Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Finding Fizz by Julie Hodgson is a story depicting the power of love. The story opens with Sam in the midst of paradise, but for him heaven is hell. Although surrounded by profound serenity and beauty, Sam feels no emotion, no impact. Held within the emptiness, he hears a sobbing voice state, “I have let you down.” This sorrowful regret comes from Athena, Sam’s guardian angel. By interfering in Sam's destiny, Athena alters the course of his life. Now he is stuck in this place, brokenhearted, and unable to move forward. Sam is forever separated from his love, his soul mate, Fizz. Breaking all the rules, Athena offers Sam two choices - stay here for eternity and make the best of it, or be reborn into a new body and search for his beloved. However, if he chooses the latter, death will continue to follow him until he lives beyond his twentieth birthday. Sam agrees to be reincarnated; however, he may have to be reborn several times before he achieves his freedom and finds his true love.

What would you be willing to do to achieve true love? Julie Hodgson's response to that question is to live until you get it right. Finding Fizz is an enchanting love story that grabs the reader from the very beginning. The conflict of man versus fate/destiny is portrayed in an exceptional manner. This spellbinding narrative abounds in exquisite, poetic and romantic imagery. The plot unfolds in three separate realms, making the narrative move and flow through time. Decades and centuries are as minutes and days. The theme of love will conquer all, even death and eternity, echoes through each passage of time. Hodgson does a wonderful job of weaving her characters through the parallel time settings. They face the same obstacles, yet in different time eras. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you are taken by surprise. The narrative’s elements of fantasy and adventure make Finding Fizz an enjoyable and magical read. After all, at times we all wish we had a second chance at life; just imagine what life would be like with a do over.

Reviewed by Gracie Bradford for Readers' Favorite

In Phoenix by Daccari Buchelli there’s plenty of action, lots of mythical and magical twists and turns. The setting occurs in Peradon, a once united land of religious faith with four ruling families. Somewhere in the plot a division takes place, creating the Earth Realm, the Flame Realm, the Frost Realm and the Air Realm. Each realm takes on a life of its own. One has to read the book to understand the diabolical differences in the people and world of each realm. I found the Frost and Flame Realms to be the most fascinating. If you want to read about a ruthless father, let me introduce you to Emperor Jugan who used his powers for evil versus good. The main character, Violette, is torn between two handsome, on edge, sexy gentlemen, bringing the love angle into this mythical journey.

I generally do not read a 397- page novel, but this fantasy had enough suspense that kept me turning the pages. The poem at the beginning of the book - “Lady Arsonist” by Alex Scrine - lends a nice touch, stimulating the curiosity of content. Each of the 29 chapters tells a story that draws the reader into the role of the character. Each scene is riveting, with descriptive and vivid language. I had to read the entire book to bridge the title with the content, which keeps the reader engaged, wanting to find answers. Although a fantasy novel, it introduces into the plot a strong love story of evil versus kindness. Each character has the power to manipulate some aspects of the seasons, something which I think takes a remarkable mind to craft this story.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Drast and Tyran are brothers, brave young men from a less-favored tribe, and descendants of the dragon slayers. Their father would rather have them pursue the dream of immortality and harness the secrets that have been refused his people over the years, but destiny may have a different path for the two heroes. Follow them in this exciting fantasy to discover new worlds, new creatures, and their encounter with the God of Death in Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson and JC Boyd.

Joshua Robertson and JC Boyd have crafted a fantasy with almost all the great literary elements any reader could want in this kind of narrative. From the writing to themes and characters, they excel in the craft. The characters are plucked from a world that is filled with magic, where men dream and are very ambitious, and where conflict is the order of the day. The setting is wonderful, peopled with legendary tribes and magical creatures that readers would be delighted to encounter. It is fascinating to see how the quest transforms the characters, altering their vision of the world and their core values.

Anaerfell has great writing. Yes, the originality of style and the clarity of the narrative voice come across in a distinctive manner. There is no way the reader can remain indifferent to the seductive writing, the intricate and character-driven plot, and the exciting setting. I was utterly blown away by the story. It is wonderful to note how the authors create a balance between intensity of dramatic episodes with humor and consistent descriptions. This is one of those books that will enthrall fans of fantasy. An epic tale with invaluable lessons!

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite

The Universe Builders: Bernie and The Wizards by Steve LeBel is the long anticipated sequel to Bernie and the Putty. This story picks up one week after Bernie's first world wins the prestigious universe award. Armed with his ingenuity and problem solving skills, Bernie's first assignment is to fix a veteran's world by solving the problem of why the harvesting of the two designated crops that this world has created is at a standstill. After meeting with the world's creator, Bernie decides to drop in amongst the population to gather some information, in the guise of Wedon, an old weary traveler to all but a shaman named Reva. She uses a spell that reveals his true form. Suspecting that Bernie is more than he appears, she hopes that he might offer to help and maybe even do some healing for her villagers.

