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!

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

In The Black River Chronicles (Level One) by David Tallerman and Michael Wills, the Black River Academy of Swordcraft and Spellcraft is a go-to training centre for rangers, wizards, fighters and rogues. Its current newest group of students has been at the academy for three months and, as such, it is time to group them into parties of four - one from each craft - that would henceforth execute their quests together. Durren - a ranger with a big secret - is grouped with Tia - a rogue who thinks she is too good for the group, Arein - a wizard too emotional for her own good - and Hule - a fighter who acts before he thinks. Together they will be sent on various missions for the academy. After their embarrassingly disastrous first quest, the group is spared punishment only after a staff member desiring a challenge offers to take them on as their mentor. The group can barely stand each other, yet they must work together to prove they deserve the second chance they have been given. But when your tasks include capturing a wicked unicorn and stealing from a monastery filled with crazed priests, a lot can go wrong. Noticing something weird about their tasks, they decide to take on a side quest of their own and get to the bottom of it all.

The Black River Chronicles: Level One by David Tallerman and Michael Wills is a captivating YA adventure that combines an amazing setting, a fascinating cast of characters, and flawless narration to give you a thrilling reading experience. The descriptive narration is very vivid and draws you into this world of magic, adventure and action. The entire story could have been set within the boundaries of the academy and still be a winning setting, but then quests, each set in a unique and memorable location, added even more adventure and thrills. David Tallerman and Michael Wills produced one hell of an adventure - a must-read for all who enjoy thrilling, fast-paced YA adventures. The Black River Chronicles: Level One is a brilliant start to what will no doubt be an award winning series and I cannot wait to see what trouble the group gets into at the next level.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

The Yukon Quest is one of the toughest races on the planet. Mushing a sled with a dog team over the most unforgiving landscape between Yukon and Alaska, over mountainous terrain and in unthinkably cold and violent winter conditions, this is not a race for the faint of heart. Kyle Walker is a rookie musher, but his team of Carolina grays, a rare breed of dog from the lowlands of South Carolina, is a winning combination and Kyle knows it. With his lead dog, King, and a powerful bond between him and his dogs, this rookie is a good contender to challenge the reigning champion. But a sudden storm halts the race in its tracks and a heart-rending tale of a mother and two girls trapped in the storm gives Kyle and his team an even bigger challenge as he mushes out to rescue them. Life is more important than winning trophies.

Wesley Banks’ powerful novel, Faith in Every Footstep, challenges the notion of power, strength and the need to be the best, to be the winner. The main character, Kyle, is on a quest that is more life threatening than the endurance required for a famous dogsled race. His quest is one of self discovery, to find out who he is and why he’s risking his life in the frigid wilds of Yukon. It takes another Faith to set his path clear, to explain what he struggles to understand: it’s his fear. It’s not a fear of inadequacy, but rather a fear that he is more powerful than most people and that he doesn’t do anything with that power. As this Faith explains: “The way you stand among the dogs like a sunset hovering over the ocean, providing endless light and warmth. To sway the very soul of the dogs. That is your gift.” The powerful bond between a human and a dog is one that takes a lifetime to understand and a supreme storyteller to unravel. This story is a vibrant and exciting journey, following a quest more powerful than life itself.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

It all began with what sounded like the ramblings of an inventive, 10-year-old girl. Colin knew his little sister always came up with the most weird stories, but even for her this was a little too creative. While the two were admiring the clouds, Addy commented, “That one is the hummingbird that dropped the coin.” Of course, Colin brushed it off as just another of her super imaginative moments. Little did he know that Addy's statement about the hummingbird and their missing family dog would be the beginning of a journey that would shake the very core of life as he knew it. Soon the two siblings find themselves at the center of a mystery involving legends, magic, a witch, a lonesome man in a castle, a fairy, an alternative world, and deep and powerful secrets. So how much trouble can two curious kids stuck in the middle of it all get into? You have no idea!

