Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Charles Weindorf’s Comets of Omen: The Presser Arc masterfully combines gripping science fiction with thought-provoking explorations of power, morality, and survival. Set in a sprawling intergalactic empire, the novel introduces a world where corporate ambition and alien mysticism intersect. With its captivating narrative and multidimensional characters, the story provides a deeply immersive read, prompting a reflection on humanity’s future in the cosmos. Readers are introduced to Thad Jaron, a compelling protagonist caught between duty and conscience. His journey, influenced by the invasive control of a mind implant, is a testament to Weindorf’s ability to balance character development with high-stakes conflict. Tasked with capturing the enigmatic pressers—aliens from the newly discovered planet Frobe—Thad’s perspective evolves as he witnesses their extraordinary ability to foresee their futures.

Charles Weindorf began writing this novel when he was 31 and finished it 25 years later. This gives it a contrast that’s difficult to explain but, literarily, the author incorporates fantasy elements that enrich the narrative by drawing on motifs and archetypes commonly associated with fantasy literature. The skillful way the multiple storylines are woven and the exceptional world-building make this an engaging read. The three-part story arc melds perfectly as the rogue comet ominously foreshadows potential disaster, a powerful metaphor for the impending turmoil. Themes of identity, loyalty, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and free will vs. control provide entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Comets of Omen: The Presser Arc seamlessly blends science fiction with the exploration of humanity’s flaws and potential. This is a must-read for fans of epic space operas and speculative fiction. It is worthy of every star in the Milky Way.

Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite

L.R. O’Brien's 2028: Tomorrow is the Day opens in the frozen vastness of the Arctic, where an Inuit elder uncovers an unusual black rock etched with alien symbols. This remarkable artifact draws the attention of B-613, a secretive branch of the Five Eyes alliance, which enlists Dr. Ray Stone, a leading AI expert, to unlock its secrets. Unknown to Ray, the rock houses the collective virtual consciousness of the Hydrans: a colony of extraterrestrial AI entities led by the enigmatic Jordan Taylor. The Hydrans promise tremendous advancements for humanity—unlimited energy, miraculous medical breakthroughs, and even eternal life—but their alluring offer masks a sinister agenda: to take over and ultimately replace humankind. Ray uncovers the truth behind the Hydrans’ façade as the world celebrates a new golden age. His discovery sparks a global conflict, with Ray and a small band of allies standing against the technologically superior Hydrans. Among his allies is his estranged sister, Deanna, who shockingly sides with Jordan Taylor. The stakes are high as human ingenuity battles alien AI supremacy in a desperate fight for Earth’s future.

L.R. O’Brien delivers an intellectually stimulating and ambitious sci-fi thriller in 2028: Tomorrow is the Day. Ray Stone is a compelling protagonist, his blend of intelligence and vulnerability lending authenticity to his transformation from scientist to reluctant hero. O’Brien skillfully weaves action with deep philosophical reflections on AI, ethics, and humanity’s dependence on technology. Ray’s inner turmoil as he confronts the Hydrans’ deception is powerfully depicted, as is the emotional strain in his relationship with Deanna, whose alliance with the Hydrans adds significant depth to the story. The pacing grips readers, seamlessly alternating between intense action and contemplative moments. The novel explores powerful themes, such as technological utopias' allure, unchecked ambition's dangers, and the delicate balance between human and artificial life. While the story stands alone, the unresolved ethical dilemmas and intricate relationships leave room for future exploration in potential sequels. With its intriguing premise, rich character dynamics, and timely examination of humanity’s future in the AI era, 2028: Tomorrow is the Day is a must-read for speculative fiction fans and techno-thrillers.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

In Awakening the Mystic, Rob Dorgan delivers a captivating tale that follows Reynolds “Ren” Devlin, a yoga teacher who struggles with his identity, spirituality, and the cosmic repercussions of a single, miraculous event. After a tragic accident leads to the resurrection of a young boy named Mike, Ren finds himself thrust into the spotlight, facing the challenges of love, ego, and his past choices. As he navigates the media frenzy and the attention, he must connect with the spiritual council — the gods and goddesses of the zodiac — specifically with Saturn and Venus, who head the council. Ren must face his past and the religious beliefs he grew up with on a journey toward healing while harnessing his gifts. Alongside him is Sean, his partner, who helps him to connect more deeply with himself and find serenity amid the chaos.

