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Recommend this book:
Imperatora
Book One
Mia Zbikowski
2025 Silver Medal
408 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Imperatora by Mia Zbikowski follows three women, Ell, Hellion, and Desde, as they find themselves unwillingly bound together in a fight for survival. Having been torn from their normal lives, these three women are thrust into the unforgiving embrace of a desert kingdom where danger lurks in every shadow. With each one of them having their own burdens to bear, they realize they will have to work together and rely on one another to survive.
Imperatora by Mia Zbikowski is a wonderful novel that embraces the strength and resilience of three women who find themselves in a strange world with no one but each other for support. What I loved about this book is the fact that not only does it have an all-female main cast but it explores various aspects of feminine strength. Each character is unique and so different from the others, and you get to see them develop not only individually but together. I honestly think Zbikowski has created a masterpiece in this novel. The world-building and stunning descriptions bring the world of Al’idris to life. The supporting characters in the novel also add so much more depth to the overall story and you can’t help but get attached to them. My favorite character though would have to be Hellion. Seeing her internal struggles and watching her overcome them was inspiring. Overall, Imperatora is such a good book that I struggled to stop reading once I got into it. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of fantasy novels.
Imperatora by Mia Zbikowski follows three women, Ell, Hellion, and Desde, as they find themselves unwillingly bound together in a fight for survival. Having been torn from their normal lives, these three women are thrust into the unforgiving embrace of a desert kingdom where danger lurks in every shadow. With each one of them having their own burdens to bear, they realize they will have to work together and rely on one another to survive.
Imperatora by Mia Zbikowski is a wonderful novel that embraces the strength and resilience of three women who find themselves in a strange world with no one but each other for support. What I loved about this book is the fact that not only does it have an all-female main cast but it explores various aspects of feminine strength. Each character is unique and so different from the others, and you get to see them develop not only individually but together. I honestly think Zbikowski has created a masterpiece in this novel. The world-building and stunning descriptions bring the world of Al’idris to life. The supporting characters in the novel also add so much more depth to the overall story and you can’t help but get attached to them. My favorite character though would have to be Hellion. Seeing her internal struggles and watching her overcome them was inspiring. Overall, Imperatora is such a good book that I struggled to stop reading once I got into it. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of fantasy novels.
Recommend this book:
Sword of the Fallen
G J Ogden
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Sword of the Fallen by G J Ogden is an action-packed fantasy where humans and dragons are barely holding onto peace, and Sir Torin Cadwell, the illegitimate son of a ruthless king, is caught up in something much bigger than himself. When the ancient dragon Kyhrax sets out for revenge and a powerful relic goes missing from Dun Morlaig, Torin is thrown into a dangerous mission to stop the kingdom from falling apart. The story is full of political drama, tough choices, and the ever-present tension between humans and dragons, all set in a richly detailed world where past betrayals still cast a long shadow.
G J Ogden knows how to mix classic fantasy with strong characters, making this world come alive and the stakes feel real. The way he builds up the dragon lore is fresh and exciting compared to similar stories, and Torin’s inner struggles make him an easy character to root for as the danger ramps up. He’s not a perfect hero at all, but his flaws and vulnerabilities make his journey even more gripping. The battles are fast-paced and intense, but what really stands out is how they also carry emotional weight so readers feel like they have a personal stake in them. Themes of redemption and destiny play a large role but never feel overdone or predictable. What I loved most was how even the quiet moments had meaning, making the whole story feel grand and personal at the same time. Overall, Sword of the Fallen is a must-read for fantasy fans who love great characters and thrilling adventures and I definitely recommend it.
Sword of the Fallen by G J Ogden is an action-packed fantasy where humans and dragons are barely holding onto peace, and Sir Torin Cadwell, the illegitimate son of a ruthless king, is caught up in something much bigger than himself. When the ancient dragon Kyhrax sets out for revenge and a powerful relic goes missing from Dun Morlaig, Torin is thrown into a dangerous mission to stop the kingdom from falling apart. The story is full of political drama, tough choices, and the ever-present tension between humans and dragons, all set in a richly detailed world where past betrayals still cast a long shadow.
