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Recommend this book:
Amaskan's Blood
Raven Oak
2019 Bronze Medal
440 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Amaskan's Blood by Raven Oak is an enthralling fantasy mixed with intrigue and mystery, a narrative that is most suitable for young adult readers and fans of action-packed novels. It is a tantalizing first entry in The Boahim Trilogy and follows Adelei, one of the most dreaded fighters of the Order of Amaska. She is sent into the heart of the Kingdom of Alexander, far from her home in Sadai to face the most dreaded enemy of the Order — her natural father. The one who has always protected the Little Dozen Kingdoms from her enemies finds herself faced with foes that are more powerful than anything she’d ever imagined. The encounter with the Boahim Senate’s schemes is enough to blow her mind, but as she progresses, she quickly uncovers a nasty truth — her entire past has been a lie. She has been betrayed, and now there is no retreating. Adelei has to make difficult choices, but can she get herself out of the dilemma when betrayal is so close to home?
This is a novel for readers who enjoy plots filled with twists and intrigue and characters that are emotionally on edge, multidimensional, and solidly developed. The protagonist is sent on a perilous journey, and while intent on bringing justice to a mortal enemy, she unwittingly uncovers facts about her past, facts that have hitherto been hidden from her. The conflict shifts and becomes more internal and psychological, and readers will see her internally tearing apart. Readers will love the deft handling of plot, but the conflict is intrinsically linked to character development and Raven Oak handles it with unique mastery. Amaskan's Blood is written in prose that is fluid, a voice that is confident and is set in a world rife with conflict. It is cinematic and outright entertaining.
Amaskan's Blood by Raven Oak is an enthralling fantasy mixed with intrigue and mystery, a narrative that is most suitable for young adult readers and fans of action-packed novels. It is a tantalizing first entry in The Boahim Trilogy and follows Adelei, one of the most dreaded fighters of the Order of Amaska. She is sent into the heart of the Kingdom of Alexander, far from her home in Sadai to face the most dreaded enemy of the Order — her natural father. The one who has always protected the Little Dozen Kingdoms from her enemies finds herself faced with foes that are more powerful than anything she’d ever imagined. The encounter with the Boahim Senate’s schemes is enough to blow her mind, but as she progresses, she quickly uncovers a nasty truth — her entire past has been a lie. She has been betrayed, and now there is no retreating. Adelei has to make difficult choices, but can she get herself out of the dilemma when betrayal is so close to home?
This is a novel for readers who enjoy plots filled with twists and intrigue and characters that are emotionally on edge, multidimensional, and solidly developed. The protagonist is sent on a perilous journey, and while intent on bringing justice to a mortal enemy, she unwittingly uncovers facts about her past, facts that have hitherto been hidden from her. The conflict shifts and becomes more internal and psychological, and readers will see her internally tearing apart. Readers will love the deft handling of plot, but the conflict is intrinsically linked to character development and Raven Oak handles it with unique mastery. Amaskan's Blood is written in prose that is fluid, a voice that is confident and is set in a world rife with conflict. It is cinematic and outright entertaining.
Recommend this book:
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps
A.J. Massey
2019 Silver Medal
251 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is a coming of age fantasy novel for young adults and preteens written by A.J. Massey. Ben’s life was rather more complicated than that of most 13-year-olds. All he had left of his dad was a broken watch, which he was determined never to part with, and his mom’s efforts to make a living for the two of them had meant frequent moves to new neighborhoods -- and schools -- and her working double and sometimes triple shifts. He was still trying to immerse himself in the school he had been in for about six months now, and was summoning up the nerve to ask a girl he liked to go to the dance with him, when he was suddenly thrust into a totally different world. He had found himself alone in a black forest under a crimson sky and was amazed to find that the snow which lay underfoot was uncomfortably warm and burned his face as the flakes descended from above. Ben was all too aware of the white pajamas he wore, and somehow had lost any memory of why he was wearing a broken watch. Where was he? And who could he trust to help him find his way?
