Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

In Mitch Reinhardt's epic fantasy tale, The Iron Citadel, three friends find themselves compelled to make a choice they never saw coming and it seems the destiny of a nation may depend on them. Geoff, Jane, and Sawyer have a peaceful and normal life until they learn about the invading armies of Shadowlord. Alone, their friend, Ariel, stands no chance of defending the kingdom of Chalon. Now, the three teenagers are embroiled in a war they never bargained for, fighting the worst forms of creatures — ogres and barbarians and a dragon. Can they stop a deadly assassin from sinking their world, and are they truly the three of whom the prophecy spoke?

The Iron Citadel by Mitch Reinhardt is action packed, deftly plotted, and written with intricacies that make it exciting. The characters are young and readers will enjoy how they grow together. This author does a marvelous job in offering lessons in teamwork, and the exhilaration of an adventure. The prose is beautiful and it captures details of the setting and the action taking place in a cinematic way. The premise is strong — a menacing threat to a fractured kingdom. The creation of an elusive and powerful assassin adds to the conflict and enriches the plot. This author has a great sense of setting and skillfully weaves elements of it into the narrative. The Iron Citadel is pure delight, a nonstop kind of adventure that leaves no reader indifferent. I loved the characters, the unpredictable plot, and the tantalizing prose.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Jamhuri, Njambi and Fighting Zombies by Ted Neill follows three people who face a series of adventures to overcome certain obstacles in their lives. Jamhuri longs to impress the beautiful and brilliant Latia but his attempts seem to keep backfiring. Njambi's father is dying but hope isn't quite lost as they have a chance to save him by going to the mountain to retrieve the Water of Life. When each of her sisters fails, it's up to her to make the trek and face the dangers presented if she's to save her father's life. Anastasia's life used to be normal. Now her daily life is filled with fear over the growing threat of zombies. When her brother's life is in danger, she tracks down an experienced scientist for help.

Ted Neill weaves together three fascinating adventures, each filled with rich folklore and elements reminiscent of fairy tales. Jamhuri is a character who has high regard about himself with an arrogant attitude and the view of himself as the ultimate warrior. He's immediately introduced as a bragger, followed by the lovely Latia whose attention he hopes to catch. He's a fun start to the book as each of his attempts is met with humor and mishap, but this also provides him with the opportunity to reflect on who he is as a person. Part two focuses on Njambi as she faces trying to save her dying father with multiple moments and the structure featuring a strong fairy tale style. Her story is about compassion and love which is where her strength comes from and why she's the daughter fit to face this hero's journey up the mountain. The third part focuses on Anastasia and is about her dedication to her family as the zombies have become more and more of a danger.

Anastasia is just a normal person but her seemingly ordinary life has a backdrop of a zombie epidemic. Her story links back to the first two parts with a few notable faces which bring all three journeys full circle. Jamhuri, Njambi and Fighting Zombies consists of three adventures linked together for an unforgettable read with stunning magical moments, folklore brought to life, delightful humor, and the dedication of family.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him is an epic fantasy novel for young adults written by Tom Hoffman. Being the translucent boy was all Odo Whitley had ever known. A seemingly random gift of perfume sent to his mother, Petunia, when she was pregnant sixteen years earlier, had come with the warning about the side effects possible with use during pregnancy. But the scent was her favorite of all, and the perfume’s name, Little Dove, was the pet name her father had given her. Surely it was a gift from him from beyond? Neither Petunia nor her husband, Albert, knew what Translucent Child Syndrome was, but Odo came to know what it was rather well. Being translucent meant being invisible, standing in the school bus rather than risk having a burly football player mistake your presence for an empty seat. That had happened once years before, and Odo had learned from that experience. No one could see him, and no one seemed concerned about that fact. His life consisted of being ignored and having to let people know that, yes, he was right there in front of them. His teachers were all too accomplished at making believe his desk in their classes was empty. No challenges were set before him, no one ever called on him for an answer.

Being translucent hadn’t meant being wise, as his father had mistakenly thought. Odo was fortunate at least in that he had intelligence and curiosity. While teachers droned on about subjects far below his capacity, he was able to continue his studies of neurophysiology undisturbed. He was also gifted with extraordinary peripheral vision, which was why in class one day he was stunned to realize that he was being stared at. No one had ever done that before. Sephie Crumb, she of the bright orange hair who had swiftly been dubbed Creepy Crumb by her crueler classmates, was intently studying his head. He figured he must be mistaken, but, then, as she left the classroom, the folded note she tossed on his desk confirmed the impossible -- she could see him.

The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him is a wise and ineffably lovely coming of age tale that comes complete with vast galaxies, alien beings and a tasty helping of metaphysics as dessert. Watching Odo become complete, as it were, on becoming visible to Sephie is moving and unforgettable; following the two as they set off on amazing, terrifying and exhilarating adventures is an unforgettable experience. Odo and Sephie are marvelous characters; their interactions and their coming of age are joys to behold. Hoffman’s story is gorgeously written and a dream to read. Hoffman deftly toys with infinite possibilities and orchestrates the most amazing stories. Once again, he’s surprised and delighted me. The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Saw Him is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Waypoint by Deborah Adams and Kimberley Perkins is a fabulous post-apocalyptic adventure story. Three months ago, the world went dark. Society has broken down into chaos and Simon Harper is on the case. A genius with tech and an avid gamer, Simon is trying to find out what caused it but every turn just throws up more questions. At last, he has the answer, the key to restoring light and power but there’s one problem – the only way he can bring it back is with West, his twin brother, and not his favorite person. It’s 500 miles to Waypoint and the brothers will face tests along the way. Two girls, harboring their own secrets, join in and the brothers have to make a decision – do they trust the girls or is it more than their lives are worth? What if the first girl that Simon has ever really liked or cared about turns out to be the enemy? What if Simon and West can't restore power to the world?

