Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Wand by Marieke Lexmond is book three of The Madigan Chronicles. The drama around this magical family unfolds with more chaos that includes love potions, fairies, agendas, and fracturing relationships. It's time to choose the next Guardian of the Wand of Wisdom and Tara has already made her choice but circumstances that unfold could change her decision. Ceri thought she had the ideal life with her husband and children but Fairy and her role as Keeper of the Land keep drawing her back and pulling her from what it means to be human. The decision she makes for her future could unravel the life she has and divide her family while allowing her to start a new life, which pushes her daughter away and into the trust of Queen Mab. She's not the only member of the family facing a turning point. Maeve must face the trauma from her past in order to embrace her future while her twin sister faces her guilt for leaving years ago and her decision to take on significant responsibility. Meanwhile, Lucy has her own problems when she reaches out to her son Set for help, which puts a plan into motion that will have devastating repercussions that coincide with her grandson's search for his place in the family.

The story weaves between the perspectives of various members of this family and the drama that enters their lives primarily through the magical elements. The family drama reflects the dynamics of a real family with butting heads, divorce, affairs, and miscommunication, though with the added mix of fairies, love potions, and magic. Each family member has their own journey that coincides and draws them together as they must rely on each other for support, love, and help. These relationships also drive a majority of the drama that moves the story forward. The choice of the next Guardian of the Wand of Wisdom simmers in the background of the story and the striving to obtain power. Stunning tarot cards are incorporated throughout with vivid images that feature a variety of animals. These provide backdrops to the story with the meaning of the cards providing a foreshadowing of how each section unfolds. Several locations are seen throughout as the story weaves between the characters and uses the locations as poignant elements in their lives such as Fairy, New Orleans (the family shop, Under the Witches Hat), Nevada Desert, Big Sur, and the Astral Plane. These create a background to a story that dips between a human world and a fairy one with magical elements blended into both. The Wand by Marieke Lexmond is a family drama with a variety of voices that explore self-discovery, empowerment, growth, magic, and relationships.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Magicians of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee is the first book in a new series. Johan Finley has always dreamed of being a Guardian for Center City. It's all he's ever wanted. But his inability to work with others costs him everything he had been working toward. His life is flipped upside down when a strange man arrives at his door claiming to be a halfling, that magic exists, and Johan is one of the Called. It gets crazier when Johan is drawn into the Order of Ysavar where he trains to learn magic and embarks on an adventure to retrieve a sword called Blazer now in the hands of the evil Zebub, who has sinister plans in store. His failure to become a Guardian transforms him into the hero he always dreamed of being.

At its heart, this is a story about growth which is seen through how Johan goes from a lone wolf into a hero working with a team. Z.B. Lee weaves a tale with a rich history that dips into a time when all creatures once banded together until too many rivalries caused strife that drove them apart and created the world that Johan lives in. Studying with Pius and Arlo teaches Johan about what it means to be Called and how he needs to answer that call through his whole being, not just words and deeds. His fantastical journey allows him to find other layers to heroism that involve patience, magic, and learning to work with others. His journey is more than a quest. It's about allowing Johan to become a hero by learning to trust something else in himself through the belief of those in the Order that sees more in him and what he's capable of. Magical elements are woven throughout that open Johan's world from an intense focus on becoming a Guardian to epic adventures that involve Redkaps, gnomes, goblins, and the fight of good versus evil. The Magicians of Ysavar is a lighthearted adventure aimed at all ages that has action, magic, and humor that delivers a coming-of-age journey about a hero.

Reviewed by Jose Cornelio for Readers' Favorite

Eyes Last Seen Dying by Colin J. Adams is a book for anyone who enjoys action and clashes with swords and magic. The author creates beautiful, cinematic action in excellent prose and with unusual storytelling skills. The protagonist is Lena, a girl with spectacular skills with the sword, who is tricked by her own sensei into stealing one of the six stones holding back the dangerous Nithrain, a dark power capable of untold destruction. Now Lena is a hunted young woman and she must fight to stay alive and redeem herself. Surviving in Ithander is not easy, even for a woman with incredible skill with the sword. Follow this protagonist on a journey in a land where magic is commonplace and where legendary fighters abound. Can she protect herself and do the right thing before she is cut down?

