Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Monsterland Reanimated, Book Two of the Monsterland Series by Michael Okon picks up from the first book, after Monsterland has been destroyed (or has it?). The world’s leadership is gone, the world economy has collapsed and in Copper Mountain, the site of the US Monsterland, Wyatt, his step-father Carter, and his mother and brother must try to figure out what to do next. The town is isolated and all services have ceased, but Carter, a policeman, is determined to rally those who are left and try to organise some sort of civil society. Lawlessness is rampant though and, worse than that, there is still something happening at Monsterland. It seems that the Monsterland creator, Vincent Konrad, is not quite as dead as everyone supposes. He and his faithful sidekick, Igor, have plans to take over and rule the world with his army of living mummies. So starts a frantic race against time to stop the evil Vincent from succeeding.

I had not read the first Monsterland novel, but really it is not necessary to have done so before reading Monsterland Reanimated. Author Michael Okon gives us the backstory very well as events unfold in the new story. I would never have believed a novel about zombies, shape-shifters, and monsters in general would captivate me quite the way this one did and that is a real credit to the author. I found his writing style and dark humour, with some subtle and not so subtle pop culture references, to be immensely enjoyable to read. Despite the fact that this is a book that delves into the darkest, most evil places in our hearts and is full of blood, splatter and gore, it is also a story that highlights and celebrates the most redeeming features of humanity. I particularly enjoyed the interplay and the developing relationship between Wyatt and his step-father. For anyone who has been part of a blended family, the emotions and feelings will be evident. This is a fun, enjoyable read and not just for fans of the genre. I was pleased to see a third book is in the works and I know fans of Michael Okon’s work will be happy about that.

Reviewed by Danita Dyess for Readers' Favorite

In Cassandra: And They All Fall Down by Julie Hodgson, Cassandra Jones has violently beaten Braydon Taylor, a six-year-old. But that was 10 years ago. Now Dr. Somner has taken her off her meds. As a 16-year-old, Cass enjoys hanging out at iCandy, an ice cream joint, with her best friends, Bindi and Leo. She attends Garden City High and loves learning Shakespearean plays from the handsome Mr. Mac. She's also in love with the town's newest resident: Braydon Taylor. But when she's alone, Cass battles incessant hand itching and hallucinations of creepy tentacles wiggling out of her skin. A compulsive need to run to remote locales places her at the center of an epidemic of dead teenagers being found at Jenson's Park. Will her alibi clear her of any wrongdoing or is there a serial killer loose in Garden City?

I was drawn into this dramatic work of fiction simply based on the beautiful yet sinister female that graced the cover. The action was dispensed at a moderate pace that kept me guessing. The dialogue was exceptional and accurately depicted teenage angst. It also added depth and credibility to the characters. I appreciated the fact that the storyline dealt with real world adolescent issues e.g. mental illness, homosexuality, murder, activism, dating, etc. Cassandra is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

During a hospital visit, a young woman is detained and incarcerated against her will in the thrilling suspense novel, The Caging at Deadwater Manor by Sandie Will. Jeanie's mother died when she was fourteen, leaving her and her brother to be raised by their father. Incongruously, her once loving father now hates Jeanie, but yet, still loves her brother. Her father never misses a chance to verbally chastise Jeanie and spew his venomous distaste for her. Unable to do anything about her circumstances at present, Jeanie has plans to escape her abusive situation on her eighteenth birthday. Fortuitously, the day of her birthday arrives, and her father surprises her with a car. Now Jeanie has a better mode of transportation that will expedite the plans she has prepared for that very night. However, her father has one request of Jeanie; she needs to visit her emotionally ailing aunt at the local psychiatric hospital. Because she loves her aunt, Jeanie complies and puts a hold on her plans until the following morning. Unfortunately, this is a big mistake. When Jeanie enters the hospital, she is abducted and drugged. When she wakes, Jeanie finds herself imprisoned in a cage in an attic; adjacent to her is another cage occupied by a girl. Horrified and frightened, Jeanie realizes the neighboring young female occupant is dead. What is going on? Why is this happening to her? Will she be able to get out of there alive?