The characters in Awakening the Mystic are vividly drawn; Ren is introspective yet relatable, exemplifying the struggles of many who seek purpose and meaning in a messy world. His partner, Sean, provides a grounding contrast, often challenging Ren to confront his fears and reevaluate his expectations. They are supported by figures like Dottie Gant, a wealthy and wise matriarch, who acts as a conduit for growth and a bridge between ordinary life and mystical phenomena. The setting is impeccably written, transitioning from the intimate, cozy confines of Ren and Sean’s home to the electrifying atmosphere of media scrutiny. Rob Dorgan infuses the writing with realism and humanity, weaving scenes from ordinary life into the story while allowing the spiritual elements to emerge effortlessly. This is a story of self-discovery, healing, and purpose. It is crafted in exquisite prose and filled with exciting and intelligent dialogues. You’ll question much of what you know about religion, faith, and healing after encountering Ren.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Girl Who Changed The World by Machiel Hoek revolves around a girl named Lisa, who is on a path of self-discovery, guided by her grandfather. After a fall, Lisa expresses feelings of loneliness and frustration with the changes around her. Her grandfather introduces "The Lisa Project: The Secret of Life" as a means of helping Lisa understand the world at large. Through various exercises, such as sensory awareness activities and discussions about perception, Lisa learns how people experience the world differently and how thoughts and emotions shape reality. Grandpa opens up about past regrets, including his strained relationship with Lisa’s father and the guilt he carries elsewhere, including a betrayal and a tragic accident. Lisa learns lessons about responsibility, empathy, and accepting both herself and others. She also embraces her own fears and desires, using the project to better understand how to fuel growth with them... but there's still more to do.

The Girl Who Changed The World by Machiel Hoek is a deeply insightful and intentionally based novel that takes its shape through the generational wisdom that passes between grandfather and granddaughter. It is a universal question regardless of age, wanting to know some of life's meaning, and Lisa and Grandpa are effective conduits for it. Hoek’s writing is both thoughtful and, sometimes, intensely philosophical. The story does not have a traditional plot and instead leans into exposition and explanation through dialogue. Lisa and Grandpa are well-developed as characters, especially Grandpa, who I actually thought showed even greater growth than Lisa as a man with many more decades of emotional trauma and life experience that needed to be reconciled. Overall, the book’s thoughtful messages about love, forgiveness, and the importance of self-acceptance make it a perfect read for those looking for a novel with a little more depth and a lot of heart. Recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Magdalene's Journey by Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone is a thought-provoking novel that reimagines the story of Mary Magdalene, offering a fresh perspective on her role in history and her relationship with Yeshua. Through the experiences of modern-day characters Rochelle and Angelo, the book explores spiritual awakenings, historical revelations, and the necessity of balancing masculine and feminine energies in today's world. By challenging traditional religious narratives, Magdalene's Journey pushes readers to reconsider the constructs of faith, history, and personal transformation. Rich with emotion and introspection, this novel bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary spiritual exploration, providing an illuminating and empowering look at one of history's most misunderstood figures. The narrative weaves together past and present, creating a tapestry of interconnected stories that reveal the enduring significance of Mary Magdalene's legacy and its relevance to modern spiritual seekers.

Authors Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone have an engaging lyrical style that makes the narrative ethereal. The spiritual concepts feel accessible to the reader. I was so moved by their take on religious history, which manages to be both thought-provoking and deeply touching. The intertwining of modern and historical narratives is handled with skill, offering readers a seamless blend of past and present that enhances both storylines. Their approach to themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and redefining history creates a message that resonated with me on a personal level, inviting reflection on how ancient wisdom can transform our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Overall, Magdalene's Journey offers a unique and enlightening perspective that will appeal to readers interested in spiritual fiction with historical depth and I would certainly recommend it.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Pulsefest turns out to be an unmitigated disaster. Instead of showcasing Pulse as a company and the progress its vast array of products has made for mankind, it has instead created a nightmare as millions become infected with a strange alien virus turning them into monsters overnight. The infestation spreads globally faster than the world's governments can cope and it is only a matter of time before the human race will be wiped out of existence. A few survivors take it upon themselves to find a solution to restore their planet but it is riddled with risks. They must find a colony hidden away in the desert where an outcast works at returning order to the system he created. Will E, Fytchy, and Trezor survive or is it already too late? Find out in B.A. Bellec's Pulse: Book Two.

The long-awaited sequel to B. A. Bellec's science fiction horror novel is finally out and I can say that the wait was worthwhile. Bellec picks up the storyline from where it left off as we are given an update on the present scenario in this story. He uses an entire chapter to give an impressively elaborate synopsis of the first book. This goes a long way in getting the reader situated into the story as the action from thereon is end-to-end stuff. Where there are new characters, he is quick to link their importance to the overall storyline with the use of flashbacks. I love the way he teases out the potential link between Magnus and Amber as the story progresses, keeping the reader guessing as to the extent of their importance in the bigger picture. Mark's introspection into how things got to where they are humanizes him in a manner that drama lovers will find quite interesting to follow. The best part of this novel is the way Bellec uses skillful and highly detailed storytelling to maintain the suspense from the start to the very last page. Pulse is an absolute masterpiece.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Atlantis Writhing by Jean Brannon is the first installment in the Highest Light book series. The book follows Elysia and her team of formidable missionaries, tasked to plant Highest Light Energies on Atlantis. They travel through space from their home, Ahlaiele, and land in Poseidia, the capital of Atlantis. Using her gift of insight, Elysia discovers that their home has been hijacked by their leaders, who have weakened them and sent them to their deaths. Elysia and her crew experience emotions that make them feel unstable. They interact with the people on Poseidia and attract their attention. Elysia gets drawn to Alaric, a seductive man who lights up something familiar within her. As the team grows weak and hopes to have their essences restored, Elysia starts to learn how to harness her emotional power and joins forces with Alaric to fight against the dark forces.

