Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Netherrealm Book 1: Heed the Darkness is a work of fiction in the historical, mystery/intrigue, and romance sub-genres, and was penned by author Kim Michelle Ross. Combining many different elements of medieval life to deliver a truly epic work, this engrossing and engaging novel brings the past to meet the future when two young people from 2003 find themselves linked mentally to Bethany de Lise and Gerrat de Ashbore in the 12th century. As tensions rise for the pair and Bethany faces competition for the noble knight’s hand, mystic forces and portals through time may just be the key to surviving the brutal medieval age and finding some kind of happily ever after.

Author Kim Michelle Ross delivers an epic work which packs a lot into its pages to be sure that audiences are positively drenched in drama. Fans of historical romances will undoubtedly love the commitment put into the faithfulness which the author displays to courtship and the perception of love at the time. I, for one, really enjoyed the rivalry between Bethany and Elena, which took some fantastic and emotive twists and turns along the way. The wider plot also expands way beyond the realms of romance, encapsulating both a realistic view of how raw and savage life could be in the medieval age, but also intelligently weaving modern elements and fantasy twists into the plot to enhance our perspective. Overall, Netherrealm Book 1: Heed the Darkness is a promising start to a new series that will engross its readers from cover to cover.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

"Keep working on it, Rutt! Mankind can benefit greatly from time travel! Keep the discussion alive with scientists in the Assembly, but be cautious about anyone who condemns our work. I know time travel exists." It was 1910, and these were some of the last words left by paleontologist Dr. Eyestone to his friend Ruttledge Rosenbaugh, a professor of science at Hensley University. Months after the funeral, Ruttledge encountered a peculiar young girl in his secret laboratory. The experience haunts him, and it takes him years to prove that time travel is possible, albeit with a gruesome catalyst and unpleasant outcome. He also has to be wary of individuals who try to sully his name and his work. Myth Agent is a sci-fi mystery by L.A. MacFadden.

Time travel is one of my favorite themes and the main appeal of Myth Agent. The classic concept is deftly developed into a fresh story premise. The plot has a steady pace, although at certain points the subject of time travel takes a back seat as readers get to know the protagonists and their backstory. The characters are well fleshed out with considerable depth of their disposition and emotions. The narrative is clear and engaging－I appreciate the fact that there's no heavy technical jargon used to deliver the core concept of the tale. That said, I did have to pay extra attention to the story timeline as the chapters alternate between different characters' POVs. The ending leaves behind a mystery that surely needs to be answered. Overall, a commendable story from MacFadden and I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

VanWest: The Past is a work of fiction in the dystopian and science fiction sub-genres and was penned by author Kenneth Thomas. The opening book in the VanWest series, this first adventure focuses on titular character Captain VanWest, who currently works as an Enforcer for the all-encompassing leadership of the Universal Council. When the captain is tasked with a time travel mission to stop rebels from changing the past (and therefore the future), he comes to learn much about his own dark history, as well as the desires of the heart which may change his allegiance to the dystopian world he knows.

Author Kenneth Thomas presents a stylish and solidly built science fiction work with plenty for fans of hard sci-fi and dystopia to get their teeth into. There is also a great deal of drama and emotional involvement throughout the plot, which makes for a well-rounded read and helps to place the characters realistically in their fantastical setting. One of the things which I particularly enjoyed about the tale was a blending of new futuristic science fiction with classic sci-fi ideas from the past, which were meshed really well by the 1950s setting. As we visit many familiar places and times in Earth’s recent past, so realism and surrealism blend to perfection: we are in safe hands with a capable narrator who holds the story together well. Overall, I would highly recommend VanWest: The Past for dystopian and space-and-time adventure fans everywhere: an exciting start to what promises to be an excellent new series.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

A Newfound Land by Anna Belfrage is the fourth book in the time travel series The Graham Saga, which is preceded by book one, A Rip in the Veil, book two, Like Chaff in the Wind, and book three, The Prodigal Son. Time traveler Matthew Graham, his wife Alex, and their family have established themselves, building a home and a life over the course of four years on their own plot of rural land in the Maryland colony in 1672. The Grahams believe they have finally found a place and time they can truly call home, until individuals they'd thought they'd left behind for good begin to pop up in their sphere. Matthew again is in a fight for his life and the protection of his family, as the people of the Maryland colony struggle with the decades-old peace treaty with the Susquehannock Indians—with some bent on profiting off them in the cruelest possible way.

A Newfound Land is absolutely rich in historical detail, which Anna Belfrage administers beautifully, weaving it into the story and descriptions without overpowering a reader with dense and superfluous facts. I admit this is the first book I've read in the series, and while it worked perfectly well as a stand-alone, I'm intrigued to go back and start from the beginning. Alongside the tension of Matthew's struggles—which snowball with fantastic abandon—are moments of everyday life and the ordinary minutiae that make historical fiction so pleasurable to read. Belfrage is able to assert some moments of irony as well, such as when a colonist says of a native American woman, “God knows what plagues she brings with her...”

