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Recommend this book:
The Price of Truth
Michele Clarizio
2025 Finalist
402 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Michele Clarizio's The Price of Truth, Karis is mourning the loss of her father when everything in her life is suddenly disrupted again. She wakes up injured and confused, unable to remember what happened the night before. The last thing she recalls is having dinner, and then she finds herself in Troy's apartment. Karis had called Troy in tears, her words unclear and jumbled. When Troy seeks help, he encounters CJ, Karis’s stepfather. CJ advises Troy to stay silent about what occurred with Karis and not to contact the police. CJ explains that he and Karis’s mother are leaving for Europe the next day, and her mother would cancel the trip if she learned about Karis's situation. Karis is determined to recover her memory and uncover the truth about that night. Karis believes her healing journey cannot begin until she knows the truth. With the support of her close friends Skylar, Niki, Troy, and Patent, she hopes to uncover the truth.
The Price of Truth by Michele Clarizio captivated me right from the start. The story was packed with nonstop action, and the tension kept me riveted. The writing style was engaging, making it easy to become invested in Karis’s quest for the truth. I found it impossible to put the book down and was flipping through the pages as fast as I could. The characters felt realistic and genuine. They were crafted so well that I had no trouble connecting with several of them immediately. On the other hand, there were also characters that I found quite unlikable. The book was exceptionally well-written and maintained my interest throughout. The conclusion was perfectly fitting, given all that had transpired, and it caught me completely off guard.
In Michele Clarizio's The Price of Truth, Karis is mourning the loss of her father when everything in her life is suddenly disrupted again. She wakes up injured and confused, unable to remember what happened the night before. The last thing she recalls is having dinner, and then she finds herself in Troy's apartment. Karis had called Troy in tears, her words unclear and jumbled. When Troy seeks help, he encounters CJ, Karis’s stepfather. CJ advises Troy to stay silent about what occurred with Karis and not to contact the police. CJ explains that he and Karis’s mother are leaving for Europe the next day, and her mother would cancel the trip if she learned about Karis's situation. Karis is determined to recover her memory and uncover the truth about that night. Karis believes her healing journey cannot begin until she knows the truth. With the support of her close friends Skylar, Niki, Troy, and Patent, she hopes to uncover the truth.
The Price of Truth by Michele Clarizio captivated me right from the start. The story was packed with nonstop action, and the tension kept me riveted. The writing style was engaging, making it easy to become invested in Karis’s quest for the truth. I found it impossible to put the book down and was flipping through the pages as fast as I could. The characters felt realistic and genuine. They were crafted so well that I had no trouble connecting with several of them immediately. On the other hand, there were also characters that I found quite unlikable. The book was exceptionally well-written and maintained my interest throughout. The conclusion was perfectly fitting, given all that had transpired, and it caught me completely off guard.
Recommend this book:
Risky Pursuit
Nancy G. West
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
High school senior Decker Savage was struggling to cope with life. Apart from grieving his deceased baby brother, he also had to face the reality of his parents’ separation. It all weighed heavily on him. When he witnesses a strange man upsetting his mother while at a dinner, he is curious to know who the man is. Decker secretly tails the man as he walks away into the night. However, he ends up walking into a crime. The strange man had broken into a house and assaulted an aging man. Determined to uncover the identity of the mystery man, Decker visits the victim in the hospital, launching an investigation. Soon, he finds himself treading a dangerous path that puts his courage to the test and the lives of his loved ones in danger. Discover how it all goes down in Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit.
Using sharp, character-driven conversations and a multi-perspective timeline, West introduced me to a conflicted and fascinating, dynamic cast. The overt depictions of the characters' emotions and the juxtaposition of their complex traits allowed me to connect with them. I was given a glimpse into the world of a teenager going through grief and family disintegration. Between baseball practice, handling a budding romance, trying to maintain a social life, and running an investigation, Decker illustrates how grief and divorce affect young people. I could understand when Decker felt overwhelmed by his friend’s boisterous family. He was just not used to it. There is suspense, love, secrets, deceit, betrayal, intergenerational friendship, and more in this book. Lovers of young adult mystery novels with a blend of thrills and adventure will find Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit an enthralling read.
