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Recommend this book:
The Call of the Dreamwalkers
Rafaele Désiré
2024 Finalist
231 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at the young adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature middle-grade and adult readers alike. Penned by author Rafaele Désiré, we follow our protagonist, Ana, a shy ninth-grader whose dreams of fitting in are shattered when her only friend, Heloise, falls into a coma after a strange bus accident. Ana's life takes a dark turn until a fateful dream introduces her to Arcadion, a mysterious light being who reveals the existence of malevolent entities called Mind Worms that prey on vulnerable young minds. Ana discovers her destiny as a Virtue, tasked with fighting against these dark forces. To save Heloise, her school, and herself, Ana must rally her classmates to face their deepest fears and confront the hideous Mind Worms in a battle for their souls.
Author Rafaele Désiré masterfully combines elements of mystery, friendship, and supernatural encounters to craft a captivating narrative that is sure to have readers engaged from start to finish. The concept of dreamwalking and the existence of the Mind Worms add a unique and intriguing twist to the plot, building a sense of urgency and suspense through some excellent cinematic descriptions and atmospheric lexis. One of the features which impressed me the most was the thought put into exploring the psyche of young minds, exposing their fears and vulnerabilities while emphasizing the power of unity and inner strength to overcome darkness. Overall, The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a thrilling adventure that explores the depths of friendship, self-discovery, and the battle between good and evil, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to YA fantasy fans everywhere.
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at the young adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature middle-grade and adult readers alike. Penned by author Rafaele Désiré, we follow our protagonist, Ana, a shy ninth-grader whose dreams of fitting in are shattered when her only friend, Heloise, falls into a coma after a strange bus accident. Ana's life takes a dark turn until a fateful dream introduces her to Arcadion, a mysterious light being who reveals the existence of malevolent entities called Mind Worms that prey on vulnerable young minds. Ana discovers her destiny as a Virtue, tasked with fighting against these dark forces. To save Heloise, her school, and herself, Ana must rally her classmates to face their deepest fears and confront the hideous Mind Worms in a battle for their souls.
Author Rafaele Désiré masterfully combines elements of mystery, friendship, and supernatural encounters to craft a captivating narrative that is sure to have readers engaged from start to finish. The concept of dreamwalking and the existence of the Mind Worms add a unique and intriguing twist to the plot, building a sense of urgency and suspense through some excellent cinematic descriptions and atmospheric lexis. One of the features which impressed me the most was the thought put into exploring the psyche of young minds, exposing their fears and vulnerabilities while emphasizing the power of unity and inner strength to overcome darkness. Overall, The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a thrilling adventure that explores the depths of friendship, self-discovery, and the battle between good and evil, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to YA fantasy fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Something About Alexa
Leanne Hockley
2024 Honorable Mention
385 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Something About Alexa by Leanne Hockley is a young adult paranormal novel with a twist. Our story begins in Forks, Washington, where seventeen-year-old Jayden James finds the woods behind his home an escape from the bully in town and his alcoholic mother. However, his life took an exciting turn when he met Alexa, a newcomer to their little town and his high school. There was an instant attraction and a camaraderie that they both enjoyed. However, his little haven was disturbed when bodies started turning up in the woods. Before he knew it, everyone was a suspect, and no one was safe. Why was everything suddenly going to hell in the little town of Forks? Did Alexa have anything to do with it? What was really happening in Forks?
I wish Twilight was written as well as Something About Alexa. Author Leanne Hockley created a masterpiece! The mystery, the suspense, and the overall feel of the story were intriguing. I was lost in the pages and Jayden's journey. The mystery behind his episodes, his confusion, and the way he handled the whole progression of the plot was great. I wasn’t a big fan of Alexa in the beginning, but I trusted the author because I could feel she had big plans with this story. The deaths were portrayed with the kind of suspense I expected, but Leanne still found many ways to surprise me. The pace was fast, the action was always present, and there was never a moment when I felt disconnected from the story or the characters. The descriptions were vivid, the story was well-written, and the almost captivating narrative made sure I was right next to Jayden until the end. The ending was incredible. I highly recommend this novel!
