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Recommend this book:
Sid Johnson and The Well-Intended Conspiracy
Frances Schoonmaker
2026 Finalist
302 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
“Adventure is pretty exciting when you read about it, or maybe when you think about it afterward. But being in the middle of an adventure isn’t so easy.” Perhaps it is not easy, but the adventure awaiting readers in Sid Johnson and The Well-Intended Conspiracy by Frances Schoonmaker is not to be missed. Young Sid and his family leave Illinois during the 1850s and travel via wagon train west to California. As if the perils of disease, ruffians, and nature were not enough, Sid must also contend with evil men intent on acquiring a letter he was entrusted to deliver to Doña Catalina in Santa Fe. Mud, mosquitoes, and miles of nothing combined with harsh loss and life-threatening danger (all while trying not to lose his hat) teach young Sid that the grandest adventure of all is life itself.
Perhaps Sid Johnson and The Well-Intended Conspiracy by Frances Schoonmaker is not 100% historically accurate, but it is a captivating and engaging story. Multiple plots combine to create a highly immersive novel with elements of adventure, mystery, and suspense masterfully brought together. The rich cast of characters is another area of excellence. Sid, Connie, and the brilliantly delightful Squeaker are just three examples of well-defined individuals who may remind you of someone you know. I also applaud the underlying theme of choosing between doing the right thing or being a jerk and a villain. With its pleasing and engaging pace, this novel is a perfect read for fans of Westerns, adventures, and mysteries alike, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
“Adventure is pretty exciting when you read about it, or maybe when you think about it afterward. But being in the middle of an adventure isn’t so easy.” Perhaps it is not easy, but the adventure awaiting readers in Sid Johnson and The Well-Intended Conspiracy by Frances Schoonmaker is not to be missed. Young Sid and his family leave Illinois during the 1850s and travel via wagon train west to California. As if the perils of disease, ruffians, and nature were not enough, Sid must also contend with evil men intent on acquiring a letter he was entrusted to deliver to Doña Catalina in Santa Fe. Mud, mosquitoes, and miles of nothing combined with harsh loss and life-threatening danger (all while trying not to lose his hat) teach young Sid that the grandest adventure of all is life itself.
Perhaps Sid Johnson and The Well-Intended Conspiracy by Frances Schoonmaker is not 100% historically accurate, but it is a captivating and engaging story. Multiple plots combine to create a highly immersive novel with elements of adventure, mystery, and suspense masterfully brought together. The rich cast of characters is another area of excellence. Sid, Connie, and the brilliantly delightful Squeaker are just three examples of well-defined individuals who may remind you of someone you know. I also applaud the underlying theme of choosing between doing the right thing or being a jerk and a villain. With its pleasing and engaging pace, this novel is a perfect read for fans of Westerns, adventures, and mysteries alike, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of Spirit Lake
Jane Haltmaier
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite
In The Secret of Spirit Lake by Jane Haltmaier, the story moves between two girls living decades apart in the same lakeside house. In the present day, fourteen-year-old Amy struggles after her parents move the family to a small town in upstate New York to open a watersports store. She misses her old home and has trouble fitting in. Amy soon hears rumors that the old Victorian house she and her family moved into is haunted by a girl named Penny, who vanished in her own time. Back in 1938, Penny lost her parents in a fire and was sent to live with relatives in the same tower room Amy now has. At the same time, weird noises at night cause Amy and her friend, Marissa, to start looking for answers. Will Amy ever figure out what really happened to Penny?
The Secret of Spirit Lake by Jane Haltmaier is a young adult mystery that blends adventure, history, and an exciting ghost story. I was drawn into Amy's and Penny’s lives because their loneliness and teen struggles seemed very real to me. I was captivated by how both girls had to adjust to life changes they never asked for. The back-and-forth jumps between the different time periods made it fairly easy to understand how their stories connect. I quickly noticed that small details, such as the tower room and the lake, linked the past and present. These aspects made the story much more fascinating. Haltmaier writes in a way that kept me reading, and I enjoyed the big reveals. I could picture the house, the town, and the people, and even after finishing, I kept thinking about it all. Very highly recommended.
