Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Zone: Fallen Son is the second part of the series by Stu Jones. It follows the story of Chance Griffin, a former super cop turned fugitive after he brought down the corrupt Conglomerate known as the Glom in Neo Terminus. While his wife Hannah and best friend Benny are alive but badly hurt, his infant son Andrew has been kidnapped. He was taken by the Glom's Founders to New West City, a lawless frontier beyond the walls. To get Andrew back, Chance is forced into an uneasy alliance with Gabriel Kess, the very man responsible for the deaths of his friends. Joining them in this association is a mysterious informant named Mage who insists their two goals now align. As Neo Terminus burns behind him, Chance has to journey into New West City with the man he hates most, all while trying to hold onto the husband and father he used to be before the city and the Glom turned him into something else.

Author Stu Jones created an incredibly well-written, action-packed novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. Chance is such a fantastic protagonist to follow. Watching him wrestle with the idea of teaming up with Kess was entertaining. There's so much tension every time they're in a scene together, and it makes total sense why Chance struggles with it, given everything Kess has taken from him. The cyberpunk/dystopian setting is done incredibly well too. Neo Terminus is full of neon lights, riots, and desperate people, and it made the stakes of Chance's mission feel higher. Mage was such a fun addition as this shady little guide clearly knows more than he lets on. Jones does a great job of balancing all the action with real emotions, especially with Hannah, Andrew, and Benny in the mix. The Zone: Fallen Son was an incredible story, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Life had not been easy lately for Ellena, an EMT based in Georgia. Her ex-husband, now in prison for embezzlement, had gambled their house away. And aside from losing her child at birth, she had also lost her EMT license over a mistake while on duty. When her stepsister, Button, asks her to join her on a camping trip to the Okefenokee Swamp, Ellena grudgingly agrees. Their second night at the bird and nature sanctuary is interrupted by alert messages and sound alarm warning systems, followed by a blinding flash of light and tremors. It turns out several states in the US have been hit by nuclear bombs. Authorities urge everyone to seek shelter. The sisters, along with three others camping at the swamp—Jax Mercer, a former SEAL, and a mother and daughter—come together to survive the aftermath. Unknown to them, a deadly struggle for survival, shocking discoveries, loss, and bonding await them. Find out how it all goes down in Fallout in Georgia by S.E. Glen.

If you are looking for a sci-fi novel flavored with psychological thriller, drama, a hint of romantic tension, nerve-shredding suspense, and plot twists, Fallout in Georgia by S.E. Glen is a perfect pick. Teasing the advent of WWIII, Glen weaves a compelling post-apocalyptic tale featuring layered, intriguing characters. The steady narration and vivid imagery dropped me in the middle of all the high-stakes action in Georgia. I could see everything from the trailer’s cramped interior to the blackwater gullies teeming with alligators, the canoe journey, and Jax’s bunker. This story has all the markings of a great Hollywood post-apocalyptic show, complete with clumsy, reckless, selfish characters who will leave your blood boiling as you watch them put the cast in danger time and time again. Glen masterfully balances the characters’ personal struggles with the plot development, adding depth and intrigue to every page. At first, I loathed Button, who appeared shallow and self-centered. However, as the story progressed and I understood her better, I came to empathize with and even like her. This heart-pounding, white-knuckle read is an incredible debut in the American Fallout series. I can’t wait to lay my hands on the next installment.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Dominion rose from the ashes of the Great War. Where avarice had motivated men to push the planet to the brink, the women stepped up and pulled together, determined to redirect a dying planet. Now they rule supreme, subjugating the men to a functional caste system designed to focus on their core skills. Despite the peace and prosperity that have resulted from this unusual arrangement, not everyone is satisfied with it. Danielle Matthews, daughter of an important figure in the regime and a tenacious reporter, believes there is more to this utopia than meets the eye. When she stumbled upon Robbie, a childhood friend, her determination to help him break the bonds of subjugation sees her making an unexpected journey of discovery in D.A. Murray's Dominion.

D.A. Murray pays special attention to the minor details, from the extensive origin story that explains the Great War’s effects on the populace to Dominion's detailed power structure, which explains how males are placed in society. This tempts perceptive readers to contemplate how, with the present state of global affairs, Murray's narrative can easily transition from fiction to reality. The dialogue switches between casual and investigative. The descriptive narrative style emphasizes Danielle's sometimes unconventional interaction with the people she interviews. What stands out in the author's delivery is the way strategically placed clues connect like a jigsaw puzzle that immerses readers in the intrigue. Murray's Dominion stands out in a class of its own, with a thought-provoking plot and pacing that starts sedately but graduates to breakneck speed as it approaches the conclusion.

