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 Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Evoke by Danielle Simmons is a coming-of-age story with strong psychological underpinnings, a story of loss and one woman’s struggle to come to grips with a painful tragedy. Set in the imaginary locale of Lake Haven, Maine, we follow five childhood friends who meet again when they come back home for summer. But then an accident claims the lives of three of these friends. Laney Thomas wakes up months later to the startling realization that she’s the only survivor in an accident in which three of her friends have lost their lives. She remembers nothing about the accident and the week leading up to the event. Evan, the only friend in the group who happened to be away during the accident, stays close to her. But can Evan — in spite of the bond they share — help her understand what happened? When Evan suddenly disappears without a word, Laney experiences the worst form of darkness. Can memories of her past guide her to the truth buried in the deep recesses of her heart?

Layer by grueling layer, Danielle Simmons leads readers into the depths of her characters. The narrative starts with a powerful premise — friends meeting after a long period of absence, then an accident that leaves one of them without any memory of what happened and a painful loss. I got utterly involved as I followed the protagonist, hoping against all hope that she found the tools she needed to get answers. The emotion is strong and it is enabled by the fine prose that captures emotions in detail. The plot structure is well designed, starting with questions and introducing a crisis that permeates every aspect of the narrative. Evoke is atmospheric, deeply moving, and emotionally intense. The protagonist left me with strong echoes of the protagonist in Before I Go to Sleep. An edge-of-your-seat kind of read!

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.

Reviewed by A. L. Peevey for Readers' Favorite

In R.D. Crist’s Scarlet Reign: Malice of the Dark Witch, we are introduced to fourteen-year-old Natalie who is sitting by her mother’s deathbed. Taking possession of her mother’s beloved ring, Natalie is whisked away by Ava, a stranger claiming to be a long-lost relative. Together, they flee a sinister enemy, heading for the refuge of a girls-only orphanage that houses an order of witches. With Ava’s encouragement and due to the perilous circumstances she finds herself in, Natalie struggles to discover her previously unknown roots in magical ability, to master her self-doubt, and to accept her destiny. When an evil force bent on revenge attacks the orphanage, will Natalie and her demanding mentors and her new friends be able to defend themselves?

R.D. Crist’s Scarlet Reign: Malice of the Dark Witch plunges us into a world that is familiar with its cities, planes, and trains yet fantastical, a place of magic, both benevolent and malicious. Natalie’s battle to control her emotions and develop her own intuition ring true given her age. Several passages recount her being given counsel and comfort as she fights to balance her often overwhelming emotions with cool calculation, typically a skill developed with time and experience. Crist also gives readers a hierarchy of magical practitioners both familiar and unique, yet always credible and true to the world Crist has created. The characters are flawed and therefore very human, despite their magical abilities. Scarlet Reign is fun without being too preachy about teen angst. I particularly enjoyed the final battle. This book shows us personal growth, forgiveness, loss, and redemption while being a thoughtfully enjoyable read. All in all, a good story.

Reviewed by Benjamin Ookami for Readers' Favorite

Leftover Girl is the first installment in the Leftover Girl series by C.C. Bolick. Somebody has found out about fifteen-year-old Jessica Delaney, the adopted daughter of Justin and Lorraine Delaney. As a result, the Delaney family have to leave an Atlanta trailer park behind and go to Credence, Lorraine’s hometown. At a party, Jes ends up kissing Pade, the son of her adopted mother’s sister. A relationship with him can be tricky since they are part of the same family. Like Jes, the son of an exacting new English teacher is also a newcomer. His name is Chase and Jes quickly becomes friends with him. He also has blue eyes like her. They might have more in common than Jes could ever imagine. What’s more, Chase is from another planet.

High school is a slippery world where the word “cool” means more to teenagers than it does to adults and it's no different in this book. What I liked about this book is that the author made me feel like I was back in high school again with all of its accompaniments. Jes is an interesting character because she has a past that she cannot remember and her adopted parents try their best to protect her from it. For the first half of the book, readers are pretty much reading a realistic young adult romance novel; when Chase reveals his secret, the pages start turning themselves. The author doesn’t rely heavily on the elements of science fiction, but skillfully plays around with it so that her characters can truly shine.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Cedar Springs High students Zelda, Sabrina, Andrew, Gabby, and Justin are the ones everyone around them－peers, parents, and teachers－deem as lost causes, which rightly gives this YA mystery thriller its title. Two undercover FBI agents, Ryan Nash and Patricia Nichols, summoned them to a ‘group-therapy program’, where the teens drink a special serum that erases their problems and gives each of them a psychic ability. In return, they must track a killer who murdered one of their town residents.

Despite the premise of The Lost Causes by Jessica Etting and Alyssa Schwartz being slightly formulaic, it’s executed well through the well-paced plot. Characterization is the main strength of the story for me, where each of the characters and their relationships are given enough room to grow. It’s interesting how they adjust to their new abilities and working together to solve the murder case. It’s a play on irony; Justin Diaz, a football player with anger issues, has the ability of psychokinesis or moving physical objects using the mind, while OCD Gabby Dahl’s ability is retro-cognition, or triggering visions of the past by touching objects. I do relate more to the smart but gloomy Zelda or Z, who’s able to read people’s thoughts. Personally, I find Andrew Foreman, the hypochondriac turned genius, has the best deal out of it, but strangely proves his worth differently.

The narrative has a solid clarity and is engaging. There are good moments of humor, camaraderie, and suspense. The proposed mystery is intricate, thrilling and perplexing, making the story a page-turner. YA romance is expected, although I’m ambivalent about a certain romantic relationship between two characters. On the whole, The Lost Causes is surprisingly a gratifying read. Despite being a YA imprint, older readers can enjoy it as well.