Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Facing Wonder by Jeff Christopher Leonard is speculative fiction that revolves around Julian Wonder, a 46-year-old neurosurgeon in Las Vegas who leads a structured life filled with work, family, and a passion for meteorite hunting. With his sister Mags working with him at his clinic, Julian conducts innovative procedures targeting mental health conditions, connecting with art teacher Mary while discussing potential treatments for her daughter's autism. Tragedy strikes when a family member passes away, but Julian reconnecting with Mary leads to positive change attributed to a meteorite impact. A visit to an alternative therapist sparks conversations about personal limitations, leading Julian to consider attending an ayahuasca retreat. However, when a one-in-a-billion chance injury during the retreat incapacitates Julian, unexpected shifts in the health and welfare of those in his sphere spark uncertainty, initially jubilant, until it becomes something more.

Wow, this book was not what I was expecting at all! Facing Wonder by Jeff Christopher Leonard is a wildly creative blend of science fiction and the metaphysical, and it explores the depths of humanity that we cannot see and fail to comprehend. I loved that Leonard sets Julian up as the protagonist in a story that touches on the most organic fabric of nature, in Las Vegas, which is arguably one of the most artificial environments in the world. It is also near one of the greatest extraterrestrial hotspots, making Julian's obsession with space debris more intriguing. The writing is clean and straightforward, and the cast of characters that builds up around Julian is integral to everything that occurs as part of the plot. To impart pieces of Julian's backstory, as well as his sister Mags', we are fed morsels of their upbringing and family as Leonard bends the arc. Overall, this is a wonderfully thought-provoking book with a lot going for it and a variety of ways it can branch out further. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Contender from Delos by Leo Carrington is a wonderfully nuanced story of the struggling journey of a young wrestling champion from the poorest area of Rome, who dreams of achieving the ultimate reward: a gold laurel presented by none other than Caesar himself. Alexander is the son of a former Roman soldier-turned-carpenter and his beautiful Greek wife, whom he had met and married when stationed on the Greek island of Delos. For now, Alexander is forced to wrestle in underground, illegal matches where his earnings are determined by the cut-throat gangs who run and control the betting on the outcomes. Alexander dreams of training with the best at one of Rome’s exclusive palaestras under a true champion coach. Fortunately for Alexander, his father has a plan to make that happen, but it will change Alexander's and his mother’s lives forever and send him in a new direction. 

The Contender from Delos is a wonderfully crafted story that perfectly encapsulates the philosophy and lifestyle of the Roman Empire, where differing cultures and religions were tolerated under overarching Roman rule and protection. Leo Carrington has created an endearing character in Alexander, the product of a Roman father and a Greek mother, caught between two worlds, two sets of gods, and two philosophies. Through wrestling and his trainers' teachings, he found his place in society. I particularly enjoy historical novels that use story arcs to educate the reader on aspects of the culture of the time. I loved the focus on Greek philosophy, in general, and stoicism, in particular. The idea that the world is ordered and it is not what happens to us but how we react to it that determines our place in society is one that resonates with me, as does the overarching theme of gratitude, which is seamlessly woven into the narrative. It was fascinating to see both Roman and Greek religions operating virtually side by side in an attitude of tolerance and grace, although the new religion sweeping the region, that of Kyrios (or Jesus), perhaps not so much. The relationships, the honor, and the camaraderie between the wrestlers, even those who were bitter opponents or stood in the way of success, shone through in these characters. The idea of not just living but living with honor, love, and family was redolent throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating tale and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Admins: Simulation's End by David Horn is a YA sci-fi story with a difference. Sierra, Chris, Joey, and Lana are involved in an accident on the way home from a party. Looking for help, Lana and Joey find a strange cabin with a green light inside it. When they touch the light, they discover that their "real" lives are nothing more than a simulation run by Admins. The light has given them powers, but chaos ensues when they try to use them, leading the Admins to determine deletion is the only option. Joey and Lana have started something big, and they are the only ones who can fix things, but now the Admins have them in their sights. Only they can save the world, but their journey is fraught with danger as they learn more about the simulation and uncover deeply hidden secrets. Can Joey and Lana turn things around, or are they too late?

Admins: Simulation's End by David Horn is a unique story that will grab you from the start. It does have a little violence in it, but nothing that doesn't fit the plot. This is a gripping, action-packed story, the likes of which I guarantee you've never read before. The characters are wonderfully well-developed, and you'll find yourself rooting for the main protagonists all the way through. This is the kind of story I could see being developed into a movie or TV series. It has plenty of twists and turns and is written in an engaging, compelling manner that will keep you reading all the way through. The book is written in a series of parts, starting with the story from different characters' points of view, and the ending is a surprise. It's written in the present tense, not my favorite, but it works for this story, making you feel as though you are living the story as it plays out. This is a wonderful piece of work, highly enjoyable, and recommended for anyone who wants a different kind of story, one that might just have you questioning your very existence.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Operation Paperweight is a historical thriller by Bobbie L. Wagner. It's post-World War II Boston, Massachusetts. Born in Germany to parents who fled the Nazi regime and immigrated to America, twenty-year-old Laura Schmitt is now working as an au pair for the wealthy Russian Viktor Orzov, taking care of his children. But her life turns upside down the day she comes across the charismatic Lena Fischer in the local market. Unbeknownst to Laura, Lena works for the CIA and is scouting Laura as a recruit as her superiors consider Viktor Orzov a person of interest. After Lena reveals her true identity to Laura, she convinces Laura to work for her adopted country and trains her as a CIA agent. Meanwhile, Orzov and Russian Ambassador Andrei Gruzinsky are up to something nefarious involving German scientists seeking asylum in America. Can Laura do her duty?