Something About Alexa by Leanne Hockley is a young adult paranormal novel with a twist. Our story begins in Forks, Washington, where seventeen-year-old Jayden James finds the woods behind his home an escape from the bully in town and his alcoholic mother. However, his life took an exciting turn when he met Alexa, a newcomer to their little town and his high school. There was an instant attraction and a camaraderie that they both enjoyed. However, his little haven was disturbed when bodies started turning up in the woods. Before he knew it, everyone was a suspect, and no one was safe. Why was everything suddenly going to hell in the little town of Forks? Did Alexa have anything to do with it? What was really happening in Forks?
I wish Twilight was written as well as Something About Alexa. Author Leanne Hockley created a masterpiece! The mystery, the suspense, and the overall feel of the story were intriguing. I was lost in the pages and Jayden's journey. The mystery behind his episodes, his confusion, and the way he handled the whole progression of the plot was great. I wasn’t a big fan of Alexa in the beginning, but I trusted the author because I could feel she had big plans with this story. The deaths were portrayed with the kind of suspense I expected, but Leanne still found many ways to surprise me. The pace was fast, the action was always present, and there was never a moment when I felt disconnected from the story or the characters. The descriptions were vivid, the story was well-written, and the almost captivating narrative made sure I was right next to Jayden until the end. The ending was incredible. I highly recommend this novel!
Recommend this book:
Nightmare Beauty
A Nightmare in Elmridge, Book 1
Ileen Martin
2024 Bronze Medal
322 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Nightmare Beauty is a work of fiction in the paranormal adventure, fantasy, and action subgenres, and is the opening novel of the Nightmare in Elmridge series. The work is intended for young adult readers but can also be enjoyed by adults. Penned by author Ileen Martin, the plot follows sixteen-year-old Belle Montague as she grapples with her haunting family history and a recent tragedy that leaves blood on her hands. Forced to leave everything behind, Belle moves in with her mysterious aunt in Elmridge, an elite city where she encounters a new set of challenges. From navigating a glitzy high school dominated by the Princess Posse to uncovering secrets about her past with the help of her fantasy-guy-come-true, Liam Rawlins, Belle must unravel the mysteries before it's too late. As she delves deeper into her supernatural family history, Belle finds herself entangled in a web of danger, romance, and dark secrets that threaten to consume her.
Author Ileen Martin has crafted a charming and enjoyable YA novel that perfectly balances elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural to create a compelling narrative that hooks readers from the very first page. Belle's journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity is both relatable and empowering, making her a protagonist that readers will root for until the end. I loved the close narration and her dialogue and attitude, shaped by the events around her as she grows and learns to cope with the new surprises in store. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, keeps readers guessing with well-laid clues and some really satisfying reveals later on. The vividly depicted setting of Elmridge goes beyond the cinematic to realize a fully multisensory immersion into the story world. Overall, Nightmare Beauty is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction who enjoy a mix of suspense, romance, and paranormal intrigue, and I can’t wait to see what the series has in store next.
Nightmare Beauty is a work of fiction in the paranormal adventure, fantasy, and action subgenres, and is the opening novel of the Nightmare in Elmridge series. The work is intended for young adult readers but can also be enjoyed by adults. Penned by author Ileen Martin, the plot follows sixteen-year-old Belle Montague as she grapples with her haunting family history and a recent tragedy that leaves blood on her hands. Forced to leave everything behind, Belle moves in with her mysterious aunt in Elmridge, an elite city where she encounters a new set of challenges. From navigating a glitzy high school dominated by the Princess Posse to uncovering secrets about her past with the help of her fantasy-guy-come-true, Liam Rawlins, Belle must unravel the mysteries before it's too late. As she delves deeper into her supernatural family history, Belle finds herself entangled in a web of danger, romance, and dark secrets that threaten to consume her.
