Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

The Very Last War, a political thriller bestseller by W.H. Hawthorne, is far from my usual reading genres. However, the superb narration by Nathan Moore drew me into the story with his first words about Jake O’Connor, a 13-year-old boy living in Alaska who would become the unlikely President of the United States. How did this happen? And why was the title of this novel The Very Last War? The combination of excellent writing by W.H. Hawthorne and narration that breathed life into every character and event ensured I would find the answers. Until I did, I couldn’t put the book down.

Given current events, it’s not hard to imagine the world’s major powers like China and Russia joining forces with various European powers and saying, “Enough is enough.” So, is what happens in this novel plausible? Yes. Is it probable or even likely? W.H. Hawthorne offers a plot that is most convincing in its developments as France emerges as the country with a plan and the other superpowers come on board. Together, they believe they have the ultimate weapon. But of course, as you would expect from an American author who believes in his country, so does the US. The US also has a superior air force, army, and navy, and, not to be taken lightly, the largest population raised under the Second Amendment: American citizens have a huge stash of guns, and they know how to use them. Combine that with an ultimate technologically advanced weapon and good old American fervor when it comes to the US, and the winner of this war is guaranteed.

My enjoyment of an audiobook is very much dependent on the narrator. What impressed me the most was the superb performance by Nathan Moore. He delivered exchanges between the characters with feeling, bringing those characters to life. Even when the writing turned into solid narration, there was such passion in his voice that I never lost interest. The audio file was free of blips, crackles or other distortions. As an audiobook, this deserves an A+.

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

In Savior of Lost Souls (Retribution Book 1) by James R. Bateman, in the beginning, when the earth was created, two divine brothers chose to experience life on earth with primitive man. Both were born from the same mother. Lavek chose to live a human life with a wife and family, bonding with the humans and their emotions. The other brother did not feel any kinship with humans and incited violence, destroying Lavek's family. In the aftermath, Lavek was given the domain of Ul'Den, a waiting place for the souls of humans who were killed and could not find peace. The Williams family had their share of misery when their little boy Matty died at the age of three. In 1986, their second child, Sally, was ten years old. When Sally is abducted, her parents and babysitter are beside themselves with grief. Through space and time, Lavek hears Sally's cries and rushes to find and save her from the psychopath who has taken her. Will he reach her in time, or will this little girl's spirit roam in Ul'Den forever?

James R. Bateman has written a gripping and fast-paced crime novel that has an impact on the reader. The story at first moves along slowly with mundane family life. Then, the tension is built up by introducing Lavek, his mother, and brother. By providing Lavek's history and that of the antagonist, the reader is uniquely positioned to empathize with the characters. However, the actions and motivations behind these actions also take a cold, hard look at the concept of nature vs. nurture, as well as how trauma changes a person. Savior of Lost Souls is a deeply disturbing novel, especially concerning the graphic violence directed at a child. It also contains explicit language.

As an audiobook, this had me terrified. The narrator, David Piper, does an excellent job with the characterizations, pace, and tone in which each individual speaks. At times, you can see the maniacal face of a psychopath as he explains his rationale. The tone with which the narrator reads successfully conjures up such an image. The book flows logically and holds the listener's attention. Although it addresses hard-hitting themes, this might be more horror than a thriller to some listeners.

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

Time-Marked Warlock: The Chronos Chronicles, Book 1 by Shami Stovall is a paranormal detective novel. Adair Finch and his brother were legendary warlock PIs. That is until his brother was killed and Adair became a recluse. When twelve-year-old Bree Blackstone turns up at his front door in the early morning hours, he has no idea what is in store. Adair reluctantly agrees to help Bree find her mother’s murderer. Adair has a special ability; he has made a deal with Chronos and can mark time and rewind to that mark in a twenty-four-hour period, so if things go sideways he can rewind time and start again, knowing what to expect. This enables him to solve a case in one day as he can relive the day as many times as needed. As they follow leads and have to reset time often, Bree starts to break through Adair’s hard shell. Along the way, Adair needs the help of a spirit, Kull, and in exchange for its help, he promises to help it find a human body. The three navigate corrupt police, feuding witches, traffic accidents, and booby-trapped houses. When they finally solve the case, Adair has a new warlock apprentice and a spirit tagalong who is always ready for some mischief. This is a clean and wholesome story with a little bit of violence and explosions, which is to be expected.