Colin J. Adams’ Eyes Last Seen Dying just made him one of my favorite storytellers in the fantasy genre. He has crafted an extremely bewitching tale with fascinating characters and a setting filled with more than magic. This is one of those books that I read and felt like I just woke up from an enchanting dream. The action is aplenty; the characters well-developed, and the conflict built to move the story forward through every page. This book contains the complexity that anyone will adore in a plot; it is what fantasy is for — transporting the reader to a world that is strange yet exciting. The sweeping and picturesque imagery the author conjures left me fascinated, and there is a level of emotional and mythical sophistication within this epic fantasy that sets it apart. Eyes Last Seen Dying is just gorgeous and enjoyable.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

A Song of Hope by Sophia Davidson is the first book in the Search for the King’s Staff series. As a child, Cierra was gifted with a key and the knowledge that she has been chosen as the Keeper of the Key, which means one day it will be up to her to search for the King’s Staff. That day arrives just before her coming of age ceremony which finds her life veering in a new direction as she embarks on the path to discovering her destiny. As darkness seeps through the Spirit Realm and grows closer to claiming everything she knows, Cierra is the only one that can find the staff and destroy the darkness. With the help of her cousin James, her tutor Windsong, temperamental dragons, and a mysterious stranger, Cierra sets off through a dangerous wilderness and must discover the strength of her power if she’s to save them all.

Sophia Davidson weaves serious themes throughout though the tone remains light-hearted thanks to the genuine personality of Cierra and the way she sees the world. The writing is lovely with descriptions that paint vivid images, beautiful and action-filled, which transport you along with Cierra’s emotional journey. The beginning finds Cierra preparing for her coming-of-age ceremony, which is a lovely way of introducing her journey into self-discovery, the depth of her powers, and becoming a hero. The adventure is full of action-packed moments, bandits, dragons, dangerous assassins, and unexpected allies which make for an exciting read for all ages. The other characters in Cierra’s life play key roles in her journey with James and Windsong as her two greatest influences and who aid her along the way. Windsong is her tutor and mentor, serving as a father figure to them and who keeps them in line while providing a source of wisdom and understanding. James is her cousin but acts like a brother to her, with bickering and fighting while also supporting and building each other up. James is a great source of camaraderie and family as he stands by her and helps throughout her journey every step of the way. Davidson knocks it out of the park with The Search for the King’s Staff which is a lovely debut about self-discovery, darkness, and finding the light.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Magic Unfurled by M.L. Ryan is a fascinating and entertaining urban fantasy novel. This is a world of the Haves and the Have Nots--those with magic powers who rule with an iron fist, and those with very few magic powers that are ruled by those warlords. This story centers around one of the Have Nots, named Kya, but that isn't the only disadvantage. The other is, she's a woman, but this is where the story gets even more interesting. From the time she was eleven years old, she's had to fend for herself, stealing food just to survive. Since women are on the lowest rung of the ladder in the land, she passes as a boy, and it works for her. When Kya is taken by a gang of warlords to their camp, she discovers that she has magic powers she didn't realize she had. And in this world, magic is power.

This book is full of drama, clever humor, and interesting characters, especially Kya. The award-winning M.L. Ryan has crafted a world and a plot that you'll love to lose yourself in, with charismatic Kya leading the way. The character of Kya is strong enough to lead you through chapters and storylines that enchant and impress. There is a good balance of action, drama, and humor, and the first-person POV makes the reader's relationship with Kya even more personal. I like that the story gets into the meat of things on the first few pages, and before you know it, you're deep into the plot. The author's worldbuilding skills are amazing, and the attention to detail adds so much texture and volume. I appreciate that Ryan doesn't talk down to her readers, and has an inviting, earnest style. There are some sex scenes that add energy to the story as well. By all means, grab Magic Unfurled by M.L. Ryan the first chance you get.

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite

Endangered Spells by S.R. Mallery is a well-written story that begins with Gillian Goode driving in her car, thinking about the argument with her sister Carly the night before. Her car is nearly run off the road by a familiar-looking car. She recognizes who owns the vehicle and realizes that it is her old friend Rebecca Newel from high school. After a brief search for where the car went, she drove to the police station to report it. Two detectives take the case. Gillian returns to her home in Connecticut where her family of witches migrated after leaving their coven in New Orleans behind. Even though Gillian is a witch, she does not actively practice her spells as much as her sister and mother. Once the investigation gets underway, a date with the handsome detective Nate Meeks materializes.

S.R. Mallery does an excellent job in paying attention to the details of the spell casting as well as her sister's snide remarks regarding Gillian's talking pet cockatoo, Joselyn. There is rivalry within their coven, and Gillian seems to lack any real dedication to her gifts. The author's writing style is impeccable, and I got a big kick out of her numbered notations with the definitions of words and phrases, just in case readers' vocabulary might not include them. I was tickled by the definitions and explanations. All in all, I found Endangered Spells a well-crafted, tastefully written story with a surprise ending that left me wanting more. S.R. Mallery gave it the wow factor. Encore!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Overworld is the first novel in the Dragon Mage Saga by Rohan M. Vider. Earth is invaded, and life as we know it is about to be destroyed. When the aliens invade Earth, Jamie thinks the end is near. They open portals to the Overworld where gifted people like Jamie are taken, but not before Jamie is tested through challenging trials. While survival is on the top of his list, his main focus is on ensuring that his loved ones survive this invasion and safely reach the Overworld. However, the trials are complex, and the Overworld is brutal. Jamie will have to make sacrifices that he may not be willing to make. Will he succeed? Or will he lose it all?

