Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite

Where Eagles Never Flew by Helena P. Schrader is a tremendously moving tale of human conflict, be it struggles within individuals coming to terms with their mortality or sweeping battles across nations driven by territorial prerequisites. Told chronologically from the battle for France through to the Battle of Britain, this World War 2 tale of aerial warfare goes further than most, giving us a unique insight into both sides of this critical conflict. By switching the focus between France and England, the book allows us to bear witness to the individuals caught up in this maelstrom, who are trying to live seemingly split lives; normal day to day routines that may lead them into unexpected relationships, contrasted with the utter turmoil of flying operations that may end in death. It becomes shockingly apparent that the young men and women on both sides are, essentially, very similar; what delineates them comes down to no more than the noughts and crosses on their wings. The tremendous gift of this book is that it grafts a human face onto the slashing planes and bullets, that paint the skies of Europe and Britain with an abstract expression of sheer terror, and blacken the hearts of the innocent.

Helena P. Schrader’s Where Eagles Never Flew is both inspirational and terrifying in its reality and should be required reading for anyone under the illusion that air warfare is in any way glorious. The people depicted are disturbingly authentic, and how their lives become entwined is beautifully crafted by Ms. Schrader; the linkage between Ernst and Robin could have come across as forced if it wasn’t written so subtly. Another gem carried in this story relates to the information it imparts; things like J. R. R. Tolkien’s son being a pilot in the war, or even quite simple facts like how gun ports were covered by canvas before each sortie to prevent condensation. This book is also quite accurate to the events as they played out over this period, with the only license taken being some fictitious squadrons and the personnel within these. I found Where Eagles Never Flew to be a compelling read and was genuinely moved by the injuries, death, and destruction which pervaded the lives of so many very special people trapped in the horror of living in the wrong time in history. A fantastic book!

Reviewed by Barbara Harper for Readers' Favorite

Status – 6 by W. Craig Reed follows Jon Shay, a widower engaged in a cat and mouse game of Russian roulette, still filled with raw grief, and riddled with self -reproach one year after the drowning of his late wife Annelia. Unwilling to accept comfort, his mind filled with irrational thoughts, and suffocating in self-flagellation, Jon is at a crossroads and the only thing keeping him afloat is his work at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Jon’s mission takes him to Alaska where temperatures are minus twenty-three degrees during the day and drop to minus thirty degrees at night, and men are required to be tough to thrive in the harsh environment. Agent Shay’s assignment is to conduct a meticulous criminal investigation within a limited time frame and uncover whether or not the sudden and untimely death of the Petty Officer aboard the USS Connecticut submarine was due to nefarious reasons. As the plot thickens and Agent Shay is caught in the middle of the spider’s web, will he be able to keep his wits about him and rely on his past Seal training to steer clear of the firing line?

Status – 6 by W. Craig Reed is a crisp and articulate work of fiction about Jon Shay--a guilt-ridden, remorseful, grieving widower with a death wish--and Agent Shay, the highly skilled Naval Criminal Investigative Service operative and the embodiment of masculinity. The author makes use of clever metaphors like, ‘Three geriatric bulbs lit the way’ and euphemisms such as, ‘he had cast off from the shores of life’. Agent Shay will need to unpick a jigsaw puzzle and put the pieces back together while battling an Arctic ice storm as well as the raging storm within himself and the one caused by those around him. The nail-biting action was fast-paced and kept me riveted as the author painted a black picture of Jon Shay the man, combined with the hazardous world inhabited by Agent Shay, the NCIS operative. This novel is a suspense-filled, roller coaster ride. The fast-paced action with its numerous twists and turns had me riveted to my seat to the last page!

Reviewed by Michelle Mollohan for Readers' Favorite

The Shepherd's Burden by Ryan Young tells the tale of Daniel Jeffries, a Staff Sergeant who survived an IED explosion in Iraq. Daniel returns home to New York, where he is struggling to come to terms with life outside of the military, while plagued with the memories of those that he lost. He is seeing a therapist and taking medication to cope with PTSD related to his time spent in Iraq. Daniel is working in a comic book store and living in a cheap apartment, with no real opportunity to improve his life. Running into Sonya, the love that he let go when he went overseas and finding that she still loves him, gives him hope that his nightmares will finally end. Just when his life starts to make sense and he feels he can let the past go, it comes back to haunt him and he learns that his life will never be the same.

Ryan Young's The Shepherd's Burden is a riveting tale that takes you on a journey from the deserts of Iraq to the suburbs of New York. It is full of mystery, intrigue, and murder with a supernatural element. I found myself empathizing with Daniel and his plight as he learned his true calling, and feeling his pain as the unforeseen consequences of his choices unveiled themselves. Ryan Young crafted a tale of suspense in The Shepherd's Burden that left me longing for more. I can't wait to read what is ahead for Daniel in The Shepherd's Duty!

