Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Watcher's Tale: Mary Morgan's Journal Book 3 is a post-apocalyptic science fiction graphic novel written and illustrated by R. M. Wilburn. While Mary Morgan and her companions-at-arms had been successful in their efforts to free those imprisoned for their opposition to Herr Bigly’s Rump’s reign of awfulness, they soon realized that they had underestimated the lengths to which the orange monster would go to establish and maintain an iron grip on his plan for world domination. His secret weapon was soon revealed to be devastatingly simple and sinister. The announcements heralding Bigly Rump’s generous offer of free education to all children indicated that it was not only generous but also mandatory. What better way to create a dictatorship that endures than by brainwashing the young? This and other new developments made it even more urgent for Mary and her crew to regroup and plan their next moves.

The Watcher's Tale presents the reader with an awful vision that will seem terribly familiar to anyone who’s ever dared to look at an independently published newspaper or kept up with current events. Wilburn’s illustrations continue to delight and amaze. I love the imaginative use of the hand-written journal pages which seem torn, stapled together and bearing coffee stains and dirt. Pages are deckle-edged, giving them an ancient and tattered impression and making one wonder just how far in the past these entries were penned. Mary’s compatriots hail from all over the galaxy, and their varied and unusual appearances compound the post-apocalyptic nature of the work. I also appreciated how she weaves a photographic journal throughout the work, again one that is dire and foreboding in nature and steeped in our past. Wilburn’s work gives one a lot to think about, especially considering the Constitutional crisis facing the nation today. The Watcher's Tale: Mary Morgan's Journal Book 3 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Lords of the Wind is a work of fiction in the historical and action sub-genres and was penned by author C. J. Adrien. The first novel in The Saga of Hasting the Avenger, this is a work for adult readers due to the inclusion of violence, scenes of a sexual nature, and the use of explicit language. Set during the exciting and bloodthirsty age of the Vikings, our central protagonist is Hasting, and we see him during his first experiences which truly shape him for the avenger he will go on to become. Orphaned, sold as a slave, and then adopted into Viking life, the story recounts Hasting’s first great difficulties, his early love affairs, and the path that would lead him to become a famed warlord throughout all of history.

It is clear that author C. J. Adrien is both a historian and a writer, for the prose is filled to the brim with interesting and accurate details about the Viking period that are sure to have fellow history fans deeply fascinated. There is, however, an intelligent balance between historical research and the furthering of the narrative, and the pace of the novel holds up well and moves along without too many breaks for exposition. One of the things which most captivated me was the unique sense of dialogue, which reads well for a modern audience but still manages to keep a sense of the true atmosphere of the Viking times. There is never a jarring moment that would take you away from the period, which leads to a fully immersive reading experience that truly captivates an audience. Overall, I would highly recommend The Lords of the Wind to historical fiction fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

The Women of Great Heron Lake by Deanna Lynn Sletten connects two women who married into the same Madison family but exited decades apart from each other. When, after over a year of fighting pancreatic cancer, Nathan passed away, his wife, Marla Madison, felt free. After marrying Nathan, she had quit her job and devoted her life to caring for her daughter, Reese, and her husband. Now that Reese was an adult and her husband had passed away, suddenly she did not know what to do with the time available to her. Outside her family, she hadn't formed any real connection with people. With nothing else to do, she threw herself into renovating her mansion. It was during one of these renovation times that she found the journal of the first Mrs. Madison, Alaina. As she delved deeper into the journal, she shivered at the eerie similarities between her and Alaina.

The Women of Great Heron Lake by Deanna Lynn Sletten reflects on the lives of women -- now and then (the year 1875). Although born decades apart, both Marla and Alaina went through drastic changes after marrying wealthy men. Alaina was happy taking care of her father's business and living the life of a spinster, but when she met Nathaniel, she could not resist his charms. Gradually, he manipulated her into adjusting her life goals to accommodate his dreams. Eventually, Alaina lost the one thing she craved the most: her freedom. Similarly, Marla, too, had lost track of her goals after marrying Nathan. When he died, she struggled with finding her purpose in life. The plot will resonate with many women who alter their personalities and passions to fulfill their expected duties as a wife and mother.

This is a story of hope and second chances. Deanna Lynn Sletten makes a smooth transition between the present (Marla's story) and the past (Alaina). The mindset and mannerisms remain authentic in both the timelines. This book is heaven for architecture enthusiasts. The descriptions of the houses and mansions are so crisp that they transport you inside these spacious structures. Emotions run high as Deanna Lynn Sletten narrates the sacrifices that Alaina made in the name of love and marriage. Patriarchal society's flawed and biased rules are laid bare in the form of a gripping plot. Women supporting women is the backbone of the story as well. I recommend The Women of Great Heron Lake by Deanna Lynn Sletten to readers who enjoy a slow-paced story that highlights a woman's search for her identity.

