Reviewed by Tania Staley for Readers' Favorite

An unlikely hero becomes the center of royal dispute and intrigue in Marissa Ame’s exciting tale, Minstrel. When Liam and his band of theatrical brothers arrive in the city of Cynegil, they have only the desire to make enough money to buy food and a place to lay their head. But when they see the signs that the city is in mourning they have a difficult decision to make. Do they ignore their empty bellies and move on in the hopes of finding sustenance someplace else, or do they disregard the rules against merriment in a time of mourning and entertain people? The needs of nourishment require them to go against the rules, and this decision lands them in the hands of the new king Riordan’s court. Riordan rules the country in excess, throwing parties and feasts, ignoring the emptying larders and purses of the country. Shamus, his twin brother, realizes that it is imperative that someone knows the truth of events and hires Liam to be his personal historian in order to record the happenings of Riordan’s reckless rule. But, can a simple minstrel right the wrongs of an entire kingdom? Will anyone listen to him if he tries? Find out in Marissa Ame’s Minstrel.

It was with much excitement that I downloaded a copy of Minstrel to review. Having previously read Marissa Ames’s short story, Darrion, which is also a story of Tir Athair, I was expecting the same intrigue and excitement in Minstrel that I had come to associate with Ames’s writing. I was certainly not disappointed. The feudal society that Ames has created, the intrigues involved in the opposing twin royal brothers, and the unlikely heroism of the minstrel, Liam, are wonderfully thought out and beautifully crafted. Rather than the lofty idealism that surrounds many fantasy landscapes, there is a grit and grime that is just as enchanting in the city of Cynegil. The world the author has created lives and breathes amongst the pages of her book. I highly recommend Minstrel, and I can’t wait to read her next book, Vassal.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

Many of us have strange sensations from time to time but for Ana Martin, there is an amazing explanation – she is connected to a race of special beings through her love for Gabriel, a member of the Siis. Night of the Fae is volume one in the Ana Martin series by Lyneal Jenkins and introduces Ana, as well as Gabriel and other members of his race. Ana has special abilities herself, in addition to a problem with bipolar disorder, but Gabriel’s presence helps her deal with both. As the first human to be affected by the presence of Siis powers, no one knows exactly what will happen. One thing is for certain, though – Ana’s life will never be the same because the evil Fae hunt her as a means to get to Gabriel. Ana tries her best to keep up with her normal life, but will things ever really be the same?

Well-paced and engaging, Night of the Fae by Lyneal Jenkins is the perfect supernatural/fantasy read. Ana, Gabriel and the other characters are carefully developed and realistic in spite of the supernatural nature of some of them. Following their love, hate and trials keeps the pages turning. It is quite easy to get caught up in the swirling emotions that allow you to feel what Ana is feeling. Night of the Fae is a complete book with a conclusion to this part of the story that leads smoothly and naturally into the second volume, Hidden Light. It is certainly well worth the time and is sure to please.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Ironic, hilarious and informative are three words that immediately came to my mind when I started reading this book. Seraph Contingency is proof of the rich and edgy imagination of its author Jennifer Fales. Truly, who can write a novel with characters like the seraph, the wicked duchess, the violet haired vixen, a witch, an amazing little boy, and many others? The names of these very colorful characters are Anael, Gaap, Deumos, Thomas, Dabber, Anael, Jezebel and Teivel. There's also Ereshkigal, one of the former rulers of hell and Pete, a backsliding saint who now runs a hip bar in purgatory. The story starts when a bored angel escaped from heaven and ended up in, of all places, a dive bar in Purgatory. Meanwhile, a duchess with a not so beautiful past staged an abduction because she wants to have a more interesting wardrobe. A transporter demon then has to be called in and we get to meet a colorful cast of characters whose personalities defy imagination. In short, reading this book is really just like going on a roller coaster ride on an imagination that has seemingly gone completely wild.

The novel may seem like a product of a wild imagination but there is a lot of humor, science, and magic in it too. It climaxed in what is claimed to be the wildest party ever staged in Hell. There is an allusion to the Greek and Sumerian underworld mythology. There is also a healthy dose of jokes on scientific and mathematical principles that will probably give Jennifer Fales the reputation of being the wackiest novelist in town. Behind this story, however, is a social commentary on what is going on in our world today. And the author tells it by using irony, which certainly proved to be a very effective tool. She surprised me with all the humorous coincidences of contradictions in her story. I also have the feeling that many of the words she used in telling her story are meant to give the opposite of their meanings. And there is also a lot of contradictions between what the characters in the novel knows, and what I think as a reader. Lastly, there is irony in that the ending is completely different as to what I was expecting. Ms. Fales tied her story together with irony, and this kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I read the Seraph Contingency.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

"The book Feathered: being a fairy tale" by Tom Weston is a fun adventure into the world of fantasy. Who has not laid back and dreamed of some handsome Prince coming and sweeping them away to marriage. I know I have but perhaps Alexandra did not picture it happening to her quite the way it did. Thanks to her younger trouble making sister Jackie, Alexandra is stuck in the 11th century and being forced to marry a Viking Prince. Jackie would likely be willing to help her older sister except for the small fact that she is still in modern times and dealing with a slew of her own issues.

