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Recommend this book:
Soulstealer (Book 2)
Steven
Shane Boulware
2023 Finalist
319 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Steven, the follow-up novel in the Soulstealer series by Shane Boulware, is an alternative narrative to the events in book one, Nythan. Some of the same events on the same timeline are shown through the points of view of two distinct characters. This is Steven Carpenter's turn. Bane is the legitimate name of the Souleater whose moniker is attributed because he will eat the soul of a person and commandeer their body solo. He's already done this with Nythan and this is explored through Steven's perspective as the novel progresses. Bane's history stretches back hundreds of years but he has been gone so long that when Steven, who is the last line of defense as one of the only guys left in the credibility-deficient, purpose-created ancient order of Ordo Solis, is not believed when he starts to tell people what he never, ever thought he'd say: the Soulstealer is back, and he's coming for everyone.
There is so much to look at in the two Soulstealer novels that I feel sort of bad about secretly wishing for a book from the perspective of one of Bane's groupies. The Soulstealer has diehard followers and they are as deliciously sick and twisted as any villain worth their salt. The second book, Steven, is an armchair travelogue and lesson in politicking all wrapped up in a paranormal thriller. Steven the character is part of Ordo Solis except when I say “part,” what I really mean is he had one biker boot out the door when the souls of all living people were endangered. Like most protagonists, Steven didn't intend to be one and this is why we like him. Also like most protagonists, they work better in pairs and Boulware writes in Adeline who is awesome, except for her dialogue, all in a phonetic German accent. At one point I did say right back to her, “I don’t like ze vay you do zat.” It does not matter because I adore everything else Soulstealer has to offer and will scoop up the next book that Boulware dishes out.
Steven, the follow-up novel in the Soulstealer series by Shane Boulware, is an alternative narrative to the events in book one, Nythan. Some of the same events on the same timeline are shown through the points of view of two distinct characters. This is Steven Carpenter's turn. Bane is the legitimate name of the Souleater whose moniker is attributed because he will eat the soul of a person and commandeer their body solo. He's already done this with Nythan and this is explored through Steven's perspective as the novel progresses. Bane's history stretches back hundreds of years but he has been gone so long that when Steven, who is the last line of defense as one of the only guys left in the credibility-deficient, purpose-created ancient order of Ordo Solis, is not believed when he starts to tell people what he never, ever thought he'd say: the Soulstealer is back, and he's coming for everyone.
There is so much to look at in the two Soulstealer novels that I feel sort of bad about secretly wishing for a book from the perspective of one of Bane's groupies. The Soulstealer has diehard followers and they are as deliciously sick and twisted as any villain worth their salt. The second book, Steven, is an armchair travelogue and lesson in politicking all wrapped up in a paranormal thriller. Steven the character is part of Ordo Solis except when I say “part,” what I really mean is he had one biker boot out the door when the souls of all living people were endangered. Like most protagonists, Steven didn't intend to be one and this is why we like him. Also like most protagonists, they work better in pairs and Boulware writes in Adeline who is awesome, except for her dialogue, all in a phonetic German accent. At one point I did say right back to her, “I don’t like ze vay you do zat.” It does not matter because I adore everything else Soulstealer has to offer and will scoop up the next book that Boulware dishes out.
Recommend this book:
Longevity
The Awakening
Caleb Smith
2023 Finalist
261 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Longevity: The Awakening is a young adult fantasy novel by Caleb Smith. Set during the Scottish War of Independence in the late 13th century, the book follows Alastair Ramsden, a young boy who witnessed the brutal murder of his father by English invaders who sought to bring control of Scotland under the English King Edward. While fleeing from English attackers, Alastair took refuge in an old oak tree when the Divine Queen Mother opened a portal to the elemental kingdom of Akasha. Upon entering Akasha, Alastair is welcomed by his spirit guide, David, who offers him knowledge about this mysterious kingdom. With an old gnome named Tariji for company, Alastair must embark on a spiritual quest in search of self-discovery. Along the way, he will meet various elemental creatures who will eventually lead him to the Mother's Ranger, Neldor Aldaval.