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Kenneth W. Harmon's historical fiction novel, In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow, is set in Japan, 1945. Micah Lund, a bombardier, falls to his death as his B-29 breaks up over Hiroshima. He knows he is dead, but his spirit is alive. On another plane of existence, he connects to the living world around him, and to the realm of other spirits. Kiyomi Oshiro, a war widow, saw Micah fall to his death. Kiyomi and her eight-year-old daughter Ai struggle every day with the war’s brutal hardships. Ai's and Kiyomi's spirits can leave their bodies when they are asleep. In this realm of spirits and dreams, Micah meets with them and draws closer to them. Micah's life changes profoundly as his hatred and intolerance towards the Japanese turn into guilt and compassion.

I greatly enjoyed reading Kenneth W. Harmon's In the Realm of Ash and Sorrow because at the heart it is a story of love and forgiveness. I loved the richly imagined characters, dialogue and vivid details that bridge the realm of spirits and the living. I was struck by the anguish and poignancy of the relationship between Micah and Kiyomi as they struggle to understand each other. I liked Kiyomi's strong and courageous character, as she tells Micah that there is only "ash and sorrow" in war. I loved Ai's character. She is convinced Micah has a significant purpose in their lives and they soon become friends. I liked Micah's character development, his life in the US, the contrast with life in Japan, and living as a spirit. Micah's journey turns inwards as he must make a difficult choice toward the end of the story. A compelling and thought-provoking novel indeed!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Fourteenth of September: A Coming of Conscience Novel is a work of fiction in the historical and cultural drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Rita Dragonette. Written for adult readers due to some sexual scenes and the use of explicit language, this thought-provoking novel possesses a unique perspective delivered during the historical peak of the Vietnam War. Our protagonist is Judy Talton, a Private First Class who realizes that the birthday draft would have meant her being sent to Vietnam if she had been a man. This sparks an incredible turning point for Judy in her attitude to war, the military, and the prospective future she has chosen, as well as the role of women in that future.

Author Rita Dragonette has crafted an intricate, emotive, political, and truly fascinating read which encompasses many different layers and is sure to give any fan of historical fiction a new and unique reading experience. Attention to detail in the historical period is evident through every page, especially in the formation of the social, cultural, and political attitudes which run rife in Judy’s college as the drama unfolds. There is a strong nostalgia in the word choice and framing of the dialogue, but a modern sense of emotional resonance to the struggle of being a woman at such a time, especially one headed for the military life. Overall, The Fourteenth of September: A Coming of Conscience Novel delivers on its promise as a compelling and original read about one of the most debated wars in modern history.

Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

In The Emperor’s Assassin by Autumn Bardot, Locusta of Gaul had greater plans for herself than those placed in the path by the Faiths. The daughter of a vintner, she will marry a man chosen by her father and aunt. However, after a brutal attack by her fiancé, Locusta’s maidservant, Priscilla, decides to help Locusta take her fate into her own hands and begins her education in the helpful and deadly world of herbal remedies. She then finds herself in Rome, sent by her family to seemingly plead for a tax extension, but really to find a suitable husband. However, word of her skill travels fast, and Locusta finds herself embroiled in plots beyond her wildest imagination. Will she survive the politics of Rome, or will she find herself doomed by her own knowledge?

As a hardcore historical fiction fan, I found The Emperor’s Assassin by Autumn Bardot an absolutely enrapturing read. Locusta of Gaul did exist in Roman times, and Bardot has taken great care and research to weave together a believable story about a woman who is a victim of circumstance and gender. The characters were engaging and I found myself immediately drawn into Roman life. The atmosphere was immersive, and I could really see what Locusta saw and feel what she experienced. Bardot doesn’t shy from describing the realities of life in Rome as a woman, and I didn’t once feel taken out of the story by any implausible event. I will actively be seeking out other novels by Autumn Bardot, and I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in little-explored historical figures of the Roman Empire.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

There is good magic and bad magic all around us and when witches and warlocks plot their battles, good against evil, anything can happen, especially on Halloween. Elliott is a boy growing up in a non-magical world. But he has the potential to do magic. Both his parents and his teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, have magical powers. But Elliott’s magic seems to be out of control. He never knows when something he thinks will happen, like throwing a book at the mean girl at school, Allison. He only thought about it; he hadn’t actually intended for a book to go flying into the back of Allison’s head. With magical powers out of control, how is Elliott ever going to learn? With the king and the gentle guidance of his wise teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, Elliott learns a valuable lesson, that “Each mistake is a learning opportunity and life is full of mistakes, or learning opportunities.”

