Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

The Caves of Corihor by J.D. Shiner is a sensational thriller. California is in a severe drought. The economy is suffering. The state is on the brink of chaos, panic is escalating. “Life is glorious when kept in balance.” But what happens when life is shaken, turned inside out, then upside down? Moreover, what happens when all the shaking and quaking unearths something mysterious, hidden underground in California’s Sierra Nevada? These questions are just a few that the secret, highly classified agency of the PPI must answer. Napoleon Hancock and the PPI (Presidential Praetorian Initiative) are called into action. The President wants answers! The biggest question remains, could this drought be the result of a clever terrorist attack? It is time for Napoleon and his long time partner, Cassandra Caro, “to do what they do best.” The success of this mission is imperative. Once again, Napoleon and Cassandra are on an “ultra-secret mission, hurtling into the abyss of uncertainty in the name of national security.”

J.D. Shiner pens a high impact, action-packed adventure in The Caves of Corihor. It is a narrative where every minute counts. The plot consists of thrills and spills, death and destruction, super-sonic speeds, and endless action encompassing an ancient cave with rare artifacts. A secret government agency with elite agents using high tech gadgets, state-of-the-art weapons and communications devices make up the heroic cast of characters. On the flip side, the villains are sinister, patient, clever and evil with their deadly acts of terror. The clash between good and evil intensifies with every turn of the page. The action takes place on many fronts, and with each change of location Shiner shares tidbits of historical relevance, creating an interesting setting for his characters. The action rises with the finessed fury of an erupting volcano. You feel the heat, you sense the shaking, and you observe the overflow of molten energy ready to explode at just the right climactic moment. The climax causes your head to spin with the unbelievable discovery. Shiner brings to light that which has been hidden, deepening the plot by putting a suspenseful contemporary twist on an Old Testament story. The conclusion sets the reader up perfectly for the next book in The Sword of Abraham series.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

In author Cary Allen Stone's latest installment in his Jake Roberts series, After the Kill, readers will again be treated to a stellar thriller that will keep them engaged from the very first page all the way through until the end. When the story begins, Jake encounters a veteran at the airport who seems to be going through a psychotic break down and is killing many who cross his path. Jake's great friend is wounded, and Jake needs to act to keep others from being harmed. But just when Jake thinks he might be able to give a sigh of relief, a new serial killer makes an appearance on the scene, and it appears that his unique skill set will be desperately needed to help solve the crimes before more victims are claimed. Will Jake be able to bring the criminal in, or will he become a target himself? You'll need read the book to find out!

I very much enjoyed After the Kill. Author Cary Allen Stone has done a great job in creating interesting and engaging characters, especially the main character, Jake Roberts, and his readers will continue to think about them long after the book is finished, a true hallmark of a talented author. The story line is crisp and fast paced, and will have readers on the edge of their seats throughout. Any reader who enjoys thrillers, or just an exciting read of fiction, should absolutely read After the Kill. I am pleased to recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from author Cary Allen Stone as soon as I possibly can!

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Piercing the Veil by Eric J Wentz is an intense political thriller that features very compelling characters. In a story set against the historical background of World War II, the reader will encounter coalitions between intelligence bodies—like the OSS, the CIA, the SAS, and the SEALs—and sinister missions. It is in such a tense political atmosphere that the highly skilled Lieutenant Commander Grant Chisolm is tasked to rescue hostages taken by a charismatic and revolutionary leader in sub-Saharan Africa, a mission that must be completed discreetly. What he will discover in this daring mission will bring him face-to-face with himself, allow him to question his past, and determine a course of action that may resonate with his life’s purpose. This is a political thriller with a powerful message, a story that connects one man to history and opens his eyes to truths that will shake everything he’s believed in.

Eric J Wentz has written a captivating story that readers will devour with a lot of interest. I loved the writing, the fast-paced plot, and the compelling characters. The protagonist is very well-developed, the kind of character that readers will love to follow. Chisolm reads so realistically that the reader feels as if he is just a character sitting with them on the bus, making a journey. The writing is superb, crisp, and so tightly knit that it is a delight to read. I enjoyed the well-crafted dialogues; they read so naturally. The conflict is well-developed and it is one of the compelling elements that keeps the pulse of the plot. This is a book for fans of thrillers with intense action and intrigue. Piercing the Veil is a real page-turner.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Defender: A Scottish-American Fairy Tale by Travis L. Salisbury and Janet C. Smyth is a powerful blend of romance and adventure, a beautifully written story with compelling characters, a strong storyline featuring unexpected leaps of faith and sudden surprises, and an endearing sense of suspense, the kind that keeps the reader turning the pages. The reader is introduced to Kate, who is on the road, mulling over her life and considering unusual things that could happen, but then she encounters a man, an FBI agent, and her real story begins.

