Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

Wow! What a fantastic magical adventure! This was the main thought that kept running through my mind as I read this brilliant piece of work by Derrick Smythe. In his book The Other Way (Passage to Dawn Book 2) the magical system in that world is brimming with artistic beauty. You will never tire of its splendor, which includes a magical hidden city, a dragon-like creature with two legs and a spiked tail, and brave warriors whose love for their kingdom will warm your heart. However, evil forces led by Magog, the demon God-king, threaten to consume this world's future. All hope is not lost, as it is expected that a prophecy will come to pass which predicted that a slave boy named Kibure will be the salvation. The She'yar, a group of women who believe Kibure is the true messiah, take him to Purgemon, a hidden island, where he learns how to control his magical ability. To defeat evil, Kibure must collaborate with others, including other magic users such as Lumáles and a disgraced priestess. However, they are dispersed and separated. How will they come together? Will Kibure master his magic before the conflict starts?

In The Other Way (Passage to Dawn Book 2), Derrick Smythe lights a brand-new flame in the magical realm to create a spellbinding tale. He maintains the book's allure by establishing several fascinating relationships between the characters, besides engrossing the reader in the exciting action. This maintains a steady pace while requiring the reader to review the lessons they have learned. Derrick also did a fantastic job of developing characters. We grow to like their personalities as we follow their exploits and they realize their true potential. We also become more excited as we root for their successes and feel sorry for them when things don't go their way. The author's masterful use of descriptive language dramatizes the events and creates an enthralling world for the reader. This feature contributed significantly. The structural organization used to orchestrate the work is unique and admirable. He divided the main subject into clearly defined chapter breaks, which were reinforced by a lovely prologue that summarized the story. There was nothing about the book that I didn't like. Instead, I thought it was a fantastic read that anyone looking for a compelling narrative, especially those who enjoy paranormal fantasy wouldn't want to miss.

Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite

Stealing Freedom by Sylvia Leontaritis is filled with history, romance, and adventure. The story takes place during the buildup to World War II on the Greek island of Kalymnos, which was under an Italian occupying force. Popi, a sixteen-year-old girl, loves her Greek island world and is determined to save it from the Italians. She joins the resistance, along with a few of her girlfriends, and provides information to the leaders in a unique way. Her life becomes more complicated when she is helped by an Italian soldier and begins to fall in love with him. As the conflict intensifies between the islanders and the soldiers, where will Popi's loyalties lie?

I was totally immersed in Sylvia Leontaritis's book Stealing Freedom. Leontaritis's descriptions of the beautiful Greek island and culture swept me away to a different place and time. Popi is a strong female character who cherishes her culture's traditions but is not afraid to push the boundaries as a young woman with a passion. I loved so many things about this book; the unique way that messages were passed, the realization that people are often more complicated than we think, and the importance of cherishing the old but embracing the new. Popi and her brother Kosta come of age in a dangerous and challenging time. Leontaritis tells their story authentically with all the range of emotions that entails. She captures the overwhelming feeling that first love brings as well. Stealing Freedom is an outstanding historical fiction novel that will have readers eagerly turning the pages.

Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite

Love and Other Sins by Emilia Ares is perfect for a rainy day or a lazy Sunday -- just make sure you have a tissue handy. In this emotional tale, Mina and Oliver have lived extremely different lives, but their paths cross when they begin their senior year together at a new high school in Los Angeles. Mina and her mother have an amazingly close relationship, but that begins to change after she meets Oliver and attempts to assert her independence. Coming from a background of the foster system and abuse, Oliver has changed his identity and is determined to leave all that behind, but meeting Mina sends him in emotional directions he never imagined going. Despite all the warning signs, Oliver can't seem to stay away from Mina, and he may not be able to hide from his past forever.

Emilia Ares has presented us with a story that is impossible to put down. At the same time, I didn't want to finish it because then it would be over, and I wouldn't have Mina and Oliver by my side any longer. I loved their stories, and they were so realistically presented that I wanted to reach into the pages and slap them for their poor decisions and misunderstandings. I can't stress enough how powerfully emotional Love and Other Sins is, with a coming-of-age feel mixed with themes of romance, family, loneliness, and a dab of suspense that keeps the whole plot moving. Wrapped up with a shocking ending that is sure to mean a sequel is on its way, Mina and Oliver aren't finished with their story yet. I want to be the first in line for the next installment!

Reviewed by Stacie Haas for Readers' Favorite

Touch by Rebecca Miller is the story of two troubled teens, Megan and Shawn, whose lives intersect in a small town and are changed forever. Megan and her brothers are starting over in a new town, a fresh start their father says, after the tragic death of their mother four years earlier. Shawn is a troubled teen—everyone in town knows it—but none could fathom the actual circumstances of his life. Megan finds herself immediately drawn to Shawn and he to her, but it’s a pull that threatens both of their lives. They find moments of peace at a hidden quarry, but beyond that safe place, there is nowhere for them to hide from reality—and when it comes for all of them, no one is prepared for what happens next.

