Reviewed by Jose Cornelio for Readers' Favorite

The Essence of Nathan Biddle: A Novel by J. William Lewis is an engrossing coming-of-age story with an interesting protagonist. It has been a year since Nathan Biddle died, and life hasn’t been easy for young Kit Biddle, his cousin, who thinks the death was inconceivable in any sane world. Uncle Nat has committed a grave evil in the name of some omnipotent Being, a story similar to Abraham’s, only it is not justifiable. Kit thinks too much for his age and the question he can’t answer is this: “If an omnipotent being could stop an evil, what is the moral difference between ordering the evil and permitting it?” But neither the ocean nor his mind can provide answers to the questions that occupy his thoughts. He is a fretter, and when he gets something on his mind, he can’t let it go. In a thoughtless moment and after a huge disappointment, he steals a maintenance truck and drives on the highway, getting into an accident that will change his life in many ways and alter his sense of reality.

Philosophical, evocative in style, and intellectually exciting, The Essence of Nathan Biddle is a novel with strong existential themes. The young protagonist is depicted as a loner, someone who gets absorbed in his own thoughts. While at Bridgewater Academy, he feels awkward, staying away from groups and team sports, but he joins the track team because he likes to run and it is something he can do alone. His inner world is superbly written and the reader finds it easy to follow his thoughts, expressed in bursts of consciousness that are captivating. The transformation that happens in him after the accident as he heals is cathartic. J. William Lewis is a great storyteller and The Essence of Nathan Biddle is a classic with characters that are real and relatable. The relationships are intelligently written and readers will enjoy watching Kit as he grows through these relationships, with both boys and girls, and how his relationship with Anna pushes him to the brink of despair. The prose is exquisite, lyrical in style, and delightful. It is a compelling novel with strong philosophical themes and psychological depth; one of those books that are hard to put down.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

It was in the fall of 1985 that Laura’s woes began. She was only nine years old, the last child of loving parents who traveled. Laura always stayed at her cousin’s place whenever her parents went on their trips, but it soon became a nightmare. Her cousin’s dad, Uncle Max, returned from active duty with obscene intentions. He sexually assaulted Laura until everything about her felt useless and tainted. Who could she tell? Who would believe her? Laura bottled up the pain and took her anger out on teachers, academics, men, and everyone else. Then, out of the blue, the most irritating yet daring man showed up with enough love to attract the saints. Will Laura’s demons stand in the way of love? Find out in The Secrets We Conceal by S. R. Fabrico.

After some years in the medical profession, a few things still scare or horrify me. Child sexual molestation/assault and defilement, especially by family members, are some of the things that give me chills. I cannot imagine the powerlessness, panic, betrayal, and defeat felt by the victim. The Secrets We Conceal by S. R. Fabrico made my heart ache for Laura. She was a warrior! I cried every time Max hurt her and kept praying not to fail my children. Child molestation and sexual abuse often occur with the most trusted people. However, the victim doesn’t just forget. There are ripple effects that manifest even in adulthood. This book is an awakening to parents. We must endeavor to prioritize our kids, be approachable, pay more attention to them, and take every mood change seriously. Fabrico is a fantastic storyteller with a captivating writing style. I loved the dialog flow, character development, and plot. This book was very educative, and I hope to read Susie’s story. Great job!

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Katie, Bar the Door: A Novel by Ruth Hull Chatlien is a story filled with realism and humanity, following a young woman on her journey to find a foothold in a world that has mercilessly broken her. Yes, Katie is broken. She has suffered a lot from childhood. As a child, she has been religiously stifled, treated as bad in school by Mrs. Loiseaux, who accuses her of making Jesus die. She has experienced loss in the family, been sexually shamed, and bullied. Follow her on this journey as she seeks love and meaning. In a world where she struggles to be herself, can she find love and inner freedom?

This is a brilliantly written story filled with realistic themes and readers will enjoy the way the author allows the humanity and the struggles of the protagonist to shine through the writing. Ruth Hull Chatlien writes in captivating prose and creates a world that readers can relate to. It is one that most of us are familiar with. Relationships are impeccably written and readers will enjoy the family dynamics as the author builds the relationships between Katie and her parents and as she explores her emotional depth in the context of disturbing situations in which she finds herself. Characters like Joe and Marietta are written with ingenuity and I particularly enjoyed how the author handles the effect of Joe’s death on Marietta. Katie, Bar the Door: A Novel is the story of someone who struggles to be herself in a world that forces her to be like others; it is deftly accomplished with unusual expertise.

Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite

The Swords of Blood and Gold by J. C. R. Paulino casts its spell of mysticism over a broad horizon of adventure, anchored around two swords of incredible power. These immortal tools have traversed centuries, wielding death and destruction on their journey to sustain one entity; an entity driven to maintain itself no matter what the cost may be. Jon Sherman is an attractive 28-year-old guy with an exhilarating career as an ocean treasure hunter. He knows nothing about worlds of mythical powers and unfathomable entities; that is until his company is brutally attacked on an otherwise normal Monday afternoon. This catalyst propels Jon into a race with destiny, forcing him to confront not only unknown dangers but also his belief system and understanding of reality. Whether he survives this convoluted journey is the only question, and you will be compelled to read through to the explosive climax to discover the answer.

