Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

An unexpected treasure handed over from an ex-spouse via the divorce lawyer; a classic mother-son bonding experience on a roller coaster ride; tragic tales of survival of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s; a paranormal happening in the Museum of the Weird, the Sad, and the Wretched; and a complex murder mystery – all of these stories in one volume. The Fish Tank and Other Short Stories by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra reveals life stories in the raw with a compassion for reality and the fantastical.

Maria Elena is a marvellous storyteller. She presents her narrative with overwhelming descriptive power and unexpected and surprising twists and turns. The plots are cleverly orchestrated with characters that come alive with compassion, both good and evil. Her protagonists are strong and endearing, particularly in her Cuban stories which depict an era of unspoken horrors and frightening scenarios. The suspense leading up to the climax pulls the reader along on a roller coaster ride filled with adventure to a climax that certainly doesn’t disappoint - it rather fills the reader with a sense of awe as the reader realizes the power behind the narrative and the unusual path that the author has followed. The resolution reaffirms the author’s intent: to provide the reader with a certain “wow” factor in the story itself. From suspense, to romance, to real-life stories from the author’s own past, the finely tuned craft of the short story is clearly evident in this collection. Each story is engaging, thought-provoking and memorable. This is clearly an author who writes with style and with class.

Reviewed by Betty Taylor for Readers' Favorite

Books having to do with the Middle East always interest me, and especially those set in Iraq. This is a region that the author says is “older than the flood.” It is a land that has been ruled at one time or another by the Assyrians, the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Parthians, Romans, Islamic Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans. I was really enthralled with this part of the book. In The Kurdish Bike by Alesa Lightbourne, the protagonist, Theresa, is an American teacher working in Iraqi Kurdistan. Unlike the other expat teachers assigned to the school, Theresa yearns to get out and see the landscape and meet the people. Her purchase of a bicycle gives her the freedom to explore. On one of her trips out she meets a Kurdish family that becomes her “village family.”

I enjoyed the portions of the book that address some of the differences between the Arab and Kurdish cultures. The story addresses some traditions that have been banned in most of the world, but are still followed in the more rural areas (such as female genital mutilation). I felt like I had met the characters through Ms. Lightbourne’s thorough character development. Most of the story is based on the author’s actual experiences in the region. I can envision Theresa riding along on her bike; Ara and Theresa dancing and laughing; Theresa’s frustration with the love-smitten Bezma. I wanted to remain right there among these people with such open hearts. They know how to appreciate the small things in life.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

It had been a long time since college, but Bobby Wade travels to Cedar Key to take care of business that he should have handled years ago in The Promise of Cedar Key by Rick Robinson. Playing catch-up is difficult though, especially when it involves self-examination and coming to terms with events outside of one’s control. As days go by in this peaceful little town, Bobby comes to some realizations with the help of a unique lawyer and his wife, as well as a few other townspeople. Surprise revelations challenge Bobby’s outlook and bring about intense soul searching, an interesting concept for a writer who has become complacent. With newfound insights, Bobby tries to make decisions about what he wants from the future and may make some changes now that he feels there is something worth his attention.

Rick Robinson creates a clear and interesting look at coming of middle age in The Promise of Cedar Key. Not everyone grows up as an adolescent or young adult – or at least comes to a full understanding of the path to contentment - and Robinson provides plenty of psychological background for a main character struggling to get his life back on track. The support of the other characters is realistic and offers options for Bobby to accept or decline, just as in everyday life. The vivid descriptions of the setting put you in the story and provide the ideal background for the emotional break needed for psychological growth to take place. Great story, well written and deeply moving. The Promise of Cedar Key presents a wonderful springboard for you to begin your own tour of self-discovery while enjoying a deep and satisfying read.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Wanderer and the New West by Adam Bender is a dystopian view of an America that many may well see as a path the country is already headed down. Federal rule has virtually ceased and all power lies with the states - no longer is it the United States of America. Even the individual states have virtually given up trying to rule and law is implemented at the behest of corporations, one of the greatest of these being the Breck Ammunition Company. Into this lawless environment strides the impressive Wanderer. Nobody knows who he is or where he came from, but his mission, it seems, is to protect the innocent and to fight injustice. With his trusty sidekick, Kid Hunter, the Wanderer joins forces with wannabe journalist, Rosa Veras, as they attempt to "clean up" the New West.