Touch by Rebecca Miller is utterly breathtaking. To say it is a page-turner is not quite right, and yet it definitely is that. It’s also much more. It’s an absorbing and emotional journey into the lives and hearts of two young teens who must reckon with the ugly side of life that no one ever wants to think about and explores what transpires when there’s no choice but to face it. In the end, it is a beautiful story that shows how love absolutely demands the pursuit of joy, no matter the cost. Weaving through the story is a theme of beauty through Megan’s rekindled artistic talent and the characteristics of a hummingbird, which are intimately connected, and brought forth through the book’s cover image and story. Never have I read a book and felt the connection between cover art and story in such a profound way. A note to readers: this story deals with trauma and sexual abuse so, while this is a book for young adults, it should only be read by those able to deal with mature themes, as noted by the author herself. This was a book I’ll not soon forget. Touch is an amazing work of literary fiction at its finest.

Reviewed by Anelynde Smit for Readers' Favorite

The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone is a very moving story about the true struggles many gays and lesbians faced in the early 60s and 70s. You envy her bravery and tenacity, and you find that Tracy is a woman on a mission. We follow her as she discovers that she has no interest in men, but is attracted to women in the late 60s. At this time there was no LGBTQ community she could go to, and she was all on her own, except for her brother Spencer who was gay. Their love for music is what eventually pulls Tracy through difficult times, especially when something very tragic happens to her family. She decides to leave for Alaska, leaving her abusive father behind, hoping her mother would join. There she finds two people who would change her life forever.

The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone is a wonderful read. Sometimes a difficult one because of how Tracy and her brother were treated by the only person they needed love from. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I do feel like this is something people in our community should read. There is a life lesson to be learned from this tale. My heart broke at some stages and I remember what it felt like being different and being treated differently for liking both genders. This was inspiring and honest. Anyone who still has that question deep inside should look at this book and find solace. This is a fantastic story with so many moments that you want to laugh and cry. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the LGBTQ community and I believe these words will help many find their “true” selves. In this day and age, we are more accepted, but to imagine her struggle will give you hope. Spencer’s story will tear into your flesh and leave marks. Tracy’s story will soothe your soul. This is a book of pure hope.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

The Valley Iris is the first book in A Lost Pharaoh Chronicles Prequel Collection by Lauren Lee Merewether. Tey, daughter of Rai, has envisioned her future for a long time. She imagines herself as a good wife to Woser, son of Theshen and Senisonbe. She imagines herself in a happy, loving marriage with him, surrounded by their loving children. What she did not imagine was to be rejected by Theshen and Senisobe, even though their two families were the closest of friends despite their difference in statuses. Tey thought they would approve of Woser’s intention to marry her, but, apparently, she is not good enough in their eyes. Tey is confused, heartbroken, and angry towards Woser for not fighting for their love. She is angry with Woser’s family for their prejudice against hers and with her mother for being on Foreman Theshen’s side. Tey tries to move on with Bek, a kind young man who is willing to wait for her, but moving on from her love for Woser is no easy feat. Tey’s jealousy and pain over the whole ordeal uncover a long-kept secret that will change her life as she knows it.

Tey, daughter of Rai, the protagonist of this novel, is an admirable, strong woman who is greatly affected by the sins of her parents. She goes through so much just to survive in an unkind world. Her reaction and confusion to Theshen and Senisobe’s rejection of Woser’s intention to marry her is understandable and I could feel the resulting heartache and fury through the pages. I felt angry and betrayed on her behalf when she found out the truth. The suffering she experiences cut through my heart and I wished greatly for her safety as she battles her inner demons and against the provoked mob. I was with the protagonist through every up and down and I sympathized with her. Honestly, this book caught me hook, line, and sinker. The Valley Iris relentlessly pulled me through its pages. The emotions it evoked in me were deep and unforgettable. Every character was memorable in their own way, they all played an important role and elevated the plot to greater heights. The Valley Iris is truly riveting and mesmerizing. Lauren Lee Merewether’s narrative delivers the emotions of the characters and effectively describes the setting, adding depth and easy visualization. Overall, a spectacular and noteworthy historical novel! Outstanding job!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

To the Top of Greenfield Street is a coming of age novel for young adults written by Ryan Standley. It was June and summer should have been Eric’s next opportunity to shed his chubby-boy image through hours of basketball and healthy eating. But this June was different. The house that he and his dad lived in, complete with his dad’s pizzeria on the first floor, had burnt down. After the fire, he and his dad moved to a room in a hotel while his dad looked for a job, but there was nothing. Finally, their funds almost all gone, they drove to Freeport, Illinois to stay with family friends, the Garcias. Nate Garcia was Eric’s age and was his oldest friend, and Manny Garcia had hired Eric’s dad for as long as he needed. While it had been a while since the two friends had seen each other, they soon fell into the easy camaraderie of years back. Freeport, Illinois was different somehow. The kids there didn’t see a young fat boy to be bullied and laughed at. Eric had a chance -- this might be his summer after all.