High school senior Decker Savage was struggling to cope with life. Apart from grieving his deceased baby brother, he also had to face the reality of his parents’ separation. It all weighed heavily on him. When he witnesses a strange man upsetting his mother while at a dinner, he is curious to know who the man is. Decker secretly tails the man as he walks away into the night. However, he ends up walking into a crime. The strange man had broken into a house and assaulted an aging man. Determined to uncover the identity of the mystery man, Decker visits the victim in the hospital, launching an investigation. Soon, he finds himself treading a dangerous path that puts his courage to the test and the lives of his loved ones in danger. Discover how it all goes down in Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit.
Using sharp, character-driven conversations and a multi-perspective timeline, West introduced me to a conflicted and fascinating, dynamic cast. The overt depictions of the characters' emotions and the juxtaposition of their complex traits allowed me to connect with them. I was given a glimpse into the world of a teenager going through grief and family disintegration. Between baseball practice, handling a budding romance, trying to maintain a social life, and running an investigation, Decker illustrates how grief and divorce affect young people. I could understand when Decker felt overwhelmed by his friend’s boisterous family. He was just not used to it. There is suspense, love, secrets, deceit, betrayal, intergenerational friendship, and more in this book. Lovers of young adult mystery novels with a blend of thrills and adventure will find Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit an enthralling read.
Recommend this book:
Dawn to Dusk
The Awaken Saga, Book 2
Ellis K. Popa
2025 Silver Medal
398 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite
In Ellis K. Popa's Dawn to Dusk, the two protagonists, Kat and Maksim, are keeping a low profile in a picturesque Mediterranean town after making a daring escape from the criminal underworld. All appears to be peaceful until Maksim makes contact with a mysterious hacker. Kat’s inquisitiveness about Maksim's ulterior motives puts them both back on the radar of a ruthless crime syndicate. Forced to flee to Paris, Kat and Maksim come under the protection of Dom, a close friend of Maksim’s. Initially, Dom appears as a comforting presence to Kat as she tries to piece her shattered life back together. But as Maksim’s disloyalty gradually surfaces, so do Dom’s hidden agendas. With the syndicate closing in on their heels, Kat must decide who to trust before it is too late. What will she do? Most importantly, will she live to tell the tale?
Dawn to Dusk by Ellis K. Popa is the fast-paced, emotionally charged second installment in The Awaken Saga. Popa's vivid depictions bring the story to life, making each scene easy to envision. Set against the alluring backdrop of the City of Lights, this novel balances exciting chase sequences, surprising betrayals, and an unforgettable romantic entanglement between Kat, Maksim, and Dom. Even though their love triangle creates a renewed level of intimacy and vulnerability between these characters, the character development between Kat and Maksim feels remarkably authentic. Their struggles will resonate deeply with readers. Kat and Maksim's powerful chemistry makes it easy to empathize with them as they confront their challenges together and evolve throughout the plot. If you are drawn to high-stakes cat‑and‑mouse stories with emotional depth and intense action, this novel is a riveting, dynamic read.
In Ellis K. Popa's Dawn to Dusk, the two protagonists, Kat and Maksim, are keeping a low profile in a picturesque Mediterranean town after making a daring escape from the criminal underworld. All appears to be peaceful until Maksim makes contact with a mysterious hacker. Kat’s inquisitiveness about Maksim's ulterior motives puts them both back on the radar of a ruthless crime syndicate. Forced to flee to Paris, Kat and Maksim come under the protection of Dom, a close friend of Maksim’s. Initially, Dom appears as a comforting presence to Kat as she tries to piece her shattered life back together. But as Maksim’s disloyalty gradually surfaces, so do Dom’s hidden agendas. With the syndicate closing in on their heels, Kat must decide who to trust before it is too late. What will she do? Most importantly, will she live to tell the tale?
Dawn to Dusk by Ellis K. Popa is the fast-paced, emotionally charged second installment in The Awaken Saga. Popa's vivid depictions bring the story to life, making each scene easy to envision. Set against the alluring backdrop of the City of Lights, this novel balances exciting chase sequences, surprising betrayals, and an unforgettable romantic entanglement between Kat, Maksim, and Dom. Even though their love triangle creates a renewed level of intimacy and vulnerability between these characters, the character development between Kat and Maksim feels remarkably authentic. Their struggles will resonate deeply with readers. Kat and Maksim's powerful chemistry makes it easy to empathize with them as they confront their challenges together and evolve throughout the plot. If you are drawn to high-stakes cat‑and‑mouse stories with emotional depth and intense action, this novel is a riveting, dynamic read.