Rich in themes and emotional resonance, Longevity: The Awakening is a coming-of-age story about a young boy's spiritual journey set in a fantastical land full of magic and wonder. Caleb Smith's worldbuilding is imaginative and uniquely authentic. The author borrows elements from Scottish mythology and folklore, yet the magical world of Akasha feels entirely original and refreshingly distinct. Smith doesn't gloss over the atrocities committed by the English soldiers during the Scottish War of Independence. But although the story is set against the backdrop of war and its harrowing consequences, this is primarily a coming-of-age story of a young boy's spiritual awakening. If you love fantasy stories set in the Middle Ages, this is the perfect book for you.
Longevity: The Awakening is a young adult fantasy novel by Caleb Smith. Set during the Scottish War of Independence in the late 13th century, the book follows Alastair Ramsden, a young boy who witnessed the brutal murder of his father by English invaders who sought to bring control of Scotland under the English King Edward. While fleeing from English attackers, Alastair took refuge in an old oak tree when the Divine Queen Mother opened a portal to the elemental kingdom of Akasha. Upon entering Akasha, Alastair is welcomed by his spirit guide, David, who offers him knowledge about this mysterious kingdom. With an old gnome named Tariji for company, Alastair must embark on a spiritual quest in search of self-discovery. Along the way, he will meet various elemental creatures who will eventually lead him to the Mother's Ranger, Neldor Aldaval.
Rich in themes and emotional resonance, Longevity: The Awakening is a coming-of-age story about a young boy's spiritual journey set in a fantastical land full of magic and wonder. Caleb Smith's worldbuilding is imaginative and uniquely authentic. The author borrows elements from Scottish mythology and folklore, yet the magical world of Akasha feels entirely original and refreshingly distinct. Smith doesn't gloss over the atrocities committed by the English soldiers during the Scottish War of Independence. But although the story is set against the backdrop of war and its harrowing consequences, this is primarily a coming-of-age story of a young boy's spiritual awakening. If you love fantasy stories set in the Middle Ages, this is the perfect book for you.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/spoiler&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513VuOWZXXL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Michael J. Bowler's Spoiler is the last book in the Healer Chronicles series. It depressed Alex that his twin Andy had stolen his ability to "spin." Colonel Walker lifted Alex's spirits by reminding him of all of his strengths and how the other teens considered him a big brother. When Father Pat brings Cardinal Leone and Samuel Montour to see Alex,...){kind=link}
Spoiler
The Healer Chronicles
Michael J Bowler
2023 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Michael J. Bowler's Spoiler is the last book in the Healer Chronicles series. It depressed Alex that his twin Andy had stolen his ability to "spin." Colonel Walker lifted Alex's spirits by reminding him of all of his strengths and how the other teens considered him a big brother. When Father Pat brings Cardinal Leone and Samuel Montour to see Alex, he learns he is part of a prophecy as "The Healer." The prophecy claimed dark entities could cross over to possess humans on Halloween night, causing the world to fall into darkness. However, only Alex could open the gate. Meanwhile, Andy was with the Teacher. She wanted Andy to transfer his hate and anger onto people, but he was unable to open the gate for her. Alex could feel Andy's darkness when he failed. Walker told Shaw of his suspicions about some people on the base, and together they took precautions to keep Alex safe. Would their plans prevent Ms. G from throwing the world into total darkness under her control?
Michael J. Bowler built tension and suspense by presenting Alex's inner turmoil regarding his brother. Ms. G was the epitome of a tyrannical leader and she was compared to Hitler, Stalin, and other historical dictators bent on world dominance. This is a character-driven story, but every individual is important to the overall plot. People who didn't have special abilities could hold their own and serve a purpose during high-stress moments. It described the villainous protagonists in such detail that I could picture their lack of empathy and a desire to promote Ms. G's agenda. Each transition between characters was fluid and easy to follow. The unpredictable changes that were added to the plot captured my imagination. I appreciated that the story wasn't bogged down with jargon when explaining scientific and technological processes. The end of the story was exceptional in tying every event together. I recommend Spoiler to science-fiction and dystopian fans that enjoy connecting with all the characters in the story.