I came to this book expecting to be reading a Western, but was more than pleasantly surprised to discover this is so much more. Set some time in the future, in a world not too dissimilar to where we currently find ourselves, the values and importance of the free press and of morality shone through this story. The characters themselves, especially Kid Hunter and the Wanderer, are necessarily caricatures of the Old West's most famous gunslingers and fighters of injustice. I found myself incredibly caught up in Rosa and her group's fight to expose the evil and corruption inherent within the corporation, and to bring some justice to the State of Arizona. The story was reminiscent of the old Westerns I'd read as a child, without becoming overly soppy. The humour was genuine and some of the banter between the Kid and the Wanderer was truly inspired. I couldn't put this book down and read it quickly and easily. The Wanderer and the New West by Adam Bender is an excellent story - I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

Rohini had worked hard to get where she was, but she had never imagined her first day in the Youth Assembly, a program focused on the development of sustainable energy, would go quite the way it did. Just as the session started, aliens appeared, delivered a message of hope, and requested ambassadors to accompany them back to their home world when they return. They asked for recommendations, but these aliens, known as The Elders, had their own delegates in mind and Rohini is amongst them. Not all of the global players are on board with this apparent cure for the energy and farming crisis caused by global warming; in fact, some will go to extremes to jeopardize the mission before it even starts. Rohini finds herself in the cross-hairs. She had been worried about the aliens' intentions, but she should have concerned herself with those closer to home, for it is they who pose the real threat and it seems there is no line they won’t cross.

Voice of the Elders by Greg Ripley presents an amazing tale with a deep rooted and very important message. The world is in crisis, energy is running out, global warming is worsening and, despite being given a solution, there are those who oppose change, and the reason is greed. Fossil fuel tycoons see a threat to the bottom line, and are intent on preventing an advancement that would impact their riches. A great story that is clearly geared to make the reader think, not only about energy, but their own views and what they can do. Clearly, a lot of research has gone into this book, and it introduces many historical references, as well as touching on some of the principles of Taoism, mediation, and philosophy. The characters are relatable, and there is no shortage of conflict - you will love, you will hate, and you will feel outrage. Sit down, and lose yourself in some great scene settings and a gripping adventure.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

One senses just how much B. Muze, author of The Shaman’s Apprentice, enjoyed writing this wonderful story. We enjoy The Shaman’s Apprentice all that much more, not just for its intricate plot line and the emotions stirred in us by the unforgettable characters, but also for how beautifully this story is written. At the center of the plot is Jovai, who doesn’t have a name when the story opens. That, in itself, is an interesting concept i.e. how does any young person feel, whether in the fantasy world of this story, or in today’s world, when he or she is nameless…has no identity, as it were?

The ruling Shaman of Jovai’s tribe, Yaku, concedes to the wishes of the spirits that Jovai become his successor. There’s one problem: Jovai is female; a female Shaman is not pleasing nor acceptable to the tribe. But Yaku must do as the spirits have asked, so Jovai is taken from her family to be raised and taught by the Shaman. Once over her fear of the great Shaman, she proves a willing and very capable student. Jovai develops her mystical powers, listens closely to the sounds of the world around her, sounds the average person never hears, grows into womanhood, and becomes a healer like her master. But when the time comes to now present her to the spirits so she can receive her new Shaman name, Jovai’s world turns upside down. She begins an epic journey that carries her far from her master, her family and tribe. Though now not officially a Shaman, her Shaman-like abilities help her survive abuse, hunger, wild beasts and, even more than once, death.

Does Jovai’s journey end happily? Does she finally become a recognized Shaman? Does she ever get back home? B. Muze takes Jovai and readers into frightening landscapes, brutal and bloody battles, and gory mystical events as readers eagerly turn pages to find out. But while The Shaman’s Apprentice is a mystical, mythical fantasy, it’s also a clever allegory about the possible development of our own world, along with an exploration of current and past attitudes toward gender equality, or even identifying genders, an area very much under discussion nowadays. It’s also a reminder of just how much we miss really hearing and experiencing people and places around us as we rush through our busy lives. As such, it’s impossible to finish The Shaman’s Apprentice and not continue thinking about it. This story is so much more than a brilliantly written fantasy! Those readers who enjoy this book will be pleased to know that The Shaman’s Apprentice is part 1 of Jovai’s story. The continuation will be eagerly welcomed by fans of B. Muze’s writing. Terrific!

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Breathing Sea I: Burning by E.P. Clark is the standalone third installment of The Zemnian Series and is preceded by book one, The Midnight Land: The Flight, and book two, The Midnight Land: The Gift. This third part reads perfectly well as a standalone. Dasha will one day rule as Empress over the female-run land of Zem. Dasha has been coddled and advised from within the confines of the royal walls, but inevitably must see and understand those she is destined to rule. She also must come to terms with a bargain made between her mother, the Tsarina, and the gods, as she attempts to understand uncontrolled visions and body function so that she might harness the power of her half human, half god self and finally become the woman she is destined to be.