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Northern Hunt is the second installment of Daniel Greene's Northern Wolf series about the American Civil War. After a string of heavy losses, General Kilpatrick is determined to register a famous win and revitalize his stagnant political career. He gets the perfect opportunity when Captain John Yates of 3rd Ohio Infantry arrives at the Union camp near Stevensburg, Virginia, alongside his companion Martin, with tales of inhuman treatment of Union prisoners of war at the hands of Confederate soldiers inside Libby prison. He orders Colonel Ulric Dahlgren to plan an audacious attack on Richmond and gives him a letter permitting him to assassinate Jefferson Davis. Dahlgren takes command of the 13th Michigan, where Johannes Wolf and his comrades find themselves amid a war that offers little glory or riches but plenty of bloodshed.

Northern Hunt recounts the events leading up to the raid of Richmond during the Civil War. Author Daniel Greene never shies away from showcasing the brutal realities of war, painting a grim, gritty, and bloody portrait that feels realistic and tragic in equal measure. The narrative is well-paced, and the plot is filled with twists and turns. Historical personages and events are seamlessly woven into the story, giving it an added sense of depth and complexity. Wolf's experiences with his comrades during the raid provide an accurate portrayal of the impact of war on common citizens. The action sequences are bloody and visceral and vividly described. If you enjoy historical fiction, Northern Hunt is the book for you.

Reviewed by Gobi Jane for Readers' Favorite

Bishop's Law is the second book in the Bishop Series by Rafael Amadeus Hines and it is a fast-paced, rollicking ride for those who enjoy action thrillers. Special Forces Sgt. John Bishop is in deep water again, and even if he wants to spend time with Maria, his childhood sweetheart and wife, now pregnant for six months, he is pulled into a war he never asked for. This time, the war is against a powerful billionaire, warlords from Afghanistan where he has served and where he has left his unit of elite fighters, contract killers, and terrorists. He has a strong ally, Gonzalo Valdez, his uncle and a crime boss, and a team he has worked with before. With mounting tension and the enemies becoming deadlier as days go by, does John stand a chance this time?

This is a riveting story with a plot filled with twists. Fans of military novels will be thrilled as they follow the story. There is so much in the plot and John suffers a personal loss as well. Readers encounter radicalized Americans, an elite fighting team moving in to support a comrade, compelling characters like Nestor, Felix, Bunny, and a host of others. The danger that Rafael Amadeus Hines creates in this thriller is real and the protagonist is a character that readers will adore. He is intelligent, strong, and skilled, bringing into the fight his military training and experience. Bishop's Law is fast-paced and packed with action. There is something intriguing on every page and readers find themselves rooting for the protagonist and watching his every move. It is a work of superb entertainment and I loved every bit of it.

Reviewed by Jose Cornelio for Readers' Favorite

Mission: Accept by Stacy Eaton is the second book in the Rise Again Warrior Series, a compelling story with great characters. Dana Donahue has grown up spoiled. She gets everything she wants, and she believes that life is easy. Thanks to a dad who provides everything she needs. Derek is still haunted by the horrors of life in the military and lives off the streets. Meeting Dana is an experience that morphs into friendship and gives him some hope. But he overhears a conversation between Dana and her father, and he knows that Dana’s father has taken a decision that will change her life — cutting down on the support he provides her. She asks for a job from her cousin, Shane, at Rise Again Warrior. Can she grow out of the comfort zone where everything was given to her freely? And what future can there be for her and Derek?

The characters are complex and creating opposites in Derek and Dana is something that enriches the conflict in Mission: Accept. I loved the way the characters were developed. They are real and genuinely broken, and the author writes beautifully about what the military and war can do to people. The writing is superb, sprinkled with descriptions that explore the emotions of the characters, their states of mind, and the way they relate to their reality and with each other. This is the first book I am reading from Stacy Eaton, and while it is the second entry in a series, it reads well as a standalone story. It is emotionally intense, fast-paced, and delightful for fans of romance and military novels.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Northern Wolf is the first novel in the Northern Wolf Series by Daniel Greene. While the whole country was ravaged by the Civil War, Johannes Wolf was kept out of the war because of a busted leg. However, he inveigled his way into the Union Army without even knowing what he was getting himself into. The Union Army was not working as it should, Johannes was having a hard time becoming a part of the team, and it looked like his dreams of glory were nothing but dreams. But, he was in for a rude awakening. He and the rest of F Company were to face a far stronger and better-equipped adversary. Was Johannes going to make it out alive? Or was this a chance for him to show his mettle at a time when he needed courage more than ever?

