Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Tale of the Young Witch by Joseph Minart is a fantasy story for young adults. Witchcraft is long gone, and it will never influence the world again. Wrong, because once magic is imbued in the world, it never truly goes away. Some 450 years after witchcraft was supposed to have disappeared, it’s back with a vengeance, and it’s using a teenage girl called Amelia Twigg to manifest. Amelia doesn’t believe in it, even when she sees a broomstick floating around her cellar, but it doesn’t take long for her to realize that she is a witch. Unwilling to use her powers initially, that all changes when she is targeted by a secret group who want to use witchcraft for their evil ends. Refusing to give in, she needs to stay ahead of them until she learns to use her powers. Will Amelia succeed, or will they catch her before she becomes powerful enough and will she learn the truth about magic along the way?

The Tale of the Young Witch by Joseph Minart is a fascinating story of adventure and magic. Despite being a fantasy, the characters are real people you get to know, and the plot itself feels authentic as well. This is an action-packed account filled with weird and wonderful creatures, even a dragon, magical folk, and plenty of sorcery along the way. The tension builds throughout as we follow Amelia on her journey, with plenty of twists and turns, ending in an epic finale. It’s a coming-of-age tale and although it’s aimed at the young adult audience, I think other age groups would enjoy it too. It’s a mix-up of several popular magic-themed movies and a thoroughly enjoyable epic.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright, Quen Tomo Santu stands apart from the people of Solia due to her Nixan, a changeling's "shadow soul" that harbors the potential to grow from calm to calamity. Though her father instilled in her the virtues of tranquillity, everyone living thing, including animals, flee from her presence. Quen's father wishes for her to study at Pillar of the Way of Water, yet her destiny takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Kentaro Nevara, a commanding mage of the dragon cult. Bound by her late mother's promise, Quen is obliged to accompany Nevara, who pledges to aid her in mastering her Nixan's initial metamorphosis, warning her that tragedy will follow unless she complies. In the wake of a vicious dragon attack that claims the life of someone dear to her, Quen and her brother Rhoji set off with a group of vigilantes on a perilous quest to vanquish the dragon.

“I want people I love to be free from harm. I won’t be responsible for more death.” Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright is the first book in the epic fantasy Dragos Primeri series, and it is an ambitious one at that. Wright paces the novel at a speed that allows for the necessary backstory and worldbuilding to occur as we learn what we must in a new fantasy adventure, and she achieves this without compromising the novel's most important themes. It's not uncommon for a fantasy plot to be swallowed up by unnecessary detail and lengthy information dumps, but Wright avoids these with the polish and panache of a truly gifted storyteller. I love that we are able to actually witness Quen's metamorphosis in this first installment of the series. It is not a dangling carrot, it is a deeply moving transformation that has a traumatic impact both physically and emotionally for Quen, and also for another for whom she has intense feelings. Season of the Dragon is a beautifully woven coming-of-age hero's journey, complete with good and bad players, a bit of romance, and an ending that won't have you cursing over a cliffhanger.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Kaia, the Dragon Heir, has never had an opportunity to use her power of flame to protect the people of Okkaria because the necromancer who terrorized them with his undead army was defeated years ago by her father. Unfortunately, this peace comes to an end with the reappearance of the undead. Kaia's mother informs her that her father and the other heirs gifted by Odriel are fighting the undead without her. This puzzles Kaia because she does not understand why they did not call for her assistance. Without hesitation, she travels to find her father and aid in the war. But what she witnesses in Butterdelf breaks her heart and makes her realize that she will need all the help she can get to defeat her enemies. Kaia travels with Klaus (the Shadow Heir), Gus (Kaia's dog), and Shadmundar, a talking cat. The group makes allies with different creatures, trains for battle, and goes through life-changing experiences. Join Kaia on her quest to defeat the undead in Odriel's Heirs by Hayley Reese Chow.

Saying I loved reading this book feels like an understatement. Odriel's Heirs is a young adult fantasy lover's dream. The story had all the right elements. The characters were awesome, and the storyline was intriguing and creative. Hayley Reese Chow gave a map of Okkaria and created unique magical beings that fitted perfectly into the story. Kaia transformed from a teenager filled with rage and anger about her unsupportive people into a bold, confident warrior. It was sad how the people of Okkaria treated Kaia like a monster, but I loved how she still stayed loyal to them. I loved how Kaia took a personal journey to realize her true purpose. There was a brewing romance between Kaia and Klaus, which brought a lighter note to all the violence and heart-breaking scenes. The battle scenes were well-detailed, and I knew what was happening at any point, which made it easy for me to follow the story. The last chapter was beautiful, but not the end. I cannot wait to read more from this author. Amazing story.

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

Jessica Flory brings us a remarkable epic fantasy in Oceans of Sand. Seventeen-year-old Norah is the only one that doesn’t have a sand gift. Zadock is her best friend and that is all they will ever be, just friends. It doesn’t matter what either of them wants. Living on a plateau with vast oceans of sand around, these sand gifts come in handy. Love, however, weakens the sand gifts. Threatened with a famine that has lasted three years already and the To’Morat attacking other plateaus for their survival, Norah and Zadock are sent on a mission to recover the second moonstone. This could be their only hope to save their people.

It’s been quite a while since I found a book that I was unable to put down. From the very first page right to the last, the author captured my imagination. I felt sand in my hair, on my skin, and in my mouth. Jessica Flory has a unique talent where she has brought a desert to life and given the sand similar qualities as water. She has created an interesting world of infinite times where the moon affects the sand as it does the tides of the ocean. Characters are relatable and relevant and show development. Written in the first-person narrative over three different characters, the reader is plunged into this epic fantasy world. Recommended for young adults and mature readers alike, this book will take you on an incredible journey you won’t want to return from.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Dragon Thief by Blake and Raven Penn is a fantasy adventure novel and the first book in The Skystone Chronicles series. Asher, a teenage magi, tragically loses his mother to the Black Valkyrie, a notorious Mage Hunter. He and his father then take in two siblings, Kai and Kari, who have also lost their parents to a group called the Knights of the Torch, a dangerous collective of magi. As Asher and Kai attempt to raise money to keep their family safe, they find themselves caught up in a heist gone wrong, and soon after, the Drekai, dragon-like creatures, invade. They seek a magic dragon egg stolen by King Rodan, and the Knights of the Torch must find it before the Black Valkyrie does. Asher decides to join them on their quest, both to stop the Black Valkyrie and to make sure those responsible for his mother's death atone for it.

“How about how you blame yourself for your mom's death? That's why you're here, isn't it? It's not for revenge, Asher. It's regret.” Dragon Thief by Blake and Raven Penn is an exceptionally crafted debut in a new fantasy series, chock-full of all of the hallmarks required from an entry novel with the added bonus of a uniquely assembled hero's journey. Sure, the protagonist has the same name as me and that makes me feel pretty darn happy, but the double-edged sword is that if this book wasn't as great as it is, it could have been summed up with a dumpster fire of personal insult. Asher is a guy we all want to root for, and the alternating point-of-view characters allow for the same intensive character development. As a result, we are able to immerse ourselves as readers in the world and better understand the motivations of other characters, the standout to me being Kai, who is a firecracker. The alternating points of view also flesh out the war that is inevitable, especially in scenes such as the meeting between a Drekai leader and the king's brother, Aradan. This is where the writing shines brightest and as I have now been roped into the series, I look forward to seeing where the Penns take it next.

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 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 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 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.