J. C. R. Paulino’s The Swords of Blood and Gold is a high-quality mythical adventure steeped in some truly engrossing Chinese legends. I found the plot to be well-paced, intriguing, and fresh without being overpowered by excessive convolution and complexity. The characters were quite palpable and unique in personality, and the relationships were crafted supremely well. This was particularly so with the relationship between Jon and Natalie; the pace and at times awkwardness that flowed between these two was very on point. In fact, the first intimacy between these two was handled in one of the best ways I have ever read. All told, The Swords of Blood and Gold is a thoroughly enjoyable read, suitable for every reader with a sense of adventure and magic within their heart. A remarkable, first-class book.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Finally, The Murder of Crows Series has come full circle with One Tin Soldier: A Post-Apocalyptic Superhero Novel. Author Chris Tullbane has dispatched his main protagonist, Damian Banach, as well as his other host of characters, into their final destinies. The first book (See the Bones) is a clincher, the second (Red Right Hand) is purposeful, and this third is the resolution for the Crow who wants to become a Cape. It gathers all the plot threads to weave Damian into one final adventure. This time, he volunteers for a mission into the Badlands, not for the purpose of relief work, but to implement a standing favor for Her Majesty that is past overdue. He is searching for Dr. Nowhere, the man whose dream has done a lot more than just bring superpowers into the world. Meanwhile, Tezcatlipoca, the mastermind and self-proclaimed god, is taking over the vast majority of Mexico.

One Tin Soldier has given the trilogy its full arc. I admire it even more as a whole as it certifies Chris Tullbane’s work as the product of immense creativity. As the culmination of the series, it is a crowning achievement in the visionary use of the superpower and dystopian theme in speculative fiction. As a necromancer struggling against the hostile reception of the people around him for the power that he wields, Damian has managed to emerge and redeem himself through his actions and motives. It is generous in both action and psychological depth, and One Tin Soldier becomes a work for readers of all ages craving a storyline with feelings and gravitas. You will feel something for Damian, who has matured along his journey. This is going to be the last that you will read about him, and you will never feel so at peace with a story set in a dystopian world.

Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite

White Fire by Laurie Bell is the first installment in the Toni Delle Adventures series. White Fire follows the adventures of an interplanetary adventurer named Toni Delle as she undertakes a new and dangerous assignment with the aid of her robotic dog companion and ship’s artificial intelligence. Burned in the past by an enigmatic adversary named The Smuggler, Toni’s addiction to the thrills of her job propel her back into her old enemy’s orbit as she races to stop a dangerous new tool of destruction from ending up in the wrong hands.

Laurie Bell has crafted a captivating science fiction novel with flavors of fantasy and crime. One of my favorite things about this story is how relatable the characters are, despite the invisible skin and heightened senses. Toni is the strong female lead we all need in our lives; she is courageous and determined but despite this, she experiences the same hardships and conflict we all face in our own lives which makes you root for her all the more. On top of this, she has two fantastic sidekicks in Mate and Zach, each of whom brings their own dynamics and they add sparks of humor and friendship to the story. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to readers looking for their next epic space opera set in a wonderfully realized world with compelling characters on an exciting adventure. There are twists and turns in the road, and the promise of a series set in this universe with these characters is a very exciting prospect.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

To say that Emily Calby's sweet sixteen birthday was far from normal would be the understatement of the year. On her sixteenth birthday, she was arrested for carrying an illegal weapon. As she lived anonymously under a fake name, this arrest threatened her true identity being revealed to the world. When a murder charge was added to her original charges, her anonymous life should have been the least of her concerns. Soon, she found herself behind bars in a juvenile prison. Any hope she had of having an easy trial evaporated the moment she came face to face with a vindictive prosecutor hellbent on getting the "little gutter rat" (Emily Calby) thrown into an adult prison for life. The second book in the Emily Calby series, The Girl in Cell 49B by Dorian Box is the gripping tale of a sixteen-year-old who, like a phoenix from the ashes, rises from her anger issues and guilt of the past. But will she survive the law that has many exceptions attached to each rule?

What distinguishes an act of self-defense from a brutal murder? In The Girl in Cell 49B, Dorian Box has woven an engrossing story around this idea. And what a fascinating ride it has been! Emily is the perfect character whose characteristics, like real humans, are quite contradictory. She has the instincts of a killer, yet a substantial part of her nature is that of a savior. Emily cannot stand still and let an injustice unfold in front of her eyes. More often than not, she pays a heavy price for intervening in such situations; however, this quality also helps her win readers' hearts. Even the side characters are crafted with several unique qualities that establish them as memorable and intriguing.

