Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Magic has almost disappeared from our world, due to the influence of first the industrial revolution, and then the technological revolution, but unknown to most of us mere mortals, magic creatures - werewolves, shifters, vampires, witches, and Fae - still live amongst us. Eleanor Morgan is a Fae Princess whose task it is to open the gates and allow magic back into our world, to try to restore the balance to earth, destroyed by humanity’s relentless drive for power and technology. Assisted by her mate, a werewolf called Isaac, a witch called Florence, and a rather gorgeous, ancient vampire by the name of Raj, Eleanor must fight off those determined to stop her opening the magic portals. In The Waning Moon by Amy Cissell, Eleanor will attempt to open two more of these portals. As each gate to the magic world is opened, more and more of man’s technology will die, leaving humanity struggling for survival in a world without electricity, communication and the comforts of the modern day life.

I’m not a regular reader of fantasy, werewolves, and magic, but Amy Cissell’s The Waning Moon certainly captured my attention. I found the humour and gentle sarcasm of the characters right up my alley. By writing this in the first person, through Eleanor’s eyes, the author has given us entry into her mind, her thinking and her turmoil about the task she is entrusted with. I found this totally refreshing and exciting. For me, the best character had to be the thousand-year-old vampire, Raj. His constant innuendo and double-entendre kept Eleanor on her toes and me, as a reader, totally engaged with the story. The Waning Moon is the second in the Eleanor Morgan series and I think I can pay Cissell no greater compliment than to say reading this book inspires me to read the first book in the series and to continue with the entire series, as it is completed. This is a winner and one of the best in its genre that I’ve read of late.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Nor The Battle To The Strong - Intertwined Souls: Eva and Zoe Book 6 by Mary D. Brooks is the story of how a woman’s need to find closure can stir up some bad memories and incidents from the past that best stay where they belong. I’m not new to this series and this is the sixth novel by Mary D. Brooks that I have read. I was glad to see that these two beloved heroines are still great. A lot of that has to do with the great way Mary D. Brooks writes and pulls you right in, and the rest is all because of the great story line.

The story follows Eva and Zoe, two women who found love, friendship and companionship with each other, and now they finally have the life together that they craved. However, the past comes knocking again when Eva and Zoe go back to the Aiden Research Facility where 18 years ago Eva was a victim of the cruel and brutal ways of the sick men. Eva believes that she is ready to confront her past and be done with that chapter in her life; Zoe is there to provide her with support and help her achieve whatever she wants. However, things are not so easy. There is a mystery there that needs to be resolved. Although these two amazing women went back to the Aiden Research Facility to open a memorial for the lost souls of that facility, they are now stuck. What will happen next? You need to read the book to find out.

Brooks does an amazing job of building the story without losing sight of the characters’ past struggles. I was happy to meet Zoe and Eva once again, and I was glad that I read this novel. Right from the first chapter, I had a big smile on my face because I missed these women so much. As always, the storyline is very powerful, but these two women are even stronger and better than ever. I love their partnership and how they look out for each other. They show that you don’t need a man to be strong and you don’t need a man to help you. If you are strong and the person next to you loves you and believes in you, you can conquer mountains. I love these two women and I love Mary D. Brooks for writing such an amazing novel.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Invasion by Roxanne Bland revolves around three different individuals: the alpha of a werewolf pack, Parker, Seattle's vampire master, Kurt, and mage Garrett. After failing at a tryst to stop Seattle's riots, the three start experiencing potentially damaging side effects when their auras start merging together. When Garrett wakes up covered in blood, she turns to her old mentor, Feodor, for guidance. Meanwhile, Kurt is experiencing a serious drain in his powers which, if discovered, could send others to challenge him. Parker struggles to mend his broken heart and a sudden thirst for blood when his love, Shen'zae Melera, returns to earth with the shocking news that her enemy, Mag Beloc, has followed her and will stop at nothing to get her back, even if it destroys the world. Despite tension and jealousy, the four are forced to work together to stop Beloc before it's too late.

