Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Guardians of the Crystal Skulls is the first book in a new series. Linda Arena offers readers a science fiction series that will keep readers coming back for more. The Earth is facing catastrophic changes from a shift in the Earth's axis. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes are causing the tectonic plates to move, islands are sinking, and the death toll is rising; nowhere is safe. The leading character is Rachel, a widow in her mid-fifties. Rachel was raised by her grandfather after the death of her parents. He owned a thousand-acre squash farm at the base of Mount Shasta. As a young girl, Rachel would sit next to the lake and watch the mountain. She witnessed space ships coming and going. As an adult she once again sits and watches the mountain. Many times she has seen the tall figure in the hooded robe. He knows it's time to approach her. His name is King Midas; his mission is to save planet Earth and its residents, but he can't do it without Rachel's assistance.

Linda Arena has created a group of "aliens" that have lived on Earth for many centuries. She has drawn together the myths of Atlantis and Greek Mythology to produce an action-packed science fiction thriller. The characters are fascinating. Rachel is the lead, but Arena has not skimped with the secondary characters. She has created characters that the reader will love and feel as though they know them personally. She skillfully demonstrates the power of forgiveness and shows how people can change. Deftly she pulls in current events, such as the tsunami in Indonesia. I enjoyed this story and will watch for the next installment.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Michelle Erickson has created a new series sure to please the pickiest fantasy readers. In Chest of Souls Book 1, we meet nine year old Talon and the adventure begins with a human sacrifice. The Sons of Ammon were present as the Guardian clasped the willing sacrifice tightly to protect those around them. This was their only chance to destroy the wicked city of Sogo. The scene quickly shifts to an isolated "village" in the midst of a forest. Tasut briskly woke his son Talon and sent him running into the forest with no food and dressed only in his underwear. The young boy instantly obeyed, not knowing if he was in danger or being punished. Talon and a young man named Nyk end up running for their lives. When they returned to the cottage, Talon met Brenna, a beautiful six-year-old with power beyond the imagination. Talon and Brenna were the only hope to destroy Sogo. Together they would make a formidable team…if they could live long enough to develop their powers.

Michelle Erickson does exactly what all authors should do...begin the book with a dynamic, attention grabbing scene. However, she doesn't stop there; she continues with one heart pounding scene after another. Her talent for description brought to life the strange creatures previously only seen in her mind's eye. There are plenty monsters to fear and battle in Chest of Souls: a fierce, par-horse creature, green crabs and ice monsters. Brenna was one of my favorite characters. Although only six years old, she already has self confidence and knows she belongs with Talon. Mee was a creature I could only describe as part cat and part squirrel with an appetite for crab. Tasut was easy to dislike until you realize he does love his son, but he certainly has a problem showing it. Lyon was an assassin believed to be dead, and Mari, his wife, had powers of her own. This is the first book in a new series; I can hardly wait to see what our two heroes face in the next book.

Reviewed by Author Anna del C. Dye for Readers' Favorite

A Trevott's Tale is a charming story about small people and their doings in a land named Trelandia. The tale starts by introducing some of the people and places of this world. It progresses to a particular young Trevott by the name of Waldon Woodott. His parents died when a dragon burned their town, so he was raised by the master of the great tree. This tree is quite unique, and its biggest room houses all the books ever written, maps and tales ever told.

Everything changes for the quiet Waldon when a human, the very one who saved him from the inferno when his parents died, has come for a business visit. The human, Gadhelix, is a long-time friend of Master Boughbound, the tree master, and brought a parchment addressed to Waldon. And what does the parchment say? That he had a wealthy long lost uncle who has left everything to him!

This book is composed of two books under one cover. It is a beautifully written and enthralling tale. It is a somewhat slower paced fantasy for those who love to take time to savor the words, the world and the people therein. I believe that it could use more dialogue to spread around the descriptions within the pages, thus enticing young audiences to read it. I would recommend this book from teen to adults. It is full of run-on sentences, but I thought they make the tale sound charming.

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

"Tales From Gundarland" is a science fiction satire. Hank Quense begins his anthology of short stories by introducing readers to the planet Gundar. Gundar was created during the Big Achoo. The planet seems fond of snot and sneezing. They even have snot festivals.