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is exactly the kind of sleeper fantasy that the target audience and the larger adult audience may be inclined to overlook, and there are infinitely many reasons why fantasy lovers and even those, like myself, who are somewhat jaded by fantasy at this point, should pay attention and start reading. Massey’s characters are marvelous! Each of the three main characters has a compelling coming of age story and is someone I came to care about. And don’t let the dragonwoofs scare you away. No, it’s not a child’s tale, and the dragonwoofs are critters most of us would love to get to know in the waking world. There’s drama in this enthralling spectacle of a tale, deals struck with goblins, hidden menaces and unknown villains populating a parallel world well worth exploring. And yes, there’s a mystery as well. What’s with the yellow mailbox, and why does it figure so prominently in this well-plotted and original story? Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is one of the finer works of epic fantasy I’ve come across in some time, and it’s most highly recommended.
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is a coming of age fantasy novel for young adults and preteens written by A.J. Massey. Ben’s life was rather more complicated than that of most 13-year-olds. All he had left of his dad was a broken watch, which he was determined never to part with, and his mom’s efforts to make a living for the two of them had meant frequent moves to new neighborhoods -- and schools -- and her working double and sometimes triple shifts. He was still trying to immerse himself in the school he had been in for about six months now, and was summoning up the nerve to ask a girl he liked to go to the dance with him, when he was suddenly thrust into a totally different world. He had found himself alone in a black forest under a crimson sky and was amazed to find that the snow which lay underfoot was uncomfortably warm and burned his face as the flakes descended from above. Ben was all too aware of the white pajamas he wore, and somehow had lost any memory of why he was wearing a broken watch. Where was he? And who could he trust to help him find his way?
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is exactly the kind of sleeper fantasy that the target audience and the larger adult audience may be inclined to overlook, and there are infinitely many reasons why fantasy lovers and even those, like myself, who are somewhat jaded by fantasy at this point, should pay attention and start reading. Massey’s characters are marvelous! Each of the three main characters has a compelling coming of age story and is someone I came to care about. And don’t let the dragonwoofs scare you away. No, it’s not a child’s tale, and the dragonwoofs are critters most of us would love to get to know in the waking world. There’s drama in this enthralling spectacle of a tale, deals struck with goblins, hidden menaces and unknown villains populating a parallel world well worth exploring. And yes, there’s a mystery as well. What’s with the yellow mailbox, and why does it figure so prominently in this well-plotted and original story? Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is one of the finer works of epic fantasy I’ve come across in some time, and it’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Dragon Librarian
Scrolls of Fire Volume 1
Marc Secchia
2019 Gold Medal
518 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Dragon Librarian is an epic fantasy novel written for young adults by author Marc Secchia, and it forms the first book of the Scrolls of Fire series. In a world unlike our own, where Dragons roam and live in the same realm as humans, a young girl cursed with blindness and disfigurement learns the truth about her own power and strength. Auli-Ambar is taken by sheer kindness from a world of abuse and sent to work as a cleaner of roosts in the magical Dragon library. Ignored by all who meet her, a chance encounter with a young magical scholar starts Auli on a journey that will allow her to feel courageous and powerful at last.
In an immersive story heavily committed to its world-building qualities, fans of hardcore and epic fantasy works are certain to devour every moment of this slow-burning, character-led novel. Author Marc Secchia paints a beautiful, gothic and often bittersweet portrait of Auli-Ambar’s dark world, crafting a stunning array of sensations beyond sight for us to enjoy with her. Auli’s magic is well thought out and well defined, allowing us to learn with her all the secrets of dragon lore, as well as the characters she meets along the way. Suitable for older YA readers and adults alike, Auli’s development is heartwarming, and surrounded by complex, developed lore and language for the world she inhabits, making her journey feel real from start to end. Overall, The Dragon Librarian is highly recommended for epic fantasy fans seeking a new world to fall into, and fall in love with.
The Dragon Librarian is an epic fantasy novel written for young adults by author Marc Secchia, and it forms the first book of the Scrolls of Fire series. In a world unlike our own, where Dragons roam and live in the same realm as humans, a young girl cursed with blindness and disfigurement learns the truth about her own power and strength. Auli-Ambar is taken by sheer kindness from a world of abuse and sent to work as a cleaner of roosts in the magical Dragon library. Ignored by all who meet her, a chance encounter with a young magical scholar starts Auli on a journey that will allow her to feel courageous and powerful at last.