Recommend this book:
The Hennessy Lie
Annette Masters
2025 Gold Medal
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Annette Masters’ novel, The Hennessy Lie, is a unique blend of secrets, deception, and the dangerous quest for truth, set against the backdrop of an atmospheric estate. With a touch of romance, this YA thriller captivates from start to finish. The story follows Piper Covington, a young woman grappling with a haunting family legacy. Raised on her mother’s chilling tales of a monstrous father who died before she was born, Piper’s search for identity takes a treacherous turn when a stranger hints at her connection to the wealthy Hennessy family. Allegations of a hidden fortune and a contested inheritance propel Piper into a dangerous hunt for her father’s elusive will, leading her to confront not only her own fears but also unexpected adversaries—including a captivating yet enigmatic rival.
Annette Masters weaves multiple layers of intrigue, blending Piper’s personal journey with suspense. As Piper digs deeper into the history of the Hennessys, each revelation uncovers a new twist. The author’s pacing adds to the suspense. Piper’s complex relationship with her newfound rival is central to the narrative. The eerie atmosphere and vivid descriptions transport readers into a world where every shadow conceals a potential threat, and every clue leads deeper into a labyrinth of family intrigue. The Hennessy Lie blends suspense, romance, and mystery with skillful storytelling. Readers who enjoy a good mystery that keeps them guessing will want to read The Hennessy Lie. Piper is a likable character, and readers will feel for her and cheer for her as she unravels the mystery of her existence.
Annette Masters’ novel, The Hennessy Lie, is a unique blend of secrets, deception, and the dangerous quest for truth, set against the backdrop of an atmospheric estate. With a touch of romance, this YA thriller captivates from start to finish. The story follows Piper Covington, a young woman grappling with a haunting family legacy. Raised on her mother’s chilling tales of a monstrous father who died before she was born, Piper’s search for identity takes a treacherous turn when a stranger hints at her connection to the wealthy Hennessy family. Allegations of a hidden fortune and a contested inheritance propel Piper into a dangerous hunt for her father’s elusive will, leading her to confront not only her own fears but also unexpected adversaries—including a captivating yet enigmatic rival.
Annette Masters weaves multiple layers of intrigue, blending Piper’s personal journey with suspense. As Piper digs deeper into the history of the Hennessys, each revelation uncovers a new twist. The author’s pacing adds to the suspense. Piper’s complex relationship with her newfound rival is central to the narrative. The eerie atmosphere and vivid descriptions transport readers into a world where every shadow conceals a potential threat, and every clue leads deeper into a labyrinth of family intrigue. The Hennessy Lie blends suspense, romance, and mystery with skillful storytelling. Readers who enjoy a good mystery that keeps them guessing will want to read The Hennessy Lie. Piper is a likable character, and readers will feel for her and cheer for her as she unravels the mystery of her existence.
Recommend this book:
Journey to the Dark Galaxy
Hannah D. State
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the second novel in The Dark Galaxy Series. It is intended for young adult readers and contains some mild scenes of sci-fi violence and serious themes. Penned by author Hannah D. State, this riveting sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star continues the adventures of Sam Sanderson, a twelve-year-old with a knack for stumbling into extraordinary circumstances. Now facing an interplanetary ultimatum, Sam is drafted into the Great Alliance for Interplanetary Affairs, setting the stage for a harrowing journey into the unknown. Sam's journey to the Dark Galaxy is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists. The narrative explores complex themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. As Sam navigates a maze of lies and dark secrets, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher.
Author Hannah D. State has crafted a superb novel that’s a really immersive experience with a deft combination of intriguing mystery, vividly described adventure, and larger-than-life characters leaping off the pages into action. What I found most compelling was the portrayal of Sam's personal growth, which is handled with emotional resonance, close personal narration, and a great sense of humanity in speech and thought presentation. The book raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of our technological advancements, and this is created as a solid backdrop to the tale without overtaking the action. Overall, Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a thrilling continuation of Sam's adventures, offering both excitement and introspection, and I would highly recommend it for YA sci-fi fans everywhere.
Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the second novel in The Dark Galaxy Series. It is intended for young adult readers and contains some mild scenes of sci-fi violence and serious themes. Penned by author Hannah D. State, this riveting sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star continues the adventures of Sam Sanderson, a twelve-year-old with a knack for stumbling into extraordinary circumstances. Now facing an interplanetary ultimatum, Sam is drafted into the Great Alliance for Interplanetary Affairs, setting the stage for a harrowing journey into the unknown. Sam's journey to the Dark Galaxy is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists. The narrative explores complex themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. As Sam navigates a maze of lies and dark secrets, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher.
Author Hannah D. State has crafted a superb novel that’s a really immersive experience with a deft combination of intriguing mystery, vividly described adventure, and larger-than-life characters leaping off the pages into action. What I found most compelling was the portrayal of Sam's personal growth, which is handled with emotional resonance, close personal narration, and a great sense of humanity in speech and thought presentation. The book raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of our technological advancements, and this is created as a solid backdrop to the tale without overtaking the action. Overall, Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a thrilling continuation of Sam's adventures, offering both excitement and introspection, and I would highly recommend it for YA sci-fi fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Witchfinder's Serpent
The Witches of Windsor, Book 1
Rande Goodwin
2024 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
The Witchfinder's Serpent is the first installment in The Witches of Windsor series by Rande Goodwin. In the mid-seventeenth century, Malleus Hodge, Witchfinder General, is thrilled to finally execute an honest-to-goodness witch. His only regret is missing out on catching the witch's daughter, who would have been a mighty grand find for his collection. Almost 400 years later, Nate and Marc Watson bury their father, who'd just died of cancer. Shortly after, Nate and Marc move in with their Aunt Celia and are given just one rule of the house to obey: the locked room on the second floor is strictly out of bounds. After hearing voices from the forbidden room, the boys give in to their curiosity and steal their aunt's key, unleashing a world they never thought possible. Everything beyond the door looks magical and mysteriously innocent, with trinkets and tools possibly relating to witchcraft. But after a snake buries its fangs in Nate's arm, and a bottle falls from its shelf, cracking and unleashing the deadly prisoner from within, the boys learn the hard way what true evil looks like.
The Witchfinder's Serpent, Rande Goodwin's first installment of the series, was captivating, mysterious, sad, and shocking, and it was not long before my loathing of the evil Witchfinder hit its peak. I enjoyed how the book's chapters jumped between the hysteria of the witch trials to the present day, as it helped me become immersed in the story quite nicely. The bullying aspect of the book was very well written and detailed what had caused the school bullies to become so vicious and spiteful at such a young age. Life is difficult for young teens at the best of times after the death of a parent, but putting bullying into the mix certainly added to the strain of trying to fit into a scary new world. I could easily relate to the two boys in the storyline, and my heart went out to them as they grieved. The fact that the boys could accept the new circumstances that life was now throwing at them made for a wonderful read, and I very much look forward to the second installment in The Witches of Windsor series—a tale that I truly believe fans of magic and witchcraft stories will most definitely enjoy.
The Witchfinder's Serpent is the first installment in The Witches of Windsor series by Rande Goodwin. In the mid-seventeenth century, Malleus Hodge, Witchfinder General, is thrilled to finally execute an honest-to-goodness witch. His only regret is missing out on catching the witch's daughter, who would have been a mighty grand find for his collection. Almost 400 years later, Nate and Marc Watson bury their father, who'd just died of cancer. Shortly after, Nate and Marc move in with their Aunt Celia and are given just one rule of the house to obey: the locked room on the second floor is strictly out of bounds. After hearing voices from the forbidden room, the boys give in to their curiosity and steal their aunt's key, unleashing a world they never thought possible. Everything beyond the door looks magical and mysteriously innocent, with trinkets and tools possibly relating to witchcraft. But after a snake buries its fangs in Nate's arm, and a bottle falls from its shelf, cracking and unleashing the deadly prisoner from within, the boys learn the hard way what true evil looks like.
