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 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 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 Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite

In Call of Kythshire, the first book in the Keepers of the Wellsprings series by Missy Sheldrake, Azaeli Hammerfel is a young girl training to become a Squire and join His Majesty's Elite. After a hard fight to earn the honor, she is shocked to discover that her name is left out of those going on the King's Quest. Her parents and the rest of her guild are going, even a rival she soundly managed to beat has been bestowed the honor. Despite the slight, she doesn't get a chance to dwell on the injustice long, as tragedy befalls the party. Her mother is missing and her father is gravely injured, raving about mysterious creatures. Determined to find out what happened, Azaeli enlists the help of her best friend Rian. Together they discover the existence of fairies as well as the plot to wipe out the mysterious creatures and steal their magic. Now, Azaeli must not only find out what has happened to her mother but save the kingdom whose fate lies in the balance.

Call of Kythshire by Missy Sheldrake is an engaging young adult fantasy novel. The text is enhanced by bright and lively illustrations that detail many key scenes and characters. Sheldrake unfolds the plot at just the right pace, doling out mystery and intrigue in such a way that Call of Kythshire is nearly impossible to put down. The romance is light and sweet, as most of the focus is on Azaeli's personal growth as opposed to romance. Still, Rian and Azaeli work well together, sacrificing and helping each other achieve their goal which is a big theme in Call of Kythshire. An enjoyable read for fans of young adult fantasy.

Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite

Ohr is beset with dangers: a wall of magical flames slowly consumes the land and the tyrannical Warden Savairo’s obsession with blood magic has brought the populace to its knees. Escapees from the capital city have found refuge in Solpate Forest, a place where the trees walk and the animals are covered in bark and petals instead of fur or feathers. Kole is an apprentice Shepherd, trained to ride the rambling trees, whose eagerness to earn his title from Master Russé instead leads Kole to a peril advancing on the refugee camp he calls home. Kole and everyone he cares about abandon their camp and flee, but on their journey south a new danger emerges: A kayetan—one of the creatures spawned from Savairo’s experiments with dark magic—is loose in the forest, hunting for refugees.

Parris Sheets’ YA epic fantasy, Warden’s Reign, kicks off the Essence of Ohr series by drawing readers into a richly imagined world of walking trees, imprisoned gods, and the corruption of dark magic. Kole has a complicated relationship with his mentor, Russé, and camp leader, Goren, which is further aggravated by the discovery that they’ve been keeping secrets from him. These frictions add intrigue while Kole’s proud determination to prove himself introduces an element of excitement as the kayetan stalks the refugees through Solpate Forest. A layered world mythology folds into the gripping plot, and disaster forces the refugees to make a decision that will decide their future. Unique, imaginative, and well-crafted world-building and a plot rife with danger and startling discoveries make for addictive reading.

Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite

Herlot of Alonia by Maria Rosestone is without a doubt a classic tale reminiscent of the wondrous adventures of The Lord Of The Rings. Steeped in the small kingdom of Eraska, we fall under the spell of Herlot, her family, friends, and the magical creatures that surround her, as she grows up in a land where riches are measured by the contents of souls, and gold is taboo to all. This is a land where the breath of mystery kisses the chill air, open hearths glow in the reflection of homely hearts, and the magic of times lost touches those worthy. Only evil can shatter this paradise, and it snakes into Eraska, driven by King Felix of the kingdom of Isolda, who is twisted by a desire to overthrow Ipta, the most powerful empire known. When this plague descends on Herlot’s village of Alonia, her life is inexorably changed as she is carried through despair and horror, on a journey to save her people and restore the freedom of her country.

Maria Rosestone’s Herlot of Alonia is one of those rare gems that instills in the reader a rarefied state of paradox; torn between wanting to discover the story’s secrets and equally not wanting the tale to end. The pages of this book literally crackle with wonder, gripping you in a vice you will be unable to shake. The flow of the plot is spot on, with perfect subplots that will allow you to experience the full scope of emotions. All of the characters are superbly molded, and rich in their differences and depth. I loved so many of them, and their relationships, particularly the potential triangle between Herlot, Movo, and Seum, which planted the seeds of infinite possibilities. There were other elements woven into the story that truly enhanced the atmosphere, including but not limited to, the introduction of Benyamin, the mystery surrounding Manni, and even the Rite of Passage. Ms. Rosestone has created a world that evokes a feeling of awe in me, incredulous that such words could emanate from one imaginative mind.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

An extraordinary protagonist, a powerful and cunning enemy, and a stone that holds a secret are among the plot points in this explosive conclusion to the Chroma Trilogy. In Imogen’s Destiny, the reader is introduced to a young female protagonist with extraordinary skills — she can see and understand the color of lies. After uncovering the truth about the five hidden marks on her body, she is now certain that she is endowed with a perilous mission and that the survival of her race depends on her. But the Supreme leader will stop at nothing to see her dead. Hiding on earth with her family, she is running out of time as she can’t figure out how to unlock the secrets embedded in the sacred stone she’s stolen from the Supreme Leader. Can she discover that knowledge before Holan’s dark forces find her?