In an immersive story heavily committed to its world-building qualities, fans of hardcore and epic fantasy works are certain to devour every moment of this slow-burning, character-led novel. Author Marc Secchia paints a beautiful, gothic and often bittersweet portrait of Auli-Ambar’s dark world, crafting a stunning array of sensations beyond sight for us to enjoy with her. Auli’s magic is well thought out and well defined, allowing us to learn with her all the secrets of dragon lore, as well as the characters she meets along the way. Suitable for older YA readers and adults alike, Auli’s development is heartwarming, and surrounded by complex, developed lore and language for the world she inhabits, making her journey feel real from start to end. Overall, The Dragon Librarian is highly recommended for epic fantasy fans seeking a new world to fall into, and fall in love with.
Recommend this book:
Stirring Power
K.C. Blackbyrn
2018 Finalist
338 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Stirring Power by K.C. Blackbyrn is the coming of age story of Jacob Wildleaf as he fights to find a cure for a mysterious illness spreading through his village. Jacob's journey begins with his first introduction to magic through a tree that smells like death. When his village is attacked and he loses everything, Jacob meets Elden, who tells him a story of magic. Elden is searching for a cure to magic through a man Jacob barely remembers: the father that abandoned him. Teaming up with Princess Adeline, the three race to rescue her brother, Prince Matthew, in order to recall the throne from Dreygon. Meanwhile, Dreygon sends his soldiers to destroy every village infected by magic, and to bring him Jacob. As Elden protects Jacob from the soldiers, no one can protect him from the strength of his growing powers.
In a fascinating and unique approach to magic, K.C. Blackbyrn brings to life a dark fantasy world which at its heart is the beginning of Jacob's coming of age story. Magic is typically perceived as a wonderful and mystical miracle, but Stirring Power flips that idea with magic viewed as a disease. Magic is out of control, painful, occupied with a lot of decay and death imagery. Everyone avoids those with magic, Dregyon has anyone infected killed, and those with magic die painfully. Yet Jacob manages to see the underlying beauty that can come from magic through a little dragen he bonds with. The dragen, called Niro, becomes his protector and friend, showing that there's two sides to magic. Stirring Power is an emotional, unique view on magic, with heart, loss, tragedy, and humor, containing several dark themes and imagery.
Stirring Power by K.C. Blackbyrn is the coming of age story of Jacob Wildleaf as he fights to find a cure for a mysterious illness spreading through his village. Jacob's journey begins with his first introduction to magic through a tree that smells like death. When his village is attacked and he loses everything, Jacob meets Elden, who tells him a story of magic. Elden is searching for a cure to magic through a man Jacob barely remembers: the father that abandoned him. Teaming up with Princess Adeline, the three race to rescue her brother, Prince Matthew, in order to recall the throne from Dreygon. Meanwhile, Dreygon sends his soldiers to destroy every village infected by magic, and to bring him Jacob. As Elden protects Jacob from the soldiers, no one can protect him from the strength of his growing powers.
In a fascinating and unique approach to magic, K.C. Blackbyrn brings to life a dark fantasy world which at its heart is the beginning of Jacob's coming of age story. Magic is typically perceived as a wonderful and mystical miracle, but Stirring Power flips that idea with magic viewed as a disease. Magic is out of control, painful, occupied with a lot of decay and death imagery. Everyone avoids those with magic, Dregyon has anyone infected killed, and those with magic die painfully. Yet Jacob manages to see the underlying beauty that can come from magic through a little dragen he bonds with. The dragen, called Niro, becomes his protector and friend, showing that there's two sides to magic. Stirring Power is an emotional, unique view on magic, with heart, loss, tragedy, and humor, containing several dark themes and imagery.
Recommend this book:
Theo and the Forbidden Language
Book of Theo 1
Melanie Ansley
2018 Honorable Mention
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
There is lot of literary beauty in book 1 of the Book of Theo series, Theo and the Forbidden Language by Melanie Ansley, from the excellent prose to world building, from character to plot and the awesome things in between. It is a fable with powerful lessons on slavery, oppression, and man’s undying desire to subdue others. Mankahar is a place where it is forbidden to speak and write and where the human empire use a poison called pacification to rob animals of speech. The human empire is bent on capturing animals to use them as slaves on the farms, but there is a power that stands against them — The Order. It’s the society of free animals who are fighting for their cause. Meanwhile, the rabbit Theo hides a terrible secret — he has mastered the forbidden language and the secret to deciphering words. Now he has joined Brune, the bear with the axe, in the fight to defend his kind. Theo will have to risk everything to protect his kind.
