Reviewed by Gabriel Santos for Readers' Favorite

Jane Dougherty is in for the detour of a lifetime as her car suddenly dies out in the middle of nowhere, forcing her to make a stop at the small town of Radio Springs. Filled with strange sights and even stranger people, Radio Springs welcomes Jane with a heavy sense of unreality, combined with almost total isolation from the outside world, thanks to a problem with the communications systems. The fact that a body shows up as Jane waits for her car to get fixed might be the most normal thing that has happened since she arrived. J. G. Macdonald's Atomic Sunset delves into the mysteries hidden in this peculiar community, where no explanation is too far-fetched, whether it involves aliens, shapeshifters, secret agents, or something else entirely.

The author sets the tone from the start, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere through the sounds and sights of the desert, UFO paraphernalia, and dialogue that tiptoes along the line between unnerving and comical. J. G. Macdonald excels at writing quirky but interesting characters that entertain and intrigue, making you feel like there's more to them than meets the eye. Jane is a great protagonist whose snark and down-to-earth disposition contrast with the absurdities of Radio Springs; however, she also carries some emotional baggage and unspoken, perhaps unconscious desires. She acts as a reader surrogate, trying to maintain a grasp on reality and figure out what's going on just like us, but she's also a compelling character on her own. I recommend Atomic Sunset to anyone who enjoys small-town mysteries, stories dealing with conspiracy theories, and offbeat humor.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

Isabelle Marsden, "Belle" to everyone, is thirty-four and running from a Chicago life that has hollowed her out. In The Utterly Unacceptable Atrocity of Isabelle Marsden, Nan Sanders Pokerwinski drops her, fresh out of a job, into a Kansas town chosen almost by accident: a spun map, a pushpin, a little too much bourbon. Belle wants six quiet months to regroup. Instead, she is adopted by a cast of unapologetic eccentrics -- an artist with a pet wallaby, an elderly crossword devotee everyone calls Aquamaureen, a poet who works at a federal penitentiary -- and finds herself, almost accidentally, sculpting an enormous concrete-and-broken-china creation in her own front yard. When the city orders it to be demolished, Belle discovers she is willing to fight for something she cannot fully explain.

The tone shifts fast. On one page I was laughing at Mae's crossword-puzzle etiquette or the wallaby's antics, and the next I was sitting with the quiet horror of what Belle survived at her old job, an assault she's buried so deep that she has to excavate it in stages, surfacing only in dreams and half sentences, the way real memory does. The author doesn't rush her toward resolution or wrap the trauma in a bow, and I appreciated that restraint. This book has earned its whimsy, too. Reba, Mae, Roscoe, the whole gang of Soulstice weirdos, are strange on the page and fully human underneath, and more than once I felt that dizzy, through-the-looking-glass sensation, like I'd wandered into the Mad Hatter's tea party myself. Belle feels it too since Nan Sanders Pokerwinski has her make that exact comparison more than once. Underneath all the whimsy, the plot is structured around two clocks ticking at once: a demolition deadline and Belle's own slow process of facing what she survived at her last job. This is a book for anyone who has ever needed to fall apart somewhere far from home, and for anyone who believes, as I now do, that a pile of broken china can be its own kind of prayer.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Descartes Demon by Ross Hightower and Deb Heim is an electrifying mystery novel. Nik Atherton is one of the founders and Chief Technical Officer of Cerberus, a cybersecurity corporation. For the past few years, he has been creating an AI Assistant in the image of his wife, Alix, that will interface with Cerberus. Unsettled by the deepfake’s exact likeness to her, Alix renames it Nicola to separate its persona from her. She believes Nicola’s program is dangerous and that it can cause serious and irrevocable repercussions in the world. However, Nik is unconvinced and is loath to destroy his life’s dream. When a contractor for Cerberus is murdered, an employee disappears, and Nik is fired from Cerberus, he realizes Alix could be right. Working with a Dark Web hacker, a police detective, and a computer wiz, Nik and Alix search for the criminal element behind the sabotage. Can they find it before Nicola’s program is released into the world, blurring the lines of reality? Or are they already too late?

Ross Hightower and Deb Heim have created a masterpiece of suspense with a touch of comedic relief in Descartes Demon. Filled with suspense and subterfuge, the story takes the reader on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. It is a mind-bending tale that demonstrates the danger of cybercrimes that can be conceived through the unrestricted use of AI, mingled with a lust for power. Each of the characters is so well-defined that they virtually step off the pages, creating a complex and intense plot that contains more than one extraordinary hero. The stimulating dialogue, the extraordinary characters, and the enthralling storyline make this book unputdownable, and I can’t praise it enough. The composition of corporate espionage, kidnapping, figmental beings, and murder creates a thrilling read. Anyone who loves a cocktail of supernatural mystery blended with espionage will relish this riveting novel.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Danny Teakwell tries to live a peaceful life in Hollywood, Florida. He is the guardian of bright twelve-year-old Jessica Jewell as the legal process of her adoption continues. Danny runs a surf shop called Nine Lives and is still dealing with old wounds after the loss of his beloved Sari. Jessica's friend, named Gigi, spends Christmas vacation with her and Danny. As the girls figure out how to make some money for their Christmas presents, a mysterious stranger arrives in Hollywood. Zenzavara claims he is a mystic and can speak to the dead. Is it true, and is he trying to help old widows cope with their grief? Or is something more sinister going on under the cover of a newly opened yoga studio? Jessica and Gigi begin their investigation, and Danny learns that life with two preteens under his roof is anything but boring. Fans of mysteries and humor will enjoy Grave Waves by Dorian Box.