Shami Stovall has written a fast-paced, fun-to-read, paranormal adventure that reminded me of The Dresden Files. The reader almost hits the story running as Adair is woken by the banging on his door and the action builds momentum with each day that passes. The characters are interesting and Adair, Bree, and Kull make an awesome and entertaining trio. The main theme in the novel is fear. Adair has become a recluse because he could not save his brother, now the fear of failing keeps him locked in his apartment. Bree finds Adair as she is afraid of her mother’s killer and fears for her father. Bree’s father is forced to make magic necklaces and he complies out of fear. Most of all, the fear that the police have for the magically inclined leads them on a path that could only end in corruption and death. The other strong themes are those of loyalty, friendship, and kindness. The world of Adair Finch is a magical and authentic one that makes sense and enriches the plot—definitely a great addition to the paranormal genre.

Wow! What a performance! I loved the entertaining elements of Time-Marked Warlock. The cast of Soundbooth Theater did a marvelous job of bringing this awesome work of fiction to life. The voices fit the characters perfectly and it was easy to distinguish them from one another as the actors gave an energetic and creative interpretation, capturing each character’s quirks and nuances as well as their tone and pace of speaking. It is easy to become lost in the story as it happens. The different voices brought each character to life so uniquely that you fall in love with them and their quirks. Kull, when she purrs as a cat, Bree with her childlike optimism and convictions, and then Adair with his grumpy, “I don’t want to be disturbed” voice and his “I kind of like this kid and being on a case again” voice. I have listened to many other audiobooks and this one will rank in my top five list.

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

Cry of the Kestrel: Book Two of The Bardic Isles Series by the talented Marla Himeda reunites us with Kaelin, a gifted Bardic apprentice. Now Kaelin is twelve years old, and four Masters of the Bardic Order have agreed to train him. So, Kaelin is sailing to the island of Eyrie to learn the lute from Master Talan. After three months on Eyrie, Kaelin is to learn flute from Master Marek on the isle of Zephyr, vocal skills from Master Rial on Lyra, and harp from Master Grened on Elegy. But Master Talan accuses Kaelin of stealing his tuning fork, and Kaelin’s future falls into the hands of the Bardic Council. If Kaelin does not admit to theft but the Council finds him guilty, Kaelin will be banned from playing Bardic musical instruments forever. How will Kaelin’s life unfold after this accusation?

Having listened to the prequel audiobook Master of Music, I was delighted to reunite with Kaelin in Cry of the Kestrel, and I loved it even more than the prequel. I loved how the cover reflects the storyline. I felt that this novel was packed with unique and rare wisdom, and I would listen to it again and discover it anew. I enjoyed the dilemmas of honesty, bravery, humility, and perseverance Kaelin faced. As a lawyer, I loved how the novel vividly distinguished between the concepts of accused and guilty, the debate at the Bardic Council, and the concerns triggered by the unyielding and inflexible Bardic laws. But most of all, I liked how Kaelin transformed the lives of the Bardic Masters who trained him.

The audiobook quality was superb. Listening to Will Hahn’s narration, I visualized Kaelin’s Master Bergid as Harry Potter’s Professor Dumbledore. I also liked how Will represented all the other characters, portraying their thoughts and emotions with only his voice. Did you train with Master Ryal, Will? I also loved all the musical episodes, but most of all, the quintessential song of Elegy Mountain. I look forward to escaping to the Bardic Isles in the upcoming third book, Rider of the Wind, and I highly recommend Cry of the Kestrel to anyone who likes fantasy and music. The dilemmas in this novel also make it a great fit for school moot competitions and book club debates.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tabula Rasa by Paul L. Centeno is an exciting sci-fi fantasy about getting a second chance, set in the future where the godlands are dying. The plot follows Ordulis Cavo, someone who did some very bad things during the war. When an evil witch tries to use a powerful energy called Anima, Cavo has to fight against both the witch and his own memories. The author creates a rich world with interesting characters in a story that mixes action with questions about life. The combination of science fiction and fantasy is exciting, keeping readers interested from start to finish, while also making them think about how complex right and wrong can be.