Author Ileen Martin has crafted a charming and enjoyable YA novel that perfectly balances elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural to create a compelling narrative that hooks readers from the very first page. Belle's journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity is both relatable and empowering, making her a protagonist that readers will root for until the end. I loved the close narration and her dialogue and attitude, shaped by the events around her as she grows and learns to cope with the new surprises in store. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, keeps readers guessing with well-laid clues and some really satisfying reveals later on. The vividly depicted setting of Elmridge goes beyond the cinematic to realize a fully multisensory immersion into the story world. Overall, Nightmare Beauty is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction who enjoy a mix of suspense, romance, and paranormal intrigue, and I can’t wait to see what the series has in store next.
Recommend this book:
Amoura Awakened
Meg Kramer
2024 Silver Medal
342 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Jaqueline Neves for Readers' Favorite
In Meg Kramer's captivating debut YA urban fantasy, Amoura Awakened, readers are invited into a world where magic intertwines with the struggles of adolescence. Protagonist Amoura Renly, far from ordinary, grapples with her newfound magical abilities after a violent encounter with a bully. Seeking solace and understanding, she enrolls at Elderwood School for the Magically Inclined in San Francisco, only to find herself entangled in a society that fears and suppresses magical abnormalities. As Amoura delves into the mysteries surrounding her magical connection, she unravels dark secrets that threaten her existence. The narrative expertly weaves together elements of friendship, danger, and self-discovery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Meg Kramer's writing in Amoura Awakened is akin to an enchanting tapestry, weaving together the ordinary and the magical with mesmerizing finesse. The plot gracefully unfurls, maintaining an engaging pace that expertly navigates moments of heightened tension and contemplative introspection. The action sequences are not just described; they burst forth vividly, pulling readers into the enchanting realm where witches and humans coexist. Kramer's characters are not merely players in the narrative; they are intricately crafted individuals, each driven by their desires and grappling with insecurities, rendering them both relatable and undeniably compelling. Throughout Amoura Awakened, Kramer subtly threads themes of identity and acceptance, infusing the narrative with a profound depth that resonates with readers. The exploration of these themes adds layers to the story, elevating it beyond a mere magical fantasy. In this tale of friendship, danger, and self-discovery, the author skillfully navigates the complexities of human emotions and the magical world they inhabit. As I delved into the pages, I found myself immersed in a world that challenges perceptions and tugs at the heartstrings.
In Meg Kramer's captivating debut YA urban fantasy, Amoura Awakened, readers are invited into a world where magic intertwines with the struggles of adolescence. Protagonist Amoura Renly, far from ordinary, grapples with her newfound magical abilities after a violent encounter with a bully. Seeking solace and understanding, she enrolls at Elderwood School for the Magically Inclined in San Francisco, only to find herself entangled in a society that fears and suppresses magical abnormalities. As Amoura delves into the mysteries surrounding her magical connection, she unravels dark secrets that threaten her existence. The narrative expertly weaves together elements of friendship, danger, and self-discovery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Meg Kramer's writing in Amoura Awakened is akin to an enchanting tapestry, weaving together the ordinary and the magical with mesmerizing finesse. The plot gracefully unfurls, maintaining an engaging pace that expertly navigates moments of heightened tension and contemplative introspection. The action sequences are not just described; they burst forth vividly, pulling readers into the enchanting realm where witches and humans coexist. Kramer's characters are not merely players in the narrative; they are intricately crafted individuals, each driven by their desires and grappling with insecurities, rendering them both relatable and undeniably compelling. Throughout Amoura Awakened, Kramer subtly threads themes of identity and acceptance, infusing the narrative with a profound depth that resonates with readers. The exploration of these themes adds layers to the story, elevating it beyond a mere magical fantasy. In this tale of friendship, danger, and self-discovery, the author skillfully navigates the complexities of human emotions and the magical world they inhabit. As I delved into the pages, I found myself immersed in a world that challenges perceptions and tugs at the heartstrings.
Recommend this book:
The Younglings
Mayhem & Magic
Helena M Craggs
2024 Gold Medal
406 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
The Younglings: Mayhem & Magic by Helena M. Craggs follows Quinn Carter and his group of supernatural friends as they try to not only navigate life as young adults but also as supernatural beings. Quinn being half human and half demon is always fighting the darker side of his nature but having a beautiful half-angel at his side makes it a lot easier to manage. If only it were that easy to manage every other issue that seems to arise. Can Quinn conquer his dark side while helping the people he cares most about?