The Breathing Sea I: Burning is a beautifully told story with an incredible nod toward an alternate world where women run the show. In a story filled with fantasy and plenty of drama, Dasha is on a quest that is unique to her position. This is not a fast-paced read, but it is elegantly written and engrossing in both style and substance. I admit that it took some time for Dasha to endear herself to me, but I suppose one might argue that was her human side stepping forward, with childish antics and a vexatious attitude. Where this book truly shines is in its descriptive elements, where the landscape comes to life and supporting characters are as interesting as their lead. I'd recommend this book to those who love well-written fantasy, and am happy to discover that I will not have to wait to see where the saga ends, as the fourth book in the series, The Breathing Sea: Drowning, has already been released.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Panther Across the Stars by Lon Brett Coon is an epic fantasy with characters that are deeply explored and a culture that is as rich as it is fascinating, a story for readers who are intrigued by war heroes and tightly plotted stories. Readers follow the path of a man who defies everything, rises above himself to fight for his people, a story with a historical setting in 1800s America. With the alien race known as the Jhagir by his side, will this hero be able to win freedom for his people?

The characters are well sculpted and readers will be keen to follow them as they evolve through the story. Lon Brett Coon's gift for storytelling and backstory infuses the tale with a life of its own. The pacing is fast and the story is well-structured with chapters that end with an irresistible invitation to the reader to move to the next one. The prose is characterized by a singular beauty and an economy of word that will please the reader. The overall story is balanced and the scenes are beautifully written and focused. I also enjoyed the fact that the author spares his readers unnecessary dialogues and focuses instead on creating powerful images for his readers. The scenes are action-packed and each of them unveils a layer of character development. This is a gripping story that readers would love to see on the big screen. I enjoyed the writing, the great characters, the immense conflict and the intensity of the action in this epic fantasy.

Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite

In Thief of the Night Guild: Queen of Thieves Book 2 by Andy Peloquin, Ilanna is the best thief among all the Hawks of the Night guild. She’s proud of her skills, and proud of her status within the guild, but is determined to raise enough money to buy her freedom. She could never do that on the ten percent she gets to keep of her earnings, so she steals a little extra. It’s a dangerous game, but Ilanna is a dangerous woman and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her son. After Duke Phonnis executes a close friend of hers, Ilanna comes up with a plan that will not only result in a big enough haul to buy her freedom, but will avenge her friend and ruin the Duke. With the Guild Council’s permission, Ilanna puts together a team to pull off a heist that will eclipse her conquest of the Black Spire.

Thief of the Night Guild is a tightly plotted novel that builds momentum from page one. There’s a fair amount of backstory since this is the second book in the Queen of Thieves series, but Andy Peloquin elucidates all essential details as they become necessary. Ilanna is a clever, skilled, and confident character, but she’s also the stereotypical abuse-hardened woman one often encounters in fantasy novels. While I enjoy dark characters, I don't enjoy it when a character’s inability to express so-called weak emotions is categorised as strength. However, I’ll credit Peloquin for revealing the frailty behind this mental state. Apart from this character trope, Thief of the Night Guild is an entertaining, addictive read full of clever twists.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

The Fall of Lilith (Fantasy Angels Series), a high fantasy by Vashti Quiroz-Vega, starts with Book I: Heaven, where Lilith and her fellow angels reside in the bright realm of Floraison. Their life is peaceful but not entirely carefree, as God has set many rules for them. Lilith is not fond of the rules. She likes to manipulate others, and the gift of sight that she received from God fuels her desire for divine power. She’s the catalyst for the rebellion against Him. In Book II: Earth, Lilith and her defeated angels are banished to Earth and their angelic forms are changed. Personally, I prefer book two’s development and intensity. I was more intrigued about what the fallen angels would do next and how they would cope with their new surroundings.

The overall effect of The Fall of Lilith is that it spins an engaging and fresh perspective on the biblical tale of creation, making it a story you can get swept into. Despite its theme, I don’t find it preachy. Instead, as a fan of the fantasy genre, it appeals to me, particularly with the incorporated concept of vampirism and the undoing of Adam and Eve. Characterization is impeccable and character development is distinct, complex, and makes readers invest in them emotionally. You might find yourself lamenting that it’s over too soon, but the great thing is that more can be expected from the Fantasy Angels Series. On the whole, this is a commendable and imaginative work from Vashti Quiroz-Vega.