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Recommend this book:
Gates Of Thiros
The War Of Nine Kings Book 1
Lili K. Buckley
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Lili K. Buckley brings us a phenomenal epic fantasy in Gates of Thiros: Book One of The War of Nine Kings. Waenia has been raised as a princess, a warrior, and an heir. Although the Wyvarian blood does not flow through her veins, the king decided she would someday rule. Cousins and uncles could not accept this choice, leading to a war with his family. Now, years later, another threat looms to destroy Thiros and Alambia. Waenia must marry her cousin to secure an alliance that will stand against the self-proclaimed god-king, Luvian Veskar, but her heart lies elsewhere. Truths are revealed, and destinies collide as Waenia discovers who she truly is, and her purpose exceeds everyone’s expectations.
Author Lili K. Buckley has laid a solid foundation for a world filled with magic, destiny, and long-held grudges. The series features a female protagonist who can easily best any warrior she faces while also being capable of forgiveness and immeasurable love. The story is perfectly paced, with a strong focus on the plot and what a plot it is! Written in the third person from the main character’s perspective, readers will notice many subtle details, making the dangers feel even more real. The characters are likable and relatable, while others are despicable from the start. In Gates of Thiros, the fight scenes are described with such precision that you will feel like you're right there in the midst of battle. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book. This book is suitable for young adult readers.
Lili K. Buckley brings us a phenomenal epic fantasy in Gates of Thiros: Book One of The War of Nine Kings. Waenia has been raised as a princess, a warrior, and an heir. Although the Wyvarian blood does not flow through her veins, the king decided she would someday rule. Cousins and uncles could not accept this choice, leading to a war with his family. Now, years later, another threat looms to destroy Thiros and Alambia. Waenia must marry her cousin to secure an alliance that will stand against the self-proclaimed god-king, Luvian Veskar, but her heart lies elsewhere. Truths are revealed, and destinies collide as Waenia discovers who she truly is, and her purpose exceeds everyone’s expectations.
Author Lili K. Buckley has laid a solid foundation for a world filled with magic, destiny, and long-held grudges. The series features a female protagonist who can easily best any warrior she faces while also being capable of forgiveness and immeasurable love. The story is perfectly paced, with a strong focus on the plot and what a plot it is! Written in the third person from the main character’s perspective, readers will notice many subtle details, making the dangers feel even more real. The characters are likable and relatable, while others are despicable from the start. In Gates of Thiros, the fight scenes are described with such precision that you will feel like you're right there in the midst of battle. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book. This book is suitable for young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
A Sabre in the Hemlock
Dorothy Dreyer
2026 Honorable Mention
510 Pages
Check current price
Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Dorothy Dreyer’s A Sabre in the Hemlock, Princess Celeste of Delasurvia travels to Hedera expecting to honor a political betrothal, only to find the court changed by the reported death of Prince Torbin. King Silas moves swiftly to legitimize Dante Copperhammer, his illegitimate son, and name him heir in Torbin’s place. To secure that claim, Dante must survive formal trials staged before rival rulers in Podrosa, Bastos, Messanya, and Mersos, each realm judging whether he is fit to rule. Bound to him by alliance and growing loyalty, Celeste accompanies the tour while concealing the awakening of a volatile magic within her bloodline that she secretly uses to keep him alive. When Torbin resurfaces in Dulcamar under the rule of the Shadow Tsar, Axel, who has a terrifying connection to Celeste, she is abducted and forced to confront the source of both her power and the spreading unrest.
Dorothy Dreyer’s A Sabre in the Hemlock is the perfect titular metaphor, signaling danger hidden within beauty, holding a mirror up to Celeste’s position as both an ornamented princess and a concealed weapon. I love Celeste, who does everything in her power—and it turns out, she has a lot of it—to reject ritual subjugation and reclaim her agency. Dreyer's world-building is extraordinary, with feral wolf-like beasts twisted by dark magic called the carnoraxis, siren peacekeepers who dwell in the mountains, and frost-covered ballrooms with masked courtiers. Axel, the Shadow Tsar, defines the novel’s menace with a Machiavelli meets Caligula panache. The writing is elegant and completely immersive, with loads of realms, inherited magical gifts, fae rulers, siren heirs, and witch bloodlines within a rigid court system. Readers who enjoy velvety, rich political fantasy and volatile inherited magic should prepare to fall in love. Very highly recommended.