Mr LeBel's writing shifts between Bernie's assignment and his friends, Lenny and Suzie, whom he meets during breaks from work. They also give support by way of advice and tidbits of knowledge that help Bernie to understand things in his assignment. LeBel's characters have a certain quality about them that helps move this story along at a pace that forced this reader to turn each page with bated breath. When Bernie is reunited with his father at a banquet, they are both seated as guests of honor. And the results of meeting an ancient God gives Bernie quite the surprise. Wow ! This character driven book was well worth the wait. Bravo! Encore!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Reach Between Worlds: The Arclight Saga, Book 1 is an epic, coming of age fantasy for young adults and adults, written by C.M. Hayden. Taro realized that having anything to do with Victor Mathan was a perilous undertaking at best, and he knew his father would be angry if he found out. But with both of his parents ill at home, Taro had to scrape enough money together to feed his family. He was their only answer. Taro’s little sister, Nima, was already fretting that Taro had agreed to make the delivery without setting a price beforehand as they approached the large door to the mansion. Victor Mathan was the richest man in Ashwick, but his reputation was an unsavory one. Mathan’s manservant was all set to send the brother and sister away, until the man himself stepped up and invited them in. Taro wanted to get his money and go, but Nima was intrigued by Mathan’s offer of another job for substantially more money. Taro insisted, and the two left with a special enchanted piece of parchment that would enable them to contact Mathan if they should change their minds. Taro knew Nima would be upset at the lost opportunity, even as he realized he should never have involved her in this transaction. She seemed to enjoy it all a bit too much and hadn’t realized the danger they had both been in. Later that night, Taro went to speak with her and was shocked to discover that she was gone. He found the parchment on her nightstand with her precise handwriting, agreeing to the job, and he saw Mathan’s response.

“It might’ve seemed like a novelty, but to Taro, feeling actual magic was a wonder unlike anything he’d ever experienced. For the first time in his life, he felt powerful.” C.M. Hayden’s iconic young hero, Taro, has a prosthetic foot that fits poorly and gives him trouble, and a grown-up’s share of responsibility to bear. Yet, somehow, he manages to master fears, physics, and the most stacked-against-him odds as he and his little sister apply for admission to the Magisterium in Endra Edun. With little money and the awareness that great peril was poised to fall upon them if their purpose in posing as students was discovered, Taro finds untold worlds, challenges, and camaraderie await him as he prepares along with his fellow students for the year-end trial. I was at first somewhat reluctant to take on yet another epic fantasy novel, but I’m very glad that I did. You see, The Reach Between Worlds: The Arclight Saga, Book 1 is more than just an epic fantasy or a coming of age novel or even an archetypal quest story -- it’s all those things and much more. There’s an original, fresh and exciting adventure tale following students in a school that will get even the most jaded Harry Potter reader thrilled at rediscovering magical classes, classes unlike any ever found in Hogwarts. Steampunk fans who never seem to get their fill of great stories to follow will also find their appetites whetted. As I read, I reveled in the fact that Hayden’s story had that touch of greatness for me that hearkened back to the classic high fantasy and quest adventures that I’ve enjoyed in the past. There is magic indeed in this exciting and adventure-filled debut novel. This young and promising author certainly managed to shake off my jaded attitude about fantasy, and I’m very glad that he did. I had a grand time reading his book. The Reach Between Worlds: The Arclight Saga, Book 1 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Ahe'ey by Jamie Le Fay is the complete collection of a series that takes place in a fantasy world segregated following a horrific war. Morgan is opinionated and strong-willed, speaking for empowerment and equality. When an event goes awry and her handsome guide saves her life, she discovers a secret other world. She doesn't believe him until another attack leads her to a magical world where women rule, and men are segregated. But with every ideal, there's a flaw. Her relationship with the dashing Gabriel becomes complicated as his role in this world is out of his control. The longer Morgan is in Ahe'ey, the more she examines her views on gender stereotypes, roles, race, and the long debate of nature versus nurture.

Jamie Le Fay calls everything out into the open, and asks the tough questions that force you to think. Morgan's voice is strong-willed, opinionated, stubborn, and clearly indicates the author's voice. Each of the characters has been scarred by fear and hatred, and is struggling to make sense of the world. Sky has come out of the war with a hatred of men, viewing them all the same as the vicious men that took her mother. Gabriel is trying to raise a better generation that can bring light to both worlds, and a sense of equality. Morgan is campaigning to break all stereotypes and bring empowerment to women above sexuality and gender. They're flawed, real, and honest characters that can be easily related to. Ahe'ey is the kind of novel society needs to read, to create inspiration and to make people think. Ahe'ey is daring, complex, and honest. A must-read novel that tackles heavy and real topics with a mix of serious and humorous, charm and tragedy.