Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Pawns is the first book and a stunning introduction to The Wielders of Arantha series by Patrick Hodges, a sci-fi set in the future, seven hundred years from now. A story that features aliens, an impossible mission, and a race against time to save an entire planet is surely going to grab the attention of fans of sci-fi. The Jegg is an alien race that invades the earth and they have already destroyed more than half of the Terran Confederation. The future of the earth could depend solely on a few highly skilled scientists; they are working ceaselessly in a hidden corner of the Sahara Desert to find a solution to the invasion. They are working on a technology that would enable them to access the energy source that could help destroy the aliens. But something awful happens and only two members of the crew survive: Maeve, the wife of the captain of the team, and her son, Davin. Now at the destination, can they complete the mission and return in time to save the earth?

Patrick Hodges has won me over as a fan and I can’t help but wait eagerly for the next book in this series. The writing is so exquisitely great that it makes the read an exceptional experience. The reader will love the characters and I enjoyed the fact that they are faced with a serious crisis, working feverishly to find a solution to a deadly invasion. The plot is powerful, fast-paced, and original. Pawns paints a wonderful setting and readers will feel like they are part of the exciting story. Well-crafted with a gripping plot and memorable characters, this novel will have fans of sci-fi enthralled.

Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite

Larin was raised in a temple by his priest uncle, Akul, a former warrior who singlehandedly keeps the largest gang in the Wormpile District away from the four blocks surrounding the temple, making this the safest part of the poorest and most dangerous section of the city. Nowhere is truly safe for Larin, however, who’s plagued by outbursts that compel him to gesticulate and shout in a strange language. Hours in the temple library and chance meetings with a limping mage lead Larin to the startling discovery that these outbursts come from the Lord of Demons, Haraf. The Demon Lord seeks to escape his prison and wreak vengeance on the six-limbed gods who imprisoned him and his kind. The six-legged gods have their own supporters, men who roam through the Wormpile, rounding up converts under the guise of justice and charity, and the Indigens who gather on the borders of the empire, waiting for their moment to invade and enslave everyone.

City of Shards by Steve Rodgers is a unique and exciting dark fantasy. The success of magic depends on a combination of innate ability, correct pronunciation of an ancient language, and the phase of the huge moon, Spellgiver. This system creates a perfect equilibrium between complexity and ease of understanding. There were times, especially in the first half of the book, where I became confused between the different pantheons of gods and the particular societies they’re significant to. This does become clearer when the reader most needs it. City of Shards starts slowly as Rodgers immerses the reader in the rich and unique world before pushing Larin towards an impossible choice between future slavery and human sacrifice under the six-legged gods, or annihilation at the hands of the demons. Rodgers removes any truly good outcome from the premise and the effect is amazing.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Breathing Sea I: Burning by E.P. Clark is the standalone third installment of The Zemnian Series and is preceded by book one, The Midnight Land: The Flight, and book two, The Midnight Land: The Gift. This third part reads perfectly well as a standalone. Dasha will one day rule as Empress over the female-run land of Zem. Dasha has been coddled and advised from within the confines of the royal walls, but inevitably must see and understand those she is destined to rule. She also must come to terms with a bargain made between her mother, the Tsarina, and the gods, as she attempts to understand uncontrolled visions and body function so that she might harness the power of her half human, half god self and finally become the woman she is destined to be.

The Breathing Sea I: Burning is a beautifully told story with an incredible nod toward an alternate world where women run the show. In a story filled with fantasy and plenty of drama, Dasha is on a quest that is unique to her position. This is not a fast-paced read, but it is elegantly written and engrossing in both style and substance. I admit that it took some time for Dasha to endear herself to me, but I suppose one might argue that was her human side stepping forward, with childish antics and a vexatious attitude. Where this book truly shines is in its descriptive elements, where the landscape comes to life and supporting characters are as interesting as their lead. I'd recommend this book to those who love well-written fantasy, and am happy to discover that I will not have to wait to see where the saga ends, as the fourth book in the series, The Breathing Sea: Drowning, has already been released.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Panther Across the Stars by Lon Brett Coon is an epic fantasy with characters that are deeply explored and a culture that is as rich as it is fascinating, a story for readers who are intrigued by war heroes and tightly plotted stories. Readers follow the path of a man who defies everything, rises above himself to fight for his people, a story with a historical setting in 1800s America. With the alien race known as the Jhagir by his side, will this hero be able to win freedom for his people?

