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Recommend this book:
Pearly Gates
Bonnie Solomon
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Pearly Gates by Bonnie D. Solomon follows the titular protagonist, a deceased drag performer named Pearly Gates, who works in waste management in a segmented afterlife where souls seek enlightenment. After a breakup with her soulmate Thunder, Pearly accepts a temporary role as a spirit guide, managing three human souls: Hannah, a widow; Danielle, a trans woman; and Sam, a cancer patient. While assisting them, Pearly wades through interactions in a small-town café that also houses the reincarnation of Thunder. She becomes involved in the lives of her charges and but is thrown into a romantic dilemma when one begins to develop feelings for Thunder. Throughout her assignment, Pearly braves the rules and expectations of the afterlife’s hierarchy and reevaluates her connection to those she guides.
Bonnie D. Solomon’s Pearly Gates is a spectacularly entertaining and unique novel, and one that immediately sucked me into a spirit world rocking original mythology, souls with auras, White Robes, and a fully detailed bureaucratic system. Solomon’s own settings are imaginative, clearly developed, and realistic when they are situated in the “real” world. Pearly's sarcasm is electric, and I want to see some of what she says embroidered on a pillow. This links itself to the plethora of humor and pop culture references, like Salt-n-Pepa’s “Push It” and Run DMC’s “It’s Like That,” adding a playful tone that balances the more emotional moments. The standout partnership for me is between Pearly and Hannah, and we see a really meaningful, emotive progression from uncertainty to mutual understanding. Overall, this is a tightly written and enjoyable read. Very highly recommended.
Pearly Gates by Bonnie D. Solomon follows the titular protagonist, a deceased drag performer named Pearly Gates, who works in waste management in a segmented afterlife where souls seek enlightenment. After a breakup with her soulmate Thunder, Pearly accepts a temporary role as a spirit guide, managing three human souls: Hannah, a widow; Danielle, a trans woman; and Sam, a cancer patient. While assisting them, Pearly wades through interactions in a small-town café that also houses the reincarnation of Thunder. She becomes involved in the lives of her charges and but is thrown into a romantic dilemma when one begins to develop feelings for Thunder. Throughout her assignment, Pearly braves the rules and expectations of the afterlife’s hierarchy and reevaluates her connection to those she guides.
Bonnie D. Solomon’s Pearly Gates is a spectacularly entertaining and unique novel, and one that immediately sucked me into a spirit world rocking original mythology, souls with auras, White Robes, and a fully detailed bureaucratic system. Solomon’s own settings are imaginative, clearly developed, and realistic when they are situated in the “real” world. Pearly's sarcasm is electric, and I want to see some of what she says embroidered on a pillow. This links itself to the plethora of humor and pop culture references, like Salt-n-Pepa’s “Push It” and Run DMC’s “It’s Like That,” adding a playful tone that balances the more emotional moments. The standout partnership for me is between Pearly and Hannah, and we see a really meaningful, emotive progression from uncertainty to mutual understanding. Overall, this is a tightly written and enjoyable read. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Demon Riding Shotgun
L. R. Braden
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Mirana ‘Mira’ Fuentes, in her mid-twenties, had been hosting a demon in her body since she was eleven. Unlike most rifters, possessed unstable people who stirred up chaos and destruction, Mira and her demon were a rare, balanced pair. Living in Baltimore, they hunted down rifters, ridding the city’s streets of trouble. However, when their latest target leads them to a balanced host, Mira is curious about the existence of others like her. Baltimore PD Homicide Detective Ty Williams, a former Paranatural Task Force member, has been saddled with a new case and partner he doesn’t want. But this is thanks to a recent crime scene showing overwhelming signs of magic. It is even more frustrating that the leads point to a one-night stand he recently had. He knows neither her name nor address. As Mira and Ty go after answers for their different dilemmas, they find themselves pulled into a conspiracy involving a corrupt real estate developer using black magic to make way for his grand plan for humanity. Can Ty and Mira work together to stop him? Find out in L. R. Braden’s Demon Riding Shotgun: Rifter series Book 1.