G J Ogden knows how to mix classic fantasy with strong characters, making this world come alive and the stakes feel real. The way he builds up the dragon lore is fresh and exciting compared to similar stories, and Torin’s inner struggles make him an easy character to root for as the danger ramps up. He’s not a perfect hero at all, but his flaws and vulnerabilities make his journey even more gripping. The battles are fast-paced and intense, but what really stands out is how they also carry emotional weight so readers feel like they have a personal stake in them. Themes of redemption and destiny play a large role but never feel overdone or predictable. What I loved most was how even the quiet moments had meaning, making the whole story feel grand and personal at the same time. Overall, Sword of the Fallen is a must-read for fantasy fans who love great characters and thrilling adventures and I definitely recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Godfrey's Crusade
The Griffin Legends Book 1
Mark Howard
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Godfrey’s Crusade by Mark Howard is an epic fantasy with unforgettable characters and a twisty plot. Young knight Godfrey de Bastogne answers the call to save the Kingdom of Azgald from the dark forces of High Warlord Alvir and the nefarious High Witch Nera. Driven by his idealism and a vision sent by the gods, Godfrey embarks on a daring crusade fraught with danger. But the actual battle lies not against savage clans or mythical beasts, but within the ranks of his crusaders, whose ambitions threaten the quest's success. Accompanied by loyal friends and his love interest, Madeline, who guards the secret of her magical powers, Godfrey must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. As the fate of Azgald hangs in the balance, will he unite his allies or fall prey to their ambitions?
Mark Howard's Godfrey’s Crusade features a multifaceted world where the clash of noble houses, political intrigue, and darker supernatural elements thrive. The kingdoms of Lortharain and Azgald reflect a society steeped in chivalry, duty, and the struggle against malevolence, much of which is exemplified in Godfrey de Bastogne’s journey. He evolves from a naive squire longing for glory into a tempered knight shaped by loss and the harsh realities of combat. The vivid conflict between external battles and internal struggles propels Godfrey’s arc forward as he grapples with his identity. This world is where bravery and magic coexist alongside mythical characters like orcs. The setting—characterized by ominous swamps, looming castles, and bustling towns—offers a compelling backdrop, influencing the characters’ choices and the plot’s progression. The atmosphere is tense as Godfrey confronts increasing threats from orcs and dark magic, culminating in a call to heroism. It is a well-plotted, fast-paced, and suspenseful medieval fantasy that ticks all the boxes in this genre.
Godfrey’s Crusade by Mark Howard is an epic fantasy with unforgettable characters and a twisty plot. Young knight Godfrey de Bastogne answers the call to save the Kingdom of Azgald from the dark forces of High Warlord Alvir and the nefarious High Witch Nera. Driven by his idealism and a vision sent by the gods, Godfrey embarks on a daring crusade fraught with danger. But the actual battle lies not against savage clans or mythical beasts, but within the ranks of his crusaders, whose ambitions threaten the quest's success. Accompanied by loyal friends and his love interest, Madeline, who guards the secret of her magical powers, Godfrey must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. As the fate of Azgald hangs in the balance, will he unite his allies or fall prey to their ambitions?
Mark Howard's Godfrey’s Crusade features a multifaceted world where the clash of noble houses, political intrigue, and darker supernatural elements thrive. The kingdoms of Lortharain and Azgald reflect a society steeped in chivalry, duty, and the struggle against malevolence, much of which is exemplified in Godfrey de Bastogne’s journey. He evolves from a naive squire longing for glory into a tempered knight shaped by loss and the harsh realities of combat. The vivid conflict between external battles and internal struggles propels Godfrey’s arc forward as he grapples with his identity. This world is where bravery and magic coexist alongside mythical characters like orcs. The setting—characterized by ominous swamps, looming castles, and bustling towns—offers a compelling backdrop, influencing the characters’ choices and the plot’s progression. The atmosphere is tense as Godfrey confronts increasing threats from orcs and dark magic, culminating in a call to heroism. It is a well-plotted, fast-paced, and suspenseful medieval fantasy that ticks all the boxes in this genre.
Recommend this book:
The High Seer
Darkling Souls One
Alex Bree
2024 Finalist
564 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
The Last Ranger
Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Book 1
J.D.L. Rosell
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
The Blackened Yonder
Planar Lost
J. Gibson
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Kingdom Society
The Black Hood: An Anime Inspired Science/Fantasy Epic
Nathan Helm
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Sentinals Across Time
Book Four of the Epic Fantasy Sentinal Series
Helen Garraway
2024 Gold Medal
466 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Wizard's Masquerade
A medieval fantasy romance (Huskarl Duology Book 1)
Jay Pellegrin
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Ithandryll
Song of the Sidhe, Book 1
Nikki Auberkett
2023 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
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…
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…
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