Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Jasmine Chantelle’s A Barren Clan, after the Tidal Tribe destroys the desert home of the Scorched Clan, Ember and her brother Flint become two of the last surviving fire wielders on their island. With their elders dead and their magic weakened by dwindling numbers, Ember seeks a formal merger with another clan to preserve their lineage. Her refusal to marry Tidus, the grandson of Grand Kymopoleia, exposes a plan to weaponize combined fire and water magic for territorial expansion. Forced into exile, Ember and Flint travel across deserts and seas, petitioning distant tribes whose leaders distrust the Scorched name and fear any entanglement in the Tidal ambitions. As pursuit increases and the ancient records reveal buried alliances, Ember must decide whom to trust while guarding the remnants of her clan’s power from those who would claim it.

Jasmine Chantelle’s A Barren Clan is an absolutely immersive and original first step into The Inferno Chronicles series, with a lineage reduced to seven souls, a fire once mighty now flickering as Ember fights to keep her people alive. I love elemental fantasy, and when it is married to clan politics, I'm all in. Ember is a female protagonist in a genre where women aren't represented as well as they should be, and the author gives her heaps of strength and agency. There's a scene where she marks her own skin with a blood-drawn rune, and I admit to a fist pump. The landscapes are powerful, from a basalt fortress rising over molten rivers to a churning ocean beneath the pursuing tidal magic. All this wraps up beautifully in an expertly drawn world, where social order relies on mergers that fuse magic and lineage, binding tribes that form anew and redefine hierarchy through chosen kinship—see chosen! More agency! Elegantly written and cinematic in scope, I am really excited to see where the author takes us in book two.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala follows Phera Ylir Mdana, who maneuvers through Ryene’s elite court to consolidate political power and win the Rounds—a public, strategic contest of influence, alliances, and combat. After striking Ser Vloram to protect a servant, Phera uses the scandal to strengthen her standing. She aligns with Prince Dominic, posing as his romantic interest to shield his actual partner and enhance her visibility. Throughout the competition, she executes a sustained campaign to undermine rivals Sorana and Ulric through sabotage and public manipulation, while managing her deep feelings for Rocelle, a former student and lover. Their renewed relationship becomes a source of emotional confusion and political risk. As Phera gains ground, she proceeds through court rituals, factional hostilities, and carefully staged performances, until a provocative act prompts Queen Mazrazel to propose a royal marriage between Phera and Dominic.

Nikhil Prabala’s The Duchess of Kokora is a fantastic fantasy that takes the best of politicking and social finesse wrapped up in its strong female protagonist, Phera, whose decisions are built on her very own agency and carry weight from one scene to the next. There is a unique romantic angle that is gorgeous and organically depicted, and I appreciate that a relationship between two women is not made into a spectacle. It is authentic in how love is the focus, not the gender of who feeds this love. All of the Rounds sequences burst with excitement, and there is an intelligence to Prabala's use of banter, dialogue, and the public contests that drive the direction Phera is heading in. The result is an exciting introduction to a new world of fantasy. As far as a series goes, the potential is huge, and I would be delighted to follow Prabala's continuation as and when the books are released. Recommended.

Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite

Apprentice Storm Mage by Douglas Van Dyke Jr. is set in Dhea Loral and follows Thomena, a thirteen-year-old apprentice mage who has rare abilities in water and air magic. During one summer, she is given an unusual assignment after being denied fire magic due to her age. Instead of going to her regular lessons, she is sent to help the city’s praetorian vigiles, a fire and rescue group, using her magic to save people. Thomena learns from older, experienced mentors while using tools such as ice shields, protective bubbles, and calling water elementals. As fires break out across town, she starts to believe they might not be accidents. Balancing duty, belief, and new responsibilities, she is tested in unexpected ways. Will she uncover the truth behind the fires before the danger grows worse?

Apprentice Storm Mage by Douglas Van Dyke Jr. is a YA fantasy that blends adventure with the main character's sense of duty. The plot is engagingly presented. It shows how magic works in practical ways and everyday life, not just to impress the reader. The world of Dhea Loral is captivating and believable, particularly through fire brigades, city life, and the way mage training works. Thomena grows in a way that is relatable and natural. She is guided more by discipline, teamwork, and a strong moral code than by ambition or personal gain. The story places great importance on rules, safety, and helping others, which gives it a thoughtful tone without becoming overwhelming. I found the focus on rescue work and controlled magic refreshing, especially for a younger audience. This book is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy coming-of-age tales, exciting magic systems, and fantasy stories that value service over power or glory.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Born of Shadow: Empire of Blades by Nicole Conway follows Violet, a young Viperi, caught and jailed for the murder of a blacksmith. Having no hope of anything other than the executioner's block, Violet seemingly has no choice but to trust the cloaked man offering her a different path. Roxus’s deal doesn’t come easily, though, as joining the league of deadly agents, The Zenith’s Call, will be difficult. And when Violet’s integrity is called into question, she will have to do everything in her power to prove her innocence.