The Witchfinder's Serpent, Rande Goodwin's first installment of the series, was captivating, mysterious, sad, and shocking, and it was not long before my loathing of the evil Witchfinder hit its peak. I enjoyed how the book's chapters jumped between the hysteria of the witch trials to the present day, as it helped me become immersed in the story quite nicely. The bullying aspect of the book was very well written and detailed what had caused the school bullies to become so vicious and spiteful at such a young age. Life is difficult for young teens at the best of times after the death of a parent, but putting bullying into the mix certainly added to the strain of trying to fit into a scary new world. I could easily relate to the two boys in the storyline, and my heart went out to them as they grieved. The fact that the boys could accept the new circumstances that life was now throwing at them made for a wonderful read, and I very much look forward to the second installment in The Witches of Windsor series—a tale that I truly believe fans of magic and witchcraft stories will most definitely enjoy.
Recommend this book:
The Living Legend
Dan E. Hendrickson
2024 Bronze Medal
246 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
In August 1975, Ambassador Rodney Williams was shot dead at an outdoor cafe in Tokyo. This tragedy occurred in front of his son Tommy while they celebrated his graduation from Annapolis. The world-class assassin was a Russian called the Chameleon. Tommy couldn’t match his expertise just yet, so he switched career paths to undergo grueling training with the SEALs. In July 1979 in Gazi, Kenya, Makena, the great-granddaughter of the legendary Tumaini, continued her ancestor’s legacy. With the help of Undersecretary Bosher, Makena would foil kidnapping and slavery attempts by the Arab nations. The duo stepped on toes, and it spelled doom. Tommy was also on his first assignment at the same time against a kidnapping party, and his opponent was the Chameleon. Can anyone trap a chameleon? Find out in The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson.
Few books provoke a standing ovation and applause from me, but The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson cut it. Everything about this fantastic and action-packed page-turner was excellent. I was impressed by the continuity, plot, dialogue, writing style, pace, and unpredictable storyline. Dan tackled the story from two sides (Africa and the West) and merged them with finesse at the center. I enjoyed witnessing how the male and female protagonists determined the tide and balance of this novel. The characters were consistent, carefully developed, and made a lasting impression. This book drew me in, moving through themes like deception, politics, corruption, humor, love, bravery, integrity, determination, and more. I never imagined Bosher and Adessa. Wow! That woman made me proud, even though Tommy was my most favorite. I felt like Alysha was a little too much, and Captain/Admiral Fargo had my respect. This novel deserves a sequel.
In August 1975, Ambassador Rodney Williams was shot dead at an outdoor cafe in Tokyo. This tragedy occurred in front of his son Tommy while they celebrated his graduation from Annapolis. The world-class assassin was a Russian called the Chameleon. Tommy couldn’t match his expertise just yet, so he switched career paths to undergo grueling training with the SEALs. In July 1979 in Gazi, Kenya, Makena, the great-granddaughter of the legendary Tumaini, continued her ancestor’s legacy. With the help of Undersecretary Bosher, Makena would foil kidnapping and slavery attempts by the Arab nations. The duo stepped on toes, and it spelled doom. Tommy was also on his first assignment at the same time against a kidnapping party, and his opponent was the Chameleon. Can anyone trap a chameleon? Find out in The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson.
Few books provoke a standing ovation and applause from me, but The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson cut it. Everything about this fantastic and action-packed page-turner was excellent. I was impressed by the continuity, plot, dialogue, writing style, pace, and unpredictable storyline. Dan tackled the story from two sides (Africa and the West) and merged them with finesse at the center. I enjoyed witnessing how the male and female protagonists determined the tide and balance of this novel. The characters were consistent, carefully developed, and made a lasting impression. This book drew me in, moving through themes like deception, politics, corruption, humor, love, bravery, integrity, determination, and more. I never imagined Bosher and Adessa. Wow! That woman made me proud, even though Tommy was my most favorite. I felt like Alysha was a little too much, and Captain/Admiral Fargo had my respect. This novel deserves a sequel.
