Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Annwyn's Blood is penned by author team Michael Eging and Steve Arnold in the epic fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the opening part of The Paladin of Shadow Chronicles. In this engrossing tale, Marianna, daughter of High King Mattheus, is abducted by unknown raiders, prompting her father to send warriors, including Erik of Birkenshire, to rescue her. Erik is separated from his comrades and ventures into perilous lands, where he discovers Marianna has been transformed into a succubus by an ancient evil. He is caught in a struggle against Arawn, Lord of Annwyn, and must resist Marianna's temptations to save his soul, family, and world from the encroaching darkness.

Author duo Michael Eging and Steve Arnold have put their very best skills together to craft an exhilarating dive into a rich tapestry of myth and adventure. The authors brilliantly capture the chaotic post-Roman era of Albion, with vivid descriptions and atmospheric lexis that brought the misty isles and their perilous landscapes to life. Beyond this, the culture and attitudes of the world are explored well to help us understand the characters and how their attitudes have been shaped by the world around them. Erik's journey, driven by a blend of duty and personal affection, is sure to resonate deeply with fans of classic heroes as he faces both physical and supernatural challenges. The transformation of Marianna from a damsel in distress to a succubus is a fascinating and haunting twist, while the looming threat of Arawn heightens the stakes with a great sense of pacing and surprise elements. Erik’s internal and external battles, navigating treacherous territories and resisting dark temptations, kept me engrossed from start to finish. Overall, Annwyn's Blood weaves brilliant historical fantasy with elements of horror, creating a compelling narrative that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I know I am.

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

Queens of Moirai (Descendants of The Fates Book 1) by Rhiannon Hargadon is a riveting and intoxicating retelling of the myth of the Fates. Morena has been locked in the Tower of Grace Castel for as long as she can remember. Losing her two siblings to the cruelty of their mother, the Queen of the Blood Throne, she becomes the assassin her mother needs. What else can she do? After all, she is the last descendant of the Fate Atropos, Death herself. Surrounded by Cullen, the undead soldiers of the Queen, she perfects her art as a killer and interrogator, seeing no other life in her future. But then, as she had dreamed, a strong and handsome prince arrives, claiming that the Queen will let her leave with him as her betrothed. When what he says comes true, she instinctively trusts him, and in a moment of naive innocence, she binds their lives together with her power over death. She realizes her true power as she takes her place with Serena and Vitess, the other Fates. Together, the three Fates and friends set out to stop Malinda and the insatiable appetites of the Cullen.

Queens of Moirai by Rhiannon Hargadon is a wonderful, gripping, new adult, mythological retelling of the three sisters who had power over even the gods of Olympus. The author successfully created a contrasted milieu in which the bright and sunny world where Serena and Vitess live juxtaposes the dark and decaying world where Morena lives in Grace Castle. As the story develops, many themes are touched upon, and the most apparent is that of being truthful and open as opposed to keeping secrets and lying about one's intentions. Manipulation and deception are a permanent undercurrent present in all the characters. Death never had a more tragic beginning nor a more exciting journey in bringing balance back to the world her ancestors left in chaos. Love and betrayal add unexpected drama to a story clad in shadows and hidden agendas; there is no way to predict where the plot will lead or who will triumph in the complex and intertwined relationships of the Fates and their companions. Readers should note that as this is a dark adult retelling, there are instances of violence, abuse, suicide, torture, and death. These instances are treated with the care necessary so that it has a central place in shaping the characters and plot. This was one of those books I could not put down; finding a gem amongst the plethora of fantasy and paranormal fiction available today is refreshing. Anyone who loves Sarah J. Maas and fantasy with strong but vulnerable characters will love Queens of Moirai. This is a creatively written and well-thought-out novel. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite

Colleen M. Story's The Curse of King Midas breathes new life into the age-old tale of King Midas with a fresh and intriguing perspective. At its core, the story explores Midas not as a born ruler, but as someone thrust into power through unexpected circumstances. Initially driven by a quest for revenge, Midas's journey evolves into a complex exploration of power, consequence, and the often blurred lines between good and evil. The narrative thrives on its dynamic and interwoven cast of characters, each adding layers of depth and intrigue to the unfolding plot. The story shifts fluidly between these characters, keeping readers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. While the novel isn't heavy on fantastical creatures and overt displays of magic, it compensates with compelling drama, nuanced relationships, and the ever-present allure of the mythical curse. This isn't just a retelling of a familiar myth; it's a riveting exploration of human desires and their unintended outcomes.