In Dorothy Dreyer’s A Sabre in the Hemlock, Princess Celeste of Delasurvia travels to Hedera expecting to honor a political betrothal, only to find the court changed by the reported death of Prince Torbin. King Silas moves swiftly to legitimize Dante Copperhammer, his illegitimate son, and name him heir in Torbin’s place. To secure that claim, Dante must survive formal trials staged before rival rulers in Podrosa, Bastos, Messanya, and Mersos, each realm judging whether he is fit to rule. Bound to him by alliance and growing loyalty, Celeste accompanies the tour while concealing the awakening of a volatile magic within her bloodline that she secretly uses to keep him alive. When Torbin resurfaces in Dulcamar under the rule of the Shadow Tsar, Axel, who has a terrifying connection to Celeste, she is abducted and forced to confront the source of both her power and the spreading unrest.
Dorothy Dreyer’s A Sabre in the Hemlock is the perfect titular metaphor, signaling danger hidden within beauty, holding a mirror up to Celeste’s position as both an ornamented princess and a concealed weapon. I love Celeste, who does everything in her power—and it turns out, she has a lot of it—to reject ritual subjugation and reclaim her agency. Dreyer's world-building is extraordinary, with feral wolf-like beasts twisted by dark magic called the carnoraxis, siren peacekeepers who dwell in the mountains, and frost-covered ballrooms with masked courtiers. Axel, the Shadow Tsar, defines the novel’s menace with a Machiavelli meets Caligula panache. The writing is elegant and completely immersive, with loads of realms, inherited magical gifts, fae rulers, siren heirs, and witch bloodlines within a rigid court system. Readers who enjoy velvety, rich political fantasy and volatile inherited magic should prepare to fall in love. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
In the Ghost's Shadow
The Shadow Core Saga Book 1
Clifton Brown
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
In the Ghost’s Shadow by Clifton Brown kicks off The Shadow Core Saga with a genre-blending fusion of urban fantasy, cosmic mystery, and intense romantic drama. We’re with Brick and Tish, two college students drawn together by fate and fractured by ancient powers. This dual perspective novel explores the clash between human vulnerability and supernatural inheritance through their eyes. As a web of secrets, curses, and dangerous cosmic forces unfurls around them, Brick and Tish must confront not only external threats but the terrifying power they each hold within. With its scientific underpinnings, mythic scope, and emotionally rich narrative, this is a story of love tested by destiny and a universe hanging in the balance.
Author Clifton Brown has a gentle way of letting the threads of his storytelling gradually come together in interesting and disparate ways, and this makes for a refreshingly smart blend of dark fantasy and science fiction that doesn’t skimp on heart either. There’s a lot of feeling and a clear love for the central characters in their tender narration, and this sharp focus in prose and dialogue makes Brick and Tish compelling leads whose chemistry ignites even more than the otherworldly moments that are happening around them. This emphasizes that sense of power building, which mirrors the great pacing of the plot and raises the stakes so that we as readers are more and more invested with every twist. And there are certainly twists aplenty, as Brown builds a complex universe that feels both mythic and modern for a gripping, high-stakes debut that leaves you eager for the next installment in the saga. Overall, I would certainly recommend In the Ghost’s Shadow for sci-fi fans seeking a new series to start, and I can’t wait for more.
In the Ghost’s Shadow by Clifton Brown kicks off The Shadow Core Saga with a genre-blending fusion of urban fantasy, cosmic mystery, and intense romantic drama. We’re with Brick and Tish, two college students drawn together by fate and fractured by ancient powers. This dual perspective novel explores the clash between human vulnerability and supernatural inheritance through their eyes. As a web of secrets, curses, and dangerous cosmic forces unfurls around them, Brick and Tish must confront not only external threats but the terrifying power they each hold within. With its scientific underpinnings, mythic scope, and emotionally rich narrative, this is a story of love tested by destiny and a universe hanging in the balance.
Author Clifton Brown has a gentle way of letting the threads of his storytelling gradually come together in interesting and disparate ways, and this makes for a refreshingly smart blend of dark fantasy and science fiction that doesn’t skimp on heart either. There’s a lot of feeling and a clear love for the central characters in their tender narration, and this sharp focus in prose and dialogue makes Brick and Tish compelling leads whose chemistry ignites even more than the otherworldly moments that are happening around them. This emphasizes that sense of power building, which mirrors the great pacing of the plot and raises the stakes so that we as readers are more and more invested with every twist. And there are certainly twists aplenty, as Brown builds a complex universe that feels both mythic and modern for a gripping, high-stakes debut that leaves you eager for the next installment in the saga. Overall, I would certainly recommend In the Ghost’s Shadow for sci-fi fans seeking a new series to start, and I can’t wait for more.