Recommend this book:
The Ghosts of Minera Springs
A Novel
Charles Franklin
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
The Ghosts of Minera Springs is a young adult mystery by Charles Franklin. The book starts by transporting us to Minera Springs in the summer of 1982. When ten-year-old Tobi Sloan is sent to live with her grandparents at the farm, she can't wait to find adventure in her new home. Things get even more interesting when she meets Riley Cockerham, a witty ten-year-old boy with lots of spooky ghost stories about Minera Springs, one of which concerns an old bride who murdered her husband long ago. Rumor has it that she still roams the woods. For the next three years, Riley and Tobi spend most of their free time together on exciting adventures down by the creek until they head into a dilapidated old mansion rumored to be the residence where the Union Hill Bride brutally ended her husband's life. The ghost that Riley believed to roam the woods is as real as can be. Only this time, they are going back to help confront and vanquish the wickedness dwelling at the very core of Minera Springs.
I couldn't resist this classic. The book is packed with lots of action, not to mention the hilarious moments that will have you chuckling to yourself. Charles Franklin's well-constructed, vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue will seamlessly transport you into the narrative. So extensively narrated are the scenes that you can visualize the fireflies floating down by the creek bed as darkness sets in and almost smell Maw Blanch's bacon and eggs. My tranquil mood would shift to nervous alertness every time Riley was alone, quietly traversing the rough terrain, and hearing a stick snap behind in a thick patch of undergrowth. I couldn't shake the feeling that the creatures thought to live under the bridge, or that the witches rumored to be buried somewhere in the lake, were back and lurking. I commend Franklin's choice of the first-person point of view as the primary narration style. The unique characterization and storyline are better experienced first-hand. With heavy suspense, nail-biting twists of events, well-fleshed-out characters, thrilling action, and adventures, and the intricacies of young love, The Ghosts of Minera Springs has it all.
The Ghosts of Minera Springs is a young adult mystery by Charles Franklin. The book starts by transporting us to Minera Springs in the summer of 1982. When ten-year-old Tobi Sloan is sent to live with her grandparents at the farm, she can't wait to find adventure in her new home. Things get even more interesting when she meets Riley Cockerham, a witty ten-year-old boy with lots of spooky ghost stories about Minera Springs, one of which concerns an old bride who murdered her husband long ago. Rumor has it that she still roams the woods. For the next three years, Riley and Tobi spend most of their free time together on exciting adventures down by the creek until they head into a dilapidated old mansion rumored to be the residence where the Union Hill Bride brutally ended her husband's life. The ghost that Riley believed to roam the woods is as real as can be. Only this time, they are going back to help confront and vanquish the wickedness dwelling at the very core of Minera Springs.
I couldn't resist this classic. The book is packed with lots of action, not to mention the hilarious moments that will have you chuckling to yourself. Charles Franklin's well-constructed, vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue will seamlessly transport you into the narrative. So extensively narrated are the scenes that you can visualize the fireflies floating down by the creek bed as darkness sets in and almost smell Maw Blanch's bacon and eggs. My tranquil mood would shift to nervous alertness every time Riley was alone, quietly traversing the rough terrain, and hearing a stick snap behind in a thick patch of undergrowth. I couldn't shake the feeling that the creatures thought to live under the bridge, or that the witches rumored to be buried somewhere in the lake, were back and lurking. I commend Franklin's choice of the first-person point of view as the primary narration style. The unique characterization and storyline are better experienced first-hand. With heavy suspense, nail-biting twists of events, well-fleshed-out characters, thrilling action, and adventures, and the intricacies of young love, The Ghosts of Minera Springs has it all.
Recommend this book:
Alaska Deadly
J. L. Askew
2023 Finalist
380 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Alaska Deadly is a work of fiction in the crime thriller, mystery, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience for its theming and content and was penned by author J. L. Askew. In this excellent crime novel that packs a lot of storylines into its fast-paced plot, we meet private eye Race Warren as his caseload takes him to Alaska to track down a missing person. Whilst out in the deadly wilds, Warren uncovers a strange cult devoted to shapeshifting, a former cop hungry for justice, and a sinister sex trafficking ring headed by a dangerous Russian with an impenetrable fortress on a mountaintop.
Author J. L. Askew has crafted a fast-paced crime thriller that never lets up on clues, danger, and intrigue from cover to cover. One of the features I most enjoyed about the work was the relationship between Warren and Billings, who are well-crafted to be complementary allies but with very different approaches to getting what they want. This gives the novel a dynamic feel thanks to a lot of sharp dialogue and intelligent conversation, moving the converging storylines forward at a pace but still keeping readers involved in all the details of the cases at play. I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting, and I felt that it was more than just a backdrop, serving as an interesting cultural layer to the story and a moody, atmospheric place that added physical challenges to the mystery itself. Overall, Alaska Deadly is a highly recommended read for mystery fans everywhere, and I can’t wait to see what more this talented author has in store.
