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.

Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

Evening Wolves by Luke Taylor is an intense political crime thriller. Detective Mike Erland is called to a mysterious murder scene at Fircrest Mansion, where the previous evening a Libertarian Party fundraiser was held. The only victim, a stunningly beautiful young woman, is found with a puncture wound to the neck. Their only suspect is the man who was in the room with the woman, but he has fled the scene. Before Erland can even begin to investigate, Homeland Security is called in and shuts down the scene. Placed on administrative leave, Erland is shocked when Agent Sierra Marland pulls him back into the investigation. Tangled together with a meddling journalist, a man with amnesia, a kidnapped party member, and a highly intelligent hacker, code named Jupiter, dark conspiracies begin to unfold, putting everyone with a connection to the case at risk.

Mr. Taylor has put a great deal of thought into this brilliant, gripping, tense thriller. Although the reader is exposed to many characters, each are unique enough to keep track of throughout the novel. I felt Agent Sierra Marland was exceptionally written, with multi-faceted layers. She kept so much inside, not allowing herself to feel much. The moments where she broke down her walls in front of Erland were very moving. I loved the interplay between the different agencies of the government as well. I enjoyed trying to figure out all the little details. Evening Wolves by Luke Taylor is sure to keep your attention and mind riveted from page one.

Reviewed by Michael McManus for Readers' Favorite

Author Kurt Kamm brings together the facts surrounding an actual explosion that took place in 1971 during the construction of a water tunnel that runs through Sylmar, California. The author blends those facts with several real people involved in that explosion, two very likeable leading characters, the FBI, the ATF, the Los Angeles police departments and the county fire departments, a couple of terrorists and the Metropolitan Water Department to tell us one heck of a story. Nick Carter, a fire captain with the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Cindi, an ATF agent, are awakened on a Sunday morning by a phone call. Cindi learns from the caller that her team has lost track of two potential terrorists. She has to go to work. Not long after that, Nick receives a similar call. What promised to be a relaxing Sunday, where Nick had plans to propose marriage to Cindi, becomes a nightmare. Their individual investigations bring them together to face the threat of death, but neither of them will back down from what they were born to do.

Tunnel Visions by Kurt Kamm is one of the most fast paced and exciting books I have read this year. The author weaves fact with fiction and tells a story that puts the reader right in the middle of the action. His knowledge of police, fire and ATF operations will teach you about what is going on behind the scenes when a terror threat unfolds. I would recommend this book to a broad audience, especially those who live in Southern California where the story takes place.

Reviewed by Barbara Garcia for Readers' Favorite

Chaysing Destiny: Book 3 by Jalpa Williby is the entrancing finale of this series. We are thrust into suspense as Tess is gripped by one of her prophetic, yet vague, nightmares. She awakes to find the Iraqi village she is working in administering medical aid is on fire, and gunshots ringing out. It's under attack by rebels from a group known a FILO. While she rushes to save as many of the villagers as she can, we learn that she's not just there for medical purposes. She's there to find information on Saheim, the man she feels is responsible for Chayse's death. Having secured the escape of many, she attracts the attention of the rebels to draw them away from the direction of the fleeing villagers. It's here that she finds her man – literally finds her man. I had to hang on tight because the roller coaster ride Tess starts on from here on out was deftly portrayed. I highly recommend reading books 1 and 2 before starting this book. Author Jalpa Williby saved the very best for last in Chaysing Destiny. It moved me like no other book has in many years. If I could give this book 10 stars, I would!

Never has any book dragged me through so many emotions in just 4 and a half short hours. I was gripped with suspense from the first line, and just when I thought I could relax, I was outraged and wanted to strangle a certain someone. Indignation crept up on me from somewhere, and suddenly I found myself crying - yes, me, I was crying. Then, I gasped audibly and startled my husband by proclaiming, "No! You better not have!" I held my breath, horrified and fearful, for the next 5 minutes as a certain scene played out. I wasn't sure at this point that my heart could take anymore. I almost cried with relief when the scene ended, but yipped in triumph instead. After all, everyone likes to see the devil get his due, yes? Almost exhausted, I was able to relax a bit before sadness overwhelmed me. And then the tears. Good God, I'm crying again. Darn you, Jalpa! Then came the cautious hope...then the tentative smile, and finally those darn tears again. But, as with all great stories, however wretched they may be, I shut my Kindle down, smiling and at peace. This series did exactly what all great series should. Thank you, Jalpa!

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 Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Beyond Top Secret by Rob Lubitz combines mystery, romance, espionage, and drama in a fast-paced action thriller. Ryan is an attorney with a mysterious secret past that no one in his current life, not even his live-in girlfriend, Maya, knows about. He has been living a perfectly respectable, normal life in Phoenix, Arizona, for 15 years without anyone suspecting that he has a deeply hidden and secret past. Then, things start happening when Ryan learns of a series of murders that he may have some clues about. Things get even more complicated after the September 11, 2009 terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, news arrives that Alana, his ex-lover and the only woman he still loves, has accidentally killed her husband, Steve, and may be accused of murder. Ryan realizes he needs to step in because the secrets buried in his past may be the only thing that can save Alana from her fate. What he does not know is that his secret may also be in use at the same time in counter-terrorism missions against Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. What happens next in this action-packed thriller as secret government forces vie for victory, while Ryan and Alana are drawn to each other again, forms the basis of the plot.

Beyond Top Secret is a delightful and exciting read. Written by Rob Lubitz, who has a background in the military and government himself, Beyond Top Secret draws you in and makes the story believable. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery elements in it, and found this to be a page-turner. Although this book is the second one in a series, each book can be read independently, and prior knowledge from other books is not necessary. This is definitely one of the most enjoyable thriller/mystery books I have read in a while, and makes for great armchair reading.