In The Secret of Spirit Lake by Jane Haltmaier, the story moves between two girls living decades apart in the same lakeside house. In the present day, fourteen-year-old Amy struggles after her parents move the family to a small town in upstate New York to open a watersports store. She misses her old home and has trouble fitting in. Amy soon hears rumors that the old Victorian house she and her family moved into is haunted by a girl named Penny, who vanished in her own time. Back in 1938, Penny lost her parents in a fire and was sent to live with relatives in the same tower room Amy now has. At the same time, weird noises at night cause Amy and her friend, Marissa, to start looking for answers. Will Amy ever figure out what really happened to Penny?
The Secret of Spirit Lake by Jane Haltmaier is a young adult mystery that blends adventure, history, and an exciting ghost story. I was drawn into Amy's and Penny’s lives because their loneliness and teen struggles seemed very real to me. I was captivated by how both girls had to adjust to life changes they never asked for. The back-and-forth jumps between the different time periods made it fairly easy to understand how their stories connect. I quickly noticed that small details, such as the tower room and the lake, linked the past and present. These aspects made the story much more fascinating. Haltmaier writes in a way that kept me reading, and I enjoyed the big reveals. I could picture the house, the town, and the people, and even after finishing, I kept thinking about it all. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
JJ Sharple’s Mysteries
It Fell from the Sky
Davis Hall
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
Davis Hall’s It Fell from the Sky opens a door into an incredibly hilarious and suspenseful young mystery. This is the first installment in JJ Sharple’s Mysteries. Hall wastes no time in a narrative that is as realistically complicated as the teenage girls themselves. The girls navigate family challenges, school pressures, work performance, and the search for identity. JJ often appears to be the strongest among them, but as the story unfolds, you will also discover hidden strengths in BooBoo and Gigi. Their investigation of the murder of the man who fell from the sky often takes a back seat in their lives as they deal with their own issues. And with each step forward as they investigate, they encounter more hurdles in their lives.
At its heart, JJ Sharple’s Mysteries: It Fell from the Sky is more than a YA high school drama. It explores the strength of friendship, acceptance of others, and integrity as the characters mature. Davis Hall's writing embraces the chaos JJ, Gigi, and BooBoo create, all while building suspense as they investigate a murder. Complicated pasts and family issues shape each girl, but they support and strengthen one another. The author has a unique way of bringing the characters to life, which makes each mishap even more enjoyable and endearing to the reader. This novel will satisfy any reader's craving for young adult suspense, while you laugh at each new mishap in their lives. I couldn’t put it down, and I savored each problem the characters solved or created.
Davis Hall’s It Fell from the Sky opens a door into an incredibly hilarious and suspenseful young mystery. This is the first installment in JJ Sharple’s Mysteries. Hall wastes no time in a narrative that is as realistically complicated as the teenage girls themselves. The girls navigate family challenges, school pressures, work performance, and the search for identity. JJ often appears to be the strongest among them, but as the story unfolds, you will also discover hidden strengths in BooBoo and Gigi. Their investigation of the murder of the man who fell from the sky often takes a back seat in their lives as they deal with their own issues. And with each step forward as they investigate, they encounter more hurdles in their lives.
At its heart, JJ Sharple’s Mysteries: It Fell from the Sky is more than a YA high school drama. It explores the strength of friendship, acceptance of others, and integrity as the characters mature. Davis Hall's writing embraces the chaos JJ, Gigi, and BooBoo create, all while building suspense as they investigate a murder. Complicated pasts and family issues shape each girl, but they support and strengthen one another. The author has a unique way of bringing the characters to life, which makes each mishap even more enjoyable and endearing to the reader. This novel will satisfy any reader's craving for young adult suspense, while you laugh at each new mishap in their lives. I couldn’t put it down, and I savored each problem the characters solved or created.