The Curse of King Midas excels in plot intricacy, maintaining a steady pace that builds tension and anticipation. Action scenes are well-executed, heightening the stakes and propelling the narrative forward with each page turn. The characters are vividly portrayed, each grappling with their own ambitions and moral dilemmas, which adds a layer of realism to the fantastical setting. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked power resonate throughout, offering readers a thought-provoking reflection on the timeless cautionary tale of King Midas. In conclusion, Colleen M. Story's novel is a gripping fantasy that blends classic myth with contemporary storytelling finesse. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and poignant themes, The Curse of King Midas is a standout in the genre, sure to captivate both fans of mythological retellings and newcomers alike.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight by Jennifer Ivy Walker weaves magic into an adventure-filled web of romance, evil powers, legendary creatures, and a mixture of fantasy, history, and legend, as The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy comes to a spellbinding conclusion. Imagine the Tristan and Isolde legend, interspersed with Arthurian myths, Avalon, Merlin, Lancelot, and the Lady of the Lake, and you have the makings of an adventure of epic proportions. Tristan and Issylte, heirs to their kingdoms, are matched to bring their people together to live in harmony. But there are evil powers at work that plot to kill them both and take what isn’t theirs.

Jennifer Ivy Walker’s The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight is the thrilling finale of the trilogy. The author has expertly added a little mix of just about everything, including the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. This trilogy will quickly become a favorite, one that will rival the Game of Thrones and many other legendary, fantastical mixes. In this final part, Tristan and Issylte struggle to overcome the evil that surrounds them. The suspense intensifies as magic prevails for both good and evil. The narrative is done expertly, setting vivid scenes that are enticing, awe-inspiring, frightening, and realistic. The characters continue to be well-developed as dialogue and dramatic interchange move the plot forward with intense vitality. If you haven’t read the first two books in this trilogy, it’s advised that you do, as you’ll miss out on so much by not following the full sequence. The series is brilliant, engaging, educational, and a real twist of interwoven tales. Riveting.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Heir of Atargatis is a work of fiction penned by author A.G. Whitt in the interpersonal drama, mythology, and romantic intrigue subgenres. The work is suitable for the general adult reading audience. We follow Jasmine Atarga's journey to Ireland with her girlfriends after losing her father and fiancé in a tragic boating accident. Despite finding solace in the beauty of the Emerald Isle and a budding romance with Seamus, Jasmine's mysterious heritage catches up with her, leading to her sudden disappearance at the Cliffs of Moher. Seamus, aided by local folklore and his estranged brother, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind Jasmine's vanishing before she's lost to the sea forever.

Author A.G. Whitt has crafted a well-balanced and highly enjoyable novel that combines romance, mystery, and folklore to create an enthralling narrative from cover to cover. Set against the backdrop of Ireland's enchanting landscapes, the story immerses readers in a world where ancient myths intertwine with modern-day dilemmas in a brilliantly balanced plot. The characters, particularly Jasmine and Seamus, are compelling and well-developed, drawing readers into their tumultuous journey of love and discovery with realistic dialogue that develops their dynamic so well. I was also really impressed with the level of dedication given to the rest of the novel’s characters, who all felt authentic and detailed as they brought various scenes to life. As the plot unfolds, the intricate web of secrets and legends adds increasing layers of intrigue and charm, shifting through different atmospheric landscapes and moods as well as keeping readers guessing until the very end. Overall, The Heir of Atargatis is a highly recommended, spellbinding tale that seamlessly combines elements of romance and fantasy, leaving readers eagerly turning pages to unravel its mysteries to the very end.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Father is the first book in the Gods on Trial series by Opëshum Patroz. Set in Xżyber, the smallest planet of the strange Warget Solar System, where the powerful suppressed the weak, and chaos thrived in the heart of the planet. The resources weren’t enough to sustain everyone, and a war was brewing just around the corner. The military leaders were preparing for an attack from the North while King Thio and his Queen Evaline were dreaming of moving away from the Central Kingdom. Everyone was struggling to survive, but was that possible?