This white-knuckle page-turner will grab you by the scruff of your neck, drag you forward, and won’t let go until the final word. L. R. Braden’s Demon Riding Shotgun is a must-read for lovers of gripping, fast-paced urban fantasy with a blend of supernatural thrills, adventure, action, high stakes drama, and more. Braden weaves an ingenious plot featuring a dynamic, exciting cast. The storyline is run on a multi-perspective timeline, giving it a beautiful flow. The edge-of-the-seat suspense, spell-binding cliffhangers, and jaw-dropping plot twists hooked me. The colorful, cinematic descriptions brought the scenes to life on the pages. It felt like I was watching a Hollywood urban fantasy thriller. If you loved the chaos of Venom, this tour de force will grab you. It’s darker, sharper, and deadlier, with more grit and edge. I savored the sharp, lively conversations, filled with tension, urgency, banter, dark humor, and sarcasm. These gave depth to the cast’s conflicts, intricate emotions, and complex traits. This book is an incredible first installment in the Rifter series. I loved it. I’m on my way to find more of Braden’s terrific work.
Mirana ‘Mira’ Fuentes, in her mid-twenties, had been hosting a demon in her body since she was eleven. Unlike most rifters, possessed unstable people who stirred up chaos and destruction, Mira and her demon were a rare, balanced pair. Living in Baltimore, they hunted down rifters, ridding the city’s streets of trouble. However, when their latest target leads them to a balanced host, Mira is curious about the existence of others like her. Baltimore PD Homicide Detective Ty Williams, a former Paranatural Task Force member, has been saddled with a new case and partner he doesn’t want. But this is thanks to a recent crime scene showing overwhelming signs of magic. It is even more frustrating that the leads point to a one-night stand he recently had. He knows neither her name nor address. As Mira and Ty go after answers for their different dilemmas, they find themselves pulled into a conspiracy involving a corrupt real estate developer using black magic to make way for his grand plan for humanity. Can Ty and Mira work together to stop him? Find out in L. R. Braden’s Demon Riding Shotgun: Rifter series Book 1.
This white-knuckle page-turner will grab you by the scruff of your neck, drag you forward, and won’t let go until the final word. L. R. Braden’s Demon Riding Shotgun is a must-read for lovers of gripping, fast-paced urban fantasy with a blend of supernatural thrills, adventure, action, high stakes drama, and more. Braden weaves an ingenious plot featuring a dynamic, exciting cast. The storyline is run on a multi-perspective timeline, giving it a beautiful flow. The edge-of-the-seat suspense, spell-binding cliffhangers, and jaw-dropping plot twists hooked me. The colorful, cinematic descriptions brought the scenes to life on the pages. It felt like I was watching a Hollywood urban fantasy thriller. If you loved the chaos of Venom, this tour de force will grab you. It’s darker, sharper, and deadlier, with more grit and edge. I savored the sharp, lively conversations, filled with tension, urgency, banter, dark humor, and sarcasm. These gave depth to the cast’s conflicts, intricate emotions, and complex traits. This book is an incredible first installment in the Rifter series. I loved it. I’m on my way to find more of Braden’s terrific work.
Recommend this book:
Falling Stars
Julie Rogers
2025 Bronze Medal
461 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Falling Stars by Julie Rogers is an exciting urban fantasy that mixes medical drama with supernatural mystery. Tommy Lucas is a young boy with leukemia who thinks he’s a vampire and believes his illness is a curse on his bloodline. One day, he finds an online magazine telling the story of Viscount Claudius Fallon, a dhampyre from the 1940s who tried to find a cure for his condition. Tommy becomes convinced that Fallon has the answers he needs. What he doesn’t know is that Fallon—now living as a reclusive artist—has already been cured. Fallon has to decide whether to help Tommy or keep his past a secret. At the same time, he grows closer to Tommy’s mother, which only makes his decision harder. The story moves between past and present as we discover the ways people fight to save the ones they love.
Julie Rogers does a great job of mixing fantasy, medical drama, and history into a compelling story, and, because of this, the vampire lore feels new and different, making it stand out from other urban fantasies. There's a lot to make you root for the main characters in Tommy’s determination, Fallon’s troubled past, and June’s deep love for her son. Each one feels real, and their struggles pull you in and balance nicely with the supernatural elements to make everything believable. The way Rogers weaves past and present together keeps the story moving and adds plenty of mystery to keep you hooked on every twist. I especially liked how the author uses fantasy to explore real-life struggles of physical illness and what we allow ourselves to believe. Tommy’s journey shows how stories can give people hope even in the hardest times of their lives. It's an idea that stuck with me long after I finished reading. Overall, I highly recommend Falling Stars to anyone who loves original fantasy stories with real heart.