Reviewed by Paul Zietsman for Readers' Favorite

Joel R. Dennstedt’s I, Robot Alien is a bold, immersive work of science fiction that echoes the spirit of the genre’s golden age while carving a path distinctly its own. The novel follows a robot designed by alien beings incapable of surviving Earth’s environment, whose mission is to steer humanity away from collapse without ever interfering in any major event. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where knowledge has been lost and myth reigns, the narrative unfolds through the robot’s introspective, often wry lens, offering readers a front-row seat to a centuries-long struggle between detachment and connection. What begins as an observational mission slowly grows into a meditation on purpose, identity, and what it means to belong.

What I found particularly compelling in Joel R. Dennstedt’s I, Robot Alien is the way it holds a mirror up to human nature, not through judgment but through careful observation and irony. Dennstedt writes with a quiet confidence, allowing the reader to draw meaning from nuance rather than spectacle. The book’s strength lies not in high-concept twists, but in how it invites the reader to think about progress, perception, and the stories we tell ourselves. There’s a rhythm to the prose that feels deliberate yet organic, with echoes of Asimov and Heinlein without imitation. As a fan of literary science fiction that engages the heart and the mind, I found I, Robot Alien to be a rewarding, subtly profound read. The novel lingers long after the last page, asking questions in silence that most books only shout.

Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite

Sun Catchers by Daniel Georgiev tells the story of a frozen planet where people survive in underground layers because the snow above never stops falling. Sol is part of a small team that collects rare sunlight with a wrist device to keep their home powered. His team—Clare, Kael, Dallas, and the rest—treks into upper zones where icy corridors, dying machinery, and eerie creatures put them in constant danger. On these outings, they stumble upon evidence of an abandoned program and a crimson orb with consequences they still can’t explain. As hardships loom closer than ever and trusting each other becomes more difficult at every turn, Sol guides his crew through numerous threats. What remains uncertain is whether they can discover the truth before their circumstances become fully irreparable.

In Daniel Georgiev’s Sun Catchers, survival, science fiction, and group bonds combine in a cold, claustrophobic world. The stacked underground zones add constant pressure, and the characters’ urgent fight for energy affects each decision they’re forced to make. Each team member has a simple but clear role—Sol keeps them steady, Clare stays strong beside him, Kael adds lightness, and Dallas worries about the details. The writing is captivating and keeps the story moving. There is a perfect balance of action and character development moments. I love how Georgiev demonstrates how themes like fear and hope push the group forward. I was hooked on their every move. The combination of damaged technology, unfamiliar creatures, and long-lost experiments adds a compelling spark to the story. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate risky journeys, dependable teamwork, and mysteries rooted in faded scientific history.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Expectation of Pain by Juliet Rose is a dystopian novel that transports readers to a bleak, unsettling future where societal norms have dramatically shifted. The story unfolds on a desolate island, a grim setting that redefines the concept of survival and humanity. The protagonist, Ishi, is an abandoned and malnourished child who lives among other abandoned children under the tyrannical watch of Ms. Virginia. This guardian, more a tormentor than a protector, subjects Ishi and his peers to a life of strict control, where daily struggles are the norm and robotic overseers enforce her oppressive rules. The novel sharply contrasts the nurturing care typically associated with guardianship against the harsh reality of Ishi's experiences, offering a chilling reflection on the potential misuse of power and technology.

Juliet Rose’s writing style is concise yet descriptive, building a terrifying and compelling world. The emotional depth she brings to her characters allows readers to connect with their fates. As Ishi navigates the complexities of a controlled environment, the story also explores themes of resilience and the human spirit’s capacity to endure against overwhelming odds. The island, isolated and filled with its lore and rules, adds intrigue and suspense. Expectation of Pain is also a critique of societal abandonment. It challenges the reader to consider the impact of neglect and cruelty, making it a significant read for those captivated by narratives that explore deep moral questions within a fictional framework. This novel is a nice addition to the genre, promising to engage readers with its intense storyline and emotional depth.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Nekonikon Punk: Ctrl Break by S. D. Miller presents a gripping dystopian cyberpunk narrative that offers a sharp critique of contemporary societal structures. Set in a world dominated by powerful megacorporations, the novel follows Juan Fausto, a guard in training who finds himself confronting the moral challenges of an oppressive system. Miller creates a vivid and immersive world that is a powerful allegory for current social and political dynamics, exploring themes of resistance, individual agency, and the ongoing struggle against systemic oppression. The narrative propels readers into a complex landscape where personal integrity is constantly tested against institutional power, creating a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of individual resilience.