Recommend this book:
Death and Coffee
Lisa Acerbo
2026 Silver Medal
361 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
In Death and Coffee by Lisa Acerbo, Prudence’s mother had used her knowledge of natural remedies to help members of the community for years, but one day, she was accused of witchcraft. No one comes to her aid, not even her husband, and she ends up being hanged. This devastates Prudence, and she is ready to give up on life. In her moment of despair, she meets Titus, who recruits her to become a reaper. Reapers help people to transition to the afterlife as peacefully as possible. Many years pass as Prudence continues collecting souls for Death all over the world. Centuries later, Prudence is in New York doing her duties of collecting souls when she meets a woman about to die. Daxone has the purest soul Prudence has ever seen. Without considering the consequences, she gives Daxone a life-saving elixir. How will things unfold?
With highly engaging dialogues and perfect narration, there was never a dull moment in Death and Coffee by Lisa Acerbo. The suspense kept me eagerly anticipating the events of subsequent chapters, and I loved the unique plotline, which offered a glimpse into various historical periods. This thought-provoking work got me thinking about how various groups faced unjustified violence and injustice, and how far we have come in ensuring rights for minority groups. The characters are well-developed, and Lisa also ensured every event and emotion is vividly captured, which helped to create a mental picture of what was happening. This was a good read, and I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.
In Death and Coffee by Lisa Acerbo, Prudence’s mother had used her knowledge of natural remedies to help members of the community for years, but one day, she was accused of witchcraft. No one comes to her aid, not even her husband, and she ends up being hanged. This devastates Prudence, and she is ready to give up on life. In her moment of despair, she meets Titus, who recruits her to become a reaper. Reapers help people to transition to the afterlife as peacefully as possible. Many years pass as Prudence continues collecting souls for Death all over the world. Centuries later, Prudence is in New York doing her duties of collecting souls when she meets a woman about to die. Daxone has the purest soul Prudence has ever seen. Without considering the consequences, she gives Daxone a life-saving elixir. How will things unfold?
With highly engaging dialogues and perfect narration, there was never a dull moment in Death and Coffee by Lisa Acerbo. The suspense kept me eagerly anticipating the events of subsequent chapters, and I loved the unique plotline, which offered a glimpse into various historical periods. This thought-provoking work got me thinking about how various groups faced unjustified violence and injustice, and how far we have come in ensuring rights for minority groups. The characters are well-developed, and Lisa also ensured every event and emotion is vividly captured, which helped to create a mental picture of what was happening. This was a good read, and I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.
Recommend this book:
K9 Mine
Shannon MacLeod
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
K9 Mine by Shannon MacLeod follows Corporal Travis McLean after discovering the mysterious Saoirse in his home, telling him she’s fleeing Ansgar, who's hunting her for her shapeshifting abilities. Travis shelters her, teaching her modern life skills and training her for police work, combining her human intelligence with her shapeshifting powers. Meanwhile, Ansgar pursues her relentlessly, using magic to track and attack anyone in his path. Travis, aided by friends and family, coordinates her protection and operational involvement in public police duties as a romance between Travis and Saoirse grows. But everything changes when Travis returns home to find his cousin Mike injured with multiple bleeding wounds, telling him that Ansgar had attacked them. Saoirse was seized, collared, and carried through a mirror, which subsequently shattered.
K9 Mine by Shannon MacLeod is a really unique take on the shapeshifter genre. This is primarily due to MacLeod's effective way of subverting expectations in the best possible way, but also because of the duality MacLeod creates in Saoirse as a character with something tangible to contribute to the daily life of everyday people. Her partnership with Travis, one that extends beyond a working relationship into something more romantic, is organically incorporated. There are moments of genuine trust and a combination of strategies that bind the pair together. I absolutely love the integration of K9 police work and the sequences that keep the subplots linked and maintain a steady pace. Ansgar is a terrifying antagonist whom we get to know through alternating points of view. Overall, this is an excellent novel, and I think readers who enjoy both police procedurals and the supernatural will adore K9 Mine. Recommended.
