Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse: The Forerunner Series Book 1 takes the reader deep into the heart of Viking-occupied Britain at the beginning of the ninth century. Author Jay Veloso Batista shows us a fragmented land that is dominated and ruled by a mixture of Angles, Saxons, Danes, Celts, and Scots, where the languages and dialects are as varied as the many different ethnicities that inhabit these isles. Thorfinn (Finn) is a timid, ten-year-old boy growing up in a typical Viking family in Britain at the time. Some of the family, his Uncle Karl for instance, are away on raiding expeditions (known as going Viking) but the bulk of the family is intent on creating a life and earning a living from the hard work of farming, trapping, hunting, or artisanship. Finn is only the third boy in the family and his father has set him on the path of life with a forestry apprenticeship. Finn’s life takes an unexpected turn when he, his brothers, and a friend seek out adventure and discovering an old place of legend. Their encounter with an evil witch will change Finn’s simple existence forever when he discovers he has been turned into a vardoger – a living ghost. Finn now has the ability, whilst his body sleeps, to transfer between Midgard (everyday life) and another similar realm where he is a ghost, while his physical body rests. His ability to move unknown amongst his family, friends, and enemies allows him to become privy to many things including dangerous plots against his family and specifically his uncle. Will Finn find the courage and the ability to stop these evil men intent on destroying his family and the upcoming nuptials of his older sister?

As a lover of fiction based on historical periods, surprisingly, I have read little of this dark period in Britain’s history and after reading Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse, I find myself asking why have I not read this genre before? Author Jay Veloso Batista beautifully draws you into this tale of familial love, loyalty, and sacrifice that gives a different view of the Norsemen that we have always been told were intent on rape, pillage, and destruction. To be sure, there is plenty of action and fighting in this tale but the central themes are those of family, love, devotion, and cultural pride. Although this was a time of constant conflict the author shows how through careful matrimonial alliances peace was often maintained and families were built across cultures. One of the joys of historical novels is that they expose the reader to new and exciting legends and beliefs. This book does a fantastic job of introducing and elucidating on Norse lore, magical, beliefs, and cultural norms. The characters ring true and, as a reader, it was easy to be drawn to the young Finn, who, as a third boy in the family, was destined to live an ordinary and unexciting life. The unexpected adventures he stumbled over gave a depth of character to the young man that bodes well for future iterations of this series. As an author I have not come across before, Batista strikes me as one well worth following and I am certainly invested enough in this story to want to read Book 2. I await it with bated breath and can highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

The "Master of all Evil", who is also the "Queen of Nations", never imagined ruling the world would be so boring. Conquering it was definitely fun with all the killing, torture, and imprisonment she inflicted on many innocent souls, but all she is left with is tiring responsibilities. Eventually, she embarks on a new quest of attempting to be good instead of evil. However, this task proves to be more difficult than anything she has ever done as she denies herself the pleasure of watching people suffer. To guide her on her challenging quest is a man who was once a great prince and one of her victims. Will the evil witch succeed in doing good or return to her beloved evil nature? Find out in Witch'n by Joshua Braun.

With an ingenious blend of dark humor and fantasy, Witch'n grabs the reader and holds their attention from start to finish. I couldn't put it down as I was arrested by the protagonist's energetic personality and her unbelievable evilness. It's nothing like I've seen before. From the demonic names that cannot be pronounced with the human tongue to magic powerful enough to make people walk upside down and the witch carving mountains to look like her, prepare for a wild, dark, different, and memorable experience! Joshua Braun goes beyond the surface to expose some deep ideas, like how magic is wonderful to many people but the ordinary is magical to someone who has used magic throughout their lifetime; this calls me to appreciate the "ordinary" things in life I take for granted. If you enjoy dark humor and creative fantasy, don't hesitate to read Witch'n!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Neglected Merge is a work of fiction in the fantasy and science fiction, post-apocalyptic and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Eve Koguce. The work is intended for an adult reading audience due to its high concept content. Our protagonist is Tauria, a thirty-two-year-old woman living in a utopian-style world designed for people to cope after a near apocalypse. She lives in a world where happiness is guaranteed every minute of the day but is that really enough? When Tauria meets Doron, she isn’t so sure anymore, and it transpires that there may be another world waiting out there, right alongside her own.

Author Eve Koguce has crafted an interesting and well-thought-out work of fiction with plenty of emotion, romance, drama, and conceptual thinking to offer readers. One of the most essential features of this work was the talent the author displays in worldbuilding, through such details as the lore and culture of the new world of happiness. It was a striking new concept to see a post-apocalyptic novel painted in such bright tones, and then of course all the more satisfying when the cracks begin to show in the excellent plotline. The romance element will certainly please readers who enjoy fated lovers from far opposite corners of the world (or in this case, worlds). The dialogue was also very effective, serving to display the unique traits of the characters whilst moving the plot forward in a natural way. Overall, I would highly recommend Neglected Merge to fans of utopia/dystopia settings, futuristic romances, and for space opera fans everywhere.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Moon Deeds is the first book in the fantasy saga Star Children, an adventure written for adults by author Palmer Pickering. In the not too distant future, technology and magic are at odds as a dictatorship rules the earth and the moon becomes the only land of freedom for humanity. Born into each millennium are the Star Children, protectors who must unlock their shamanic heritage and use that magic to restore balance to humankind. This time the mantle falls to twins Cassidy and Torr, who inherit land on the moon where they can escape and be free. But their freedom, and that of the many others like them across the galaxy, comes at a price.

