Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"Tin Can" is an exciting space adventure. Eight year old Billy, fourteen year old Jacob, Quincy a genetically altered Lemur, and their parents, Dave and Lucy Edwards, embark on a mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, hoping to find it safe to colonize. Storms and radiation caused by the sun’s instability have battered Earth, forcing people to live underground and destroying the food supply. Knowing the danger they are in, Dave drives Jacob to learn as much as possible about the ship, thinking Billy incapable of learning. A tragic accident leaves the boys and Quincy to survive on their own, and the crisis brings out the best in Billy. While Billy can barely read, he understands space from a unique perspective. And Quincy, bred for only simple tasks, in truth has a much higher intelligence and is capable of much more.

"Tin Can" by Colin Noble is a fascinating and entertaining space adventure. The tale is fast-paced, and Noble keeps up the pace until the very end. The lead characters have tremendous depth and it is fun watching them develop and grow. Jacob, Billy and Quincy have to learn to work together as a team. Each has unique talents that were never appreciated before. Suddenly these talents are essential. At the beginning I was reminded of the TV show “Lost In Space” of the 60s, but I quickly realized this space tale has more depth. Noble drew me into the story and made me part of the crew. I highly recommend “Tin Can” and the author Colin Noble.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

In wanting to keep the life and legacy of her late father-in-law alive, Brenda Ballard creates the "The Boy From Granite Falls" series. This series follows Fred Ballard’s life starting in the 1930’s. Fred and Rudy are up to their usual adventures. At supper one night, Fred’s dad suggested that Fred go meet the new neighbors, since there were a couple of boys Fred’s age. Well, Fred, Rudy and Tubby do just that. The reception wasn’t very well though, and the neighbor boy the threesome met was a very rude and impolite Chadwick “Wicked” O’Brien the Third. This meeting was an adventure in itself, and then they were on to see what the “Pie Lady” in Robe was up to. This is where the "Weevil Biscuits" comes in, and you will truly need to read this book to feel the full effect of this story. It is one you will not want to miss. I actually laughed until I cried!

Again, Brenda Ballard pens a legacy that will forever live on in her family. I can’t say enough about the wonder and beauty of this second book of “The Boy From Granite Falls.” Fred and Rudy remind me so much of my dad and his brother growing up. And Brenda has a special way with words that tell the story in such a unique way that will have you right there in the middle of the mischievous adventures of Fred, Rudy and Tubby. I encourage you to grab a copy of the books in the series “The Boy From Granite Falls” for a super nice summer read. You will be immensely glad you did! And keep checking Brenda Ballard's website as there is obviously more to come from Fred and his friends.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Our story begins with action and suspense. Nate Cartwright receives a mysterious phone call from Peter, his brother. Peter thought he was being followed and that it had something to do with his project. The project was connected to Apollo 18 whose commander was their father, Bob Cartwright. It was obvious someone did not want anyone to dig deeper into the Apollo disaster. What did all of this have to do with the subcommittee on strategic forces? What really happened to the Apollo 18 crew? Why did Commander Bob Cartwright utter the words “That shouldn’t be there?” How can a person not get caught up in this book? I have always been fascinated with the space program. In reality Mission Apollo 18 was canceled but what if it really did take place? What if the mission landed on the moon but the crew was never heard from again? What if there was a cover up?

Author Marty Steere is brilliant! His plot is plausible, the characters are realistic, and the writing is superb. My intention is not to give away too much of the plot in my summary. I want the readers to pick up their own copy of this book. Once they begin reading, like me, they will not want to put this book down. I was not familiar with Marty Steere and had no idea what to expect from his book. He impressed me. Steere manages to keep the characters fresh and the suspense building, leading to a crescendo ending.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

The setting for "Kaiser Brightman 082314" by Michael Springer is New Bonn, Minnesota in 1944. German prisoners were detained across the river at Muskrat Island. They worked in the local cannery that was short of labor. Three twelve year old boys spent the summer watching the camp. At first it was a game to Frank and Jack. They pretended they were Marine Raiders and plotted how to do a reconnaissance of the German Camp. Soon another young man joined them. Skeeter was their age in years but older in other ways. He hated the Germans and plotted to kill them. The three young men found a matchbook cover with Kaiser Brightman 082314 written on it, intercepted strange radio messages and witnessed a murder.

While there is a definite air of mystery in this book, it is so much more. Kaiser Brightman 082314 is a coming of age book, three boys maturing over the summer, working together to solve a mystery. Skeeter is a troubled youth who tends to bully others especially Jack. This tale draws the youths together who form an incredible bond. Jack and Frank come to understand Skeeter in a manner that no one else had ever cared enough to do. I was vaguely reminded of the movie “Stand By Me.”

