Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham series by Stephan von Clinkerhoffen continues with Book 3, Belas Rift. Through a swirling inter-dimensional portal, Stig and Meg find themselves in Anet’s world, Earth, or specifically England. The humans can’t see Stig and Meg. Except for their shadows, they are invisible just as Anet was invisible to them in their world. The pair runs into all sorts of trouble, trying to manage their way in the human world and learning about it as well. At the same time, the pair tries to stop Anet who’s hell-bent on destroying their Motherland.

It’s interesting to see our world through the eyes of the two Manna. “It just tastes of salt and chemicals.” I find Stig’s disgust of a bag of chips amusingly satirical; we humans really need to lay off the junk food as well as other destructive habits. The growth of the protagonists’ characters and their relationships is deftly done. The wonderful descriptive quality of the narrative is maintained and is as engaging as ever, complementing the great artwork. There’s plenty of action and suspenseful moments in its appropriately paced plot, just like its predecessors. That said, Belas Rift is not quite a standalone. I do feel that readers need to read the series’ books accordingly to be able to grasp the unique and imaginative world-building, the continuation of the plot, and to be able to acknowledge the character development. On the other hand, there’s no doubt that Belas Rift is another solid work by Stephan. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with this third book.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Hidden Village: A Story of Survival in WW2 Holland is a historical young adult adventure by author Imogen Matthews. Focused specifically on how the events of the Holocaust affected Holland during the 1940s, the hidden village of the title refers to the true-life story of a group of Jewish people hiding from the Germans and Hitler’s agenda. The village of Berkenhout, hidden in the woods of Veluwe, is the new home of Sofie, a Jewish Dutch girl torn from her friends and her normal life. Secrets abound in Berkenhout, and security there may not be as secure as everyone hopes. As Jews and gentiles, Dutch and other nationalities come together to protect one another, a disaster lurks and threatens to engulf them all.

I am a huge advocate of historical fiction for young adults, particularly when it’s as well-researched as The Hidden Village. Imogen Matthews has taken a truly fascinating concept straight out of occupied territory and crafted a beautiful story that removes us from the overdone fiction of the battlefield to the real places where ordinary people became heroes that weren’t venerated. A blending of religions occurs as people protect one another, regardless of their beliefs. Sofie and Jan are strong central characters who are still young and naïve despite their horrendous circumstances. The plot itself is slow and steady, but filled with tension and fascinating details of the everyday lives of people trapped in an unbelievably pressured situation. The Hidden Village is recommended for readers of all ages, and especially to those looking for a heartfelt emotional journey.

Reviewed by Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite

Tiffany Brooks starts off The Shifting Reality Collection with Reality Gold. Reality Gold features Riley Ozaki, a high school student whose poorly thought out editorial goes viral and makes her a social outcast. To redeem herself, she joins a popular reality show that turns into an all-out treasure hunt, and if that is not enough to grab the reader’s attention ... the island setting is cursed!

This young adult adventure is filled with all the mystery, suspense, backstabbing, romance, and personality clashes that one would expect in a reality show. Combine that with the thrill of an honest-to-goodness treasure hunt and Tiffany Brooks’ Reality Gold is a surefire winner. The diverse cast of characters gives everyone someone to root for, and the thrill of a treasure hunt makes for a page-turning read.

Brooks has a dynamic grasp of the English language. She created a large cast of characters, but does a professional job of distinguishing the key players so they are easily identifiable and complete with unique backstories, some of which are as interesting as the main story. This island adventure is filled with enough detail to delight all the senses while the dialogue and character interaction feel real to a group of strangers placed in unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous situations. If Reality Gold is a fair representation of the rest of The Shifting Reality Collection, the series is certainly worth awaiting. I predict teens and adults of all ages will find Reality Gold a worthy addition to their personal libraries. I know I do.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

The chosen have returned to Dema-Ki to further their training, exploring abilities that are beyond even the Elders' guidance, and yet guide them they must. This group of friends must learn to combine their powers, for they will be called upon sooner than they could imagine. Riots, raids, and crop destruction have put a strain on the world, but that is only the tip of the iceberg, the first part of a deadly plan, and part two underway. A deadly plague is spreading, leaving death in its wake, and it seems almost no one is safe from infection. Can they find a means to stop the spread and cure those already afflicted, or will they be forced to watch everyone they care about die, and be powerless to do anything? Find out in S.S. Segran's Aegis Evolution.

