Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Super Doll is a work of adventure fiction aimed at young adult readers and was penned by author Erin Schulz. The central character is Ruth ‘Piper’ Pfeiffer, a seventeen-year-old who has learned a lot of independence and insolence in her life as she is shunted around as an Air Force child. When Piper is offered eight weeks in the Caribbean to practice her Spanish, she relishes the idea of freedom, but soon finds that it comes with a price. On the mysterious island of Carabajel, warring factions vie for supremacy and there is even a little magic afoot. Piper’s sudden involvement in their quarrel lands her straight in an adventure she never bargained for.

Author Erin Schulz tells a culturally unique and fascinatingly realistic tale of magic, romance, and independence that young adult readers are sure to enjoy, and adult readers will find much to adore too. The atmospheric descriptions of the Black Mariahs and the General’s people bring a new culture to life that Piper – and the reader – must learn all about, delivering some superb lessons in mystery and intrigue that any writer could appreciate. The scenery is lavish and the characters are very likable from the off, particularly Piper for her rebellious ways and cool attitude. When put to the test, she becomes a heroine to truly fall in love with, and the romance elements of the tale are not overdone or overtaking of the main plot. Overall, Super Doll is a high-quality YA work that’s not to be missed.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

I Know When You're Going To Die by Michael J Bowler is a YA thriller/horror story. Leonardo Cantrell – Leo to his friends, Ninja Turtle to the bullies at school – is 16 years old and so shy he can’t look anyone in the eye. His life turns upside down when an old man at the shelter where he volunteers makes eye contact with him and passes on a gift – the power to see when someone will die. JC, Leo’s best friend, thinks it’s cool until the day Chet Hamilton, the biggest school bully, forces Leo to look in JC’s eyes and see his death, a bloody murder that will happen in less than a fortnight unless Leo can stop it. Together with Laura, the new girl at school, they go through everything Leo saw and think they have figured out who the murderer is. Laying a trap, they plan to stop the murder and change the future but everything goes horribly wrong. The truth is much worse than they ever thought and all three are in for the longest night of their lives, a night that could see them all dead.

I Know When You're Going To Die by Michael J Bowler is a fabulous story with an incredibly unique plot. Written in first-person, from Leo’s point-of-view, the story grabs hold of you straight away. The story centers on the main protagonist, his friends, and enemies, all of whom are exceptionally well-developed. The action is constant, with never a dull moment or any dead spots, and there are plenty of twists and turns, especially the ending. There are several threads running through this story – rich, so-called privileged kids who aren’t quite as privileged as you might think, bullying, friendship, and perhaps the overwhelming thread is that people aren’t always who you think they are and we should never take anyone at face value. This is an excellent story, adults young and older will enjoy it – I did and I look forward to reading more from Michael J Bowler.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Kings and Criminals is a work of thriller fiction written for young adults by author Mungo Magennis. The novel focuses on the visionary young Max, who sees the intense problems of the world he’s about to become an adult in, and wants to devote his future to fixing them. As such, Max begins a collection of other young people with the goal of training them for important positions that will bring about a future change of government, culture and ideology. But even as his grand plan is starting to develop, the world around Max changes again for the worse, and his group of future freedom fighters must decided whether the fight now is more important than the one yet to come.

An epic and complex work of political ideology lies behind this interactive narrative of offbeat teens, and I’d certainly recommend Kings and Criminals for older teens and new adults reflecting on recent times. Max is a very forward thinking character, a young prodigy that readers may not relate to, but will certainly look up to as he fights for his noble cause. The characters who join him in his mission round out the crowd of diverse and interesting political opinions, engaging in a very hopeful future and a powerful revolt when things take a difficult turn in their present day. Mungo Magennis is an author with a similar vision to his main character, penning a compelling narrative and argument for the future of a broken world. A highly readable and important tale.

Reviewed by Paul W. West for Readers' Favorite

Resthaven by Erik Therme begins when Kaylee, a new girl in town, is forced by her mother to attend a classmate's birthday. She doesn't want to be there, and it's rather obvious the other girls don't want her there either. Jamie, a spoiled brat of a teenager, has her own issues, expecting everyone to love her while she treats all her "friends," if you could call them that, like dirt. Jamie organizes a treasure hunt in an old abandoned rest home known as Resthaven. No one wants to go into the old building, but through the use of peer pressure, Jamie gets everyone to participate, but everyone has to be alone.

Mr. Therme then follows Kaylee's experiences which quickly go bad. Every room is like a computer game, some are more or less empty, some have items that could help in the case of an emergency, and still others have clear danger. Then, someone shuts the main doors and locks them so no one can get out. As Kaylee struggles to find a way out, she is met by a cur dog, an old man who appears to want to kill her, and a little deaf boy. With some masterful writing, Mr. Therme weaves these issues through twists that threaten Kaylee's efforts to find a way out of the old abandoned building safely.

