Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Fairytale Apocalypse: The Verge Book 1 by Jacqueline Patricks is a dystopian fantasy that takes place in two worlds: the Verge, where magical beings reside, and the mundane world of mortals. The magic in the Verge is fading, which jeopardizes the balance between the two realms. Kagan, a Fae who has dedicated his life to protecting the Verge, faces a dilemma when Lauren, a sixteen-year-old girl from the mortal world, claims to have been sent to him to restore the magic. However, Lauren’s twin sister, Tessa, shows up and disrupts everything, triggering an apocalypse in both worlds. Six years later, the mundane world has devolved into a wasteland, filled with scavengers and lawlessness. Though six years have passed in this world, for Kagan, it has been just a day in the Verge. Arriving in the mortal realm, he uses his bond with Lauren to find her but loses her again, forcing him to work with Tessa to locate her once more. Complicating matters, Kagan suddenly experiences an overwhelming bloodlust for Tessa, which tests both his loyalty and sanity. Nevertheless, he remains determined to return to the Verge with Lauren and restore balance between the worlds. He begins to question whether he is strong enough to conquer his impulses and restore the magic of the Verge.

Fairytale Apocalypse is a unique story that combines magical, dystopian, and romantic themes. The emotional dynamics of this story will leave your head spinning. Kagan is a dedicated, dutiful character willing to follow any of the goddess Danu's instructions to safeguard the Verge. Meanwhile, Tessa will stop at nothing to protect her sister Lauren, who seeks love and aims to fulfill her destiny. Their determination and loyalty are put to the test as they navigate the trials before them. What I particularly appreciate about this story is its refusal to sugarcoat serious issues such as sexual assault, trauma, faith, and responsibility. Jacqueline Patricks addresses these themes with respect and sensitivity, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The side characters are intriguing, and their unpredictability makes the story tense and suspenseful. The story has scenes of betrayal, love triangles, scheming dark forces lurking in the background, and vindictive villains who will destroy anyone in their path. This is the first book in The Verge series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Overall, this is an excellent read—a must-have for anyone who enjoys stories that blend genres, offering a captivating mix of action, fantasy, and apocalyptic drama.

Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite

The Wrath of Order by Glen Dahlgren follows Eve after the fall of the gods, as she tries to settle into a routine life at the temple of Charity. Her life turns again when she discovers that some orphans can enter the Dreaming, a strange place shaped by imagination. While trying to teach them how to stay safe, she slips into the real Dreaming herself and realizes that Galen, now the God of Chaos, might still be out there. This pushes her into a mix of new dangers involving hidden temples, ancient gods, and a rising threat tied to both Chaos and Order. With the world changing once more, Eve and Galen each face choices that could change everything for them and the children caught in the middle. Whether either of them finds what they’ve been searching for depends on how they move forward in a world still full of uncertainty.

Reading Glen Dahlgren's The Wrath of Order gave me the feeling of stepping into a familiar world that has more layers than before. It merges classic fantasy with a structure that feels like moving through an adventure, where each challenge reveals new background or motives. The writing is easy to follow, and the settings range from quiet temple life to the unpredictable Dreaming. Eve’s growth shows in how she carries her past while trying to find her place in a world still healing from a crucial shift. Galen’s presence adds an exciting pull to the story, particularly since his character becomes entangled with the dangers that lie ahead for them all. There’s a good mix of magic, strained alliances, and threats rising on both sides. Readers who enjoy fantasy with strong lore, shifting power struggles, and characters rebuilding their lives will appreciate this story.

Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

The Book of Chaos by Ray Strong follows the likeable Diana, who is wrenched from her cushioned existence as a princess and pushed into adulthood by tragedy. She is a powerless victim of her circumstances, trapped in a turbulent world which exists after the Chaos, but with no memory of what life was like before. As civilization stumbles through the ominous beginnings of climate change, rumors circulate about a hidden book that can predict the future. Frightening portents warn Diana that change is coming, and the survival of her people is no longer a certainty. The aggressive invasion by the Sul people is accompanied by speculation that they possess the magical Book of Chaos and have used it to help them conquer the world. Diana makes it her quest to find and steal the fabled book, no matter the cost to herself. But in searching for this elusive and magical solution for her dying people, will the Princess of the Northlands eventually find the key to her courage?

I absolutely loved The Book of Chaos. Ray Strong’s world-building is first-class, and I quickly became immersed in the post-apocalyptic world. Diana is everything I want in an epic fantasy adventure hero: flawed, gutsy, and goal-oriented. Her quest to locate the Book of Chaos is twisty and filled with intrigue. I never would have guessed where this magic book arc would lead, and I thought it was a clever and meaningful storyline. The fantastic character building extended beyond the main protagonist, and the author skillfully balances them within their interactions. I adored the relationship between Diana and her father, which proved wholesome and edifying. The theme of the novel is guilt, and how it infiltrates and shapes the journey of each character. My favorite quote is from the shadowy wisdom of Makashti, who says, “This will break the world. What does it take to drive thousands of people to throw themselves at the unknown?”

