Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

The first few chapters of The Power of the Cave by JD Shiner literally explode with events that keep readers turning pages, as Napoleon Hancock and Cassandra Caro throw themselves into efforts to retrieve a spectacular ancient sword stolen from them by terrorists. Why would an ancient sword be of interest to terrorists in this day and age? And how did Napoleon and Cassandra come by it in the first place? The answers to those questions lie in the recently discovered and almost surreal Caves of Corihor, now being explored by a team of archeologists.

But while the archeologists work their way toward unraveling the secrets of the caves, Napoleon and Caro find their efforts being thwarted by a mole in the Presidential Praetorian Initiative. The terrorists always seem to know what their next move will be! But the team has a job to do and nothing short of death is going to stop them. Between being jetted across the globe by super aircraft and parachuting down onto a night-dark sea to somehow get inside an elusive sub, the action never stops. And just when you think it’s all over, Shiner tacks on a few chapters from the upcoming third book in the series.

If there’s one thing I can say with certainty about this second book in the Caves of Corihor Series, The Power of the Cave by JD Shiner, it’s that this author really knows his stuff when it comes to military weaponry, wireless communication, developing technologies and a whole lot more like fast cars and futuristic aircraft. If that coincides with your interests, you will love The Power of the Cave. The pace rarely slows down so terrorist thriller fans will be on the edge of their seats. The book is written so graphically you will find yourself visualizing all the action on the big screen. Dialogue is plentiful and realistic as are the characters. There is romance but it’s secondary to the exciting plot and the possibilities of what the caves might eventually reveal about the past. It’s with that last possibility that JD Shiner ensures we’ll want to read book three. Well done!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Lying with the Devil by Lana Lindemann is a psychological thriller. Mary is nothing special. A student who doesn’t know what she wants out of life until everything changes. Kidnapped by a serial killer, Mary expects to die but, instead, she is kept chained in the killer’s apartment. And so begins the abuse and the games. Mary slowly loses hope that she will ever be found as the killer plays his games and appears to start falling in love with her. Two detectives, Carl and Steven, along with Mary’s brother Kole are searching for her but the killer leaves scant clues behind. As Stockholm Syndrome begins to set in, is there any chance for Mary? And if Kole does find her, will she ever be the same person again?

Lying with the Devil by Lana Lindeman is a cracking read, a real page-turner that will have you hanging on to the very end. The language and style of writing match the era it was set in perfectly, the 1980s, and with a unique plot, this story is packed with action. The tension builds nicely throughout the plot, with plenty of twists and turns along the way, and the ending is well worth waiting for. The characters are excellent, well developed and relatable, especially Mary, and you will be on the edge of your seat to see what happens to her. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a story that will leave you wanting more from this author. Ms. Lindemann is clearly a talented writer with a great future ahead of her and I look forward to reading more.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter by L. A. Detwiler is 'a chilling dark thriller.' Ruby Marlowe lost her mother when she was two and lives with her father, who made sure she had everything. He has a secret, though, a deep dark secret in his garage – the one place that Ruby is not allowed to go. Except she does sneak in occasionally, mesmerized by all the red. She doesn’t understand what’s going on at the time but, as she gets older, she develops obsessive tendencies, and one of those leads her to investigate the death of her mother. She realizes that her serial killer daddy may have even more secrets and, as he begins to up his game, those secrets get harder to stay hidden. Ruby has a choice – betray her father and walk a different path in life or join him on his path. Which will she choose?

The Diary of a Serial Killer’s Daughter by L. A. Detwiler is a seriously creepy story. It is written as a diary by the daughter of a serial killer although she didn’t know it at the time and, written in the language you would expect a young girl to use, it raised the hairs on the back of my neck. This story is so well-written that you will not put it down. You have to know the way it ends and you have to read this creepy, chilling story to get there. This is an incredibly dark story, not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. The two main characters are very well developed in a unique tale that I couldn’t put down. It’s unpredictable, twisting horror that will chill you to the core. If you want something addictive and dark to read, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Spot Thru the Hart by Lou Berthelson is a psychological thriller that is dark and enthralling. The central character is John Hart, and when he loses two members of his team in Jonesborough, he is concerned, as is everyone. Their investigation leads to more disturbing crimes, and these crimes involve murders committed in the last four decades. Everything points to a very influential man. John aches for justice but the enemy he has to take down is not an ordinary one.