I really loved how the author decided to throw almost every supernatural being into this one group of friends. It felt like not only were they individually different based on the type of supernatural creatures they were but also based on their personalities. Their ‘species,’ for lack of a better word, is almost a reflection of who they are and we see how they grow and overcome issues relating to their specific abilities and situations. I also love how it made the found family concept in this story even better as they all come from completely different backgrounds. The Younglings by Helena M. Craggs is so well written and has really good world-building. The pacing is also just right, easing you into the dynamics of the characters before thrusting you into the real action. The best part of all was the twists and turns this story took; some I could almost predict but others caught me completely off guard, which I really enjoyed. Overall, this was such a good book and I would definitely recommend it.
The Younglings: Mayhem & Magic by Helena M. Craggs follows Quinn Carter and his group of supernatural friends as they try to not only navigate life as young adults but also as supernatural beings. Quinn being half human and half demon is always fighting the darker side of his nature but having a beautiful half-angel at his side makes it a lot easier to manage. If only it were that easy to manage every other issue that seems to arise. Can Quinn conquer his dark side while helping the people he cares most about?
I really loved how the author decided to throw almost every supernatural being into this one group of friends. It felt like not only were they individually different based on the type of supernatural creatures they were but also based on their personalities. Their ‘species,’ for lack of a better word, is almost a reflection of who they are and we see how they grow and overcome issues relating to their specific abilities and situations. I also love how it made the found family concept in this story even better as they all come from completely different backgrounds. The Younglings by Helena M. Craggs is so well written and has really good world-building. The pacing is also just right, easing you into the dynamics of the characters before thrusting you into the real action. The best part of all was the twists and turns this story took; some I could almost predict but others caught me completely off guard, which I really enjoyed. Overall, this was such a good book and I would definitely recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Byways
A Novel
Mary Pascual
2023 Finalist
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
As a neurodivergent kid and an easy target for vicious bullies, CeeCee has never had a peaceful day in school. Her frequent lapses of focus and slipping grades concern her teachers and the counselor. Although Trudy has always been a calming presence, a sudden fallout with her makes CeeCee even more agitated. Skipping the rest of her classes, she wanders aimlessly until she reaches a deserted alley. Here, she is transported to the byways, an otherworldly maze of alleys and jumbled buildings that harbor curious characters. As CeeCee tries desperately to escape, she must confront a crazy pervert, a persistent drug dealer, an egotistical queen, and lethal blobs of color. Read about CeeCee’s escapades in The Byways, Mary Pascual’s modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland.
In her novel, Pascual masterfully creates a dark, creepy world that lurks in the shadows unbeknownst to ordinary people. The never-ending, mind-boggling series of alleys with their sinister magic haunted me long after I finished the book. Pascual was adept at conveying the emotions in her writing, making CeeCee’s doubts, paranoia, and hopelessness palpable. It made me feel as if, instead of her, I was stuck in a terrible nightmare. Every new turn in the byways brought us face-to-face with bizarre characters and unprecedented adventures. Yet, CeeCee proved to be a strong protagonist with fierce determination, and I could not help rooting for her. As she pushed her way through the ordeals, ignoring the naysayers and breaking the stereotypes, I realized that this book was not merely a retelling but also an allegorical tale. Pascual showed how forgetting our worth could send us tumbling down an endless abyss of depression, where dark temptations could imprison us for life. We can win the battle and see the light again by recognizing our strengths and believing in ourselves. I recommend The Byways to anyone who loves dark fantasy. This book would be perfect for the fans of Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik.
As a neurodivergent kid and an easy target for vicious bullies, CeeCee has never had a peaceful day in school. Her frequent lapses of focus and slipping grades concern her teachers and the counselor. Although Trudy has always been a calming presence, a sudden fallout with her makes CeeCee even more agitated. Skipping the rest of her classes, she wanders aimlessly until she reaches a deserted alley. Here, she is transported to the byways, an otherworldly maze of alleys and jumbled buildings that harbor curious characters. As CeeCee tries desperately to escape, she must confront a crazy pervert, a persistent drug dealer, an egotistical queen, and lethal blobs of color. Read about CeeCee’s escapades in The Byways, Mary Pascual’s modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland.
