Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

The Language Thieves is a young adult fantasy by Marc Remus. Sixteen-year-old Daniel is none too happy about his father’s decision to move the family from Arizona to a remote Scottish island, of all places. His mother was stricken by a mysterious illness that has rendered her incapable of communication. Daniel speaks English and Irish Gaelic although he isn’t too keen on overtly displaying his Irish roots. Once on the island, he meets two new friends, Jenny and Connor, who are as suspicious as he is about a strange, elusive tribe that inhabits a part of the island: the Cerebrals, with their own unique culture, obsession with language, and their worship of the brain. The Cerebrals keep themselves apart from the rest of the population, and don’t want their kids to have anything to do with the locals. A bit difficult when Daniel finds himself falling for the cute Emily, who just happens to be a Cerebral. What is the mystery behind the Cerebrals, and do they have anything to do with Daniel’s mom’s affliction? How can they possibly be dangerous?

This is a young adult fantasy that is quite different from the norm. The plot dives back into ancient history and draws together some very intriguing theories. Young adult fans of Atlantis and ancient civilizations will devour this story. The plot is full of twists and turns and although I am not usually surprised, this book made me sit up. The action starts right away, aboard the ferry en route the island, when a young teen (Connor) is attacked by strange men. The pace is steady and escalates as the youngsters team up to resolve the mystery behind the Cerebrals, their mission, and how it will affect the whole world. Daniel is the most well developed of the trio, but Jenny is a solid sidekick gifted with IT skills and Connor is close behind as the loyal friend willing to follow first and ask questions later. The teens sound and behave mostly as one would expect teens to do and this adds realism to the plot. The romance between Daniel and Emily is sweet but underplayed so that it does not overshadow the main plot.

The intrigue and mystery behind what the kids discover will certainly have young readers doing their own investigations into history, culture, and the value and place of ancient languages in society. I liked this thought-provoking angle – just how many ancient languages are still spoken today, and how many have been lost in the last century? The descriptions of the Cerebrals and their culture, dress and architecture are unique and showcase the author’s incredible imagination. A great cover and good layout and editing add to one’s reading pleasure. Themes of friendship, loyalty, teamwork and family abound. This is an intriguing fantasy by Remus and perfect for the young adult market.

Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite

In The Princess and the Peacock (Birds of Fae Book 1) written by C.S. Johnson, Kaipo is deeply saddened by the death of his mother, but when he lay eyes upon Princess Mele, a change of heart indeed does occur. He must have a chance with this beauty. However, he must change himself in order to do so. With his brother, Kaipo decides to climb the forbidden mountain of the Fae Queen, Jaya, and ask her to change him so he can win the heart of the princess. Will he get what he is wishing for? Can a Fae Queen be trusted? Be careful what you wish for - you may just get it!

The Princess and the Peacock is a short, engaging novella with a well-developed plot and characters. The story begins with a first-person present-tense narrative that can be a bit different to read if one is not used to reading in that tense. However, the author writes the main character’s experiences in the first person with such depth and precision that I do not believe it could be written any another way! The plot itself is a fairy tale, fantasy fiction, the bedtime escape type, but is very intriguing and engaging in exploring themes such as true beauty and love.

Similar to most fairy tales, The Princess and the Peacock entertains its readers with tragedy, hardship, and plot twists and turns before the right ending can reveal itself. The story has a good mix of emotions entangled within, making it relatable to most fiction readers. Don’t be fooled by the length of the book; the story and its characters are just as entertaining as a book twice the size.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Return of King Lillian is a highly engaging work of fantasy and mythical fiction penned by author Suzie Plakson. A whimsical and philosophical fairytale for the modern age, this intriguing story tells the tale of a young woman by the name of Lillian, child of an Emperor-King who is destined to inherit the crown. Lillian is an outcast from her own kingdom, and her journey to return to its center and take up the mantle of her birthright will see her face dangers and fascinating encounters at every turn. The metaphysical elements of the tale underpin the adventure with philosophies from art, healing and a general openness to culture.

In this reimagining of the fairytale, Lillian’s journey back to her birthright symbolizes many real-world struggles and issues that we face nowadays, holding up an allegorical mirror to conformist society and inspiring others to resist. The plot is a little winding, but that had a charm of its own, increasing the more the book went on, and it became less about a conclusion to the plot and more about an appreciation of each moment of the journey. The narrative is interesting for its artistic variety, and author Suzie Plakson makes use of many traditional storytelling forms, personal narratives, verse and more to make the tale come alive as it progresses. Overall, The Return of King Lillian is a very unusual work that will suit those open-minded dreamers looking for a new way to engage with adventure and allegory.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Mary Ting spins a new tale from a classic fairy tale in Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. “Everyone has a destiny, a story to tell.” Jaclyn is not your average sixteenth-century girl. She and her loving parents live alone, isolated from the townsfolk. Although beautiful, Jacyln is not very ladylike. Due to her father’s intense training, Jaclyn is skilled in the sword and other weapons. One day, Jaclyn discovers a stash of weapons hidden in the barn. She is somehow connected to these weapons; bizarre images appear after touching the tip of the lance. After this encounter, weird things begin to happen such as a mysterious lady with beans, secret meetings, talk of legends of treasure and night monsters. When Jaclyn's father and a small band of men are captured and taken to Black Mountain, Jaclyn realizes monsters are real. With faith and courage as her guides, she heads toward the mountain. Into the unknown, where evil creatures of the night reside, Jaclyn wills herself to be brave. She will save her father, no matter the cost.