Author Paul L. Centeno is excellent at creating a world that feels strange but also familiar, and I liked how he makes readers care about Cavo even though Cavo has done bad things. The narrative gives enough details about the world without slowing down the pace, making readers feel like they're there and making readers question their own morals. The way Cavo evolves through the story feels real, making his personal struggles just as interesting as the fights with enemies.

The audiobook, read by Salathiel Reagan and Courtney Holly, makes this already good story even better through their performances. Having two people narrate allows each person to bring their special energy to their part. Reagan's deep voice captures how Cavo feels inside and how he finds his purpose, while Holly does a great job with all the other characters and the evil witch. They read at just the right speed to make the action scenes exciting while giving quiet moments enough time too. The sound quality is excellent, with clear voices and small sound effects that make the story better without intruding. I liked how their narration helped me notice things in the conversations that I might have missed when reading. Overall, Tabula Rasa is for anyone who likes science fiction and fantasy, giving a perfect mix of good storytelling and great narration that makes you want to keep listening.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

The accolades, money, and fans are some things that Jason missed the most, but that is all in the past now. He had just left rehabilitation, but even his brother didn't want him close to his family. He didn't want to call, but the urge was too strong; maybe this was who he was. Tanna is a first-year medical student keen to prove herself to the extent that she decides to access the anatomy laboratory during unauthorized hours. What does she find in her dissections that leads to the death of Crystal? Dr. Emerson is a brilliant scientist working on groundbreaking work in genetics in the Second Nature program. He has been doing work since his mentor, Dr. Solomon, left. Is Dr. Emerson ethical, and does Dr. Solomon want to help Tanna and Jason, or is he self-serving? Get a copy of The First Harm by Steven Piskula to find out.

This was my first experience with an audiobook, and The First Harm by Steven Piskula didn't disappoint. The fast-paced narration and the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me entertained and intrigued. I loved how Steven utilized suspense, and the twists and turns as the story unfolded kept me on edge. The characters are also well-developed, contributing greatly to the book's overall appeal. I also found it to be thought-provoking. There are so many advancements in microbiology, biochemistry, and others. The book got me thinking about the moral responsibility of scientists and the balance between doing good and preserving the integrity of human beings and medical ethics.

Sarah Van Beckum did an excellent job narrating this book. She brought the story to life with her melodious voice and changed intonation wherever necessary. She did such a good job that it is hard to imagine that only one person narrates the book. I cannot wait to listen to something else narrated by this voice performer.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

The Wolven Mark is the first book in the 6-part University of Sorcery Series by Megan Linski. Emma is thrust into the magical world of Malovia after having lived her whole life with no knowledge of her magical abilities as a sorceress. Ethan is the heir apparent of Malovia and is at the top of the social structure before he loses his father and his leg in an attack. Grieving from the loss, he must find his mate in four months to participate in the King’s Contest. Black Claw, a rebel faction, has amped up their efforts to cause unrest in the kingdom and there is a vigilante on the loose who has taken up the cause to bring the rebels down. As new alliances are being built and new friendships formed, will Emma and Ethan be able to work together to win the contest?

I was introduced to Megan Linski’s Academy of Magical Creatures series last year and I still remember the angst I felt while reading what the characters went through in each of her books. The Wolven Mark didn’t miss the mark with that expectation. As a fan of Megan’s previous series, I loved the way this series started. This book has set the characters who would play a prime role in this series. Each of the characters has their quirks and abilities and you are part of the group as you participate in this adventure. The narrative is fast-paced, with unexpected twists which only add to the suspense. If you hate cliffhangers, get a copy of the whole series before starting this book, because once you start reading, I’m sure you’ll want to know where the adventure leads Ethan, Emma, and their friends.

Maxx Pinkins and Liana Walsh have brought this narrative to life in the audio version. They not only clearly distinguished between Ethan's and Emma’s perspectives but were also able to bring their emotions to life, making me laugh and feel like biting my nails, along with the characters. I liked how Liana used distinct vocal inflections to bring Emma’s friends to life and this enhanced the audio experience.

Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite

The Day of the Martians: The Martian Diaries Volume 1 is H.E. Wilburton's sequel to The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. The story takes place ten years after the events of The War of the Worlds, when readers are introduced to the narrator and his wife. The pair is having breakfast when something in the newspaper catches their eye. A Martian cylinder has been uncovered in the Welsh mountains and was transferred over to London to be studied and displayed along with other Martian artifacts from the initial attack. Ogilvy, the scientist in charge of the display and study, explains to the narrator that he has put the Martian paraphernalia on display to remind the public of the Martian attack and the high probability that they will return some time before Christmas. Could his prediction be correct? You'll have to listen in to find out.