Michael J. Bowler's Spoiler is the last book in the Healer Chronicles series. It depressed Alex that his twin Andy had stolen his ability to "spin." Colonel Walker lifted Alex's spirits by reminding him of all of his strengths and how the other teens considered him a big brother. When Father Pat brings Cardinal Leone and Samuel Montour to see Alex, he learns he is part of a prophecy as "The Healer." The prophecy claimed dark entities could cross over to possess humans on Halloween night, causing the world to fall into darkness. However, only Alex could open the gate. Meanwhile, Andy was with the Teacher. She wanted Andy to transfer his hate and anger onto people, but he was unable to open the gate for her. Alex could feel Andy's darkness when he failed. Walker told Shaw of his suspicions about some people on the base, and together they took precautions to keep Alex safe. Would their plans prevent Ms. G from throwing the world into total darkness under her control?
Michael J. Bowler built tension and suspense by presenting Alex's inner turmoil regarding his brother. Ms. G was the epitome of a tyrannical leader and she was compared to Hitler, Stalin, and other historical dictators bent on world dominance. This is a character-driven story, but every individual is important to the overall plot. People who didn't have special abilities could hold their own and serve a purpose during high-stress moments. It described the villainous protagonists in such detail that I could picture their lack of empathy and a desire to promote Ms. G's agenda. Each transition between characters was fluid and easy to follow. The unpredictable changes that were added to the plot captured my imagination. I appreciated that the story wasn't bogged down with jargon when explaining scientific and technological processes. The end of the story was exceptional in tying every event together. I recommend Spoiler to science-fiction and dystopian fans that enjoy connecting with all the characters in the story.
Recommend this book:
Letters in the Attic
Meredith Lindsey
2023 Bronze Medal
304 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Letters in the Attic is a young adult fantasy by Meredith Lindsey. Cami moved to Green Peaks with her mother after the tragic death of her father. Green Peaks was a quiet town surrounded by trees in the heart of the Cursed Woods and with a dark history. Cami wants to move on after the tragedy and keep a low profile. Cami made friends with a group that she liked and wanted to spend time with. Soon, Cami receives love letters from a secret admirer who shares secrets, hoping to make her believe that witches and magic are real. Girls of Cami’s age began disappearing around town, and the possibility of a serial killer was the only explanation. Cami suspected that her boyfriend and his family were involved in the disappearances and was determined to find the truth.
Letters in the Attic is a magical page-turner by Meredith Lindsey. I was in for a roller coaster ride of magic, romance, and murder. The author described the spooky house and the dark, intimidating forest in detail, and I could visualize the surroundings. The fantasy and romance lightened the dark side of the disappearances. I was intrigued from the start and could not turn the pages fast enough. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put it down. The characters were brilliantly developed. Cami was my favorite. Despite her feelings for her mysterious boyfriend, she goes out of her way to find the truth. This story was excellently written and kept me guessing until the end.
Letters in the Attic is a young adult fantasy by Meredith Lindsey. Cami moved to Green Peaks with her mother after the tragic death of her father. Green Peaks was a quiet town surrounded by trees in the heart of the Cursed Woods and with a dark history. Cami wants to move on after the tragedy and keep a low profile. Cami made friends with a group that she liked and wanted to spend time with. Soon, Cami receives love letters from a secret admirer who shares secrets, hoping to make her believe that witches and magic are real. Girls of Cami’s age began disappearing around town, and the possibility of a serial killer was the only explanation. Cami suspected that her boyfriend and his family were involved in the disappearances and was determined to find the truth.
Letters in the Attic is a magical page-turner by Meredith Lindsey. I was in for a roller coaster ride of magic, romance, and murder. The author described the spooky house and the dark, intimidating forest in detail, and I could visualize the surroundings. The fantasy and romance lightened the dark side of the disappearances. I was intrigued from the start and could not turn the pages fast enough. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put it down. The characters were brilliantly developed. Cami was my favorite. Despite her feelings for her mysterious boyfriend, she goes out of her way to find the truth. This story was excellently written and kept me guessing until the end.