The characters are well sculpted and readers will be keen to follow them as they evolve through the story. Lon Brett Coon's gift for storytelling and backstory infuses the tale with a life of its own. The pacing is fast and the story is well-structured with chapters that end with an irresistible invitation to the reader to move to the next one. The prose is characterized by a singular beauty and an economy of word that will please the reader. The overall story is balanced and the scenes are beautifully written and focused. I also enjoyed the fact that the author spares his readers unnecessary dialogues and focuses instead on creating powerful images for his readers. The scenes are action-packed and each of them unveils a layer of character development. This is a gripping story that readers would love to see on the big screen. I enjoyed the writing, the great characters, the immense conflict and the intensity of the action in this epic fantasy.

Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite

In Thief of the Night Guild: Queen of Thieves Book 2 by Andy Peloquin, Ilanna is the best thief among all the Hawks of the Night guild. She’s proud of her skills, and proud of her status within the guild, but is determined to raise enough money to buy her freedom. She could never do that on the ten percent she gets to keep of her earnings, so she steals a little extra. It’s a dangerous game, but Ilanna is a dangerous woman and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her son. After Duke Phonnis executes a close friend of hers, Ilanna comes up with a plan that will not only result in a big enough haul to buy her freedom, but will avenge her friend and ruin the Duke. With the Guild Council’s permission, Ilanna puts together a team to pull off a heist that will eclipse her conquest of the Black Spire.

Thief of the Night Guild is a tightly plotted novel that builds momentum from page one. There’s a fair amount of backstory since this is the second book in the Queen of Thieves series, but Andy Peloquin elucidates all essential details as they become necessary. Ilanna is a clever, skilled, and confident character, but she’s also the stereotypical abuse-hardened woman one often encounters in fantasy novels. While I enjoy dark characters, I don't enjoy it when a character’s inability to express so-called weak emotions is categorised as strength. However, I’ll credit Peloquin for revealing the frailty behind this mental state. Apart from this character trope, Thief of the Night Guild is an entertaining, addictive read full of clever twists.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

One senses just how much B. Muze, author of The Shaman’s Apprentice, enjoyed writing this wonderful story. We enjoy The Shaman’s Apprentice all that much more, not just for its intricate plot line and the emotions stirred in us by the unforgettable characters, but also for how beautifully this story is written. At the center of the plot is Jovai, who doesn’t have a name when the story opens. That, in itself, is an interesting concept i.e. how does any young person feel, whether in the fantasy world of this story, or in today’s world, when he or she is nameless…has no identity, as it were?

The ruling Shaman of Jovai’s tribe, Yaku, concedes to the wishes of the spirits that Jovai become his successor. There’s one problem: Jovai is female; a female Shaman is not pleasing nor acceptable to the tribe. But Yaku must do as the spirits have asked, so Jovai is taken from her family to be raised and taught by the Shaman. Once over her fear of the great Shaman, she proves a willing and very capable student. Jovai develops her mystical powers, listens closely to the sounds of the world around her, sounds the average person never hears, grows into womanhood, and becomes a healer like her master. But when the time comes to now present her to the spirits so she can receive her new Shaman name, Jovai’s world turns upside down. She begins an epic journey that carries her far from her master, her family and tribe. Though now not officially a Shaman, her Shaman-like abilities help her survive abuse, hunger, wild beasts and, even more than once, death.

Does Jovai’s journey end happily? Does she finally become a recognized Shaman? Does she ever get back home? B. Muze takes Jovai and readers into frightening landscapes, brutal and bloody battles, and gory mystical events as readers eagerly turn pages to find out. But while The Shaman’s Apprentice is a mystical, mythical fantasy, it’s also a clever allegory about the possible development of our own world, along with an exploration of current and past attitudes toward gender equality, or even identifying genders, an area very much under discussion nowadays. It’s also a reminder of just how much we miss really hearing and experiencing people and places around us as we rush through our busy lives. As such, it’s impossible to finish The Shaman’s Apprentice and not continue thinking about it. This story is so much more than a brilliantly written fantasy! Those readers who enjoy this book will be pleased to know that The Shaman’s Apprentice is part 1 of Jovai’s story. The continuation will be eagerly welcomed by fans of B. Muze’s writing. Terrific!

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

His mother had given everything she had to protect him. Born Noss touched, there were those who would call Ruka cursed. Children like him were not allowed to live in some places, although some northern laws protected them from the death sentence that people were all too willing to preach was right. She loved him, she believed he was a child of prophecy, one who would destroy and create the world anew. Ruka, however, believed no such things. He lacked his mother's faith in the gods, and sought only to live. But he was an outlaw, unjustly accused and unfairly sentenced. He vowed to survive, to live on for his mother. He took everything that was good and buried it in a haven of his own, making a place where he could be all he wished, a place where things in the real world didn't matter. Except they did. While Ruka tries to survive, a young prince tries to find his place in the world. Sent to the navy, unsure of his calling, Kale finds camaraderie and earns the respect of many. Before both these men lies a difficult future, one that will either save the world or see it burn.