Recommend this book:
Anna and the Missing Child
Quentin Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences (Volume 1)
Brigitte Novalis
2026 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
In Anna and the Missing Child by Brigitte Novalis, 10-year-old Anna Cameron is attending Quentin Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences, a great school where her parents studied in the past. She’s able to make new friends and enjoy her classes. Unfortunately, another student, Miriam Andersson, becomes a thorn in her side. Worse, Miriam stays with Anna’s family until her mother, singer Ingrid Andersson, comes back from her tour. Once a comfortable and happy home, the Camerons’ household becomes slightly tense and uncomfortable for Anna and she knows that Miriam is the cause. But how can she make her parents believe her when they are convinced that Miriam has done nothing wrong? When a sweet little boy goes missing, Anna learns to trust herself and search for him with the help of her friends.
Anna and the Missing Child is a charming and heart-warming story set in a wonderful magical world; flying carpets (which seem far better than flying cars), magical toys, communicating with animals and plants and much more. I found the premise intriguing and was emotionally invested in the story from start to finish. The clean, clear-cut prose gives the narrative a smooth flow and makes the fast-paced plot even swifter. The characterization is solid; just like Anna, I found Miriam’s personality mysteriously unnerving. It’s easy to root for the young protagonist when her predicaments evoke myriad emotions. I admired Julius for his level-headedness and have a soft spot for little Benjamin and the meek Edith. Miriam is one of the best antagonists that I've read, providing the dark moments in an otherwise pleasant magical tale. This debut for Brigitte Novalis's Quentin Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences is a fascinating story with lots of substantial life lessons and there's no doubt readers will look forward to more adventures in this series.
In Anna and the Missing Child by Brigitte Novalis, 10-year-old Anna Cameron is attending Quentin Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences, a great school where her parents studied in the past. She’s able to make new friends and enjoy her classes. Unfortunately, another student, Miriam Andersson, becomes a thorn in her side. Worse, Miriam stays with Anna’s family until her mother, singer Ingrid Andersson, comes back from her tour. Once a comfortable and happy home, the Camerons’ household becomes slightly tense and uncomfortable for Anna and she knows that Miriam is the cause. But how can she make her parents believe her when they are convinced that Miriam has done nothing wrong? When a sweet little boy goes missing, Anna learns to trust herself and search for him with the help of her friends.
Anna and the Missing Child is a charming and heart-warming story set in a wonderful magical world; flying carpets (which seem far better than flying cars), magical toys, communicating with animals and plants and much more. I found the premise intriguing and was emotionally invested in the story from start to finish. The clean, clear-cut prose gives the narrative a smooth flow and makes the fast-paced plot even swifter. The characterization is solid; just like Anna, I found Miriam’s personality mysteriously unnerving. It’s easy to root for the young protagonist when her predicaments evoke myriad emotions. I admired Julius for his level-headedness and have a soft spot for little Benjamin and the meek Edith. Miriam is one of the best antagonists that I've read, providing the dark moments in an otherwise pleasant magical tale. This debut for Brigitte Novalis's Quentin Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences is a fascinating story with lots of substantial life lessons and there's no doubt readers will look forward to more adventures in this series.
Recommend this book:
Shift
J.P. Lee
2026 Gold Medal
396 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Shift is an action-packed fantasy novel by J.P. Lee. In the world of Eastward Americana, three branches of magi dwell: the Sages, the Thanes, and the Sylvaar. However, another group of supernatural Shapeshifters has found their home deep within the Appalachian Mountains. Cursed and shunned by the other magi, the Shifts remain confined to their own "beorgs." Sybil is a seventeen-year-old Shift determined to prove her worth on Career Day. But when she is chosen by Director Lowell Vox of the Eastward Bureau of Community Affairs for a critical mission, Sybil has no idea that it will include seducing President Branson Calloway. Things don't go according to plan, however, as Sybil returns home to discover that the Thanes have attacked their beorg. Now, Sybil's loyalties will be tested like never before with a betrayer in their midst.
