Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The High Seer is a work of fiction in the dark fantasy, romance, and epic adventure subgenres, and is the opening novel of the Darkling Souls series. The work is suitable for older teen and adult reading audiences. Penned by Alex Bree, this enchanting story follows High Seer Aurienne, who finds herself plagued by visions of an impending apocalyptic war. When blacksmith Theo saves her life, Aurienne sees his destiny to unite the continent's warring nations against the invaders. As they navigate assassination attempts and betrayal, Aurienne and Theo must rally allies and confront the corrupting magic threatening their world. Theo, driven by his love for Aurienne, assembles an army of rebels but faces the dilemma of whether to unleash dark forces to combat the conquering emperor and his army. The story explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy as the characters grapple with moral choices in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.

Author Alex Bree has crafted a stylish and atmospheric work that successfully brings together elements of fantasy and prophecy, creating a richly imagined setting filled with complex characters and moral dilemmas. The dynamic between Aurienne and Theo drives the narrative forward, their relationship evolving against the backdrop of impending doom with some stellar dialogue choices and attitudes that are authentically developed by their surroundings and different life experiences. The exploration of magic, power, and the consequences of wielding both challenges readers to question the nature of heroism, which turns the fantasy genre on its head to deliver something thought-provoking and original. I also absolutely fell in love with the settings and the vivid descriptive skill that Bree brings to the tale, offering a captivating experience and immersing me in a world where monsters are both saviors and threats. Overall, The High Seer is a compelling tale of adventure, love, and the enduring struggle between light and darkness, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes us.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Last Ranger is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and is the opening novel of the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. It is best suited to mature readers owing to scenes of violence, explicit language, and some complex racial themes. Penned by author J.D.L. Rosell, we are introduced to Leiyn ‘Firebrand,’ a skilled ranger of the Titan Wilds, who faces betrayal and tragedy when her lodge is attacked. Vowing vengeance for her fallen comrades, Leiyn discovers an innate power within her, a force she must embrace to fulfill her duty. As she navigates a world threatened by colossal spirit creatures called titans, Leiyn's journey becomes an epic tale of resilience, magic, and the weight of duty. The story weaves themes of friendship, vengeance, and wonder, creating a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of a richly imagined fantasy world.

Author J.D.L. Rosell has crafted an immersive experience into a world of magic and danger, with accomplished storytelling that brings Leiyn's character to life. The narrative is filled with detailed worldbuilding and atmospheric touches to set the emotional mood, and the pacing unfolds with a perfect blend of all-out action and quieter emotional scenes. The concept of titans and the mystical powers Leiyn possesses adds a lot of intrigue and unpredictability to the plot, making it a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy, where familiar concepts are given a unique new twist. The inclusion of original illustrations by artist Félix Ortiz enhances the visual experience, providing a vivid and gorgeous portrayal of the characters and their adventures to awaken the imagination. Overall, this first book in the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series promises a thrilling journey for those who enjoy tales of rangers, magic, and the enduring spirit of heroes, and I would highly recommend The Last Ranger for epic fantasy fans everywhere.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Blackened Yonder is a work of fiction in the dark fantasy, adventure, thriller, and horror subgenres, and it forms the opening novel in the Planar Lost series. The work is best suited to the adult reading audience. Penned by author J. Gibson, the story follows the intertwining paths of various characters grappling with a mysterious plague of Undeath sweeping across the land. From the priest Garron to the young Athenne and the clandestine group known as the Saints of Aetheria, each character navigates a world teetering on the brink of chaos. What results is an action-packed and exciting work of dark fantasy that leaves readers gasping and frantically turning pages to find out what happens next.

Author J. Gibson has crafted a work that is rich in worldbuilding, presenting a vivid and immersive fantasy setting filled with religion, magic, and political intrigue. I loved this author's dedication to crafting a fully realized world, which made it all the more realistic when you meet the central characters and see how their attitudes and actions are shaped by the culture and politics around them. Readers will be drawn into the well-paced mystery plot and the subtly-laid clues surrounding the undeath plague while also appreciating the complexity of the characters and their interwoven storylines. This all levels out to offer moments of tension, natural plot exposition in the dialogue, and strong plot twists that amp the action up at just the right moments. With a perfect balance of action, adventure, and character development, Gibson promises an engaging and thrilling read for fans of epic fantasy and darker fantasy stories alike. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Blackened Yonder as your next brilliant dark fantasy series to lose yourself in.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Kingdom Society: The Black Hood by Nathan Helm centers on the journey of Alyeth, Cindrel, and their mentor Xylok as they battle a rising dark threat led by Lord Zallrahn. After a series of visions and run-ins, they uncover Zallrahn's link to the All-Stone, an ancient artifact tied to the dark god, Malus. As they prepare for war, they come up against betrayal, dark magic, and the loss of loved ones, converging in a tragic battle where Zallrahn takes control of Merek, Alyeth’s father. With their family shattered, Xylok attempts to protect Alyeth and Cindrel by sending them into the future, where a whole new set of challenges awaits. Meanwhile, Ezra Zane, who was forced into servitude by Zord Zallrahn, embarks on his own journey into 2041, hoping to advance military technology and eventually return home to save his father and kingdom, ultimately setting the stage for an even larger confrontation with the forces of darkness.