This is a gorgeous narrative and Melanie Ansley surprised me on innumerable counts, exploring characters in a way that makes animals take on human attributes. The narrative style is unique and the author creates scenes that are focused, allowing readers beautiful visuals of the setting and action. Ansley pays great attention to the tone and, aside from the absorbing narrative voice, the dialogues are well-crafted, capturing the unique accents of the characters. Readers will love the characters, who are infused with human feeling and emotions. My favorites were Theo, Fr. Oaks, Walnut, and Brune, the axe-wielding bear. Fans of Animal Farm by George Orwell will love this book. It’s well-plotted and laced with wisdom and elements of the conspiracies readers encounter in human politics. Themes of friendship, survival, and slavery, and the fight for justice are well explored. You will be transported into an exciting and unique world, be captivated by the mesmerizing prose, and delighted at the cinematic style writing. Adults as well as kids will enjoy this story. Can’t wait for the next ride with Theo!
There is lot of literary beauty in book 1 of the Book of Theo series, Theo and the Forbidden Language by Melanie Ansley, from the excellent prose to world building, from character to plot and the awesome things in between. It is a fable with powerful lessons on slavery, oppression, and man’s undying desire to subdue others. Mankahar is a place where it is forbidden to speak and write and where the human empire use a poison called pacification to rob animals of speech. The human empire is bent on capturing animals to use them as slaves on the farms, but there is a power that stands against them — The Order. It’s the society of free animals who are fighting for their cause. Meanwhile, the rabbit Theo hides a terrible secret — he has mastered the forbidden language and the secret to deciphering words. Now he has joined Brune, the bear with the axe, in the fight to defend his kind. Theo will have to risk everything to protect his kind.
This is a gorgeous narrative and Melanie Ansley surprised me on innumerable counts, exploring characters in a way that makes animals take on human attributes. The narrative style is unique and the author creates scenes that are focused, allowing readers beautiful visuals of the setting and action. Ansley pays great attention to the tone and, aside from the absorbing narrative voice, the dialogues are well-crafted, capturing the unique accents of the characters. Readers will love the characters, who are infused with human feeling and emotions. My favorites were Theo, Fr. Oaks, Walnut, and Brune, the axe-wielding bear. Fans of Animal Farm by George Orwell will love this book. It’s well-plotted and laced with wisdom and elements of the conspiracies readers encounter in human politics. Themes of friendship, survival, and slavery, and the fight for justice are well explored. You will be transported into an exciting and unique world, be captivated by the mesmerizing prose, and delighted at the cinematic style writing. Adults as well as kids will enjoy this story. Can’t wait for the next ride with Theo!
Recommend this book:
Hyperearth
Marco Marek
2018 Bronze Medal
322 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Hyperearth by Marco Marek is a good read, beautifully written for young adult readers. The story starts with great dialogues and the reader is immediately introduced to the key characters. We find them in a castle, a hidden castle in the city of Lubena. But this castle is, in fact, a portal. Meet Mary and Martina as they are transported into Hyperearth, an alternate world with different kinds of creatures. As they discover this strange and exciting place, they make new friends, but are quickly embroiled with a powerful enemy, Sathon, bent on destroying their friends. Do they have what it takes to defeat him and bring back calm to this world?
Marco Marek’s novel will remind readers of worlds like Narnia in a story that is modeled after the idea of parallel worlds. Readers will love the protagonists, two young heroes who navigate a world filled with uncertainty, each step making them bolder. I enjoyed the beautiful prose, filled with very engaging and plot-driven dialogues. The dialogues sound very natural and these are a great ingredient in the development of conflict in this story and in character development. The story starts slowly, but the pacing increases as the reader gets into the story. The setting is beautifully imagined, and it left me with the strange feeling of being in a dream. The images, including the hidden castle, the snow against the colors of the wooden buildings, and the landscapes of Hyperearth are vivid. This is a wonderful fantasy with likable characters, and offers an adventure that readers will enjoy.
