Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The Ghost Ring by Tom Hoffman delivers a blend of supernatural elements, mystery, and adventure set in a haunted college dormitory. The novel follows the protagonist, Simon Moody, a college freshman whose mundane life takes a thrilling turn when he learns that his dorm room is haunted by a ghost known as “the coughing ghost.” The narrative is rich with humor, suspense, and a touch of romance, making it an engaging read for those who enjoy young adult fiction with a supernatural twist. The book begins with Simon’s ordinary college life but quickly shifts into a higher gear as he and his best friend, Clara, investigate the ghostly presence in his dorm.

Tom Hoffman’s writing style is lively, providing detailed descriptions that vividly depict the college environment and the ghostly phenomena. The dialogue is sharp and witty, enhancing the dynamics between characters, particularly in their interactions with the supernatural. While the pace of the narrative is generally brisk, there are moments when it slows down, allowing for character development and a deeper exploration of themes, such as friendship, courage, and the unknown. These slower sections build tension and deepen the mystery. The Ghost Ring is an enjoyable read that successfully combines elements of mystery and the supernatural with the trials and tribulations of college life. Hoffman’s ability to create a compelling, eerie atmosphere while maintaining a lighthearted tone is a notable strength of the book. This novel is recommended for readers who appreciate a good ghost story with interesting characters and a mix of humor and suspense.

Reviewed by Sarah Pierzchala for Readers' Favorite

In Moon Spirit by Fred Gracely, we are introduced to Max Berger, a boy without a past whose present is rather awful. Life in Helpren Municipal Orphanage is hopeless and dreary and, in addition to being prey to bullies, he's also plagued by bizarre waking visions of a beautiful girl and a terrifying evil goddess. These dreams become reality when one night he encounters Sarina, an exquisite but troubled moon spirit on the run from dark forces seeking an orb of power that she has stolen. Sarina pleads for Max's help to conceal the orb. Flattered by the trust the delightful yet naive girl places in him, and intrigued by the exciting assignment, Max makes a snap decision and agrees. But regret soon sets in as this task marks the first of many changes and twists in his life. Will he be able to keep his promise of meeting Sarina at the next full moon to return the orb, or will he be transformed by its frightening powers? And what are the chances he'll be hunted down and destroyed by the ruthless interests seeking its cosmic abilities?

Moon Spirit is a high-spirited adventure bursting with imagination, drama, and humor. Fred Gracely swiftly pulls the reader in with a tantalizing premise enhanced with vivid descriptions of familiar modern cities and ancient moon cults alike. I was especially drawn to the excellent characterizations; Max is a solid hero, but he's also an appealing, realistic kid trying to do the right thing as he navigates a series of ever-more-threatening dilemmas. He's also grappling with the clues to his mysterious past, a past that directly influences his present and that has huge implications for the future. Along the way, he acquires a supporting team of loving adults and fellow foster kids, all of whom are fleshed out with delightful and often humorous details. Sam, Marta, and Zoe are brought to life with endearing quirks that make the team charming, relatable, and just plain fun. The magic-empowered characters such as Sarina, Jexter, and Garook are imaginative. Even mundane figures who appear briefly, such as Mr. Braun and Mr. and Mrs. Hart, are memorably depicted with a few skillful strokes. Middle-grade readers will enjoy the range of cozy family banter and running gags. Light-hearted jokes aside, there's also tons of drama, danger, and more than a touch of noble heroics, pure romance, and tragic self-sacrifice that defy time itself as the well-paced plot winds to an edge-of-your-seat, earth-shattering climax. Readers seeking an exuberant and complex urban fantasy romp will find Moon Spirit hits all the right notes. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Altered: The Altered Experience by Maria Devivo follows the story of a young man trying to come to terms with his new reality in a post-apocalyptic world. Griffin King, a high schooler, finds his life turned upside down when a mysterious virus sweeps through the population and turns the infected people into flesh-craving zombies. Soon, Griffin has to watch as his best friend, his mother, and his little sister fall victim to the infected while he ends up devouring a girl he had previously rescued. Suffering from gaps in his memories, Griffin wakes up at a Re-Assimilation Center in Florida, where a cure for the infected has turned them into the "Altered." Every day, Griffin recovers more and more of his memories and realizes what he has become. Will he be able to start his life anew?

Author Maria Devivo puts a fresh twist on zombie stories with this gripping sci-fi/psychological thriller. The Altered is a post-apocalyptic survival tale narrated from the perspective of one of the infected zombies on his way to recovery. Devivo uses a non-linear narrative that switches back and forth in time to show Griffin's shift in perspective before and after the apocalypse. The plot is thoroughly engrossing, and the unexpected reveals always take you by surprise. You can't help but feel for Griffin as he tries to reconcile with what he has done and become accustomed to his present situation in life. I found the ending very satisfying and felt it wrapped up the story in a believable and realistic manner. As far as post-apocalyptic zombie stories go, this one is up there with the very best. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Would You Rather... by Kimberly Baer revolves around a group of students in a small town who become caught in a curse after playing a disturbing "Would You Rather" game led by a substitute teacher. The game forces them to make unsettling hypothetical choices that start to appear real. As they experience strange outcomes, such as mysterious illnesses, accidents, and missing persons, they suspect the game is connected to a death years earlier due to a prank gone wrong, and its ghostly aftermath. Blake, Ava, and their friends attempt to uncover the truth behind the curse, seeking answers from the spirits by holding a séance, hoping to end the issues. Meanwhile, Maddy is kidnapped by a man obsessed with her and held captive, forcing the group to race against time to unravel the mystery and save their friends.