Nathan Helm’s Kingdom Society: The Black Hood is an exceptionally well-crafted fantasy that ticks all the boxes with magic, bad guys that are really bad, and the good guys who are burdened with such high stakes. Helm’s writing is top class with a series of battle scenes that are all immersive and allow us to see the full scale of ability in a forced, almost gladiatorial setting. The magic system is the best part and I loved Queen Maridian's ability to conjure up the pièce de résistance: ice dolphins. We get a bit of backstory from Alyeth’s lessons, covering the ages of Dun'Nahar and the defeat of the Dark Lord Malus by the Four Warlocks, which explains some of the more complicated history comfortably. With its amazing world-building, strong character development, and a plot full of twists, The Black Hood is a solid entry into the new Kingdom Society series. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Sentinals Across Time is a work of fiction penned by author Helen Garraway in the epic fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and it forms the fourth novel in the Sentinal Series. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. We find ourselves immersed in the vibrant, ancient world of Remargaren, a realm saturated with magic and filled with high-fantasy adventures. Jerrol, torn between duty and family, becomes stranded across land and time due to a conspiracy involving Lady Leyandrii and the Oath, threatening the Birtolian Empire. As he navigates the unfamiliar landscapes and cultures, Jerrol is faced with the challenge of preventing the impending devastation of the gentle Birtolian people.

Author Helen Garraway has crafted a captivating fantasy experience, immersing me in a richly detailed world filled with intricate characters and a finely woven tapestry of magic and lore. Garraway's storytelling is tender and emotive in all the right places, allowing the reader to empathize with Jerrol's predicament and root for the preservation of the Birtolian Empire. I was impressed by the different angles of culture, lore, politics, and social structures, which allowed Jerrol to tackle themes like duty, sacrifice, and the consequences of wielding magic, creating a compelling and immersive read. The pacing was also well crafted to intersperse these explorations with lots of actions and interesting twists, which leaves plenty of space for these poignant moments to shine but keeps us captivated for the next big action shift. Overall, for an intricate and imaginative novel that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, I would highly recommend Sentinals Across Time and the series in general to fantasy readers everywhere.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Wizard’s Masquerade is a work of fiction in the medieval fantasy romance subgenre, and it forms the first half of the Huskarl Duology. The work is intended for the adult readership owing to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, fantasy violence, and references to suicide, and was penned by author Jay Pellegrin. In this gothic-styled slow-burn romance, we follow the exploits of Leyna, who survives a horrific injury but knows it will leave her career prospects as a wizard severely hampered. She is lucky and surprised to receive an offer to work for the Royal Guard, but disheartened by the post until the secrets of the castle and the attention of an irksome court jester set off a chain of events she will never forget.

This novel has some truly gorgeous elements to it that fantasy romance fans will absolutely adore, and I feel that author Jay Pellegrin has really achieved a high standard of suspenseful romance, deep character development, and lavish worldbuilding within the pages of Wizard’s Masquerade. An ideal new adult read for those wanting light medieval historical touches with plenty of fantasy, danger, and mystery, it was also refreshing to see an imperfect protagonist in Leyna. The narration and her vivid character presentation through action and dialogue make Leyna someone you can relate to very deeply, especially for her headstrong nature but also her vulnerabilities and insecurity about adjusting to change in her life. Overall, Wizard’s Masquerade is a high-quality fantasy work that will certainly please fantasy romance fans everywhere, and I’d highly recommend it to all.

Reviewed by Tracy Orchard for Readers' Favorite

Ithandryll by Nikki Auberkett is a young adult fantasy romance with the wow factor. Enchanting, spell-binding, and magical. Roxi is haunted by her dark past. Trying to escape it she moves to Chicago, only to find the magical world of the fae is waiting for her. Waking up in Ithandryll, Roxi finds herself in a race to be caught by prospective fae husbands! She runs! She hides, gets caught, and is rescued. Phew, and all that is the introduction to the new world she finds herself in. Devon is her gorgeous savior, and the two of them set off on a journey to find Roxi’s way home. Only as time goes by, she realizes more and more that actually home is right where she is. But with her past can she ever trust again?