Falling Stars by Julie Rogers is an exciting urban fantasy that mixes medical drama with supernatural mystery. Tommy Lucas is a young boy with leukemia who thinks he’s a vampire and believes his illness is a curse on his bloodline. One day, he finds an online magazine telling the story of Viscount Claudius Fallon, a dhampyre from the 1940s who tried to find a cure for his condition. Tommy becomes convinced that Fallon has the answers he needs. What he doesn’t know is that Fallon—now living as a reclusive artist—has already been cured. Fallon has to decide whether to help Tommy or keep his past a secret. At the same time, he grows closer to Tommy’s mother, which only makes his decision harder. The story moves between past and present as we discover the ways people fight to save the ones they love.
Julie Rogers does a great job of mixing fantasy, medical drama, and history into a compelling story, and, because of this, the vampire lore feels new and different, making it stand out from other urban fantasies. There's a lot to make you root for the main characters in Tommy’s determination, Fallon’s troubled past, and June’s deep love for her son. Each one feels real, and their struggles pull you in and balance nicely with the supernatural elements to make everything believable. The way Rogers weaves past and present together keeps the story moving and adds plenty of mystery to keep you hooked on every twist. I especially liked how the author uses fantasy to explore real-life struggles of physical illness and what we allow ourselves to believe. Tommy’s journey shows how stories can give people hope even in the hardest times of their lives. It's an idea that stuck with me long after I finished reading. Overall, I highly recommend Falling Stars to anyone who loves original fantasy stories with real heart.
Recommend this book:
Grover Wilcox Goes to the Circus
Martin Lastrapes
2025 Silver Medal
477 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Grover Wilcox Goes to the Circus by Martin Lastrapes is an urban fantasy about Grover Wilcox, an English professor who always dreamed of joining the circus but never had any real skills. Until a kitchen fire in which he should have died but didn’t. Grover is fireproof. When the Grambling Brothers Travelling Circus Show arrives in town, he can’t resist going, and his newfound power earns him an offer he can’t refuse. It doesn’t take him long to learn that this is more than just a circus. Beneath the surface, a dark, sinister secret is hiding, and Grover begins to realize he might have been a bit too hasty. What secret is the circus hiding? And can Grover escape unscathed?
Grover Wilcox Goes to the Circus by Martin Lastrapes is an incredible story. Yes, it has some bad language and violence, not to mention a few sexual scenes, but it all fits in with the plot, and there is plenty of humor to lighten the load. This is a twisty plot, and it will take you in all directions, but it is one of the most unique plots with plenty of action and solid dialog. The characters are well-developed and very likable, and you’ll love the main protagonist, Grover—a relatable character with a real personality. Lastrapes has a wonderfully creative imagination, which shines through in this story, written in the first person, which is not always easy to pull off, but it works perfectly here. With plenty of suspense, this will keep you hooked from start to finish. Highly enjoyable and recommended for anyone who wants to escape reality for a while.
Grover Wilcox Goes to the Circus by Martin Lastrapes is an urban fantasy about Grover Wilcox, an English professor who always dreamed of joining the circus but never had any real skills. Until a kitchen fire in which he should have died but didn’t. Grover is fireproof. When the Grambling Brothers Travelling Circus Show arrives in town, he can’t resist going, and his newfound power earns him an offer he can’t refuse. It doesn’t take him long to learn that this is more than just a circus. Beneath the surface, a dark, sinister secret is hiding, and Grover begins to realize he might have been a bit too hasty. What secret is the circus hiding? And can Grover escape unscathed?
Grover Wilcox Goes to the Circus by Martin Lastrapes is an incredible story. Yes, it has some bad language and violence, not to mention a few sexual scenes, but it all fits in with the plot, and there is plenty of humor to lighten the load. This is a twisty plot, and it will take you in all directions, but it is one of the most unique plots with plenty of action and solid dialog. The characters are well-developed and very likable, and you’ll love the main protagonist, Grover—a relatable character with a real personality. Lastrapes has a wonderfully creative imagination, which shines through in this story, written in the first person, which is not always easy to pull off, but it works perfectly here. With plenty of suspense, this will keep you hooked from start to finish. Highly enjoyable and recommended for anyone who wants to escape reality for a while.