In her novel, Pascual masterfully creates a dark, creepy world that lurks in the shadows unbeknownst to ordinary people. The never-ending, mind-boggling series of alleys with their sinister magic haunted me long after I finished the book. Pascual was adept at conveying the emotions in her writing, making CeeCee’s doubts, paranoia, and hopelessness palpable. It made me feel as if, instead of her, I was stuck in a terrible nightmare. Every new turn in the byways brought us face-to-face with bizarre characters and unprecedented adventures. Yet, CeeCee proved to be a strong protagonist with fierce determination, and I could not help rooting for her. As she pushed her way through the ordeals, ignoring the naysayers and breaking the stereotypes, I realized that this book was not merely a retelling but also an allegorical tale. Pascual showed how forgetting our worth could send us tumbling down an endless abyss of depression, where dark temptations could imprison us for life. We can win the battle and see the light again by recognizing our strengths and believing in ourselves. I recommend The Byways to anyone who loves dark fantasy. This book would be perfect for the fans of Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik.
Recommend this book:
, Allison is determined to be a normal teenager despite everyone believing that she is a monster. A year previously she had learned that she was half Skaag, a legacy from her mother. She now has prosthetic eyes, allowing her to see dragons while they are in the slip field, some...){kind=link}
The Blood of Faeries
The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 2
Dan Rice
2023 Honorable Mention
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
In Dan Rice’s The Blood of Faeries (The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 2), Allison is determined to be a normal teenager despite everyone believing that she is a monster. A year previously she had learned that she was half Skaag, a legacy from her mother. She now has prosthetic eyes, allowing her to see dragons while they are in the slip field, something nobody else was capable of. Allison was desperate to go back to school. She had to figure out how to deal with Haji, who betrayed her trust by appearing on the podcast that created her monster identity. Allison only trusted Dahia completely. After Haji went missing, Allison recruited her close associates to find him. When her search led to the apartment of a drug dealer, her nemesis Gore confronted her. Unable to transform into her Skaag without harming her friends, Gore was able to capture Allison and Dahia by drugging them. What will he do with them?
Dan Rice’s book is full of action and suspense. The tension between Allison and her mother is realistically portrayed in the way that they argue. It was easy to understand why Allison developed abandonment issues. I felt sympathy for Haji, as he seemed to have feelings for Allison and her rejection led to his disappearance. I had to laugh at their interaction with the people they question when Allison and Dahia were trying to find Haji. The mental turmoil Allison felt was vivid. The descriptions of the supporting characters and their personalities were well-developed. I could feel the same lack of trust Allison experienced as everyone’s motives were not clear until the end. This is a highly unpredictable science-fiction fantasy story. The conclusion leaves a mystery that needs to be resolved in a sequel. Any reader who enjoys dragons, faeries, and monsters in suspenseful action stories should read The Blood of Faeries.
In Dan Rice’s The Blood of Faeries (The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 2), Allison is determined to be a normal teenager despite everyone believing that she is a monster. A year previously she had learned that she was half Skaag, a legacy from her mother. She now has prosthetic eyes, allowing her to see dragons while they are in the slip field, something nobody else was capable of. Allison was desperate to go back to school. She had to figure out how to deal with Haji, who betrayed her trust by appearing on the podcast that created her monster identity. Allison only trusted Dahia completely. After Haji went missing, Allison recruited her close associates to find him. When her search led to the apartment of a drug dealer, her nemesis Gore confronted her. Unable to transform into her Skaag without harming her friends, Gore was able to capture Allison and Dahia by drugging them. What will he do with them?