The audio book was unexpected and a great touch. After all, The War of the Worlds had been infamous for starting a mass panic when it was broadcast on American radio for an anthology series known as The Mercury Theatre on the Air. Listening to The Day of the Martians had me awestruck; the atmospheric music, the ambiance, the narration, and above all the story itself. It takes place in 1913 when science and speculation about aliens was still a bit of a niche interest. The Day of the Martians will capture listeners' imaginations and wonder. It certainly captured mine. I implore fans of H.G. Wells and fans of the science fiction genre to listen and savor the adventure which H.E. Wilburson has given us. I greatly appreciated Terry Thompson and Harry Preston's astounding performances. This was more than an audio book. This was, in many ways, a wonderfully executed tribute to H.G. Wells.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary K. Savarese is a most intriguing romance that includes time travel, adventures in both worlds, and the marrying of historical events to the present without drastically changing history as a whole. The characters in the story come to life beautifully both in the present and in the past; Taylor, Dante, Lily, Megan, and Patrick the Celestial cat who is the catalyst that will put things to right and along the correct path in both worlds. The author makes good use of her characters as she weaves a fascinating story linking two different worlds.

In The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary K Savarese, the characters take the reader on a journey both in the present and in the past in the most delightful way. The introduction of Fabricio and his cats is the secret that is slowly revealed to be the most important part of this wonderful story and introduces a historical fact that started during the colonization of America and is still very much part of the 21st century. The story is brought to light most delightfully, taking the characters on a journey of discovery and adventure that changes only a small part of history for the better, leaving the rest of history the same.

This audiobook is read by Laura Schreiber. She has a lovely voice and managed to interpret the characters wonderfully and bring them to life vividly. The quotes before each chapter are so beautiful and form an important part of the story. Laura Schreiber read these quotes most eloquently and with depth. Laura read the entire book clearly and the audio quality was clear. Unsurprisingly, this book received the International Dragonfly Award for Fantasy Adventure. It was a pleasure to listen to this book and it is well worth a second listen.

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

Master of Music by Marla Himeda is a remarkable fantasy that takes us to the imaginary Bardic Isles. We meet Kaelin, an eleven-year-old orphan. Kaelin has a magical musical gift, but he is scared that his compositions will harm other people. So, he only plays to himself, hiding in the woods. One day Kaelin hears a visiting Master Bard playing Kaelin’s composition in the village. Kaelin dares to follow the Master Bard and ask him to accept Kaelin as an apprentice. The Master Bard instantly recognizes Kaelin’s unique musical talent and takes Kaelin on a trial basis. What is special about Kaelin’s musical gift? Why is he afraid of harming others with his music? What will Kaelin learn under the Master’s tutelage, and will he pass the trial?

I am delighted to have discovered Marla Himeda’s Master of Music. It is one of the best fantasies I came across recently, and it reminded me of my favorite Harry Potter novels. Even though I am four decades older than the eleven-year-old Kaelin around whom the story revolves, I enjoyed every moment of this entertaining and educational story. I liked that every episode had wisdom to impart. Some educational messages were given by the Master Bard, and others could be gleaned from Kaelin’s actions and their consequences. I also liked how the story portrayed Kaelin’s dilemmas, fears, vulnerabilities, and achievements. In addition, I liked how, through Kaelin, Marla explored the themes important for both adults and children, such as honesty, ambition, humility, affection, and courage.

But what made this story special for me was the audiobook production. Unlike other audiobooks that won my heart with perfect storytelling, Master of Music offers much more than pure voice acting. The flawless narration by the talented Will Hahn was interlaced with awesome musical compositions. What started as shy and short flute, harp, and pipe melodies culminated in amazing, fully-fledged songs, all composed by Marla Himeda. It is the first audiobook of this kind I have listened to, and it made me feel as if I were watching an exhilarating stage play. All in all, this is a brilliant fantasy that offers both children and adults a lot to enjoy and learn and will appeal to everyone who likes fantasy and music. Any chance for a sequel, Marla? I would very much like to hear about Kaelin’s new adventures and achievements.