There a complex depth to the characters in Richard Nell's Kings of Paradise (Ash and Sand Book 1). I enjoyed watching each of their developments. Dala, Kale, and Ruka have very different stories, different lives, and yet all three are destined to change the world. I loved how these characters grew and changed when challenged by circumstances. Weakness becomes strength, and the power and strength of an idea is central to this story. Written with a flair befitting the world of fantasy, and with a passion the reader can't help but experience. There is so much depth to the plot, characters, world building, and hierarchy that you can't help but be drawn into this world of darkness, entitlement, and hatred. Sometimes things must be destroyed to be built anew, a theme explored in this impressive tale. Love, betrayal, loyalty, honour, sacrifice, gods and men, agendas, politics, and manipulation; what more could you ask for? A must for lovers of fantasy, especially those who enjoy losing themselves in a epic tale.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The Du Lac Devil is the second book in The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Yarde, a story with a compelling historical setting and a drama that will surprise fans of fantasy. Saxon Britain is on the brink of war. Kingdoms fall under the might of the Wessex King, Cerdic. Only the Du Lac family can stand up to him, but the family suffers from internal discord which can play to their great disadvantage. Merton is a great warrior whose interests are very unpredictable. Will he join the ranks of the Du Lacs and stand against the invading king or will he follow his personal interests? This is a series that features a family saga, political intrigue, and war.

Mary Yarde has woven a compelling story with a beautiful setting, a story that features an equally compelling conflict. The reader is introduced to the key characters in the very opening pages of the story and the conflict comes across as a great hook. The Du Lac Devil combines great writing with storytelling skills to keep the reader’s eyes riveted on the pages. The writing is clear and beautiful and the descriptions are vivid, painting a picture that readers can easily visualize as they read. The dialogues flow naturally and they help to deepen characterization and to enhance the plot. I also enjoyed the narrative voice which came through as strong, clear, and confident. Yarde creates characters that are real and memorable and a story that readers will love to share.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Cephrael's Hand: A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book One by Melissa McPhail follows three men and their destinies and the decisions they make. Prince Ean val Lorian is the last heir to the Eagle Throne in the Dannym. When his brother is killed in an attempt to kill the last heir, Ean wants to know who killed his blood brother and he wants revenge. However, only time will tell if the people around him are loyal to him or someone far more powerful. Trell, a soldier in the Nadori desert, wants to know what happened in his past. He is bound by honor to the First Lord, but stranger things are afoot. Something big and bad is happening and he is honor bound to do as the First Lord bids him. However, with every secret he uncovers, the darker the future appears. Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte is the only one who can save his dying race. In order to do that, he has to find the one and only man who knows what it takes; however, finding him is very hard. He was deemed a traitor three centuries ago. Can D'Lacourte find him in time? And will he help?

The fragmented narrative was handled perfectly by McPhail. The dialogues revealed a lot about the characters. I absolutely loved Trell. He was conflicted and looking for answers. He was one of the most powerfully built characters that deserves a round of applause. I cannot wait for the next novel to see where Trell is and what is he doing. He is a strong, amazing character. Cephrael's Hand: A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book One by Melissa McPhail is an amalgamation of some superb and amazing things and some conflicting ideas (which I am guessing will be cleared up in the sequel) that together make a very powerful novel. Brilliantly written and well handled.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The cruel Nazil rule the land of Faélondul in The Rise of Nazil by Aaron-Michael Hall. They are terrible rulers, known for their pale complexions and hair. They enslave humans and treat them worse than animals. Pentanimir is the First Chosen and the leader of a military force that demands all his attention. But he is distracted when he meets Brahanu, hurt and alone in the forest. He is now torn between duty and desire and he knows which one of these feelings will win, no matter how hard he tries. But this encounter changes his perception of what he believes and what is the truth. Can he perform his duty with blind faith, or will he let his heart make decisions for him?

The Rise of Nazil by Aaron-Michael Hall is the novel for anyone who craves great action and drama. This book was a pleasant surprise. I was certainly not expecting something of this caliber. Boy, did this novel change my perspective. This is a complex plot at its best. The character development is perfect; the characters grow and develop right in front of your eyes. The novel is explicit and graphic, but this is all part of its charm. You certainly cannot read action without it being graphic. The style of writing fits perfectly with the theme of the novel. The cover is amazing. This is definitely a series that I would love to read and keep on my bookshelf.