An amazing adventure of epic proportions, Aegis Evolution whisks you away into a story that is Iron Man meets X-Men meets Percy Jackson, and spins a truly engaging and enjoyable tale. Whilst it is book three in the Aegis League Series, it works well as standalone, with key details seamlessly woven into the main plot to give the reader an understanding of what happened in the books before. I really struggled to put this down once I had started; it held me captivated from the first page to the last in a whirlwind tale of adventure, friendship, challenges, danger, and the pushing of boundaries. S.S. Segran has a wonderful writing style that effortlessly seems to flow, pulling the reader deeper in until they can't help but find themselves fully immersed and invested in the characters' struggles. There are some great developments, not only in the plot, but in the characters and their growth on a personal level. A simply amazing read, a must for lovers of the genre.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters by Christa Avampato is a gripping story about a young girl’s search for answers and clarity regarding her mother’s mysterious death. While the NYPD has given up on the case and thinks that Nora, the renowned anthropologist, simply slept and never woke up on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, her thirteen-year-old daughter, Emerson Page, thinks there could be more to the story than the simplistic explanation the police has given. Her search for answers will take her on a dangerous journey into hidden and mysterious places beneath New York City, a magical world of secrets, where she’ll discover dread truths about her mother, her mother’s final wish, and her destiny. While time is swiftly passing by and a powerful threat lurks too close, does she have what it takes to continue her mother’s work?

This is a fascinating story deftly told, a tale of courage and a gritty investigation, featuring a young protagonist who will take readers by surprise. The plot is fast-paced and readers are pulled into an exciting world filled with mystery and exciting stuff. Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters features excellent writing, brimming with vivid descriptions and dialogues that are compelling as they enhance the different elements of the story. Here is a story that will enthrall both young adult readers and adults, a well-plotted story with powerful themes seamlessly woven into its fabric. Christa Avampato was able to win my heart from the very beginning of the story with a powerful hook, and managed to keep my eyes glued to the pages, unable to stop reading. The prose is excellent and seduces the reader right off the bat. This story is engaging. A huge success for a novel!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Capricious Shadows: Orville Wellington Mouse Book 3 is a young adult adventure fantasy written by Tom Hoffman. Orville’s dream seemed so real; but this was nothing new to him -- Orville was quite familiar with dreams that felt real, and he was fully aware of his dream states as he slept. Sophia Mouse was with him in this dream, as indeed she had been his companion in earlier dreams. Was it the real Sophia or just a dream construct? She certainly seemed to respond and act as if she were the real Sophia as they explored the eerie castle that Orville was certain he had dreamed about before. He would want to check with Sophia when he was awake, but, in any event, her calmly rational presence was very welcome in this darkly ominous place. But even Sophia was alarmed by the tall apparition that awaited them behind the huge obsidian doors. The tall robe-enveloped creature’s yellow eyes blazed balefully at them. Orville was sure they were in the presence of dark magic, but he fought to master his fear long enough to pay heed to the creature’s dire message as it spoke of the destruction of the universe.