Hyperearth by Marco Marek is a good read, beautifully written for young adult readers. The story starts with great dialogues and the reader is immediately introduced to the key characters. We find them in a castle, a hidden castle in the city of Lubena. But this castle is, in fact, a portal. Meet Mary and Martina as they are transported into Hyperearth, an alternate world with different kinds of creatures. As they discover this strange and exciting place, they make new friends, but are quickly embroiled with a powerful enemy, Sathon, bent on destroying their friends. Do they have what it takes to defeat him and bring back calm to this world?
Marco Marek’s novel will remind readers of worlds like Narnia in a story that is modeled after the idea of parallel worlds. Readers will love the protagonists, two young heroes who navigate a world filled with uncertainty, each step making them bolder. I enjoyed the beautiful prose, filled with very engaging and plot-driven dialogues. The dialogues sound very natural and these are a great ingredient in the development of conflict in this story and in character development. The story starts slowly, but the pacing increases as the reader gets into the story. The setting is beautifully imagined, and it left me with the strange feeling of being in a dream. The images, including the hidden castle, the snow against the colors of the wooden buildings, and the landscapes of Hyperearth are vivid. This is a wonderful fantasy with likable characters, and offers an adventure that readers will enjoy.
Recommend this book:
 Orville Wellington Mouse. Orville is a shaper, meaning he’s magically gifted, and when a highly interactive dream about a ghost and a book fair leaves him ...){kind=link}
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Last Metaphonium
Orville Wellington Mouse, Book 4
Tom Hoffman
2018 Silver Medal
348 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Sarah Scheele for Readers' Favorite
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Last Metaphonium by Tom Hoffman is an expertly written fantasy novel. It’s the fourth in a series about the Metaphysical Adventurer (a.k.a. world-hopping) Orville Wellington Mouse. Orville is a shaper, meaning he’s magically gifted, and when a highly interactive dream about a ghost and a book fair leaves him with a weird book in a language no one can read, his sassy girlfriend, Sophia, and their loyal ally, Proto, join him on a quest to decode the book. The results uncover a long-lost piece of ancient history and when the adventurers enter the surreal world of Elysian in search of a friend’s long-lost wife, they take on the mysterious Shadow King, accompanied by an austere monk who’s more than he seems. Will Orville be able to find reality and solve the puzzle of the Last Metaphonium?
Tom Hoffman is a delight to read. His world is endlessly complex, varied, and filled with flights of fancy, yet completely true and simple as well. The characters ring with a deep, supple humanity, and I was captivated, wanting to know what would happen next. Action, comedy, mystery, adventure, romance—it’s all here. Orville’s many little quirks make him thoroughly well-rounded, and the underlying theme that love and honesty can overcome fears was handled as melodiously as the concept of the piano-like Metaphonium, in which sets of keys provide portals to other worlds. Quiet sidekick Proto absolutely steals the show, his fears that he’s not loved and accepted threading a delicate subplot that is as poignant as it is satisfying. Verbally enchanting, emotionally human, and philosophically relevant, The Puzzle of the Last Metaphonium blends many genres into a really fun read.
Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Last Metaphonium by Tom Hoffman is an expertly written fantasy novel. It’s the fourth in a series about the Metaphysical Adventurer (a.k.a. world-hopping) Orville Wellington Mouse. Orville is a shaper, meaning he’s magically gifted, and when a highly interactive dream about a ghost and a book fair leaves him with a weird book in a language no one can read, his sassy girlfriend, Sophia, and their loyal ally, Proto, join him on a quest to decode the book. The results uncover a long-lost piece of ancient history and when the adventurers enter the surreal world of Elysian in search of a friend’s long-lost wife, they take on the mysterious Shadow King, accompanied by an austere monk who’s more than he seems. Will Orville be able to find reality and solve the puzzle of the Last Metaphonium?
