Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

In Pretty Deadly by Kelsey Josund, Cinna was the servant girl to her family. After her parents’ death, her uncle and his family made life hell. According to them, Cinna was scum and undeserving of the air she breathed. She always wanted to find a way out of the troubles life threw at her, and the perfect chance came. Preparations were in top gear for the fiftieth-anniversary celebration of the accords, and she wanted to make it count. Cinna suggested a competition with her friend Johann, a petty thief, to loot most of the king’s treasury without getting caught. The duo began plans that clashed and snowballed into a series of events that would either sink or save them. Did Cinna get the good life she desired? Did Johann succeed in his plans?

Pretty Deadly by Kelsey Josund is a gripping tale that will appeal to lovers of suspense novels. Betrayal, deceit, scheming, manipulation, and elements of romance were some parameters explored in this book. The plot was brilliant and airtight! Kelsey also narrated a story that was unique and unpredictable. I never saw the many twists and turns coming. They left my eyes wide with astonishment. The characters deserved applause, and the writing style was fluid. Cinna was lethal, and I could not fathom how her brain worked. I had to dub her the evil genius because she was too much. How could Johann forget that there was no honor among thieves? I hurt for him. This is a fantastic story that ended a cliffhanger! It deserves to be a series.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Wraithwood by Alyssa Roat is the first book in the Wraithwood trilogy. When Brinnie's parents announced they were going to take a trip to visit her sister and help refugees, she assumed she would be tagging along. Turns out, her parents had other plans for her to spend her summer. For the next few months, she will be staying with an uncle she's never heard of that lives in an isolated estate and has the strangest name. Brinnie knows she's in for a long boring summer, especially when her Uncle Merlin doesn't want her to wander around the estate. She soon discovers that everyone is keeping secrets and as she works to uncover the answers, she discovers the shocking truth about her own family. Soon a secret that her own parents have kept from her comes to light. The truth sends her headlong into dangerous terrain when she learns that magic is real and a dark threat grows closer.

Alyssa Roat brings a fresh take on Arthurian legends through a modern tale with notable names such as Merlin, Morgana, and Mordred. The story moves away from the heroic feats of Arthur and focuses on the perspective of the wizards. Roat captures the aesthetic and personality of a small group with their misconceived idea that Merlin is a witch to distrust. Brinnie never knew her uncle existed which builds estrangement immediately in their relationship with them starting from the beginning to get to know each other. Roat puts a unique twist on wizards and creates a new version of Merlin. The story has a lighthearted tone with humor throughout. Certain personality traits attributed to Merlin are woven into his personality with a bubbling attitude and a laid-back perspective on the townsfolk that gossip about him being a witch. The Arthurian elements are ideal for fans of Arthurian legend and Merlin with a familiar enemy in Mordred that delivers a dangerous threat against Brinnie. She has a role similar to that of Arthur as the one trapped in the middle with the threat of Mordred on her shoulders and everyone around her wanting to keep her out of harm's way. Wraithwood is a magical and notable retelling of Arthurian legend that comes to life through the charming Brinnie and her Uncle Merlin.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

In the tradition of long-form fables like Watership Down and Tarka the Otter, War Bunny by Christopher St. John is the tale of a deviant bunny that is really a tale about the human struggle in the form of animal characters. In this story, humans and many other animal species have become extinct. Surviving creatures refer to humans as Dead Gods. Barely six types of non-canids dwell at the Million Acre Wood. The carnivores, on the other hand, are known as the Blessed Ones—predators who claim a birthright. While all the rabbits unquestioningly accept their fate in what is called the Giving, a young rabbit named Anastasia dares to question her place in the grand scheme of things. She puts her warren in danger after escaping from the maw of a Blessed One and is banished by the Warren Mother. As a social species without any support group, she learns to develop self-defense tactics, and rabbits from other warrens soon forge an alliance with her. As the predators crave fresh meat, the rabbits are ready to challenge them to come and take it.

War Bunny is a highly imaginative look at the natural world with an element of fantasy. As a writer, Christopher St. John has a firm touch and an unaffected style that is packed with emotions toward the dwellers of Million Acre Wood. His control of pacing is admirable as there is never a dull moment. Even if animals take the place of human beings, the story uses vivid and dramatic excitement in its allegorical mantle. St. John doesn’t give us a story about rabbits as plain rabbits. Rather, we get a fable for all ages that explores the human condition and consciousness. Animals that talk and think like us is an idea that is easy to accept for what they represent, such as in the case of War Bunny, is larger than life. This is a spellbinding must-read that is a brilliant example of keen observation and passionate storytelling.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw by D.A. Mucci is the first book in the Ignatius series. The Kingdom of Skye has a curse hanging over it and barren land where nothing grows. A prophecy haunts the current emperor's throne that could bring the kingdom back to its former glory but bringing it back to life will require uncovering the truth. Ignatius' strengths have always been rooted in clever comebacks and how effectively he could avoid a confrontation. When bullies challenge him to a fight, Iggy does the only logical thing and runs away. When he's saved from a Death Knight by a mysterious stranger, he's given the gift of two swords and is drawn into the Kingdom of Skye. He's spent his life running away from his problems, so he couldn't possibly be the hero that has been prophesied but as a threat emerges he learns just what he's capable of achieving.