Filled with magic, mystery, and political intrigue, Shift is an absolute treat for young adult fantasy fans. The worldbuilding, including the magi's background lore, instantly hooked me into the story. J.P. Lee has crafted a truly immersive world full of diverse factions, all vying to get the upper hand over one another. In many ways, Lee's incorporation of these factions reflects the socio-political dynamics of the real world today. The narrative is paced very well, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. I also thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Sybil, Xavier, Art, and Calloway all have their own agency, and it creates friction and drama that makes the story all the more engrossing. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm looking forward to reading its sequel. Fantasy fans will love this series.
Shift is an action-packed fantasy novel by J.P. Lee. In the world of Eastward Americana, three branches of magi dwell: the Sages, the Thanes, and the Sylvaar. However, another group of supernatural Shapeshifters has found their home deep within the Appalachian Mountains. Cursed and shunned by the other magi, the Shifts remain confined to their own "beorgs." Sybil is a seventeen-year-old Shift determined to prove her worth on Career Day. But when she is chosen by Director Lowell Vox of the Eastward Bureau of Community Affairs for a critical mission, Sybil has no idea that it will include seducing President Branson Calloway. Things don't go according to plan, however, as Sybil returns home to discover that the Thanes have attacked their beorg. Now, Sybil's loyalties will be tested like never before with a betrayer in their midst.
Filled with magic, mystery, and political intrigue, Shift is an absolute treat for young adult fantasy fans. The worldbuilding, including the magi's background lore, instantly hooked me into the story. J.P. Lee has crafted a truly immersive world full of diverse factions, all vying to get the upper hand over one another. In many ways, Lee's incorporation of these factions reflects the socio-political dynamics of the real world today. The narrative is paced very well, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. I also thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Sybil, Xavier, Art, and Calloway all have their own agency, and it creates friction and drama that makes the story all the more engrossing. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm looking forward to reading its sequel. Fantasy fans will love this series.
Recommend this book:
In Plain Sight
Finding Faith
Leslea Wahl
2025 Honorable Mention
174 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite
In Plain Sight by Leslea Wahl centers around the life of 16-year-old Emerson and her father, Brad. In light of a family tragedy, Emerson and Brad relocate to Minnesota—from Missouri—due to her father's new job. She isn't pleased about moving to a remote location in the cold month of January. Nonetheless, the small family of two and their adorable dog, Zuri, head to their new hometown. In Minnesota, Brad is tasked with helping to refurbish an old, abandoned lodge. Slowly but surely, Emerson acclimatizes to life in her new environment. She becomes intrigued by Reid, a handsome local boy. Their friendship transforms into a budding romance as they jointly attempt to solve an ancient mystery connected to the lodge Brad is working on. At the same time, Emerson is experiencing inner conflict regarding her faith. Can she and Reid solve the mystery surrounding the lodge? Will her faith be renewed in the process?
In Plain Sight by Leslea Wahl is a compelling YA adventure that blends Christianity, action, mystery, and romance into the storyline. The narrative is exciting and engaging, making this a must-read for fans of the genre. The pacing is perfectly maintained from beginning to end. Wahl flawlessly incorporates several mysteries and unexpected twists into the plot, keeping readers in suspense throughout the book. I love that the author gradually reveals more and more about Emerson, her dilemma, and the reasoning behind her wavering faith as the story progresses. This gives readers ample time to immerse themselves in Emerson's world and identify with her struggles and experiences as a teen. Zuri's quirky and hilarious antics stole the spotlight in a magnificent way, making this novel a gem. The ending was a treat! A delightful read.
In Plain Sight by Leslea Wahl centers around the life of 16-year-old Emerson and her father, Brad. In light of a family tragedy, Emerson and Brad relocate to Minnesota—from Missouri—due to her father's new job. She isn't pleased about moving to a remote location in the cold month of January. Nonetheless, the small family of two and their adorable dog, Zuri, head to their new hometown. In Minnesota, Brad is tasked with helping to refurbish an old, abandoned lodge. Slowly but surely, Emerson acclimatizes to life in her new environment. She becomes intrigued by Reid, a handsome local boy. Their friendship transforms into a budding romance as they jointly attempt to solve an ancient mystery connected to the lodge Brad is working on. At the same time, Emerson is experiencing inner conflict regarding her faith. Can she and Reid solve the mystery surrounding the lodge? Will her faith be renewed in the process?