As a retired teacher myself, I have to admit I can see the markings of a teacher-written masterpiece in this work. Perhaps that’s what makes this story so genuine and complete and a powerful tale for young readers to enjoy. Author and teacher, Ryan Cowan’s novel, Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal, has all the ingredients of a great adventure: magic, witches and warlocks, dragons and mermaids, and so much more. The plot develops at a rapid pace, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, waiting for the next unexpected twist. The characters are both believable and lovable, except for the evil characters, which are believable, but certainly not lovable. With great dialogue, narrative and character description, the reader is thoroughly immersed in this story from beginning to end.

As an author, I know that sometimes the most difficult thing to do is choose the right name for each character. Ryan has chosen wisely. In particular, his choice of Mr. Moonbeam for the teacher whose light and magic shines its greatest underneath the light of the moon which breaks the darkness of night. Noir is French for the color black but is also associated with crime fiction and all things evil and is the perfect name for the evil warlock who threatens the stability of many worlds on Halloween with his evil magic. The other names were also well-chosen, but these two specifically stood out as being symbolic of the good versus evil plot of the story. A great read.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Naughty List by Thomas Conway is a delightful winter treat for any time of the year. Christmas is at risk when Santa fails to attend Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and is soon discovered to have been kidnapped. Mrs. Claus and the elves don't know how to rescue Santa and save Christmas so they turn to the only people that can help them: the children on the Naughty List. Each of the children is on the Naughty List for various reasons which include lying and cheating. They must work as a team to save Santa and learn about the true value of Christmas: kindness and love. The Naughty List is at the center of the plot, exploring their bad actions and seeing them as children that made mistakes. The Naughty List is a classic part of the Santa tale, giving bad children coal and good children presents, but Conway delivers an adventure that leaves you questioning if any of these children truly deserve to be called bad.

Thomas Conway delivers the perfect treat that brings the holiday spirit to all ages and is a great story that families can share together. This feel-good story will get you into the Christmas spirit with valuable lessons about the true meaning of Christmas, hope, magic, family, redemption, forgiveness, and goodness. Conway places a unique twist on Santa Claus and creates a story as you've never seen it before with the new North Pole. The world is whimsical and cheery, bringing the North Pole to life through the vivid presence of the elves, reindeer, and snowmen. The story revolves around Christmas, which shines a light on the various themes of goodness, redemption, and faith while posing the question about what the true spirit of Christmas really is. Conway uses various children to explore the other side of Christmas through the relationships between family and friends. Each of the characters is used to delve into the true meaning of Christmas with each of them gaining a new outlook. The Naughty List is a must-have for the holidays, a perfect treat for families to read together, and an endearing message to renew your Christmas spirit.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Hag: A Horror Collection is the second book in The Bloodletter Collections by Erik Henry Vick. This collection is a perfect example of heart-stopping horror fiction on steroids. Benny, Toby, Mike, Scott, and Shannon join hands once again to defeat the demons that have plagued the lives of people living in Oneka Falls. They know that killing Herlequin will make them a target and they weren’t wrong. Now they have to fight Brigitta and LaBouche and this group of friends has to do something before they are caught by these demons. Benny and the others let Brigitta and LaBouche slip out of their clutches once and now they are paying the price. Now this group has to scramble for cover and pray to make it out alive while making sure Oneka Falls is safe from these waking nightmares.

I really love the way Erik Henry Vick writes. He has a gift for weaving pictures with words and making sure the reader is right there in the story with his characters. I’m usually not a fan of horror fiction, but I’m a fan of Erik. Book three, Wrecker, sets the tone of the story and makes sure the reader is hooked while book four, Black Swan, brings a very satisfying conclusion to the struggles of the characters. Benny, Toby, Mike, Scott, and Shannon make a cohesive unit that works together really well and the author makes sure all five of them get enough page space for the reader to connect with all of them. The atmosphere is sinister from the very beginning and the tension keeps building until the end. This is a fantastic collection that will absolutely be adored by readers who enjoy horror fiction.

Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite

If you want to laugh, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P. Roman is the book for you. The book contains over 800 jokes and is filled with funny jokes, challenging tongue twisters, hilarious puns, and puzzling riddles. There are jokes about practically every topic imaginable: pirates, space, sports, food, and more. There are many different types of jokes as well: longer jokes, short jokes, and knock-knock jokes. Some of the jokes are classics, while others are ones that I’ve never heard before, but all of them are humorous. One of my favorite jokes was “What did the man say when he walked into a bar? ‘Ouch!’” It had me laughing for a while.

Amusing and entertaining, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P. Roman is a really fun read. I really enjoyed reading it by myself, but sharing the jokes with my family and friends and seeing their reactions made the experience even more pleasurable. I really liked the silly stats; they separate this book from all the other joke books I've read and it was really cool to read a fact that related to the previous joke. I also liked that the book has a section where the reader can write down their own jokes, making the book more personal. There are a few jokes with corresponding illustrations that are very well drawn. The book is very well organized, with brightly-colored title pages for each section, which also explains what the section is about. I would definitely recommend this book.