Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

Benji Marino is a fourteen-year-old eighth grader at Wishville Junior High School. He has a good life. He has good friends. He has a mother who loves him exclusively. Why would he want to leave? Why did his father do just that years before, leaving an unbearable scar on the people of the grey town of Wishville? Benji had tried once before. His friends don’t understand, but Benji is determined to question the mysterious world outside Wishville. When his friend Nina predicts her own death, Benji is left with information he would rather not know. There is only one person he can tell and that person is the outcast of Wishville. Can Oliver Strickett help Benji or will he become one more nail in the eighth grader’s quickly diminishing reputation? As Benji solitarily faces his own demons, the citizens of Wishville are on constant alert to his actions.

Leaving Wishville by Mel Torrefranca exhibits intensity unique in contemporary young adult fiction. A study in literary symbolism, Leaving Wishville is the perfect addition to any middle grade/young adult library. As a former eighth-grade English teacher, I would enthusiastically incorporate Mel Torrefranca’s novel into my classroom reading list. Told in the fashion of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy, Leaving Wishville is a believable dystopian journey from greyness to a colorful destination of enlightenment. The characters are realistic and the language appropriate to the mood and variety of themes and plot twists of the story. While the majority of characters are middle grade, the overall sense of the story is mature.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Held responsible for the mysterious deaths of their parents, two high school basketball stars search for answers in the thrilling urban fantasy, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann. The morning after taking the basketball team to an astonishing win, Gage and Cooper Finn find their parents dead. While trying to cope with the unexpected horror, Gage receives a phone call from a stranger instructing him and Cooper to run. Responding too late to the caller's admonition, the two boys are caught, arrested, and taken to jail. However, before they can be processed and charged with murder, another stranger aids in their escape. America Now, a corporation that hunts and kills vampires, informs them their parents have been murdered by a vampire and recruits Cooper and Gage into their ranks of vampire killers. But when they find a newly turned vampire, things become a little murky. Is America Now as altruistic as they claim? Or do they have a hidden agenda?

Containing supernatural beings and those who hunt them, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann is a sensational urban fantasy that is memorable. Superbly written, the story has a fascinating plot and a riveting storyline that develops to a dramatic and breathtaking climax. Filled with intrigue, the suspense gradually mounts from the first page, ultimately reaching a shocking conclusion. Charismatic and captivating, the brothers and their contrasting personalities give the story a natural feel. Stopping at the perfect place to segue into a sequel, this story makes a phenomenal first book for a breathtaking series. Young adults and everyone else who relishes vampire-based novels will love meeting Gage, Cooper, Leech, and Jamie.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Marly in Pieces is a work of fiction in the crime, mystery, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Cathrina Constantine. In an intriguing murder mystery novel intended for the mature end of the young adult reading spectrum, we find ourselves with the titular character Marly, who refuses to believe in the apparent and devastating suicide of her dear best friend Rae. The tapestry of intrigue surrounding Rae’s death leads Marly into a deep investigation of even those close to her, setting our young hero on a path that may lead her right into the hands of a murderer seeking a new victim.

Author Cathrina Constantine offers the true definition of a thriller, keeping readers firmly on the edge of their seats from cover to cover in a compelling and dynamic fashion. Whilst the sensitive themes of teen suicide are prevalent right from the novel’s earliest pages, what develops beyond this is really a tale of friendship, trust, and coping with loss, which is enormously fulfilling and intriguing to read. Marly is a well-developed hero for the task at hand, with smarts and charm and a true heart. This makes it easy to root for her and have your heart in your throat when she discovers the dangers waiting around every corner of this sharp-edged plot. This results in a deep connection to the book and, when combined with the very descriptive murder mystery atmosphere, it makes Marly in Pieces a truly un-put-down-able read. I would highly recommend it to fans of both YA and adult thriller fiction alike.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Case of the Mystery of the Bells is the sixth book in the Davey & Derek Junior Detectives series by Janice Spina, introducing readers to exciting young characters. Davey and Derek are twelve-year-old non-identical twins who are inspired by a book bought for each of them by their parents when they were ten. They live in the quiet town of Lindon, New Hampshire and are always on the lookout for adventure. This time they are out to solve the mystery of the bells. The only problem is that it's more complex than anything they imagined. Can they put the pieces together and solve the riddle?

