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.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Dark Solus is a dark tale of revenge. This tale grabs your interest from the beginning by introducing you to Dark’s parents. The story begins in the dark of night with two figures being hunted. Elim tried to send his half elfin love Leynorr, to safety for she carried his child. She managed to escape to the Albatross and waited for her beloved. After battling animated rock statues, Halflings, humanoids, and Kalifen, the Arch Mage, Elim joined her on the ship.

From here our story moves forward in time, where we meet Dark and his hell horse, Nightmare. Mephisto was training Dark, his grandson, when the evil Taliesin appeared bragging about the murder of Dark’s parents and challenging Mephisto who quickly shifted into a dragon like creature. From that moment on thirteen year old Dark desired vengeance. For ten years Dark studied and trained with Styg. He knew that was not enough. He continued his preparations by taking on quests for talismans that will help him destroy those that destroyed his loved ones.

Dark Solus is a dark tale filled with magic, dragons, and dark characters. Author David Andrew Crawford presents readers with a tale that will make the most discriminating Dungeons and Dragons fans beg for more. As the reader journeys with Dark on his many quests, he/she will meet many outstanding characters. Crawford carefully molds the characters into creatures that seem to climb off the page. While the plot of Dark Solus is excellent, it was the characters that kept me turning the pages.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Paula Paul, author of Wizard spins a delight tale featuring Merlin’s younger sister. Fifteen year old, Meghan was planning a visit to Amorika in the eleventh century but ended up in America’s twenty first century. It seems Merlin has a bit of trouble when it comes to forward-projecting calculations. Her landing lacked grace when she ended up face down in a duck pond. She later discovered she was at a university and the young man that offered her assistance was Ryan. Ryan’s father recognized Meghan’s language as Brethon. He sent for his sister Alicia, a new age witch/psychic diviner.

Paula Paul is a genius. She has interspersed the “myth” of Arthur, Merlin and Morgan Fey with a modern day tale. I’ve always been captivated by King Arthur, the Wizard Merlin, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot. The subject matter of this book piqued my interest and I read it all in one sitting. I found it fascinating to watch Meghan adapt to today’s world. She soon learns what it is like to be the “new” girl in town, to match wits with a bunch of bullies, to be arrested and to meet “her knight in shining armor.”

I’ve always been a fan of the mystical tales of Arthur, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. Paula Paul has put a unique twist on the tales. This book appealed to me but will also appeal to middle school and high school students. It was fun to watch Meghan’s reaction to modern things that we take for granted. The lead characters, Meghan and Ryan played well together. Paula Paul is an award winning author. While this is the first of her books I have read, it definitely won’t be the last.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Camnin was forced to do battle against his will by the Trisaders. After many years he saw the opportunity to flee and did. Twenty-one year old Camnin struggled to survive the desert. As the sun beat down on him he held tight to the amulet and longed for home. His last thoughts before unconsciousness overtook him was of his mom and dad and the time they gave him the amulet; it was a rich, almost orange, color. They told him it was bronzium and found in the Argalast Mountains. He was a mere seven years old at the time. When he regained consciousness a beautiful young woman was with him and he assumed she was a goddess. Cephiri touched him and healing power flowed from her. When he was stronger she took him to Eledock, one of the Judges. The wise man learned the secret of the amulet and Camnin’s unusual gift for knowing the memories of others through his dreams. However, he does not share any of it with Camnin, recognizing that Camnin must discover the truths for himself. The general of the Trisaders destroyed all in their path, determined to find the keeper of the amulet, fearing the prophecy will come true.

Brian del Rio offers readers an exciting adventure in his book "Secrets of the Amulet". He managed to successfully combine action, adventure, romance, fantasy, and sci fi in the same plot so that this book will appeal to a broad group of readers. The romance between Camnin and Cephiri was touching. I loved watching it develop. Del Rio managed to capture pure evil in some of his characters. It was a pleasure to dislike them and to see their demise. This is the first book in a new series. I look forward to reading the next installment.

Reviewed by Sylvia Heslin for Readers' Favorite

"The Glass Flowers" tells the story of Lalita Khatoun, a young mortal girl who is an orphan being raised by her aunt and uncle, and who has lost her only brother Kholi, a traveller. Lalita is a very talented and humble writer and illustrator who has the honor to commission an illustrated copy of "A Thousand and One Nights" for the Sultan Mohan. In a tragic turn of events foreseen by fate, Lalita is sold to the Grand Vizier by her evil Uncle Kurdeesh to work in a harem, the royal Seraglio. Lalita becomes one of the odalisques for the Grand Sultan while also working on her illustrated works for "A Thousand and One Nights". Finnian, a Faeran, also known as an Other, possesses magick powers and was reared by his evil grandmother, Isolde, and after unsuccessfully trying to poison the old woman, Finnian is on the run to try to escape from her wrath. With a mission in mind, Finnian seeks to destroy his grandmother and in the process destroys the Cantrip of Life, a secret charm that his grandmother wishes to possess. In a twist of fate, the young Lalita and Finnian are destined to meet and fall in love. Both of them are bound together to solve the mystery of each of their brother’s demise while seeking to destroy and rid the world of the Cantrips and thereby saving all of humanity.

This very well-written fantasy tale of "The Glass Flowers" by Prue Batten is one filled with extreme tragedy, heartbreaking sorrow, love and redemption. I feel that author Prue Batten does a good job of making the two worlds of Lalita and Finnian come alive. The two young souls, woven and linked together forever by chance, and with both of their destinies paving the way, discover the link between the kindred friendships of both of their brothers who had been taken away from them by happenstance and fate. Her very flowery and descriptive words ebb and flow beautifully making her literary work leap and dance off the pages. The two very distinctive worlds of the Faeran Others with their world filled with magick, sprites and otherworldly spirits, equally divides and shares a place within the mortal world of Lalita’s. The despair and the sorrow felt by both of the protagonists is a believable one where one’s destiny also truly lies in the hands of fate. I recommend this fantasy book to all readers who enjoy their love stories filled with hope and magic. This is a story that you will not easily forget and one that will touch the depths of your hearts.

Reviewed by Sylvia Heslin for Readers' Favorite

In Marked, Soul Guardians Book One by Kim Richardson, Kara Nightingale is chosen to be part of the legion of angels who are chosen to become guardian angels, or soul savers. After sixteen-year-old Kara is hit by a bus, her soul is saved, and she becomes one of the chosen: a guardian angel for others whose lives suddenly ended as tragically as hers did. The story follows Kara and her guardian angel keeper, petty officer David, as they attempt to save souls from the demons and as they try to keep the demons at bay. At the same time, they must guard their own angel life force from the demons. Kara and David's soul saving assignments become much more difficult when they discover that the demons are actually after Kara and that she has been "marked." The story continues with Kara being forced to prove she is innocent of being a traitor. She is sent on a life changing special assignment, or "Life Quest," that will change life as she knows it forever.

I really loved this book from the beginning to the end, and I can't wait to read the sequel, Book Two. I really enjoyed how Kim Richardson's story takes unexpected twists and turns at almost every angle and keeps the reader riveted for more. This book is a definite page turner, and I would recommend it for anyone who loves and believes in the supernatural, angels and demons, and reincarnation.