Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In Second Chance by Kyona Jiles, Kinsley Preston is thrown into the supernatural world following the murders of her parents. Kinsley discovers that she is a shadower, destined to protect benevolent vampires and eliminate malevolent ones. Since Kinsley’s parents were meant to prepare her for this role, she now carries a legacy without knowing what it truly involves. At the same time, Kinsley shares a unique connection with the vampire Beckford Alexander, which she must figure out how to navigate. Kinsley and Beck can communicate through their thoughts, and he can track her no matter where she is. When Kinsley's aunt is kidnapped by the evil vampire Isaac, she seeks the assistance of Beck, human monster hunters, and shape-shifters. Armed with her newfound powers and the special bond with Beck, Kinsley and her friends embark on a quest to rescue her aunt.

Second Chance by Kyona Jiles was complex and captivating. The plot was fast-moving, with action beginning right from the start and continuing nonstop to the finish. All the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could. I found myself immersed in a supernatural world inhabited by shadowers, vampires, shape-shifters, and werewolves. The writing style was enchanting, making it easy for me to feel a part of this fantastical world. The characters felt very real to me, transforming into relatable individuals over time. Each character possessed a unique background and traits that felt natural to the plot. This story was superbly crafted, blending human reactions and behaviors seamlessly with supernatural elements. I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for the next one.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd is a captivating paranormal mystery that weaves together elements of danger, suspense, and emotional depth. The novel follows Arista, a woman recovering from a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, who seeks solace in her aunt's home in Sedona, Arizona. However, her hoped-for peace is quickly disrupted by mysterious fainting spells and the looming threat of her bloodthirsty uncle, Fergus. Forced to return to her hometown of Boulder Creek, Arista must confront a complex web of unresolved heartache, mysterious deaths, and her uncle's sinister alliance. Dodd creates a narrative landscape that is at once intimate and expansive, exploring the delicate balance between personal trauma and broader supernatural threats. The novel promises a journey of resilience, healing, and the profound strength required to confront one's deepest fears.

Author Sherri L. Dodd has a real knack for blending supernatural intrigue with human emotions. I was particularly moved by her rich, descriptive prose that captures both the eerie beauty of Sedona's landscapes and the complex inner world of her protagonist. The characters are remarkably complex, grounded in relatable struggles that make the paranormal elements feel authentic and immediate. Her writing excels at creating a delicate balance between suspense and introspection, exploring themes of resilience, family dynamics, and personal healing in the face of overwhelming danger. The atmospheric quality of the prose transforms the narrative from a mere mystery into a profound exploration of human vulnerability and strength. Dodd navigates the supernatural elements with a sensitivity that prevents them from overshadowing the personal journey of the characters. Her ability to create tension that is both psychological and supernatural is remarkable, keeping readers consistently engaged and emotionally invested. The character depth and motivations feel both surprising and inevitable, creating a story that is at once thrilling and profoundly moving. Overall, I would certainly recommend Moonset on Desert Sands as a stunning entry in the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy that redefines the boundaries of paranormal mystery.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove is a work of fiction in the thriller, mystery, and crime genres, and is the suspenseful conclusion to the award-winning first part of the story. The work is best suited to adult readers as it contains some strong language and descriptions of grisly crime scenes. Penned by author duo Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen, the Orbriallis Institute stands as a mysterious beacon of medical innovation in the haunted town of Lost Grove. Dr. Neil Owens is both revered and feared for his obsession with human genetics. Sergeant Seth Wolfe investigates the death of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams, leading him into the institute's secrets. Local teens also search for answers about a missing boy and the ominous Green Man. As deception and danger mount, Seth must uncover the truth before it's too late.

Author team Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen have crafted another chilling novel to perfectly complement the first half of their superb thriller tale. The atmosphere of Lost Grove, with its ancient redwoods and perpetual mist, created a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery, with atmospheric language keeping us totally immersed. The character of Dr. Neil Owens was both fascinating and terrifying, embodying the fine line between scientific genius and madness with some brilliant speech and thought presentation. The narrative surrounding Sergeant Seth Wolfe and his determined quest for the truth was also powerful, making him a compelling protagonist with attitudes that were constantly challenged and reshaped by an engaging plot. There’s also a layer of youthful determination as we contrast Seth’s journey with a younger perspective, and the constant sense of dread and the meticulous unraveling of secrets amongst the ensemble cast kept me on edge. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove as a captivating and thought-provoking read that fans of the first book will adore.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

The Reincarnation of Marie by Jim Woodman is a captivating story that follows Yann Roussel, a French lieutenant obsessed with Marie Bashkirtseff, a Russian aristocrat who died young. Yann develops an unusual romantic connection to Marie after reading her journals, which highlight her impending death due to tuberculosis. His fascination with her leads him on a journey to her burial place and makes him question his sanity. Just before he is sent to the front line of war, he meets with his sister, who introduces him to a young woman named Marya Courventin. Marya bears a striking resemblance to Marie, and Yann believes that she has been reincarnated. Unfortunately, like Marie, Marya is also running out of time, and they strive to make the most of their time together.