Intricate and complicated in the best way possible, Beyond the Father had me entertained and wanting more. I can read a good epic fantasy, but my standards are very high when a story is categorized as epic fantasy/science fiction. Author Opëshum Patroz created a fascinating and curious universe where life after death was possible and cyborg-like “humans” existed. The story felt as if it was purposefully complex, and I loved that! The multiple POVs and a whole army of characters should have overwhelmed me, but they didn’t. I was lost in Xżyber’s intricacies and its four regions as it fought to survive. The characters were vital to the story and revealed secrets that Patroz hid. I had a great time connecting the dots and then flipped when Patroz threw a curve ball out of nowhere. I enjoyed King Thio’s dilemma and Prince Anglid’s quest, but characters like Liara and Dugar had my attention. A few simple yet powerful characters became my eyes and ears for what was happening on the ground level. I hope author Opëshum Patroz carries many of these characters forward into the next novel in the series because I will be waiting to meet them again.

Reviewed by Matt Lebois for Readers' Favorite

Adventure takes to the ‘Skies of the Empire’. In this adult fantasy novel from Vincent E.M. Thorn, humans live a life aloft to remain safe from the omnipresent threat of the Fae. Humans thrive in airborne cities anchored to mountaintops by protective iron, and some people live and work on airships, completely untethered. The first mate on the Dreamscape Voyager, Cassidy Durant is one day forced to commit a capital offense against her empire: making an agreement with a Fae. This act exposes her to new threats, but with the support of her captain and crewmates, it will lead to unexpected outcomes. Meanwhile, Zayne, mercenary and captain of the Scorpion, has his own mission, one that will have far-ranging effects for the entire empire, if not the whole world. When Cassidy and Zayne cross paths, more than just sparks will fly.

The opening chapter, featuring an airship battle with a dragon, left me breathless and full of questions about this new high fantasy setting. I loved the worldbuilding, with new details presented naturally through the characters’ experiences: the 26-hour days; food sources in a sky-bound world, where farming is the most dangerous profession; iron being literally more valuable than gold; the many uses for parts of dragons; songs, history, and technology all well thought-out. While the main conflict and stakes were slow to emerge, I found the setting continually intriguing, and the camaraderie of Cassidy and her “found family” crew was consistently a joy to read and held my interest while darker events were slowly unfolding. Younger readers should be aware that this book contains swearing and acknowledges the existence of sex, but otherwise I think all ages will thrill at this adventure. Sequel, please!

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Still, the Sky by Tom Pearson is his latest collection of poetry that delves into popular mythological classics, notably the tales of Icarus and the Minotaur. In the poet’s own words, he has endeavored to complicate the otherwise rigid and often minimal representations of the Minotaur and Icarus, which are often simply rendered either as a monster or a child of hubris. This results in compelling figurative representations, an explosion of social, artistic, emotional, and intellectual expressions that carve their meaning in a fusion of written and visual art. It gives clearer meaning to age-old characters. In Fragments of Icarus, for example, Icarus’s tragedy is deemed not as a remembrance of failure, but rather as an autobiography of imprisonment.