K9 Mine by Shannon MacLeod follows Corporal Travis McLean after discovering the mysterious Saoirse in his home, telling him she’s fleeing Ansgar, who's hunting her for her shapeshifting abilities. Travis shelters her, teaching her modern life skills and training her for police work, combining her human intelligence with her shapeshifting powers. Meanwhile, Ansgar pursues her relentlessly, using magic to track and attack anyone in his path. Travis, aided by friends and family, coordinates her protection and operational involvement in public police duties as a romance between Travis and Saoirse grows. But everything changes when Travis returns home to find his cousin Mike injured with multiple bleeding wounds, telling him that Ansgar had attacked them. Saoirse was seized, collared, and carried through a mirror, which subsequently shattered.
K9 Mine by Shannon MacLeod is a really unique take on the shapeshifter genre. This is primarily due to MacLeod's effective way of subverting expectations in the best possible way, but also because of the duality MacLeod creates in Saoirse as a character with something tangible to contribute to the daily life of everyday people. Her partnership with Travis, one that extends beyond a working relationship into something more romantic, is organically incorporated. There are moments of genuine trust and a combination of strategies that bind the pair together. I absolutely love the integration of K9 police work and the sequences that keep the subplots linked and maintain a steady pace. Ansgar is a terrifying antagonist whom we get to know through alternating points of view. Overall, this is an excellent novel, and I think readers who enjoy both police procedurals and the supernatural will adore K9 Mine. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Vatra Witch
Book One in the Lost Souls of Eraphon Series
G.V. Hext
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Suzanne Holliday for Readers' Favorite
The Vatra Witch by G.V. Hext is a tale of love and demise that will draw you into the haunting world of Seraphina. Shunned by her mother and rejected by her coven, Seraphina has spent her whole life trying to prove that she belongs and that the little magic she possesses does not make her inferior. When faced with a magic that she should not possess, Seraphina is drawn into a world of deceit and heartbreak. Seraphina’s taboo magic can’t be controlled, but it might be the only thing that will save her sister from the clutches of a demon lord. Forced into the close company of a man she’d rather forget, Seraphina begins the journey to save her sister. G.V. Hext does an excellent job of setting the stage, creating a world that is immersive and dark. This introduction to Seraphina is sure to enthrall readers who enjoy a story with magic, heartbreak, and fate. Prepare to enter the Underworld.
The Vatra Witch is written in a way that is completely addictive and shows how deeply G.V. Hext had to dive into her own feelings to create such an emotional story. All the love that Seraphina feels for her sister is carefully written on every page. I was hooked on the story from cover to cover, feeling like the characters’ feelings were my own. With the introduction of Vasso, the story picks up its pace, mirroring the urgency of saving Honora. Through the writing, I felt like I understood Seraphina and Vasso deeply, as the author gives them equally dark desires, coupled with the intense feelings they experience through their magic, highlighting the cost of following your destiny. Vasso and Seraphina are in a constant battle between light and dark, good and evil. The Vatra Witch is a beautiful story that glimmers with promises and hope and loss, perfect for readers who love dark fantasy.
The Vatra Witch by G.V. Hext is a tale of love and demise that will draw you into the haunting world of Seraphina. Shunned by her mother and rejected by her coven, Seraphina has spent her whole life trying to prove that she belongs and that the little magic she possesses does not make her inferior. When faced with a magic that she should not possess, Seraphina is drawn into a world of deceit and heartbreak. Seraphina’s taboo magic can’t be controlled, but it might be the only thing that will save her sister from the clutches of a demon lord. Forced into the close company of a man she’d rather forget, Seraphina begins the journey to save her sister. G.V. Hext does an excellent job of setting the stage, creating a world that is immersive and dark. This introduction to Seraphina is sure to enthrall readers who enjoy a story with magic, heartbreak, and fate. Prepare to enter the Underworld.
The Vatra Witch is written in a way that is completely addictive and shows how deeply G.V. Hext had to dive into her own feelings to create such an emotional story. All the love that Seraphina feels for her sister is carefully written on every page. I was hooked on the story from cover to cover, feeling like the characters’ feelings were my own. With the introduction of Vasso, the story picks up its pace, mirroring the urgency of saving Honora. Through the writing, I felt like I understood Seraphina and Vasso deeply, as the author gives them equally dark desires, coupled with the intense feelings they experience through their magic, highlighting the cost of following your destiny. Vasso and Seraphina are in a constant battle between light and dark, good and evil. The Vatra Witch is a beautiful story that glimmers with promises and hope and loss, perfect for readers who love dark fantasy.
