it remains engaging, balancing action, political intrigue, and introspection. The supporting characters add richness to the narrative. Bjarki, Hasting’s loyal yet straightforward comrade, adds moments of levity and wisdom, while Reifdis, Hasting’s wife, introduces tension and a sharp emotional edge to the story. Their interactions illuminate the personal stakes intertwined with Hasting’s greater ambitions, anchoring the epic scope in intimate, relatable conflicts. The Fell Deeds of Fate is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mythological undertones, making it a must-read for fans of Viking tales and epic sagas. Adrien crafts a world as brutal as it is captivating, and I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
 and Attaway York, who end up time-traveling to 1865 Georgia and end up amid the Civil War period. Their adventure is prompted by York, who stumbles upon a young woman ...){kind=link}
Between The Shadows
Lake Lanier Mysteries Book 3
Casi McLean
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
Casi McLean's Between the Shadows is the third installment in the captivating Lake Lanier Mysteries series. It tells the story of two 21st-century friends, Mackenzie Reynolds (Kenzi) and Attaway York, who end up time-traveling to 1865 Georgia and end up amid the Civil War period. Their adventure is prompted by York, who stumbles upon a young woman stuck in a time loop originating from her timeline back in 1865. Dedicated to rescuing the woman (Izzy) from her fate, York convinces Kenzi, who has a time travel device called Tess, to travel to Izzy's era and intervene on the young woman's behalf. When the two friends venture into the 19th century, they both embark on separate storylines. York rushes to save his beloved Izzy, while Kenzi falls in love with James, a Civil War soldier who is badly wounded. Can she save his life?
Between the Shadows is a compelling time travel novel that incorporates history, romance, and paranormal elements. The action is non-stop, and it meticulously merges two stories across different eras. I love how each storyline affects the other and possibly the entire outcome of history. But don't worry! If you are new to the time travel genre, everything comes together perfectly in the end. Overall, this novel is well-composed. The time travel aspects are developed and explained in a manner that makes it easy for readers to understand. I love the cast of characters that have been established throughout the narrative. Casi McLean has woven a very detailed and engaging story around them. The twists and turns kept me guessing the whole time. I love the mind-blowing reveal at the end! I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. I'm already eager to see what Casi McLean regales her fans with next.
Casi McLean's Between the Shadows is the third installment in the captivating Lake Lanier Mysteries series. It tells the story of two 21st-century friends, Mackenzie Reynolds (Kenzi) and Attaway York, who end up time-traveling to 1865 Georgia and end up amid the Civil War period. Their adventure is prompted by York, who stumbles upon a young woman stuck in a time loop originating from her timeline back in 1865. Dedicated to rescuing the woman (Izzy) from her fate, York convinces Kenzi, who has a time travel device called Tess, to travel to Izzy's era and intervene on the young woman's behalf. When the two friends venture into the 19th century, they both embark on separate storylines. York rushes to save his beloved Izzy, while Kenzi falls in love with James, a Civil War soldier who is badly wounded. Can she save his life?
Between the Shadows is a compelling time travel novel that incorporates history, romance, and paranormal elements. The action is non-stop, and it meticulously merges two stories across different eras. I love how each storyline affects the other and possibly the entire outcome of history. But don't worry! If you are new to the time travel genre, everything comes together perfectly in the end. Overall, this novel is well-composed. The time travel aspects are developed and explained in a manner that makes it easy for readers to understand. I love the cast of characters that have been established throughout the narrative. Casi McLean has woven a very detailed and engaging story around them. The twists and turns kept me guessing the whole time. I love the mind-blowing reveal at the end! I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. I'm already eager to see what Casi McLean regales her fans with next.
Recommend this book:
Eldryan Elders
The Last Lumenian, Book 5
S.G. Blaise
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
In Eldryan Elders, S.G. Blaise delivers an exciting addition to The Last Lumenian series, where Lilla faces her most significant challenges on a mysterious jungle planet. With the future of the Seven Galaxies at stake, she must deal with dangerous alliances, discover hidden secrets, and fight against a darkness that threatens to tip the scales of power. As a Sybil connected to powerful cosmic forces, Lilla’s bravery and strength are tested in a journey full of action, mystery, and self-discovery.
S.G. Blaise’s writing style is descriptive, and the dialogue captures the essence of each character. Sometimes, the writing dives into profound philosophical ideas, especially when exploring the mystical aspects of the Lumenian universe, like the struggle between light and darkness represented by the Archgod and The Lady. This contrast adds depth and highlights the moral choices of the characters. The tone shifts between tension, despair, and fleeting moments of hope, mirroring the war’s pervasive impact. Lilla's struggle with self-doubt, guilt, and acceptance highlights her emotional vulnerability, especially when she is questioning whether she is the worst Sybil in the history of Era Wars. Her relationship with Callum, full of love and conflict, deepens the emotional complexity of the narrative. Supporting characters like Kerr, Fiona, and the enigmatic Ankhar also bring their battles to the forefront, contributing to the plot. The novel explores themes of destiny, free will, and the corrupting nature of power, reminding us that while the past shapes who we are, our choices ultimately define our future. Through it all, Blaise proves her mastery in creating a universe that is both expansive and intimately personal. Eldryan Elders is definitely a must-read.
In Eldryan Elders, S.G. Blaise delivers an exciting addition to The Last Lumenian series, where Lilla faces her most significant challenges on a mysterious jungle planet. With the future of the Seven Galaxies at stake, she must deal with dangerous alliances, discover hidden secrets, and fight against a darkness that threatens to tip the scales of power. As a Sybil connected to powerful cosmic forces, Lilla’s bravery and strength are tested in a journey full of action, mystery, and self-discovery.
S.G. Blaise’s writing style is descriptive, and the dialogue captures the essence of each character. Sometimes, the writing dives into profound philosophical ideas, especially when exploring the mystical aspects of the Lumenian universe, like the struggle between light and darkness represented by the Archgod and The Lady. This contrast adds depth and highlights the moral choices of the characters. The tone shifts between tension, despair, and fleeting moments of hope, mirroring the war’s pervasive impact. Lilla's struggle with self-doubt, guilt, and acceptance highlights her emotional vulnerability, especially when she is questioning whether she is the worst Sybil in the history of Era Wars. Her relationship with Callum, full of love and conflict, deepens the emotional complexity of the narrative. Supporting characters like Kerr, Fiona, and the enigmatic Ankhar also bring their battles to the forefront, contributing to the plot. The novel explores themes of destiny, free will, and the corrupting nature of power, reminding us that while the past shapes who we are, our choices ultimately define our future. Through it all, Blaise proves her mastery in creating a universe that is both expansive and intimately personal. Eldryan Elders is definitely a must-read.
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