Mr. Therme is a talented writer. Honestly, I had a difficult time putting this book down. It had me gripped from the first page to the end. I truly enjoyed reading Resthaven. It kept me glued and I couldn't put it down until I found out what happened to everyone. Mr. Therme has a good handle on the English language and his prose and dialogs read true. I won't give a spoiler, but the end is anything but what you would expect. Well done, in my estimation.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Sierra was not at home that night and her car wasn't there in the driveway when her mother Laura reached home. Sierra was usually at home when Laura arrived. Her family had planned a family movie night to watch the latest Mission Impossible. Laura tried contacting some of the people she thought would know of Sierra's whereabouts. On the other hand, Sierra Hart had been kidnapped. She woke up in a strange room and there was a note on the door with instructions for her to follow. She tried banging on the door and cried herself to sleep. Sierra wanted to hear her mom's voice. Why would anyone want to kidnap a senior in high school? As the story unfolds, readers see that there is more here than what meets the eye.

The Keeping by Rochelle Ransom is a compelling story filled with suspense and intrigue, and it is also a story of love, courage, and relationships. As the book progresses, readers learn various truths about Sierra, her friends, activities, and relationships. The author manages to keep curiosity alive for readers as they page through the chapters. I like the way the author introduces the main characters, Sierra, her mom Laura, dad Patrick, and ex-boyfriend Dave Braun, to readers and alternates between them as the plot advances. The narration is detailed and gripping, and the fluidity in keeping the story going makes it fast-paced. There is not a boring moment as the layered plot progresses, leaving readers captivated and intrigued.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Someone To Kiss My Scars by Brooke Skipstone is a disturbing psychological thriller with young and elaborately developed characters. Hunter is a troubled young man who has experienced unspeakable trauma and at his father's behest, a doctor erased his memories. But now, some of his memories begin to surface with glimpses of the traumas of other people. Graphic images invade his mind, images involving rape, abuse, physical pain and more. His friend Jazz struggles to hide secrets from her past and beneath the veneer of an easy-going and witty young girl lies a darkness that isn't veiled from Hunter. A strong bond develops between the two, but can they help ease each other's pain?

Brooke Skipstone has written a novel that is psychologically strong and emotionally rich, exploring dark themes like sexual abuse and the power of friendship as a tool towards healing. The writing evokes a strong sense of pathos in readers as they follow the two young characters. The prose is impeccably good, laced with vivid descriptions that make the reading experience cinematic. Each page is filled with powerful situations and emotions that will strike a chord in the reader. Someone To Kiss My Scars is a powerful indictment of abuse and portrays with unusual clarity the damage it leaves on a young soul. It is a gripping, dark, and disturbing coming of age story that is deftly handled with characters that readers will root for and themes that are relevant and strong.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

When Ava is given the chance to escape her life in a juvenile detention centre and become a trained assassin for ISAN, the International Sensory Assassin Network, along with other troubled teenage girls, she accepts and looks forward to her new start in life. Ava embarks on a harsh training regime led by friend and training director Russ and tough, emotionless field operative Mitch. All the female assassins are injected with Helix serum which increases all of their senses, making them a deadly force to be reckoned with. Ava receives strange messages from a person called Sniper, who seems to know about her past. Whilst Ava is on a mission with her team, Sniper - aka Rhett - and his gang kidnap her and reveal the reality behind ISAN’s work. Ava is left devastated by the discovery and as ISAN recaptures her, she is left wondering if she can trust anyone.

ISAN - International Sensory Assassin Network by Mary Ting is a gripping novel that caught my attention from the first sentence when Ava leads her team in a training exercise. The plot is fast-moving and filled with three dimensional and realistic personalities. I especially found the relationship between Ava and Mitch interesting, as they fought a battle of wills throughout. As Mitch relentlessly tried to get into Ava’s mind, she had to constantly fight him psychologically. I loved the character of Ava; she was strong and had a gritty determination. It is refreshing to see a novel filled with so many great female characters. I found the creation of ISAN and the description of their work, and treatment of those who decided to leave, quite chilling. My favourite line has to be: ‘Memories can be erased, but you never forget emotions’. I feel this summed up the story perfectly. There is plenty of action and suspense throughout and the ending surely made way for another novel and the continuation of Ava’s adventures. I hope so.