The plot is layered and complicated, following Parker, Kurt, and Garrett's individual journeys dealing with their side effects, while also blending in Melera in space and a potential alien invasion. Roxanne Bland flawlessly weaves each thread together, building upon each one and bringing them together into one succinct story. The world is gritty and the core characters are forced into hiding, pretending to be human, for in this society any supernatural being is executed upon proof of what they are. They constantly live in fear of being discovered, but they're also dealing with supernatural politics. If Kurt shows weakness, he can be challenged and killed, with his position going to the winner.

Though they're powerful supernatural beings, Bland makes them realistic, emotional, and allows for you to form a real connection with them. They have so much at stake, due to their auras blending together, that it's easy to understand what they're feeling. This makes them a bit unpredictable because they're willing to do whatever they can to protect themselves. This makes them a little dangerous, but also sympathetic. They're all wonderfully flawed, but there's something good about each of them that makes them redeeming. The tension between them makes for an endearing plot, especially since they're literally connected to each other, and forced to rely on people they're not particularly fond of at the moment. Garrett lied to Kurt and Parker about the tryst, while Kurt also betrayed Parker, and then it's topped off with a dose of jealousy, making for a fun read. Invasion is a marvelous blend of science fiction action, magic, a gritty society, and romance.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

A botched stakeout led to the death of Amy Bree’s partner and her dismissal from the FBI in Bloodline (The CULL, Book 1) by Eric J. Gates, a supernatural thriller about vampires that are different from the classic ones that we know. A serial killer known as the Blood Sucker has killed more than a dozen people, painting the walls of their homes with their own blood. Amy thought she was out of the game for good until a Vatican priest hired her and reinstated her as a Homeland Security agent to continue her hunt for the infamous killer. Meanwhile, nurse Anka Syzmanski can’t ignore her fear of Doctor Heinrich Neumann, despite his gentle manner towards the staff and the patients. There’s something about him that reminds her of the old tales from her native Poland about demons who preyed on people in isolated villages.

I applaud Gates for the well thought out premise, plot, and the way he made his vampires unique, deftly using the classic theme to make the series stand out from other bloodsucker stories. The writing style complements the swift pacing, and there are plenty of action filled and suspenseful moments. Solid characterization gives the characters enough depth and believable traits. The intelligent but somewhat complicated Amy Bree is easy to root for. That said, I’m more fond of the brilliant and much wiser ex-spy ‘Mrs.’ Katie Lindon. These two make an impressive team and through their investigation we get to know the Blood Sucker clue by clue, which also reveals the hidden layers of Cancelli and Neumann. When the POV shifts to the elusive serial killer, we learn more about his persona, strength, and particularly his flaws. Some of the small characters also have a firm place in their roles when it comes to piecing together the evidence. Several aspects of the plot are slightly predictable, but in essence Bloodline is gripping, fun, and kept me intrigued from start to finish.

Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite

In the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way. Summer Cassidy, a pre-doctorate archaeologist determined to achieve that objective at all costs, is forced to sell a priceless Aztec necklace at the Texas Charity Auction to raise money for further exploration of a temple in Mexico. Here she meets Bachelor #103, a man who finds her description of human sacrifice charming rather than appalling. He buys her necklace for millions; she buys his company for a quarter. One coffee date, a dinner, and a curse later, Summer is thrown into a deadly adventure where magic, cinnabar, gods, and ghosts control her destiny as she struggles to solve a mysterious curse that could give her everything she’d dreamed of or cost her life.

