Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Safekeeper is a work of fiction in the paranormal, suspense, and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Esther Archer Lakhani. Written for young adult audiences and adults alike, this chilling and intriguing work is suitable for readers of all sensitivity levels. We find ourselves at a unique Retreat Center which caters to a very specific crowd, and where a talking crow is the least strange thing to happen. Fifteen-year-old Macy helps out at the center for her parents, but even she begins to suspect that things are going awry when the latest clutch of guests gets out of control. The secrets that she keeps are threatened, as is her very life.

Author Esther Archer Lakhani has crafted a fascinating story unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and one which will certainly grip its intended YA audience and not let them go until the mysteries of the plot are solved. One of the strongest points of the work is the character development, which gives us an unusual heroine to root for as she heads a bizarre investigation that gets more exciting on every page. Dialogue and narrative style give us close insight into Macy’s feelings, running the gamut from suspicion to intrigue to outright terror, and even a little romance. The paranormal elements were also realistically woven into the plot to keep the sense of realism and suspense going. Overall, I would definitely recommend The Safekeeper to readers who enjoy a tight-knit plot, compelling characters, and well-used paranormal themes. An excellent all-round read.

Reviewed by Grace Masso for Readers' Favorite

The Scarlet Queen: A Gripping Epic Fantasy is the third book in the award-winning Darkwolf Saga by Mitch Reinhardt and a compelling story with memorable characters, most suitable for fans of young adult fantasy and adventure. Alluria is yet to confront her deadliest foe — an evil that might obliterate her. While the armies of Lysis, the Scarlet Queen, advance towards Alluria, Jane has a dire predicament to deal with, struck by the spell of the Shadowlord who now has a strong hold on her, turning her into a powerful druid. Lysis is determined to crush anything in her path. She is the most powerful witch that ever lived; even with the arch of her neck, a glance, or the twist of her brow, she can shrivel any creature. Geoff and Sawyer want to help and save Jane, and their elven friends, Ariel and Ishara, offer their help. Can they work together and with new allies succeed in helping Jane and ultimately defeating the Scarlet Queen?

This is a wonderful tale and the first thing that catches the attention of the reader is the crisp writing. The descriptions are elegant, and right from the opening scene—where Jane is seen running away and looking for a place to hide, barely recognizing her pursuers—and throughout the story, the scenes are focused and well-written. The conflict is written at different levels—from what the Shadowlord has done to Jane, to interpersonal relationships that are strained, to the differences between humans and the elves, to the final duel with Queen Lysis. Mitch Reinhardt creates characters that are elaborate and multidimensional and a fantasy world where magic is evidently dominant. Like a sophisticated spell, this novel is a hodgepodge of fantasy that features strong plot elements and intense action. The Scarlet Queen: A Gripping Epic Fantasy is one of the best fantasy books I have read.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

To the Top of Greenfield Street is a coming of age novel for young adults written by Ryan Standley. It was June and summer should have been Eric’s next opportunity to shed his chubby-boy image through hours of basketball and healthy eating. But this June was different. The house that he and his dad lived in, complete with his dad’s pizzeria on the first floor, had burnt down. After the fire, he and his dad moved to a room in a hotel while his dad looked for a job, but there was nothing. Finally, their funds almost all gone, they drove to Freeport, Illinois to stay with family friends, the Garcias. Nate Garcia was Eric’s age and was his oldest friend, and Manny Garcia had hired Eric’s dad for as long as he needed. While it had been a while since the two friends had seen each other, they soon fell into the easy camaraderie of years back. Freeport, Illinois was different somehow. The kids there didn’t see a young fat boy to be bullied and laughed at. Eric had a chance -- this might be his summer after all.