Dan Rice’s book is full of action and suspense. The tension between Allison and her mother is realistically portrayed in the way that they argue. It was easy to understand why Allison developed abandonment issues. I felt sympathy for Haji, as he seemed to have feelings for Allison and her rejection led to his disappearance. I had to laugh at their interaction with the people they question when Allison and Dahia were trying to find Haji. The mental turmoil Allison felt was vivid. The descriptions of the supporting characters and their personalities were well-developed. I could feel the same lack of trust Allison experienced as everyone’s motives were not clear until the end. This is a highly unpredictable science-fiction fantasy story. The conclusion leaves a mystery that needs to be resolved in a sequel. Any reader who enjoys dragons, faeries, and monsters in suspenseful action stories should read The Blood of Faeries.
Recommend this book:
Twisted Truths
Helena Hawthorn Series Book 7
May Freighter
2023 Bronze Medal
250 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
After being caught in a magic circle, Helena is tossed out of a portal a year into the future in Twisted Truths: Helena Hawthorn Series Book 7 by May Freighter. Everything seems to have changed; however, no one wants to explain what is happening. Surrounded by chaos, it comes to light that Lucious may have caused everything that went wrong, but there is always more to a story. Can they set things right, or will their world forever remain changed?
Twisted Truths by May Freighter is a delightful book, and although it’s the seventh book in a series, I found it easy to read as a standalone. The world-building was very well done, with the past and present happenings explained to the reader. I also really appreciated the glossary at the start of the book, which explained certain terms specific to the series. Freighter did a wonderful job with the characters, most of which you quickly become acquainted with, and I easily found them likable in many ways. Helena, in particular, is a very good female lead, both strong and caring, with a good head on her shoulders. Overall, Twisted Truths is a well-written urban fantasy with a good amount of uniqueness in terms of plotline, and I easily became engrossed in the story. I think any fantasy and paranormal book fan should read this as a standalone or read the series from the start.
After being caught in a magic circle, Helena is tossed out of a portal a year into the future in Twisted Truths: Helena Hawthorn Series Book 7 by May Freighter. Everything seems to have changed; however, no one wants to explain what is happening. Surrounded by chaos, it comes to light that Lucious may have caused everything that went wrong, but there is always more to a story. Can they set things right, or will their world forever remain changed?
Twisted Truths by May Freighter is a delightful book, and although it’s the seventh book in a series, I found it easy to read as a standalone. The world-building was very well done, with the past and present happenings explained to the reader. I also really appreciated the glossary at the start of the book, which explained certain terms specific to the series. Freighter did a wonderful job with the characters, most of which you quickly become acquainted with, and I easily found them likable in many ways. Helena, in particular, is a very good female lead, both strong and caring, with a good head on her shoulders. Overall, Twisted Truths is a well-written urban fantasy with a good amount of uniqueness in terms of plotline, and I easily became engrossed in the story. I think any fantasy and paranormal book fan should read this as a standalone or read the series from the start.
Recommend this book:
Ice Dance
Vik Azeem
2023 Silver Medal
291 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Ice Dance is a work of fiction in the fantasy adventure subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Vik Azeem. A light and enjoyable read for fantasy fans looking for a sprightly adventure without too many gritty undertones, this charming tale follows protagonist Hassan, a Pakistani-American, on a journey of portal-hopping, discovery, and even romance. When Hassan finds himself smitten by the mysterious Yasmine, little does he know this interest will take him into a whole new world of magic, with chaotic beings from another realm and dangerous enemies he could never have imagined. What results is a ripping adventure about discovering what you’re really capable of.
It has been absolutely delightful to escape into the light-hearted world of author Vik Azeem for this fast-paced and concise fantasy tale that delivers everything it promises. One of the standout features for me personally was the author’s sense of humor, which lights up every page with quirky, nerdy dialogue and a keen sense of creating lively, lovable characters. Hassan and Yasmine are a well-matched leading pair for the tale, with Yasmine’s cool demeanor offsetting Hassan’s naivety and eagerness to discover things really well. Our hero truly comes into his own as the novel shifts into its exciting third act, where the danger really heats up, but the story never loses its light touch or sense of whimsy, which is truly a gift. Overall, I would certainly recommend Ice Dance for mature YA and adult readers alike: an unmissable and charming fantasy read indeed.