The Reincarnation of Marie is about a love that knows no bounds. Initially, Yann's obsession may seem disturbing, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his connection to Marie transcends mere infatuation. Their passion across time and space reveals a profound love and a second chance for star-crossed lovers. There is something magical about Yann's meeting with Marya; his desperation to cherish their fleeting moments together adds palpable tension to the narrative. The ending is unexpected and highlights the uncontrollable power of fate. Jim Woodman's storytelling is captivating, featuring poetic language and strong character development. Overall, this tale explores the depths of obsession and the beauty of love in its various forms, with moments that are both jaw-dropping and heartfelt, leaving readers to reflect on the nature of love, loss, and destiny.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt tells the captivating story of Sarah Richardson, a young girl with a family legacy of clairvoyance. Her unique ability allows her to see people's mist colors, which helps her determine their personalities and moods. Despite their powerful gifts, Sarah's family faces ridicule and disdain from others who perceive them as witches and abominations. When Sarah's sister, Katherine, experiences vivid visions about a woman suffering from domestic abuse, she attempts to intervene but ultimately ends up in an asylum. This event leaves Sarah feeling guilty for her role in their separation. Years later, when Sarah reconnects with a resentful Katherine, she must confront her past. Now living in a new environment, Sarah hides her history and powers. However, when a similar situation involving domestic abuse arises, she realizes she must embrace her family's legacy and fight to prevent history from repeating itself.

Set in the late 1800s, Raquel Y. Levitt’s The Seer immerses readers in a time of women's suffrage and social upheaval, where the struggle for women's rights intertwines with personal battles against societal prejudice and oppression. Sarah understands that she will be judged not only for her powers but also for being a woman. Her journey is one of self-discovery, acceptance, and empowerment. The story combines mystical and realistic elements, making it captivating and suspenseful. It features unpredictable plot twists and dynamic characters with complex relationships. Levitt enriches the narrative with historical, romantic, and social themes, creating a thought-provoking tale that resonates with readers long after they finish the book. She handles sensitive topics with respect, illuminating the societal struggles women face. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that blends historical fiction, mysticism, and a poignant exploration of women's rights.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Moira Gallagher was five years old when a car accident took the life of her best friend, Julia. Moira didn't mourn the loss, puzzling her parents. Julia's ghost appeared before her almost immediately after the accident. Since then, Moira has been experiencing frequent visits from the spirits of the departed. Moira and her sister, Deirdre, run Gallagher Investigations, using Moira's abilities to help grieving people and lost souls. The sisters received a letter from Séan Kennedy, asking them to investigate his past and find possible connections to the McGuire Stud Farm in Kildare, Ireland. The recently passed-away owner had a reputation as a cruel man and was married to a woman Séan believed to be his mother. Both died in a car crash, and the estate, with its many secrets, was waiting for an heir. The younger of the Gallagher girls, Nuala, comes to their aid with her own unique gift as Moira, guided by the otherworldly guardians, opposes the evil forces. We Are Shadows by Gail Grant Park is an engaging read for fans of mystery, detective, and suspense novels with a paranormal element.

We Are Shadows is a thrilling read divided into four interconnected parts. The events unfold in Ireland, and Gail Grant Park has graciously added a pronunciation and translation guide for Irish proper names and terms. Pieces of Irish wisdom, like "A handful of skills is better than a bagful of gold," open some chapters. Gail offers us interesting insights into the dark periods of the history of Ireland, like the Great Famine and the social injustice that followed it. The binding elements of the book's four parts are kindness and compassion. Moira is always ready to help those who reach out for her, be it her next-door neighbor or a ghost from the other side of the veil. Open-hearted Moira, empathetic Deirdre, and Nuala, who is always honest with herself, are very lovable characters. Gail touches on the importance of family connections. Nana Brigid may be dead, but she watches over her granddaughters constantly. She is a great secondary character with a vibrant personality to remember. I liked the touching story of Moira's and Deirdre's trip to the US, where they tried to support an elderly relative in need. We Are Shadows has an appealing writing style and a captivating plotline with many unpredictable twists.

Reviewed by Alicia DeBerry for Readers' Favorite

Kevin A. Davis shows us a world that is hidden within our world in Atlanta’s Guide to Cryptids. Kristen, a witch, and the latest recruit to the Department of Realm Containment, has no time to adjust to her new crew. They get a case on her first day. She thought she was just joining the FBI but soon discovers that’s not the case. Now working with an experienced team of witches, werewolves, vampires, and dragon shifters, she must use all her wits and experience to stay alive. With their combined abilities, they work to solve the cases that involve instances of the use of the dangerous Tarus realm to unleash deadly cryptids into the city.