When Orville set off for work the next morning, his mind was still pondering that most troubling dream even as he delighted in playing with the new word for the day, which was “blustery.” Orville had made it an ongoing project to learn a new, randomly selected word each day. “Blustery”, he pondered, as he began his walk. It certainly seemed an appropriate word for the morning’s weather. The wind gusted around him, making the red, yellow and orange leaves underfoot whirl and dance, and the dust form into little cyclones. He imagined artfully including the word in his next conversation with Sophia Mouse and envisioned her admiration at his steadily growing vocabulary. His ruminations on dreams, words and the weather were suddenly interrupted by the bright flash of brown and purple that flew by him as it was carried along in that blustery wind. Following its trajectory, he spied the object high overhead where it was snagged in the branches of a tree. He recognized it as being an adventurer’s hat and thought to bring it to Master Marloh -- surely someone would be missing a marvelous hat like that. Watching to make sure no one noticed, Orville directed a brief force beam at the hat, nudging it just enough to propel it on its way down to earth. He tried it on and found it fitted perfectly -- having it perched jauntily on his head made him smile. Maybe there’d be no claim for it, he thought, and he would get to keep it. And, indeed, no one was waiting anxiously for news of a lost hat, and Orville began wearing it as his own, but there was just the little problem of the shadow it cast which appeared where it shouldn’t -- a capricious shadow that foretold deadly and universal peril.

I had great expectations for Tom Hoffman’s young adult epic fantasy adventure novel, Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Capricious Shadows: Orville Wellington Mouse Book 3, based on my acquaintance with Orville’s previous two adventures as well as Hoffman’s Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy. Those prior books did set the bar awfully high, but I wasn’t all that surprised to find that my expectations were actually exceeded and in a big way. As I began to read, I couldn’t help but smile as I became part of that wonderful chemistry that sometimes takes place between an author, his characters and the reader. Hoffman has a great fondness for Orville and Sophia, and he takes such delight in their company that the reader can’t help but get swept along in that magical revelry.

Hoffman deftly merges epic fantasy, science fiction and metaphysics in this disarming, imaginative and wonder-filled story which is Hoffman’s best work yet. Following the clues of a hat and a dream, Orville, Sophie and Proto, their Rabbiton friend, set off on a most worthy and unforgettable quest. My only regret was that the story ended, as all stories do, but I remain confident that there will be future metaphysical adventures to look forward to -- and I think both Orville and Sophia would approve of that optimistic outlook. Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Capricious Shadows: Orville Wellington Mouse Book 3 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite

A Stolen Crown: Stolen Royals Book 2 by Kelsey Keating is a stunning young adult adventure novel about a young princess named Cecily and her best friend, Rory. Cecily is going to a kingdom she's never been to before to meet the prince she's supposed to marry. However, the prince, Rakesh, isn't at the castle, so she is greeted by his brother, Ephraim. Cecily and Ephraim seem to be falling in love, and Rory wants to prevent it. However, Rory's darkest secret begins to come between her and Cecily. Cecily and Rory are torn apart for the first time, and now each girl will have to face many dangers.

I really enjoyed reading A Stolen Crown by Kelsey Keating. The book is very well written and descriptive. The book is filled with drama and action, as well as suspense. There are many likeable characters, like Rory, who is very brave. I was hooked by the first page, and I never wanted to put the book down. This book is a real page turner and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, wanting to know what will happen next. I liked that the book had many plot twists. Many people will be able to relate to Cecily, because many people worry about their weight at times. The book is very thrilling and exciting. There were many parts that made me gasp aloud. The story is well developed and well thought out. I would definitely recommend this book to readers.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

The Gift by Julie Hodgson is a wonderfully humorous story about a man and his monster-in-law. Joe and his wife, Beth, are in love and are very happy. After eight years of marriage, they are finally going to have a baby. They are both delighted that Beth's due date is two days after Christmas. They both love the Christmas holiday season and are celebrating it to the fullest. Happy and excited as the joyful day approaches, Joe is given the bad news. Beth's mother is coming to spend the holiday week with them. The woman hates him and never lets him forget it. Two days into her visit, Joe runs away from home to escape from the wretched beast for a while. Joe does a little shopping, and has the bright idea of visiting Santa in the grotto at the shopping center to get a gift for the baby. Joe jokingly tells Santa that he wants his problem to disappear. Santa is sympathetic and gives Joe a gift to be opened only if he is pushed beyond his resistance. Unfortunately, the wrong person opens the gift and Beth vanishes. Joe and his mother-in-law have to work together to bring Beth and their unborn baby back safely. Can the monstrous woman set aside her hatred long enough to help Joe or will his family be lost forever?