Every now and then you are fortunate enough to come across a story that speaks to you from the first page and you know right away that you are going to have an exciting ride all the way to the final page. The Gatekeeper's Forbidden Secret by Penelope A. Brown is one of those stories. Brilliant writing, memorable characters in every form and age, an enchanting setting, and just the right mix of magic and sci-fi - the perfect making of an adventure of a lifetime. The Gatekeeper's Forbidden Secret is a thrilling story that will give its readers, both young and old, an amazing and memorable ride across realms. Fans of fiction fantasy with a touch of science fiction are definitely going to love this one.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

The Drummer’s Call by Patricia Leppo is an exploration into posterity. Josh is a California bred ninth grader, who loves video games and playing drums in his band. Recently, the loss of his father has rocked his world. Sandy, Josh’s mom, feels the burden of loneliness, grief and responsibility. Hoping the change of scenery will get them through the winter break, Sandy decides to take her kids, Evie and Josh, to visit her aunt and uncle in Tennessee. Josh is not thrilled about the idea. He would like nothing more than to have a break from his family. Upon their arrival at the Osprey Inn, all Josh sees is a run-down old building. He couldn't care less about the family history that ties him to this historical landmark. Trying to sleep, Josh is mysteriously stirred by the rat-a-tat rhythm of a drum. It is as if the drumming is calling to him. After a few days, boredom takes over and Josh begins to explore. With curiosity as his guide, Josh discovers the basement. Looking around, he notices an old drum hanging on the wall. Suddenly, the atmosphere of the forgotten room changes and Josh finds himself time warped into the Civil War era. Far away from his family, Josh is alone, “so many miles, so many years from home.” Or, maybe this is the journey of his lifetime, the pathway home. Stepping into history, Josh follows the beckoning sound of “The Drummer’s Call.”

Josh and his sidekick, Toby, are a delightful combination. They have a rare and unforgettable bond created through timeless escapades. They are much like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, or Frodo and Sam, portraying the reality that boys will be boys, regardless of the era. The deprivation of the time and the fortitude to survive is visualized through the eyes of the young hero. The young protagonist, Josh, travels the path of his heritage; he literally descends into the world of his descendants. Josh experiences the overwhelming loss and hardship of a country divided by war. Hard work for the young and the old, issues of slavery, lack of sanitation and brother set against brother on the battlefield are revealed throughout the story.

Patricia Leppo pens a tale of adventure in The Drummer’s Call. In a story based on real life events, Leppo definitely did her homework. This fictional narrative is easy to read, making it a desirable book for her target audience. Yet, it is full of historical accuracy, taking the reader into the world of the Civil War, creating a story for all ages. Leppo depicts her time setting with sensory perception. The action flows, peaks, and ebbs smoothly. The denouement unfolds with sad and promising outcomes, giving way to a satisfying conclusion ... leaving the lasting reminder to be careful what you wish for because you never know where it will take you.

Reviewed by Maria Stoica for Readers' Favorite

Hugh the Southern Flame by R.J. Tolson is the second book in the young adult fantasy series, Chaos Chronicles. In the world of Evos, the Nios Crystal is said to be the most powerful weapon of all since it granted control over fear itself. Espers are people with supernatural powers who are ranked on five levels, based on their power and ability to control it. Burst City is the most technologically advanced settlement in this world and its prosperity is assured by the agents. These are highly powerful people who go on missions into the dangerous lands beyond the walls of Burst and who make sure their city stays on top of the others. Aodhfin, the most powerful of the Burst agents, managed to find the Nios Crystal, but lost it and he was banished for this terrible mistake.

Presently, Hugh, Aodhfin's seventeen-year-old son, an untrained, level one pyrokinesis Esper who discovered his abilities while being bullied at the orphanage, is sent into Burst City to study. Having lived all his life in his father’s shadow and been abused for his predecessor’s failures, Hugh is delighted to learn that he had been selected to enter the three phased trial of becoming an agent of Burst. But, the reputation of the trial is fierce, having claimed lives in the past. To free himself from his father’s mistakes and find friendship, Hugh is willing to risk everything.

The second book can be read without knowledge of the first volume; however, the latter’s readers will be delighted to see certain symbols and patterns repeat themselves as R.J. Tolson prepares the ground for the bigger picture - the four demigods chosen to stop Chaos. Hugh the Southern Flame is the tale of the second chosen one. Throughout the story, we follow Hugh’s point of view as he describes the places he visits, the wonders he witnesses, and gives rich details on his training and fighting. There isn’t any shocking violence, but there is a constant stress as the whole world seems to be against Hugh, and he struggles to find friends and the truth about himself and his father. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel from Chaos Chronicles and await its sequel. I would recommend it to readers who want a vivid taste of the warrior’s journey in conquering fear. It is an inner journey as much as it is an outer one.