Born of Shadow by Nicole Conway is a dark, fast-paced fantasy that hooks you immediately with a heroine who society has already judged and condemned. Violet is a sharp, resourceful protagonist whose struggle to survive in the island city of Sol’Karr feels raw and believable. Branded as “wicked” for her Viperi lineage, she lives under constant threat, and the tension of that prejudice hangs over every choice she makes. Violet’s chance at freedom through The Zenith’s Call is as dangerous as it is tempting, and the organization’s role as guardians of powerful magical artifacts adds intrigue and high stakes. The world-building is done brilliantly, unfolding slowly through Violet’s eyes and the endeavours of the league. With its blend of heists, hidden identities, and a protagonist fighting both external enemies and her own nature, this is a gripping tale of survival and self-determination. I think readers who enjoy morally complex characters, shadowy organizations, and magic that comes at a cost will find this story as hard to put down as I did.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Dream Traveller: Dark Rising is a work of fiction in the dark fantasy, adventure, and action genres. Penned by author John Nassari, the plot follows Girvyn, a young man unaware of his unique ability to enter people's dreams as a Dream Traveller. His destiny takes a drastic turn when he becomes entangled with a forest tribe plagued by demons, led by the rogue Dream Traveller, Crane. As Girvyn navigates his newfound powers, he must confront the looming threat of Crane's plan to merge the nightmarish realm with the waking world, while allies and adversaries alike vie for his role in the impending battle between dreams and reality.

Author John Nassari crafts a thrilling journey into a world where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur beautifully. Nassari's intricate world-building is evident from the very first page. I was deeply invested in the atmospheric language and ethereal quality in the narration that always makes it feel like you’re walking a fine line between a pleasant dream and a sudden, dark nightmare. This rich storytelling also extends into the plot structure, which is packed with suspense to immerse readers in a realm where danger lurks at every turn of the page. The dynamic characters are authentically shaped by this world and there’s a lot of care put into their dialogue and attitudes to show the differences between them, especially our naïve young hero. The pace had me eagerly turning the pages to discover Girvyn's fate and the fate of the world beyond him. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Dream Traveller: Dark Rising to fans of dark fantasy adventures everywhere for their next thrilling read, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes us.

Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite

Miscreant: The Darkov Series Book 1 by Kynsie Cole is a dystopian fantasy that describes the incredible journey of Nova, a teen born to a prominent Ghandrian highborn family. Unknown to Nova, her world is about to be overturned, and she will experience unimaginable adversity as she forges her destiny in life. The land of Ghandria is governed by three highborn families, each possessing a distinct superhuman ability of their own. Any Ghandrian who fails to present with at least one of these abilities is deemed a miscreant and cruelly cast away on the Isle of Nadir, a harsh and unforgiving place. When Nova fails her ability trial, Nadir becomes her new home and prison. Woefully, she is separated from her brother, Denali, the person she cares for the most. Crippled by severe anxiety, Nova doesn't think she has the strength to survive. Or does she? Will she ever reunite with Denali again?

Kynsie Cole's Miscreant is a gripping YA fantasy filled with supernatural elements, mystery, and adventure. The world-building is well-orchestrated, embedding a complex magical system deep into its fascinating storyline. Another noteworthy aspect is the eclectic and intriguing cast. They collectively add substance to Nova's journey and character evolution. From beginning to end, the author's writing style is immersive, making the characters, their dialogues, and various settings spring to life. I was particularly moved by Nova and Denali's close and unwavering sibling bond. Remarkably enough, their separation propelled them beyond their comfort zones and became the catalyst responsible for their mutual character growth. I highly recommend this novel to fans of dystopian fiction or stories centered around sibling bonds, survival, and resilience.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Wolfhound by Austin Davis is the first installment of The King's Hounds, an action-driven YA epic fantasy series centered on loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of truth. Cassian is a fiercely skilled and loyal member of the King’s Hounds, an elite order sworn to protect the crown. The order is tasked with uncovering a conspiracy against the king. But when his comrades are betrayed and wiped out, Cassian is left alone, hunted, and forced to navigate a kingdom teetering on the edge of rebellion. Through a twist of fate, he crosses paths with Theo, a clever and street-smart orphan, who gets drawn into the high-stakes mission. Together, the unlikely pair must survive shifting alliances, deadly enemies, and growing unrest, with the fate of the kingdom hanging in the balance. In a world where nothing is what it seems, and trust could be the deadliest weapon of all, Cassian and Theo must use every ounce of skill and cunning to stop a rebellion before it's too late.

