Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

After returning to her hometown, Marisol Espinal struggles to put the ghosts of her past to rest. The Espinal family has always been one step away from being ostracized because of the longstanding rumors of magic and mysticism surrounding them. Dealing with the grief following her mother’s death and lingering trauma from facing her childhood bullies, Marisol has no time for the supernatural. Yet, when unexplainable smoke of cigars follows her everywhere, and Hallowthorn Hill, the so-called seat of the Espinal magic, beckons ominously, she is forced to confront the long-forgotten family legends. Can she revive the latent magic before a sinister force snatches it for good? To learn more, read The Ordinary Bruja, a novel by Johanny Ortega.

The Ordinary Bruja is rich in folklore and symbolism, creating a mystical story where restless spirits seek revenge and guiding souls guard the forgotten answers. With the imagery of Hallowthorn Hill looming in the shadows, Johanny Ortega gives a distinctly atmospheric vibe to the narrative. I loved how, in this multi-layered story, Ortega portrays Marisol’s character with amazing tenderness, candidly exposing her insecurities and vulnerability, making readers an integral part of her healing journey. Forced to carry the generational trauma her ancestors bore on account of hailing from an immigrant family, and further discriminated against because of her distinctive features and accents, Marisol’s life exemplifies an oppressed, silenced soul. The Ordinary Bruja is the story of remembering her ancestors, harnessing their strength, and breaking all societal bonds to reclaim her untapped potential. Laced with magic, romance, and horror, this book is perfect for fans of Practical Magic and Mexican Gothic.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Monsterland Below is the third novel in the Monsterland series by Michael Okon. The story of Wyatt Baldwin and his friends continues after the catastrophic fall of the monster theme park. Believing the worst is over, Wyatt soon learns that the nightmare has only just begun. The group travels west along the I-15 toward Los Angeles, following rumors of a secret lab and advanced technology tied to a sinister plan that surpasses even Dr. Konrad’s twisted vision. Their journey becomes a trip of horror, from ancient giants lurking beneath Death Valley to an unstable clown cult ruling the ruins of L.A., and even a legendary lagoon creature few have lived to describe. As the monsters scatter and regroup, an even greater terror stirs below the surface, threatening to reshape their world forever. Can Wyatt and his friends make it out of this terrible reality? Or is it already too late?

Michael Okon is a master storyteller. I love his narrative style, how he makes the horror seem real, and how he ensures the characters are relatable through it all. Wyatt’s growth as a reluctant leader is fantastic. I loved how smart he became and developed into a character that I could root for. The pace of the story is fast without feeling overwhelming. Okon made sure to keep the element of horror alive on every page and give readers the scares and thrills they are expecting and more. The blend of myth, science, and post-apocalyptic survival gives the story a unique edge, appealing to fans of both monster epics and dystopian thrillers. Monsterland Below was everything I wished it would be and more. I loved every scary moment.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Phantom Algebra by Dan Rice is part of The Haunting of Pinedale High series. Zuri has come to Pinedale in North Carolina to start a new life with her mom after being on the run from her dad. She dreams of being a champion fighter, and she's over the moon when she finds a gym to start her mixed martial arts training. Her life changes when she discovers the library is haunted by a tween phantom, and she decides to help them find peace. But things change for the worse when she angers the devils – and not just the dead ones. She needs to use all her training and a few friends to keep everyone safe and help the phantom find its way onward.

Phantom Algebra by Dan Rice is a cracking good book, and it’s well worth the time to read. The story is unique, and it throws you in at the deep end right from the first page. This is well-written, perfectly suited for the YA audience, and offers plenty of action. The characters have been developed with their own personalities, and every one of them is likable. You’ll be on Zuri’s side all the way through. This isn’t just about a phantom haunting a library, though. The story also deals with family trauma, resettling in a new place and the difficulties it brings, and also choosing the right people to work with to get results. This is an incredibly enjoyable story that hooks you and keeps you reading from start to finish, fully invested in what happens. Highly recommended reading, regardless of age.

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

The Ghost Ring: Specters of Caligo Woods by Tom Hoffman is a delightful young adult paranormal fantasy thriller. Simon Moody has just finished his freshman year at MIT and is back for the summer at the haunted Wilder House in Caligo Falls, New Hampshire. On his arrival, Simon receives the final installment of his great-uncle’s inheritance - a mysterious cross with the words “Hell Bound” engraved on it. The cross comes with a note telling Simon never to swim in the Devil’s Lake. Simon and his paranormal enthusiast girlfriend Clara are intrigued by the mystery of the cross and of Devil’s Lake. They start investigating, and the specters they meet lead them into a deep web of dark secrets. What will Simon and Clara discover?

The fourth installment in Tom Hoffman’s bestselling The Ghost Ring series, Specters of Caligo Woods, reads perfectly well as a standalone. Light-pitched, twisty, suspenseful, and fast-moving, this story kept me riveted from the first page to the last. The mysteries were gripping and at times jaw-dropping, and I enjoyed shadowing Simon and Clara in their investigations. I liked how their characters and relationships evolved throughout the story and how seriously and bravely they took their quest to help the ghosts complete their unfinished business and move on. I also liked how the story blended paranormal investigations with historical events and lessons of faith, God’s work, retribution, and revenge. I also appreciated the thought-provoking controversy of the death penalty for murdering a murderer. This novel will appeal to paranormal mystery and fantasy fans.

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite

John Doe Does Not Suck by Kathryn Berla is about John, a 317-year-old vampire trying to live a regular life as a 17-year-old boy in the modern world. John hides his true identity while struggling with anxiety, OCD, and loneliness. He has a pretty unique existence for a teenage vampire. He works at a diner, hopes to become a writer, worries about his overdue rent, and gets his blood supply from a hospital worker. Through journal entries, therapy sessions, and a night-school criminology class, John tries to add a little meaning to his otherwise mundane life. He truly believes he is the last vampire in the world. As the story continues, the terrifying presence of a serial killer, called the Six O'Clock Slasher, targets John's community. Will he intervene to protect the people he cares about or stand watching from the sidelines?

John Doe Does Not Suck by Kathryn Berla is a darkly funny and deeply thoughtful young adult urban fantasy. It is more than your average teen vampire tale—it is a clever, emotional story that explores mental health issues in its protagonist while making a provocative statement about what it means to feel human. Through John, the author delves into profound topics such as loss, loneliness, and the power of human connection. John’s immortality becomes a symbol of emotional numbness, showing that immortality can be as painful as death when you have no purpose or genuine bond with anyone. Berla skillfully and creatively uses humor and self-awareness to question society’s ever-changing trends, which is mirrored by the novel's inside joke that vampire books just aren't as popular as they used to be. If you love stories about characters searching for belonging, grab this compelling read today.

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.