Recommend this book:
Chosen by Grace
Alicia Rades
2023 Silver Medal
228 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Chosen by Fate is the first book in the Divine Fate trilogy by Alicia Rades. Ryn Tyler has spent her life being haunted by demons only she can see, but things are finally starting to look up. Her mom lets her decide where they'll move to next, which is how she ends up in the quaint community of Eagle Valley. She's befriended by her neighbor and dragged off to a party where demons attack her. When she's saved by the mysterious Marek, she's taken into a secret world of angels and demons. She discovers she's harboring an ancient power that can prevent an apocalypse, but her new power catches the attention of a demon bent on revenge. How can she save the world if she can't control her power?
Ryn's only bond at the beginning is with her mother who is a unpredictable personality, constantly moving them around and changing hobbies. Ryn never gets an opportunity to seek her own identity and form her own bonds, but discovering she has powers gives her a chance to find a real place for herself. One of the aspects that make supernatural coming of age stories so successful is how well the friendships are factored into the journey. Alicia Rades succeeds in forming a tight knit group that gives Ryn people she's able to confide in and open up to, while also playing a key role in how she discovers the extent of her powers. Her new friendships are a guiding force for her journey, as both protectors and factors of her self-discovery. She is a 'chosen one' type of character, but she's not running away from her power to avoid the burden or responsibilities, but in order to avoid killing anyone, even demons.
The other characters have a straightforward perspective, seeing demons as evil and needing to be destroyed, whereas Ryn has an overwhelming compassion to the point where she doesn't wish to seriously harm anyone. The story is fast paced, with a lot of action in a short amount of time. Chosen by Fate is a story of new beginnings, exploring themes of fate and friendship in an adventure with danger, romance, and the supernatural.
Chosen by Fate is the first book in the Divine Fate trilogy by Alicia Rades. Ryn Tyler has spent her life being haunted by demons only she can see, but things are finally starting to look up. Her mom lets her decide where they'll move to next, which is how she ends up in the quaint community of Eagle Valley. She's befriended by her neighbor and dragged off to a party where demons attack her. When she's saved by the mysterious Marek, she's taken into a secret world of angels and demons. She discovers she's harboring an ancient power that can prevent an apocalypse, but her new power catches the attention of a demon bent on revenge. How can she save the world if she can't control her power?
Ryn's only bond at the beginning is with her mother who is a unpredictable personality, constantly moving them around and changing hobbies. Ryn never gets an opportunity to seek her own identity and form her own bonds, but discovering she has powers gives her a chance to find a real place for herself. One of the aspects that make supernatural coming of age stories so successful is how well the friendships are factored into the journey. Alicia Rades succeeds in forming a tight knit group that gives Ryn people she's able to confide in and open up to, while also playing a key role in how she discovers the extent of her powers. Her new friendships are a guiding force for her journey, as both protectors and factors of her self-discovery. She is a 'chosen one' type of character, but she's not running away from her power to avoid the burden or responsibilities, but in order to avoid killing anyone, even demons.
The other characters have a straightforward perspective, seeing demons as evil and needing to be destroyed, whereas Ryn has an overwhelming compassion to the point where she doesn't wish to seriously harm anyone. The story is fast paced, with a lot of action in a short amount of time. Chosen by Fate is a story of new beginnings, exploring themes of fate and friendship in an adventure with danger, romance, and the supernatural.
Recommend this book:
The De-Coding of Jo
Keys to Eternity
Lali A. Love
2023 Gold Medal
390 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The De-Coding of Jo: Keys to Eternity by Lali A. Love is the third novel in the young adult dark fantasy Ascending Angel Academy series, preceded by book one, Hall of Ignorance, and book two, Blade of Truth. The shreds of humanity are on the brink in an epic conclusion that sees the protagonist we've seen grow and within this volume blossom into a young woman who better understands herself, her purpose, and her power. The path to getting there is rocky. Josephine “Jo” is in a juxtaposition both internally and externally with her form and function, as well as alternating timelines and antagonism across all that can and will destroy the world, and so much more. The crux of this wide-reaching and multi-layered finale is the epitome of good versus evil. A prophecy is realized, powers are in jeopardy of capture, a journey of the Legendary, Roma and Jo, armed with the Blade of Truth advances, and the Plague of Chaos must be crushed once and for all.