Dorian Box is a skilled storyteller and has infused the plot with several fascinating twists. His remarkable legal knowledge shines through and makes the narration even more authentic. By adding all the right ingredients of emotions, action, corruption, justice, courtroom drama, and gentle romance, Dorian Box has created a potential bestseller. Since the author has included tidbits from the first book, this second book of the series can be very well read as a standalone. The Girl in Cell 49B - Emily Calby Book 2 by Dorian Box is a must-read thriller.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Sin Eater by Amanda Denham, Jayde was only eighteen when she first discovered her gift of being able to erase painful memories. Just two years ago, Jayde thought she was acting out of kindness by eliminating a disturbing incident from the memory of her best friend, Jenny. But Jayde’s attempt to make Jenny feel better had resulted in deleting memories of her family and friends too. Now Jayde uses her unique talent to delete and bury people's pain and guilt disguised as her alter ego, the Sin Eater. As Jayde embarks on her next mission as the Sin Eater, she tries to forget how Jenny’s life was dramatically altered because of her actions. Unfortunately, every painful memory that is erased will remain with Jayde. She can never forget. Kept under the scrutiny and threats of blackmail by her callous boss, Jak, Jayde returns to her childhood town where she encounters two siblings with a horrifying secret. Jayde knows she can help them but it would mean revealing her true identity. Is that a risk she is willing to take?

I loved the unique plot of Sin Eater by Amanda Denham. The characters were amazing, the backstories of their personalities were extremely detailed and compelling. The storyline also had many wonderful layers which were gradually revealed. I thought the constant switch in timelines was an excellent concept as I gained an insight into how Jayde became the Sin Eater and changed her outlook toward society. The descriptive narrative and the authentic dialogue were definitely the biggest strengths of this novel. Amanda has an excellent storytelling ability that kept the interest and intrigue throughout. There are so many life lessons cleverly entwined throughout regarding the challenges of growing up, facing the consequences of the choices you make, and forgiving yourself for those choices.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Beautiful young people are often the stuff of young adult fiction, and that typical girl meets boy trope doesn’t seem to grow old. Perhaps it all depends on the author’s creativity and imagination in executing the plot. In Time to Wake by K. Thomas, Senlis, the female protagonist, narrates the story from her point of view. She’s trying to live a normal life and it proves difficult as she is a night person, caffeine-addicted, and has a strong sense of empathy. It doesn’t get any better in that she has a pet ghost named Benny and a Nephilim lineage that gives her a rare power of feeding off people’s souls. As she tries to stay normal, she befriends her new neighbor named Katie. As they start to hang out, they get entangled in a series of young girls mysteriously disappearing, and it seems to be tied to Senlis’s secret. Along comes the arrogant Hunter, whom Senlis suspects has been following her—and he has a good reason for doing so. The mysterious disappearances of the young girls are tied to Senlis’s past, of which she has no memory.

The leads are so lovely and infused with humor that it’s easy to get caught up in the romantic and adventurous element of the story. K. Thomas will make you believe in love but break your heart at the same time. Time to Wake is a well-written story that redefines what it means to live a normal life when you are tied to circumstances beyond your control. Senlis struggles to unearth more truths about her identity while trying to make sense of the predicament they face. These are pressing imperatives delivered in a thrilling and dreamy storyline. Despite impending danger, there is enough time to properly explore the relationship of Senlis and Hunter as it evolves from hostility to romance, and this evolution is how Thomas masterfully delivers the girl meets boy trope with an original twist. As the first installment in a new series, it meets expectations so that you will eagerly await the next book.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Cadet-in-Training is an entry in The Academy Saga by CJ Daly, a mix of suspense, romance, and psychological thriller. Of all the places she could be, Kate never imagined waking up strapped to a bed in a psych ward of the Academy. Ranger has done his job and Kate has no other choice but to complete the Cadet-in-Training program. Otherwise, she will lose the one important privilege given to her: being able to see her little brother. Officer Nealson is responsible for her being in this damn hell; he’s the one who drugged and brought her in. And all of this is happening because she is “gifted.” Follow Kate as she goes through a rigorous regime preparing for her first mission. Unless she succeeds, Officer Nealson won’t be returning to missions. What is the hidden agenda of this place? Can Kate successfully fight through the program and determine her own fate?

CJ Daly’s novel is written in an engrossing first-person narrative voice and it is filled with streams of consciousnesses that plunge readers into the minds of the characters. The alternating narrative voices shift perspectives, provide insights into the characters, and help to deepen the conflict. Kate is a character that I rooted for: she is in a delicate position, and against her will. Emotionally, she is fighting between her captor and Pete, the one person who risked his life to warn her. The emotional conflict is deftly handled and it is what drives the strong suspense in this novel. As one reads from page to page, the sense of a hidden agenda becomes even more glaring and this kept me longing to see what will become of Kate Connelly. It is a fast-paced, emotionally rich, and engaging story. I was seduced by the strong narrative voice and read through the story in one night.