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

C. Ryan Crockett delivers an epic fantasy in The Bestowed: A Dark Manifest. Nature loves her children, and to reward them, she sometimes grants them gifts. There are Luminants who heal, Cragmasons who can summon fierce winds, and Manifests who have an animal as an extension of themselves. At age eleven, Isaac was Bestowed a hawk. After helping a stranger under attack in the woods near his home, Isaac is soon forced to flee the only place he knows. With the help of his childhood best friend, Vera, a Luminant, they run from the enemy in search of the king. An evil is spreading deception and chaos across the lands of Valoria, and the Paladins need their information to save the kingdom.

Author C. Ryan Crockett has crafted a world rich in magic. From skill with a bow and arrow to soaring the skies in hawk form, you will experience a sense of knowing like never before while fully immersed in sensory stimulation. Character descriptions are precise, while action scenes are well-choreographed and impactful. This book is a page-turner, and you’ll find yourself reading well past your bedtime to see if the two protagonists will survive. A strong theme of honor and justice runs throughout the story. The Dark Manifest is the first book in The Bestowed series and sets a solid foundation for more action and adventure. It’s perfect for teenage readers as well, making it an ideal start to a lifetime of fantasy. I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this series.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Shadow of Helios by R. J. Thompson launches with Kaelen Voss selected to represent Earth in the Interplanetary Ascendance, a televised competition that determines who will hold power on the ruling Council. Transported from his home on Earth to Helios Station, Kaelen enters a regulated environment of trials designed to test endurance, reasoning, and cooperation under constant observation. As competitors from across the Solar System are eliminated, Kaelen begins to notice irregularities in the rules, unexplained deaths, and data that contradicts official accounts. Working quietly with other remaining delegates, including Lyra Tal of Mars and engineer Jax Petrova, he discovers indications that the Ascendance serves purposes beyond public governance. As the trials escalate and trust erodes, Kaelen must decide how to proceed inside a system that monitors every action and controls every outcome.

Shadow of Helios by R. J. Thompson is such a fantastic science fiction thriller, and the Ascendance itself is a great premise. I adored the competition and its engineered trials, all shaped by behavior, trust, and risk, which allow us to see Thompson's world-building through a unique lens. Kaelen is a protagonist you want to root for, and I was wholly on board by phase three. It was an energy maze and laser grid that demanded a calculated decision, and it all shifted when passage through a containment field was enabled, even though the blocking was believed to be absolute. The settings themselves are textured and immersive. I've never felt so at home in an abandoned archival complex, complete with cold strip lighting emitting low mechanical hums. With sharp writing and a lot of room to flex action and adventure muscles, Thompson reinforces the novel’s potential across its escalating scope as book one in the Solar Realms saga. Recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Storyteller From Balincia by S.W. Kent is an exciting fantasy that follows Birk, a young storyteller who stumbles upon a magic book that changes everything. Suddenly, he's discovering secrets about his home and his future that he never imagined. With his friends by his side, he faces old prophecies, powerful enemies, and forces he doesn’t fully understand. Kent builds a world bursting with life, where ideas about identity, legacy, and doing the right thing come through in the details—whether it's the customs, the landscapes, or the magic itself. The book blends classic fantasy elements with fresh, modern ideas, creating a story that feels timeless.

Author S.W. Kent's story world feels both new and familiar. I really liked how the different characters felt natural in the story instead of forced. The writing flows beautifully and is easy to follow, making it perfect for younger readers. The different cultures and perspectives make the world feel layered and real, like stepping into a place that actually exists. The story touches on identity and belonging, but it never feels heavy—it’s an adventure first, the kind that keeps you flipping pages to see what happens next. What I found special was how Kent gives each character a journey that matters, making sure their struggles and choices feel personal but still tied to the bigger picture of change and resistance. The way he highlights the power of storytelling also makes you think about the stories we tell ourselves and the ones we pass on. Overall, The Storyteller From Balincia is a must-read for anyone who wants a fantasy adventure that tries new things while keeping what's best about fantasy stories.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Other Battle (Passage to Dawn) by Derrick Smythe is the third installment of this epic fantasy series. The world is on the brink of war as ancient evils resurface and heroes struggle to band together. Kibure and Sindri search for allies while the Lugienese Empire's power grows and threatens the entire land. Other enemies seek mythical weapons, and that raises the stakes as betrayals and unforeseen alliances emerge. Our heroes have to confront their pasts and make impossible choices that will echo through generations. The Other Battle expands upon the intricate world-building and moral complexities of its predecessors, offering readers an exhilarating, character-driven adventure filled with magic, sacrifice, and high-stakes battles that will keep them pages turning well into the night.