All roads in the Ascending Angel Academy series lead to Keys to Eternity, the culmination of a massively ambitious and deliciously executed trilogy by Lali A. Love. There is a zero percent chance that this installment will be understood and comfortably followed if a reader has not been in Jo's world with the previous two novels. Aside from robbing oneself of a brilliant arc, the themes are far too complex to grapple with solo. Sorry not sorry, folks. Love's philosophical elements have the same level of oomph that the action sequences carry and we continue to be shown the frailty of our non-fiction existence while witnessing an alternative perspective of what is in Love's masterful fiction. Existence and reason, the connection of one to all and to absolutely everything, and the nature of reality are bundled in profoundly honest prose. It's not called the Blade of Truth for nothing. “I realized this was not a coincidental occurrence. After all, everything transpired by Divine Design.” Love speaks to us through the journey of Jo and we must all listen. Very highly recommended.
The De-Coding of Jo: Keys to Eternity by Lali A. Love is the third novel in the young adult dark fantasy Ascending Angel Academy series, preceded by book one, Hall of Ignorance, and book two, Blade of Truth. The shreds of humanity are on the brink in an epic conclusion that sees the protagonist we've seen grow and within this volume blossom into a young woman who better understands herself, her purpose, and her power. The path to getting there is rocky. Josephine “Jo” is in a juxtaposition both internally and externally with her form and function, as well as alternating timelines and antagonism across all that can and will destroy the world, and so much more. The crux of this wide-reaching and multi-layered finale is the epitome of good versus evil. A prophecy is realized, powers are in jeopardy of capture, a journey of the Legendary, Roma and Jo, armed with the Blade of Truth advances, and the Plague of Chaos must be crushed once and for all.
All roads in the Ascending Angel Academy series lead to Keys to Eternity, the culmination of a massively ambitious and deliciously executed trilogy by Lali A. Love. There is a zero percent chance that this installment will be understood and comfortably followed if a reader has not been in Jo's world with the previous two novels. Aside from robbing oneself of a brilliant arc, the themes are far too complex to grapple with solo. Sorry not sorry, folks. Love's philosophical elements have the same level of oomph that the action sequences carry and we continue to be shown the frailty of our non-fiction existence while witnessing an alternative perspective of what is in Love's masterful fiction. Existence and reason, the connection of one to all and to absolutely everything, and the nature of reality are bundled in profoundly honest prose. It's not called the Blade of Truth for nothing. “I realized this was not a coincidental occurrence. After all, everything transpired by Divine Design.” Love speaks to us through the journey of Jo and we must all listen. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Ghost Hunter
Steve Altier
2022 Finalist
248 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Ghost Hunter is a young adult paranormal mystery novel by Steve Altier. After being bullied his entire school life, sixteen-year-old prodigy Gerald Dupickle hopes to turn things around in college. However, mistakenly presuming a group of black t-shirt-wearing students to be pulling pranks on him is not the way to go. Gerald learns that the group, led by a student named Fangs, fancy themselves to be ghost hunters. Initially skeptical at first, Gerald soon discovers that ghosts are real, and one of them haunts the very library where he reads. After joining the group, Gerald and his friends visit haunted places. While Frank wants to show the world proof of ghosts' existence, Gerald wants to help them pass over to the other side. But Gerald's obsession may take him on a dangerous path.
If you're a fan of anything paranormal, The Ghost Hunter is just the book for you. Author Steve Altier tells an engaging coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up with the shadow of ghosts looming in the background. The plot is paced well, and the narrative flows smoothly without a single hitch. Gerald is a likable protagonist you can't help getting attached to, and you find yourself rooting for him as he embarks on his adventures with his friends. Gerald's initiation and friendship with the ghost hunters are the primary aspects of the story that drive the narrative forward. The ending delivers quite a shocking surprise, and I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. Recommended to young adult readers.
The Ghost Hunter is a young adult paranormal mystery novel by Steve Altier. After being bullied his entire school life, sixteen-year-old prodigy Gerald Dupickle hopes to turn things around in college. However, mistakenly presuming a group of black t-shirt-wearing students to be pulling pranks on him is not the way to go. Gerald learns that the group, led by a student named Fangs, fancy themselves to be ghost hunters. Initially skeptical at first, Gerald soon discovers that ghosts are real, and one of them haunts the very library where he reads. After joining the group, Gerald and his friends visit haunted places. While Frank wants to show the world proof of ghosts' existence, Gerald wants to help them pass over to the other side. But Gerald's obsession may take him on a dangerous path.