Tom Weston has truly created a fun and intriguing world full of Vikings, Fairies and strange sounding songs that could almost be a Sirens song of sorts. To use an old term the yarn that Tom Weston spins within Feathered is something that grips you and makes you want more. The scenes in Ireland to me were painted so vividly I could almost smell the peet and see the green rolling hills.

This was the first Tom Weston book I have read and I did not know initially that the Alex & Jackie adventures are a series. I did feel when reading just at the very beginning that perhaps I was missing a little bit of information, and after finding out it was a series I now know why. That said however this book could easily be a standalone. Tom Weston introduces you to the characters with great detail and information so you feel like you know them, even with that small niggle I might have missed something early on it did not take away from my true enjoyment of this book.

I would recommend "The book Feathered: being a fairy tale" to any reader of the fantasy and mythology genre. It is so fresh and inviting with a plot that to me was very unique. I plan on going back and reading more about Alex & Jackie and I very much look forward to seeing what else Tom Weston has planned for adventures.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

"Familiar Origins” is science fiction story about a universe ruled by powerful dragons who submit themselves only to the supreme Creator. The universe is divided into the Debellos and the Turei factions. It is also a story of magic and of mankind. The Debellos are the aggressive dragons who want to conquer the world to feed their magic. The Tueri dragons, on the other hand, want to protect the worlds of animate beings. One of these worlds is populated with human life that is also rich in magic and is the venue of the fight between the Debellos and the Tueri. Locked in a centuries-old deadlock, these dragons know that the one who can control eight extraordinary humans will be the one who will emerge victorious. Both dragon factions patiently wait to find the humans that they can train to reach their goals and they eventually identify five young children who hold the fate of their world. These children have to face horror and deception at a tender age and have to deal with the powerful dragons. "Familiar Origins” is actually a story of humankind's survival in the face of a Debellos dragon who succeeded in gaining control of their lives.

"Familiar Origins" is a science fiction and fantasy story. It is a tale of five children growing up under the guardianship of mystical dragons. Author B. Pine undoubtedly has a very fertile imagination. She creates a new world in this story and produces extraordinary characters. It is a tale of magic where the world is populated by dragons and epic battles are being waged. This is a book that certainly gripped my attention so much that I had to finish it in one sitting. I am fascinated by the character of Ben, the commoner who fell in love with the proud princess, Princess Jania, and kept his emotions to himself for years. The truth is that "Familiar Origins" is also a story of children who are coming of age. The five children here have to grow up under abnormal circumstances and they are forced to grow up as quickly as they can. With the children going to the academy to specialize in some skills, it seems somewhat similar to the story of Harry Potter. B. Pine's "Familiar Origins" is not completely original but she manages to come up with a story that is riveting and exciting. It was a roller coaster ride for me, as I read the novel from start to finish in one sitting, so to say.

Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite

"The Defence of Troia" is a sweeping alternate history/ fantasy tale set in a world where the history of both elves and men are intertwined. As the second book of Dr. Neil Port's 'Paladin Chronicles', "The Defence of Troia" continues the adventures of Hakeem, Elana and Jacinta as they aid the besieged city of Troia. They must find a way to consolidate the city's defenses against the entire might of the Makedone army while searching for ancient elven artifacts that can aid in their struggle. Set in the cradle of Western civilization, "The Defence of Troia" is a vivid re-telling of the the rise and fall of the Greek and Macedonian cultures.

Historical fantasy really doesn't get better than this. Dr. Neil Port's attention to detail is extraordinary. I think I learned more about ancient warfare from reading this fantasy novel than from all the history books I read during high school. It is a rare author who can mesh fantasy and history into a compelling account, one that leaves the reader utterly unsure when reality stops and fantasy begins. The book is just epic in its scope and brilliant in its delivery. Interesting characters, exotic settings and brilliant military strategies all contrive to keep readers like myself hooked from start to finish. I found myself feeling Hakeem's pain as he watched men die. I found myself shaking with Jacinta as she survived the terror of battle. Writing in such a way to induce such empathy from readers is one of the strengths of this book. Every character, friend and foe alike, is a multifaceted being. No alternate history/fantasy novel is complete without sweeping armies and brutal battles. "The Defence of Troia" delivers a vivid account of ancient warfare with a fantasy twist that can leave readers contemplating military scenarios and tactical positioning hours after finishing the book. The battle scenes are incredibly detailed: gory, gritty and gut wrenching. I found myself rereading several passages and just letting my imagination wander in this wonderful world that Dr. Neil Port has intricately woven.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Emallya Lorant, survivor of a devastating war between good and evil, is a Spirit mage - most importantly a rider who lost her beloved dragon, as well as a chosen guardian of the dragon eggs. As five hundred years passed, she embarked in a quest to find and gather new dragon riders, who had been called by their respected unborn dragons to come to them. As she gathered them, they faced great difficulties from a world that no longer welcomes magic and considers dragons as evil. But their greatest threat comes from old, dark enemies, the worst of them all - the Shadow dragons and their riders.

