Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite

In David Bush's Animal Revolution: General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms, the events behind the French Revolution are told through the poignant experiences of farm animals. Amid the ongoing war and terror, Cookie and Doodie, two rooster friends, lead the farm animals and ally themselves with peasants in a fierce battle against a relentless golden eagle, Bony, his eagle comrades, and a brutal Parisian Republican army. The Vendée Revolt bears witness to their guerrilla-styled war tactics. Ailing and low on resources, the animals and peasants are still determined to win this battle in the name of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Tragically, in every war, there will always be casualties. Can the animals press on for the sake of freedom? Will they honor the legacy of their fallen friends? Will their courage be enough to see them through?

Animal Revolution: General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms is a gripping and immersive depiction of the events that took place during the Vendée Revolt and the French Revolution. With vivid imagery and historical details, this narrative is indisputably a tale of opposition and solidarity. Even though the revolution is told mainly through the experiences of the animals, some segments of the book are dedicated to authentic human experiences. David Bush aptly merges the best of both worlds (fiction and non-fiction) to paint a clear picture of the startling realities of the French Revolution and the fight for freedom. This book is well-written, intriguing, and even suspenseful in all the right places. The plot is intertwined with several unanticipated twists, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Historical fiction enthusiasts who enjoy tales of courage and resistance will undoubtedly appreciate this read.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Veronica and her search and rescue dog, Leda, are on the hunt again. After finding and rescuing an injured hiker, high up in the mountains, the two find themselves drawn into an investigation where wildlife is threatened. In Tracy Carter’s Sick as a Dog, the mystery becomes more intense when they discover the remains of a dead woman. Identification is the real challenge, and the mystery thickens as plots and subplots lead to both national and international criminal activity. As the two combat and follow the clues, Veronica continues to be plagued by the haunting reality that there is a serial killer who sets his sights on taking her down. The killer is imprisoned, for now, but he will find a way out. And he will find Veronica.

Tracy Carter’s novel, Sick as a Dog, is a thrilling K-9 mystery, the third book in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery series. The plot follows the rescue team, particularly Veronica and Leda, as they rescue and resolve different issues in the Colorado wilderness. Between training specialty dogs and making rescue attempts, Veronica keeps her body and mind active and busy to help dull the knowledge that there is a price on her head. The narrative intrigues and engages as the author leads readers through the dog/handler team’s various activities. The dog training segments are interesting and demonstrate how well the author knows the subject of dogs, dog training, and, especially, rescue dogs. Dialogue is used effectively, developing the characters and moving the plot forward. A fast-paced, action-filled mystery that will thrill dog lovers.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Uplift is a work of fiction in the mythical adventure, animals, and action genres. Penned by author Jessica Mann, this charming story tells the story of Columbina, a young Clark’s Nutcracker with a sharp intellect and deep curiosity. Raised in a high mountain wilderness, she challenges traditional norms and befriends an ostracized Belted Kingfisher named Halcyon. As their home faces threats from humans, Columbina realizes the danger posed by the Tall Ones. She must lead her fellow birds to work together to protect their habitat. The tale, narrated from the perspective of birds, explores themes of family, friendship, and environmental stewardship. Mann's passion for animal welfare and ecology translates into an enchanting and enlightening read.

Jessica Mann’s ability to anthropomorphize the bird characters without losing their natural essence was remarkable, making Columbina’s journey both relatable and inspiring as we lend our human sensibilities to her problems. Her rebellious spirit and curiosity are brightly penned with a confident and vibrant command of language, and her willingness to challenge traditions and forge new friendships in the face of adversity offers us the chance to follow along with a close narrative focus on her mission. The bond between Columbina and Halcyon, despite societal opposition, highlights the power of acceptance and understanding, and the unique ways in which they understand one another straddle the world of human communication versus animal bonds. There is a mystical and wise presence to the story, underscoring the deep connections within nature thanks to evocative imagery and emotionally intelligent mood-setting. The looming threat from the Tall Ones, representing human encroachment, is a poignant reminder of the environmental challenges today that evoke a sense of urgency and the importance of unity in protecting the natural world. Overall, Uplift is a highly recommended read for its captivating narrative and important central message.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and environmental grief told through poetry. Through the unlikely romance between two Great White sharks, this unique story explores connection, vulnerability, and the devastating impact of human interference in the natural world. Emotionally powerful and beautifully written, this collection of poems is a must-read for lovers of eco-poetry and unconventional love stories that stay with you long after the final page.

Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a breathtaking and genre-defying tale that pulses with lyricism, love, and ecological heartbreak. Told entirely through poetry, this hauntingly beautiful story brings two Great White sharks into an almost mythic love story beneath the waves. What begins as an unexpected connection between two isolated beings quickly deepens into a tender exploration of companionship, vulnerability, and resilience in a world slowly unravelling. Pontus and Electra’s bond is achingly pure, built on shared loss and the discovery that even in the vast, indifferent ocean, someone can truly see you. Hershenson writes with poetic mastery as the verses in each poem are saturated with emotion, weaving environmental commentary into the narrative without ever sacrificing the depth of the story. This book is perfect for readers looking for something fresh and different. This collection is the perfect lyrical storytelling for anyone looking for a unique book of poems. I found myself enjoying this more than I could have imagined, and I look forward to more works from this author.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Life is never what it seems. For young Bethan, it’s filled with uncertainty. Her father works with the pit ponies in the Welsh coal mines. When a pony is injured, he brings it home for Bethan to nurse back to health. It is during one of these ventures that Dobbin, an injured pit pony, enters her life. On her eleventh birthday, all she wants is to sit on the recovered Dobbin’s back, to have a short ride. A bond develops that will help the young girl when her father is injured, and she has to leave school to work in the mines to help support the family. In M.J. Evans’ Coal Dust and Dreams, Bethan works her magic with the pit ponies, particularly Dobbin, but she never loses sight of her dreams to return to school and get an education that will help her leave the grueling mine work behind.

M.J. Evans’ middle-grade novel, Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of A Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales, is a marvelous work of historical fiction that will teach young readers about the valuable work of pit ponies and those who cared for them. The story begins with a grandmother telling her granddaughter the story about pit ponies. The story that evolves is full of memories as the grandmother relives her own childhood. As the plot unfolds, young readers will learn about the sad state of pit ponies and miners, the abuse that both pit ponies and miners faced, and the rampant discrimination against women in the workforce, particularly in the mines. The story also tells of Bethan’s determination to continue her education, even when faced with all the adversities that life dishes out. A simple, yet powerful story.

Reviewed by Susan van der Walt for Readers' Favorite

In Lawyers, Dogs, and Money: A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Book 2 by Tracy Carter, Veronica Kildare moves to Colorado to get away from her traumatic past involving the death of her fiance. His violent death still haunts her in her dreams. Her father, Bob, buys a former day spa and converts it to a dog training facility. It enables her to start her Dogged Pursuit K-9 business, training dogs for various uses such as drug detection or service dogs to warn about allergies, and even training a dog as a protection dog for an older woman. She and her dog, Leda, also actively work to find missing persons and search for drugs and contraband in schools and businesses. But when they try to help a friend, Kadri, who suspects someone is stalking her, they get entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue, putting Veronica again in danger.

I love Leda, Veronica's service dog - well-trained, courageous, and always eager to work. Tracy Carter introduces us to dogs from the various breeds Veronica is training and describes their unique characteristics and personalities. We also get some insight into the techniques used to train dogs to detect drugs, peanuts, etc. Although this is not a fast-paced novel, the author keeps the reader engaged by slowly revealing clues about Kadri's dilemma through Bob's research. I recommend Lawyers, Dogs, and Money to dog lovers who will fall in love with the various dogs in the story and will cheer Veronica on as she strives to solve the puzzling mystery of Kadri's stalker.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Fins is an action-packed sharksploitation novel by Gene Helfman. A series of seemingly random shark attacks in a marine reserve along the California coast causes panic and chaos among the general public, leaving people puzzled by their behavior. To an outsider, it looked like revenge attacks by non-native sharks whose fins have been cruelly cut off from their bodies by pirates to be sold on the illegal smuggling market. Ashley Worth is a lab technician for AlphaGen Technologies, who, alongside IT specialist Clive Moulton, stumbles upon an underlying criminal conspiracy that has direct links to these attacks. The unlikely duo delves deeper into the investigation, only to find themselves targeted by the man responsible for all these events. With the National Guard being called upon to eliminate the sharks, will Ashley and Clive be able to save their lives?

Hollywood movies such as Jaws and others have always featured sharks as the bad guys in their stories. Gene Helfman parodies those movies perfectly with a seamless combination of thrilling action and dry humor in Fins. With a fast-paced plot and vibrant characters that leap off the pages, Helfman delivers an absolute rollercoaster that entertains you from start to finish. The narrative tone reminded me of Director Robert Rodriguez's movies, where there is plenty of blood and gore, yet the humor somehow cuts through all the tension. I enjoyed every moment of it and flew through the pages. Fins is the kind of book I will recommend to readers who love satirical novels that don't take themselves too seriously.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Horseman Who Came From the Sea by Jeff Turner is gentle, historical fiction at its very best. Henry Cameron was a young man in turmoil when he and his best friend attended a camp aimed at introducing young teenagers to a life at sea. Henry thought he would follow in his father’s footsteps as a ship’s captain. Whilst at the academy, run by his uncle, Henry’s friends were determined to enlist in the army and join the great overseas adventure that was World War I, despite them all being underage. At the last minute, Henry balked at the idea and only his friend Mickey traveled to Europe to fight the good fight. WWI ended and many of America’s finest men came home damaged and missing limbs, including Henry’s friend Mickey. A lieutenant at the Academy had taken Henry under his wing and introduced him to life on his Vermont horse farm. When the lieutenant, along with thousands of others, caught and died from the Spanish Flu epidemic, Henry was shocked to discover he had been left the farm and wealth. Determined to make a success of the farm and honor the lieutenant’s legacy, Henry's first task was to find Mickey, however damaged he might be, and bring him back to the restorative atmosphere of the farm and its horses.