In Grave Waves, Dorian Box creates a bunch of memorable characters. We often forget that Jessica and Gigi are only twelve. They surprise us with their unusual philosophical takes on life and relationships with their loved ones. The author achieves the perfect balance while crafting these personages. Jessica is open-minded and combines naivete with profound wisdom. Gigi is honest, responsible, resourceful, and mature. Dorian gives us food for thought, exploring such topics as parenthood, friendship, and grieving. Yet, the author adds an exciting element of the supernatural and hilarious exchanges between the characters. The book has thrilling scenes and a satisfying ending.

Reviewed by Isabella Harris for Readers' Favorite

The Kaelen Extraction: The Galaxy's Worst Mercenaries Book 1 by Skyler Ramirez is an action-packed sci-fi adventure that follows the journey of Billy Firebrand and his crew of mercenaries. After a failed mission on the planet of Kael, Billy and his crew are expelled from the mercenary guild. They are disbanded, with Billy turning their spacecraft into a sandwich shop. Two years later, Mouth, a mischievous former crew member, gets into trouble with a Promethean royal, who forces him on a mission he couldn't accomplish alone. Mouth now has to orchestrate a series of events to convince Billy and the rest of their teammates, which includes Shotgun, a pacifist genius, Eliza, an acrobatic killer, Stick, their reckless pilot, and Kira, a master thief, to reunite. The reunion is filled with tension, humor, and a lot of action. Together, they embark on a new mission to recover a stolen bioweapon, with a promise of getting back their license.

Skyler Ramirez has a unique way of writing that pulled me into the story. I loved how each character was developed, using their unique flaws and quirks to keep the story engaging, especially El's perspective of the world as a movie during intense battles; it was really hilarious but effective. The author's portrayal of Billy's crew as a mercenary crew with morals and a code of conduct, something that is uncommon amongst mercenary gangs, made the book stand out. The Kaelen Extraction explored themes of humor, family bonds, and second chances. There was a lot of action with humorous dialogue, which kept the narrative engaging. The book maintained a fast pace and was full of unexpected twists with no dull moments. I recommend it to readers who love adventurous sci-fi novels blended with humor.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Arts Council by Dolly Gray Landon is a razor-edged satirical poke at the pretentiousness of the art world and asks the question: What exactly constitutes art? The Pimpleton Arts Council is an extraordinarily powerful body in the city of Pimpleton. Run by a group of corrupt and uniquely untalented philistines, it exists solely for its own enrichment and consolidation of power. Assistance, awards, scholarships, and praise are frequently heaped on young, talentless charlatans who conform to the current ethos of “what is art” by producing meaningless works of negligible worth, but which are praised by their teachers and the Arts Council as visionary and unique. One young artist, who truly is talented, Honorée Oinkbladder, is determined to unmask the Arts Council as a den of fraud and utter moral depravity. Her previous friend and now mortal enemy, Modesty Greendance, is the apple of their art teacher’s eye and can do no wrong. Modesty is an artistic imposter whose work is meaningless rubbish, and yet Modesty gets all the praise and financial support. It is time for Honorée to expose this den of vipers for the cheats they truly are.

The Arts Council takes an unabashed swing at the underfunding of the arts in general, but also at the practice of awarding excellence by committee. Dolly Gray Landon takes a sharp, satirical knife to the practice of valuing art by its open market price; the idea that it is a commodity. By using extreme examples of the ludicrousness of this practice, the author makes a clear point. The story also highlights the extreme circumstances under which the majority of artists must operate, where only a very select few are ever rewarded. I particularly enjoyed Honorée’s imagination and her wide-awake dreams and episodes that she was never sure actually occurred or not. The particularly “shocking” scenes are tempered by the tongue-in-cheek satirical nature of the writing that flows seamlessly. The use of ridiculous character names, as well as some of the characters’ actions and events, reminds readers that this is a satirical tilt at the bourgeoisie that comprises much of the arts community, and ridiculousness is absolutely the best method of exposing their self-centered, buffoonish, and self-important behavior. This story is a breath of fresh air. I found it hilarious and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The gripping tale of Opal Slepecki, who needed her friends' help to end her life, unfolds in Kristen Wasyliszyn's Why is My Bra Still On? Over many years, Opal and her friends shared numerous secrets and spent much time together. When Opal was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she refused to go to a nursing home as she knew her time was limited. Opal gathered her friends Luna, Urse, and Ruby to discuss her desire for a peaceful death at home. In the center of her backyard gazebo, Opal set up a festive table and prepared to ask her friends for a significant favor. Opal chose a location where she could make her request to ensure security and comfort for her friends. Opal anxiously awaited the arrival of each friend, having written a note for each one.