Ice Dance is a work of fiction in the fantasy adventure subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Vik Azeem. A light and enjoyable read for fantasy fans looking for a sprightly adventure without too many gritty undertones, this charming tale follows protagonist Hassan, a Pakistani-American, on a journey of portal-hopping, discovery, and even romance. When Hassan finds himself smitten by the mysterious Yasmine, little does he know this interest will take him into a whole new world of magic, with chaotic beings from another realm and dangerous enemies he could never have imagined. What results is a ripping adventure about discovering what you’re really capable of.
It has been absolutely delightful to escape into the light-hearted world of author Vik Azeem for this fast-paced and concise fantasy tale that delivers everything it promises. One of the standout features for me personally was the author’s sense of humor, which lights up every page with quirky, nerdy dialogue and a keen sense of creating lively, lovable characters. Hassan and Yasmine are a well-matched leading pair for the tale, with Yasmine’s cool demeanor offsetting Hassan’s naivety and eagerness to discover things really well. Our hero truly comes into his own as the novel shifts into its exciting third act, where the danger really heats up, but the story never loses its light touch or sense of whimsy, which is truly a gift. Overall, I would certainly recommend Ice Dance for mature YA and adult readers alike: an unmissable and charming fantasy read indeed.
Recommend this book:
Kingdom of Echoes
E.S. Nisan
2023 Gold Medal
292 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
Kingdom of Echoes by E.S. Nisan is a young adult story about the world of echoes and a feisty twelve-year-old named Ravlen. Ravlen has always felt different—even on an island built for girls with abilities. Her recurring strange visions and inability to understand them have caused her to lash out in more ways than one at her fellow students and caregivers. Things begin to change for her when she sees a strange, sad man, who seems somewhat familiar, trying to lead her into an echo. Echoes are imitation worlds created from desires, and what Ravlen desires more than anything is a family—parents who love her, even though she’s never known or met them. However, Ravlen will need to understand that all that glitters isn’t gold, and while an echo promises to give her all she desires, it can also lead to her end.
Kingdom of Echoes is a splendid book about the importance of friendship and family despite not being bound by blood. E.S. Nisan’s portrayal of the echoes, especially Ravlen’s echo, reminded me of a picture-perfect family scene straight out of The Stepford Wives—but for kids. She perfectly captures their essence, so much so that I almost want to have my echo, despite knowing the dangers they pose. The plot was intriguing as I kept wondering what Ravlen’s story was and why she was so different, and Nisan builds up the anticipation of the reveal beautifully. Ravlen’s history was revealed at the perfect time that wasn’t too early in the story or too late to be frustrating, with just enough missing details that will leave you eager to join her as she learns more about herself in the next installment. Preteens and early teenagers will love the Kingdom of Echoes as they follow Ravlen’s adventures and see how she steps more fully into her powers.
Kingdom of Echoes by E.S. Nisan is a young adult story about the world of echoes and a feisty twelve-year-old named Ravlen. Ravlen has always felt different—even on an island built for girls with abilities. Her recurring strange visions and inability to understand them have caused her to lash out in more ways than one at her fellow students and caregivers. Things begin to change for her when she sees a strange, sad man, who seems somewhat familiar, trying to lead her into an echo. Echoes are imitation worlds created from desires, and what Ravlen desires more than anything is a family—parents who love her, even though she’s never known or met them. However, Ravlen will need to understand that all that glitters isn’t gold, and while an echo promises to give her all she desires, it can also lead to her end.
Kingdom of Echoes is a splendid book about the importance of friendship and family despite not being bound by blood. E.S. Nisan’s portrayal of the echoes, especially Ravlen’s echo, reminded me of a picture-perfect family scene straight out of The Stepford Wives—but for kids. She perfectly captures their essence, so much so that I almost want to have my echo, despite knowing the dangers they pose. The plot was intriguing as I kept wondering what Ravlen’s story was and why she was so different, and Nisan builds up the anticipation of the reveal beautifully. Ravlen’s history was revealed at the perfect time that wasn’t too early in the story or too late to be frustrating, with just enough missing details that will leave you eager to join her as she learns more about herself in the next installment. Preteens and early teenagers will love the Kingdom of Echoes as they follow Ravlen’s adventures and see how she steps more fully into her powers.
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