This is a gorgeous story and while it's the sixth book in the series, it reads well as a standalone novel. Janice Spina has a unique gift for character and it is interesting to watch the two lead characters evolve through the story. I loved how they complement each other. One is a critical thinker who quickly looks for solutions while the other has a photographic memory. The humor builds up in the dynamics of the relationship between Davey and Derek. The writing is crisp, filled with focused and well-crafted scenes, dialogues that add depth to the story and deepen character, and descriptions filled with magical realism. While this is a balanced and beautifully written story for young readers, it has great potential to keep adults glued to every page. The Case of the Mystery of the Bells is a delightful story that is both absorbing and cinematic.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

In the dark ages, the reign of Black was usurped by the sacrifice of thirteen scarlet-robed women. However, ending the terrifying Black reign in exchange for peace is not without grave consequences. A dying witch's final warning echoes, "the renewed reign of black will be far worse than this." Scarlet Reign, Book Two: Call for Independence by R.D. Crist focuses on the present time. Natalie tries to navigate through her life in the Order of Sisterhood and decipher her mentor's confusing will. Despite her brave actions that saved the Sisterhood before, she is still looked down upon by its council. But with war looming on the horizon, tough decisions need to be made and she fights to make her opinions known for the benefit of their Sisterhood. Natalie's friends are willing to support her but with constant battles breaking out, no one is left unscathed. Will Natalie be able to save what is important?

R.D. Crist's Scarlet Reign is filled with interpersonal conflict and battles. It is unique, adventurous, and the clues left for Natalie to follow are clever and interesting to solve. There are also many valuable lessons to be learned. One of my favorites is with the conflict between Sophia and the other girls. Devia really emphasizes the importance of taking care of their own. She sums up the Sisterhood well and imparts a valuable lesson to the girls. Devia made them understand the consequences of their actions. Many phrases melted my heart and endeared me even more to this book. The characters are varied and fascinating. The battles they experienced changed them and forced them to mature even faster and learn the hard lessons of life early on. Watching their progress and reading about their losses had me blinking back tears. Natalie, as the protagonist, does not disappoint. She pushes forward in the face of danger and hesitation. She takes a gamble on what she believes in and is ready to shoulder the consequences for her decisions. Though she is not without faults, her recklessness constantly endangers herself and others despite her good intentions, but that is what makes her more relatable as a character. Her flaws and her determination to be better is what makes her captivating. Overall, an engaging story with a distinctive plot and unforgettable characters. Brilliant work!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Scarry Inn by Shirley McCann is a YA mystery story. Heidi Bowman and three friends are forced into spending a night at The Scarry Inn, believing themselves to be the victims of a practical joke. It’s not a nice place but surely all Dick and Thelma Scarry, their unwilling hosts for the night, are doing is drumming up business by terrifying every guest. Things take a sinister, very real turn when Kara is murdered and now they all have to get out before the Inn takes another one. There’s no cell phone service and none of them knows who they can and can’t trust. Time is running out for the three friends as they fight to get out of The Scarry Inn alive.

The Scarry Inn by Shirley McCann was a thrilling, scary, yet fun read. With an action-packed plot, Shirley McCann has written a story that will grip you from page one and keep hold until the very end. I wasn’t expecting such a suspense-filled story but it was a real page-turner and I had to keep reading to find out what happened. The story flows very well, with a unique plot, and there are plenty of twists and turns, some of which you won’t see coming. The characters are likable, relatable, and real, well-developed throughout the book, with their own stories gradually coming out. Although it is billed as a YA book, I believe anyone will enjoy this story – I am way past being a young adult and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

A Violet Fire marks the beginning of The Chronicles of Avignon Trilogy by Kelsey Quick. And what a gripping beginning it is! The author has imagined a world where vampires rule, and humans have been turned into nothing less than slaves and food for vampires. In this world, vampires have created breeding houses called Saya. Children born in Saya have no means of knowing what is a normal human being's life; they are brainwashed to believe that serving their vampire master is the noblest act. Wavorly was not born in Saya. She lived a normal life until one fateful night when vampires killed her parents, and she was held captive by Anton Zein, one of the five highest-ranking officials in Cain. Like all the girls of her age, she was sent to Nightingale's School of Infantry Supply, where she was stripped of her name and given a new identifier: Z29734. They captured her, but even the fearsome vampires could not capture her spirit. Wavorly has made it her mission to escape her captors and no longer be a slave to anyone.

A Violet Fire by Kelsey Quick is one of the most gripping tales I've ever come across. This bizarre world is truly fascinating and horrid. The idea of humans being reduced to nothing more than food is daunting. In such a world, a free-spirited Wavorly is refreshing. Her quick wit is a welcome contrast in the gloomy world of vampires and slave humans. She is a headstrong girl, who does not choose an easy way out to make things more comfortable. She does not hold her tongue. There are times when she observes a vampire acting in a noble manner, still, she does not let her feelings deter her from planning her freedom. Needless to say, Wavorly is my favorite character due to all of these qualities. Her thought process is in sync with her circumstances, and the author has done a praiseworthy job of keeping her an authentic free spirit.