I enjoy crime stories that start with isolated incidents and build up into a web of disturbing situations and this is one such story. John Hart is a strong and sophisticated character and while he pursues justice for his people, he has deep layers of troubles to deal with. The author writes the characters deftly and each has deep layers that peel off like layers of an onion. I enjoyed the prose, the focused scenes, and the way that points of view are developed. The story is filled with vivid descriptions and imagery. The descriptive prose is enriched by interesting dialogues. One of the things that I enjoyed in the story is the sense of loyalty in John’s group. Spot Thru the Hart is suspenseful and filled with moments that take readers by surprise and the unpredictability of the plot is one of the main ingredients that make the story unique. This is a story for readers who love strong characters and intense conflict. There are twists aplenty and it is hard to guess where the story leads.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Below the Radar is a captivating read and its creator, Dana Ridenour, is a writer you’ll want to add to your “favorite authors” list. A now-retired FBI agent, Ridenour knows from first-hand experience what protagonist Lexie Montgomery is getting herself into when, against her therapist’s advice, she accepts an undercover assignment in the Netherlands. Lexie’s task is to help locate a Dutch constable who has gone missing. To do so, she has to infiltrate a fiercely fervent, but seemingly peaceful group of animal welfare activists. But, as should be in any riveting thriller, this is rarely as benign as it seems: what Lexie uncovers, together with her new partner, nearly costs her her life.

Ridenour’s many years of FBI experience gives the engaging, fast-paced plot and its credible cast of characters authenticity. Her considerable writing skills, especially her ease with creating realistic dialogue, evoke strong emotions in both readers and characters. Lexie is living a lie and the trouble with living a lie is that “...it’s easy to become that lie. What we pretend to be, we become.” That’s an uncomfortable concept that the majority of us, regardless of our professions, live with daily, and Lexie’s journey to a deeper understanding of the person behind the lie, herself, is a relevant theme in Below The Radar. With its winning combination of intrigue, suspense, humor, romance, excellent dialogue, and solid characterization, Below The Radar ticks all the boxes for your next “must-read”. Enjoy.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

VanWest: The Past is a work of fiction in the dystopian and science fiction sub-genres and was penned by author Kenneth Thomas. The opening book in the VanWest series, this first adventure focuses on titular character Captain VanWest, who currently works as an Enforcer for the all-encompassing leadership of the Universal Council. When the captain is tasked with a time travel mission to stop rebels from changing the past (and therefore the future), he comes to learn much about his own dark history, as well as the desires of the heart which may change his allegiance to the dystopian world he knows.

Author Kenneth Thomas presents a stylish and solidly built science fiction work with plenty for fans of hard sci-fi and dystopia to get their teeth into. There is also a great deal of drama and emotional involvement throughout the plot, which makes for a well-rounded read and helps to place the characters realistically in their fantastical setting. One of the things which I particularly enjoyed about the tale was a blending of new futuristic science fiction with classic sci-fi ideas from the past, which were meshed really well by the 1950s setting. As we visit many familiar places and times in Earth’s recent past, so realism and surrealism blend to perfection: we are in safe hands with a capable narrator who holds the story together well. Overall, I would highly recommend VanWest: The Past for dystopian and space-and-time adventure fans everywhere: an exciting start to what promises to be an excellent new series.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

Centaurius the Prophecy is book one of the Green Galaxy Series by SJ McGarry. A dark, corrupt threat rises and puts the planets Centaurius and Earth in grave danger. This destructive entity is called the Red Brume, a creation that poisoned everything in its path and, according to the archives, it is the most feared of all prophecies. It is capable of devastating everything, an evil force driving the exploitation of natural resources. However, a certain hero stands in its way: the promised Princess Warrior of Centaurius, foreseen by the prophecies; Nella Grizel Reiner. It is clear that Nella cannot fight this powerful foe alone. She travels to Earth with her protector and mentor, Konan, two agents from the Interplanetary Galaxy Operatives (IPGO), and her Fur and Feathered Warriors in a mission to find Nella’s mirrored Earth Warrior - the chosen one foreordained in the Book of Twenty. Bonded together, working as a team, the Centaurius Princess Warrior and the mirrored Earth Warrior will become fearsome and powerful advocates for the survival of both planets and galaxies.