Waypoint by Deborah Adams and Kimberley Perkins is an amazing tale of kinship, courage, and trust. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a typical YA adventure but it really isn’t. This has suspense from the first word and, trust me, you will never guess what’s coming next – there are so many surprises that you simply won’t put the book down until you’re done. Except, you won't be done because the book ends on a cliffhanger that clearly leads to the next book in the series. The four main characters, Simon, West, Riya, and Alexandria, are all well developed and each chapter swaps points of view between the four characters – a great way of getting to know them better. It’s a descriptive book so you’ll be living the story as you read it; a glimpse into the future if you like, and an intriguing one at that. Amidst the suspense and the tension of a steady plot, there’s enough humor to lighten the story and a little romance to sweeten the deal. Fantastic story and I am really looking forward to reading more.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Divide et Impera by Jim West is a compelling entry in the Magicae Mathematica series, a Latin title reminiscent of the strategy used by most colonial powers to control their colonies. “Divide and Rule” seems to be the strategy through which Yrral wants to rule the City, but he is hardly aware of the challenges that could come by sharing responsibility. The council has its traitors, those who will do everything to sink the city. But things just get more complicated when an extremely powerful device falls into the wrong hands. Two wizards are poised to do the worst imaginable evil to the city and with this device, they have high prospects of succeeding. Who can stop them? And can they be stopped before they get access to a power that can destroy the whole of mankind?

There is a lot to be enjoyed in this great story, a novel with wonderful classic elements and compelling characters. In fact, I couldn’t help thinking about the film Prince of Persia while reading this riveting tale. The story has a great opening, with engaging dialogue between two brothers, Ethan, the older brother, who has been refused his rightful place as heir to the City, and Yrral, who becomes the king. The reader gets a general idea of the nature of the conflict that will be developed throughout the story, only the reader isn’t aware that there are great twists and turns still to come. The intense action and the overwhelming feeling that something awful could happen in the next moment makes the read intoxicating. Divide et Impera by Jim West is fast-paced, intelligently written, and utterly entertaining.

Reviewed by Janelle Alex, Ph.D. for Readers' Favorite

Reading B Fleetwood's Chroma: Imogen's Secret, the first volume in the Chroma series, is like taking in a breath of fresh air. Yet, the story of Imogen will keep readers on their toes throughout the entire book. Imogen Reiner, a 17-year-old young woman, has deep secrets that even she doesn't know about. Her abilities have not been fully exposed to her in an effort to protect her from an unseen and unknown dark force. While her grandfather tries to protect her from a distance, he sends her a protector. Imogen is unsure of what to make of her protector, the questions she has and a new man at college, whom she correctly reads as being a danger. Eventually, her questions are answered and Fleetwood does a wonderful job setting the stage for the next book as Imogen needs to learn how to handle the truth.

Without question, Chroma: Imogen's Secret is a book that readers won't be able to put down. It embraces fantasy and science fiction smoothly, all while being a fantastic thriller. Exceptionally well-written, the story is fast-paced and helps paint a colorful picture that will keep readers enthralled and turning pages. The emotional connection that Fleetwood helps readers feel with Imogen may very well encourage them to uncover and connect with their own powers because Chroma most certainly will give readers the desire to explore their own capabilities right along with Imogen. Fleetwood's Chroma: Imogen's Secret is billed as young adult fiction, but it has the capacity to pull adult readers into the unique world Fleetwood has created and offer hours of enjoyment, excitement and entertainment.

Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite

There is much wisdom and humor in Tom Hoffman’s final installment of the Orville Mouse Adventurer series: Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling. But it’s hard to tell the difference.

“Sophia says the things you’re used to never seem weird.”
“Anyway, how do you know ants don’t throw up when they’re upside down?”

Devoted fans familiar with this terrific series (including old adults who hide behind reviewing jobs to disguise their guilty but glee-filled indulgent pleasures) will greet with happy recognition this latest and greatest metaphysical adventure starring Orville and Sophia, their sidekick Proto the Rabbiton with his tag-along robot dog, Squeaky, and introducing a most sagacious new little buddy, Leaf.

No need to reveal the plot line of Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling. Tom Hoffman’s uniquely appealing creation, mighty but fearful Orville, declares it precisely: “Let’s go save the universe.” What does need mentioning is the incredibly satisfying and stimulating camaraderie of Hoffman’s characters as they band together to fulfill – against some mighty intimidating and powerful odds – such an infinitely important mission. What holds readers glued to Hoffman’s books and keeps them coming back for more is the deeply human warmth and friendship shared between such small but courageous creatures. In the end, it is these friendships based on love and humor that assure our grand crusaders' ultimate success. And, along the way, generous allotments of subtle wisdom and tasty snapberry pies for me. Er … for us, the appreciative readers.

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.