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.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Black Wings by Iryna K. Combs is the story of Annabel, a humanoid who was captured by a species known for their cruelty. Annabel was captured by the Varkins and tortured in some heinous ways. The pain and agony is too much, she wants to escape, but that will not be easy. Can Annabel escape? Can she survive the pressure of fitting in with her people after all that she has been through? Getting away from the enemy was the easy part; learning to live again is the challenge for Annabel. Can she manage to be the person she was before? Will she ever get back what she has lost?

Black Wings is one of those novels that is carefully thought out and tested before being written down and presented to the reader. Combs definitely worked a lot on making sure that everything fits perfectly. She crafted a world that is believable and understandable. Scarily enough, it feels real too. You cannot help but sympathize with Annabel. She is strong and trying to survive. She is courageous and determined. The torture was gruesome, so people who are squeamish should skip those pages. But for me, it made the novel real and allowed me to connect with Annabel like I would with anyone in this situation. All in all, this is definitely a sci-fi everyone would enjoy.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

In The Labyrinth Wall by Emilyann Girdner, Araina had just received her meal for the week - three potatoes, a dead rat, and two canisters of water - from the Creators. Back at her hideaway, she ventured beyond her usual space and discovered another part of her world that she had not seen before, with real water, unlike the acid type around the labyrinth, and even some edible fruit. As if the wonders of the day could not end, she saw a man magically appear through the labyrinth wall. Curious to know about the world beyond their current confines, Araina and a new ally decide to find and talk to the man with magical healing powers that came through the wall. They have to break him out of the Creators' heavily guarded castle; a place where none of their kind can ever be allowed to enter. Araina hates the helpless feeling of always living on the Creators' terms and she is determined to do something about it. But first she and her companions must survive through a maze of endless dark tunnels filled with all kinds of deadly creatures, sharp blades, poisonous gases, and endless traps.

The Labyrinth Wall by Emilyann Girdner is a captivating tale of bravery and the power of determination in a land haunted by hunger, death and misery, and survival of the fittest. The contrast between the life lived by the Mahk and the Creators is simply astonishing and Emilyann Girdner brought it out perfectly. Emilyann Girdner’s incredible writing skills take you from this world and dump you in the labyrinth with Araina and company as they navigate the endless deadly tunnels. The characters are so real and I was able to connect with them so deeply that I was even able to feel the chills every time Araina came face to face with death, and was forced to hold my breath as she fought to survive. But more importantly, the relief I felt every time she beat the odds was so magnificent. The Labyrinth Wall by Emilyann Girdner is an amazingly captivating page-turner and I loved reading every single page.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

Twenty years have passed since Mara took on the responsibility of Oathtaker to the twins, Reigna and Eden, who are expected to usher in a new age for Oosa. Select, Volume 2 of The Oathtaker Series, by Patricia Reding, follows Mara, Dixon, the twins, and all the others who have sworn to protect them as they combat the evil that grows in Chiran, a neighboring empire. Unfortunately, Mara suffers a severe injury that leaves her with no memory of her position as guardian to the twins or even of her marriage to Dixon. While Dixon removes her from the compound to keep her memory loss a secret, the twins exert their independence, fighting Lucy every step of the way. Lucy founded the compound for the sole purpose of keeping safe, the girls and other members of the Select, along with their Oathtakers. Now she must carefully weigh the options for the twins' safety as well as their development into the leaders who are spoken of in ancient prophecy. With Emperor Zarek of Chiran making bolder incursions into Oosa, will the twins come into their powers in time to save their homeland and will Mara’s memory return so that she can fulfill her oath?

Select includes an excellent summary of Volume One, Oathtaker, which provides all the information you need to refresh your memory, or even to get you into the story of Mara, Dixon and the twins in Select, Volume 2 of The Oathtaker Series, by Patricia Reding. With a need for urgency, the plot develops quickly as all the elements of the world of Oosa are set in motion to protect against the spread of evil. The characters are well developed and quite realistic with plenty of emotional ups and downs, doubts and dilemmas. A fine balance is depicted between the need for self sufficiency and the benefits of team work, and the concept of power, good and bad, is an important issue. This is an excellent story that is part of an epic fantasy well worth reading. Another winner! I love it and can't wait for more!

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

The Midnight Land: Part One, The Flight (The Zemnian Trilogy Book 1) by E.P. Clark is a fantasy novel reminiscent of the classic Russian fairy tales. Slava is the younger sister of the Empress of all of Zem’ and a clairvoyant. This combination makes Slava both the most and least powerful woman in a world where women are the dominant gender. Slava’s personality leads her to seek out more through escaping the Empress of all of Zem’s Kremlin in order to journey north to the Midnight Land. Slava is forced to evade ambushes and bandits as she wrestles with her clairvoyance. Is it a gift or a curse?