The Kingdom of Skye is described as a place containing too much evil for anything to grow, which creates a vivid visual of the state of these lands. D.A. Mucci weaves in details that bring the kingdom to life and create a setting with a backstory as rich as the plot. This delivers the ideal background for Iggy's arc from the boy that runs away to the hero of the kingdom. The details that have gone into each setting are much appreciated and each peels back layers to Iggy and foreshadows his hero's journey. Mucci incorporates enjoyable and vivid descriptions of Iggy through other characters that describe him as a scared rabbit and as a witless child of no courage. The plot focuses on how he discovers his own bravery in the face of his fear and learns how to go against his instinct to run away.

The writing is fast-paced and never loses sight of the journey that Iggy is on which is woven from the various characters that he encounters throughout the kingdom. Among the most significant are Lecque and Raraesa who take him in and teach him how to blend in with society while serving as his protectors and as catalysts for him taking a chance at becoming a hero. His time in the kingdom and in Pennsylvania are mirrors of each other with him running away from confrontation in one world and challenging a curse in the other world. Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw is an epic adventure ideal for young adults with a rich fantasy setting, a hero's journey, a self-discovery of courage, and action-packed moments.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Fever Dreams and the End of All Things is a fantasy novel for young adults written by A.J. Massey. Middle school seemed so anticlimactic after Meridia. Ben would have dismissed his adventures there as nothing more than a dream had it not been for the fact that his friends Marcus and Avery had also played important roles in saving that planet from the Creator’s plans to destroy it. They could not all have been dreaming. Would they ever be able to return to Meridia? Meanwhile, their final year as middle school students was drawing to a close, and next year they would be in high school, where Ben could reinvent himself and anything could happen. For now, he would struggle to control the tickle taking hold of his throat while Mr. Perkins plodded grimly through his history lecture. Perkins had problems with students leaving for the bathroom in the middle of class, but the flu or cold that had Ben in its grip overrode his reluctance to ask Perkins for permission. After class, Marcus suggested Ben go to the nurse’s office, but Ben wouldn’t be able to go to the dance that night if his illness were acknowledged. He was taking Avery and planning on somehow telling her how he felt about her. He also had to learn how to dance, something Marcus promised to help him with. He could do this. Heck, he'd helped save a planet and every creature living on it.

A.J. Massey’s epic fantasy novel, Fever Dreams and the End of All Things, continues his brilliant coming-of-age saga featuring three middle school kids whose lives were changed forever when they found themselves on Meridia, an alien planet in danger of destruction. Along the way, Massey tackles body positivity, self-esteem, and the social awkwardness many young people feel around school, popularity, and dating. The author weaves an intricate and powerful tale that delves deep into philosophical realms as Meridia is once more endangered, this time by the Ghastly Three, and the three friends find themselves on separate quests in their efforts to save it once again. Settle into a comfortable reading chair, relish the author’s role as Dungeon Master and storyteller, and get involved in an intense and compelling adventure/fantasy tale. I had a grand time reading Fever Dreams. It’s most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rylanne Burdette for Readers' Favorite

Lilac has been a prisoner in her castle for years. Since the kingdom found out that their future queen holds a dark secret, her parents have kept her away from public eyes and any normalcy in life. When Lilac receives a letter from a witch, offering her a way to get rid of her so-called curse, she immediately escapes the castle into the night. On her way to see the witch, the princess meets a mysterious man who offers to help her. The pair begins to open up to one another, and Lilac can't help but imagine a future with him, although it would be forbidden by her parents and the rest of the kingdom. Disenchanted by Brianna Sugalski is a dark fantasy novel full of suspense, lust, and intense action.

Disenchanted blew me away! Everything about this book was captivating. Brianna Sugalski's writing style was so elegant, and the further into the book I got, the more I realized that I would need a sequel to this as soon as possible. Lilac and Garin were such a steamy couple, and the final scene between them left me with so many questions! The plot of this book flowed very smoothly, and once I was about 45% of the way through it, I ended up not being able to put it down. The overall character development was fabulous, and the intense action scenes were vivid. I will be looking out for a sequel and would recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Isle of Dragons is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action, and magical adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author L. A. Thompson. Intended for the young adult age range, this work is the opening in a trilogy that introduces us to a whole new world of pseudo-medieval kingdoms, magical customs, and plenty of fast-paced action. Our heroine is Jade Sol, whose world is torn apart when her father is banished to a far off land where it is rumored the magic is wild and deadly. Determined to rescue him, Jade finds herself alone in the big wide world for the very first time, until help comes from the most unusual of places.