No doubt this book will be compared to another series about a time-traveling woman, but that would do The Graham Saga a terrible disservice as, having read all of those and only one of this series, I can already tell which is superior in both its literary merit and its ability to keep the reader engrossed in the time period. Lucky for us, books five through nine have already been released, making this series a very highly recommended 2020 binge.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Afterlife of Alice Watkins is a fascinating journey into science fiction penned by author Matilda Scotney. Titled Book One in a continuing series, the novel deals with the tricky concept of time travel as well as aliens, space and wild adventures. The title character of the novel takes a strange journey at the very end of her life when, as a grey-haired old lady, she suddenly dies and finds herself aboard a space station orbiting the planet Saturn. Meanwhile, in this same locale in 2513, protagonist Dr Grossmith is shocked to find that the phenomenon of immortality which he’s been investigating for years has suddenly shifted, leaving him with a Sleeping Beauty who is very wide awake.

This was a bizarre journey of weird science that delighted and vexed on every page. It is well worth getting your head around the concepts for entertainment value, as author Matilda Scotney weaves a fascinating tapestry of strange occurrences which seem to make no sense at all, until they suddenly do. The elements of space and time are well placed amongst the author’s vivid descriptive techniques, bringing the Saturn Station to life in full glory. I also especially enjoyed the development of such quirky lead characters who aren’t afraid to ask bold questions about the nature of time, life and death. The plot twists suddenly, keeping readers interested, and there’s certainly plenty more to come from this revelatory work of fiction. Overall, I’d definitely recommend The Afterlife of Alice Watkins to weird science fiction fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Hypnosis: A Return To The Past by Maria Inês Rebelo is an engrossing novel. Marcus Belling is a renowned hypnotist known throughout the country for many years after appearing on his first national television show where he talked about hypnosis. The most famous of his many public presentations were his interviews on the Therapy of Past Lives and Regression, which had become especially legendary. But everything changes the moment Anne Pauline Roux knocks at his door, not even knowing what she really wants. It happens that this woman possesses exceptional power when hypnotized. What makes it even worse is the fact that a fellow hypnotist knows about this power. He is Josef Salvaterra who is not particularly fond of Marcus. Now he has something he can use to kick Marcus off stage and he is ready for anything.

This is an intriguing story about hypnosis, a novel with an unusual plot and characters that are exceptionally complex. There is something mysteriously disturbing about Anne and the effect she has on the self-controlled, level-headed hypnotist. Maria Inês Rebelo is a great storyteller and I loved how this author makes readers connect with the characters. The narrative has strong psychological underpinnings and a conflict that allows the characters to evolve through the story. I read on, wanting to see what happens between Marcus and his enemy Josef. Josef is a very ambitious character and this is something that drives him to envy and the desire to hurt a renowned peer. The tension is strong and the story moves fast with scenes that are focused and skillfully written.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In A Place To Stay Forever by Mark L Lloyd, in the year 3272, on board a spacecraft named The Misfits, a special species of human lay asleep. The LaPortan species is the invention of a secretive organization, La Porte industries. Up until now, the LaPorton species feels fortunate to have been chosen. By using the remarkable Stasis Deep Sleep system (SDS), they are able to change their bodies and consciousness and begin a new life. When that existence becomes tiresome, they can simply begin again and become someone new. When The Misfits is struck, one member of the crew, Adayln, discovers everything is not what it seems with the SDS. Adayln decides to risk everything and break LaPorte’s strict code of ethics and regulations to uncover what they are hiding. Adayln, along with fellow crew member, Miranda and journalist Emily, must travel back to 2005 to search for the truth. They may live to regret the decision, however, as a dangerous hornet's nest is about to be unleashed.

I am not normally a fan of science fiction but I liked the synopsis and thought it would be an interesting read. I have to say I was not disappointed. From the onset, with a man nearing the end of his life, the story gripped me. The characters were all likeable with unique personality traits which were also relayed in their dialogue. The story line continually moved forward, with great obstacles for the main characters to overcome and clues to unravel. There were plot twists placed perfectly throughout, which kept me engaged and intrigued. The relationships between the characters were developed and strengthened gradually. I found myself willing Miranda and Emily to find the truth and succeed. The author’s brilliant imagination is matched only by his writing talent. There were so many characters and sub-plots, but the story line never became confusing. I loved the way all the loose ends were smoothly tied up by the end. This book will make you think about mortality and what lies in wait for humanity in the future. If you love a novel that takes you on a thought-provoking journey, then I would highly recommend you read this book.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Finding Lucy: The Dream Traveler, Book Three is a time travel police procedural mystery novel written by Ernesto H. Lee. Newly promoted Detective Sergeant Sean McMillan and his partner Detective Constable Catherine Swain’s receipt of the Chief Constable’s commendation for exemplary service was quickly followed up with a request that they handle a cold case file of an extraordinarily sensitive nature. In 1972, Lucy Partington-Brown had disappeared from the Lincolnshire area where she and her family lived on their family’s estate. The investigation into her disappearance had gone cold after a number of possible suspects were vetted, and one had disappeared. Her father, who was the Member of Parliament for Spalding in Lincolnshire at the time she went missing, had asked the police to reopen her case. He was in his nineties and in failing health, and he needed the answers he had been waiting for all those years. The Home Secretary had personally asked that McMillan and Swain look into the matter. McMillan’s ability to time travel would make him particularly suited to handle a fifty-year-old case, no matter how sensitive.