The authors capture this encounter in very vivid and powerful prose: "Somewhere after Ness City, and before Bazine, Kate came upon a brilliantly lit scene, the remains of a very crumpled late-model white sedan, and standing next to it, a man who, except for his modern clothing, could have stepped out of a battle from a hundred or a thousand years before. For a moment, Kate found herself looking for a bloodstained sword or battle axe laid at his feet." From this point on, the authors lead readers into the psychology and lives of protagonists Kate and Gareth “Dru” McFadyn as they explore each other's worlds, indulge in passionate romance, and face challenges they couldn't have imagined. But how long can they stick together with the challenges that lie ahead?

Travis L. Salisbury and Janet C. Smyth's writing is very beautiful and crisp, laden with powerful descriptions and plot-driven dialogues. The narrative voice is confident and compelling. The authors use powerful literary styles like suspense, humor, and irony to boost interest in readers. The characters are real and the overall story very engaging. Defender: A Scottish-American Fairy Tale will undoubtedly appeal to a wide audience. It's the kind of story for those interested in character-driven plots.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The CleanSweep Conspiracy: A Matt Tremain Technothriller by Chuck Waldron is a strong opening for the Dystopian World Chronicles that features a powerful setting, a great conflict, and complex characters. This is the kind of fiction that will appeal to fans of thrillers, crime fiction, and the dystopian. Matt Tremain is an investigative blogger, a man with a “slight limp” who uncovers a conspiracy that could send rippling waves beyond the city of Toronto. A popular tycoon and a ruthless man, Charles Claussen has set up an operation that could ensure the deaths of the teeming number of homeless people that litter the streets of Toronto - they call it CleanSweep, and someone has got to stop it. But who can he trust? When Matt’s informant gets murdered, he knows he must tread carefully. In a city where people easily get manipulated, who can he trust?

Chuck Waldron establishes himself as a great storyteller, weaving a page-turner that is entertaining in an intoxicating kind of way. The CleanSweep Conspiracy: A Matt Tremain Technothriller has huge potential to appeal to fans of thrillers and crime fiction and those who are into conspiracy and intrigue. Matt Tremain is a compelling character, introduced from the very beginning of the story, a character that readers will adore. I enjoyed the way the author explores his loneliness, the psychological conflict that creates the dynamics of his work; indeed, heroes are loners! The plot is excellent, fast-paced, and laden with surprises. Then there is the ability of the author to ignite the reader’s attention by crafting scenes that end on a high note, announcing what could follow. I was hugely entertained and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Suspenseful and beguiling, Forbidden: Better Wear Your Flak Jacket by F. Stone is a thriller that features terrorism and political intrigue, a story with breathtaking intricacies of plot and red herrings that will have readers guessing and leafing through the pages with excitement. After a gruesome terrorist attack, police captain Hashim Sharif captures one survivor, Eliza MacKay. There is a cover-up and the police captain has to live with the secret, but there is more to the story than meets the eye. Can he get the truth from the lying MacKay?

While working to keep the respect that his government requires, the police captain is determined to find out the truth and to uncover the brain behind the terror that has cost the lives of fifteen American volunteers. Things get complicated when he receives orders to kill MacKay, the only person who can lead him to the source of the terror. With a CIA agent on his heels and his life threatened, Hashim Sharif has to choose his path wisely and determine what is worth dying for.

F. Stone’s novel is an engrossing story, a page-turner that is masterfully written to keep the reader turning the pages. The plot is strong and has the potential for great entertainment. I loved the writing that features excellent prose, captivating descriptions, and great dialogues. The characters are rock-solid and the reader will enjoy navigating the complex political setting and the powerful conflict that drives the plot. Forbidden: Better Wear Your Flak Jacket is swiftly paced and masterfully crafted to offer readers the kind of entertainment they'll enjoy in a thriller. You won’t be able to put it down once started.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Conversion Prophecy by Michael Solomon is a brilliantly wrought thriller that masterfully handles very relevant themes, especially terrorism in its sleek and unpredictable form. The author writes about terrorism and power control, but he does so from a perspective that is unique and new, a work that will be loved by fans of The Icarus Agenda by Robert Ludlum.

What if a tiny group of Muslim extremists could control every aspect of power in the corporate world? What if the notion of democracy as we know it was replaced by a new form of demagogy, with the entire world's economy run by a select few who set the rules and determine who gets what and how anything should work? As improbable as it may sound, it's about to happen and the mastermind behind such a scheme is as cunning, as brilliant, and as skilled as it is dangerous. A Muslim extremist group has made very serious demands on all nations and if these demands are not met within 180 days, then the world stands to suffer the worst of deprivations. Who can stop them? And can the person do so before the world is submerged in a new form of darkness?

