Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

Orchid Child by Victoria Costello is a captivating read exquisitely written to thrill adult fans of psychological mystery thrillers. Thirty-one-year-old divorced Kate Jones, nee Callahan, is a neuroscientist. Having lost her job in Manhattan, Kate moved to Ireland to work at the National University of Ireland Galway. Kate is the permanent legal guardian of her sixteen-year-old nephew Teague whom her stepsister had abandoned due to Teague’s mental health issues. Kate convinced Teague to come with her to Ireland for treatment at the mental health clinic. Kate knew that Teague was neurodiverse and constantly on medication. What Kate did not know was that Teague was tormented by the voices of a supersized rodent, Ivan, and a pit bull, Larry. What lies ahead for Kate and Teague?

Orchid Child by Victoria Costello is one of the few most unusual books I had read in my life and one of the most captivating. I loved joining Kate in her adventures in Ireland and her adorable care and love for Teague. What made Orchid Child particularly memorable, unusual, and special for me was the intriguing combination of several genres. First, it's an adventure as Kate and Teague were starting a new life in Ireland miles away from home. Another is a mystery Kate delved into once she encountered weird obstructions in her research and dangers looming over Teague. And it's an action-packed suspenseful thriller as Kate navigated through the labyrinth of her jaw-dropping discoveries. All in all, Orchid Child was a great joy to read!

Reviewed by Tawny Molina for Readers' Favorite

Dark Cascade (Galacticide) by Bert-Oliver Boehmer is a sprawling space opera epic that ranges over multiple races and characters, soaring through dark voids, zealous AIs, and reality-bending multi-universe concepts. This story follows Kel Chaada as he travels through the galaxy, attempting to prevent another galaxy-wide devastating event by taking the fight directly to the enemy’s home. The story is filled to the brim with amazingly creative alien races, some humanoid, some as far away from human concepts as possible. It is difficult to sum up this novel in a way that will give it due credit as so much happens and the whole ordeal is exciting!

I find it hard to describe this novel in a limited word count. This novel offers so much from the fantastic dramatic aspects expected of a space drama to science fiction world-building that puts many a classic to shame. I found the alien races, in particular, to be interesting to read about. Many science fiction novels will pile on hundreds of humanoid aliens, never really departing from what we already know. The races in Bert-Oliver Boehmer’s work are so varied that I cannot even list them here. The world-building of Dark Cascade is heavy and multi-layered, and you can tell a lot of time and love went into this book. After reading this, I plan on going back to read more of Boehmer’s work. I would suggest any sci-fi fan does the same. Totally worth it!

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The end times might be the result of a catalyst by a New Yorker named Sam Cattan in the science fiction book Artefactum by J.E. Tobal. Bartender Sam and his tattoo artist girlfriend Una are a near-perfect match and the finding of a fertility figure among Una's things heightens their experiences as that very model is the key to a portal to different dimensions. Sam has an affair within an alternate reality and Una ends their relationship as a result. Emotionally destroyed, Sam starts to explore the almost limitless alternate realities he can jump through to facilitate a second chance with the woman he loves. While doing this, Sam's understanding of dimensional tourism expands and Tobal's science fiction romantic tragedy evolves into a recipe for Armaggedon.

Artefactum by J.E. Tobal adds a distinctly human element to this science fiction novel that usually gets lost in the tech side of books in the genre. I think the majority of the science fiction readership would agree that characters like Sam with true emotional depth are the exception rather than the rule, and it is for this reason that Artefactum has the potential to be the success that it deserves to be. Tobal's character development is rich and the nuanced way the author probes Weltanschauung is exceptional. Sam's justification for what he is up to and his looking for ways to fix a relationship he screwed up is completely disproportionate to the apocalypse his tampering with alternative realities can cause. Sam's morality is questionable at best but Tobal has the chops to still make Sam likable and that's why Artefactum works. Overall, this is a remarkably singular novel and worth the time investment times infinity. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Secret of Life: An Adventure Out of Body, Into Mind by Stephen H Martin is a metaphysical novel that revolves around Claire, who is navigating the complex emotions surrounding her father's debilitating illness. After her father, in his unstable condition, mentions the name 'Angelique', Claire is propelled on a quest to unearth his obscure past. Assisted by Jeff, Claire discovers her father's survival of a devastating volcanic eruption in Martinique fifty years prior and his lost love, Angelique, providing some understanding of her parents' complicated marital history. Claire is immersed in themes of love, destiny, self-growth, and life's total interconnectedness. Guided by a spiritual healer, or quimboiseur, Claire ventures into the spiritual realm for even greater insight into her father's love for Angelique and the power of this love that transcends time. As she braces for her father's imminent death, Claire finds comfort in the lessons learned from their woven histories and the enduring power of their shared love.