There are some powerfully adult themes at play in this epic-length space opera, making the character-driven emotional plot just as important as the galaxy-wide savior story at play in the wider story arc. Fantasy and science fiction fans will enjoy the combination of alien sci-fi elements, super tech, fantasy magic, and old mythologies, which are all woven into the everyday plot with great credibility. Author Palmer Pickering handles the balance of interpersonal drama and plot progression well, and fans of series like Star Trek and Doctor Who are sure to appreciate such craftsmanship. Overall, Moon Deeds encompasses all the exciting elements of a political overthrow drama with a fantasy/magic space opera and is a highly recommended read for fantasy fans everywhere. It promises to be the start of a very exciting and emotionally intense saga.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Blossom of Gold is a work of epic fantasy fiction with plenty of action and conceptual delights and was penned by author Ellie Raine. The fifth and final novel in the NecroSeam Chronicles series, this ending to the saga contains some mild profanity and graphic violence, which makes it largely suitable to adult and mature YA readers alike. In this darkly conceptualized world, we are introduced to Reapers and the undead alike – though the undead are mutated demons from whom the seam of life (the titular NecroSeam) has been left uncut. The undead are about to be unwittingly enslaved to fight a war that could bring about the End of Existence, with twins Xavier and Alexander standing right in their path.

Author Ellie Raine has developed a truly superb and fully engrossing fantasy world like nothing I’ve ever read before. The concept of Grim Reapers and undead demons may not seem new, but through Raine’s intelligent revisioning and extensive work in lore and worldbuilding, this world filled with dark realms, nature, life, and death is one that is completely realized and totally unique. The action for twin brothers Xavier and Alexander comes thick and fast as the end draws near, and the use of prophecy and magical quests feels apt and authentic, not trope-like or overdone. This makes for a truly compelling adventure novel with dark twists everywhere, and some truly frightening images that stay with you long after reading. Overall, Blossom of Gold is a superb work that is highly recommended for fantasy fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite

The Witch of Blacklion by Joy Ross Davis is an exquisitely written story that takes place in the village of Blacklion, Northern Ireland during World War I. This wonderfully written tale begins with the introduction of its two guardians, Old Shelly and Mordecai. Mordecai is a Guardian Angel, and Old Shelly is a beautiful shape-shifter who assumes the role of a mysterious old witch accused of being a baby killer. This event happened when a woman brought her infant baby to Old Shelly to cure her ailing child. Old Shelly unsuccessfully tried to tell the mother that there was no hope. So when the mother pleaded desperately for Shelly to help her, Shelly took the terminally ill baby inside and cradled it until the little one passed. When the baby was brought back out, the mother began screaming at Shelly and accusing her of killing her baby. All it took was one witness to the exchange for the mantle of "Baby Killer" to be associated with Old Shelly forever. For the most part, the story is based on the lives of two families. The first one is Rory Dunlavy, his wife, Mazey, and their 5-year-old son, Piglet. The second family is Dr. Richard Haynes and his wife, Laura, to whom Richard proposed immediately upon meeting her.

Ms. Davis does a remarkable job of bringing this story to life. When Laura meets some fashion designers from the United States, they invite her and her mother to come visit. On the return trip, however, after describing the elegance of the luxury cruiser, The Lusitania, all I could think was, "Oh oh! Not good!" Sure enough, when the conversation of the war was brought up, and Laura mentioned safety on board, her mother commented that during war, no one was safe. Right on cue, disaster strikes in the form of two German U-boat torpedoes. Joy Ross Davis's description of the disaster was done flawlessly, as well as the trauma that ensued for the survivors.

The Witch of Blacklion was an amazing read from start to finish. At first I wondered why the author introduced the major characters at the beginning, but was glad that she did because she supplied the background for the story, much like the stage settings for a play. All of the characters were diverse and very real for that time and era. Joy Ross Davis really captured the landscapes, the cultures, and the events of the early 1900s. I highly recommend this wonderful story. It was told so vividly that you could actually visualize everything. All I could say at the end was, "Wow! What a story!" Brava!

Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

Rachel’s life of foster homes ends abruptly on her sixteenth birthday when she finds her purpose in life in an Inner Realm. M.D. Allen creates Matilda Seer as a coming of age story that takes seven Chosen teenagers, who share the same birthday, and mysteriously transports them to a world foreign to their own. Rachel is given two new names when she enters the Inner Realm; Matilda Seer. Names tell a person’s gift and having two names is rare. Matilda Seer must learn how to use her skills without her teachers as the Watchers leave to find answers to the evil that has penetrated their safe-house. Matilda and the other Chosen teenagers face trials when they leave Quarry Cottage, but the hardest test is to trust each other. Will they be able to rescue the Watchers and work together to escape the evil Lord Rafe?

