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.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

The Phantom Enforcer is a young adult fantasy novel by J.W. Jarvis. The story follows the adventures of Dani and Noah, two teenagers who discover a magical bookstore run by a mysterious witch. In each adventure, the two are transported into the lives of everyday heroes such as firefighters, police officers, and paramedics. In this installment, they experience what it is like to be a police officer and a dog on the K-9 unit. They witness a police chase, a drug bust, and a dangerous car theft. During the latter case, Dani and Noah encounter a familiar foe possessing phantom abilities like them. This realization makes them aware that the stakes are higher than before, and any wrong move could have catastrophic consequences, including the loss of innocent lives.

The Phantom Enforcer is a fast-paced, thrilling story that combines magic, time travel, and fantasy genres. It is the second book in the First Responder series by J.W. Jarvis, and it continues the action-packed adventures of Dani and Noah. I enjoyed getting to know these unique characters and their complex personalities. One thing that sets this book apart is that it educates readers on various jobs and the daily lives of frontline workers. It is not just about their jobs, but also their families and aspirations. The characters are all intriguing and add an element of mystery to the story. Tense moments will keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this author and the series.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Six Moons, Seven Gods is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and forms the opening novel to The Legends of Baelon series. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some scenes of violence and sexual violence. Penned by author Robert A Walker, we are invited into the world of Baelon, which is steeped in intrigue and deception. The Takers Guild, a group of skilled thieves, seeks to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon. When their plans are thwarted by a perceptive woman and her daughter, they turn to the League of Assassins for help. Meanwhile, Rolft Aerns, a retired royal guard with a personal vendetta, returns to the palace of King Axil. As the paths of these characters intersect in the shadowy corners of Fostead's south end, the story takes unexpected twists, and the body count rises. The Guild's influence reaches far and wide, and a single ambitious thief sets off a chain of events that will leave a lasting mark on Baelon.

Robert A Walker has crafted a world filled with political intrigue where deception and ambition play pivotal roles, offering a deeply complex but well-paced adventure that never lets up on excitement. One of the features that really impressed me was Walker’s many complex characters, all of whom are given a full treatment for unique dialogue styles, attitudes, and emotions so that they feel like real people we can be totally invested in. The narrative style is richly imaginative and detailed, offering vivid atmosphere and locations alongside swift plot twists that keep you engaged from beginning to end. This book sets up a lot of intriguing political and personal storylines for future exploration, promising a lavish and captivating epic for fantasy enthusiasts that will have plenty of thrilling places to take us in the future. Overall, Six Moons, Seven Gods is a compelling start to the series, and I, for one, cannot wait to see where this accomplished and exciting work goes next.

Reviewed by Sadiyah Bhamjee for Readers' Favorite

Get drawn into Cecily Walters’ eerie world in The Ghosts of Nothing: The Weird and the Wicked Book 1. The town of Nothing is haunted and the townsfolk have always blamed the Morighan family. Nelly Morighan refuses to believe the rumors until she is surrounded by fairies. With this shocking discovery comes danger and the ones she loves need help. Nelly cannot save them by herself and seeks out the help of the fairies. With no other options, Nelly has to put all her trust in these strange creatures who seem to want more from her than she is willing to give. And when the past comes back to haunt them all, Nelly is not sure she can save everyone.

I love the fairies in The Ghosts of Nothing. They are not only haunting and beautiful, but earthy and clever with fascinating mechanisms. The fairies’ personalities are carefully fleshed out and I could see all the research and time that went into perfectly crafting each individual. The pacing slowed and built up the suspense and had me holding my breath and sitting right on the edge of my chair. Cecily Walters delivered wild adventures and thrilling plot twists after those moments of suspense. The character, Trouble, stole the show for me. Trouble is shrouded in mystery and there are tantalizing hints at an exciting backstory. I would love a sequel that reveals Trouble’s story. The Ghosts of Nothing keeps the feeling of eerie supernaturalness running smoothly throughout the book and I felt like I was in Nothing too.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

After playing another mean prank on his favorite target, Roy is punished and labeled a delinquent—someone whose fate is worse than that of a vagabond. Fortunately, Roy is allowed to embark on a quest to find the phoenix’s nest to redeem himself. However, the journey is not for the faint-hearted, and the last person who attempted it three years ago failed to return. Roy is joined by Prince Bain and an unlikely companion, who is none other than the girl he bullies and calls Skinny Minnie. He must find a way to get along with his new companions as they face multiple serious threats on their journey. Greg Baker's The Phoenix Quest is a riveting plot filled with danger, magic, and promises. Can these three protagonists survive thieving elves, fierce trolls, and a manipulative enchanter? 

Greg Baker's characters are charming and sophisticated and I felt myself liking them effortlessly. Roy and Minnie go from being enemies to having to work together to survive. Their relationship conveys the importance of choosing kindness over bullying and name-calling. In general, The Phoenix Quest is a book with many wholesome messages that Christian parents would love to share with their children. Also, the fascinating magical elements are a thrill to follow, from complex creatures like the gift-bestowing phoenix to the intricate magical rules. Greg's writing is completely smooth and enjoyable, with no overwhelming details and overly fast scenes. All in all, Greg has written a story for young adults that's as compelling and thrilling as the plots of epic fantasies like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I couldn't get enough of its smart mix of energetic characters, suspense-filled danger, and mind-blowing magic!