Kimberly Baer’s Would You Rather... The Haunting of Pinedale High is a unique premise in the genre with a few fresh ideas, and she does well in tapping into the darker side of choices, fate, and consequences. I love that the suspense kicks off from a seemingly innocent game that gradually becomes a terrifying force. The characters' varying reactions to their "Would You Rather" choices—like Ava being asked whether to go missing forever or have someone she loves vanish, Reina choosing between going bald or growing excessive body hair, and Alyssa faced with becoming either a brilliant mathematician or an amazing artist—keep the plot steamrolling forward. Baer constructs pitch-perfect adolescent dialogue and provides each student with enough agency to take action. With echoes of the afterlife and a real sense of foreboding, the overall story is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

V-Life: So It Begins... by Honey Parker is a story about a "newly-made" vampire, Sugar Bernstein. With no one to turn to for guidance, she must navigate the new challenges of her brand-new reality by herself. She chooses to drive around in a camper van to put some distance between her old life and her new existence. As every passing day teaches her something new about the van's maintenance, she realizes this transition has been more than merely inconvenient. But, that's not all she is learning: as there is no vampire guidebook, Sugar has to refer to the material on the internet and novels to separate the facts from myths of vampire life, aka, V-Life. Since her diet depends on hunting living beings, guilt has become an integral part of her existence. Besides these massive changes, she is also struggling with the heartbreak stemming from losing her boyfriend Curtis and her family. The biggest threat, however, is the evil vampire hellbent on killing Sugar.

Honey Parker is a genius author who keeps her audience engaged with a good dose of relatable family anecdotes and hilarious musings. Unlike many other vampire novels and movies, where a vampire becomes self-confident as soon as they are made, our protagonist takes time to understand her new reality, wonders about her now-priorities, worries about a source of regular income for her seemingly endless life, and tests herself to comprehend her skills. Her love for her brother will strike a chord with readers close to their siblings. Honey Parker's brilliance lies in keeping the narrative light-hearted and, at the same time, keeping readers aware of the darkness that looms over Sugar. V-Life: So It Begins... is a perfect book for fantasy lovers who appreciate good humor.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In the horror novel Unsettling Thoughts by Erik Dean, Tina's life takes a dark turn after purchasing an antique chair. Initially, her concerns center on conceiving and exhaustion, but soon she experiences strange occurrences and sleepwalking, leading her to question her sanity. Tina's suspicions about her husband's fidelity grow, and inexplicable items, like a knife in her purse, add to mounting distress and confusion. Despite normal test results, her mental state deteriorates. As flames and murder raise alarms, Tina’s behavior becomes erratic, influenced by disturbing dreams. Tina's friend Wanda, suspecting the influence of the supernatural possession of an object, resolves to destroy it—and whoever, or whatever controls it—and save Tina from its manipulation. But time is running out, an evil force is quickly closing in, and the word “escape” means two entirely different things, depending on who you ask.

"Have a seat, let me see how it fits ...That old chair looks like it was made for you." The slow buildup of Unsettling Thoughts by Erik Dean is what makes its heated climax so satisfying. I've lived in London for over a decade and there's a reason I don't do ghost tours. Having Tina and her friends descend on a historically rich excursion serves to kick off the supernatural elements with its history of fires, lawlessness, and buildings constructed on slag mixed with human remains. And an antique furniture purchase. In the background, we have this deliciously terrible story of another family that comes full circle when Wanda ventures into a mental institution and things start to connect. This can only be attributed to Dean's skill at methodically taking loose ends and spinning them into something bigger. The ending is not at all what I expected but the subversion of expectation is spectacular, and, overall, this is a wonderful read. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Sarah McKnight’s Carousel is a riveting YA horror story that centers around Laura Fitzpatrick, an 18-year-old introvert, and her crush, Maddie, who navigate the terrifying events that unfold after a fateful Halloween night. The novel opens with Laura, dressed as her favorite killer, at a raucous Halloween party, where strobe lights transform the living room into a chaotic frenzy. Laura's internal struggle is palpable as she oscillates between embracing the party spirit and retreating into her comfort zone. This dynamic is amplified by her costume, which gives her the confidence to step outside herself, if only temporarily. Laura’s reluctance, rooted in her knowledge of horror tropes, adds a layer of irony that horror fans will appreciate. The tension escalates when the group transitions to a game of truth-or-dare, where secrets are revealed, and relationships are tested. The opening sets the tone for Laura proving her bravery to Maddie and her classmates by accepting the dare to go to an abandoned carnival ground known as Plum Creek Carnival. This is where the true meaning of horror and an ancient secret is unearthed.