Tom Hoffman is a delight to read. His world is endlessly complex, varied, and filled with flights of fancy, yet completely true and simple as well. The characters ring with a deep, supple humanity, and I was captivated, wanting to know what would happen next. Action, comedy, mystery, adventure, romance—it’s all here. Orville’s many little quirks make him thoroughly well-rounded, and the underlying theme that love and honesty can overcome fears was handled as melodiously as the concept of the piano-like Metaphonium, in which sets of keys provide portals to other worlds. Quiet sidekick Proto absolutely steals the show, his fears that he’s not loved and accepted threading a delicate subplot that is as poignant as it is satisfying. Verbally enchanting, emotionally human, and philosophically relevant, The Puzzle of the Last Metaphonium blends many genres into a really fun read.
Recommend this book:
Recreance
The Aeternum Chronicles Book 1
H.G. Chambers
2018 Gold Medal
416 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Recreance by HG Chambers is Book 1 of The Aeternum Chronicles. Oren Hart, just 17 years old, is running. His family has been murdered by Ministry Breakers and his life has changed forever. He heads into the Miralaja desert, a deadly place to be, chased by assassins from the Ministry and dodging predators from above. He needs to keep his wits about him if he is to survive long enough to find out what’s going on. He can no longer trust the Ministry and, when he finds out what’s going on, his battle for survival gets tougher. Helped by Khalil to escape and Lahlil to start a new life, Oren starts to think about Clem, his best friend whom he had to leave behind. Now her life is in danger and she too is on the run, both of them fighting a battle for survival – not just them but the whole of humanity.
Recreance (The Aeternum Chronicles) by HG Chambers is a post-apocalyptic story, and a very good one at that. It’s a story that you can’t help but read; it hooks you from page 1 and never lets go, at least not until the end. It’s a well-developed story with a clear plot, a mixture of fantasy, dystopia, magic and mystery, not to mention the science and technology aspect. The character development is excellent; you learn so much about the main characters, who they are, and you really get to know them. The book is very descriptive, bringing strange worlds to life, making you feel as though you are there. HG Chambers has a real way with words, and has crafted the first in what I suspect is going to be a very exciting series. A fast-moving, gripping story that I highly recommend to all fans of futuristic adventure tales.
Recreance by HG Chambers is Book 1 of The Aeternum Chronicles. Oren Hart, just 17 years old, is running. His family has been murdered by Ministry Breakers and his life has changed forever. He heads into the Miralaja desert, a deadly place to be, chased by assassins from the Ministry and dodging predators from above. He needs to keep his wits about him if he is to survive long enough to find out what’s going on. He can no longer trust the Ministry and, when he finds out what’s going on, his battle for survival gets tougher. Helped by Khalil to escape and Lahlil to start a new life, Oren starts to think about Clem, his best friend whom he had to leave behind. Now her life is in danger and she too is on the run, both of them fighting a battle for survival – not just them but the whole of humanity.
Recreance (The Aeternum Chronicles) by HG Chambers is a post-apocalyptic story, and a very good one at that. It’s a story that you can’t help but read; it hooks you from page 1 and never lets go, at least not until the end. It’s a well-developed story with a clear plot, a mixture of fantasy, dystopia, magic and mystery, not to mention the science and technology aspect. The character development is excellent; you learn so much about the main characters, who they are, and you really get to know them. The book is very descriptive, bringing strange worlds to life, making you feel as though you are there. HG Chambers has a real way with words, and has crafted the first in what I suspect is going to be a very exciting series. A fast-moving, gripping story that I highly recommend to all fans of futuristic adventure tales.
Recommend this book:
Heir of the Hunted
Hollow World Book 1
Richard T Drake
2017 Finalist
426 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Heir of the Hunted by Richard T Drake is a beautiful opening for the Hollow World Book series, a well-paced and attention-grabbing read for fantasy lovers. Radyn is a carnival performer, a man whose past may be as mysterious as the blades he juggles. Life could have been good for him, but the tranquillity and peace of mind he’s known all along is threatened by a magical event, one that may well become visible to ordinary eyes. The gates to the underworld are opening and the dark gods are just ready to flood the world. Now, Radyn must team up with other gifted ones to defend their world from evil. Do they have the time? Can they stand up to the power that is about to take control of the world?