If you're a fan of anything paranormal, The Ghost Hunter is just the book for you. Author Steve Altier tells an engaging coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up with the shadow of ghosts looming in the background. The plot is paced well, and the narrative flows smoothly without a single hitch. Gerald is a likable protagonist you can't help getting attached to, and you find yourself rooting for him as he embarks on his adventures with his friends. Gerald's initiation and friendship with the ghost hunters are the primary aspects of the story that drive the narrative forward. The ending delivers quite a shocking surprise, and I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. Recommended to young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
Blue Shadows Fall
Lenore Stutznegger
2022 Honorable Mention
370 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Blue Shadows Fall by Lenore Stutznegger is a spellbinding post-apocalyptic young adult fantasy set in a world that has survived the worst hardships and disasters. Seventeen-year-old Blue Haven is born with the rare gift of superhuman sight: she has always wanted to protect her people as a warrior. But life in her sleepy home in the smoky mountains has been uneventful since the Shadow Elves became extinct over a century ago. Blue Haven sees disturbing things beyond her town with her unique and powerful sight, including a beautiful Shadow Elf. Blue Haven knows that what she sees is real, and it means trouble because the outsiders want to belong to their world, and they are hungry creatures. Her people are not the only survivors of the plague that decimated Earth, but are they ready for what comes next?
This is a well-plotted and skillfully executed story with impeccable world-building. Readers get a good picture of the post-apocalyptic world and the kinds of people who inhabit it. Lenore Stutznegger includes interesting details, and the image of the plague that destroyed the world is captivating at the center of the conflict. Shadow Elves are humans infected with an apocalypse kind of virus. While everyone thinks they have been destroyed, the young protagonist makes a discovery that is not only startling but that spells doom for her town and its people. The writing is hugely descriptive and filled with fascinating imagery. The author writes tension into the story skillfully, creating a sense of urgency in the protagonist that propels the story forward while sustaining the reader’s attention. Blue Shadows Fall is fast-paced, intriguing, and the perfect escape for fantasy fans with beautifully woven plot threads.
Blue Shadows Fall by Lenore Stutznegger is a spellbinding post-apocalyptic young adult fantasy set in a world that has survived the worst hardships and disasters. Seventeen-year-old Blue Haven is born with the rare gift of superhuman sight: she has always wanted to protect her people as a warrior. But life in her sleepy home in the smoky mountains has been uneventful since the Shadow Elves became extinct over a century ago. Blue Haven sees disturbing things beyond her town with her unique and powerful sight, including a beautiful Shadow Elf. Blue Haven knows that what she sees is real, and it means trouble because the outsiders want to belong to their world, and they are hungry creatures. Her people are not the only survivors of the plague that decimated Earth, but are they ready for what comes next?
This is a well-plotted and skillfully executed story with impeccable world-building. Readers get a good picture of the post-apocalyptic world and the kinds of people who inhabit it. Lenore Stutznegger includes interesting details, and the image of the plague that destroyed the world is captivating at the center of the conflict. Shadow Elves are humans infected with an apocalypse kind of virus. While everyone thinks they have been destroyed, the young protagonist makes a discovery that is not only startling but that spells doom for her town and its people. The writing is hugely descriptive and filled with fascinating imagery. The author writes tension into the story skillfully, creating a sense of urgency in the protagonist that propels the story forward while sustaining the reader’s attention. Blue Shadows Fall is fast-paced, intriguing, and the perfect escape for fantasy fans with beautifully woven plot threads.
Recommend this book:
To Dream Is To Die
The Dead Dreamer Series
Sarah Lampkin
2022 Bronze Medal
236 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
To Dream Is To Die: The Dead Dreamer Series by Sarah Lampkin is a blend of coming of age and paranormal genres that follows eighteen-year-old Brenna Whit as she experiences her freshman year in college. It is an exciting period for her with new friends and even a crush. But she has a dark secret, an experience that she doesn’t want anyone to know. It has been three years since the accident happened and life has never been the same for her. Whenever she falls asleep, her spirit wanders the Fade. When she finds out that someone watches her in spirit form, all her fears escalate. Can she navigate the complicated relationships in school and keep her secret away from prying eyes?
