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.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Wytchfire by Michael Meyerhofer is the first book in The Dragonkin Trilogy. Rowen Locke dreamed of following in his brother's footsteps and becoming a Knight of Crane. That all changed when his brother died and he was kicked out with only a year left until he would have been knighted. Now, he's back to where he started, scrapping and stealing to get by. That all changes when he meets a wealthy merchant in search of a guard to travel with him to Cadavash. As war spreads through the land, Rowen finds himself at the center of it. As secrets are revealed, he must decide which side he's on, and why he's drawn to a mysterious woman with magic.

Michael Meyerhofer excels at complicated and layered characters that are a mix of good and bad, flawed and desperate. Each stands apart from the other, giving readers a range of characters to root for as well as despise. At his heart, Rowen is a good person and he tries to do the right thing. He's a strong character with a lot of regrets, someone that's perfectly flawed and strong-willed, and his drive to fight back is what makes him heroic. This world is fairly dark, but Rowen is a little spark of light, a person that on more than one occasion chooses not to kill someone. Wytchfire is a gritty, magical, and epic start to a trilogy...a thrilling adventure with tragedy, humor, and snark. I can't wait to see where Rowen's adventure goes from here! A must-read for all fantasy lovers!

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

For a rollicking, unpretentious good adventure, The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider has few rivals. Ian Troy is a descendant of a gifted, yet shunned race called the Shinree, whose magic can only be harnessed and used to help other races as the need arises. Ian joins the Rellan army to fight against their oldest enemy, the powerful Langorian invaders, but when he sees that Rella is about to fall, he turns to the one thing he knows best to end the war: magic. He uses an ancient relic, the Crown of Stones, which has incredible power and ends the war, but the price he pays is too heavy for him. Filled with regret, Ian retreats into a life of solitude, drinking his wits away, but when an assassin makes an attempt on his life and his old enemy comes after him, he reconnects with his past and his magic.

C.L. Schneider is a great writer and she has a particular gift for well-crafted scenes and an intricate plot. The story starts in the midst of intense action, and I loved the fact that the protagonist as well as the conflict is immediately introduced. From the first page, Schneider keeps the action cranked high and there is no slowing down. The setting is an imaginary world that will excite readers, brilliantly painted in breathtaking prose and vivid descriptions. The twists in the plot will hit readers powerfully and arouse their interest in the characters and the story. The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price is the perfect blend of fantasy and adventure, a tale of magic, bravery, and war. I couldn’t put it down until I had reached the satisfying denouement.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

I do read some books and really find them hard to review, especially if the writing is so great and captivating and the story so absorbing. Tamara Grantham’s Spellweaver: Olive Kennedy is one such book. Book Two in the Fairy World MD series, this book has a lot to offer fans of urban fantasy. Readers are introduced to Olive Kennedy, a half elfin girl who travels to a magical world to save its magic from a vengeful and powerful spell weaver. But saving a magical world isn’t a walk in the park and Olive will face many challenges on her way. The good news is that she easily wins the trust of allies like the dragons, who will play an invaluable role in this adventure. There is the Viking warrior and son of the Viking king, Wult, who stands by her all along, but things could change should she learn what Kull’s past is. The reader is interested to know if the two will end up falling in love with each other. Faythander, the land with magic, also has dark secrets that raise the stakes in the conflict.

Spellweaver: Olive Kennedy has a lot of beautiful and powerful literary elements that make it stand apart as a very engaging and highly entertaining story. The plot is well imagined and executed with exceptional mastery. The characters are very convincing and real, even though many of them are drawn from a world with its own rules. Olive is a well-developed character that readers will love to follow as she matures in the story. It’s beautiful to see her take control of the destiny of Faythander. The setting is fascinating and the drama so intense that it will have readers utterly absorbed. Tamara Grantham is a skilled storyteller and I can’t wait to read other books in this series.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

The White Tower by Michael Wisehart is the first book in The Aldoran Chronicles. In this world, the use of magic is forbidden because the Great Wizard Wars wreaked havoc in Aldoran, yet the ones who judge and persecute wielders of magic use magic themselves - and often people without magic are accused of being wielders just because they know how to use herbs. It is like a witch hunt - the victims are often not guilty of any crime. This is the world Ty grows up in. His parents are not his real parents, and Ty carries a secret with him: he suspects that he knows how to use magic. Then the Black Watch turns up in his village, and Ty learns that his foster father is part of a group that helps wielders to escape punishment for having special gifts. Many characters come together in this novel, some wield magic and some are magical when it comes to their charming characters. Some fight for magic, some fight against it - but none of them can stop the world from changing.

I have to admit that I was wary of all the comparisons that have been made about The White Tower by Michael Wisehart. It has been said readers of certain famous fantasy writers would enjoy this book. And usually books that claim such things suck. This was not the case here. I would not call it the new Song of Ice and Fire and I would not call Michael Wisehart the new Robert Jordan. It is a fantasy world that can stand on its own and if the following books in the series keep up the quality of book one, then this series will make its own name, gain its own fans, and won't have to compare itself to anybody else's work. I am glad that I picked up this book even though I was skeptical. I loved how you got to see the different perspectives, i.e. there was not just a focus on one single character - though it soon becomes obvious who the heroes and villains are. It was fascinating to see how one character acted, and then learn what kind of effect it had in the life of one of the other characters whose point of view readers get to see.

In addition to some interesting plots (the main plot and the many sub-plots), the writing is very well done and makes it easy to dive into the world of Aldoran. You will forget time, and the world around you will, for some time, not have any influence on you. It's the kind of book that makes you live inside the book, become friends with the characters, and even wish you could really be part of that world. I can honestly say that I haven't read such a good fantasy novel since I've read the works of some more famous names.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

A thousand years ago, the Menekarian Empire is responsible for ridding the world of sorcery using the Pure, their great paladins blessed by their god Ama. Since then, any sorcery will be forcefully purified or eliminated. Yet magic is rising again, as a young but powerful Dymorian queen takes command in the west, and a boy with strange powers comes of age in a small fishing village. Surviving immortals from the past emerge from hiding, with one of them intending to preserve their immortality at all costs.

A debut for The Raveling Saga, The Crimson Queen is an epic fantasy by Alec Hutson. Intriguing from the start, Hutson’s strong narrative weaves a deep sensitivity and emotional acuity into the story. This is definitely its strongest point, followed by a solid and complex plot filled with virulent twists. The pacing is well-balanced and suited for the different events in the story. Characterization is excellent - I don’t think any of the characters were typically compartmentalized into familiar stereotypes of the fantasy genre.

The Crimson Queen is a riveting, thought-provoking read, where ethical and power clashes between the memorable characters are not easily put out of mind. The vast and intricate world building shows a lot of care from Hutson. The detailed descriptions really make the ominous world that he created come to life, making it fascinating to delve into. The political and societal divides blend easily with the godlike immortals, sorcerers, warriors, assassins, and terrifying creatures in a unique universe. A commendable, thoughtfully crafted tale from Hutson, and I look forward to its sequel.