Author S. D. Miller demonstrates extraordinary world-building skills that leap from the very first page of this brilliant story, creating a dystopian environment that feels original, imaginative, and also uncomfortably familiar given some of the darker aspects of current world affairs. I was captivated by the intense action sequences and the cinematic quality of the narrative. Miller skillfully weaves together themes of colonialism, social control, and individual resistance, inviting readers to engage in moments of reflection about their own positions within complex social structures. Readers can examine the characters' viewpoints easily, and Juan's moral journey serves as a compelling central narrative with an exploration of personal ethics in a challenging systemic context. The prose is sharp and evocative, maintaining a perfect balance between philosophical depth and superb plot pacing that keeps readers engaged. Overall, I recommend Nekonikon Punk: Ctrl Break as a powerful and provocative work of speculative fiction that challenges readers to think critically about societal dynamics.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Burn the Freeze by S.M. McVicar, Cal Shook navigates a dystopian world where the elite access universal information through advanced brain technology. After evading capture in Reno and securing a substantial reward, Cal is hired to steal the powerful X-2 headset, which enables control over local and nonlocal intelligence. Despite danger and betrayal, Cal collaborates to use the X-2, which allows transitions through realities, for financial insights and societal change. Teaming up with Maria Vargas, Dr. Ramona Cooly, and Jett Koyamatsu, Cal faces constant danger, betrayal, and psychological turmoil. Their mission is to use the headset to disrupt the control of the ruling billionaires and aid marginalized populations. Despite massive losses and peril, Cal remains determined to confront systemic corruption and effect societal change by any means possible.

“How am I going to die? I’d love to know what you can tell me about that since it seems like a lot of people seem to know more about my future than I do.” S.M. McVicar delivers a high-stakes cyberpunk style of fiction in Burn the Freeze, with all its best bells and whistles: a dystopian setting, high-tech/low-life disparity, corporate control, privatization, a fight against oppression, and mind and reality manipulation. I'm a classic lover of virtual reality world fiction, but have found that works like this one elevate the old style for contemporary readers. Cal is making money while fighting the good fight, but his character goes a long way in balancing the duality. McVicar's advanced technology, the X-2, exists as a reality-bending, sophisticated technology while the masses are living in squalor due to the Freeze Act. The writing is clean and fast-paced, the characters are fully fleshed out, and this is easily one of the most exciting books I've read this year.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Guardian by Alison Tracy is a haunting dystopian tale that follows fourteen-year-old Iliya Rusul, who finds herself thrust into the role of a prophet in a world dominated by corporate powers and an enigmatic deity. As she starts performing miracles, she quickly realizes that each one comes at a terrible personal cost, draining her life force bit by bit. That puts her in an impossible position—does she follow what seems to be a divine plan, or does she fight back and try to take control of her destiny? Tracy tells a gripping story that doesn’t just focus on themes of faith and power but also what it truly means to resist when the price might be everything you have.

Author Alison Tracy's masterful world-building immediately drew me into this corporate dystopian tale, creating an atmosphere that feels unnervingly close to our own reality. Iliya’s journey, in particular, really stood out to me—she’s still just a kid, but she’s forced to deal with choices that would be overwhelming for anyone. The way the story handles faith is thought-provoking, pushing me to reconsider ideas about belief, destiny, and whether we actually have free will. There’s a strong contrast between hope and despair throughout, and Tracy’s writing captures both beautifully—sometimes lyrical, sometimes brutally direct. What I love most is how she takes well-known dystopian themes and makes them feel fresh by focusing on the deeply personal side of resistance and choice. Overall, I highly recommend The Guardian to readers who appreciate dystopian fiction that goes beyond surface-level entertainment to ask questions that make you think.

Reviewed by Bryone Peters for Readers' Favorite

I, Robot Soldier by Joel R. Dennstedt is hauntingly beautiful and poignant beyond compare. In a post-apocalyptic world, a solitary soldier robot calling itself One Shot awakens after the war. It comes across a young human girl, Amy. Its primary directive is to protect her. Over time, One Shot learns to provide Amy with her minimum needs. One Shot is uncertain about her other needs, like her emotional needs, but One Shot is willing to learn. Later, Amy and One Shot traverse the world and observe devastation and death. One Shot postulates that Amy needs to be with other humans. If they find living humans, One Shot will leave her with them. However, Amy is the boss but what she says makes One Shot confused and is sometimes in direct conflict with his programming.

What makes the story so poignant and brilliant is that One Shot, the robot, tells the story from its point of view. This personification of the robot is ingenious. I highly recommend I, Robot Soldier by Joel R. Dennstedt due to the astonishing sophisticated narrative, dialogue, and unforgettable scenes. My heart went for a roller coaster ride alongside two utterly charming protagonists. The portrayal was perfect. The dialogue is nothing less than brilliant. I could not put this book down. The author delivers chapter after chapter of unforgettable, unparalleled stunning narrative. It wasn’t so much the sweet, eccentric relationship between the main characters as it was the astonishingly beautiful execution. I couldn’t get enough of their conversations. The portrayal of Amy’s behaviors and emotions was epic.