In Plain Sight by Leslea Wahl is a compelling YA adventure that blends Christianity, action, mystery, and romance into the storyline. The narrative is exciting and engaging, making this a must-read for fans of the genre. The pacing is perfectly maintained from beginning to end. Wahl flawlessly incorporates several mysteries and unexpected twists into the plot, keeping readers in suspense throughout the book. I love that the author gradually reveals more and more about Emerson, her dilemma, and the reasoning behind her wavering faith as the story progresses. This gives readers ample time to immerse themselves in Emerson's world and identify with her struggles and experiences as a teen. Zuri's quirky and hilarious antics stole the spotlight in a magnificent way, making this novel a gem. The ending was a treat! A delightful read.
Recommend this book:
Missing Mom
Lynn Slaughter
2025 Bronze Medal
294 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
When seventeen-year-old Noelle Ehrlich, an aspiring ballet dancer, is asked to pick up her younger sister, Whitney, from day camp because their mother, Joanna, has not, she immediately knows something is wrong. This was so unlike their mother. After several failed attempts to reach her, Noelle files a missing persons report. Barely a day later, the police find Joanna’s car and a note that reads “I’m sorry” at a beach more than three hours from their town. From the look of the scene, the police believe Joanna has committed suicide. Everyone else seems to agree with this, except for Noelle. It did not make sense to her. Determined to uncover what has happened to her mother, Noelle embarks on an investigation that leads her to Joanna’s secret and dark past. What does Noelle discover? Find out in Lynn Slaughter’s Missing Mom.
Once this page-turner draws you in, it is relentless, not loosening its grip until the final word. Lynn Slaughter’s Missing Mom is a must-read for fans of young adult coming-of-age mystery novels blended with romantic intrigue. Featuring a fascinating cast, Slaughter weaves an intriguing plot that sets the stage for a gripping tale of secrets, trauma, high school, and teenage drama, a budding romance, abuse, and more. The edge-of-the-seat suspense and plot twists hooked me. The evocative depictions brought the scenes to life on the pages. The layered, sharp, and lively conversations gave depth to the dynamic, compelling cast’s conflicts, intricate emotions, and complex traits, allowing me to connect with them. Slaughter is undoubtedly a gifted author. I loved this book.
When seventeen-year-old Noelle Ehrlich, an aspiring ballet dancer, is asked to pick up her younger sister, Whitney, from day camp because their mother, Joanna, has not, she immediately knows something is wrong. This was so unlike their mother. After several failed attempts to reach her, Noelle files a missing persons report. Barely a day later, the police find Joanna’s car and a note that reads “I’m sorry” at a beach more than three hours from their town. From the look of the scene, the police believe Joanna has committed suicide. Everyone else seems to agree with this, except for Noelle. It did not make sense to her. Determined to uncover what has happened to her mother, Noelle embarks on an investigation that leads her to Joanna’s secret and dark past. What does Noelle discover? Find out in Lynn Slaughter’s Missing Mom.
Once this page-turner draws you in, it is relentless, not loosening its grip until the final word. Lynn Slaughter’s Missing Mom is a must-read for fans of young adult coming-of-age mystery novels blended with romantic intrigue. Featuring a fascinating cast, Slaughter weaves an intriguing plot that sets the stage for a gripping tale of secrets, trauma, high school, and teenage drama, a budding romance, abuse, and more. The edge-of-the-seat suspense and plot twists hooked me. The evocative depictions brought the scenes to life on the pages. The layered, sharp, and lively conversations gave depth to the dynamic, compelling cast’s conflicts, intricate emotions, and complex traits, allowing me to connect with them. Slaughter is undoubtedly a gifted author. I loved this book.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Cemetery Gate
The Secret Keeper's Daughter
Valerie Biel
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Beyond the Cemetery Gate: The Secret Keeper’s Daughter by Valerie Biel presents a compelling mix of mystery, suspense, and emotion that will engage young adult readers. Sixteen-year-old Chloe’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth about her father’s death drives this riveting narrative. Set in a small town filled with secrets lurking in every shadow, the story skillfully intertwines family drama, danger, and the supernatural. When the police label her father’s death as an overdose, Chloe refuses to accept their conclusion. Her solitary quest for justice unfolds against a backdrop of tension balancing an unyielding social worker, the eerie solitude of a cemetery caretaker’s home, and the unsettling clues she uncovers about her father’s life. Chloe’s clever resourcefulness, including faking her aunt’s presence as her guardian, highlights her resilience and determination. Biel captivates readers with a world filled with looming danger, while hope ignites in surprising alliances.