Readers are going to love these characters crafted with a lot of humor. I was seduced by the company of Kyna, Loken, and Grol. Apart from the compelling and complex characters, the author has created a fascinating plot, featuring creatures that will soon be classified as legendary. The setting is beautiful, a magical world where things aren't what they seem. Readers will be gripped by this story from the very first page and the author has the knack for creating suspense. The action builds up with the conflict and attains staggering proportions. Heir of the Hunted by Richard T Drake is a book that will wow readers and make them dream of dark gods, demi-gods, and unusual heroes. It’s very entertaining. Sizzling with a supernatural feel.
Heir of the Hunted by Richard T Drake is a beautiful opening for the Hollow World Book series, a well-paced and attention-grabbing read for fantasy lovers. Radyn is a carnival performer, a man whose past may be as mysterious as the blades he juggles. Life could have been good for him, but the tranquillity and peace of mind he’s known all along is threatened by a magical event, one that may well become visible to ordinary eyes. The gates to the underworld are opening and the dark gods are just ready to flood the world. Now, Radyn must team up with other gifted ones to defend their world from evil. Do they have the time? Can they stand up to the power that is about to take control of the world?
Readers are going to love these characters crafted with a lot of humor. I was seduced by the company of Kyna, Loken, and Grol. Apart from the compelling and complex characters, the author has created a fascinating plot, featuring creatures that will soon be classified as legendary. The setting is beautiful, a magical world where things aren't what they seem. Readers will be gripped by this story from the very first page and the author has the knack for creating suspense. The action builds up with the conflict and attains staggering proportions. Heir of the Hunted by Richard T Drake is a book that will wow readers and make them dream of dark gods, demi-gods, and unusual heroes. It’s very entertaining. Sizzling with a supernatural feel.
Recommend this book:
Black Dawn
Mallory McCartney
2017 Finalist
190 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Danita Dyess for Readers' Favorite
Shape shifting, betrayal, romance and time travel conspire in Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney. The heroine, Emory Fae, is a twenty-one-year-old young woman who is troubled by the man she encounters in her recurring dream. But it is not a nocturnal mishap. It is the work of Memphis Carter, a Commander of the Black Dawn Rebellion, trying to reunite with Fae to defeat Adair, an evil leader responsible for limitless deaths of family and friends. As Fae learns of her fate as the future Queen of Kiero, she discovers that Adair intended to unite with her in an arranged marriage. So she is the only one who can defeat him. As Bokk, a shape shifter, Byrd, Wyatt and Jaxson prepare her for the fight of her life, Nyx, a purple-haired rival female, has other plans. Will Adair accept her tempting offer or will the future of Kiero remain in peril?
I enjoyed Black Dawn. The title is apt and the graphic cover design is as beautiful as it is sinister. This 150-page work of fiction is fast paced and introduced me to colorful characters and ethical dilemmas. The relationships were complex and full of teenage angst. It was a coming of age story as Emory Fae learned about her past. Mallory McCartney is a talented writer with a gift of enthralling her audiences with genuine characters and beautiful imagery. The dialogue was genuine and added credibility. This is McCartney's debut novel. Black Dawn is highly recommended.
Shape shifting, betrayal, romance and time travel conspire in Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney. The heroine, Emory Fae, is a twenty-one-year-old young woman who is troubled by the man she encounters in her recurring dream. But it is not a nocturnal mishap. It is the work of Memphis Carter, a Commander of the Black Dawn Rebellion, trying to reunite with Fae to defeat Adair, an evil leader responsible for limitless deaths of family and friends. As Fae learns of her fate as the future Queen of Kiero, she discovers that Adair intended to unite with her in an arranged marriage. So she is the only one who can defeat him. As Bokk, a shape shifter, Byrd, Wyatt and Jaxson prepare her for the fight of her life, Nyx, a purple-haired rival female, has other plans. Will Adair accept her tempting offer or will the future of Kiero remain in peril?
I enjoyed Black Dawn. The title is apt and the graphic cover design is as beautiful as it is sinister. This 150-page work of fiction is fast paced and introduced me to colorful characters and ethical dilemmas. The relationships were complex and full of teenage angst. It was a coming of age story as Emory Fae learned about her past. Mallory McCartney is a talented writer with a gift of enthralling her audiences with genuine characters and beautiful imagery. The dialogue was genuine and added credibility. This is McCartney's debut novel. Black Dawn is highly recommended.
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