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

Blood of Toma by Lauren Lee Merewether is a historical event/era fiction book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy stories about ancient Mexico during the time of the Aztecs and who do not mind violence. High Priestess Tomantzin is the daughter of the Tlatoani and the New Fire sacrifice, meaning that in the coming months she would die for her people. Yet, High Priestess Tomantzin’s life took a drastic turn when she witnessed her father being murdered before her eyes and chose to flee from what could be her own death into the jungle. Her decision to flee forever changes her life as she is forced to choose between vengeance, her own life, and her people.

Blood of Toma by Lauren Lee Merewether is a well-written book that stayed true to the time period while still weaving an intricate story filled with suspense, mystery, sacrifice, and adventure. High Priestess Tomantzin quickly became my favorite character due to the amount of compassion she felt towards her people to the extent that she was willing to sacrifice her own life and happiness for them. When Tomantzin was forced to flee from her home, I rejoiced at the idea that she might not have to sacrifice her life, and I felt for her when she started to feel love even though her position and his very identity made their love forbidden. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and when I finished it I was left hoping that the author would write more historical fiction from this time period!

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

When you are reading a book and it reminds you of your favorite movie or TV series, or if it takes you to your happy place, you know that you have selected the right one. Harmless by Katherine Dell reminded me of one of my favorite movies (Twilight) and one of my favorite TV series (Bewitched). Rachel Barnes, the leading character, is haunted by the death of her brother, Eric. He died about four years ago in a car accident and she is unable to move on with her life. To cope with the trauma, her mother relocates to a new place, Hazelton, with Rachel. She had trouble befriending people, but here she finally made four new friends (not best friends, but these are the people with whom she hangs out): Mason, Ryan, Chloe, and Julie. One day, when they were all at Rachel's house, they found a box, which her grandmother called a Spirit Box. This box contained carvings of a bear, a deer, a crow, and a wendigo. Although she warned everybody about the possible consequences of wishing over these carvings (aka spirit animals), nobody listened to her, and they all wished anyway. However, as expected, things started going south from that moment on.

Harmless by Katherine Dell is a magnificently written book. The subtle merging of several genres, while keeping the central genre as paranormal, is a tactic expertly applied by the author to hold the attention of readers. The words in which Rachel expressed her attraction towards Mason are so beautifully chosen that they reminded me of Bella Swan's fascination with Edward in Twilight. The magnetic pull that she felt towards Mason was conveyed very delicately yet powerfully. I applaud the author for using just the right amount of words to make their attraction for each other elegant and not cheesy. Other than romance, another emotion that the author incorporated into the plot is the grief of losing a sibling. I could just feel Rachel's pain due to the loss of her brother, Eric. She was grieving the loss and was unable to move on. To deal with the pain, she delayed unpacking her boxes, as if it would help her turn back the clock. Her agony was expressed with an appreciable sensitivity.

Since the central genre is paranormal, it had to be a major aspect of the plot and it really was. There are enough strange occurrences to keep readers both engaged and intrigued. I could not put down the book before knowing what turn their lives would take once the spirit animals came into action. It was interesting to wonder whether they would survive the consequences or would succumb to the tragedy that followed from the moment they decided to overlook the warning. The conversations are extremely engaging and realistic. The lives of the four friends are written as realistically as possible. They talk, behave, and act like the majority of teenagers. The author has done an incredible job in writing a fictional story based on the paranormal genre and yet it seems as life-like as non-fiction.

Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka by Brenda Mohammed opens with Zeeka and the Zombies. On the island of Gosh in January 2036, Raynor Sharpe is woken by rattling to find a beach full of small robots. Is he still dreaming? Raynor is a hospital doctor and so is the woman he secretly loves, but Janet is engaged to another man. Gosh’s carnival is turned from an exotic native spectacle to tragedy by a troop of entertainers: zombies who shoot into the audience, killing and injuring hundreds. How can these monsters disintegrate into a heap of dust? Why is one false head found? Who is Zeeka, and does he control the zombies? Why does Janet cancel her wedding? Can the Chief of Police be trusted, or is he as corrupt as others in the force? Read on: Zeeka's Child; Zeeka Returns, Zeeka's Ghost and Resurrection hold the un-guessable answers.

Zeeka Chronicles comprises five books from the Revenge of Zeeka series in which 2036 is shown as a technically advanced world by gadgets like watches that act much like today’s smartphones, plus visual contact, robots, and much more. The story is built on the premise that a doctor discovers a cure for a disease, but is prevented from using it. However, the plot becomes more entangled the farther you read, with police corruption, suicide, kidnapping, and a very active ghost. Brenda Mohammed’s writing style is evocative of the future and she handles the science in her fiction brilliantly: reading is believing! I loved Zeeka Chronicles; it has worldwide appeal for anyone looking for an entertaining story that is different.