Based on real events, The Caging at Deadwater Manor by Sandie Will is an exhilarating young adult suspense novel reminiscent of the Gothic horror story, Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews. In the first chapter, the reader is captured by Jeanie's fortitude despite her circumstances, and is able to connect and empathize with her character. From there the story takes off, surprising the reader with unexpectedly appalling and terrifying incidents. From the alarming hospital scene onward, the horror and suspense continue to build to a chilling and shocking climax. For those who love a shiver inducing story, this is a fabulous suspense novel that makes the hardiest reader's blood run cold. However, due to some of the more adult situations, I recommend it to readers over the age of sixteen.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Bloodline Gypsy by Shirley A. Martin is the first volume in the Jook and Gypsies series, following Susannah after her mother and grandparents die, leaving her in the custody of a father she's never met. She thought this would be a fresh start for her, but when she meets her stepmother, she realizes she has to give up everything she was just to fit in with her new family. Keeping her gift of healing secret, Susannah manages to please her new parents, but when she meets a mysterious neighbor, her life starts looking up. That is until she learns she's part of an ancient and secret group of people, with a dangerous werewolf hunting her. With few options, and feelings she doesn't quite understand, she's forced to trust two strangers who claim to be protecting her.

I don't really read novels that are classified as 'horror,' but the premise was intriguing and I couldn't resist seeing what adventure Bloodline Gypsy would have in store. It was worth it! Bloodline Gypsy is well-written, creative, unique, and frightening. A fast-paced page turner that you can't stop reading until you reach the end. Bloodline Gypsy is grotesque horror at its finest, with a villainous werewolf that is truly disturbing, and it will leave you anxious for Susannah and her friends' safety. Shirley A. Martin craftily weaves rich mythology into a modern setting, immersing you in the story. Susannah is a strong heroine who garners much sympathy when she's forced to leave herself behind because her stepmother is in every way 'wicked.' There's the classic spin of her meeting mysterious strangers and belonging to an ancient mythology, but Martin takes a unique approach to the idea of a werewolf that leaves you guessing, and wanting more.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Imagine Jade Gone by Wray Ardan is the sequel to Sweet Desire, Wicked Fate. Jaden Lisette thought the worst thing she had to deal with was attempting to get along with her sister. That all changed when she accidentally released her late grandfather's bloodthirsty creations called Mal Rous. Blaming herself for everything that happened, Jaden is determined to fix her mistake and stop the creations. When more creations are set free, Jaden and her family must work together to stop them, at the risk of their own lives. As the creatures become more powerful, the closer she becomes to Briz, and the more strained she becomes with her sister. As the danger escalates, someone may not make it out alive.

In many ways, this is a coming of age story as Jaden conquers her fear and her guilt in order to protect those she loves and fight off these blood sucking monsters. It's refreshing to see each of the characters grow and change by the end. It's not just one person's journey. Jaden is the type of heroine that you want to see succeed and earn her happy ending. Ardan creates a range of characters that aren't perfect, they make mistakes, but they learn and keep going. I sympathized more with Jaden than anyone, but by the end I understood Ava and Briz, and it was nice to see them all grow. Wray Ardan strikes the perfect balance between humor, family and romance with the classic horror elements. The ending is a complete surprise and took me off guard, leaving me desperately needing more of Jaden's story. Classic horror meets teenage angst, and Imagine Jade Gone is suspenseful and gruesome, a thrilling and unique take on the genre with heart, first love, and family connection.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Eliza and Millie are two best friends who live in St. Agatha’s Home for Girls, an orphanage run by the iron-fisted Matron Criggs. Eliza is desperate to escape the stifling and sometimes torturous rule of the place. When the opportunity comes, she brings along her friend Millie to cross the dangerous Louisiana swamps to get to the town on the other side. However, they stumble on silver and black fairies that invite them to a strange and beautiful world. Millie is smitten with the little beings, but Eliza doesn't trust them －and she’s right to do so.

Dark Flowers by Caytlyn Brooke is a spine-chilling horror story where its twist-filled plot will ensure that fans of the genre find it very difficult to put the book down. The fairies are malicious and children are the victims for their hunger, lured by their song and dancing. All the characters are also very well drawn, particularly the young protagonists. Readers will want to root for Eliza and her determination to protect her friend, but her own dark secret will definitely make it difficult to determine whether she’s a savior or otherwise.

With its clear-cut and flawless narrative, Dark Flowers is a highly immersive read, offering readers a story that highlights the best combination of psychological, physical and sensory fear. It is one of the dark stories that made me uncomfortable to read it at night. All in all, this is a commendable read from Caytlyn Brooke and I look forward to more of her work, especially in this genre.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Zombie Squad is a young adult horror novel written by Bryce Bentley Summers. Sam, Rylee, Ava and Jordan are attending a special youth leadership conference held in New Orleans. When they get off the plane from Kansas City, they go with Mr. Grant, their chaperone, to a coffee shop where Rylee has arranged to meet her older sister, a medical student. As they’ve arrived early, the four high school seniors decide to go across the street to visit Zombies R Us, a voodoo and magic shop. Jordan’s looking for a natural version of Viagra, which this store doesn’t carry, but the shopkeeper suggests another store around the corner. Voodoo Junk and Magik used to be the biggest voodoo store in New Orleans, but the original store was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. When they enter the store, the owner tries to get them to leave, claiming the store is closed, and he finally gets the four students to go after filling a bag with touristy items for them. Unbeknownst to them, he’s included a powerful voodoo talisman called the Zombi Astral which a trio of mobsters is willing to kill him for.