Finding Lucy can be read as a stand-alone novel, as Detective Sergeant McMillan’s preface quickly gives new readers the background information they’ll need to enjoy this book. That said, I’d advise reading each of the books in this outstanding police procedural series, as I have. Lee’s characters are credible and finely crafted, and his plot is a solid one. I particularly enjoy police procedurals, and Lee’s mystery novel ranks up there with the best of them. His time traveler stories also address those thorny “make no change” issues, which science fiction fans delight in worrying about, with effortless finesse. Sean’s trips into the past are also lots of fun. I loved seeing him looking horrified at the bell-bottoms and wide-lapel jackets he wears to fit in with the 70s, and I marveled at his ability to stay standing in those platform boots, especially in icy conditions. Each of the books in The Dream Traveler Series has been a delightful read, and this one is no exception. I’m hoping for a fourth book in this series. Finding Lucy: The Dream Traveler, Book Three is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Louanne Piccolo for Readers' Favorite

The Going Back Portal by Connie Lacy is a suspenseful novel portraying a battle between good and evil. Kathryn Spears, a producer for an investigative news team, takes care of her grandmother – Nana – who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. When Nana speaks about a family living on her land, Kathryn dismisses the story as a symptom of the disease. There is no family, or is there? While checking out Nana’s story, Kathryn stumbles into a time travel portal and finds herself in 1840 where she meets Forest Water, a young Cherokee Indian. Forest Water is married to an abusive white man she cannot escape, as leaving him will mean giving up her ancestral land. Unwilling to leave Forest Water to her fate, Kathryn intervenes. Will she be able to save Forest Water? And if she does, will changing the past jeopardize the present?

The Going Back Portal is possibly one of the most intriguing novels I’ve read this year. There’s nothing as wonderfully frustrating as willing a character not to make a choice it is obvious she will make, and then see her make it anyway. What can a reader do other than frantically turn the pages to see how the drama will play out? Connie Lacy spins a spell-binding story that will seduce fans of time travel and take them on a thrilling ride through the ages. Her compelling writing style coupled with elements of high drama and relatable characters makes for an emotionally intense read. Connie Lacy has a new fan in me!

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

An aging actress gets a second chance at love in the stunning romance novel, Maybe This Time by Susan B. James. At forty-nine, Jennifer Knight is happy with her life. She has a shining career as an actress in London, and she lives close to her dear niece, Cat. On the day after her birthday, Jen visits Cat to receive her surprise gift. When Cat leads Jen into her brother Jeremy's lab, Jen is confused and a little alarmed. With reassurances from her niece, Jen follows Cat into a small room. Inputting some things into a mysterious looking computer, Cat promises Jen the adventure of her life. Not sure what is happening, but happy to be with her nineteen-year-old niece, Jen does as she is told. When they emerge from the small room, Jen is alarmed to discover that they have traveled back in time to the eighties. Worse still, Cat has been transformed into a little girl that is less than helpful to Jen in getting back to their lives in the early 2000s.

Frightened and bewildered, Jen takes the tearful Cat to her brother's house. Dismayed to find that Jeremy is gone, but so desperate to get back home, she confides in Jeremy's business partner, and her ex-husband, Lance. Lance is surprised that Jen knows about her brother's time machine. Afraid to bring up their painful parting Jen would rather try to figure out their time issues without Lance's help. Lance has other plans. Suddenly Jen, Lance, Jeremy, and Cat are thrown into an adventure that becomes a race against time, with the deadline being 11 September, 2001. Can Jeremy and Lance send Jen and Cat back to their correct time? Will they be able to warn their future selves about the tragedy that awaits them in a few short months?

Maybe This Time by Susan B. James is a superbly done, action-packed romantic suspense story about a brilliant actress traveling through time, rediscovering love, and healing past wounds. I have read few modern romances that have as much depth as this novel. The characters are beautifully written, and the plot draws in you in from the first moment. I was impressed with how the author constructed the story line; the details weaving the past with the characters' present was perfectly balanced. I loved listening to this book. I appreciate that the characters fell in love as older people, instead of the more typical romances where the characters fall in love as young people and simply stay together as adults. The narrator was a perfect fit for this story and characters! I am now a fan of Ms. James and look forward to reading more of her books. I would highly recommend this book to those that enjoy romance novels that engage the reader, are impeccably written, and have substance.