Jaclyn and the Beanstalk written by Mary Ting is an enchanting and adventuresome tale. Keenly descriptive and eloquently written with touches of sixteenth-century language, the story takes the reader into the world of monsters controlled by a diabolical villain, and into a land of mystery and magic beans. The story taps into the senses of the young adult reader. Written in the first-person narrative, the story is told from the heroine’s point of view. Jaclyn is strong, brave, and unusually gifted. Her sidekick, Jack, challenges her, annoys her, yet causes her character to arc and grow. Although the story is founded on the original tale, Ting includes imaginative and creative twists, heightening the adventure. I enjoyed and appreciated the blending of the classic fairy tale with the new, especially in the conclusion. This story is more than just good versus evil; it is about love conquering hatred. “Hatred does not win over evil – only love and forgiveness.” Jaclyn and the Beanstalk illustrates the power of forgiveness in an unforgettable way.

Reviewed by Sandy Masia for Readers' Favorite

The Search for Mother Missing by Janine Vance tells the story of international trans-racial adoptees Janine and Jenette Vance who grew up, despite the prejudice, believing they were fully American. It’s only at the age of 25 that they discover they have got green cards, not actual US citizenship, despite having lived in the country practically their entire lives. It is this statelessness that brings the issues of their origins to the fore. Previously the twins had avoided the issue, believing it would seem ungrateful or disrespectful to their adoptive parents. They had been told they were found in a box on a street corner in Seoul and nothing more. Now in their early thirties, they journey into the motherland for an international conference of Korean-born adoptees where they hope to learn more about their culture, their background and find their family. It’s here on their trip that they experience the shady dealings of the international adoption agencies and other eye-opening and life-altering experiences.

The Search for Mother Missing has a lot of strengths. Janine Vance went for something more well-rounded. When issues of great pain and suffering are discussed they never come across as overwhelming, as you would expect when issues as serious as these are at the center of a book. This was a brilliant choice; to be informative without being exhausting. It helps a lot that Janine’s writing and her entire organization of this book is so welcoming, easy to follow and heart-warming. She draws you in quickly and you identify with her. It is this sense of effortlessness and the hope of the story that really makes this book gripping.

The Search for Mother Missing answers some question in a very satisfactory, insightful manner that will make you see the world of international adoption differently. Those questions are: what’s it like to be a trans-racial international adoptee? Do the benefits of international adoption outweigh the costs, and vice versa? What rights should the child, biological parents and adoptive parents have? What sort of protections are necessary? When is adoption appropriate? These aren’t easy questions and Janine Vance doesn’t give easy answers either, but they are honest and thoughtful answers nonetheless. I highly recommended this book, if not for its candor, for its uplifting story.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Knight of the Hunted (Born Vampire Book 1) by Elizabeth Dunlap, Lisbeth is a 400-year-old respected Born Vampire, with the responsibility of training the humans they have ‘turned’ in the rules of vampire etiquette. When a Lycan child mistakenly wanders into enemy territory, Lisbeth breaks the rules she has always lived by and returns the child to the Lycans. Now she must run from The Hunters from her own kind, or pay with her life. Lisbeth, hungry for blood, discovers an unlikely ally in a Lycan named Knight. They mistakenly enter a town run by a callous Vampire called James, whose ultimate desire is to make Lisbeth his own and rid her of Knight. Lisbeth and Knight must use all of their knowledge and strength to try to escape James’ clutches. Together, they must learn to trust one another if they are to survive. But why is Knight away from his pack? Is he hiding from something too?

From the first sentence, ‘I woke to the scent of blood in my room’, this enthralling story had me hooked. The author is a master at building unique, likeable characters that each have their strengths and weaknesses. The plot moved forward constantly, building suspense as the Hunters closed in on Lisbeth and Knight. There were some close shaves when I could not see them escaping. Lisbeth is a strong, warm-hearted character who has great morals. Knight was an absolutely terrific character; his dark humour, sarcasm and sense of loyalty were superb. There is an obvious detailed backstory to Lisbeth that I am hoping will be covered in future novels in this series. I would love to know the history behind the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. I would also like to discover more about Lisbeth’s parents and Balthazar. The climactic ending will leave you desperate to know how the story continues. This is a refreshing look at the Vampire genre. A story of an endearing, but unlikely romance and the fight to stand up for what you believe to be morally right.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Howling: A Young Adult Christian Fantasy is the sixth book in the Seventh Dimension series by Lorilyn Roberts, a story told in atmospheric prose that follows the spiritual journey of a compelling character — Daniel Sperling. The Kingdom of God draws near and the spiritual landscape changes, with untold challenges and a prevalent culture of deception and evil. It is shortly before the arrival of the Messiah when Daniel receives a great mission. But he is shaken by a powerful revelation concerning the fate of his father. Follow him as he navigates great challenges, faces the horrors of the Day of the Lord and remains steadfast in his love for Shale and Shira.