If The Horseman Who Came From the Sea was primarily a romance, it would be known as a cozy romance, so that is the term I will adopt for it. This is cozy historical fiction. Author Jeff Turner has created an ensemble cast of wonderfully warm and loving characters who populate this gorgeous and enervating ranch in the rural hinterland of Vermont. The kindness, civility, and caring nature of the inhabitants of this bucolic treasure just invite the reader in to “sit a spell.” The decency and humanity of Henry and his friends form a wonderful counterpoint to both the archetypal lazy, incompetent, drunk, and mildly corrupt small-town sheriff, who uses his power and position to bully others to get what he wants, as well as Henry's mean and bitter uncle. I particularly appreciated the independent and incredibly gifted young woman in the character of Abigail, a talented horsewoman seeking a home and a place to put down roots, something which she would find on the farm. The romance is sweet and gentle and the prose is simple, inviting, and warm. I, like other readers, no doubt, couldn’t help but notice the corollaries between the fear and panic of the unknown with the Spanish Flu epidemic and our recent brush with a pandemic; the Coronavirus. In reality, not much has changed in human behavior in a hundred years. I can honestly say, given the types of books I’ve read lately, how much pleasure it was to read a simple, moving story with a message of morality, honesty, love, and family. I can highly recommend The Horseman Who Came From the Sea.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Canine Complaints is a work of fiction in the animal adventures, action, and drama genres. Penned by author Louise DeVito and assisted by Arthur Dogson Todd, this charming novel chronicles the adventures of Arthur Dogson Todd, an energetic pup who arrives at Misty Meadows Farm and encounters modern society's seemingly innocuous social mores. Renamed by Mr. Cliff, Arthur navigates his new world with suspicion, focusing on perceived assaults on dignity and freedom. Fuelled by keen insights and comedic word battles, Arthur's resolve to fight strengthens, leading him to elevate his self-image to a Dominant Force for Good. Through therapeutic naps and memorable encounters, Arthur embarks on a journey filled with wit, wisdom, and wordplay.

Author Louise DeVito has crafted an absolute delight of a read for animal fans everywhere, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of Arthur Dogson Todd that is narrated with wit, humor, and hope. What really stands out about this novel is its deep roots in the real world and the genuine heart at its core, which is enhanced by the astute social commentary and uplifting theme of self-help and motivation that bubbles under its surface. Arthur's observations of human society are well-penned with excellent narrative and thought presentation, and his determination to uphold the dignity and freedom of all beings is a warm core message that’s sincere and never cheesy. The witty wordplay and vivid imagery brought Arthur's adventures to life with details, atmosphere, and amusing sights through canine eyes. Overall, Canine Complaints is a highly recommended read for those seeking a bright ray of hope and a good chuckle.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Frankie starts making unusual breakthroughs in her research on the brain activity of animals to the surprise of both her friends and her colleagues. They do not know that she has an interesting gift that allows her to communicate with the animals and insects she finds around her. What she views as nothing more than a passing activity takes a serious turn when these animals press her to look deeper into her origins as they know something about her that she needs to discover for herself. This leads her on a journey across the country to find the truth behind the unusual circumstances surrounding her birth in This Animal Body by Meredith Walters.

A young woman comes to terms with her present circumstances by making peace with her past in This Animal Body by Meredith Walters. Her storyline reads like an alternative version of Doctor Dolittle where the comedic behavior is replaced with intelligent, mind-blowing science cloaked in an aura of mystery. Breaking down the motivations of the principal character is quite a process as Frankie's attitude and actions whenever she is near Brian give the distinct feeling she is not certain what she wants from him. The icing on the cake has to be Frankie's conversations with the animals. Just the thought of a highly intellectual chat with a cockroach who happens to be well-versed in all things concerning evolution is a tantalizing prospect that tickles the imagination. Despite much activity surrounding Frankie's search for her birth parents, Walters is still able to blend in subplots on romance and animal safety to give the overall story some very impressive depth. This Animal Body is an interesting book told from a viewpoint that will pique the interest of the avid magical realism fan.