Recommend this book:
First Death
Vampire Shadower Series Book 1
Kyona Jiles
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
First Death by Kyona Jiles delves into the life of Kinsley Preston, a 21-year-old student of the University of Washington whose seemingly ordinary life undergoes an unexpected shift. After the deaths of her parents, Kinsley decides to take care of her Aunt Marie, her mother's eccentric friend. Taking up an offer from her enigmatic college professor, Beck, Kinsley sells her house and moves into his condo with Aunt Marie and her best friend, Rachel. Kinsley inherits a mysterious book that ushers shocking changes into her life. Kinsley learns about the paranormal world, filled with vampires, vampire hunters, and shapeshifters who seamlessly blend into the regular human world. She discovers she is a Shadower—an individual gifted with supernatural powers and the ability to protect shifters and good vampires. Dangerous vampires have their eyes on Kinsley. Can her new allies safeguard her? Will she learn to master her abilities to protect the people she loves?
First Death is an action-packed vampire thriller filled with drama, peril, suspense, and romance. Kyona Jiles does an excellent job of combining the dangerous allure of the supernatural universe and the regular human world. What truly sets this story apart is the strength of the main character. Kinsley isn't merely a pawn in a deadly game of survival—she’s resourceful, resilient, and willing to confront the evils that threaten to consume her and those she cares about. Watching her navigate a world filled with vampire hierarchy, secrets, danger, and supernatural abilities is enthralling. The blend of romance and paranormal elements produces an intriguing read that will satiate the cravings of any vampire enthusiast. The opening chapters may appear to be a little tempered at first, especially if you prefer fast-paced narratives. But as the action builds and the momentum accelerates, you will be fully immersed in a plot teeming with characters crafted to capture your attention until the end. If you love strong female leads and paranormal fiction that pushes the boundaries of what you might typically anticipate, this book is a certified must-read.
First Death by Kyona Jiles delves into the life of Kinsley Preston, a 21-year-old student of the University of Washington whose seemingly ordinary life undergoes an unexpected shift. After the deaths of her parents, Kinsley decides to take care of her Aunt Marie, her mother's eccentric friend. Taking up an offer from her enigmatic college professor, Beck, Kinsley sells her house and moves into his condo with Aunt Marie and her best friend, Rachel. Kinsley inherits a mysterious book that ushers shocking changes into her life. Kinsley learns about the paranormal world, filled with vampires, vampire hunters, and shapeshifters who seamlessly blend into the regular human world. She discovers she is a Shadower—an individual gifted with supernatural powers and the ability to protect shifters and good vampires. Dangerous vampires have their eyes on Kinsley. Can her new allies safeguard her? Will she learn to master her abilities to protect the people she loves?
First Death is an action-packed vampire thriller filled with drama, peril, suspense, and romance. Kyona Jiles does an excellent job of combining the dangerous allure of the supernatural universe and the regular human world. What truly sets this story apart is the strength of the main character. Kinsley isn't merely a pawn in a deadly game of survival—she’s resourceful, resilient, and willing to confront the evils that threaten to consume her and those she cares about. Watching her navigate a world filled with vampire hierarchy, secrets, danger, and supernatural abilities is enthralling. The blend of romance and paranormal elements produces an intriguing read that will satiate the cravings of any vampire enthusiast. The opening chapters may appear to be a little tempered at first, especially if you prefer fast-paced narratives. But as the action builds and the momentum accelerates, you will be fully immersed in a plot teeming with characters crafted to capture your attention until the end. If you love strong female leads and paranormal fiction that pushes the boundaries of what you might typically anticipate, this book is a certified must-read.
Recommend this book:
Tegen Alliance
Tegens Book 6
Inge-Lise Goss
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Tegen Alliance is the sixth book in the Tegen series by Inge-Lise Goss. Sara was running high on her mission to eliminate organized crime families that had a direct link with Conner Crusset. However, this time Conner and Sara wanted the same thing. A customer of the crime syndicate had murdered three of his people, and Conner wanted revenge. While his father advised him against retaliation, Conner was ready to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, while Sara was always happy to kick any organized crime family where it hurt them the most. Joining hands, the duo devised a plan to infiltrate the customer’s business and break it down from within. However, things were not as easy as they seemed in the beginning. It didn’t take long for Sara to start questioning whether her cover had been blown. Was this the end of the road for her?