Why is My Bra Still On? by Kristen Wasyliszyn was heartfelt and beautiful. I was engrossed from the first to the last page because of the author's captivating approach. The story was gripping and emotionally charged. Whether Opal's friends will assist her in dying or not was left a mystery to me until the very end. Opal's diagnosis and request were made less severe at times by the amusing actions and reactions of her friends. With their distinct qualities, the characters had a great friendship although Opal's friends found it difficult to accept her diagnosis and had little interest in assisting her in ending her life at home. Reading this story was enjoyable, and it was expertly written. It is a book I will never forget.

Reviewed by Jennifer Reinoehl for Readers' Favorite

In The Royal Runaway by Kate O’Keeffe, Princess Amelia, third-born in the line of Ledonian royalty, wants to break every one of the almost 3,000 rules she has been living under her entire twenty-four and three-quarters years. She decides to start by secretly forming an online romance with Greg and planning to meet him in a café in a nearby country. Ethan Roberts is a Netflix actor who wants to be the real him. After the encouragement of his co-star and agent, he decides to travel to a small European country and attempt to live in disguise for a month as “Maverick.” When they both meet by darting into a costume shop to dodge paparazzi, they hide behind false names while being their true selves, but as coincidences mount, they begin to wonder if they were destined to share more than their vacation.

Kate O’Keeffe solidly weaves this story of two hearts trying to figure out how to bare all to each other while hiding from the world. Princess Amelia is a strong female lead inhibited by her upbringing but willing to take life and its challenges by the horns. Ethan is her male equal in strength. He is willing to stand back and let “Amy” be who she is while always only a step away to save her when she gets in too deep, or when she cannot properly slice bread for a sandwich. The Royal Runaway is an enchanting, modern, sweet romance. The story’s theme of being yourself no matter what your circumstances are will resonate with all who want to be loved for themselves. I highly recommend this fast-paced romance.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Immortality Bytes: Digital Minds Don't Get Hungry by Daniel Lawrence Abrams tautly examines the consequences of technological advancements and their impact on human society. Set in a near-future world, the story revolves around the lives of several characters, including Stu, an AI programmer; Maria, an activist; and Roxy, a brilliant CEO/scientist. Stu is a part-time influencer doing everything to find his footing in a world where AI is taking the lead and robots are claiming more jobs. With his ex-girlfriend about to complete the technology to perfect electronic immortality, the stakes are as high as the opportunities. A billionaire has offered to buy Roxy’s company, and the rival, a billionaire who might end up in jail for fraud, proposes an irresistible deal to Stu: steal Roxy’s work. Can he do it?

Immortality Bytes is perfect for fans of science fiction, technology, and novels brimming with relevant social commentaries. Daniel Lawrence Abrams infuses the writing with twists and creates elaborate, believable characters. The prose is crisp and loaded with descriptions. The novel raises important questions about the consequences of creating artificial intelligence, the ethics of immortality, and the impact of technological advancements on our daily lives. The conflict is developed at multiple levels, and the author’s exploration of the effect of AI on human society is thought-provoking. Stu's struggles to find funding for his AI research and his desire to make a positive impact on the world are relatable, and his girlfriend Maria's passion for social justice and her willingness to challenge the status quo are inspiring elements that enhance the plot. The three-dimensional characters and the author’s deft orchestration of the plot to an unpredictable denouement will leave readers questioning everything they’ve learned about the impact of science.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles by Marty Essen is a delightful and daring story that redefines adventure in the golden years. The novel follows Barry and Beth, high school sweethearts who reunite at a senior living complex in their seventies, only to discover that they’re not ready to settle for bingo and early dinners. Instead, the duo embarks on a road trip that quickly turns into a series of vigilante escapades aimed at making the world a better place. From protecting the vulnerable to taking a stand against injustice, Barry and Beth’s exploits blend comedy, action, and a heartwarming friendship.

Marty Essen’s writing captures the humor and unpredictability of aging with a sense of liberation, giving the characters depth beyond mere nostalgia. Barry’s thoughtful yet occasionally grumpy outlook contrasts with Beth’s boldness and enthusiasm, creating a dynamic duo that pulls readers into their world. The storyline unfolds through engaging dialogue and witty banter as the two not only tackle wrongdoers but also explore their own beliefs and limits, all while staying true to the playful spirit of their youth. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of comedy, crime, and adventure, all centered around characters who defy stereotypes about aging. The Silver Squad offers a refreshing perspective on life, reminding readers that it’s never too late for new adventures or to make a difference. With its lively characters and uplifting message, Marty Essen’s novel is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will leave readers cheering for Barry and Beth’s unique brand of justice.