The characters enrich the story, from the quirky diner owner to the enigmatic new classmate with a photographic memory. These relationships lend warmth and depth to the otherwise tense narrative. Chloe’s encounters with a benevolent spirit provide an intriguing supernatural element that enhances the mystery, adding layers to her investigation and emotional journey. Valerie Biel’s masterful prose creates a hauntingly atmospheric setting, making the cemetery a physical and emotional landscape of grief and discovery. The tension builds steadily as Chloe unravels her father’s hidden past, leading to startling yet satisfying revelations. The stakes rise dramatically when her fabricated guardian story is exposed, setting up a thrilling race against time. Beyond the Cemetery Gate is a standout mystery with its pacing, characters, and emotional conclusion. Biel crafts a story that explores loss, courage, and unbreakable family bonds, offering readers an unforgettable journey through the secrets beyond the gate.
Beyond the Cemetery Gate: The Secret Keeper’s Daughter by Valerie Biel presents a compelling mix of mystery, suspense, and emotion that will engage young adult readers. Sixteen-year-old Chloe’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth about her father’s death drives this riveting narrative. Set in a small town filled with secrets lurking in every shadow, the story skillfully intertwines family drama, danger, and the supernatural. When the police label her father’s death as an overdose, Chloe refuses to accept their conclusion. Her solitary quest for justice unfolds against a backdrop of tension balancing an unyielding social worker, the eerie solitude of a cemetery caretaker’s home, and the unsettling clues she uncovers about her father’s life. Chloe’s clever resourcefulness, including faking her aunt’s presence as her guardian, highlights her resilience and determination. Biel captivates readers with a world filled with looming danger, while hope ignites in surprising alliances.
The characters enrich the story, from the quirky diner owner to the enigmatic new classmate with a photographic memory. These relationships lend warmth and depth to the otherwise tense narrative. Chloe’s encounters with a benevolent spirit provide an intriguing supernatural element that enhances the mystery, adding layers to her investigation and emotional journey. Valerie Biel’s masterful prose creates a hauntingly atmospheric setting, making the cemetery a physical and emotional landscape of grief and discovery. The tension builds steadily as Chloe unravels her father’s hidden past, leading to startling yet satisfying revelations. The stakes rise dramatically when her fabricated guardian story is exposed, setting up a thrilling race against time. Beyond the Cemetery Gate is a standout mystery with its pacing, characters, and emotional conclusion. Biel crafts a story that explores loss, courage, and unbreakable family bonds, offering readers an unforgettable journey through the secrets beyond the gate.
Recommend this book:
Predestined
Rachel Byrne
2025 Gold Medal
318 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Mimie Odigwe for Readers' Favorite
In Predestined by Rachel Byrne, strong-headed and rebellious Catalina Jamison is surprised when she receives an invitation to the prestigious Haverford Pines Academy for a six-week intensive summer program that promises to harness her potential. Haverford Pines Academy boasts the crème de la crème among its staff and students, with a notoriously selective admission process. Lina feels out of place in a world of elite, ambitious, and talented teens—until she saves a fellow student’s life and begins to glimpse her potential. As she delves deeper into the training and life at Haverford, she starts to realize that things are not as simple as they seem. How does Haverford Pines select its students? Why do they spy on them? And what if some students are predestined to do good while others do evil?