American Civil War era literature always fascinates me, which was the reason why I gravitated towards this novel. Daniel Greene built up the story slowly at times, but that was necessary for the plot. I loved the chapters that were written in Wolf’s point of view; those were the chapters where I got close to the protagonist and felt what was happening around him. The author created just the right atmosphere to keep the reader hooked to the novel and not let go. I enjoyed the concept of glory, brotherhood, and a sense of finally belonging. The author gave his characters some breathing space to grow and develop on their own. He allowed the story to unfold at a pace that was perfect for the characters and the plot as well. The cover is exceptional. Reading Northern Wolf was a wonderful experience for me.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Author William M. Hayes blends a lethal fusion of science fiction and faith in this gritty, military, science fiction novel, Save Him. It shows us an accidental means of time travel; its original intent is to save wounded soldiers in battle. We are introduced to a brilliant scientist by the name of Rydel Scott, who takes on a mission to save Christ as his sister’s dying wish indicates. But tinkering with the past presents ramifications for the present--even the most infinitesimal detail altered can change the course of human destiny. The US military has deployed an elite unit to track down Rydel in Jerusalem during the time of the Messiah’s active ministry. The men hunting Rydel are on the top of their game but are divided by their beliefs. Humanity’s fate then hangs in the balance with this cat and mouse game.

Other than the futuristic military element, Save Him is also an examination of the moral philosophy that justifies the individual motives of every character. The reader may not be interested in the faith versus reason undertones that Hayes lays out here, but there isn’t much proselytizing; rather more solidification of conflicts that the author is trying to establish and settle at the end. Hayes is fast-paced in narrating his story but he is very engaging. And this presents a danger. He has a style of clinching his scenes per chapter and it could make you tense with anticipation. This is the kind of story that you wouldn’t mind reading again because you want to recall how it made you feel.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Mission: Believe: Rise Again Warrior Series, Book 1 by Stacy Eaton is a moving novel about heart, grit, and resiliency. This realistic plot, told from the characters' points of view, centers on a wounded warrior named Shane Logan, whose new life mission is to look toward the future following the loss of both legs during the war. This is how he meets Dr. Lauren Falcone, whose job is to support wounded veterans in their adjustment to life post-war, post-injury. Shane has a lot of adjustments to make, a lot of emotional wounds to heal. When the two meet at his father's fundraiser, the possibility of romance arises. But Shane has issues surrounding his disability: The way others see him, and the anxiety/PTSD he carries. These two like-minded souls may have a chance at a real relationship if they could overcome their own baggage.

This novel is a treasure for recovering veterans, their families, and the general public. Especially for anyone dealing with a disability. But it isn't only the subject matter that's attractive. The book also succeeds as a novel because of how the author uses the elements of writing. The style is warm and honest, the characters interesting and complete, and the plot is compelling. The character of Shane is admirable, and you really care about his struggle and his goals. The doctor's character is intriguing too, as she lives with scars as well. At first, I expected an imbalance with these two characters, but once they put their heads and hearts together, I was convinced that it was a relationship that made sense and could work and it became much stronger than I'd anticipated. The dynamics of their roles and chemistry come off as genuine, and you will root for them to make it. Bobby's song toward the end is especially poignant. Pick up Mission: Believe: Rise Again Warrior Series, Book 1 by Stacy Eaton to discover why this is an award-winning novel.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Soldiers of Freedom: The WWII Story of Patton's Panthers and the Edelweiss Pirates by Samuel Marquis takes readers back to the WWII experience on the Eastern European front and the final push to beat the Nazis. The story follows characters that are memorable and their contribution to WWII. William McBurney and Angela Lange are two of the most prominent characters in the story. William McBurney is the first African-American tank gunner in the 761st Tank Battalion. While his unit is caught up in many battles they are determined to win, as he fights for his country, he suffers racism on the home front and from fellow soldiers. Sixteen-year-old Angela Lange is a German resistance fighter with the anti-Nazi Edelweiss Pirates in Cologne. She is a target of the Gestapo. Can these heroes live to see the world changed by their actions?

Samuel Marquis’s novel is packed with action and historical facts, a story that captures the fever of war and the sentiments of fighters faced with the enemy and danger. The author writes about unsung heroes that made a huge difference in a war that changed the political landscape across the world. The story is character-driven and filled with fascinating details. The theme of racism is ingeniously developed alongside the themes of war, patriotism, friendship, and freedom. The author explores the experience of loss and the harrowing effect it has on the characters. One moment you are making plans with someone and the next moment they are gone. I was keen on following the Black Panthers and how they had to fight against the Germans while dealing with the hatred and racism from their fellow comrades. Soldiers of Freedom: The WWII Story of Patton's Panthers and the Edelweiss Pirates is well-written and the plot is masterful. It is pulsating and utterly delightful for fans of military fiction and WWII literature.