Bryce Bentley Summers’ young adult horror novel, The Zombie Squad, is an original and entertaining take on the zombie novel. Summers creates a compelling voodoo story based on Haitian tradition and weaves an exciting tale in which the four resourceful friends attempt to survive a New Orleans that’s been taken over by zombies. The four main characters are well-defined, and I enjoyed their banter, good-natured digs and loyalty. My favorite character has to be Sam, the gymnast and artist, whose decision to come out led his driver’s ed teacher to flunk him, but whose acceptance by his parents and friends is heartwarming. Datal, the owner of Voodoo Junk and Magik, and his assistant Vic are also marvelous characters. While I am not a huge fan of zombie literature, I was quite pleasantly surprised by The Zombie Squad. I loved reading the history behind the zombie mythology and seeing the sights of New Orleans through the students’ eyes, and found the hotel sequences to be highly imaginative and a visual treat. The Zombie Squad is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

The Last Orphans by N.W. Harris is a story about teenagers and kids who have to learn to deal with the fact that all the adults are dead, and that they might be next. A deadly virus was accidentally let loose on the planet, and it killed every adult. Only teenagers and young children are left. Shane is one of them. With a group of other kids, he tries to survive, and comes across the horrifying message that the virus will soon attack even younger victims. Only he and his new friends can stop the total destruction of all humanity - but will everyone be on his side? And how can kids survive without adults?

The Last Orphans by N.W. Harris was a nicely paced book with interesting characters, an exciting plot, and enough surprises to keep you turning page after page. While I am not a young adult or teenager any longer, I still enjoy reading books with younger characters as they usually have a different dynamic than books with "older" people. While the circumstances of those kids in this story are, of course, horrendous, and you wouldn't wish it on anybody, it was a very enjoyable and entertaining read. N.W. Harris also wasn't afraid to kill off nice characters, so you could never be sure who would make it to the end - or whether the kids would even be successful. The characters are well developed, and some of them stand out. It's definitely worth a read if you enjoy dystopian YA novels.

Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

Blood Lake by author R.L. Herron begins with an action-packed narration of a tragic event in Native American history. This event carries down through history as a curse on a family, and the protagonist, John, knows nothing about the curse until his adult years. When John is invited to a lake for what he believes is a family gathering and fishing trip, he learns the truth about the curse on his family. While he thinks all of it is a joke at first, he quickly believes the story when another tragedy strikes his extended family during the trip. From there, the action picks up again as John faces untrustworthy family members, ghosts from the past, and a Native American curse that he cannot escape.

From the opening pages of Blood Lake until the end of the novel, it is obvious that author R.L. Herron has a connection with Native American culture and has done his research on the Trail of Tears mentioned throughout the narrative. Linking the tragedy of the Trail of Tears with a curse that has been handed down through generations was extremely original, and I did enjoy that aspect of the story. There was much action and conflict in the beginning and the end, and while I would have liked more of a connection with John’s wife and son, I did understand that this was a story mainly about John’s understanding of the curse and Native American history. The other characters were done very well, including Pappy, Luther, and Harold. I enjoyed the writing and felt the plot was fairly linear and exciting. The story held my interest, and I do recommend it to those interested in Native American culture and history.

Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite

The Ghost of Normandy Road: Haunted Minds Series Book One is a thrilling tale about a boy named Danny who lives in a town with three local legends. The first legend is the Witch of Hill Top Green, which Danny doesn’t believe and thinks it was designed to make kids run faster. The second legend is the Tooth Fairy with Blood Red Wings, which Danny doesn’t believe until it attacks him. The third and final legend is the Ghost of Normandy Road. Danny is unsure whether to believe it or not, but he thinks there is something unusual about 110 Normandy Road. Follow Danny as he falls in love with a girl named Rebecca, but then she vanishes. Other strange disappearances happen that lead others to suspect Danny. Discover the truth about the ghost of Normandy Road.

The Ghost of Normandy Road is a thrilling, must-read book that is action-packed and will leave you on the edge of your seat. Author John Hennessy describes the events so well that I felt as though I was there alongside Danny. I found the characters relatable and the scenery spectacular. Author John Hennessy leaves us spellbound and in awe. The Ghost of Normandy Road should be an award-winning novel because it is well written and riveting. I highly recommend it for adults, as well as young adults. It is the perfect book for anyone who likes scary stories. It has the kind of cliff-hanger ending that will make you want to read the next book.