There is not a single dull moment in this book. The plot moves swiftly towards the end and paves the way for the next book in the series. The story never gets monotonous as there are so many twists that the reader cannot put down the book until reaching the end and then craves the next book in the series asap. I would recommend this book to all fantasy lovers. A Violet Fire by Kelsey Quick has all the ingredients to become the next Hollywood movie about vampires.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

To obtain a fortune, a young boy assumes the identity of an older gentleman in the suspenseful middle-grade novel Someone in the Walls by Teymour Shahabi. Andrew Day never knew his parents, and he was lucky to receive a scholarship to Saint Clemens school. But the most extraordinary thing that ever happened to him was becoming Lucian Baker, the notorious and extremely wealthy benefactor in the City. However, no one knows Andrew's true identity, except Elder. As a disguise for Andrew, Elder created Lucian Baker from thin air and established him in the astonishingly vast mansion. Now Andrew is richer than anyone in the City, but sadly, his prosperity came with a price. Not only must he keep his new circumstances a secret, even from those he cares about, but he also has the job of maintaining the property in the capacity of a ranger. But most of all, although everything in the house is his, Andrew must never venture into the secret passages. However, as he roams the mansion's rooms, taking notes and mapping the inconceivably large property, Andrew is certain that someone is always lurking just out of sight. Does someone know the secret passages and is using them to spy on Lucian Baker and Andrew? If so, is he in danger?

Someone in the Walls by Teymour Shahabi is a fantastical middle-grade story that is set in a mysterious mansion. With an extravagant story world, evil villains, and a plucky and brave main character, the story takes the reader on a magical journey. Andrew attempting to keep his identity secret and the hazards with which he is confronted kept me on pins and needles while I waited for the ax to fall. I don't think I took a complete breath until I finished the book. Simplistically written, it is an exciting adventure that will appeal to youngsters who love extraordinary tales drenched in mystery. With the incredible fantasy world and dangers lurking just out of sight, this suspenseful novel will enthrall boys and girls from the ages of eight to twelve years of age.

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

The Language Thieves is a young adult fantasy by Marc Remus. Sixteen-year-old Daniel is none too happy about his father’s decision to move the family from Arizona to a remote Scottish island, of all places. His mother was stricken by a mysterious illness that has rendered her incapable of communication. Daniel speaks English and Irish Gaelic although he isn’t too keen on overtly displaying his Irish roots. Once on the island, he meets two new friends, Jenny and Connor, who are as suspicious as he is about a strange, elusive tribe that inhabits a part of the island: the Cerebrals, with their own unique culture, obsession with language, and their worship of the brain. The Cerebrals keep themselves apart from the rest of the population, and don’t want their kids to have anything to do with the locals. A bit difficult when Daniel finds himself falling for the cute Emily, who just happens to be a Cerebral. What is the mystery behind the Cerebrals, and do they have anything to do with Daniel’s mom’s affliction? How can they possibly be dangerous?

This is a young adult fantasy that is quite different from the norm. The plot dives back into ancient history and draws together some very intriguing theories. Young adult fans of Atlantis and ancient civilizations will devour this story. The plot is full of twists and turns and although I am not usually surprised, this book made me sit up. The action starts right away, aboard the ferry en route the island, when a young teen (Connor) is attacked by strange men. The pace is steady and escalates as the youngsters team up to resolve the mystery behind the Cerebrals, their mission, and how it will affect the whole world. Daniel is the most well developed of the trio, but Jenny is a solid sidekick gifted with IT skills and Connor is close behind as the loyal friend willing to follow first and ask questions later. The teens sound and behave mostly as one would expect teens to do and this adds realism to the plot. The romance between Daniel and Emily is sweet but underplayed so that it does not overshadow the main plot.

The intrigue and mystery behind what the kids discover will certainly have young readers doing their own investigations into history, culture, and the value and place of ancient languages in society. I liked this thought-provoking angle – just how many ancient languages are still spoken today, and how many have been lost in the last century? The descriptions of the Cerebrals and their culture, dress and architecture are unique and showcase the author’s incredible imagination. A great cover and good layout and editing add to one’s reading pleasure. Themes of friendship, loyalty, teamwork and family abound. This is an intriguing fantasy by Remus and perfect for the young adult market.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Triplicity by J. Mercer is a young adult mystery story. One Alaskan cruise and three teenagers thrown together by circumstance. A number of thefts happen on the cruise ship and all three are under suspicion. Navy is very prim and proper but she does have someone else’s purse. Jesse knows more than he should and Isiah has the motive. Each one of them has a piece of the puzzle but the lies they told will trip them up. Each has their own reason for keeping quiet but there may be a better reason not to. Do they band together and find the real thief or do they go their own separate ways? Is it worth the exposure of their deepest and darkest secrets?

Triplicity by J Mercer was an excellent story. It takes a bit of getting used to at first as each chapter is told from a different point of view – by one of the three main characters – but it was one of those books I couldn’t put down. Each character had a story to tell and that story was brought out gradually. The three main protagonists were developed very well, three very likable and fun people that a reader can easily relate to. This was a combination of a mystery story, with a little romance thrown in for good measure, and a kind of coming of age story. Right from page one, I was drawn into their lives and those of the people they originally traveled with, people that lent a great deal to the story and provided depth. With a well-paced plot and plenty of action, this was a fun, light-hearted read; I would love to read more about these characters. Fully recommended for readers of all ages, not just the younger ones.