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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reviewed by Samantha Gregory for Readers' Favorite

Vampyrian Gateway by Richard C. Christensen is the story of teen twins Peter and Andie, who have the unusual job of dealing with otherworldly creatures and their problems. Gifted with low-level abilities, the teens help ghosts, vampires, and other creatures who come their way. Their latest job involves looking after a toddler vampire. Peter is against the job, knowing that vampires mean trouble. They have no idea how much trouble though as the kid is soon kidnapped and the twins are pulled into a mystery. An entire world of vampires is in danger and it is up to Peter and Andie to save them. Will they succeed?

Richard C. Christensen has written an entertaining story with Vampyrian Gateway. I loved the main characters of Peter and Andie. They are well written and I love the humor. Peter and Andie have stressful jobs but they seem to take it all in their stride. The story pulled me in from the start and I enjoyed reading it. It was an unusual story but in a good way. I loved the way the teens handled the situation and did their best to do what was right. Peter and Andie's actions are heroic, even when they don't feel it. The dialogue between the two was fast-paced and fun, making them really seem like siblings. It grounded the story in reality even when they were dealing with creatures from another world. This made the story more believable and enjoyable. I think this book would appeal to young adult urban fantasy fans. The characters are relatable and fun. I would definitely recommend it.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Ruthless Pamela Jean by Carol D. Mitchell, Pamela Jean Metcalf’s appearance made her the target of relentless bullying as far back as she could remember. Let down by her mother who was either too ignorant or weak to stop the continuous torture, Pamela decided she could only rely on herself. At the age of eight, Pamela would discover a fictional character by the name of Iceberg Slim and that would change her perspective on everything. Although the violence and taunts continued, Pamela had already turned her anger inward so nothing or nobody could hurt her again. By the time Pamela was seventeen and set ablaze inside a tunnel, she had already become the emotionally hardened woman who was determined to make a success of her life. Pamela would turn her fury into determination to survive and thrive against any odds. Follow her journey as Pamela rises like a phoenix from the ashes to become the ruthless head of P.J. Corporation, an escort agency, where men would become a lucrative commodity in Pamela’s newfound success and power would also become her weapon to finally get her revenge on those who celebrated in her pain and sadness. Welcome to the dark side of the male escort business, where blackmail, sex tapes, betrayal, and revenge are just a normal day in the office.

The contents of Ruthless Pamela Jean by Carol D. Mitchell are extremely realistic and, at times, very emotional to read. I thought Pamela was a tremendously complex character with so many complicated layers to her personality. Her values and morals were completely distorted, a result of not dealing with her childhood traumas. On one hand, she wanted to be the savior for the abused and neglected but, on the other hand, she was a callous and ruthless businesswoman with no sense of remorse or empathy. Her relationship with her mother was beautiful and they shared some very heartwarming moments together. Pamela never held any resentment toward her mother or held her character flaws against her, which was an extremely admirable characteristic. Pamela could also be very tender and this was visible in her relationships with Marla and Jonah. The tunnel scene was brutal but Pamela's reaction was really empowering to anyone who has become the victim of bullying. I also found Pamela's verbal reaction toward her psychiatrist very witty and sharp and this brought a welcome break from the horror of her attack. The dialogue was exceptional and truly authentic for the personalities of the characters. The scene at the end between Marla and Pamela was particularly poignant and emotionally powerful. There are also important life lessons throughout the storyline that highlight the importance of dealing with any childhood trauma, embracing your uniqueness, and being mindful that the need for power and success should not cloud your judgment or morals.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Kill Karma by Kelly L. Marsh is the first book in the Agents of Karma series. Pepper has her future set out, starting with graduation and freedom from probation. Her trouble-making past landed her in difficulty, but she's put her skills to better use by creating a karma-for-hire business that allows her to dispense justice (in secret) to those that deserve punishment. She leads a double existence split between a picture-perfect life and a fight for justice through her business. When her neighbor gathers evidence of her extracurricular hours, Pepper's only choice is to take the job he offers, even if it's to investigate his mother who he believes is possessed by a demon. She's shocked to discover the truth about the past, which draws her deeper into a hellish conspiracy unfolding in her small town with her neighbors falling prey to demonic possession. The upcoming Hallows' Eve brings forth an evil plot to release a Syndicate from hell onto Earth. Pepper uncovers shocking secrets about her own past along with the key to stopping demons from being released, and the chance to save everyone she loves. The story does make room for romance when she meets Jhi and together they embark on this hellish adventure with all the chemistry that generates.