Alaska Deadly is a work of fiction in the crime thriller, mystery, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience for its theming and content and was penned by author J. L. Askew. In this excellent crime novel that packs a lot of storylines into its fast-paced plot, we meet private eye Race Warren as his caseload takes him to Alaska to track down a missing person. Whilst out in the deadly wilds, Warren uncovers a strange cult devoted to shapeshifting, a former cop hungry for justice, and a sinister sex trafficking ring headed by a dangerous Russian with an impenetrable fortress on a mountaintop.
Author J. L. Askew has crafted a fast-paced crime thriller that never lets up on clues, danger, and intrigue from cover to cover. One of the features I most enjoyed about the work was the relationship between Warren and Billings, who are well-crafted to be complementary allies but with very different approaches to getting what they want. This gives the novel a dynamic feel thanks to a lot of sharp dialogue and intelligent conversation, moving the converging storylines forward at a pace but still keeping readers involved in all the details of the cases at play. I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting, and I felt that it was more than just a backdrop, serving as an interesting cultural layer to the story and a moody, atmospheric place that added physical challenges to the mystery itself. Overall, Alaska Deadly is a highly recommended read for mystery fans everywhere, and I can’t wait to see what more this talented author has in store.
Recommend this book:
Valley Fliers
YA thriller set in the world of remote-control model aviation
David Boito
2023 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Valley Fliers by David Boito is a thriller written for young adult readers. Seventeen-year-old Jay Smalley loves flying remote control planes and lives near the San Fernando Valley miniature airfield. He is a member of the Valley Fliers Flying Club. The story unravels during the semi-annual pylon racing challenge, where he is placed second to newcomer Captain Oren Frazier. Jay is intrigued by a report that drones are used in crimes more frequently and the discovery that Oren owns a military-issued drone of the same model. He suspects the newcomer to be an assassin. He tries to convince his friends, the other members of the Valley Fliers Flying Club, to continue snooping on Oren’s activities but is met with skepticism. If Jay is not mistaken, hundreds of lives are at risk. Can he find out the truth and do something about it before it’s too late?
David Boito’s Valley Fliers is a coming-of-age story taking place in a unique setting. The book immerses readers in the exciting world of remote aviation through his extensive knowledge about flying model airplanes. Narrated from the point of view of the main protagonist, this is one of those books you want to finish reading in one sitting. With charming characters, a blossoming young romance, and a suspenseful plot, Valley Fliers certainly entertains. The nature of the strong-willed Jay Smalley is well-developed, and his actions are credible. This book explores fraternity and honor through a well-crafted plot of mystery and amateur sleuthing. I highly recommend it!
Valley Fliers by David Boito is a thriller written for young adult readers. Seventeen-year-old Jay Smalley loves flying remote control planes and lives near the San Fernando Valley miniature airfield. He is a member of the Valley Fliers Flying Club. The story unravels during the semi-annual pylon racing challenge, where he is placed second to newcomer Captain Oren Frazier. Jay is intrigued by a report that drones are used in crimes more frequently and the discovery that Oren owns a military-issued drone of the same model. He suspects the newcomer to be an assassin. He tries to convince his friends, the other members of the Valley Fliers Flying Club, to continue snooping on Oren’s activities but is met with skepticism. If Jay is not mistaken, hundreds of lives are at risk. Can he find out the truth and do something about it before it’s too late?
David Boito’s Valley Fliers is a coming-of-age story taking place in a unique setting. The book immerses readers in the exciting world of remote aviation through his extensive knowledge about flying model airplanes. Narrated from the point of view of the main protagonist, this is one of those books you want to finish reading in one sitting. With charming characters, a blossoming young romance, and a suspenseful plot, Valley Fliers certainly entertains. The nature of the strong-willed Jay Smalley is well-developed, and his actions are credible. This book explores fraternity and honor through a well-crafted plot of mystery and amateur sleuthing. I highly recommend it!
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