Sara’s growth truly blew me away in Tegan Alliance. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I adored her. She was comfortable with herself, had complete control of her abilities, and could manipulate situations. She was confident and the perfect protagonist. Conner, on the other hand, was not exactly her opposite, but he complemented her incredibly well. He was cunning and loved Sara. Inge-Lise Goss made sure her readers were fully invested in the story from the outset. The prologue set the tone of the story, and Sara took over from the very first chapter. I loved the pace, the action, and the elements of mystery and suspense. The foreshadowing was on point, the development was perfect, and the character development was fantastic. I have never followed a series as passionately as I have with this one, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Tegen Alliance is the sixth book in the Tegen series by Inge-Lise Goss. Sara was running high on her mission to eliminate organized crime families that had a direct link with Conner Crusset. However, this time Conner and Sara wanted the same thing. A customer of the crime syndicate had murdered three of his people, and Conner wanted revenge. While his father advised him against retaliation, Conner was ready to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, while Sara was always happy to kick any organized crime family where it hurt them the most. Joining hands, the duo devised a plan to infiltrate the customer’s business and break it down from within. However, things were not as easy as they seemed in the beginning. It didn’t take long for Sara to start questioning whether her cover had been blown. Was this the end of the road for her?
Sara’s growth truly blew me away in Tegan Alliance. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I adored her. She was comfortable with herself, had complete control of her abilities, and could manipulate situations. She was confident and the perfect protagonist. Conner, on the other hand, was not exactly her opposite, but he complemented her incredibly well. He was cunning and loved Sara. Inge-Lise Goss made sure her readers were fully invested in the story from the outset. The prologue set the tone of the story, and Sara took over from the very first chapter. I loved the pace, the action, and the elements of mystery and suspense. The foreshadowing was on point, the development was perfect, and the character development was fantastic. I have never followed a series as passionately as I have with this one, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Recommend this book:
Pringle Prawn
Michael Scott Clifton
2024 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Alicia DeBerry for Readers' Favorite
Ben thought his luck was changing. He has his career, an iconic VW bus, a hot, wealthy girlfriend, and he'd bought an old fixer-upper in an upscale neighborhood. His new home has a secret that Michael Scott Clifton reveals in Pringle Prawn. His new home is fully furnished so when Ben opens a mysterious grandfather clock, he finds himself dropped into a magical land. There he meets Pringle, a six-inch prawn who saves his life. When Ben returns to his world, Pringle returns with him. A series of hilarious events unfold as Pringle adjusts to the modern world and tries to help Ben using pinches of fairy dust. Pringle's feelings for Ben have grown over time and she must decide whether to return to her world or follow her heart and stay with Ben.
Michael Scott Clifton's plot drops you right into the action in Pringle Prawn at a rapid pace. I was overwhelmed with turmoil as Ben was trying to figure out how to save his life and the lives of his friends. I loved the vivid descriptions of the creatures and the beauty of the new land inside the grandfather clock. The crew Pringle makes brings fun and hilarious characters. I was always surprised and snorted with laughter. The witty door is my favorite. The theme of sacrificing for the ones you love is carried strongly throughout Ben and Pringle's relationship. I would recommend fans of action, drama, and romance to indulge in reading this book.
Ben thought his luck was changing. He has his career, an iconic VW bus, a hot, wealthy girlfriend, and he'd bought an old fixer-upper in an upscale neighborhood. His new home has a secret that Michael Scott Clifton reveals in Pringle Prawn. His new home is fully furnished so when Ben opens a mysterious grandfather clock, he finds himself dropped into a magical land. There he meets Pringle, a six-inch prawn who saves his life. When Ben returns to his world, Pringle returns with him. A series of hilarious events unfold as Pringle adjusts to the modern world and tries to help Ben using pinches of fairy dust. Pringle's feelings for Ben have grown over time and she must decide whether to return to her world or follow her heart and stay with Ben.
Michael Scott Clifton's plot drops you right into the action in Pringle Prawn at a rapid pace. I was overwhelmed with turmoil as Ben was trying to figure out how to save his life and the lives of his friends. I loved the vivid descriptions of the creatures and the beauty of the new land inside the grandfather clock. The crew Pringle makes brings fun and hilarious characters. I was always surprised and snorted with laughter. The witty door is my favorite. The theme of sacrificing for the ones you love is carried strongly throughout Ben and Pringle's relationship. I would recommend fans of action, drama, and romance to indulge in reading this book.
