Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Plagued Lands by Nikki Brooke is a compelling young adult sci-fi tale set in a dystopian future where cities enclosed in glass bubbles offer protection from rampant diseases. Sixteen-year-old Martina, a resilient Colombian teen caring for her younger brother, begins to question their bubble's safety after seeing someone survive outside without protective gear. Determined to uncover the truth, she joins forces with unlikely allies, including Nathan, an intriguing nomad, and Persephone, a passionate pharmacy student. Together, they navigate the mysteries outside the bubble, testing Martina's courage as she fights to protect her brother and discover the world beyond.
Brooke demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a dystopian world that feels both fresh and frighteningly possible, and the way she balances action-packed sequences with quieter, reflective character moments creates a perfect pace that kept me thoroughly invested in Martina's journey.

I loved the dialogue especially, as this did a lot to immediately characterize Martina and those around her whilst also giving plot-relevant information in an easy-to-read way. Nikki Brooke's portrayal of the protagonist's relationship with her brother adds a powerful emotional core to the story, while the dynamics between Martina and her newfound allies feel genuine and compelling with a lot of bright and interesting moments that add levity to the grim dystopian world around them. I was especially moved by how tenderly the themes of trust and truth-seeking were explored, and the narrative is sharp and empathetic as we see through the lens of a young person questioning everything she's been taught to believe. What I found most engaging was the way Brooke builds tension not just through external threats, but through Martina's internal struggle between protecting her brother and pursuing the truth about their world, creating a story that resonates deeply with anyone who's ever had to choose between safety and truth. Overall, Plagued Lands is an exceptional addition to the young adult sci-fi genre that will captivate readers with its unique premise and honest portrayal of courage in the face of uncertainty.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Val Vega: Secret Ambassador of Earth by Ben Francisco is a dynamic young adult sci-fi debut that blends interstellar politics, murder mystery, and heartfelt coming-of-age drama. We’re with Val when she learns she’s Earth’s new ambassador to a galactic council, and she’s then thrust into alien diplomacy, underground revolutions, and cosmic-scale intrigue. All while navigating high school life and grief at home. Populated with a dazzling cast of humans and aliens alike, Francisco’s story is witty, moving, and impossible to put down.

Author Ben Francisco knows how to deliver a truly enjoyable story, and I found myself immediately lost in this colorful, inclusive galaxy filled with wonder and emotional depth right from the earliest pages. The energy behind the narration is infectiously pleasant, and Val’s voice is fresh, funny, and deeply relatable as she juggles personal and planetary crises with a certain flavour and humour that stops things ever getting too dark. That’s not to say that there isn’t plenty of depth to the story, though, and there are lots of moving moments where Val is tested to her limit by the shadow of grief and the new pressures thrown at her. The comic timing and adventurous twists add levity and changes of pace to keep things moving, and the clever construction of the storytelling makes this read a standout for its seamless blending of sci-fi adventure, family ties, and social commentary. Overall, Val Vega: Secret Ambassador of Earth is a recommended read for fans of space adventures that are as smart and heartfelt as they are thrilling.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander by Christian Hurst is an exciting YA science fiction novel. Waking up with no memory and only a name tag to guide her, Lily Starling is thrust into a galaxy-spanning conflict in this sweeping sci-fi adventure. Whisked aboard the Salamander by a crew of future space Fleet officers who claim she’s one of their own, Lily must rediscover her past to save the future. Hunted by the psionic Krythar and racing against time to stop a universe-altering weapon, Lily must decide whom to trust: the strangers who call her family or the instincts telling her she’s on her own. With a found family of quirky, battle-worn allies, she journeys across the stars in search of answers, identity, and a destiny she never saw coming.

Author Christian Hurst has a fantastic imagination and a cinematic description style that lends itself to this thrilling blend of space opera, memory mystery, and fierce found-family feelings. I loved the setting of the Salamander and the variety of characters who make up the crew. The attention to detail in their varying attitudes and little idiosyncrasies makes them feel real. This is a sci-fi novel with soul. Lily is a well-developed heroine with plenty of guts who I found myself easily rooting for, but it was also inspiring to watch her learn from those around her and grow from the challenges the plot throws at her. These are numerous and well-timed for great pace and excitement in the adventure, and the looming threat of Krythar was pitched with the right balance between tension and thrill. Overall, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander is a bold and brilliant read that’s bursting with heart, and I recommend it as an interstellar epic you won’t forget.

Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite

Steve Schafer's eMortal follows the story of Liv, a 17-year-old genius high schooler who constructs an advanced AI system named Breck. She enters him in a prestigious government-sponsored contest and is determined to place first. If she wins the competition, she will receive an internship to meet her role model. Throughout the contest, Breck has to navigate a series of assignments to advance to new levels until he reaches the end goal. Along the way, he becomes more self-aware. Liv also realizes Breck is evolving beyond his original parameters and becoming more self-reliant, but she's not the only one who observes this. Breck does not know he will be terminated when the competition is over. Simultaneously, Liv strives for autonomy from her overbearing mother. Adding to her stress is the reality that her best friend is preparing to move away. Can Liv save Breck and resolve her interpersonal issues before it's too late?

Steve Schafer's eMortal is a compelling novel that aptly examines the indistinct boundaries between humanity and advanced AI systems. It is a thought-provoking book that will prompt readers to re-evaluate how they perceive their existence in an increasingly techno-driven world. The interchanging points of view between Liv and Breck add depth to the overall storyline while creating a vivid picture of Liv's personal experiences and Breck's growth as a sentient AI. Schafer skillfully intertwines a mosaic of personal challenges and uncertainties that both Liv and Breck must undergo to progress to the next stage of their transformation. What sets eMortal apart are the unpredictable twists Schafer incorporates along the way. When you think you have every aspect of this story figured out, the narrative takes an exciting turn in an unforeseen direction, keeping you on the edge of your seat. eMortal perfectly balances immersive prose with profound themes, making it an ideal addition to your library.

Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite

Shadows of Empire is a science fiction epic from author A.K. DuBoff which serves as the opening instalment of the Cadicle series. The book follows Wil Sietinen, who must juggle his roles as both an heir to the High Dynasty and as a soldier in the galactic military. Gifted with psychic abilities, expectations of Wil are immense, but when he is captured by the enemy he begins to learn the truth about his future and the world in which he was raised. With the threats against those he cares about growing with every day and a conspiracy that could change the fate of the galaxy ensnaring him, Wil must fight for the future of the Taran Empire.

The scope of the narrative and world-building on show in this novel is exceptional and truly earns the Cadicle series the right to be called an epic. From the first page, I found myself hooked into the web of intrigue, not just between worlds but between the factions on those worlds. A.K. DuBoff expertly guides readers through the plot whilst capturing their interest with exciting prose and compelling characters. Shadows of Empire sets a solid foundation for the rest of the series to build upon with a protagonist you’ll want to root for and beautifully created lore that serves as a stunning backdrop for an ambitious and provocative narrative. This is an unmissable adventure across a dynamic and nuanced galaxy. I enthusiastically recommend Shadows of Empire to science fiction fans in search of their next obsession.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

In Brian Penn's The Wall, it is 2099 in the United States, and decades have passed since the once-brilliant beacon of hope and freedom devolved into authoritarianism and enslavement, fueled by greed, negligence, and the desire for immortality. In 2050, science brought about the second-life protocol. This involved giving people a second chance at life after they died. But first-lifers lived dangerously, and leaders resolved to revoke second-life rights. Then Zion's ruler, Renatus, led all first-lifers into The Wall. But the process means taking the life of another—lives Renatus secretly harvests from the MiddleLand. The Middle lies behind a giant, almost square, translucent Wall towering a hundred feet and coursing 100,000 volts from old America's Northern Wyoming to former New Mexico and back. Here, Renatus' contraband laws and his near-invincible army rule with an iron fist, terrorizing a people deemed low-class to the point of hopelessness. In this desolate wasteland, we meet Asher, the last son of the Defiance. This 25-year-old contraband mule is set on finding his lost love (who is on the other side of the Wall) and making those responsible for her "death" pay dearly. But this is a world where any revolt against oppression is shattered, and resistance is met with painful executions. Asher must blindly march into the lion's den to reunite with Sarai and be the leader, the elite warrior he was born to be.
 
One of the many lessons I gathered from The Wall is that sometimes to survive you have to do things you'd consider dishonorable under normal conditions. There were several heart-wrenching moments, and this book kept me glued from the first pages to the last. Penn's characters evoke emotions, and the descriptions are so vivid that you can almost hear whining drones in the distance and sense the turmoil and carnage coursing through the coliseum. For every next minute he's alive, Asher must traverse trials set to kill in an instant and take down blood-lusting warlords and gladiators. Every step is fraught with disaster yet propelled by hope and determination. Every moving part builds to a climactic, worthwhile end, and the narrative is told by crafting together key players' perspectives, immersing readers even deeper in the moment. If you enjoy fast-paced action, adventure, thrills, and feats with the highest stakes, check out this award-winning dystopian novel by Brian Penn. I would not recommend it to sensitive readers because of the gory battle scenes.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

A futuristic cyberpunk retelling of a classic fairytale like no other finds Jack, a young woman born missing an arm and a leg, fighting for the survival of her family and herself. Into the BeanStalk by J. Paul Roe follows Jack on her treacherous journey as she tries to pay off her debt to a notorious gang of bikers and save her father from corporate slavery. All the while, it seems something far more sinister lurks above the city Jack calls home.