I wanted to read The Secret of Life by Stephen H Martin because I am in the stage of life where, like Claire, I am faced with the prospect of the loss of unknown parts of my family history as the final generation before me prepares for their next journey in the afterlife. I felt deeply connected to Claire's very human drive to explore familial roots when threatened with their extinction, provided with hope when considering that all may not be lost, and heartened by her determination when she embarks on the pursuit and lands on the history of a volcanic eruption in the Caribbean. Martin conveys Claire's dedication beautifully and the landscape of the places she traverses, both here and outside the physical world as we know it, is almost cinematic in its descriptiveness. Dream-like sequences rarely pan out well in literature but Martin not only makes them work, he makes them work wonders for Claire's character arc. The 'real world' is also represented realistically as we see the simple rituals of plucking one's eyebrows against a backdrop of a consciousness that witnesses a natural disaster and observes ethereal beings emerging from a radiant source. The Secret of Life is a lovely adventure and a heartfelt, thought-provoking story that leaves room for more to come. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Carrying the Dead by Juliet Rose is a story of loss, acceptance, and moving on. Hannah Moore’s life changes six months after she miscarries. A terrible accident results in the death of an innocent motorcyclist, and Hannah cannot forgive herself. Getting help from a mental institution seems like the best course of action, but the nightmares of that horrible day never stop. Even when her doctor deems her ready for the outside world, Hannah isn't sure. Things escalate when Hannah starts to hear a baby crying at night and has horrible night terrors of the motorcyclist in various stages of decay. Hannah is about to lose her mind when Buzzy, the healthcare worker from the institute, points her in the right direction. Buzzy believes her nightmares are trying to give her a message. So Hannah packs her bags and travels to Mexico to get the answers she needs to end the torture she endures daily.

Carrying the Dead was a surprisingly emotional story of a woman’s journey to finding and forgiving herself. Hannah’s character became dear to me, and now I understand why; she is relatable, and I could see pieces of myself in her. Her nightmares are scary but understandable. Hannah struggles to find answers, but she has no idea she will first have to forgive herself. Buzzy is such a great friend and the voice of reason Hannah needs to take action against her guilt and grief. The elements of mysticism are handled with utmost respect and care. The narrative style pulled me in and made me stay until the end. I enjoyed Hannah’s arc and her journey toward acceptance. Juliet Rose does a fantastic job of covering spirituality, trauma, and paranormal themes. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Unification Mission: The Price of Redemption (The Great Leap Backward Book 2) by Kelly Curtis is the second installment of this highly engaging science fiction series. The year is 2635, and humans have abandoned almost all technology after the spread of the tech u disease. There’s no social media, mobile phones, and personal technology on Earth. To survive in the galaxy, however, humans trade art, music, and food for weapons and military equipment. The mighty Shimbahn Unification of 5 has agreed to a trade and choose Captain Alma Johnson to lead the three-year Unification mission. After being disgraced after the Mars One incident, she could redeem herself through the success of this mission. During the negotiation with Admiral Val, she is surprised that the Unification wants young human women as part of the trade. The admiral also wants Captain Johnson’s commitment to the negotiations.

The Unification Mission by Kelly Curtis is a must-read for all science fiction lovers. With the overwhelming impact of technology on our world today, the author has created a future where humans have no access to technology, and it’s most refreshing. I love the idea of humans taking a break from technology. Captain Alma Johnson is a compelling and relatable character. The notion of trading human women for weapons and technology is also intriguing. The book is a highly credible science fiction novel that dwells on social issues. The plot flows smoothly, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. I highly recommend this novel, especially to those who think technology is taking over our lives!

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Unsuspected Heroes: A Visionary Fiction Novel (A Journey to the New Earth) by Alex Marcoux is for readers who enjoy genuinely imperfect heroes. In this metaphysical, visionary tale, the world faces an impending apocalypse and is on the verge of destruction. Ami is an ascended master who has gone through so much pain and has now reincarnated to lead humanity to the New Earth, but she is trapped in an autistic body and cannot speak. While the danger grows stronger and more imminent, Ami must connect with others like herself to rescue humanity. But time isn’t on her side, plus her mortal condition is a challenge.