This is a strong and compelling narrative. Told from the perspective of the protagonist, the reader is drawn into her worldview and experiences her pain right from the beginning: "In school, I had been a social butterfly; now I was a social outcast. A few people still made an effort to talk to me, but most stayed away." The pathos is strong and the emotional levels of the story are well explored. The characters are well developed and it is interesting to follow the character arc and watch the key character evolve through her complex relationships. The conflict is strong and well-handled. To Dream Is To Die is a fascinating story told in an engaging first-person narrative, a tale that has great potential to entertain fans of paranormal fiction and readers looking for strong and multidimensional characters.
To Dream Is To Die: The Dead Dreamer Series by Sarah Lampkin is a blend of coming of age and paranormal genres that follows eighteen-year-old Brenna Whit as she experiences her freshman year in college. It is an exciting period for her with new friends and even a crush. But she has a dark secret, an experience that she doesn’t want anyone to know. It has been three years since the accident happened and life has never been the same for her. Whenever she falls asleep, her spirit wanders the Fade. When she finds out that someone watches her in spirit form, all her fears escalate. Can she navigate the complicated relationships in school and keep her secret away from prying eyes?
This is a strong and compelling narrative. Told from the perspective of the protagonist, the reader is drawn into her worldview and experiences her pain right from the beginning: "In school, I had been a social butterfly; now I was a social outcast. A few people still made an effort to talk to me, but most stayed away." The pathos is strong and the emotional levels of the story are well explored. The characters are well developed and it is interesting to follow the character arc and watch the key character evolve through her complex relationships. The conflict is strong and well-handled. To Dream Is To Die is a fascinating story told in an engaging first-person narrative, a tale that has great potential to entertain fans of paranormal fiction and readers looking for strong and multidimensional characters.
Recommend this book:
Song of the Moon
Artemis Lupine Series Book 1
Catherine Banks
2022 Silver Medal
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Moon: Artemis Lupine Series Book 1 by Catherine Banks follows Artemis, a young girl who has always been an outcast in her hometown. She has no friends except for her best friend Bret. Bret is about to leave for college and so to spend their last week together, Artemis’s father takes them on a trip. It was meant to be a fun time; however, things quickly go south when news of massacres occurring all over the world makes them head back home, fearing for their lives. In the midst of chaos, Artemis encounters the stranger from her dreams and discovers her father has been keeping more secrets from her than she would have ever guessed.
Song of the Moon by Catherine Banks is definitely my type of book. Filled with hot werewolves, vampires, and all measures of supernatural beings, you can’t help but enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even with its unique take on werewolves. The story was good and this book was very well written, although Artemis could have done with some serious boundaries with those boys. Other than that, I found the characters to be quite entertaining with their quirky personalities and overall weirdness. Artemis made for a good female lead and certainly had some strong character development moments later in the book. I must say Koda and Max ended up being my favorite characters. Overall, this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to any supernatural genre fans.
Song of the Moon: Artemis Lupine Series Book 1 by Catherine Banks follows Artemis, a young girl who has always been an outcast in her hometown. She has no friends except for her best friend Bret. Bret is about to leave for college and so to spend their last week together, Artemis’s father takes them on a trip. It was meant to be a fun time; however, things quickly go south when news of massacres occurring all over the world makes them head back home, fearing for their lives. In the midst of chaos, Artemis encounters the stranger from her dreams and discovers her father has been keeping more secrets from her than she would have ever guessed.
Song of the Moon by Catherine Banks is definitely my type of book. Filled with hot werewolves, vampires, and all measures of supernatural beings, you can’t help but enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even with its unique take on werewolves. The story was good and this book was very well written, although Artemis could have done with some serious boundaries with those boys. Other than that, I found the characters to be quite entertaining with their quirky personalities and overall weirdness. Artemis made for a good female lead and certainly had some strong character development moments later in the book. I must say Koda and Max ended up being my favorite characters. Overall, this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to any supernatural genre fans.
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