A gripping espionage thriller with twists and turns galore, Operation Paperweight sheds light on a tumultuous time in recent American history, focusing on the ramifications of the Cold War and how it led to the rise of the CIA as the world's most effective intelligence agency. Author Bobbie L. Wagner provides readers with a realistic portrayal of the Cold War era, with an absorbing plot that captures the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union at an all-time high, with the intelligence agents of both countries trying to infiltrate and procure information from the other. Laura is a fascinating protagonist. As a reader, I was rooting for her, from her recruitment into the agency to her role in Operation Paperweight. I also found her friendship with Lena very heartwarming. If espionage thrillers are your thing, you won't go wrong with this one!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D. R. Berlin is a suspenseful thriller. Sophie Allard is about to graduate top of her flight class, but she goes against orders to save a life. Believing she is about to be expelled, she is shocked to learn that an explosion at her childhood home has killed her father. Sophie is grief-stricken – he was the only family she had left – but she agrees to help with the investigation. As she digs deeper, it becomes clear to her that her father might not be dead, but getting to the truth means disobeying orders once more. A secret organization called The Third Estate holds the key but it’s down to Sophie to determine the truth. The organization could be her salvation, or it could be the end of her, but one thing is for sure – the race is on to find her father, and time is running out.

The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D. R. Berlin is masterfully written. The story starts on a strong footing and it just gets better from there, growing in intrigue and suspense as the action heats up. The characters are well-developed, with the main protagonist being a very strong, smart woman who is determined to fight for what is right. She is entirely believable, a real person with real flaws and one you can easily relate to. The plot twists and turns its way to the end, leading you down dead ends and on a rollercoaster journey before the truth is finally revealed. This is a highly enjoyable thriller, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good story with a complex, suspenseful plot.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Iron Rose is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action, romance, and adventure subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience. Penned by author Abigail O'Bryan, this thrilling novel reimagines the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast with a dark and gripping twist. Lydia Brightwood seeks to dethrone the tyrant Crimson Lord to secure a better future for her country but faces the obstacle of finding a royal heir, all of whom are believed to be dead. Meanwhile, Adam, known as the Beast, struggles with his inner demons and the devastating truth of his past actions. As their paths intertwine, they must confront curses, secrets, and the high cost of reclaiming their humanity amidst a backdrop of war and magic.

Author Abigail O'Bryan has lovingly crafted a novel packed to the brim with rich world-building, intense action, and compelling characters that drew me into a dark and enchanting narrative right from the start. The pacing is excellent to get YA readers straight into the action, and every chapter is filled with suspense, romance, and intrigue to build to the next twist or revelation. The dynamic between Lydia and Adam is electric as they navigate the complexities of their intertwined fates and confront the shadows of their pasts. Their dialogue mirrored one another’s journeys beautifully whilst also intensifying the originality of each character. The story's themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love are sure to resonate deeply with fans of classics and fairytales, and I loved the way O’Bryan honored the darker side of the original story with her own bloodthirsty new plotlines. Overall, Iron Rose is highly recommended as a captivating read that will leave fans of fantasy and fairy tales craving more.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Extinguishing Shadows by Heather Beal is a riveting tale that delves into the intertwined worlds of vampires and viajantes, two ancient immortal species that have managed to coexist for centuries. Set against a backdrop of danger and secrecy, the story follows Mara, a young viajante, whose life was forever altered when her family was brutally murdered by vampires. Now an adult, Mara set out on a journey to uncover the truth behind the attack and a mysterious prophecy linked to her fate. The narrative opens with a captivating scene where Mara finds herself pursued by ominous forces. The suspense builds as she employs her unique abilities to outwit her pursuers and protect her identity. The story takes unexpected turns as Mara navigates a world rife with danger, deception, and hidden motives.