When the story begins, readers are treated to a wonderful racing experience, with Daniel competing against the ruthless Tariq in a chariot race that ends in a way no one expected. The religious symbolism of the race is beautifully captured and the reader immediately understands that time doesn’t exist in the spiritual realm — it is an illusion. I enjoyed the powerful use of religious symbolism and allusion, and the relationship between Daniel Sperling and Shale Snyder, a love so strong it continues to inspire the hero of the story and acts as an anchor for him. The author uses visions and supernatural experiences to lift the minds of readers and transport them from their immediate surroundings, just as the case of the protagonist.

The writing is gorgeous and crisp and filled with wonderful descriptions, from action-packed scenes to emotionally rich encounters, to awe-inspiring moments of spiritual ecstasy. The Howling is a book that will inspire readers and make them look beyond their physical experience of pain to find delight in the hope of a spiritual world that could be theirs. Highly imaginative and skillfully written, the message can’t be mistaken and the reader feels compelled to be one of the Followers of the Way.

Reviewed by A. L. Peevey for Readers' Favorite

In J.P.H. Tan’s Kate in the Land of Myths and Wonders, we discover that Kate is an only child, and a rich one at that, due to her father's and her grandmother’s wealth. Raised as a church-going girl, she is having a crisis of her faith in God. With a warning from her grandmother, Kate sets out for Chicago with her best friend, Gus, to celebrate her fifteenth birthday. While they are enjoying a stroll through one of Chicago’s iconic parks, and snapping some photos, the city is engulfed by a flood that drowns the city and sweeps everyone and everything apart and away. Kate is washed beyond the confines of this world and into a series of places where creatures of myth roam and natural weather phenomena have magical properties. She not only finds herself on an adventure she never dreamed of, but begins a journey of self-discovery as well.

J.P.H. Tan’s Kate in the Land of Myths and Wonders presents us readers with a very human protagonist in the form of Kate, a teenager who has never had to without anything except for the attention of her father. Her grandmother instills in Kate what might be considered an old-fashioned faith in God and an intimate knowledge of the Bible. Yet, there is nothing preachy about Tan’s story. Kate’s faith and her subsequent dissatisfaction with it are presented as part of her process of growth and growing up. There is some teen angst, but it does not get in the way of the narrative, which is always spot on, providing a diverting, thoughtful read. I don't remember the last time I read such a well-edited book! The writer's voice is sure and unwavering. Well done!

Reviewed by Kristy Volchko for Readers' Favorite

The Byrds And D'Beez by Pettrina Clarke is a steamy, suspenseful novel about the beauty of young love and the beauty of karma. Melanie Ming Byrds and Taylor D'Beez have known each other for as long as they can remember and are crazy for one another. As their passionate love grows deeper and stronger by the day, the secrets and past transgressions of the adults surrounding them begin to emerge and haunt them mercilessly. As the couple slowly unravels the drama and hidden agendas, they cling to each other for hope and stability as their lives are turned completely upside down. They soon learn that the past doesn't always stay in the past and that sometimes greed, jealousy, and vengeance have a way of hiding in the shadows. Worst of all, sometimes it's the ones you love the most that are sharpening their claws and ready to strike when you least expect.

The Byrds And D'Beez is a clever title for this sexy, dramatic, titillating read. Full of passion and erotic scenes, some of the pages are so hot they seem like they're about to burst into flames! Tzzzz! (I'm fanning myself.) Taylor and Melanie are so adorable and I couldn't help but laugh at the very authentic-sounding dialogue. The story is chock-full of suspense, wit, humor, and the way the author describes in detail the private thoughts and motivations of each character was great. I especially wanted to know what wild, wild Barbs was thinking. Whew! If you're looking for a cool, Saturday night bubble-bath read, you've got it. Well done.

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite

The Edge Rules by Melanie Hooyenga is the third book of The Rules Series, and it is truly a gem that begins with Brianna Vines' life being turned upside down. To top it all off, her father drops a bombshell that he is moving out of their home and in with another woman. Her father gave her some incentive that if she completes her 50 hours of community service by Christmas Day, he will take her on a skiing trip to Switzerland with his new family. When she reports for her assignment, she meets a couple of new friends, with one of them being a Mexican American young man named Xavier. He introduces her to snowboarding, a sport that she thought she would never get caught doing. Between the chaos of both her personal and social life, Brianna's morals and personality begin to change, but she still has some past history issues that threaten relationships with her new friends.

Melanie Hooyenga does an absolutely outstanding job of moving this page-turning story along with some very real characters that are well developed. With all of the heartbreaking drama that accompanies broken marriages and new opportunities with second families, the story unfolds with many surprises and all of the mixed emotions of seventeen-year-old Brianna. She undergoes a positive transformation while trying to erase the wrongs that followed in her wake. The Edge Rules is an amazing story that captured my attention and kept me enthralled from beginning to end. It was quite the emotional roller coaster ride with the author's knowledge of both skiing and snowboarding skills combined with romance and heartbreak. Along with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Brava!