The Gift by Julie Hodgson is a wonderful Christmas story with a sense of humor. It is about putting aside differences and working toward a common goal in the name of love. This lovely story is told in a warm and humorous fashion while getting across a meaningful message. Joe's monster-in-law is the epitome of a fiend from the netherworld. With her fire-orange hair and her branding tongue, she makes his life a living hell. Despite her antipathy for him, Joe overcomes her enmity with the immense love he has for his wife and his unborn child. It is a memorable Christmas story similar to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", with love overcoming the evil villain's cold heart, but it is much better. I intend to keep this book in my Christmas library and will be reading it every year. If you love Christmas, you will love this story!

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Seasons Within: Nature Has Its Own Will by Lele Iturrioz is an epic fantasy for young readers. But what did I just say? No, it’s a fantasy for young readers or young adult readers, but it will also be a thrill read for fantasy fans of all ages. Meet G, a girl who knows nothing about the first six years of her life. Simply known as G, she doesn’t even know that the silver locket around her neck with the letter “G” engraved on it is more than a piece of jewelry — it’s a secret to her past and her mission. G has been haunted by unusual nightmares of war, but a boy with blue fire always saves her. Now she is eighteen and things begin to make sense when she meets her chemistry teacher, a man who reminds her so much of the boy in her dreams. Could he be the key to unravelling the mystery about her past and her incredible mission?

Lele Iturrioz has woven a fantastic story, a tale of a heroine that readers will love to follow. I was fascinated at the way the protagonist is developed, a character whose life is mysterious, even to herself. I loved her determination to discover the truth and how she develops her confidence and learns to rely on her instincts. The prose is awesome, rippling with wonderful, insightful descriptions and vivid images. Lines like these ones fill the writing: “On that night, there was no music and laughter. The only thing anybody could hear were screams and the desolate pleas of the inhabitants. Fear, pain, and unimaginable loss.” Seasons Within: Nature Has Its Own Will has the sweetness and beauty of the honeycomb. You’ll be seduced and inebriated with the delights of the writing, elated by the unexpected surprises, and learn to care about the lovely characters.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

Six teenagers have been preparing their entire lives to combat the forces of evil that are determined to take over the world – except they knew nothing about it. Brought together as the Northern and Southern Alliances through amazing guidance from a higher power, Shanti, Helena, Antônio, Nasir, Tadao and Itai represent different cultures and religious backgrounds, but all have one thing in common. They each believe in peace, the preservation of nature, and the rights of all people and animals to live free and safe from harm. In Shanti and the Magic Mandala by F.T. Camargo, these characters are guided by cosmic forces intent on preventing the Children of Satan from exerting their evil influence over the entire world. With the help of sacred objects, archangels, guardians and animal guides, they use their knowledge, interests, past experiences and deep faith to follow the signs leading them to the center of the Cosmos by beautiful Lake Titicaca, high in the mountains of Peru. In spite of their connection in past lives and all the help from the forces of good, will these teens be able to stop those who have sought power and domination for countless millennia?

For readers seeking an amazing adventure, this book by F.T. Camargo is an absolute must. With tremendous insight, Camargo animates these diverse characters with intelligence, spirit and dedication - qualities to be praised and emulated. Shanti and the Magic Mandala is also a detailed and entertaining travelogue that brings different areas of the world to vivid life through not only detailed descriptions, but also typical local action. The key to this wonderful story, though, is the power of light and love that is clearly demonstrated by these teens who never expected they would be the ones to save the world. With a depth worthy of Dan Brown’s novels, this is the perfect introduction to mystical elements that affect us in a format perfect for younger readers. Fantastic story! Just reading it makes me believe that the world can be a better place!