The dynamics between the immortal species are intricately explored, and Mara's encounters with vampires showcase the stark differences between the two groups. Heather Beal weaves a complex web of emotions, alliances, and conflicts that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Mara's character is a blend of vulnerability and strength, and her determination to seek justice for her family is both relatable and inspiring. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic vampires and the various characters she encounters, adds depth to the story's tapestry. The writing style is engaging, with well-paced action sequences and introspective moments that allow readers to connect with the participants' thoughts and emotions. The narrative is interwoven with mysteries, prophecies, and unforeseen revelations, creating a compelling layer of intrigue. Extinguishing Shadows offers a unique take on the vampire genre by introducing the viajantes and exploring the consequences of their interactions. The story combines elements of fantasy and suspense, creating a page-turner that will captivate readers from start to finish. Beal's narrative expertise and vivid storytelling make this book a must-read for fans of paranormal fiction, immersing them in a world where shadows hold secrets that are waiting to be extinguished.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

This gripping tale of determination and grit is a celebration of female resilience. Crafted in poetic language, The Ascenditure by Robyn Dabney follows Klarke Ascher, a passionate young woman who wants nothing but to become a member of the kingdom's elite climbing team. She wants to climb the Miter's Backbone in search of the cure for lung sickness that afflicts the population. But since climbing is reserved for men, not everyone is ready to welcome her. In her kingdom, women are owned by men and their place is in the kitchen. Klarke has skills that are unique and when she insists on joining the team, a civil uprising that favors her ensues. There are powerful people who are determined to make her pay. Now she finds herself not only fighting for the rights of her oppressed people but for her survival as her fellow Ascenditures are killed, one by one. Can she survive long enough to unravel the truth behind the killings?

The descriptive prose welcomes readers on the first page and it only gets better and better as they read on. The image of the female heroine climbing a treacherous mountain against a raging storm immediately gives readers a powerful insight into her fighting spirit. This is a novel about a young woman who stands up against sexism, oppression, and the misuse of power by the ruling class. Robyn Dabney writes with confidence. But what sets this book apart is the incredible journey the heroine makes in pursuit of her goals. She is a robust character who faces unforeseen cruelty and must navigate through a web of conspiracy and threats to survive. It is a page-turning story that will appeal to fans of women's fiction and tales with finely accomplished female protagonists.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Conspiracy: The Legend of the Winged People - Book 1 is a young adult adventure by Alessandra Coco. Pamela Kendall is a fifteen-year-old girl with blue hair who has a gift for communicating with animals. Pam’s world is turned upside down when she makes a surprising discovery. Pam’s parents have been hiding the truth about her extraordinary skills and strange appearance. Determined to find the truth about her identity, Pam leaves her home and sets out on a dangerous journey. David Thompson is a shy, sixteen-year-old misfit who wants to write novels but is struggling to understand his newly developed strange abilities. Unexplainable events bring David and Pam together. David is eager to prove himself and is willing to help Pam with anything. David is forced to step out of his comfort zone and become a hero he never thought he could be.

The Conspiracy is an intriguing page-turner. Alessandra Coco took me with David and Pam on their journey to search for the truth about Pam’s origins and the force that had brought them to Greece. It was a roller coaster ride of mystery, ancient artifacts, hidden treasures, and prophecies. Alessandra created a beautiful and mysterious world, and several plots merge into an extraordinary story. It was a riveting read, and I could not put it down. The events were descriptive and easy to visualize. The characters were intriguing and compelling. There were a variety of interesting characters. My favorite characters were Pam and David. They were different people and worked well together to find the truth. The story is beautifully written and is one of the most unique stories I have ever read.

Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

Bandy by Craig Hipkins is about Isaac Barker, an orphaned boy who enjoys a relationship with a talking pigeon named Bandy. Isaac and his younger brother were taken in by his great-uncle Raymond when the rest of their family was killed in a tragic fire. Uncle Raymond shortly sends Isaac to Virginia to fetch a sickly slave girl from a plantation and pay to release her from the notorious slave owner Will Jericho. Isaac soon learns about Jericho’s evil plot of illegally annexing his Uncle Raymond’s wealth and property and plotting his demise. Isaac and Joy need to go to Boston as soon as possible before something happens to them. Fleeing the slave colony was both a difficult task and an adventure for the two teens. With the help of kind-hearted people, they planned their escape as they became stowaways and wanted fugitives. Will Isaac be able to successfully return to Boston with Joy so she can reunite with her sister and seek treatment for her condition? More importantly, will he be able to introduce her to Bandy and show her his happy place and paradise called Bandy’s Pond before it’s too late?

Bandy by Craig Hipkins has excellent character and plot development, with a riveting and exciting storyline, and events that compel the reader to read on. The language used is quite simple and not overly complicated. The dialogues also accurately depict a character and tell the reader their age and also where he/or she comes from by their choice of words, diction, and accent. More deeply, the change of personality, behavior, and maturity in the characters can be striking, moving, and memorable. Dark themes of cruelty, greed, violence, murder, and racial prejudice are present. But it’s the positive values of courage, friendship, perseverance, and resilience that are more impactful. These guide the characters through all the difficulties they encounter and the decisions that they have to make. It also reinforces not only the bonds of their relationship but also their motivation and fierce resolve to overcome their obstacles and move toward a better place and life that they deserve. The book has the makings of enduring historical fiction with a fascinating narrative and sense of adventure that will appeal to both the young and old. It provides readers with insights and a glimpse of life during pre-Civil War America, especially the conflict between the pro-slave versus the abolitionists. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and those looking for engaging books for young adults and independent readers.