The second story is aptly named 'Romeo and Juliet'. As the title suggests, the story is about two lovers kept apart by family and social status. Dwarfs and Elves do not mix. Dwarfs may be short, but they are also smart.

Most of us have heard of Zorro. Quense brings us Zarro. In this rendition Zarro rides a donkey named Belinda.

Princess Gerhilde has been held captive for three weeks. Burga, a warrior cook, scales the castles` wall to rescue her. The ungrateful princess would rather be captive than face the embarrassment of being rescued by a peasant.

"Tales From Gundarland" could be called “Fractured Legends.” I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading this book. What I discovered was a lot of humor. I was caught up in the numerous short stories. The connecting thread is the planet Gundarland. The stories each reminded me of a traditional story. Quense has managed to re-tell them with more than a bit of satire. Often we take ourselves too seriously; Quense’ sense of humor forces us to laugh.

The stories are well written, easy to read and entertaining. I’ve read other books by Hank Quense and I believe this is his finest.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Readers follow along as the author introduces Ashley to a variety of fairies. Ashley is an adorable five year old, fond of "mischief." It took a bit of persuasion but eventually Ashley, with some help from her friends Big Rabbit and Turtle, look for fairies.

There are a large variety of fairies. Button fairies live in closets and sometimes sound like mice. A grand Basket Fairy makes baskets and sends a fairy with each one. The Tea Cup Fairy often visits with the Sugar Bowl Fairy while you are drinking tea. Mud Puddle and River are also Fairies. Occasionally you will find a Gremlin. Gremlins can't fly.

I do believe I have a pocket fairy living at my house. Pocket fairies collect bits of stuff and store it in your pocket. Rubber bands, loose change, tiny rocks and bits of string are among Pocket Fairies` favorite things. I know there is a Sock Fairy at my house although I've never seen him. He is always stealing socks to live in.

"Fairy Hunters, Ink" is a delightful story that is sure to please young children with a vivid imagination. The illustrations are beautiful and, along with the paper, give this book an antiquated mystical quality. We should never be too old and stuffy to look for fairies. I know a special child that will enjoy helping me look for fairies.

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

Tina Field Howe continues her series, Tellings of Xunar-kun in book two, "The TrailFolk of Xunar-kun". She reminds readers of the important points in the first book through the teller in the prologue of the second book.

In the first book, the two tribes of people were reunited as one and they fought off the M’raudas. The M’raudas captured children. The TrailFolk found more children than the Folk had missing. Their new quest was to find the parents of the children.

Four cycles had passed since the TrailFolk had been united and the Seekers, Szaren and Aylsa, were betrothed. The Seekers searched the planet looking for the parents of the children. Along the trail they share the legend of the Roaming Star.

Eventually the Seekers meet Trakip-sen and his people. They claim to be the parents of the children.

Tina Field Howe is an extremely talented author. She paints a word picture that comes alive on the pages of a book. I hope this book is recorded as an audio book. It will be enjoyed by elementary children over and over. The characters of this book are exquisite. More important is the message in this book. We are all connected and yet we are only a small part of something greater. The author provides a glossary to assist the reader.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

David Burrows brings readers an adventure of epic proportions in The Prophecy of the kings Trilogy. The plot quickly draws the reader into the action of this novel. Burrows created a mystical world with equally mystical creatures, dragons, wizards, prophecies, demons, sorcery, and princes. The creatures come to life on the pages of The Prophecy of the Kings. The action in this book keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Burrows successfully gave each character a distinct voice. The threads of three worlds are woven together to create an adventure filled with battles, journeys, allies, and enemies. The reader will go deep into the bowels of the earth haunted by the dead. They will accompany Kaplyn into a nightmare tower.

Book 1 Legend of Eldric sets the foundation for this trilogy. Prince Kaplyn is low on the line for the throne, and he is bored. He sets out to find adventure. Lars is bound for death when Kaplyn comes to his rescue. The pair assists a wizard in retrieving a pendant. They set in motion a prophecy that could destroy their world.

Burrows words are like magic. He paints a portrait on each page. Fans of fantasy know his name well. They know they can depend on an escape into another world when they read one of his books. Burrows never fails to please.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Award WinnerInspector Locknose called Sharkey and his crew together to discuss a new and dangerous mission. He wants them to explore a parallel universe. The trip is only possible in their new ship the PHD. They were soon in great peril.