Nikki Auberkett has obviously poured her heart and soul into creating this enchanting and captivating romance. She has created diverse characters with depth and personality. Flashbacks are clear and well-written so as not to interrupt the story flow. Her writing style is easy to read and carried me along its magical journey. The descriptions and the Ithandryll world-building are quite stunning and I loved all the details. The relationship between the two main characters is passionate and I longed for them to get together. There is a little pull-and-push tension between them and each of them is holding back a secret or two. I devoured this first book and it ended on such a cliffhanger that I am thirsting for the next one…

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista is a Viking Age saga and the fourth installment to The Forerunner Series. The first three novels progress in a linear timeline and include Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse, The Vardoger Boy, and On Viking Seas. Kara is in Eire, post-migration medieval Ireland, having fled her family and home after a disastrous attempt to see her married off. The winds of power change as often as the tide in Dublinn and Kara's place as a shield maiden in the King's guard is dangerous for a young woman, let alone a young teenager. The continual threat of the newest King getting their throat slit never ends. Cub has been saved from bondage and as he fights and strengthens a natural ability for politicking, his desire remains to claim his rightful place. Thorfinn is left to his own devices in the same way Sorven and Dunn are, but Sorven and Finn are both attacked by malevolent forces in different ways and with different outcomes. Everyone experiences the anguish of loss, but in battles against man and myth, there is rarely a clear winner.

Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista does not relent in the tension and shocking twists found in the previous three Forerunner books, which I have had the pleasure of reading as well. The books circle in, out, and around characters, and readers who are married to the series in the same way as I am will not be surprised that Kara's name being on the cover only gives her a slight advantage as the star character over the others. Kara's character arc is first-rate and she goes from strong to stronger, until a stunning and completely unexpected plot maneuver sends her into full berserker mode. In a terrifying instant, she is a warrior grown and a young woman broken. The irony is crushing and having grown to love the granddaughter of Ironfist, my heart crumbled. Finn also experiences unexpected growth to a lesser degree, which doesn't mean much since the temperature was molten, to begin with. I died a little inside when casualties ran rampant for him too. You would think by being four books into the series that not much can elevate a reader to shock and awe yet Batista keeps the clanking swords and witchy sorcery coming. I cannot wait for Marauders in Jotunheim. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Children of Jade by Morgan Cole is a hauntingly poignant and emotionally charged story that delves into human suffering and resilience amidst war and political intrigue. Set in a world teetering on the brink of chaos, a powerful tale of loss, betrayal, and the unwavering pursuit of justice is weaved. From the very first lines, the reader is plunged into the life of the protagonist, Marilia Sandara, whose world has been torn apart by war's violent and tragic events. Her longing for revenge against her enemies and herself is palpable and heart-wrenching as she grapples with the weight of her past decisions and their devastating consequences.

Morgan Cole masterfully tackles themes of war, power, and the destructive nature of humanity. The characters' complexities, particularly Governor Victoria Ildoran and the Graver, add depth to the narrative, questioning the nature of good and evil and exploring the blurred lines between righteousness and cruelty. The vivid and evocative descriptions of the setting, from the stunning landscapes to the claustrophobic confinement, create a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop that heightens the story's emotional impact. It is poetic and gripping, drawing readers into Marilia's internal struggles and battles. The narrative's vivid descriptions and raw emotional intensity make it impossible to look away, captivating readers until the very last page. Children of Jade is a masterfully written and emotionally charged story that explores the depths of human suffering, resilience, and the quest for justice in the face of impossible odds.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Tragedy ensues in The Necromancer's Daughter by D. Wallace Peach when the Queen of Verdane dies while giving birth to a stillborn baby. Although never having seen the light of day, the beautiful baby girl captures the heart of the necromancer present. Barus cannot bring himself to leave the infant and steals away with the little girl to his home in the woods where he brings her back to life. Aster was raised by the necromancer and taught to appreciate all life. It is on her nineteenth birthday that her quiet life is disrupted and changed forever.

The Necromancer's Daughter by D. Wallace Peach was simply amazing. Peach’s world-building in this novel was near perfection with such beautiful descriptions that allowed the world to come to life in your mind's eye. The pacing of the story was just right, enabling you as the reader to not only build an attachment to the characters and get to know them but feel comfortable in your knowledge of this new fantasy world. I appreciated Peach’s writing style and thoroughly enjoyed the story as a whole. Aster is such a sweet and endearing character and, throughout the plot, you can only hope for her to overcome her struggles and find happiness. The story has everything to offer in terms of a great plot, charming characters, and a wonderfully imagined world. I think that any fan of fantasy novels would love this book and I consider myself a fan of this author after having read the book.