Magical realism is intense in this story, and perhaps Rohan M. Vider is the first contemporary author to nail it, in my opinion. I am amazed by how detailed and realistic the story is. The world-building is strong, and so is the background building. Jamie is a strong protagonist who has the will and the drive to only look at the future. He keeps the past in his heart, and he does whatever it takes to reach his goals. Honestly, this novel was so much better than any other “end of the world” or “alien invasion” stories. The pace is perfect, the characters are interesting, and the story is beautifully crafted. There are no loopholes in the plot. Jamie is a real character with real emotions and flaws, and I honestly got an adrenaline rush while reading the fast-paced action. It is beyond entertaining. I felt like I was part of the story.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Phoenix is a work of fiction in the science-fiction genre that is aimed at all ages of reader and was penned by author T. S. Alexander. The first book in the Queen’s Avatar series, this story marks the beginning of a saga of the interstellar conflict between humans and the alien civilizations which they stumble across whilst first exploring the stars. As the science that brought humanity into the cosmos comes into conflict with the magic-like abilities of the aliens, mankind is drawn into the midst of an ancient conflict with the exploration ship Endeavour struggling to survive in the middle. What results is a highly engaging tale with both technical and sensational merits.

It is rare to find works of science fiction that have enough of the hard-boiled sci-fi concepts to satisfy fans but also manage to hold up lots of cinematic moments and blockbuster tensions, and I feel that author T. S. Alexander strikes a great balance of the two here. Combining a close human story about learning to trust one another with an epic bigger-picture threat of interstellar battle, the narrative delivers much of its exposition through intelligent dialogue exchanges rather than dumping too much information on us from the start. This journey of discovery mirrors the experience of the Endeavour’s crew as they learn about Aldeea and its many dark and fascinating secrets, which are revealed well in the plot construction. Overall, I would definitely recommend Phoenix to both super keen and casual science fiction fans for its many layers of accomplished prose.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

While a young woman searches for the answer to her mother's disappearance, a sinister entity locked away for twenty years is released and is wreaking havoc in the supernatural novel, Plague of Witches by John Patrick Kennedy. On her twenty-first birthday, Kana discovers she is a witch and is offered admission to an exclusive university. One of the reasons she wishes to attend that particular college is to find out what happened to her mother, Akemi. Twenty years before, while working on a project at the school, Akemi vanished without a trace. Believing the answers to Akemi's disappearance rest in the experiments she was conducting, Kana studies her mother's notes and restarts the project. Meanwhile, something is on a grisly murdering spree, and the student witches at the university seem to be the main target. Has reopening the science lab awakened a dormant entity? Does this being have anything to do with Akemi's disappearance?

Plague of Witches by John Patrick Kennedy is the first book in an exciting new series about witches and their supernatural skills. If you are looking for something more than a cozy witch mystery, then you have found it! Filled with action, horror, and passion, this is an exhilarating book complete with evil villains, murder, and a macabre plot. It is a thrilling tale of deceit, betrayal, mystery, and murder. From beginning to end, it is non-stop excitement. Although it is an intense and exciting story, the conclusion is a little baffling. Stopping on a cliff-hanger, the ending is quite abrupt, making it necessary to read the sequel. Despite that, it is a riveting novel that will enthrall readers who enjoy a series brimming with suspense and action-packed supernatural mystery and mayhem. With explicit sex scenes, graphic violence, and foul language, it is more suitable for mature readers.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Apollo’s Raven is a work of mythological and historical fantasy fiction written for adults by author Linnea Tanner. Written as the opening novel to the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, this sweeping narrative takes us back to the first century AD, at a time when Celts battle Romans in the fight to rule Britannia. Forbidden love and political power plays abound as Catrin, the daughter of a Celtic king, finds love in the arms of the enemy, but also discovers that she may be key to a Druid crusade that could destroy her own father if it comes to pass. So begins an epic tale with plenty of excitement, romance, and mystique.

I adored this book from start to finish for its non-stop atmosphere of authenticity that draws you deep into the world of early Britain and the constant battles for supremacy at the time. As a person of Celtic heritage myself, I was delighted to see the accuracy portrayed in the tribes, but also the more modern twist on dialogue and depiction that makes the book accessible, faster-paced and easier to absorb as a modern reader. History truly comes alive under the pen of author Linnea Tanner, but there’s also plenty of room left for characters to breathe and develop under watchful narration. The plot is stellar: well-thought-out and executed with a great sense of beat and pacing as each moment of both the romance arc and the curse is portrayed. Overall, Apollo’s Raven is an un-put-down-able fantasy adventure from start to finish.