Have you ever wondered what else is out there? Could there be aliens? Wouldn’t it be exciting to explore the vastness of space? The latest book in the Sharkey series allows readers to explore beyond our universe. Sharkey educates readers in the theory of the existence of other life forms, parallel universes, and the physics of infinity. The characters are exciting and exaggerated. The plot is well developed and exhilarating.

This is the 4th book in the series. Fans of Sharkey will be excited over his return. Timothy A. Bramlett’s Sharkey is sure to please preteens. His adventures are entertaining as well as educational. Bramlett presents teachers and parents with the opportunity to encourage children to read a fun adventure and to explore science.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Frankie Mae Tyson was in love. She loved Michael Jackson for as long as she could remember and she had always dreamed of meeting him. One day while driving down the Santa Monica freeway, 20-year old, Frankie saw a large flashy limousine. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind it was Michael Jackson. They flirted as they drove down the highway.

Frankie Mae had never been a popular girl. In school the boys had made fun of her; but, Michael Jackson saw her picture in a vacant store window before he met her and he saw the plain girl in a special light. He cared about her. She cared about him and they were both successful in keeping their union secret from the world. He truly loved her. She had self confidence after meeting Jackson and she made it clear to him from the start she did not want anything but his love.

For many years Frankie refused Michael's attempts to free her from the ghetto. Michael and Frankie were careful to keep their relationship a secret from Oprah and the world, as Michael used doubles to cover for him when he was with his secret love, Frankie Mae. He even surprised her one day when just hours before his famous Moonwalk on Motown 25 he attended her Security Guard of the Month Award ceremony. "As Michael watched me through a peephole that day, I was proud of him for supporting me always as I was stunned to see the determination of opportunists and the media to bring Michael Jackson down.”

”When you love a man as much as I love Michael, death can be a surreal thing to go through. I am not going to take my life; I am going to live my life in memory of Michael Jackson. I am not worried, for he knows that I will be with him one day as I promised.”

When I began reading The Love He saved, I looked back to see if it was based on fact. This book is a work of fiction yet it reads like nonfiction. Frankie’s language bothered me a bit at first. It leans toward street slang. However, the language is necessary for it helps define the character. While on the surface author Carol Denise Mitchell appears to be writing about Jackson, this book is actually a character study of Frankie.

I see two options in this book:

1. Frankie Mae actually met Jackson and had a relationship with him for many years. After all he was a unique character and always did unusual, unexpected ways.

2. Frankie Mae was so obsessed with Jackson that she spent years day dreaming about him. In her mind they actually had a relationship.

I suspect the author will be pleased that she had me guessing and analyzing this much. Frankie Mae’s obsession for Jackson makes the most plausible part of this plot. Carol Mitchell is a talented author and her characters are very life-like. Remember the name Carol Denise Mitchell.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

The setting is historic King William Artistic District, in San Antonio, Texas along the scenic San Antonio River.

School bullies stole Solis Burkes innocence when she was a young girl. The incident continues to haunt her for years. After the death of her mother she lives with her grandparents. They do not realize she is extremely active sexually. During college the beautiful young woman has numerous sexual partners. Eventually she came to realize that she was allowing others to use her body. She determines to change her life. Like most young women she dreams for a tall, dark and handsome man to sweep her off her feet. She finds him in Nacio, the vampire. Oddly he knows things about her that she has never shared with anyone. For 257 years he has been working toward his destiny. He has protected her ever since the crucial day she was raped and he will continue to protect her. Nacio has many talents, including, teleportation and the ability to know what Solis is thinking and feeling.

Eventually solis learns that the evil Priestess Auldicia (an evil vampire) is determined to destroy Solis. Solis’ great grandmother had magical power which she used for good. She fought against the evil Priestess. Solis has her own powers she has yet come to recognize.

The boys that raped Solis when she was in the sixth grade are also connected to Auldicia. All of Solis loved ones are in grave danger. She must find within herself the power to fight back.

Embellish is a sexy paranormal romance. The pace is fast. The plot will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is unique in the current long list of vampire novels. The dialogue in this book is superb. Sloan added plenty of plot twists to keep the readers guessing. Solis is a fascinating character. She is witty and courageous. Readers watch as she matures into a self confident young woman. Embellish is the first book in a new series.