Ryan Standley’s To the Top of Greenfield Street had me realizing once again why the genre is one of my all-time favorites. Eric’s transformational time spent on Greenfield Street is breathtaking, even at the remove of being a reader rather than an actual witness to a real-life story. Standley sets his tale in the summer of 1993, a pivotal time considering the internet and tech explosion that would soon be changing life as we knew it then. I loved re-experiencing the music and culture of the time and seeing the story unfold historically. While an experienced writer of news articles, this is Ryan Standley’s debut novel, and it’s peopled with characters who are complex, unforgettable, and very true-to-life. I was wrapped up in his story from the first pages until the last and loved every minute I spent on Greenfield Street. To the Top of Greenfield Street is the best coming-of-age novel I’ve read this year, and I’m looking forward to future works by this author. It’s most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Bake Believe by Cori Cooper is magical, warmhearted, and will have you craving baked goods by the end. Cat Anderson's excited to get back to her friends and to her classes. Only by some mistake, she ends up in a culinary class. She has no idea what she's discovering when she bakes her first batch of cookies and soon learns a family secret. She finds a newfound path and part of herself as she learns more about her family's special gift with cooking. Just maybe she can learn that to use her newfound gift to make the world a better place.

Bake Believe is an upbeat and lighthearted tale of baking, magic, and the power to change the world told from a teenage perspective. The story is similar to baking in how it gives you the same warmth and bubbly feeling that comes from making or being given delicious baked goods. Cori Cooper captures the essence that baked goods can provide in their warmth and sweetness through the humorous and lighthearted tone of the story. The primary theme of the book is happiness, self-discovery, and the power of baking via a unique gift that allows Cat to create food that reflects her emotions. Her family has a special gift to affect people through food, such as when Cat makes cookies when she was sad and in doing so filled a boy she likes with this sadness. By unlocking these abilities, she's able to find a part of herself that enjoys cooking and allows her to see the joy that sharing food with others can bring.

Cori Cooper delivers a story that will give you a bubbly feeling and will make the whole family want to get into the kitchen. The writing has an upbeat style that is driven through humor and cooking references which work well with the fun personality of Cat. The writing has fun phrases such as 'you don't want to have a bland tortilla life' and 'to bake the world into a better place' with food references that are clever, witty, and will make you hungry. The book focuses on the art of cooking and shows food as a catalyst to bring people together which has a magical spin woven into it through Cat's unique abilities. Each chapter comes with a variety of yummy baking recipes including snickerdoodles, banana bread, and pancakes. Bake Believe is clever, charming, funny, and will have you wanting to bake cookies by the end.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

What She Lost by Melissa W. Hunter is part fiction, part memoir. Sarah Waldman is 13, enjoying life with her family in Olkusz, Poland. The family are Jewish and have no idea that their peace will be shattered and lives will be changed forever. In 1939, the Nazis were in power, and Sarah and her family are about to face years of upset and fear, years of concentration camps and Jewish ghettos, years that will tear them all apart. Sarah is strong-willed and determined but is it enough to survive? When everything she knew and loved is ripped away from her, Sarah must fight hard to get through it, to rebuild her life, and find love once more.

What She Lost by Melissa W. Hunter is a fantastic story of courage and survival against the odds. Written by Sarah’s granddaughter, it is based on real life but written the way Melissa imagined it all happening for her grandmother. A poignant story, it details the horrors of the Holocaust, the unimaginable pain, suffering, and fear in the Jewish ghettos, and the cruelty that people suffered at the hands of the Nazis. It’s hard to read it as a fictional story, having read other accounts from survivors, but this has the love story that came after the horror to soften it. It is a page-turner that will keep you reading to the very end, and one that will stay with you even after you read the last page. It's thought-provoking and a remarkable tale of survival against the odds, a story that elicits every emotion you can think of. The characters' stories will resonate with you in a haunting, moving, beautifully told tale that, if nothing else, should teach us all that this kind of horror should never be allowed to happen again.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

Kila has everything a girl could want: A happy family, more than one best friend, a boy who adores her, and a killer playlist. Her only problem is that the boy she likes isn’t the one who wants her. There is also someone else who sparks her interest. How was she to know who is a contender for her heart? Maybe, just maybe, she really doesn’t know what her heart really wants or needs. As Kila struggles with indecision and unfair choices, she realizes that high school relationships are often made up of false charm and undetermined shifts in personality. It’s not all good and can be dangerous “dressed up in” vocals, making music the universal catalyst of life.

Everything All at Once by Ivy Cayden is aptly titled in this unique teen story of first love, first kisses, and appropriately manufactured musical interludes. Cayden presents a unique way to enjoy an already fun story. Throughout the text are highlighted song titles that, when downloaded, the reader is encouraged to activate for an interesting addition to the reading experience. Well-developed realistic characters share their musical interests to make this almost a dual plot, filled with age relatable symbolism and common teenage situations. As a great addition to a classroom or personal library, young adult readers will become enraptured with Everything All At Once while anxiously awaiting (as am I) the next in the series.