SJ McGarry has created a detailed, science fiction story that uniquely depicts the fragile but delightful essence of Nature, the different life forms it governs, and the influence humans have over them, good or bad. I saw this as a story that portrays the weight of responsibility and stepping up to help save what is important. One of the many things I found interesting about this story’s idea is how nature and technology seamlessly blend together to create a unique and distinctive world that continues to pull me in with every new and remarkable concept introduced. I found the different gifts the characters had to be one of the most intriguing things in the book, like the ability of galaxy living resolution (GLR) which divines the intent of any living being or the gift to communicate with all creatures. I found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable; there was never a dull moment as I thirsted for every chapter that pulled me deeper into its fascinating plot. The story is descriptive and imaginative and I looked forward to learning more about the planet Centaurius and its people. There is so much raw potential in Centaurius the Prophecy that I get goosebumps just thinking of what could possibly happen next.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Our Bathtub Wasn't in the Kitchen Anymore is a work of fiction in the historical, coming of age and urban life sub-genres, and was penned by author Gerade DeMichele. Set in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States of America, this heartfelt tale follows its protagonist through the experiences of growing up in an Italian family in the South Bronx. From deeply entrenched Catholicism to street violence, hopeful dreams, and gentrification, the work explores how the young man and his wider community try to survive and stay together. What results is a very emotional and realistic work of fiction with plenty of cultural delights and true heart.

Author Gerade DeMichele has crafted a highly immersive and heartfelt novel that clearly comes from a true place deep in the author’s heart. Readers who have experienced this life and culture are sure to find it an experience of pure nostalgia, but there’s also plenty of trials and tribulations in the plot which keep it fresh and exciting. Despite its historical setting, the work has ties to its future and its place in the world, which makes this a highly accessible read for those who weren’t around at the time but want to learn more about the heritage. One of the features which I enjoyed a great deal about the novel was its flair for dialogue, which really characterizes different figures uniquely, and delivers such a deep understanding of the culture and bonds among people. Overall, I would highly recommend Our Bathtub Wasn’t in the Kitchen Anymore to all historical urban fiction fans.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Goddess Within by Iva Kenaz is the sequel to the historical fantasy book The Witch Within, reading as a stand-alone with its young protagonist, Berka. With knowledge of what Berka divinely possesses, she is raised by her father in the 16th-century Italian wilderness, one which holds the mythical and magical that co-exist beyond the treacherous cities and villages constructed by man. The seclusion is a mixed blessing, but one her father was unwilling to avoid. As Berka grows into herself and the mystical realm that surrounds her, she meets a faun named Giss who offers the companionship she desperately needs. Her happiness is shattered when the world of man invades Berka's space, and she is forced to confront all she has been previously protected from.

Iva Kenaz writes with a panache that comfortably blends history, fantasy, and the refinement of literary fiction in The Goddess Within. A lot has gone into the story, and even with Berka at the helm, the guidance of spirits and transcendent creatures and entities help the young woman on both of her journeys; one of discovery of herself and the other to rescue and reclaim those she cares for and all she believes in. She is multi-dimensional and thoroughly fleshed out as a character, and the supporting cast—diverse and bountiful as they are—are independently constructed and easy to separate. I think this a wonderful story that can be enjoyed by readers of multiple genres, and would be equally comfortable recommending it to all ages.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Mars One Incident is a work of science fiction with intrigue and thriller elements and was penned by author Kelly Curtis. Written for mature audiences due to some nonexplicit adult content, this otherworldly adventure takes us to the twenty-seventh century, in which utopia is now viewed as a place free from technology and its many temptations. Captain Alma Johnson is allowed to use some of these technological elements to protect the human race from the threat of invaders, but at the Mars One Station, she learns of a coup that could change everything that the people of Earth have come to know and trust. The trouble is, Alma doesn’t know if she wants to protect them from it, or encourage them towards it.

Due to her imminent promotion and technology-related job, we meet Alma as an outsider with the whole world against her from day one. The life she leads is exciting, in a world of space pirates and revolutionaries where she and the good ship Indianapolis endeavor to keep the peace. Author Kelly Curtis endears us to this world instantly with close narration that lets us into Alma’s mindset and immersive description that paints the incredible world beyond the tech-free utopia in vivid colors. Alma’s dilemma is well drawn too, with clear conceptual ideas on both sides of the argument that give readers good food for thought and plenty of thrills and suspense. Overall, The Mars One Incident delivers a well thought out conceptual tale with a satisfying conclusion, from an author who shows much promise for future science fiction works.