The Midnight Land by E.P. Clark may be a fantasy novel, but to me it seemed more like a novel of self-discovery. E.P. Clark crafted a new world between the pages, yet the book seemed to focus more on Slava’s emotional growth as she grows into a woman during her journey and begins to understand her clairvoyance. My favorite part was when Slava communicated with animals or spirits. By the end of the Midnight Land, I was left feeling glad that I had decided to read E.P. Clark’s novel.

Reviewed by Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite

A True Original. That is the best way I can describe Chronicles of Ara: Creation by Joel Eisenberg and Stephen Hillard. This book grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn’t let go. In this literary gem, the mysterious character “X” leads us through the dark and thought-provoking story of the very essence of creation and creativity. X tries to warn all about the one muse of art and invention, Ara, and her corrupt nature. If the muse of all human inspiration is not to be trusted, what then? Characters as varied as dragons, dragon-slayers, gods, goddesses, J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis Carroll are intertwined in this epic work and somehow the authors are able to pull this off with fascinating effect.

As a reader, I have truly never encountered a book as astounding as Chronicles of Ara: Creation. As a reviewer, I am afraid that I won’t do this book justice, either in its description or in the praise I can heap upon it. Any reader that loves fantasy would love this book. But truly, any reader who enjoys a brilliantly written, inventive and surprising book, one that is different and unpredictable, one that is astounding in its creativity and breadth, should pick up this book and read it as soon as possible. I understand that this book is the first in a planned series of eight, and I cannot wait for the next ones in the series. Joel Eisenberg and Stephen Hillard should be commended for completing this beautiful work, and I hope we see much more from this duo in the future.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

In Cara's Twelve by Chantal Seabrook, Cara is a young woman who lives in the province of Crowthorne, in Elbian. Here, she is forced to live her life according to a community and a belief system for which she has zero tolerance. However, her fate is bound and final. When the heir to the throne of Elbian is disfavored by the goddess Annul, Cara is the only one in the family left to rule the people of her country. Cara grudgingly accepts the fate that is forced on her.

But she cannot rule her people alone. She needs a man beside her who is approved by the council. They choose 12 men who will pledge their allegiance and strength to the queen. Cara must choose the one who is right for her people. In order to do that, Cara must visit all the twelve provinces where a ritual ceremony will be performed. Before that, Cara cannot take the throne and rule her people. But these sacred ceremonies are making her question everything she knew. There are things she comes to discover about these 12 men who have sworn to protect her life. Some of them are not who they appear to be. Can Cara make the right decision? Can she choose the man who is worthy of being called the King? Or will she suffer under the system?

Cara's Twelve was a big surprise. I'll be honest. I was ready to hate it. The story seemed to be a bit clichéd, but Chantal Seabrook surprised me. After the first chapter, I was thoroughly hooked by Cara and her story. If you think this is just a casual romance, then you will be in for a surprise. This is not your run of the mill fantasy as well. The story is gripping, the characters are well developed, and there is the perfect amount of drama, thrill and mystery to make it one of the best fantasy novels I have read. The characters are strong and you will even love the bad guys because they are written so well. Five stars for a job well done!

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

If you like epic fantasy, I mean really long, luxurious epic fantasy, a book you can lose yourself in for a while and travel to another time and place, then read Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw and enter a world you will love and meet characters that will become old friends. Dawn of Wonder is the first book in a series called The Wakening. I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series and I know I’m going to resent the wait. I want to step back into this world and see what Aedan, Kalry, and everyone else will do next. The characters in Dawn of Wonder are superbly rendered. Jonathan Renshaw takes his time painting them detail by detail until we feel we know them like old friends. First and foremost, for any book to be a good book it must be written well. Jonathan Renshaw writes in a style that I love. He moves the story along at a crisp pace, but at the same time pays attention to detail.

That is why, despite moving quickly, Dawn of Wonder is over seven hundred pages long. Don’t worry; there are no long boring passages. Every word is something that adds flavor, character, and tone to the story. I especially enjoyed the chapters concerning the Royal Academy. This is a coming of age tale as much as it is an adventure and young Aedan is a smart young rascal in the tradition of Tom Sawyer, and the best thing for a character like that, in my opinion, is a good dose of military training. Great world building, great characters, great writing, and a great plot that unfolds at an appropriate pace make Dawn of Wonder a must-read for the fantasy lover. Especially fantasy lovers who like to get lost in a magical, medieval world.