In The Captive King, one of three stand-alone novels in the Royal States Series, Susan Copperfield has delivered a romantic fantasy tale of unequaled suspense, adventure, mystery and imagination. In a future world, that followed a revolution, the United States has been divided into individual kingdoms. The populations of these kingdoms consist of royals, elites, regular folks and a group of talents—those who can manipulate the elements, foretell events or determine a person’s truthfulness, among other things. Summer is an earth weaver, prized at archaeological sites for her ability to move, reshape, or excavate dirt and stone with her mind and hands. She discovers the jade necklace, the crux of the story, which she sells at auction and kicks off the events for the rest of the story.

The Captive King is among the most compelling, imaginative and dynamic stories in this genre that I’ve read in a long time. Summer and Bachelor #103, aka Landon, provide a constant series of the most facetious, sarcastic, and alternatively loving and allegorical dialogue I’ve ever read. Their story is fast paced, the characters beautifully and perfectly portrayed. The mystery and the magical elements of the story are mesmerizing and unforgettable. I’ve become a fan of Susan Copperfield and this series... it’s irresistible.

Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite

Edward Berman is sent to investigate the scene of a horrific murder in Central Park. He discovers a beautiful cane among the homeless victim’s possessions and then the man’s decapitated head whispers to Eddie that he’s been summoned. That is how Eddie is drawn into a world of ancient magic and powerful wizards who must rally their strength to fight against a great evil that has returned to the world. This entity is responsible for the murders in the park, which forces Eddie to walk a fine line as he investigates the murders as a mundane cop and trains beneath his wizard mentor in preparation to fight the evil being.

The Wizards of Central Park West by Arjay Lewis presents an interesting alternate history that touches on a variety of myths and legends spanning multiple cultures. The most unique element is the origins of the various magical staffs used by the wizards. The narrative sparkles with ironic humour that delighted me, turning what could’ve been a heavy book into something fun and enjoyable instead. I thought the police aspect of the story was a little too much like the stereotypical characters and conflicts portrayed in crime series. Although The Wizards of Central Park West is a long book, the pacing is good and the story so engaging that the pages fly. I never felt like I was reading a big book. There were several occasions where I was certain I’d figured out the antagonist’s identity, but the denouement proved all my theories wrong. The climax of The Wizards of Central Park West is thrilling.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Druid Enforcer by M.D. Massey is the sixth book in the Colin McCool Paranormal Suspense series. Instead of getting a break after becoming druid justiciar, Colin gets a phone call from Kenny begging for his help to find his best friend Derp. The two teenagers were investigating a string of disappearances when Derp decided to go on his own and wasn't seen again. To add to his busy schedule, Colin is trying to deal with his dead ex, who suddenly isn't so dead and is residing in a grove in his backyard as a magical dryad. Not to mention his talent for stumbling into the path of the fae who don't particularly want his involvement. Then if he can manage to salvage his relationship with his girlfriend, he'll consider it a job well done.

Colin is a snarky druid who uses humor like a weapon even when he's dealing with dangerous were-spiders, ghosts, evil ravens, and other supernatural beings. The action is non-stop as Colin dives into the case and lands in a mystery full of twists, leading him into one trouble after the other. He's quick to verbally spar with every character he encounters in quick banter which provides a majority of the humor throughout the story. Colin has witty dialogue which often includes dropping pop culture references such as the fun use of 'sufferin' succotash'. Even the sinister and evil characters have humor in their dialogue, especially when fighting and bantering with Colin. Every relationship he has is complicated, whether it's his romantic entanglements or his friendship with Kenny. His relationship with Kenny is an interesting one as he's on the brink of being a mentor to the teenager by attempting to keep him out of trouble, offering advice, and promising to train him one day.