Author L. A. Thompson has crafted a truly excellent work of fantasy adventure which will not only captivate its younger intended audience but extend into those young at heart readers who want to live out the rebellious adventures of a teen with a determined heart and fire in her belly. One of the things which I most enjoyed about this work was the worldbuilding, setting itself up nicely for an expansive trilogy in a cinematically described and wide-reaching world of fiefs, monarchs, deceptions, politics, magical lore, and gorgeous landscapes. I was with Jade every step of the way, and the emotional quality of the narrative made for some excellent heart-in-mouth moments when you really root for her to succeed. Overall, I would definitely recommend Isle of Dragons as a promising start to a rip-roaring new series for YA fantasy fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

On the planet Kalecca, there lived demons, seers, relics, and humans. Humans were constant targets for these dark forces, which was how Duff's family got wiped out. Duff, orphaned at an early age, moved to the orphanage where suffering was worn like a cloak. The more he struggled to fund the orphanage, the higher the company that supplied necessities raised its prices. Duff was fast approaching the age of eighteen, and he had to leave the orphanage. This meant that he wouldn't be there to protect or provide for the remaining children. If only a family would take him in, then there'd be hope for the orphanage. However, when all the families he applied to rejected him, launching into the deadly jungle became his only option. Follow Duff on the toughest journey of his life in Company Assassin by Claudia Blood, where the battle of survival looms.

Company Assassin by Claudia Blood is a very interesting book that will appeal to lovers of sci-fi based novels. The cover was enchanting, giving the feel of a ghost town that drew me in. Another interesting aspect of this novel was the plot, which was fast-paced, unique, and realistic. Character development was superb, especially for Malcolm, Matilda, and Duff. Malcolm's deception, Matilda's unassuming nature and sheer will, and Duff's innocent yet smart persona got applause from me. This story reiterates that things are often never as they seem and that everyone has a motive. I appreciated the engaging dialogues and seamless continuity of this story. Also, the book was exceptionally edited, which helped me enjoy my reading. Company Assassin is the first installment in a trilogy, and I say that Claudia did beautifully!

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Skin Curse is book two of The Gate Cycle series by Kristin Jacques, an easy-to-read, gripping fantasy with memorable characters and an exceptional plot. Azzy Brimvine is facing the biggest challenge of her life. After all she has been through, from surviving the snatcher’s caravan and the hungry-eyed monsters, she has to find her brother in the city of Avergard, a city that is treacherous. The voices that have guided her for so long have departed. In the House of Seven Smiles, it is hard to trust anyone, even the mysterious Lord Wallach and the servants. Powerful forces scheme to bring the city to the ground, and in a place where no one can be trusted, she must find her brother and do so fast to save her family before the Gate destroys everything.

The story is set in a world that is filled with mystery and it features a protagonist with a unique mission. Saving her brother and family is Azzy’s primary concern. It sounds so easy, but then the author creates twists in the plot that make the task almost impossible. One of the things I love in a good story is how well the author handles conflict and Kristin Jacques rises to the task, never for a moment disappointing. The protagonist is a female character that is sophisticated, and while she enjoys extraordinary skills, she is blinded by her loyalty and suffers because of people that cannot bet rusted. Skin Curse is fast-paced and written in prose that is beautiful, highly descriptive, and characterized by strong imagery. The depiction of the dark world of Avergard will have fans of fantasy intoxicated. I loved this book!

Reviewed by Grace Masso for Readers' Favorite

Hall of Skulls by Jamie Eubanks is a story that gripped me from the first page and had me turning the pages nonstop, the kind of science fiction that transports the reader into exciting and rich worlds, and, of course, in the company of characters that readers care about. In this case, it is Kai, whose mission is not only to overcome a series of well-calculated, heart-breaking, and insuperable challenges but also to locate his abducted lover and betrothed. To find Asher, he has to walk a difficult and traitorous road and cross paths with the aliens that almost conquered his world thousands of years ago. The Hall of Skulls holds immense power and astonishing secrets, and if only he can unlock its power, perhaps he might find Asher and prove himself a worthy leader of the Mokuteki. But how much fight can he muster for the task ahead?

Jamie Eubanks just blew me away with her novel. The protagonist is a man whose world is changed by the shocking discoveries he makes when he assumes responsibility for his people. While he goes through untold suffering and challenges, he also grows into a great character, each step he takes unveiling a mystery about the world he thought he knew. His encounter with powerful forces catapults him into chaos, allowing him to be transformed through the crucible of pain. The writing is gorgeous, with descriptions that left my mind with powerful images. The plot is cleverly written, the characters exceptional, and the entire writing as atmospheric as anything I would have wanted. I finished the book fast because I just couldn’t wait. Hall of Skulls is one of those books that grab all your attention and keep it until the unexpected end.