Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie Rodriguez is a transformative coming-of-age adventure of a young girl against a world of inequality. The story welcomes you to the world of Aerizon, a place that is home to four united tribes. Laela is a Treedle who is about to transition from girlhood to womanhood. This change represents a beginning and an end, a force of nature over which she won’t have any control as the Pyuva clan to which she belongs are specific with gender roles. But free-spirited Laela doesn’t want to be constrained by such roles as she is passionate about venturing out and exploring. Complicating matters are her feelings for Vito, a Pyuva classmate, whom she sees courting another girl. She goes on a journey after her friends and neighbors want her to settle down with Leon. She feels that the business of finding a match is showing her the wrong path. But outside Aerizon lies the dangerous hill tribe of the Mergons.

Lisa Perskie Rodriguez gives you a lucid narrative where both characters and the fantastic world they inhabit come alive. Laela is no old-school cookie-cutter heroine. She has a spark that pushes her to create her own destiny—something that she finds outside her tribe and away from its stringent conformity to age-old practices. While Laela is armed with being reared in philosophical wisdom and closeness to nature, she also has the heart of an adventurer like a huge bonfire that cannot be extinguished. Rodriguez is a master of world-building. Anyone can see the level of meticulousness that went through the details of the history of the Four Tribes, their culture, and their ancestry. All of the elements of an engaging YA fantasy fall right into place in this story. The dialogues are meaty and there is so much energy in its young protagonist as well as her interactions with those around her, especially Prince Mateo. Indeed, Laela and the Moonline is a must-read.

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

Ever the Night Road by Michael Breen is a fantasy that will take your imagination to new heights. Dagny Losh is seventeen years old. She has been living with the Benzara family in Old Rork for quite some time. Alex Benzara was a friend of her brother Morgan, which is how she ended up with them after leaving The Rakesmount. When her brother succumbed to fever and her sister died after The Rakesmount was washed away, Dagny felt alone and very much out of place in this world. Then she meets the Naverung. Somehow, the roads she takes lead her to the places she needs to be. With an entire world to explore, Dagny is sure to find wealth most could only dream of. Danger and mystery are always around the corner.

Each page reveals a treasure of its own. After being drawn to this book by the cover art, I had no idea of the adventure I was about to embark on. Michael Breen has an amazing gift with words and stimulated my senses on a whole new level. I experienced moments of panic and sheer terror. I felt that the author touched on some deep and personal emotions that we don’t always like to admit, even to ourselves. With a strong female protagonist and other relatable characters, this book is sure to entertain and leave you pondering for days, which is exactly what I did. I feel I need to read it again because I am sure I will find more gems that I overlooked the first time in Ever the Night Road.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Rebecca Pendragon by Gary Green is a brilliant young adult fantasy novel. Rebecca is a twelve-year-old girl who is forced to move to rural Minnesota to live with her grandmother, Naomi. Rebecca's mother just died in a car crash, and she has never known her father. Thus, Naomi decides to help her granddaughter get through her loss and forget about her pain. She tells Rebecca a true story from her childhood, about her dragon friend and the wonderful adventures they once had. Even though the story teaches Rebecca a great lesson, she doesn't believe her grandmother. However, Rebecca soon realizes that the magical world her grandmother was talking about indeed exists. She is about to meet creatures like a gnome, fairies, a water nymph, elves, a gremlin, a flying horse, and more. But most importantly, Rebecca will soon learn who wants to harm her and what the future holds for her.

I loved every second of this fantastic read. Rebecca Pendragon: Magic Is All Around Us is not a simple fast-paced adventure. It's a journey of discovery. It's full of heart, well-drawn characters, and magical creatures beautifully brought together. Gary Green dazzles with a masterfully told tale of great loss, courage, friendship, and hope. He excels in proving how important compassion, forgiveness, mindfulness, and staying in the present moment are. I really appreciated the insertion of so many valuable life lessons about the difference between justice and revenge and the risk of remaining stuck in the past and falling prey to negative thoughts. If you like adventure, strong heroines, and magical creatures, you’ll love The Rebecca Pendragon Trilogy.

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!