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.

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.