There is so much to enjoy in this epic tale and the reader is instantly drawn to Ami. I enjoyed the fact that the author put an ascended master into the shell of an autistic person. She is limited, and her struggles include the fact that she has no memory of who she is. When she begins to understand what is at stake, she struggles with her flawed physicality. The author explores strong and evocative topics, engaging readers with an interesting reflection on evolutionary themes and describing the decline of human civilization compellingly. Some interesting neologisms and concepts will have readers thinking. A hero who suffers from autism is an aspect of the plot that had me fascinated. The Unsuspected Heroes is a fast-paced visionary tale with a phenomenal conflict, multidimensional characters, and resonant themes. Alex Marcoux’s work is hugely imaginative and thought-provoking.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Three Immortals is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres and was penned by author Bert-Oliver Boehmer. Written for the general adult reading audience, this exciting space opera takes us into a far-flung future where humanity has had to pick itself up from the ashes of ruin in the Milky Way. As a fierce empress looms with an interstellar threat, war hero Kel Chaada tries to lead a modest nation but finds himself caught in the crossfire of a much bigger fight. When Kel flees to the farthest reaches of the universe to get out of human space, the wisdom he finds there may be just what is needed to uncover the secrets behind the immortals who have seized power.

Author Bert-Oliver Boehmer has crafted a truly thrilling science fiction work that is part space opera and part all-out interstellar war novel. The intricacies of galactic warfare make a really exciting backdrop against which the story takes place, with the ever-growing intensity of the conflict rising in the background. In this tense setting, we find amazing moments of fascination and innovation as Kel goes on a voyage of discovery for ancient wisdom, exciting new tech, and a poignant explanation of what has happened to humanity over the millennia. Overall, I would definitely recommend Three Immortals to fans of high-octane space drama that has all the refinements and poignancies of intelligent hard-core science fiction but also a ton of emotional realism in its characters and message. An unmissable adventure indeed.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

My Famous Brain is a unique work of fiction in the literary dramatic style and was penned by author Diane Wald. Written for adult audiences, the work does contain some explicit language usage and the inclusion of scenes of a sexual nature. We follow our central protagonist Jack McLeod on a tale through the many trials, tribulations, and learning experiences of his life, which he narrates for us in a new state of existence beyond the mortal grave. From his early years participating in studies for gifted children to his time working as a university professor, Jack possesses a unique penchant for psychic connection that gives him a deep insight into all that goes on around him.

Author Diane Wald has crafted a truly intriguing slice of life drama which chronicles some quite incredible events and teaches us the value of observation of others and the effects caused to other people by how we live our lives. In terms of character development, we get an extremely close view of our central storyteller Jack, whose brain is indeed a complex portrayal filled with imagery, tender moments, and personal touches to endear him to us. This is very much his drama, but his position as a psychologist gives the author some scope to observe others through his unique lens as well and build the cast around him with vivid details and insight. Overall, readers who enjoy deep literary portrayals of fascinating characters will be sure to adore My Famous Brain, and I would certainly recommend it for their next read.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Cali the Destroyer by Sol Luckman is a thought-provoking and absorbing dystopian tale with a New Age touch. It balances the exploration of human relationships with environmental, social, and political issues. Caliandra and Juice are young lovers caught in a society that has lost its pluralist sense. Cali is a famous white pop singer whose mother died in an unusual circumstance six months ago. Cali’s insanely jealous stepmother, Olga, who acts as her manager, is bent on sabotaging her stepdaughter’s career. Juice is a person of color with deep, personal grief. Cali believes that her mother is still alive, and together with Juice, they will embark on a journey to a dreamlike realm to find her mother. From here, Cali will learn about the Luminous Child and how to save the planet from the unjust rule of the Fatherland.

Cali the Destroyer is not just about identity—it is about searching your soul and determining who you are and your purpose for being placed on Earth. Sol Luckman hits all the right notes as his novel doesn’t struggle a bit to assert itself because it doesn’t have to. The story and its theme simply flow, and it is bound to find an appreciative audience. Moreover, the supporting figures with identifiable characteristics blend well into the story as a whole, and their interaction with Caliandra amplifies her qualities as a protagonist. Cali, by virtue of her origins and what she stands for, keeps you hanging on. You keep rooting for her, and you become curious about the fate of her relationship with Juice. Cali the Destroyer is an illuminating and deep read, and the result is a must-read tale in tune with contemporary concerns that it dresses up as an Orwellian future.