Recommend this book:
Of Light and Freedom
The Star Queen Chronicles Book 2
Rachel Fallon
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Of Light and Freedom is book two in Rachel Fallon's fantasy series, The Star Queen Chronicles. In book one, Of Darkness and Ruination, Asteria Zagreus, enslaved on Celesterra, is placed in the Dusk Kingdom and given to Prince Cyrus Tynan. Refusing submission, she plans her escape. As war looms and King Calix of the Night Kingdom advances, Asteria faces choices that could reshape her fate and the continent’s future. Now, in this second installment, Asteria must face the consequences of a revealed identity while struggling to control powers that have always escaped her. Calix, after waiting centuries for his mate, finds himself tossed into a conflict between two kingdoms. As war brews, the gods deliver their command, and the continent edges toward upheaval that will redefine everything they have known. “The prophecy given to them spoke of a Star Queen who would rise when the night was darkest. Who would cast down the usurper, and free the people from their bondage...”
Of Light and Freedom by Rachel Fallon is a wonderful story that goes a long way in making a fantasy still feel grounded, which is a testament to Fallon's skill as a writer. The author embraces Asteria’s emotional breakdown over her Fae identity and the falsehood of her past with honest fear, grief, and numbness, in raw physicality. Calix’s vulnerability and intense feelings for her harness the huge emotional bond and his own love, guilt, hope, and regret. Fallon offers an original mythology, from the loss of ancestral powers to the origins of Minotaurs and the role of divine beings, and, yes, dragons! The lore is alive and textured in a way that evokes classic, epic storytelling. That said, the very best aspect is the subversion of traditional tropes and gender norms. Through Zakat we see a refreshing queerness that defies heteronormative fantasy traditions, as does Asteria’s refusal to embrace royalty or motherhood just because it’s expected of her. This reimagining of fantasy archetypes modernizes the novel in a genre in desperate need of inclusion, and alongside everything else, this is a series I'd give a whole bucket of stars if I could. Very highly recommended.
Of Light and Freedom is book two in Rachel Fallon's fantasy series, The Star Queen Chronicles. In book one, Of Darkness and Ruination, Asteria Zagreus, enslaved on Celesterra, is placed in the Dusk Kingdom and given to Prince Cyrus Tynan. Refusing submission, she plans her escape. As war looms and King Calix of the Night Kingdom advances, Asteria faces choices that could reshape her fate and the continent’s future. Now, in this second installment, Asteria must face the consequences of a revealed identity while struggling to control powers that have always escaped her. Calix, after waiting centuries for his mate, finds himself tossed into a conflict between two kingdoms. As war brews, the gods deliver their command, and the continent edges toward upheaval that will redefine everything they have known. “The prophecy given to them spoke of a Star Queen who would rise when the night was darkest. Who would cast down the usurper, and free the people from their bondage...”
Of Light and Freedom by Rachel Fallon is a wonderful story that goes a long way in making a fantasy still feel grounded, which is a testament to Fallon's skill as a writer. The author embraces Asteria’s emotional breakdown over her Fae identity and the falsehood of her past with honest fear, grief, and numbness, in raw physicality. Calix’s vulnerability and intense feelings for her harness the huge emotional bond and his own love, guilt, hope, and regret. Fallon offers an original mythology, from the loss of ancestral powers to the origins of Minotaurs and the role of divine beings, and, yes, dragons! The lore is alive and textured in a way that evokes classic, epic storytelling. That said, the very best aspect is the subversion of traditional tropes and gender norms. Through Zakat we see a refreshing queerness that defies heteronormative fantasy traditions, as does Asteria’s refusal to embrace royalty or motherhood just because it’s expected of her. This reimagining of fantasy archetypes modernizes the novel in a genre in desperate need of inclusion, and alongside everything else, this is a series I'd give a whole bucket of stars if I could. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Empowering the Wolf's Heart
A Red Riding Hood Retelling
Ava Grace Bentley
2025 Honorable Mention
476 Pages
Check current price
Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Ava Grace Bentley brings us a beautiful fantasy/sci-fi romance in Empowering the Wolf’s Heart: A Red Riding Hood Retelling. Alia is a Red assassin, the matriarch's granddaughter and the heir apparent of the Reds, whose mission is to eliminate magic and protect humankind. However, she has a secret that could cost her life and that of her family if discovered. She has been questioning the rules that govern the Reds for some time. When Alia is sent to kill the werewolf known as the Hood, who murdered her grandfather, she doesn’t expect to end up fighting for the life of the kidnapped bait. Shen, the werewolf prince, has lost hope and the will to live, but finds himself intrigued by this little assassin. Could their choices mean the end of their lives?
