Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Dragonsown: Surface by Erika Leigh Agnew is the first book in the Dragonsown series. The Kingdom of Ryk has recovered since The War of Black Ash which saw an end to dragons, but now the kingdom faces the threat of a possible invasion that could start from within. Twins Kael – who struggles with a deathly illness – and Keaton are left on their own to figure out what to believe when everything they knew turns out to be a lie. Kael disappears one night and embarks on a journey that leads him to encounter a shadowy figure while Keaton begins to question the existence of dragons when reports of mysterious noises begin to circulate. The brothers uncover secrets that send them on a journey to fix the wrongs of the kingdom that has their family in the middle but when sides are drawn, the twins' involvement may cause another war.

The story weaves between the journeys of the two brothers which is set against the backdrop of discovering dragons and conflict unfolding within the kingdom. The brothers are opposites in personalities with Kael as the more serious one and the one that worries about what others think. This transition and questioning of truth lead him to question everything he's known and everything that he's wanted. Keaton is the opposite personality of his brother with guilt over his brother's illness and a joking attitude that he wears on the surface to mask his deep compassion for those trapped under his father's control. The differences between the brothers create an authentic balance in the story as they each face a decision about the secrets they uncover within their family and the kingdom. The striving for freedom is a theme heavily seen throughout the story from Keaton's desire to free those in his father's control to the brothers striving for their independence to the freedom for all of Ryk.

Poignant moments are incorporated throughout with the twins' father as he lectures them on building civilizations on blood and conquering, not peace and love, and teaches them that history is written by the victors. The coming-of-age story is genuine told through two brothers that are faced with choosing sides and doing so with the knowledge that their choices could create war. The rich storytelling draws you in through authentic characters, a vividly detailed setting, and poignant themes. Erika Leigh Agnew explores themes through Dragonsown that center on freedom, revolution, and status with a blend of dragons, action, and family drama.

Reviewed by Samantha Gregory for Readers' Favorite

Helm of Awe: Anchoress Series Book 3 by D. L. Armillei is the story of a seventeen-year-old girl called Vanessa, who acts as a protector for her people. Faced with many challenges, the latest one comes in the form of the Jaychund Games. She will graduate a victor if she wins, but unforeseen circumstances lead to Vanessa's world being turned upside down. Things go from bad to worse when her temper gets the better of her and she breaks a few rules and is punished for it.

D. L. Armillei has written an entertaining book with Helm of Awe: Anchoress Series Book 3. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I could follow the story well and I think Vanessa was an interesting character. She has the weight of the world on her young shoulders, but she still has regular girl issues too, like boyfriend trouble. This makes her relatable to the audience. The story jumps straight into the games and Van's current dilemma. She is quite a stubborn character who knows that she needs to succeed, but she is willing to do anything to reach her goals. Judging from the blurbs of the first two books, this isn't the first time she breaks the rules, but it does make her story a lot more exciting. Good guys don't always have to be good all the time and this makes her more realistic as a character. I think this book would appeal to young adult fantasy fans, both epic and probably urban fantasy too as there are some similar elements. I would recommend it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

House of Bastiion is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres and it forms the first novel of The Haidren Legacy book series. It is intended for both young adult and adult readers and was penned by author K.L. Kolarich. In this intricately woven and mysterious new fantasy series, we’re introduced to the world of Orynthia, where the shadows of a centuries-old war have forged a cut-throat new political system between four ruling houses. When the newest haidren, Luscia Tiergan, is appointed to her seat at court, the youngster finds herself on the edge of a murderous mystery. As she delves in to try to solve this bloody pattern of events, another al’haidren by the name of Zaethan Kasim is about to complicate her life even further.

As a fan of writers like Laini Taylor and Sabaa Tahir, I had high hopes for this book from its highly engrossing first pages, and author K.L. Kolarich never let me down for even a moment on the journey. One of the things which I enjoyed the most about House of Bastiion was its balance between an epic fantasy setting with a complex story world and its commitment to providing detail that is relevant to the central characters and their emotional journey. You find everything out precisely as you need to, building up layers of empathy and engagement as Luscia discovers each new piece of the puzzle, with enthralling dialogue and some wonderful character dynamics as different parties clash and conspire. What results is a fantastic and explosive series opener that will be sure to charm fantasy readers with every aspect. I’d highly recommend House of Bastiion to one and all.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Most kids often wonder if, when nobody is looking, their toys might come to life. Wullie the Mahaar Gome, Book 1: Blackhope Scar by David Kennedy McCulloch revolves around a young boy named Finn and an extraordinary present he received from his uncle, comprising a dictionary and a rock. Pretty amazing, right? I didn't think so until the rock inexplicably shape-shifted into a little old man named Wullie and started talking to Finn with something a little less extreme than a potty mouth, but still quite grumpy. The dictionary also came in handy when being hustled across the Scottish landscape, trying to figure out things like the connection between Scaur O' Black Hope and an excerpt from Bluebeard's Wee Black Book. Wait...what? Trust me, if you know, you know.