Imogen’s Destiny has a strong appeal to fans of I Am Number Four and readers who enjoy extraordinary characters and a strong plot. Author B Fleetwood crafts a hugely entertaining story with an original concept and memorable characters. It is easy to fall for the protagonist. Her frustration is real, her love for her people is so deep she will do anything for them. And while she has strong abilities, there are limitations on her path and this drives her motivation. The prose is beautiful, punctuated by interesting dialogues and vivid descriptions. B Fleetwood keeps it real, and the emotional depth of the story quickly rubs off on the reader. A wonderful reading experience.

Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite

Mægics Heir: Druid Quest is the first book in the Mægics Heir series by G. L. Cramb that follows the path of young Ariastone Côeurdrægon, known to those closest to him as Arias. The story takes the reader hand in hand on a truly wondrous journey through the land of Aeryth, on a quest his dying father entrusted to him. Tasked with seeking the counsel of a mysterious man named Eschereon, the Druid of Esper, Arias finds he is continually pressed into service in other directions as life imposes its own demands on him. These impositions will lead him to many incredible adventures and unite him with both his past and future in very unexpected ways.

G. L. Cramb’s Mægics Heir: Druid Quest is a mystical adventure at its very best. Sharing these experiences with Arias, you will very quickly be drawn into a magical world that is rich and immersive, captivated until the amazing climax unfolds. The story’s style reminds me of the Lord Of The Rings and is framed in a language that fully engages you in the foreign world of Aeryth, without being weighed down by complexity. I found, in particular, the relationships between Arias and his animal friends were most precious, with Lilit and Jilly perhaps stealing the show. Reading this book, you can’t avoid marveling at the way it weaves a complex, convoluted world into a cohesive epic whilst managing to evoke the full spectrum of emotions. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for high-quality fantasy that will bring a tear as easily as a good laugh.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Opal of Light by Norma Hinkens is the first book in The Keeper Chronicles series. Orlla is a Keeper tasked with the knowledge of ancient runes and the Opal of Light which protects their island. Efyllsseum is a place hidden from the rest of the world by the Light. A place where no one grows old and destruction is kept at bay. Orlla is sent on a mission with her mentor Akolom for the king, sending her away from taking care of a trouble-making younger brother and a father who suffers from memory deterioration. When Orlla learns her brother has been arrested for a dare gone wrong, she's forced to stay on her mission and is unable to return to him. She sees an opportunity to help her brother when he escapes to the mainland. Going after him, she joins the handsome Erdhan in his search for a thief she fears is her brother. Life on the mainland is nothing as she imagined it to be. Orlla is thrown into the middle of a brewing war, forcing her to give away the secrets of Efyllsseum if she's to save her brother and stop a war.

Efyllsseum is a place of an eternal youth where no one outside the island is allowed. Everyone believes it's just a myth. When the island is first introduced it's spoken of as a paradise where they prize their youth and honor the Opal of Light. Dragons are mentioned throughout as part of the myth and origin of the Opal. Orlla has her life laid out before her to be a Keeper and she's been learning from her mentor, but Norma Hinkens quickly shows the reality of Orlla's life. Her brother is a troublemaker who is described as taking advantage of when his mentor drinks so he can do as he wishes and she often wishes he'd apply himself more. Her father shows the downside to eternal youth as he remains looking young but his mind has gone to where he doesn't even recall who she is. Orlla feels it's her responsibility to take care of them and to be the head of the household but when she's tasked with a mission from the King, she has no choice but to do her duty. Her conflict between honoring her duty and loyalty to her family is the root of her journey which leads her to discovering where her loyalty lies and what means more to her: duty or family. The conditions of the mainland are quickly different from what she believed it to be like and this makes her question her role as a Keeper.

She has flirty moments with Erdhan, but it's their relationship that maintains in focus, not a romance. His role in the story provides comedic moments and a sweet friendship develops between them. He changes her perception of life outside the island and gives her an ally to trust. The chapters build up the tension as the story unfolds where the end of each one makes you want to keep reading to see what happens. Opal of Light is an action-packed adventure with a strong heroine who fights against everything she's known to save her family, changes her loyalty to stop a war, and follows her heart.

Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite

A quest to restore the heir of the murdered King Toloron to his rightful place as ruler over the provinces of Numeria rests on the fate of three special children, the Khuselas, marked with the sign of the Onyx Crown in Alan Hurst’s intriguing debut novel - The Onyx Crown. K’Nan, an infamous warrior, finds Jorann, the first of the children, among the Win-Daji hunters and starts his training immediately. Gesemni, the second of the Khuselas, spends his days as a companion to First Prince’s spoilt and witless children, until the day they use him as a scapegoat for their crimes and he flees from East Rhydor. The third Khusela, Sania, is a ward of a brothel until she kills three warriors who attack her home.

Alan Hurst weaves an intriguing tale that is one part coming-of-age for the three destined protectors of the royal heir and one part quest for justice in The Onyx Crown. Jorann, Gesemni, and Sania all follow different paths towards their destiny but Hurst uses small details and coincidences to link them. Although Hurst includes a variety of phrases and names in a foreign language, these are translated in text. The world-building feels a bit thin at times for me, despite Hurst’s inclusion of a variety of strange creatures, peoples, and places. The skirmishes in The Onyx Crown are savage and thrilling and a deadly tangle of political intrigue permeates this epic fantasy set in ancient Africa. The Onyx Crown is an entertaining addition to the list of epic fantasy novels based on African geography and myths.