His personal life takes a hit as his back from the dead ex is living in his backyard. She has the same allure as the woman he once loved but her personality has warped to where he's not sure if it's really her, adding just enough complication for Colin to feel conflicted. He's especially conflicted when it comes to his relationship with Bells who, by all accounts, seems like the perfect love interest. She's a fierce woman with a fiery and opinionated personality, often arriving to save the day. His dead ex makes their relationship hit a snag while also giving his life a touch of romantic comedy. M.D. Massey offers bantering humor and an action-packed adventure reminiscent of Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files. Druid Enforcer is a wonderful read with a snarky hero, quirky characters, bizarre creatures, and dangerous situations.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Lizetta and Jensen seem unlikely people to ever find some sort of connection with each other, but in Something To Dream On by Diane Rinella anything is possible. Lizetta had issues with her body image since she was a teen, and Jensen, while having a perfect body women swoon over, has a dark past he needs to overcome. The two of them meet over the most unlikely event and find a connection that might eventually help both of them to deal with their problems. Unfortunately, there is a another problem-ridden woman who stands between their happiness. What will win in the end? Doubt and suffering, or happiness and love? In this novel, you won't really know until the end.

Something To Dream On by Diane Rinella is not the kind of book I would usually read, and I actually expected something more on the paranormal/fantasy side when I saw the stunning cover. Fortunately, even though it was not what I expected, it turned out to be an interesting and entertaining read with fleshed out characters that move around in a well thought out plot. While I was not in tears nor had to laugh out loud, I found the story moving, in parts amusing and definitely something to think about. If I ever came across a book by the same author, I would be quite likely to give it a try. The writing style was very smooth, the dialogue believable (and not odd as in so many other novels of this kind), and the reading journey enjoyable.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Darkshine is the first volume in The Darkshine Series by R.D. Vallier. Miriam always felt like something wasn't quite right in her life. While she is married to someone who - from the outside - seems to be the ideal husband, people do not see the neglect and abuse Miriam has to deal with. One day she discovers her husband's dark secret. It could destroy his political career, and gives Miriam a very good reason to run away. During this, she discovers that there is more to her life and that magic does indeed exist. The only problem is that there are two magical beings - both attractive men in their own way - and Miriam has issues with knowing which of them tells the truth.

R.D. Vallier created an interesting plot in Darkshine and filled the pages with likeable and not so likeable characters. Miriam's husband is only one of the problems the protagonist has to deal with. She is on the run from more than just her husband, and has to find out who she really is and what she wants from life. This novel is an exciting story with magic about a woman who has to find her way while two different sides fight for her attention and affection. Whether she makes the right decision in the end is another question. Not everything is as it seems. I enjoyed the fact that there were some interesting plot twists, e.g. the one about the tattoo on Miriam. I didn't see that coming. It's a good start to a series, and one can only hope that the author will be able to keep up this level of quality.

Reviewed by Charity Rowell for Readers' Favorite

In The Coven by Chrissy Lessey, newly divorced mother, Stevie Lewis, has dedicated her life to providing her Autistic son, Charlie, with the best possible care she can. Between caring for Charlie and the local shop that she part owns, Stevie doesn't have the time or inclination to date other men or join the Beaufort Historical Society, both of which her mother keeps urging her to do. However, when Charlie's life is in danger, Stevie discovers that she comes from a long line of witches whose powers have been passed down through generations, and that she will one day become the leader of a coven that has been covertly operating in Beaufort for hundreds of years.

I always enjoy reading magical fantasy involving the Craft and its history in the United States, and The Coven by Chrissy Lessey is no exception! In the first chapter, I was immediately struck by the touching and poignant dialogue which conveyed the emotions in the situation and the sacrifices Stevie's ancestors made to ensure the continuation of their line. I liked the fact that Stevie felt a spark, an inkling of magic when she found a family heirloom; this prevented me from feeling that Stevie came into her powers suddenly when she first used her abilities to save Charlie. Subtle nuances like this made the story more engaging because I wanted to see what would happen next. I also greatly enjoyed the modern dynamic of the coven; old customs and perspectives were modernized to make them more relevant and appealing to contemporary readers. Interesting characters, well-written dialogue, and a rich history combine to make The Coven by Chrissy Lessey an engrossing read. If you liked the movie Practical Magic, then I think you will love The Coven!