Wullie the Mahaar Gome by David Kennedy McCulloch is an infectiously fun story with a great deal to offer in only a few nights of bedtime reading. As far as chapter books for older children go, this story sits comfortably in the middle length-wise and the chapters themselves are long enough to feel like an accomplishment to a child but short enough so that when they ask if they can read just one more chapter, it doesn't mean an all-nighter. Wullie is hilarious and Finn is the de facto main character, but out of the “happy band of adventurers,” it is Finn's friend and neighbor Hadley who steals the show. The prose is well presented, but if we have one complaint it is that the narrative can occasionally be dense and close to being loquacious. This is a wonderful adventure and I look forward to reading book two. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

In The Game of War: The Trials of Dantess, Warrior Priest (The Chronicles of Chaos) by Glen Dahlgren, Dantess has always idolized his grandfather, the infamous priest of War, Varyon. His father Tolliver, however, is dead set against Dantess ever joining the temple. Owner of the general supply store in Freethorn Creek, Tolliver has kept Dantess away from the temple and everything associated with it for as long as possible. When Tolliver ends up in a cell at the temple of War, Dantess is forced to go against his father’s wishes and enter the test to become a priest of War. This is the only way he can think of to help with his father’s release, from the inside. On his journey to save those he loves, Dantess unravels secrets that have been kept hidden from the faithless as well those with the Longing. His search for the truth could reveal something no one is willing to accept.

Glen Dahlgren has created a phenomenal new world in The Game of War with brave and intelligent characters. There is the absolutely necessary constant struggle of Chaos versus Order and the majority having to serve a select few. However, now the entire world is flipped upside down. Perceptions and preconceived notions are highlighted as flawed. In this case, doubt is good. Questioning is ideal. The author gives us colorful, relatable characters in this superb fantasy novel divided into four parts. The author has an easy-to-follow style that makes it possible for any fantasy reader to completely submerge themselves in the pages just to break the surface, addicted, needing more.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Thunder and lightning evoke a sense of dread in our minds, no matter how old we are. But not many of us know the reasons behind them. In his epic fantasy novel Dragons in the Clouds, David Blair explains that lightning is nothing but the jet of the white-hot, fiery stream a dragon emits, whereas thunder is its reverberating roar. Dragons used to roam the earth freely until King Arturus decreed their slaughter, following the death of his best knight at the hand of a carnivorous one. The all-powerful wizard, Merlinius, sends the herbivorous dragons to inhabit the clouds to save them from extinction. But will the bloodthirsty humans support his noble cause? What will happen to Rago, the beloved dragon friend of young David?

David Blair has conceived a thrilling fantasy tale that spans both the past and the present. The aura of mystery and fear surrounding the dragons is palpable from the very beginning. A gradually escalating conflict between the dragons and the humans keeps readers on edge. When a shocking betrayal threatens Merlinius’s cleverly devised plan, we shudder to imagine the terrible fate awaiting the innocent dragons. When a devastating battle ensues between the herbivores and the carnivores, the course of the war alters with every breath, making us eagerly await the end. However, a strong friendship between a young boy and a young dragon provides a beacon of hope in this world full of greed and deceit. I would recommend Dragons in the Clouds to any young adult reader who appreciates fantasy.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Clarissa Hedgestone and the Blood Moon is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and fairy tale style fiction sub-genres and was penned by author C. Jill Hefte. The work is intended for the young adult reading audience and forms the opening novel to The Clarissa Hedgestone Chronicles. Our protagonist is the titular Clarissa, a chosen one born to bring back the light of the Human Fairies who have been exiled from Earth to another place far off in the galaxy. Sparking a wild adventure with gorgeous mythology and swatches of atmospheric storytelling, what results is a very engrossing and original fantasy tale that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout.