This collection is highly accessible in terms of readability when compared to other poetry inspired by the classics. The anthology may not exactly be easy reading for some, but Tom Pearson conveys through his creations the impression that he is a poet with a strong, intelligent, and lyrical voice. From a critical standpoint, this is not the type of poetry that you can easily read and digest its metaphorical undertones in one sitting. Pearson creates a world that bridges age-old classics and his contemporary ideas. His striking imagery aside, Pearson’s poetry is best brought to life when deconstructed one poem at a time. The fluidity of his verses makes each of his poems a joy to read. Still, the Sky is highly recommended for lovers of both classical and contemporary verse.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Heart of War by Lisa Beth Darling is the first book in the mythological dark erotica Of War series. Accused of a dreadful crime, Ares, the formidable War God of Greek lore, lives in solitary confinement on an isolated island, guarded by humans and attended by female servants. His life is disrupted when a mystical fey woman, Magdalena MacLeod, appears mysteriously on his island. With no recollection of how she arrived, she captivates Ares who renames her Alena. Her presence intrigues him further when he discovers her chastity belt engraved with the insignia of Cernunnos, the Celtic God of Forest and Death. An unexpected deal takes shape: Alena's maidenhead for Ares' protection. As this bond grows, Ares confronts the choice between his estranged divine family, his self-worth, and his newfound attachment to Alena, all while the Olympians and Cernunnos are closing in.

In The Heart of War, Lisa Beth Darling delivers no-holds-barred erotica laden with extreme violence, attributed to a horrific curse, that carries out with the hope of an eventual romance. Ares is an absolute brute with a private harem full of women who are obsessed with him, and the resilient Alena, and they are the ultimate unlikely pair. Their chemistry unfolds and through alternating points of view, Darling develops a diverse cast that includes Ares' Olympian family. The trigger warnings for sexual violence against women and children, and incest, are the standard fare for books of the genre. Darling isn't writing to please everyone, just genre lovers who will find this story ticks all the boxes. I genuinely appreciated the detailed backstory provided, given that this is not intended to be a one-hit-wonder. We have time for real evolution of character and Darling very effectively sets the stage for a promising series.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker is the first installment of a planned paranormal romance trilogy set in the times of King Arthur, the fabled High King of England. Issylte is the only heir to the throne of Ireland and at fourteen is just realizing her future role as the Emerald Queen when her father, the king, chooses to remarry in an attempt to ally with the King of Scotland. His new bride, the evil Morag, is determined to rid herself of her problematic stepdaughter, kill the king, and claim the Irish throne as her own. Issylte narrowly escapes the queen’s plot and discovers her latent magical powers, living deep in the Irish forests with a fairy witch who teaches her how to develop her newfound prowess as a healer and a seer. Tristan of Lyoness was the heir to his family’s throne in the Scilly Isles when he witnesses his entire family’s murder by marauding Vikings. Placed with his Uncle Marke, the King of Cornwall, Tristan grows up to be one of the most feared knights of the realm and is proclaimed Marke’s champion and heir. Sent to train with and ultimately join King Arthur as one of the fabled Knights of the Round Table, Tristan meets and befriends Sir Lancelot, Arthur’s premiere knight and champion. Tristan and Issylte embark on separate adventures, little knowing that fate and the Goddess will one day bring them together to rescue their respective kingdoms from the evil Queen Morag, her Viking cohorts, and dark, magical dwarves.

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is everything I would expect a novel of Arthurian times to be and more. Author Jennifer Ivy Walker has skillfully taken the world that we generally know through stories of King Arthur and concocted an exciting and wonderfully twisting world of chivalry, romance, battles, and magic. The two distinct and separate strands of the story wind their way beautifully to their obvious conclusion on the island of Avalon where the stage is perfectly set for the next iteration of this fascinating and compelling story. I particularly appreciated the author’s skill in blending the magic and the paranormal with the everyday existence of mere mortals. The battle scenes are realistic and bloody as one would expect in any knight’s tale but the romance and the passion of the characters are developed superbly and will have readers turning pages relentlessly to discover the next thrilling chapter of this story. The story is beautifully set up for the next stage of the journey and one is also left with the feeling that we have not heard the last of some of the characters that are left behind. Camelot, this period of history in Britain, tales of druidic magic, and the “little people” of the forest are shrouded in mysticism and fable, yet this author manages to combine all of these aspects in a thoroughly readable novel that seems plausible and believable. This is a real credit to her and I salute her for this first installment. I will be waiting greedily for the next iteration of this adventure and the further exploits of the characters I have grown to admire and love. I can highly recommend this book as one of the best stories I have read this year.