Author Ava Grace Bentley successfully captures readers' imaginations in this retelling of the classic Red Riding Hood tale. The first-person narrative, told from the perspectives of our two protagonists, brings their thoughts and feelings into a more perceivable and personal view. This book is filled with characters rich in personality and wit. Sensory stimulation will make you feel every shiver as though it were your own. I loved the overarching theme of total surrender throughout these pages and how different emotions have specific scents. The story includes plenty of action with perfectly choreographed fight scenes, dark magic, and mythical creatures. The twists and turns in Empowering the Wolf’s Heart will leave you reeling with new possible truths. This is a slow-burn romance, making it suitable for young adult readers as well.
Ava Grace Bentley brings us a beautiful fantasy/sci-fi romance in Empowering the Wolf’s Heart: A Red Riding Hood Retelling. Alia is a Red assassin, the matriarch's granddaughter and the heir apparent of the Reds, whose mission is to eliminate magic and protect humankind. However, she has a secret that could cost her life and that of her family if discovered. She has been questioning the rules that govern the Reds for some time. When Alia is sent to kill the werewolf known as the Hood, who murdered her grandfather, she doesn’t expect to end up fighting for the life of the kidnapped bait. Shen, the werewolf prince, has lost hope and the will to live, but finds himself intrigued by this little assassin. Could their choices mean the end of their lives?
Author Ava Grace Bentley successfully captures readers' imaginations in this retelling of the classic Red Riding Hood tale. The first-person narrative, told from the perspectives of our two protagonists, brings their thoughts and feelings into a more perceivable and personal view. This book is filled with characters rich in personality and wit. Sensory stimulation will make you feel every shiver as though it were your own. I loved the overarching theme of total surrender throughout these pages and how different emotions have specific scents. The story includes plenty of action with perfectly choreographed fight scenes, dark magic, and mythical creatures. The twists and turns in Empowering the Wolf’s Heart will leave you reeling with new possible truths. This is a slow-burn romance, making it suitable for young adult readers as well.
Recommend this book:
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Periphery
AA DaSilva
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Willam Haines for Readers' Favorite
In Periphery by AA DaSilva, Charlotte struggles to decide between what she has done in the past, the people in her life, and the events that are gradually starting to unfold before her. Her conflicts stem from unresolved feelings toward her father-in-law and her late husband Jared. Charlotte's life is turned upside down when Simon (Sy), a mysterious man enters her life. Conspiracy and supernatural scenarios, which jeopardize Charlotte's life, are introduced by Simon’s link with the mysterious organization called Quantym, which focuses on experiments on consciousness and the afterlife. Whenever Simon demonstrates his power to ‘jump’ between realms, the stakes rise, making Charlotte ponder on her doubts as well as the dangers associated with Jared. These aspiring alliances are showcased particularly so with Sy, a protector who intervenes during moments of risk. Portraying Charlotte’s personal dilemmas and growing tension, the story continues with a series of decisions that will determine Charlotte's and other characters’ paths.
Periphery stands out in delivering the complex relationships of the characters as well as the thrilling supernatural subplot. The focus on Charlotte's development is quite gripping and the reader will not only understand her struggles but can relate to them as well. The writing addresses themes of identity, trust, and carrying the weight of choices without being overly didactic. Simon’s abilities and the existence of the Quantym organization help to make the story more compelling and escalate with each discovery. AA DaSilva does a great job of keeping the suspense and the surprise while proposing more pensive and clever moments in the blend of the main characters’ problems and the metaphysical aspects of the series. This slow-burn nature of the story works well, and the dialogue feels real, especially as characters grapple with the very nature of the ability Simon possesses. All in all, it is a well-wrought tale that draws the reader into its web of unfolding events to make the audience reflect on pertinent issues such as treachery, affection, and the nature of existence.