Into the BeanStalk by J. Paul Roe is an exciting new take on the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk. I didn’t think I would love this book as much as I did, but between the relatable characters and the gritty setting, I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. While I usually don’t read cyberpunk books, I can safely say that this one has a familiar but different plotline, descriptive and imaginative world-building, and wonderful characters.

Jack is the kind of protagonist you root for regardless of the trouble she seems to get herself into, and while she may not be perfect, her flaws make her such an endearing character. Her struggles and motivations felt so real that I couldn’t help but become emotionally invested, and by the end of the book, it felt like I had been on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. Into the BeanStalk is a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Dev and Raya are from Solaran Prime, a distant planet from Earth. Right now, Raya is on Earth with new friends she has made who are like family to her. Did Dev make the right decision to leave her on Earth, and how will her two-year wait turn out? Meanwhile, she decides to study for her doctorate, and she is also scanning for signals from her home planet. Dev had thought of turning the Dauntless around before entering cryosleep to go back for his girlfriend, but he didn't. Back in Solara, he has to answer for stealing a ship to go after Raya. Will he be punished for it? In Solara, things are getting out of hand with the terrorists. To find out how things turn out with Dr. Raya and the hunt for the heartless terrorists, get a copy of Down Comes the Dark: Elemental Book 2 by Liane Mahugh.

Down Comes the Dark by Liane Mahugh is a must-read! Sometimes science fiction can be tedious because of too much jargon, but not this book. I was hooked from the first chapter to the last. Despite this being the second in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The plot flows flawlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. Liane also utilized suspense to great effect, which kept me on the edge of my seat. The fast-paced narration kept me intrigued and entertained. The characters are also well-developed, and the reader will appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the book accessible to all kinds of readers. I cannot wait to read something else by this talented author.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The year is 3324, and Earth’s colony planets have been at war with an alien species they call the Hrum. Their enemies are unusual because they act like mindless attack berserkers, who know how to use advanced weapons, but do not understand basic tactics. The humans have sent messages to the Hrum but have never received a reply. A few space military personnel have noticed this odd behavior but decided to keep it a secret from the public. One of the officers involved in this cover-up, Jaxton Drake, comes from a family of military officers who have proven to be formidable and reliable players in the war against the Hrum. His sister, Natalie, continues to be a master tactician for her ship, and his brother, Ryan, is a fearless marine ready to fight for justice and face any opponent. Their father, Senior Admiral Drake, is an admired leader with powerful connections. Will they ever defeat their unpredictable enemy or discover why the Hrum act strangely? Grab a copy of Hrum by Austin Davis to enjoy this entertaining story.

Hrum is the first installment in The Drake Chronicles, and I loved everything about this book. Austin Davis uses mystery and adventure to intrigue readers and keep them engaged. The book has a smooth flow and does not contain boring technical jargon like other science fiction novels. The story is told from multiple points of view, giving the reader an overview of what is happening with different characters. The book has family drama, romance, military strategizing, and political tension, which are all plot lines that will keep you entertained. I loved the natural chemistry and casual camaraderie between the characters. The conversations, jokes, caring personalities, and details like the characters having nightmares about the war humanized them and made me relate to their problems. The book is a great introduction to this new series, and I hope to find out what happens next because I am hooked. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves science fiction. Great work.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Time Trials is a work of fiction in the science fiction and time travel adventure subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by the team of Jon McConnell and Dayna McConnell. In this thrilling high-concept work which features family drama and exciting schooltime intrigue, we meet our protagonist Finn Mallory who is plagued by guilt following the deaths of his parents. A new club at school holds the answers he seeks when he discovers that they take part in competitive time travel, but little does Finn realize that the corruption and danger within these games are second to none.

Jon and Dayna McConnell are bang on the money with this work of YA science fiction that will certainly please readers looking for a unique approach in their next adventure. Beyond this, there are so many other excellent developmental elements that make the work fully formed. These range from the intricate emotional journey that Finn undergoes as he works through grief and blame to the conspiracy-riddled mystery of the timekeepers and their cutthroat approach to such a volatile and world-altering technology. Add to this the slick dialogue and ensemble cast of other club members and competitors stopping at nothing to succeed, and you have a novel that stays engrossing from its opening chapter right through to the satisfying temporary conclusion, which once more leaves the way open for future books. Science fiction fans and YA readers will surely rank The Time Trials as one of the best books they read this year.