The Conversion Prophecy echoes the fears of millions of people and tells of a reality that is already taking place in some parts of the world. As one reads Michael Solomon's work, one is gripped by the fear that ours could already be the dystopian period that has faintly brushed our hearts in our dreams. The writing is tight and crisp, with characters that will grab the reader's attention. But the images offered are as powerful as they are frightening. This book could make for a fascinating motion picture.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Darren Beyer’s Casimir Bridge is an engaging piece of science fiction. The year is 2108; Mandisa “Mandi” Nkosi is an up and coming journalist. If what her source told her is true, she is hot on the trail of the story of the century. Humanity has left Earth, and has reached beyond its solar system. Jans Mikel, the CEO of Applied Interstellar Corporation (AIC), has discovered Hyperium, a rare element found on Saturn’s moon, Hyperion. Hyperium and AIC’s technology, created as a result of this rare discovery, allow for spaceships to jump through man-made wormholes. Theories have now become realities. Gregory Andrews, a high ranking Assemblyman of the Euramerican Coalition, wants what Jan Mikel has – exclusive rights to Hyperium. Driven by his lust for power, Andrews will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal. Mandi finds herself in the middle of this duel as she is thrust into space to find the truth behind the mystery of Hyperium.

Darren Beyer’s love for science and technology shines through Casimir Bridge. Beyer uses his experience as an aerospace engineer for NASA to develop an interesting and exciting science fiction story. The narrative has a great cast of characters. The lead characters are smart and strong in their roles. Mandi is young and vibrant. Andrews is greedy and politically wicked. Grae is courageous and hot, a soldier that any damsel in distress would want to be rescued by. Holding the elusive secret that binds them all together is the valiant Jan Mikel. Spread over many chapters, the characters are introduced and background information is made known.

One of the key elements within the story is the African Zulu influence; it is a subtle, yet necessary ingredient. Intricately painting his conspiracy, Beyer hints at future events, not giving away too much too soon. The chapters change locations and portray differing characters' points of view, broadening and heightening the suspense. Beyer creates depth in his story; he entices the reader’s curiosity – what is Casimir Bridge? The answer to this question does not come until the end of the second part. At this point, the action kicks into high gear! The story spirals down from its climax, lands abruptly with a few surprising twists, and then answers many of the lingering questions. Casimir Bridge ends successfully; however, it opens the door to an unknown future for its characters. Therefore, it leaves the reader anticipating the next book in the Anghazi Series.

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

Sigh. That was my reaction when I finished David C. Edmonds’ new work, Lily of Peru. You know, the type of sigh you emit after you’ve finished a book that has left you with a deeply satisfying feeling of having read a really, really great book. Both a sigh of satisfaction and a sigh of regret that the book is done. This epic novel follows the story of university professor Markus Thorsen as he receives a message from his beloved Marissa that she is ready to leave her Peruvian husband and move to the United States. And to Markus. Dropping everything to rush to her side, Markus is ecstatic, and hopeful that what he has wished for, for so long, might actually be coming true. But once he reaches her, he finds that all may not be what he thought. Marissa has connections to an insurgent group called The Shining Path, and those connections lead the couple on a journey fraught with danger and intrigue. By seeking what he truly wants in life, will Markus end up losing it all?

Lily of Peru is a fantastic read. Romance, action, adventure, thrills and excitement are all wrapped up in this book. David C. Edmonds’ descriptive prose brings the whole of Peru, including Lima, the Andes and the jungle to life. The main characters, Markus and Marissa, as well as a whole host of minor characters, come to life on the page. Anyone who loves to read thrillers, political intrigue, or romance novels will enjoy this book. I was sad when I finished this book, and look very much forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Reviewed by Ica Iova for Readers' Favorite

It is 4th of July and Lexi Broadmoor and her brother Travis are riding on a Florida highway with their father in his Plymouth Duster when shattering glass and sparks of light bring their trip to a sudden stop. For no apparent reason, their father loses control of the vehicle and they crash. Still dazed from the unexpected accident, Lexi realizes that her father is dying, impaled by a traffic sign. No matter how much she had detested him in the past, this is not what she would have wanted. Lexi rushes to her father's side, but he knows he is not going to make it, and he quickly gives her a list of precise instructions of what she has to do from here. Far from home and without someone to protect them, Lexi and Travis start walking, but soon find out that staying alive is up to them and their survival skills. However, with the grid down and chaos quickly spreading throughout the nation, the siblings need to speed up their mission because their car crash was just the beginning.

Authors John Q. Prepper and M.L. Banner have done a magnificent job in crafting a narrative in Highway: A Post-Apocalyptic Tale of Survival that is neither repetitive nor stale. The story-telling, realistic dialogue, along with a lot of terrifying scenarios, bring Highway to its conclusion in a delightful way. The weight of emotion is evident as characters continue to fight for their own survival. Beautifully written, this book is dotted with the tender moments and the horrible reality that come after such an event.