Recommend this book:
The Storm Awakened
Chronicles of Storm Book One
N.M. Thorn
2024 Bronze Medal
416 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Storm Awakened is a work of fiction in the fantasy, mythology, and adventure genres, and is the opening novel of the Chronicles of Storm series. Penned by author N.M. Thorn, the novel introduces Declan Storm, who seeks peace after a stint in prison, only to be thrust into chaos when vampires terrorize Key West. Amidst this, a priceless codex theft and a deadly monster ramp up the tension. As Declan investigates, ancient secrets and betrayals surface, forcing him to confront his dangerous past and outsmart a vengeful foe. This is an electrifying read that kept me engrossed from the first page with its rich blend of urban fantasy and Slavic mythology.
N.M. Thorn dives into the mystique, grit, and depth of these cultural and atmospheric influences, creating a richly textured world filled with dynamic characters and intense action that is realistically dark and dangerous. Declan Storm's journey is fraught with suspense thanks to the close narrative style and the emotional presentation of the character that has us rooting for him as we feel every struggle and challenge viscerally. While the intricate plot and unexpected twists really put him to the test, they also keep us guessing until the very end, thanks to some very satisfying details. Thorn's vivid descriptions and skillful pacing introduce us to a gorgeous, dangerous world and a thrilling adventure that leaves us eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Overall, I would highly recommend The Storm Awakened as a must-read for urban fantasy and mythology fans everywhere to enjoy.
The Storm Awakened is a work of fiction in the fantasy, mythology, and adventure genres, and is the opening novel of the Chronicles of Storm series. Penned by author N.M. Thorn, the novel introduces Declan Storm, who seeks peace after a stint in prison, only to be thrust into chaos when vampires terrorize Key West. Amidst this, a priceless codex theft and a deadly monster ramp up the tension. As Declan investigates, ancient secrets and betrayals surface, forcing him to confront his dangerous past and outsmart a vengeful foe. This is an electrifying read that kept me engrossed from the first page with its rich blend of urban fantasy and Slavic mythology.
N.M. Thorn dives into the mystique, grit, and depth of these cultural and atmospheric influences, creating a richly textured world filled with dynamic characters and intense action that is realistically dark and dangerous. Declan Storm's journey is fraught with suspense thanks to the close narrative style and the emotional presentation of the character that has us rooting for him as we feel every struggle and challenge viscerally. While the intricate plot and unexpected twists really put him to the test, they also keep us guessing until the very end, thanks to some very satisfying details. Thorn's vivid descriptions and skillful pacing introduce us to a gorgeous, dangerous world and a thrilling adventure that leaves us eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Overall, I would highly recommend The Storm Awakened as a must-read for urban fantasy and mythology fans everywhere to enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Resurrection
Book I of The Martyr Series
MC Hunton
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Resurrection is the first book in The Martyr Series by MC Hunton. Darius Jones lived in New York City with no excitement, just existing. All he wanted was to survive, live to see another day, and do his best. With no one to live for and no one to fight for, Darius simply exists but then he is suddenly exposed to the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sins, walking among humans in host bodies, caused chaos. To counteract the evil, the Virtues also walked the earth, but they needed the help of more people to lessen the impact of the evil. These people were called the Martyrs, and Darius was the new recruit. Needless to say, Darius was in over his head and had no idea what he was supposed to do. He needed to figure out a way to find his footing in this new reality before it was too late. Was Darius cut out to be part of this battle between good and evil?
Thrilling, captivating, and exciting, Resurrection was everything I hoped it would be and more. The story was fantastic. You don’t easily come across a novel that does justice to the supernatural genre, and author MC Hunton nailed it! From the beginning, I knew I would love Darius and his kind heart. He was tough, clever, and very intelligent, but he had a gentle heart that hurt for other people in bad situations. His character arc was fantastic, and his growth was incredible. There was hardly a moment in the story that made me question the plot or the author’s skill in making this a remarkable novel for the reader. The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins being real forces of evil is both terrifying and fascinating. MC Hunton crafted a world where these sins have infiltrated society and corrupted individuals. Darius is a relatable protagonist, struggling to find his place in a chaotic world. His journey of self-discovery and redemption is engaging. My heart was pounding at times, but the rush of excitement was worth it. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series, but this introduction to the characters and the universe was out of this world!