Kill Karma sets up a significant commentary about how justice in society tends to slip by and the desire for retribution steps in. It reflects Pepper's personal quest (and her secret job) to dish out karma and ensure that justice is served. The story is poignant, timely, real, and gritty in the way it manifests in a world being slowly invaded by demons. The strong writing is full of personality from vivid descriptions and a fun tone woven around the attitude of Pepper. Specific word choices add to the originality of the writing and help to create an instantly likable main character. The story evolves quickly as the world spirals and pulls Pepper further into a hellish reality brought to life through dark imagery, with grotesque re-enactments and a disturbing museum. Marsh introduces a variety of creatures including Leviathan, demons, hounds of hell, vampires, and gargoyles into the world, among elements such as possession, soul brokers, and contracts. Marsh delivers a blend of suspense, action, dark imagery, and adventure which brings to life a story that's addictive, fast-paced, and cleverly written.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Rise of the Raidin by Susan L. Markloff is the first book in the Human-Born Era series. Just over a year ago, Jennifer Monroe was an average teenage girl. Now she's living a secret life as a hybrid with abilities that allow her to slay dragons alongside her newfound allies. During the day, she puts on the act of a normal teenager where she focuses on school, worries about test scores, and hangs out with her friends, but at night she trains under her new friends to hunt dragons. She's managed to keep her two lives separate until a dragon crashes into her normal life with an army bent on finding her. Jennifer soon uncovers a secret behind her own origins that comes with a surprising revelation.

The crashing of one world into the other pushes her to explore who she is when both sides of herself merge. The blending of her two lives also delivers drama, humor, and action as it allows Jennifer to discover what life she's willing to fight for and creates tension in her relationships with her friends as they see this new side of her. The clash of her two lives provides chaos that makes her want to go back to being a normal, boring girl but also allows her to see the power and strength this new life offers. The aesthetic that Susan L. Markloff has created stems from a vivid assortment of characters which includes two grovix creatures, a werewolf, two strong personalities, and comic relief. The characters are uniquely fitted to the world such as Archer who has a canine structure to his face with big ears and weight that rivals a lion's, and Blaze who has a pristine white coat, a picture-perfect mane, and a presence that commands attention. Markloff captures these unique characters through their appearances, attitudes, and interactions with Jennifer. The dragon sketches add to the reality of the world and the general feel of the story. The Rise of the Raidin delivers an original take on dragons and dragon slayers with a secret world, a double life, coming-of-age discovery, and action-packed fight scenes.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

From Brick & Darkness is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at young adult readers and was penned by author J. L. Sullivan. The book follows Bax, a young man bored with his life who accepts the offer of a ring that was meant for his estranged father. When the ring speaks to him in his dreams, Bax unleashes the powerful djinn inside it in an attempt to make his wildest dreams come true. Unfortunately, the djinn inside the ring uses violence and manipulation to get Bax what he wants, leaving Bax in a desperate race to rid himself of his new patron before destruction reaches those he cares about most.

I absolutely adored the blend of mythologies, fables, and occult ideas that author J. L. Sullivan mixed together to create this original world and the story within it. This book quickly establishes itself as a fresh take on classic ideas with its own original twists and interpretations, and the resulting product is a roller coaster of an adventure that hooks the reader from page one and refuses to let go. Bax is a stunningly realized protagonist with the flaws of youth that many of us will recognize and even relate to. He leaps off the page with descriptive prose and dialogue, providing the reader with a perfect guide to the terrifying and dynamic narrative that From Brick & Darkness embarks on. An outstanding and original take on some classic and well-tried ideas, I recommend this book to all.