Author Derrick Smythe crafts an immersive fantasy realm with intricate world-building that I dived into eagerly and was sorry to have to leave. It's an expansive setting filled with unique cultures, magic systems, and political landscapes, but his storytelling balances the bigger battles of the world with personal and emotional stories. There's also a diverse cast of characters which is refreshing to see, and they are written relatably, even against the fantasy foes they're facing. I found myself especially drawn to the moral dilemmas presented throughout the narrative, which add significant depth and elevate the story beyond a traditional good-versus-evil tale into something more nuanced and thought-provoking. Smythe has a knack for crafting breathtaking action sequences while keeping the emotional core strong and capturing both the chaos of battle and the quiet moments of character growth. Overall, The Other Battle (Passage to Dawn) is a fantastic fantasy read that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Thaddeus and the Daemon by Louis Sauvain is the third book in the College of Sorcerers series. This well-crafted fantasy presents a setting where worlds intersect through mystical portals, ancient prophecies, and powerful sorcery. The story follows Thaddeus, a young apprentice at the Collegium Sorcerorum, who finds himself at the heart of a conflict that can destroy their world. Lives are at risk as Perditus gathers a goblin army to attack the school, and despite Thaddeus’s efforts to rally allies, time is running out. The traitorous Master unleashes the Daemon Morag to cast a devastating Stone Spell, while Thaddeus is captured and chained, forced to witness the Infernales being summoned to destroy everyone inside. He might be the only one who can save the school, and the cost will be very high. Do he and his unlikely allies have any chance?

I found Thaddeus and the Daemon to be a very imaginative tale that will appeal to fans of epic fantasies, such as the Harry Potter series. The characters are well-written, and I enjoyed the way Thaddeus is portrayed. He is a hero who, despite his flaws and self-doubt, embodies the qualities of a hero. His courage grows with each step he takes. His companions, like the Eagle daemon named Osiric, a goblin housekeeper named Lilyput, and others, are well-developed, too. Louis Sauvain explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the tension between knowledge and belief. The central theme is the struggle of good vs evil; in this narrative, the odds are stacked against the good side. The setting spans diverse landscapes—from a mystical college to desolate vineyards, secret caves, and coastal villages—each contributing to the atmosphere of wonder and danger. I enjoyed the crisp writing and was pulled in by the author’s superior storytelling, the impeccable characterization, and expert thematic development.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Two Crowns, Three Blades by Robert A. Walker is a compelling fantasy that combines the quest for revenge with a stirring adventure full of action, battles, romance, and strange creatures in the mythical land of Baelon. King Axel of Aranox, devastated by the death of his wife and daughter, has declared war on the GOT (Guild of Takers). The rulers of the Guild (The High Order) respond to the dangers by seeking the murder of not just King Axel but also the other ruler of Baelon, King Tygre. As an ensemble cast of characters weave complicated and compelling plots, each is driven by different motivations but the desire for revenge and retribution lies at the heart of most of their actions. Whilst Tristan Godfrey seeks to find the murderer of his twin brother, Tristan’s true love, Sibil Dunn, has embarked on a mission of her own. Overseer Reynard Rascall is seeking to avenge the death of Spiros, whilst other players mesh together to create a compelling and enthralling adventure. 

Fantasy is not usually my go-to read but Two Crowns, Three Blades was a fascinating, in-depth read with compelling plots, sub-plots, and story arcs that carried me along on a rollicking adventure. Author Robert A. Walker has penned the perfect balance between action, character development, and intrigue. What I particularly enjoyed was that the story is related through differing perspectives which gives the reader much more information on the characters’ motivations. Although there is no shortage of action, battles, and dangerous, mysterious creatures, the narrative is beautifully interwoven with quiet, reflective moments that allow readers to explore fully the depth of each character. I enjoyed the scenes involving Reynard and Charise. Although both were ruthless killers, the banter between them was witty and clever, and added greatly to their journey in search of the elusive GOT gold. The author skillfully keeps so many characters, story arcs, and motivations in play without losing track of the story’s direction. The action, fighting, and unusual creatures will certainly satisfy readers who enjoy a good, old-fashioned medieval-style drama; however, there is a depth to this story that merits interest from all readers. I enjoyed the book immensely and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite

Tale of the Seasons' Weaver by D. Wallace Peach follows the alluring adventures of Erith, a woman of both human and fae origin. Erith is the new Seasons' Weaver, having assumed the role from her charmed mother, Dania. Even though Erith lacks confidence in her new position, her courage and compassion shine through. Unforeseen danger looms over both the human and charmed world. Human hunters have been found guilty of desecrating the forests. In retribution, the Winter King abducts Erith and attempts to force her to weave an eternal winter. He intends to destroy every mortal soul until there is none left. Charmed beings who rely on spring for survival will also become collateral damage if the Winter King gets his way. Join Erith and her companions on this riveting journey to save their world from icy destruction. Will their tale be one of victory or defeat?

D. Wallace Peach is skilled in crafting a compelling story designed to grab the reader's attention and draw them in. Her novel touches on themes like the beauty of life, friendship, self-discovery, character growth, and resilience. Peach intricately weaves each scene, making the reader feel like another active contributor in this exciting journey. I enjoyed watching Erith's character gradually transform from one of uncertainty to one of boldness. Her inner growth is exceptional as she slowly learns to appreciate her supernatural abilities and forge close associations with the characters who aid her on her quest. The setting in this enthralling world is vibrant and vividly portrayed. Readers will be fully immersed in the human and charmed worlds with their unique capabilities and customs. I recommend Tale of the Seasons' Weaver to fantasy lovers, far and wide. The storyline will grab you and leave you wanting more.