Author C. Jill Hefte has crafted an ethereal and entertaining work of fiction with plenty of stunning visuals, fairy tale stylings, and powerful moments to offer readers. One of the most essential features of this work is the talent the author displays in worldbuilding, through such details as the lore of Human Fairies and their culture, as well as the smaller details of each character, their parlance, and their role in the world itself. The dialogue was also effective, serving to display the unique traits of the characters whilst moving the plot forward in a natural way, and it felt so fitting amidst the darkly regal settings of the story. Overall, I would highly recommend Clarissa Hedgestone and the Blood Moon to fans of immersive fantasy stories, clever plots, crafty characters, and fairy fiction enthusiasts everywhere.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

In the tradition of Christopher Paolini, Ascendant: Songs of Chaos by Michael R. Miller is a gripping fantasy tale that takes readers into a richly developed world where magic and dragons are part of a phenomenal conflict. Holt Cook is just a servant and he has faithfully served the Order Hall of the Crag. He makes a startling discovery: dragons show no pity to the weaklings of their kind, whom they kill when they are young. When he finds a defective egg, he makes up his mind to protect it. With the impending scourge and imminent war, Lord Silverstrike, the legendary rider, might not stand a chance alone. Creatures of dark magic grow in their numbers and they leave death in their wake, with dragon riders dying every day. Halt must nurture and discover the secret, magical power of his dragon, a power that might be the only hope to save his world.

Ascendant: Songs of Chaos is a beautifully written story with a plot that excites the imaginations of readers while transporting them into a world that is vividly written. The characters are sophisticated and readers will enjoy following them. Whether it is Holt, a boy who spends his time washing the dishes as a servant, or the enigmatic Soul-Cursed, the author makes sure that each of these characters has traits that set them apart while keeping them likable and realistic. The prose is superb and the plot is stunningly twisty. This novel is an epic fantasy exploding with action; it is a story with a seemingly straightforward plot but with details that elevate its beauty and set it apart from conventional stories in the genre.

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Evelyn Puerto's Flight of the Spark presents cultural differences and fantasy combined. Villagers follow rules for safety and believe Riskers are barbarians to avoid. When Iskra takes a trip to another village, the caravan she rides with is attacked by bandits. Forced to run, Iskra heads up the mountainside and is rescued by two men. Tarkio is a trader accompanied by Xico, who is a Risker. Iskra learns that the Riskers are nothing like what she was taught in the village. After Tarkio escorts Iskra home, she tells her best friend Tavda about her experience. Tavda starts asking questions about why they were forbidden to associate with Riskers and two days later is taken. Iskra believes that it was her fault Tavda is gone and goes to the Riskers for help. Iskra and Xico fall in love, despite the law against mixed marriages. Iskra's trips to the Riskers are discovered by the leader of the village, and now she must face her worst fears.

Flight of the Spark is a story that drew me in, and I found myself hoping that Iskra and Xico would prove the village laws were wrong. Iskra's emotions and fears are conquered the more she discovers the freedom that Xico teaches her. I loved reading about Xico's fearless approach and can-do attitude toward life, and I can completely understand how Iskra felt motivated by him. I didn't like how the leaders of the village encouraged others to belittle Iskra when she returned safely from her trip. Evelyn Puerto's description of the poverty in the village and the beauty of the Riskers' camp was what I could picture as hell versus heaven. Puerto was able to put me in the mind of all the main characters; I could feel their fear, anger, hope, and happiness as it happened. The ending was not what I thought it would be and I'm glad this is a series because it hints at more. This is a 5-star book that I recommend to anyone who likes an adventurous story of discovery mixed with love, rebellion, and suspense all rolled into one.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Child of Chaos is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Glen Dahlgren. The work is intended for the young adult and upward reading audience and contains some scenes of violence that may not suit the younger end of the YA age spectrum. Our protagonist is Galen, a young lad with dreams of darkness and danger in his future. Unsure of what power compels him, the young man pursues a chaotic power that has been long since locked away, and soon finds he isn’t the only one searching for it. And if he doesn’t get to it in time, the hands it falls into could destroy the entire world.

Author Glen Dahlgren has crafted a very immersive and imaginative work of fiction with plenty of action, intrigue, and fantasy suspense to offer its readers. One of the most essential features in this work is the talent the author displays in worldbuilding, through such details as the balance of good and evil in the world and how delicately it is maintained, as well as the day to day life of our hero Galen and how he sees his own place in the world rapidly changing. He’s a hero that younger readers and adults alike can get behind, with compelling dialogue and vivid emotional presence to make you feel really invested in his adventure. Overall, I would highly recommend The Child of Chaos to fans of in-depth and original YA fantasy concepts, masterful worldbuilding, and for readers looking to begin a truly compelling new fantasy series.