Author Austin Davis draws you right into the heart of the action with a gripping and cinematic fantasy debut that throws readers straight into the intrigue of a kingdom on the brink of chaos. This concept is enough to whet the appetite, and from there, Davis crafts plenty of complex characters and compelling dynamics between them to keep your interest, particularly between noble Cassian and streetwise Theo. Their dialogue exchanges were sharp and witty, and I always had a smile on my face whenever Theo was about to shift gears and do something unexpected. But there are poignant emotions underpinning the action and wit too, and the novel balances its high-stakes drama with genuine emotional depth where we see the new bond between our unlikely heroes challenged to its extremes. Overall, I highly recommend Wolfhound as a very promising start to an epic series full of betrayal, danger, and unexpected alliances, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Shadowless by Alison Robinson transports readers into a richly imagined fantasy world where magical ability is intrinsically tied to animal companions known as Shadows. These spiritual manifestations determine not only one's magical capabilities but also social standing and potential future. Rowena, born with the surprise of having a ghost for a Shadow, is a worrying deviation from the natural order that forces her to live in secrecy and isolation. Her carefully constructed life of obscurity shatters when she encounters Penalynn, a disgraced scholar who has rejected her own powerful Shadow and the magical society that reveres them. Despite their initial mistrust, the two form an unlikely alliance driven by a shared desire to uncover the truth behind the nature and purpose of Shadows. As they delve deeper into forgotten lore and challenge a society bound by superstition and ancient myths, Rowena and Penalynn risk exposing a secret that could unravel the very foundations of their world. Their journey becomes not just a quest for knowledge but a fight for survival as powerful forces move to silence them before they can reveal what they've discovered.

Author Alison Robinson creates a fantasy world that is both fresh and familiar, with interesting magical systems, mythology, and societal tensions. I loved the way her protagonists develop naturally throughout the narrative, revealing layers of complexity that make their dangerous journey personally meaningful beyond the broader quest. I found myself particularly drawn to the way Robinson explores themes of identity and acceptance through the magical concept of Shadows, creating a fantasy framework that addresses very real questions about fitting into society when fundamentally different. The relationship between Rowena and Penalynn is a great journey from suspicion to grudging respect and eventually a deep bond that is earned and real. Robinson's writing brings a genuine sense of wonder to every discovery the characters make, whether they're exploring ancient ruins or simply experiencing moments of connection previously denied to them because of their outcast status. The emotional impact is really deep because readers care so much about these characters and their world. Overall, Shadowless is an engrossing fantasy adventure filled with imaginative world-building that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change by Angela Legh is a delightful middle-grade coming-of-age fantasy novella. Bella Santini is a fourteen-year-old, ordinary-looking girl living an ordinary life. She wants to spend the summer inside, painting all day, yet her parents dragged her with them on a family trip into the wilderness. One night, while camping, a strange sound awakens her. Captivated by a firefly, she follows it until she steps into a place filled with dancing lights. However, looking closely, Bella notices they are fairies, not fireflies. Little does she know, as a human child, that entering the Fae world will set a series of remarkable and unprecedented events in motion. While powerful and evil forces are at work in the fairy kingdom that want to seize power and bring in a new order, Bella learns more about herself, her inner strength, and that she is capable of extraordinary, magical things.

Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change by Angela Legh is a must-have for young readers, offering them an engaging, highly educational, and empowering read. It contains beautiful illustrations and fantasy elements like an alternate world, magic, fairies, a gargoyle, and trolls, and themes of sibling rivalry, bullying, control, bigotry, friendship, and good vs. evil. Through this story and its tools, children can learn to process their feelings and emotions, the importance of never doubting themselves, never letting go of the magic within them, and never judging others based on appearance, as there's always more to them than what is on the surface. I highly recommend this middle-grade fantasy to parents as well.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Soul Cage by L. R. Schulz is an epic fantasy series set in a realm where magic is intrinsically tied to the absorption of other people's souls. The story follows three characters, namely Myddrin, Will, and Tvora. Myddrin became the most formidable mage after the last war when he somehow managed to kill a powerful mage. Now, burdened and tormented by the countless souls he possesses, he has descended into addiction and drunkenness just as war erupts once more. Will is a young boy with aspirations of becoming a mage knight; however, he begins to grasp the heavy costs and responsibilities of such a role, especially with a war on the horizon. Lastly, Tvora, a woman whose soul is fractured, must consume more souls to sustain herself and the images of her lost friends.

I don’t even know where to begin to describe how amazing Soul Cage by L. R. Schulz is. This book has so many overlapping plots for each of the characters we follow yet at no point do these ever become tangled or cause confusion to the reader. Quite the opposite. Through the POV of each character, we learn so much about the world they live in, the circumstances that these characters must face, and how the impending war will affect different individuals. It is genuinely impressive how much Schulz wove into this book in such a way that it amplifies the best qualities of the plot. The world-building, pacing, tone, and characters all came together beautifully to create a world in which the reader can become fully immersed. I enjoyed this book so much and I would love to read any further installments in this series.