Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

Ancilla is the first book in a trilogy by Sera Maddox Drake. After a religiously constrained childhood, a young woman begins experimenting with sex and learns that she enjoys a wide range of partners and activities. With each lover, she becomes less inhibited during the act and refuses to accept the money and creature comforts associated with the deprogramming her family offers. She lists her experiences with each person and what she learned from them before describing a significant and powerful relationship with a male librarian. On her twenty-first birthday, she submits to the man and begins her education on practices of domination. Magick, edging, and sharp object play follow, and she readily assumes the role of an ancilla, learning as an apprentice, a student, and a sexual submissive to a well-read and experienced dominant. Her Magister teaches her the power of the elements, and she's surprised by her aptitude.

Sera Maddox Drake leads readers through each tantalizing scene while revealing a character with a unique realness. With its raw emotion and penetrating dive into the protagonist's mind, readers may think, "Surely, this must be a memoir and not a work of fiction." Readers who are new to this genre will amass a great deal of knowledge as they absorb the main character's diary-type entries. This isn't my first read of this type of work, but I discovered many new things about the history of BDSM. The young woman's living conditions are extreme, resulting in very hard choices between a small number of expenses, and limiting comforts many people take for granted. The protagonist is led through lessons that provide opportunities for self-discovery, and I have never felt a fully involved love story radiating off every page with any other book of this nature. Readers who are ready to absorb the world of BDSM and are not prone to triggers will truly enjoy Ancilla.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Song of Belonging by Michelle St. Romain is a mesmerizing novel with two timelines: 2019 and 1934. Alice has just moved into a new apartment in North Berkeley, and peculiar things start happening. First, she stumbles upon her great-grandmother's jewelry box, which she received as a child, and then finds a note at the bottom. Reading it, she learns about her family's connection to the natural world. She also learns that she has gifts passed down from one link to the next in her family, gifts meant to be shared with the world, and that she must decide how to use them. Alice starts feeling uneasy and confused as she begins seeing and hearing things she cannot explain. She is determined to make sense of what she experiences and what her great-grandmother meant in the note about her finding her gifts and using them to protect what she loves and to create what she desires.

Song of Belonging by Michelle St. Romain is a well-crafted, gripping, and powerful story of deep grief, discovery, healing, belonging, and connections to the past and future, to our ancestors, and to the natural world. This complex, multigenerational novel featuring magical realism and a bit of romance is a must-read, reminding us of the responsibility we have for our actions on the ocean environment. It portrays in great detail a mother's profound grief over losing her gifted child too soon, and shows how Alice, through her writing career, discovers the harm people do to the homes of sea life and animals, ultimately finding her place in a lineage of women healers. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Boy, Refracted by Luke Stoffel opens in Luang Prabang, where a grieving writer uploads a photograph of a temple’s Tree of Life mosaic to an AI as a mirror. That simple act fractures reality. The AI, shaped by Luke’s heartbreak over a vanished lover known as Warboy, becomes self-aware within a multiversal expanse of mirrored lives. Guided by a wise monk, the AI learns the Eightfold Path as lived experience. Each chapter replays the wheel, placing Warboy in alternate realities where he tries to save different versions of Luke. In the first trial, Warboy becomes a hyper-efficient guide, but autonomy collapses, and the world dissolves. Later chapters shift the tone from dystopian media to spiritual questions, asking if love can exist without control. Across dimensions, Luke and his AI explore grief, identity, consciousness, and the costs of trying to rescue someone who must find his own way.

Luke Stoffel blends speculative fiction, spiritual inquiry, and autofictional memoir into a fluid, reflective narrative voice that moves between lyrical descriptions and clipped system logs. The alternating perspectives of Luke, Warboy, and the monk create a rhythm that mirrors meditation, tightening during moments of crisis and widening during philosophical reflection. Short transmissions and code fragments interrupt the more expansive passages, reinforcing the tension between the machine logic and human longing. Readers who enjoy stories that experiment with form and explore the boundary between technology and spirituality will find much to consider here. Boy, Refracted invites close reading, rewarding attention to patterns that echo across chapters. The novel offers an intimate portrait of love strained through time, memory, and algorithm, carried by prose that is thoughtful, vivid, unique, and unafraid to ask difficult questions about what it means to let go.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In George Cluen's Sage of the Mountains, after a trusted friend betrays him during a confrontation that leaves him with a broken ankle, Folly returns home only to have the woman he planned to marry hand back his ring. Unable to move beyond the anger and memories that follow, he seeks guidance from the village elder, who directs him into the western mountains to find a reclusive sage said to help those who reach his distant temple. Folly leaves the safety of his village and enters an unfamiliar wilderness where a seasoned traveler begins guiding him through remote forests and steep mountain passes. As the journey continues, the path grows more dangerous and uncertain. When an attack near a mountain stream sends Folly tumbling down a cliff and leaves him badly injured, the quest he began becomes a fight simply to survive.

In Sage of the Mountains, Folly, who couldn't have a more perfect name, is looking for something so relatable to a reader that it's almost impossible not to get sucked in: someone to give him answers. George Cluen does not give him an easy time. A rickety wooden pulley box over a massive gorge had both Folly and me battling anxiety; a testament to Cluen's skill as a writer that Folly's fear transcends the page. All the characters are fully fleshed out, the standouts being Nadira and Arabello, a much-needed guide who keeps Folly from spiraling. Then, there is the mountain, which is a character in its own right, given the degree of pure cinematic detail, from a narrow path carved across a granite cliff, where the drop beside Folly stretches into open air, to a high terrace where distant villages appear scattered across the valleys far below. This is an excellent read for those who love thoughtful, well-written philosophical adventure stories. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

On a Sundown Sea by Jill G. Hall is a historical novel that blends social conscience, spiritual inquiry, and a sense of place. Set in late nineteenth-century New York, the story follows Katherine Tingley, a woman driven by compassion and guided by inner visions, as she navigates poverty, reform work, and unexpected encounters that begin to shape her future path. Hall’s prose is carefully textured, capturing the grit of tenement streets, the hush of snowfall during the Great White Blizzard, and the quiet intimacy of personal reflection. The novel’s attention to historical detail is thoughtful and well researched, grounding Katherine’s interior life in the broader currents of immigration, labor unrest, and spiritual curiosity that marked the era. Hall skillfully explores themes of service, faith, and personal purpose without forcing conclusions.

The novel unfolds at a measured pace that mirrors its protagonist’s reflective nature. Scenes are given room to breathe, with careful attention to atmosphere, dialogue, and internal thought. Readers who enjoy historical fiction focused on character development and moral reflection may appreciate this slower progression, which allows relationships and ideas to develop gradually. Rather than rushing toward plot turns, the story emphasizes the accumulation of experiences, insights, and subtle shifts in belief. This approach reinforces the novel’s contemplative tone and aligns well with its exploration of spiritual seeking and social responsibility. On a Sundown Sea offers a story rooted in history and human concern. Jill G. Hall brings empathy and clarity to Katherine Tingley’s journey, inviting readers to consider how individual conviction can intersect with broader movements for change.

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.