Sarah McKnight’s character and plot development are noteworthy. There’s great tension building from the very beginning. As the story progresses, the introduction of the Ouija board marks a shift from the mundane to the supernatural. Laura’s tentative attempts at social interaction, especially with her lab partner Maddie, are endearingly awkward yet relatable. The portrayal of Laura’s introversion, contrasted with the vibrant, chaotic party environment, creates an engaging dichotomy that readers will find both captivating and authentic. Laura’s evolution from a shy, hesitant teenager to someone who faces her fears head-on is compelling. Her interactions with Maddie are particularly well-crafted, showing the complexities of teenage crushes and the yearning for acceptance. Carousel stands out for its atmospheric storytelling and its ability to weave horror elements seamlessly into the narrative. Overall, this is a masterfully crafted YA horror novel that combines spine-chilling thrills with the timeless fear of the unknown.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Misfit's Magic: Shades of Winter is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres, and it serves as the second book in the series after The Last Halloween. It is intended for young adult readers but can also be enjoyed by mature middle-grade readers and the young at heart. Penned by author Fred Gracely, this enthralling urban fantasy takes readers on a spellbinding journey filled with magic, humor, and suspense. The story revolves around Goff, who believed he had left the world of magic behind. However, fate has other plans, and he's pulled back into a world he thought he'd escaped. Attending a boarding school that felt like home, Goff and his friends find themselves thrust into a sinister plot to create a new magical empire backed by wealthy and influential figures. They must uncover a way to thwart these malevolent plans, or everything they hold dear will be in jeopardy.

Author Fred Gracely has crafted a compelling fantasy tale that's brimming with humor, magical intrigue, and the deeply enjoyable drama of boarding school life. The narrative is full of epic battles, monstrous creatures, and memorable characters, and the author brings these to life with descriptive lexis that goes beyond the cinematic to give a multi-sensory, immersive experience. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and moves at a pace where there’s never a dull moment, yet everything works smoothly within the internal logic and worldbuilding of the tale so that you always feel satisfied with the outcomes. Overall, Misfit's Magic: Shades of Winter is a mighty sequel that keeps you engaged from start to finish with its rich world-building and compelling storytelling, and I would highly recommend it to fantasy fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Rise of Dresca is an epic fantasy by Tim McKay. Left for dead by Athamein Tarvor and his cult, Valdaris Drascar, a former artillery captain of the fallen nation of Ceremai, rises from the throes of death to transform into someone who spells doom for anything and everything that crosses his path. After a devastating battle with dragons and humans alike, Vald finds himself in the company of a small group, which includes a few Selvan scouts, a scheming captain, and two high-born Siilvalan twins who are sword masters. As the little group makes its way to the Kartumol fortress, an imperceivable evil follows them that leaves blood and carnage in its wake. With everyone having their schemes, a little orphan girl's power and Vald's unquenchable rage are the only things standing in the way of monsters.

Action-packed and filled with a healthy dose of magic, mayhem, and fantastical lore, Rise of Dresca is a phenomenal start to what promises to be a riveting epic fantasy series. Author Tim McKay knocks it out of the park with a story that sets the stage perfectly for an expanded fantasy saga rich in world-building, epic storylines, and characters who leap off the pages. McKay uses a multiple-POV narrative style that helps readers get into the headspace of different personalities and showcases the varying factions and the stakes involved. Each character has their agency and motives that add layers to their personas. The book ends on a cliffhanger, making me even more eager to read the sequel. If you enjoy action-packed dark fantasy, don't miss out on Rise of Dresca.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Steve The Zombie is a post-apocalyptic dystopian horror novel by Stephen Wayne. The book opens with a man waking up in a city surrounded by a horde of flesh-eating zombies. To his horror, the man remembers that he used to be a detective named Steve, now infected with a deadly pathogen that has ravaged his body and taken control of a part of his mind. Steve realizes his consciousness and the infection are locked in a fierce battle for control. He wills his mind toward figuring out the root cause of the deadly outbreak while dodging attacks from the survivors who struggle to repel the horde of zombies. But when he comes across Sarah, his former lover, on the verge of sharing his fate, Steve must protect her at all costs. Will he be successful?

Author Stephen Wayne puts a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic horror genre by telling a gripping tale through the perspective of one of the infected. What happens when an infected zombie develops an inner subconscious that retains its previous human self? This is the premise of Steve The Zombie. Wayne excels in creating an atmosphere of tension and dread, and with a swirling mix of suspense, intrigue, and thrills, the narrative keeps you hooked. The action sequences are described in vivid detail. The plot is evenly paced, with a few well-placed curveballs that take you by surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will recommend it to anyone who loves post-apocalyptic stories featuring zombies.