Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Entheophage by Drema Deoraich is a timely, thrilling, unique scientific story. Dr. Isobel Fallon is a pharmaceutical research scientist trying to discover a drug to halt the progression of the fatal neurological condition Milani Syndrome; her son is afflicted and will almost certainly die within a few years. Desperate to harvest a species of coral she believes could play a vital role in developing a new drug, she is somewhere in the Coral Triangle of the South Pacific trying to convince the local islanders to give their team permission to harvest the coral. Back in the United States, a previously unknown virus is striking down children with alarming regularity. CDC research team leader Nadine Parker and her team have been tasked with discovering the nature of this virus and finding ways to combat it. As Isobel's and Nadine’s paths intersect, this virus may not be like any other yet discovered; it may be changing the makeup of humanity, generation by generation. 

Entheophage is not only a well-written, easy-to-read mystery with twists and turns but its basic premise is so unique and unusual. The storyline reflects two issues of the past decade, pandemics and climate change, and combines them into a thrilling tale that will keep readers glued. I particularly appreciated that almost all the lead characters were strong, well-educated, resourceful, and confident women. In a political environment that daily seeks to denigrate and limit women’s roles in society, it is important to read literature that celebrates women’s achievements and abilities. I also loved the concept that all life, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, is part of one giant consciousness; eternally linked and reliant on the other parts. That nature, in the form of a virus, should be the central character in addressing the imbalance in the universe, created by one small part of that environment, humanity, was an inspired and unique direction taken by this author. I can’t speak highly enough about how much I enjoyed this story and I recommend it to all readers.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

“You can only sell your integrity once, so you better get a good price for it,” are the opening lines of Diana Colleen’s provocative, revolutionary, and speculative thriller, They Could Be Saviors. The most consequential news of the century is brought to the world by the voice of news anchor Walt Meyers: five of the wealthiest men in the world are missing, and amongst them are Americans Josh Latham, CEO and founder of Omnicia, and Matt Aronowitz, head of the social media platform Peepl, Australian software mogul Joel Berg, and German fashion mogul William Becker. They have been abducted and transported through experimental “extraction” technology and are in a secluded facility in the grasslands of Saskatchewan. But this is not about money, and no ransom is demanded. They have been taken by a radical sisterhood composed of psychedelic therapists and led by the grieving Mel. Now they will be forced to confront their egos and to acknowledge how much they have hurt the planet.

They Could Be Saviors was a wonderful read, and I love the unique idea behind this narrative. It is one of those books you wish had happened in real life. Diana Colleen’s characters reminded me of some of the ruthless billionaires we have. How could I forget Elon Musk saying empathy is a weakness when I read about Josh’s belief that integrity is a commodity he would sell many times, regardless of the diminishing returns? The author introduces women who force these powerful, seemingly untouchable billionaires to understand the consequences of their actions through sessions of psilocybin and MDMA, and a communal Ayahuasca ceremony. Josh’s journey from a sociopathic titan to someone vulnerable was remarkable. Matt got my attention with his devastating struggle with guilt. This novel is thoughtful and imbued with realism that reflects most of what we witness today. In addition to the exceptionally written characters and the superb storytelling, the novel is filled with symbolism and other literary elements. It makes readers think about the gray areas of morality and ask whether it is justified to kidnap and drug someone to save humanity. I would do it if I had the chance. This is a book for anyone who cares about our planet.

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

Kevin D. Miller delivers a captivating environmental thriller in Blood of Yarumaya. Isabella Delgado is two weeks late in arriving for her assignment with Dr. Dominic Quinn in the Amazon. This was her opportunity to write her thesis on botany with firsthand rainforest experience, but now the doctor is missing. She just broke up with her boyfriend and is still dealing with a knee injury that shattered her gymnastic goals. To make things worse, the radio is broken, it’s humid, and the mosquitoes are hungry. When Dr. Quinn finally arrives at the field lab, he doesn’t resemble the forty-something man Isabella expected. Instead, he looks closer to her twenty-six years. What follows is a race to uncover the secrets of the Kawirén people's longevity and help them survive the impending destruction of the Amazon.