M.D. Allen writes with the skill and boldness of a seasoned author. Matilda Seer challenges its readers with a plot that has multiple levels of deception, mystique, and uncertainty. The storyline rotates between the groups that split up. I love how M.D. Allen adds details that make readers anticipate the next book. When will Carter have to choose between evil or good, what is behind the mysterious door in their room, what is the connection between Matilda and Ethan, and finally, did Lord Rafe survive the fire? The author breathes life into her characters as they each show distinct personalities and temperaments. Their mission is hampered by their lack of knowledge in a magical world. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a well-written novel that transports them into a world of magic, mystery, and suspense.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Woeful Wager is the first book in The Race to the Blackened Nevers series by Douglas Bain. What do you think would happen when the worlds of gods, mortals, and fantastic creatures intertwine? Chaos! Everyone wants something, everyone needs something and there isn’t much time. It is a race against time and the competition isn’t fair. In the midst of this, Phae and Chim are trying to stop a terrible beast from waking up and destroying everything they have ever known. But do they have what it takes to fight the odds and come out of it victorious? With so much going on in their world, will they get the chance?

The Woeful Wager is an intricate, action-packed story with a plethora of characters and each of them has their own storyline. The list of characters at the beginning of the story was a great help because otherwise I would have been lost. The author opened the story with a bang and never let the pace go down after that. Every chapter was a new high, a character introduced something new and made sure the reader’s attention was on the book and nowhere else. I am amazed and in awe of the fact that this is Douglas Bain’s debut novel. The story is filled with dark themes and the atmosphere reflects that. The author gives each character a solid background and added excellent subplots. However, he didn’t let any of these detract the attention of the reader from the actual plot. The chemistry between Chim and Phae is exceptional. They understand each other, they motivate each other and, most importantly, they have each other's backs. They are undoubtedly my favorite characters out of all introduced in the story. This is a great start to a series. Plus, the cover of the novel is stunning. There isn’t any aspect of the story that I don’t like.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Rooms of Ruin is the second entry in the Blood of the Isir series by Erik Henry Vick, an epic fantasy packed with action, fast-paced, and set against the backdrop of an exciting imaginary world. A wicked queen, a curse from a cunning god, a traitor, and a trap that could end it all. A courageous man, Hank Jensen has proven that he still has what it takes to save his family. After battling powerful creatures and eluding the evil queen, he and his family are trapped in Osgarthr, and there is only one way out — journey to the rooms of ruin to reopen portals that connect the two worlds. But it’s what the evil queen has anticipated and she’s laid a trap for them. With a traitor among his friends, can Hank escape a grim fate?

Erik Henry Vick is a wonderful storyteller. He begins the story in the midst of scheming on the part of the evil ones. Readers get an idea of the severity of the crisis and understand that the protagonist could be walking into the jaws of death with his family. Hank is a compelling character and readers will enjoy following him as he struggles with a rare illness, a curse from a god, which continually weakens him. There are themes of friendship, family, and magic that are well developed, giving the story a sense of reality that enriches it. The chapters are designed to offer readers an engaging reading experience, each ending with an intelligent invitation to move on to the next one. The author is a master at creating suspense, developing subplots in the story that leave readers suspended, wondering what could happen next. This is a work of great imagination and I couldn’t help but be pulled in by the world building. The setting is a magical world with unique elements, the conflict is phenomenal, and the plot is well imagined and executed with brilliance. This novel is a great escape for fans of fantasy — hugely entertaining and infused with realism.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Destroyer's Blood: The Adventures of Devcalion is the first entry in The Blood Series by Michael Lynes, a gripping fantasy with strong hints of Greek mythology. Meet Devcalion, “Dev,” a demigod, son of Prometheus and nephew of Zeus. He has a telepathic sword and a very close friend called Betrayer, "Tray". When we encounter Dev, he and his friend are climbing up Half Dome. An encounter with Hermes changes everything, driving Dev to the last place he wants to be — Mt. Olympus. Dev and Tray are pulled into a war they never bargained for, a war against the greatest enemy of Zeus. With the darkest power in the universe bent on wreaking havoc, do they have any chance of surviving?

Michael Lynes’ novel will have a strong appeal for fans of Rick Riordan. The author creates characters that readers will love and enriches them with powerful links to the mythical world most readers have grown to adore. It begins with a stream of consciousness, a kind of soliloquy that exposes the complexities in Dev's personality, who happens to be the narrator. The first person narrative voice is irresistible, and it draws the reader into the worldview of the main character, making them feel the heat of the action that punctuates the narrative.

Destroyer's Blood: The Adventures of Devcalion is filled with vivid descriptions and the story is infused with a rare sense of realism. Although the setting is an imaginary mythological world, it is filled with elements and details that reflect human reality. The conflict is phenomenal and defines the excitement the reader experiences as they follow the compelling characters. I enjoyed the humor, the beauty of the prose, and the focused, skillfully crafted scenes.