Springer’s plot and characters are believable. I was so caught up in this tale that I actually did a search to see if New Bonn, MN, really existed. I also started researching whether German prisoners were detained in Kentucky. I found out that two assisted my grandfather in law on his farm. Springer has created a tale that transported me to the past, made me think and made me curious. This book is appropriate for a wide range of age from 10 year olds on up. The style is easy to read. I could easily see this used in a class as a low reader/high interest book. Well done Mr. Springer!

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Nova Melia has created a fascinating cast of characters in her adventure novel entitled "Duckegg". The lead character is a confused teen who lacks direction and role models. He, his younger brother Billy, and sister Lucy live in poverty in a small New England town, which also appears to lack motivation and direction.

The plot thickens when a local school teacher begins to suspect foul play when a local company is suspected of cruelty to animals during research experimentation. As the plot develops, there is considerable conflict between good and evil, bullies and the bullied, and the intellectual and the not-so-smart citizens of the town.

Primarily, the story concerns a coming of age theme in which young Duckegg begins to think beyond the confines of his own mind to a broader social interest. He develops a friendship with the protester teacher and he learns far more about life itself than he ever expected to gain from his hit-and-miss educational experience.

The characters are fascinating and the reader will find ample opportunity to identify and sympathize with more than one of the well-developed personalities. This is a good read for anyone wanting to challenge defined personality boundaries.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Throughout his teenage years, Native American Fred was one of those guys who was always playing pranks on his friends and classmates. In their little town of Granite Falls, everyone knew everyone else and of course their business, too. Jobs were in the logging industry, silver mining or farming so there was not a lot of money, yet they seemed to make it just fine. Join the author as she tells of the adventures that have been passed down through the years about her ancestor, Fred Ballard.

"The Boy From Granite Falls" is a heartwarming flashback of the life of Fred Ballard and an insight into the life of family living in the mountains. This book has a wonderful, well written plot with adventure and humor that keeps your interest until the very end. The characters were fun and enjoyable. You will enjoy the trip back to life in the 1930's. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a nice light humorous read.

Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

If I Should Die is the story of war torn Africa when nations were determined to throw off the last vestiges of colonial rule for self-determination. It is a story of violence set against the breathtaking beauty of the fictitious nation of Nyanga. Students of history will know the real country and remember the terrible misery imposed on its population when savagery and extreme viciousness was so often inflicted upon scores of peaceful farmers and farm workers.

This is not a story just about blacks against whites, since both were killed with equal cruelty. It is more of resistance to change on one side, and the righting of past wrongs on the other. This is a story of a war men fight, knowing in the end they cannot win, but they fight anyway, because it's their job.

As the fight unfolds, it becomes personal for two combatants, the best each side has to offer, and even more so when Sergeant Wilson is severely wounded and taken away for interrogation. Desperate efforts to rescue the Sergeant are made, as a band of comrades attempt from one side, and his fiancé tries another way. But, will they be successful?

Set in a time of terrible strife, the author has put together a very thorough, but intense look at Africa and its struggles. The characterization is first rate as both sides are shown as history reports them to have been. The plot is set as a work of fiction, but the author has indicated it is partially based on a true story. I have no reason to doubt this. Some readers may find the graphic violence and excessive brutality to be excessive; however, as history tells, that was the way it really happened. Very nicely done.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Red Smoke Rising is an action packed science fiction adventure. Rick Anthony has created a world filled with violence, trolls, zombies, ogres, dragons, shape shifters, enhanced humans and power hungry leaders. Many years ago the Myrmidon Empire invaded Muoro, Frimuor and Wild Lands to control Ku, a drug that allows the user great powers. The citizens of the occupied lands were enslaved and tortured.

An Underground movement is preparing to fight back. They have stolen the drug, learned how to use it and are training for battle. Most shape shifters have a Master, Mia is the exception. Mia is her own master, she can transform into a tiger, horse and eventually another very special beast. She is a young woman with compassion, intelligence and resilience. Along with Kale, Sheri, and Grere, she fights for her freedom and for her life.

Red Smoke Rising begins with an action packed theme that immediately captured my attention. I literally could not put this book down and read all 320 pages in one day. The plot is intense. The characters are wonderfully written. Mia is the lead character which I've already described. She played well with Kale. I could picture Kale in my mind. His strength of character was incredible. I have to mention Mir. She was very dislikable. She took pleasure in torture, pain and blood. Adon showed a bit of redemption toward the end. Rick Anthony is a master at characterization. He even fully developed the secondary characters. He skillfully used words to create a tapestry upon which the scenes played out. My one criticism and it is minor, is the cover. I do not think it fit well with this book. It is too suggestive. This book needs a cover that screams power, battle, shape shifter, etc. But a suggestively posed and dressed woman could give the reader the wrong idea. In no way does it fit with the plot. Red Smoke Rising is science fiction at its finest. Rick Anthony is now at the top of my list of new authors to watch.