Author Kevin D. Miller proves to be a master storyteller. Vivid descriptions immerse readers deep in the rainforest and awaken all their senses. With strong protagonists leading the story, there's no doubt about wanting to turn those pages and keep reading. The pace is swift, creating an urgency that drives the plot forward. It ticks all the right boxes for action, adventure, love, and discovery, ensuring any reader will fall in love with the Amazon and making Blood of Yarumaya perfect for fans of nature and science. The dialogue is sharp, and the detailed stages of experimentation won’t leave you confused. Due to some strong language and closed-door sexual scenes, this book is best suited to a mature audience.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Iceapelago 3 by Peter Brennan is the final episode of the excellent futuristic series based on seismic events that effectively destroyed much of civilization and created small self-sustaining communities in various parts of the world. These communities are still struggling to survive, now three generations on from the initial seismic waves that swept across the earth. In what was once Ireland, small groups of survivors have clung to life despite the effects of the “Big Storm” and the Eriador seismic waves. Many have perished through these events and communication between the various groups is almost non-existent these days. However, more worrying for the small groups is their unsustainability beyond a third generation, with only siblings making up the young populations and outside eyes looking at Iceapelago with envy as a way to escape intense climate change and drought in Southern Europe. The Principality of Rio Formosa in what was formerly Portugal is viewing Iceapelago as the perfect place for their citizens to relocate and is planning on taking control of the small communities there by whatever means necessary. 

Iceapelago 3 is a look at a world that could easily happen and is a frighteningly enjoyable read. It is not difficult to imagine these types of seismic events actually occurring. With most of our cities on the coast, a worldwide seismic event and resulting tsunamis could very easily wipe out civilization as we know it. Equally, the climate change events precipitated by the collapse of the Gulfstream and other significant climatic events are very real even today. Author Peter Brennan has created a realistic scenario that is not only believable but infinitely scary. This type of dystopian outlook makes us question how we would react and cope if suddenly the veneer of civilization was torn away and we had to rely on our resources and abilities to survive. Although this is a series, it is not necessary to have read the first two to fully enjoy this one. The author consistently drops gems of information to feed the backstory to readers. The idea of climate refugees is something we had never considered even fifty years ago but is now looking like a real possibility before the end of this century. What this book does nicely is weigh greed, envy, and power against the realization that if anyone is going to survive into the next century, societies must work cooperatively, in peace, and with a common goal - the survival of our species. What I particularly like, apart from the excellent story, plot, and action, is that the book makes readers think about possibilities for the future and forces readers to put themselves in the characters’ shoes and ask themselves how they would cope. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend all three books in the series.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Boris Plamenov Konstantinov’s After Hope follows humanity after a poisoned Earth has forced survivors into seven sealed domes and the decaying settlements around them. Teresa Rodriguez, Chancellor of the United Nations Earth Council, discovers that the water keeping the domes alive may be contaminated. In the Rio bubble, Antony cleans air-filtration towers for daily rations while hiding an impossible ability to survive injuries that should kill him. Martin Carter leads Earth For All, a resistance movement determined to break UNEC’s control, while Miranda, a young operative loyal to the movement, is sent on missions few others could survive. As the environment deteriorates and both sides prepare for war, Antony’s impossible survival and Miranda’s assignments draw them toward a secret that may decide what comes after the domes. Humanity is running out of time.