I love stories that involve dragons whether in books, films or animations, and "Embers of Galdrilene" didn’t disappoint me. Every character, especially the young dragon riders, was introduced appropriately with no rush, allowing me to get to know them thoroughly. The characters were absolutely well-created, unique and believable, with his or her own background story. The young, budding romance between the young embers is also sweet. The ending promises more excitement to come in this series. I can’t wait to read more about the dragon riders as they grow with their dragons in Galdrilene. This is a great book with classic fantasy fiction of dragons and magicians brilliantly written by A.D. Trosper. Somehow she displays great skill as a writer that is worth teaching to the other fantasy writers, especially new ones, on how to write the perfect dragon and magician-themed fantasy story.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

"Destiny's Present" by Patricia C. Lee is the second book of the 'Daughters of the Crescent Moon series'. The sorceress Narena has done a lot of things for Leisos, advised the King, healed a young girl and even sent a Prince forward in time so that he did not die. As if all of that was not enough, she is now being asked to sacrifice even more to protect her people: a sacrifice of herself, her lover or her child. It could be that she has to sacrifice all three. Narena is always on the hunt for those who would threaten the royal family of Leisos and also for her daughter who was taken away from her when the little girl was born. The problem with this adventure? Narena finds out a great deal on this quest: love and hate, loyalty and betrayal and the biggest revelation of all.

Patricia C. Lee has created an enthralling story with all the characters in Destiny's present. I was riveted to the pages from the first to the last and trying to untie all the little strands of the story as I tugged along on them. I still have some questions, but I like that feeling. Some characters I love, some I hate and some I am not sure what to think of. Ardis the warrior is perhaps the foremost. I am not sure if I like his character or not, but I do know that I want to learn more. I enjoyed this book a great deal and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite

“Weeds” by F. Whitney Harrington is a remarkably entertaining work of science fiction, well worth reading by any and all fans of that genre. The premise is a simple one: an alien ship lands in a field on a remote farm, telepathically requesting permission to approach the farmer. With preliminaries out of the way, the aliens explain that the soil on his farm is rich with an element not yet discovered by human-kind, as it is very rare throughout the universe. The story’s title comes from the fact that the element is particularly potent in a specific weed growing on the farm, as it is taken up by the plants in their normal process of growing. The element, dubbed “Prolifity” by the aliens is, in essence, a fountain of youth, for by refining this element and using it medically, they had learned to conquer the aging process by regularly reinvigorating their bodies. Naturally such a substance is invaluable, attracting unwanted attention from a variety of undesirables, both human and alien. But good wins out over evil, and ultimately the entire universe is the better for it. All Derf, the farmer, has to do is grow weeds.

Derf has got to be the single most laid-back person in the universe. An alien spaceship lands in his field, aliens disembark and communicate telepathically, and he just sits in his rocker on the porch, watches them approach, and offers them a drink! I have never seen that scenario before in any book or movie, but it certainly turns out to be in character for Derf. Throughout this enchanting story, Derf plays well with the aliens, and even comes up with a number of ideas to further their objectives. F. Whitney Harrington has turned out an extraordinary new style of sci-fi that others will soon try to emulate. Keep an eye out for that name; it won’t be going away for a long time.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Garigard Kirton, or Garig to all, was only two weeks old when his parents were killed by three mages. Raised by his uncle and aunt, Charles and Madge Thompson, Garig was skillfully trained in magic and combat skills. His great-grandfather, Healer McGarkin, a Druid priest and a powerful mage, was supposed to visit Garig later that spring, much to Garig’s delight. But when the Trade Caravans came to the Valley, Garig learned that Healer McGarkin was missing. When his uncle didn't seem to worry about it, Garig decided to seek his great-grandfather on his own, a journey that would put his skills to the ultimate test. Along the way, he also learned about his family history and, most importantly, his great destiny.

A Mage’s Quest is the second installment by Gary and Isabel Walbourne in the series Guardian of the Dragons. Although I haven’t read the first book, I was able to enjoy the story as it is very well-written and there is sufficient background story to the characters for me to make the connection to the first installment. The story engaged me from start to finish. Overall, it is a complete fantasy book; great destiny for the hero, sword fights, magic and dragons! Fantasy fans of all ages will definitely want to give this book (and the series) a go. I, on the other hand, will seek out the first book, A Mage Is Born, to properly complete my reading and I look forward to the third book.