The world-building is superb. Set in the secluded and rocky mountains of Colorado, the students at Haverford Pines are stripped of their phones, cutting off their connection to the rest of the world. The tension and danger run high, with misdirection at play, leaving readers to wonder what is the school really up to. Predestined is steady-paced, thrilling, and action-packed. The training, testing, rivalry, and friendships are realistic, and the characters are well-written and stay true to themselves. I loved the friendships that were built and the way they cared about and stood up for each other. Rachel Byrne’s writing is fascinating and made every second I spent reading from cover to cover in one day worth it. This book is a must-read for lovers of sci-fi, mystery, thrillers, and young adult fiction.
In Predestined by Rachel Byrne, strong-headed and rebellious Catalina Jamison is surprised when she receives an invitation to the prestigious Haverford Pines Academy for a six-week intensive summer program that promises to harness her potential. Haverford Pines Academy boasts the crème de la crème among its staff and students, with a notoriously selective admission process. Lina feels out of place in a world of elite, ambitious, and talented teens—until she saves a fellow student’s life and begins to glimpse her potential. As she delves deeper into the training and life at Haverford, she starts to realize that things are not as simple as they seem. How does Haverford Pines select its students? Why do they spy on them? And what if some students are predestined to do good while others do evil?
The world-building is superb. Set in the secluded and rocky mountains of Colorado, the students at Haverford Pines are stripped of their phones, cutting off their connection to the rest of the world. The tension and danger run high, with misdirection at play, leaving readers to wonder what is the school really up to. Predestined is steady-paced, thrilling, and action-packed. The training, testing, rivalry, and friendships are realistic, and the characters are well-written and stay true to themselves. I loved the friendships that were built and the way they cared about and stood up for each other. Rachel Byrne’s writing is fascinating and made every second I spent reading from cover to cover in one day worth it. This book is a must-read for lovers of sci-fi, mystery, thrillers, and young adult fiction.
Recommend this book:
Haunt
Book One
Nichole Calabrese
2024 Finalist
400 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Leah Gonzalez for Readers' Favorite
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese centers around Gemma Leclair who can see and speak with ghosts. It’s a secret she keeps from everyone, especially the dead themselves. This makes it hard for her to feel and act like a normal teenager. After almost failing school, she moves back to Sage County to live with her grandfather. It’s her last chance to get her act together and she’s determined to make it work. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy when her new high school has its own share of ghosts, including an unknown girl who catches Gemma’s interest. When she discovers there’s no record anywhere of this girl dying, Gemma takes it upon herself to discover her identity and what happened to her, all while trying to keep her secret from coming out.
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese is an engaging paranormal mystery with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. I enjoyed this book. Haunt is an easy read that moves at a nice pace. Gemma is a well-written character and the author does a great job of immersing the reader in what she experiences whenever she encounters a ghost. You can really feel her inner turmoil and struggle to control her emotions and physical reactions. Her experience of trying to navigate a new school and new friends is a relatable one. The mystery of the unknown dead girl makes for a gripping plot that keeps you interested until the end. Overall, Haunt is a good series starter and perfect for readers who love ghost stories and mysteries.
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese centers around Gemma Leclair who can see and speak with ghosts. It’s a secret she keeps from everyone, especially the dead themselves. This makes it hard for her to feel and act like a normal teenager. After almost failing school, she moves back to Sage County to live with her grandfather. It’s her last chance to get her act together and she’s determined to make it work. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy when her new high school has its own share of ghosts, including an unknown girl who catches Gemma’s interest. When she discovers there’s no record anywhere of this girl dying, Gemma takes it upon herself to discover her identity and what happened to her, all while trying to keep her secret from coming out.
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese is an engaging paranormal mystery with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. I enjoyed this book. Haunt is an easy read that moves at a nice pace. Gemma is a well-written character and the author does a great job of immersing the reader in what she experiences whenever she encounters a ghost. You can really feel her inner turmoil and struggle to control her emotions and physical reactions. Her experience of trying to navigate a new school and new friends is a relatable one. The mystery of the unknown dead girl makes for a gripping plot that keeps you interested until the end. Overall, Haunt is a good series starter and perfect for readers who love ghost stories and mysteries.
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