Boris Plamenov Konstantinov’s After Hope is outstanding dystopian science fiction, and Konstantinov is excellent at making social hierarchy visible through ordinary survival. I especially loved the Tower of Life, where Rio bubble residents climb air-filtration structures for food-paste wages. When a worker falls to his death, the pay board simply changes because a higher position has opened. Konstantinov makes that cruelty feel ordinary, and the detail tells us exactly how the bubble works. Antony is a brilliant main character, and I love that the author introduces his humanity when he gives his respirator to a sick child. Teresa is equally fascinating; the author makes the UNEC chancellor terrifying while keeping her belief that she alone can save humanity completely sincere. Well written and haunting, readers who enjoy serious dystopian science fiction will love this book.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Diane Nelson’s lifelong love of the ocean, nurtured by her Uncle Bo, culminated in her getting a post-doctoral position at Ocean Science and Climatology Foundation. Her prior research on dinoflagellates is invaluable in preventing the red algae bloom that has been spreading through the Gulf of Mexico at an alarming rate, wreaking havoc on marine biodiversity and contaminating freshwater supplies with neurotoxins. As the death toll keeps rising with each passing day, OSCF deploys a group of excellent scientists working around the clock. While happy to have joined the dedicated researchers, Diane cannot help noticing a few oddities. Why are the co-founders of OSCF so reluctant to find out the root cause of the bloom? Why did a former employee become so distressed that he threatened his labmates with a gun before taking his own life? Read Bleeding Sea, an eco-thriller by K.A. Kirtland.

The novel boasts a fast-paced, engaging plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the first page. The enormity of the environmental disaster helps us realize how vulnerable we are to nature's wrath. K.A. Kirtland highlights how the insatiable greed of a few corrupt people can lead to utter devastation. Added to this, the hair-raising sequence of events, including a harrowing shooting, undersea missions in the poisonous water, or midnight investigations in an off-limit plant, makes the storyline taut with palpable tension. Despite all odds, Diane’s resolute persona and unrelenting pursuit of truth make her a true researcher. We admire her logical approach to problem-solving and strength, especially when a series of possible sabotages puts the integrity of her labmates in question. Kirtland weaves a complicated tapestry of corruption, half-truths, and betrayals, mystifying readers till the end. I recommend Bleeding Sea to anyone who loves climate fiction and environmental thrillers. It will be perfect for fans of Michael Crichton’s State of Fear.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus, after entering a relationship with Robin O’Rourke, Dan DeCosta is driven into a dangerous situation involving her violent former partner, legal consequences, and the threat of financial and physical collapse. His father, Dick DeCosta, a targeted climate activist who had moved to Florida to avoid hostile groups, is compelled to return to Boston when Dan’s situation worsens. As Dick attempts to help his son, his wife falls seriously ill, and his daughter is threatened with advancing wildfires. Meanwhile, Meghan McCormack, the family’s promiscuous physical therapist, begins to uncover evidence of concealed identities and long-suppressed truths. As events escalate, Dick DeCosta and his family confront multiple personal and external pressures that threaten their safety, stability, and relationships.

The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus is a simmering, well-written novel that goes a long way in pulling readers into a world inhabited by realistic characters facing genuine life situations. Dan’s experience with substance use, Joanna’s health anxiety, Jim’s quiet grief, Dick’s fatigue with family responsibility, and Robin's fears, among many others, are portrayed with honesty in their flaws, allowing their humanity to shine through as people who feel authentic. I found Robin's state to be the most interesting, and the presence of Sean, even when he is not there, and the lingering trauma he causes create a persistent psychological toll that kept me invested emotionally in her story. DeJesus thoughtfully incorporates social concerns such as climate change, police misconduct, workplace toxicity, and the influence of social media to ground the storyline by showing how these issues affect the characters’ lives. Through clear, straightforward prose and skillful development, DeJesus strikes gold. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Centaurius Fractured Earth: The Key by SJ McGarry opens with a bang, and then it never lets up, launching readers into a thrilling YA sci-fi world full of mystery, danger, and heart. We're with Allen, who discovers that the artifact he has carried since childhood is a powerful tool called The Key, and is suddenly thrust into a secret war that will decide the fate of Earth. With enemies closing in and trust in short supply, Allen must reckon with the truth about who he is and what role he is meant to play. Alongside a girl who knows more than she says and may be tied to his destiny, Allen embarks on a journey filled with hidden powers, government conspiracies, and emotional stakes.