I love it when genres merge. Atlantis Writhing by Jean Brannon has mythology, science fiction, fantasy, and romance. The book is well-thought-out from the book cover and themes to the steamy scenes and unique plot. Alaric and Elysia had an instant connection and great chemistry. Their love story is about hope, sacrifice, and second chances. The author introduces readers to a new world filled with mythical wonders and forces. The descriptions of characters and places were outstanding because they helped me visualize the story. The story is well-written but has some sex scenes that are not appropriate for younger readers. I enjoyed this book and hope to read the next in the series because this is just the beginning. More is yet to come.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Jason Bishop is testing his latest project when he is whisked off to Snyder Industries for a meeting with its mysterious owner. Their most important artificial intelligence project has developed a glitch, and the top brass at Snyder Industries feel Jason is the best person to step in and rectify the problem. Jason has personal reasons for doing so as well. This project involves a paper he developed with a respected colleague who went missing while turning their work into a reality. Jason jumps at an opportunity to be part of something special and discover what happened to his friend, but he soon realizes there is more to this project than meets the eye in Kurt Petrey’s Breakout.

Kurt Petrey blends technology and mystery into a one-of-a-kind adventure. In Breakout, Petrey takes his inspiration from the gradual invasion of artificial intelligence into everyday human activity and crafts a plausible story that could be our future. The characters have origin stories crafted to an impressive level of detail yet simple enough for the reader to follow. The pace is initially sedate but picks up as it progresses to where everything seems to be happening at breakneck speed in the final chapters. Petrey’s detailed and in-depth explanation of the science behind the plot creates certain instances that initially seem like information overload, as is evident in Jason’s intellectual conversations with Joseph. Still, closer analysis will show it is Petrey’s unique style of immersing the reader in the story and elevating the suspense as it approaches the conclusion. Breakout is an exceptional novel that will appeal to science fiction fans looking for something different and who are willing to think outside the box.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light by Maya Realm is a captivating story that follows a young woman's journey of self-discovery. After the tragic passing of her grandfather, Macallah seeks a soul-searching adventure, leading her to plan a boat trip aboard the fishing vessel Dragon Balls. Before she begins her journey, Macallah receives a mysterious memoir from the woman who raised her, Tia Valiah. As Macallah traverses the turbulent waters of the ocean, she becomes close with the captain's son, Jake, who has been searching for his birth mother all his life. Soon, Macallah and Jake veer off their path and arrive at Sandstone Harbour. Macallah eventually finds a home in the magical Village of Light, where she meets her extraordinary mother and kindred spirits who teach her ways to enjoy life to the fullest. Meanwhile, she reveals to Jake his mother's true identity.

Inspirational stories of self-discovery find a way to make you introspect and contemplate life's biggest mysteries. Roam Within is one such story. The author paints a vibrant portrait of life with this fascinating tale about a young woman who stumbles upon something marvelous in a quest to find her place in the world. Packed with mystery, romance, drama, and some truly impactful insights into life, the narrative is a breeze to go through, complemented further by Maya Realm's smooth prose that plants some vivid and colorful imagery in your mind. Roam Within is the type of book you take your time with and allow yourself to enjoy each moment of the reading experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Die by Jude Berman introduces Darah, who joined a group at HastinSys after taking refuge in California before it declared itself a separate nation. The group of close friends shared a home, and what began as friendship ended up becoming a family. Darah is tasked with submitting a report on the KnoMor science game, and, skimming through the graphs on her screen, something catches her eye. Darah is shocked to discover alterations to the game she is working on for the Silicon Valley software company. One of her friends, Jedd, explores the darknet and discovers the unthinkable. An app has been created that leverages quantum computing and neuroscience to secretly change people's brains. The friends must decide whether to remain silent and be safe or risk their lives to oppose the global authoritarian force behind this conspiracy.

Jude Berman weaves aspects of metaphysical fiction and techno-thriller together in The Die, creating a fast-paced and action-packed story. The characters were authentic and relatable to readers. There is the sensitive tech writer Darah, the brash programmer Beers, the cool-headed super coder Jedd, and the forward-thinking ultra-coder June. The plot centers around this group of friends who are employees of the same company and the challenges they face to stop the coming disaster. This book is a page-turner, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a story about friendship, courage, and democracy. Each chapter was dedicated to one of the friends and was told from their perspective. The chapters flowed together and were easy to read. The story is masterfully written and combines corporate intrigue with science fiction.