I love the theme that secret branches are working together to protect the world's fragility and keep things in balance. Kevin A. Davis’s descriptions of each crime scene and action scene are so vivid that at times I felt like I could see and smell what was happening. The pace moved just right so I never got bored during the investigation scenes. As knowledge was revealed about the different entities they encountered, the abilities of the crew kept me entertained and intrigued for more. I connected with the lead character Kristen's struggles as she voiced her opinions despite her lack of experience. I enjoyed watching her grow in trusting her abilities and becoming a new valuable member of the team. I recommend Atlanta’s Guide to Cryptids to lovers of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, action, and drama.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Burning Red: The Red Legacies by Trinity Slain delivers a beautiful blend of romance and paranormal intrigue. Garron, tortured and scarred in prison, finds an unexpected ally in Jaxon. Jaxon makes the ultimate sacrifice to help Garron escape from prison. Now, Garron must find and protect his sister. Maxine has lost hope of seeing her brother after killing the only person who knew his whereabouts. But Garron arrives, claiming he knows where to find her brother. As secrets unravel and danger looms, the tension between Garron and Maxine simmers with primal intensity, fueled by a connection neither can deny. They must stay alive while finding a way to return to the prison where Garron has faced monsters, torture, and dark caves. Can they beat multiple enemies and rescue Maxine's brother from a place where escape is almost impossible?

There is much to enjoy in this first installment of The Red Legacies series, an opening that makes a bold promise on what readers should expect in the next installments. Characterization is impeccable! Readers are introduced to complex characters, each meticulously written, each carrying a heavy burden. The conflict shapes their inner worlds. Garron has been through a lot of pain, a man broken by torture, and his escape from the worst prison in their world is daring. His encounter with Maxine, a beguilingly beautiful woman, increases the stakes. Maxine has her demons to handle, and while the attraction grows between them, they must overcome their fears and learn to trust each other. The writing is superb, with beautiful descriptions and multiple POVs. The setting is finely drawn and mirrors the characters' inner worlds. Trinity Slain's writing is infused with strong imagery and a sense of timing. Burning Red was a delightful read for me.

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Abigail Cutter’s The Last of What I Am is a riveting and well-crafted historical novel about a Confederate soldier and the American Civil War. The narrator is the ghost of Tom Smiley, a Confederate veteran from Bethel in Augusta County, in southwestern Virginia. Tom’s spirit continues to live in his family home in Bethel into the 21st century. Tom’s memories of the Civil War and his profound remorse at the death and devastation caused by the war will not let his spirit rest. His sense of who he is, everything in his life, and his family’s life from the 19th century is still in the farmhouse. All that changes abruptly when the new owners, Harry and Phoebe Hunter, begin significant renovations of the home. Tom’s heart breaks as his memories are ripped away. His anger grows. Phoebe senses a ghostly presence as she opens closets and chests, discovering long-ago letters among many family treasures. Intuitively, with her growing awareness of the family who lived here once, she reaches out to Tom and he tells her his story about those dark and grim Civil War days. The novel twists and turns to the very end.

Profoundly moving and thought-provoking, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Last of What I Am for its remarkable characters and deeply personal narrative. I particularly liked how Tom Smiley’s character remains central to the story, as he remembers the harrowing and unforgettable days of the Civil War and then his heart-wrenching helplessness when the 21st century intrudes into his home, unaware and uncaring about his memories and his spirit. The novel gained great depth with the rich and vivid details of the other characters, Tom’s family, his boyhood friends who were also infantrymen with him, and the other Confederate soldiers Tom came to know in the war. I was deeply moved as I read the letters from Mary, Tom’s sister, during the war, and how these letters were a lifeline for him to survive at all costs and to return home. I also liked the details Abigail Cutter worked into the novel after Tom returned from the war, as well as the challenges he faced in postwar life. The interweaving of the paranormal and the layering of past and present was expertly crafted through Phoebe’s intuition, understanding, and encouragement. The Last of What I Am has complex and compelling themes; a historical and contemporary story of friendship, loyalty, family, forgiveness, and redemption.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Running In The Shadows by Niki Gregory is the first book in a paranormal series, Memoirs of a Living Dead Girl. Lucy must die because the witch wants her powers, powers that grow with Lucy. Once the witch has claimed her, Lucy’s spirit cannot move on. It hovers somewhere between life and death. Lucy is trapped in a never-ending sleep, safe from the witch, until she returns to consciousness, leaving her vulnerable. It’s down to Lucy’s sister and her friends to save Lucy, and they set off on a long, dangerous journey, fighting dark forces to rescue Lucy’s soul from the evil that lies ahead. Can they get to her in time, or is their quest doomed to fail before it starts?

Running In The Shadows by Niki Gregory is very different from other stories in the paranormal genre. Rather than being a good vs. evil story all the way through, we see things from the perspective of a living dead girl, floating between life and death, highlighting the fragility that exists between the two states. It is an adult book and contains triggers, so beware. This story is highly emotional and full of action as the main character’s friends and family face dangers they never dreamed existed. All the characters are well-developed, and you will feel that you know them. Indeed, you can probably see yourself and the people you know in them, and they are easy to relate to. This is a highly imaginative story that will stay with you for a long time. A very enjoyable, nail-biting read, and I can’t wait for the next one.