Author SJ McGarry has a real sense of scale in the worldbuilding of this novel, and there's such an energetic and immersive world going on around the characters that it feels like a real place that readers can slot themselves into alongside the heroes. This creates a brilliant sense of comfort and confidence in the author for McGarry to then rocket us off on a really wild ride. Allen is a likable and layered protagonist whose uncertainty feels just as real as his bravery. The sci-fi elements are exciting without being overwhelming, and the relationships at the story’s core add depth to the action. I especially appreciated how the novel kept me guessing without ever feeling convoluted. Overall, Centaurius Fractured Earth: The Key is a captivating blend of high-stakes science fiction and heartfelt coming-of-age drama that will hook fans of young adult adventure from the first page, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tick... Tick... Tick... by Steve Zettler is a taut environmental thriller that propels readers into a world teetering on the brink of ecological collapse. We’re with federal agent Harlan Stone when he’s dispatched to Pennsylvania Dutch Country on a seemingly mundane inquiry about a sterile bull, but his investigation quickly uncovers something far more sinister. Within weeks, the global beef market implodes, and cascading environmental catastrophes threaten humanity’s survival. With no clear enemy and time running out, Stone must unravel a web of sabotage, extortion, and eco-terrorism that could signal the end of life as we know it. The clock is ticking, and the fate of the world rests in the hands of a single operative with everything to lose.

Author Steve Zettler has a way of drawing you into his world with interesting details and questions, creating a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat thriller that makes you think about science and the world we live in. The confident writing style paces its suspense well, with natural-sounding conversations that convey a sharp geopolitical insight without ever getting preachy or spoiling the pace of the action. The details are cinematically penned, with an explosive blend of mystery and environmental urgency that is well-timed and suitably sensational for this plot, but also feels terrifyingly real and relevant to the modern age. I enjoyed Harlan Stone as the central focus for the story, with his tough exterior, but thoroughly intelligent approach to his work that’s perfectly suited to this globe-spanning race against time. I found myself diving into chapter after chapter, unable to put the book down without finding out what the next twist would be, and there were certainly plenty of genuine environmental concerns that have followed me out into the real world for some important lessons about our planet’s future. Overall, I would certainly recommend Tick... Tick... Tick... to fans of intelligently penned, genre-spanning thrillers for the modern, climate-conscious age.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Nocturne in Ashes by Joslyn Chase is the first book in the Riley Forte Suspense Thriller series. Concert Pianist Riley Forte is trapped in her community by the violent eruption of Mt. Rainier. She’s still struggling to come to terms with the deaths of her husband and son. The eruption has caused chaos, with no power and little food and water to go around, but things are about to get a whole lot worse. There’s a killer on the loose, picking off people one at a time, and Riley doesn’t want to be next. This was meant to be her chance to push her guilt to one side and start living again, but she can’t do that with a killer roaming the streets. She has no choice. She has to hunt the killer down for her one chance at redemption. Can she stop the killing spree?

Nocturne in Ashes by Joslyn Chase is a wonderful thriller that will have you gripped by suspense all the way through. A fast-paced novel, each chapter is told from a different character’s point of view – there are quite a few, but Joslyn has done a marvelous job of keeping them separate while integrating them seamlessly into the story. Each character has their personality and is likable in their own way, and the action will keep you on the edge of your seat. Some twists and turns will throw you off track, but there are plenty of clues – you just have to put them together. This is compelling reading, written in a way that transports you into the story, experiencing everything the characters are going through, and several subplots that all tie neatly into the main one. The chapters are short, making you think you can get away with reading one or two a night, but trust me, once you start reading, you’ll be up long into the night, desperate to find out what happens. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to embroil themselves in a heart-pounding environmental thriller.