Resurrection is the first book in The Martyr Series by MC Hunton. Darius Jones lived in New York City with no excitement, just existing. All he wanted was to survive, live to see another day, and do his best. With no one to live for and no one to fight for, Darius simply exists but then he is suddenly exposed to the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sins, walking among humans in host bodies, caused chaos. To counteract the evil, the Virtues also walked the earth, but they needed the help of more people to lessen the impact of the evil. These people were called the Martyrs, and Darius was the new recruit. Needless to say, Darius was in over his head and had no idea what he was supposed to do. He needed to figure out a way to find his footing in this new reality before it was too late. Was Darius cut out to be part of this battle between good and evil?
Thrilling, captivating, and exciting, Resurrection was everything I hoped it would be and more. The story was fantastic. You don’t easily come across a novel that does justice to the supernatural genre, and author MC Hunton nailed it! From the beginning, I knew I would love Darius and his kind heart. He was tough, clever, and very intelligent, but he had a gentle heart that hurt for other people in bad situations. His character arc was fantastic, and his growth was incredible. There was hardly a moment in the story that made me question the plot or the author’s skill in making this a remarkable novel for the reader. The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins being real forces of evil is both terrifying and fascinating. MC Hunton crafted a world where these sins have infiltrated society and corrupted individuals. Darius is a relatable protagonist, struggling to find his place in a chaotic world. His journey of self-discovery and redemption is engaging. My heart was pounding at times, but the rush of excitement was worth it. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series, but this introduction to the characters and the universe was out of this world!
Recommend this book:
Iron Unicorn
Agents of the Royal States Book 2
Susan Copperfield
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Iron Unicorn is the second book in the Agents of the Royal States series by Susan Copperfield. RPS Agent Terry was the head of the security detail for Queen Rachel during her stay in New York. All he had to do was keep the queen safe and sound in New York, and he thought that was easy enough. However, things changed when he found out Princess Olivia of Montana needed to have surgery to breathe properly. Unable to stop himself, Terry knew he couldn’t leave her alone. He would do anything for Olivia, even if it meant breaking his heart in the process. Little did he know, Olivia had a surprise for him as well. There were sparks between them, a chemistry that neither of them could deny, but who would take the first step?
What an incredible, light-hearted romance! The plot was filled with action, great characters, and a sweet love story that had me smiling until the end. I was hooked on this book from the very beginning, and I admit that I finished it in one sitting. I loved Terry and his personality. He reminded me of myself, and I enjoyed that. I formed a connection with him immediately and waited to see what would happen next. The story was sweet, humorous, and perfect for a romantic pick-me-up. The descriptions were good, the imagery was vivid, and the dialogues were crisp. I loved the ending, and I adored the relationship between Terry and Olivia. Now, I want to read the first novel in the series and then reread Iron Unicorn. Kudos to Susan Copperfield!
Iron Unicorn is the second book in the Agents of the Royal States series by Susan Copperfield. RPS Agent Terry was the head of the security detail for Queen Rachel during her stay in New York. All he had to do was keep the queen safe and sound in New York, and he thought that was easy enough. However, things changed when he found out Princess Olivia of Montana needed to have surgery to breathe properly. Unable to stop himself, Terry knew he couldn’t leave her alone. He would do anything for Olivia, even if it meant breaking his heart in the process. Little did he know, Olivia had a surprise for him as well. There were sparks between them, a chemistry that neither of them could deny, but who would take the first step?
What an incredible, light-hearted romance! The plot was filled with action, great characters, and a sweet love story that had me smiling until the end. I was hooked on this book from the very beginning, and I admit that I finished it in one sitting. I loved Terry and his personality. He reminded me of myself, and I enjoyed that. I formed a connection with him immediately and waited to see what would happen next. The story was sweet, humorous, and perfect for a romantic pick-me-up. The descriptions were good, the imagery was vivid, and the dialogues were crisp. I loved the ending, and I adored the relationship between Terry and Olivia. Now, I want to read the first novel in the series and then reread Iron Unicorn. Kudos to Susan Copperfield!
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