In Periphery by AA DaSilva, Charlotte struggles to decide between what she has done in the past, the people in her life, and the events that are gradually starting to unfold before her. Her conflicts stem from unresolved feelings toward her father-in-law and her late husband Jared. Charlotte's life is turned upside down when Simon (Sy), a mysterious man enters her life. Conspiracy and supernatural scenarios, which jeopardize Charlotte's life, are introduced by Simon’s link with the mysterious organization called Quantym, which focuses on experiments on consciousness and the afterlife. Whenever Simon demonstrates his power to ‘jump’ between realms, the stakes rise, making Charlotte ponder on her doubts as well as the dangers associated with Jared. These aspiring alliances are showcased particularly so with Sy, a protector who intervenes during moments of risk. Portraying Charlotte’s personal dilemmas and growing tension, the story continues with a series of decisions that will determine Charlotte's and other characters’ paths.
Periphery stands out in delivering the complex relationships of the characters as well as the thrilling supernatural subplot. The focus on Charlotte's development is quite gripping and the reader will not only understand her struggles but can relate to them as well. The writing addresses themes of identity, trust, and carrying the weight of choices without being overly didactic. Simon’s abilities and the existence of the Quantym organization help to make the story more compelling and escalate with each discovery. AA DaSilva does a great job of keeping the suspense and the surprise while proposing more pensive and clever moments in the blend of the main characters’ problems and the metaphysical aspects of the series. This slow-burn nature of the story works well, and the dialogue feels real, especially as characters grapple with the very nature of the ability Simon possesses. All in all, it is a well-wrought tale that draws the reader into its web of unfolding events to make the audience reflect on pertinent issues such as treachery, affection, and the nature of existence.
Recommend this book:
Aftermath
Into the Unknown
Lena Gibson
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
In Lena Gibson’s Aftermath, Robin’s life is completely shattered when an asteroid hits the earth, leaving her to scavenge for food and care for her grandfather. They have lived together in hiding for three years, unable to trust anyone. But things change for the worse when a biker gang moves into their area. Robin and Kory never would have crossed paths. She, a sheltered and resourceful young woman, dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory, a rugged survivor from the streets of Seattle, relied on his wits. But the biker gang’s presence in town makes them forget everything and focus on their survival. Robin’s dying grandfather has asked her to seek out his extended family in South Dakota. When Kory saves her, the duo sets out on the dangerous journey to a bunker in South Dakota, facing inclement weather and ruthless survivors. They might find more than a new home through this journey in which they must learn to trust and cherish each other.
Aftermath: Into the Unknown by Lena Gibson is a compelling post-apocalyptic narrative infused with romance, humanity, and realism. The author creates a world that a catastrophic event has wrecked, yet it is immersive. The story is full of tension and suspense as Robin navigates the dangers of the outside world. The author creates a sense of unease and uncertainty as readers follow Robin in her daily routine right from the start of the narrative. This unease creates anticipation in readers as they are keen on discovering what happens next to the characters. Characterization is top-notch, and readers will enjoy the balance the author makes between Kory’s street smarts and Robin’s determination. These characters are genuinely flawed and sophisticated. This suspenseful romance delivers a beautiful treat for a wider audience.
In Lena Gibson’s Aftermath, Robin’s life is completely shattered when an asteroid hits the earth, leaving her to scavenge for food and care for her grandfather. They have lived together in hiding for three years, unable to trust anyone. But things change for the worse when a biker gang moves into their area. Robin and Kory never would have crossed paths. She, a sheltered and resourceful young woman, dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory, a rugged survivor from the streets of Seattle, relied on his wits. But the biker gang’s presence in town makes them forget everything and focus on their survival. Robin’s dying grandfather has asked her to seek out his extended family in South Dakota. When Kory saves her, the duo sets out on the dangerous journey to a bunker in South Dakota, facing inclement weather and ruthless survivors. They might find more than a new home through this journey in which they must learn to trust and cherish each other.
Aftermath: Into the Unknown by Lena Gibson is a compelling post-apocalyptic narrative infused with romance, humanity, and realism. The author creates a world that a catastrophic event has wrecked, yet it is immersive. The story is full of tension and suspense as Robin navigates the dangers of the outside world. The author creates a sense of unease and uncertainty as readers follow Robin in her daily routine right from the start of the narrative. This unease creates anticipation in readers as they are keen on discovering what happens next to the characters. Characterization is top-notch, and readers will enjoy the balance the author makes between Kory’s street smarts and Robin’s determination. These characters are genuinely flawed and sophisticated. This suspenseful romance delivers a beautiful treat for a wider audience.
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