Ryan Standley’s To the Top of Greenfield Street had me realizing once again why the genre is one of my all-time favorites. Eric’s transformational time spent on Greenfield Street is breathtaking, even at the remove of being a reader rather than an actual witness to a real-life story. Standley sets his tale in the summer of 1993, a pivotal time considering the internet and tech explosion that would soon be changing life as we knew it then. I loved re-experiencing the music and culture of the time and seeing the story unfold historically. While an experienced writer of news articles, this is Ryan Standley’s debut novel, and it’s peopled with characters who are complex, unforgettable, and very true-to-life. I was wrapped up in his story from the first pages until the last and loved every minute I spent on Greenfield Street. To the Top of Greenfield Street is the best coming-of-age novel I’ve read this year, and I’m looking forward to future works by this author. It’s most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

The Valley Iris is the first book in A Lost Pharaoh Chronicles Prequel Collection by Lauren Lee Merewether. Tey, daughter of Rai, has envisioned her future for a long time. She imagines herself as a good wife to Woser, son of Theshen and Senisonbe. She imagines herself in a happy, loving marriage with him, surrounded by their loving children. What she did not imagine was to be rejected by Theshen and Senisobe, even though their two families were the closest of friends despite their difference in statuses. Tey thought they would approve of Woser’s intention to marry her, but, apparently, she is not good enough in their eyes. Tey is confused, heartbroken, and angry towards Woser for not fighting for their love. She is angry with Woser’s family for their prejudice against hers and with her mother for being on Foreman Theshen’s side. Tey tries to move on with Bek, a kind young man who is willing to wait for her, but moving on from her love for Woser is no easy feat. Tey’s jealousy and pain over the whole ordeal uncover a long-kept secret that will change her life as she knows it.

Tey, daughter of Rai, the protagonist of this novel, is an admirable, strong woman who is greatly affected by the sins of her parents. She goes through so much just to survive in an unkind world. Her reaction and confusion to Theshen and Senisobe’s rejection of Woser’s intention to marry her is understandable and I could feel the resulting heartache and fury through the pages. I felt angry and betrayed on her behalf when she found out the truth. The suffering she experiences cut through my heart and I wished greatly for her safety as she battles her inner demons and against the provoked mob. I was with the protagonist through every up and down and I sympathized with her. Honestly, this book caught me hook, line, and sinker. The Valley Iris relentlessly pulled me through its pages. The emotions it evoked in me were deep and unforgettable. Every character was memorable in their own way, they all played an important role and elevated the plot to greater heights. The Valley Iris is truly riveting and mesmerizing. Lauren Lee Merewether’s narrative delivers the emotions of the characters and effectively describes the setting, adding depth and easy visualization. Overall, a spectacular and noteworthy historical novel! Outstanding job!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Child of Chaos is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Glen Dahlgren. The work is intended for the young adult and upward reading audience and contains some scenes of violence that may not suit the younger end of the YA age spectrum. Our protagonist is Galen, a young lad with dreams of darkness and danger in his future. Unsure of what power compels him, the young man pursues a chaotic power that has been long since locked away, and soon finds he isn’t the only one searching for it. And if he doesn’t get to it in time, the hands it falls into could destroy the entire world.

Author Glen Dahlgren has crafted a very immersive and imaginative work of fiction with plenty of action, intrigue, and fantasy suspense to offer its readers. One of the most essential features in this work is the talent the author displays in worldbuilding, through such details as the balance of good and evil in the world and how delicately it is maintained, as well as the day to day life of our hero Galen and how he sees his own place in the world rapidly changing. He’s a hero that younger readers and adults alike can get behind, with compelling dialogue and vivid emotional presence to make you feel really invested in his adventure. Overall, I would highly recommend The Child of Chaos to fans of in-depth and original YA fantasy concepts, masterful worldbuilding, and for readers looking to begin a truly compelling new fantasy series.

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Evelyn Puerto's Flight of the Spark presents cultural differences and fantasy combined. Villagers follow rules for safety and believe Riskers are barbarians to avoid. When Iskra takes a trip to another village, the caravan she rides with is attacked by bandits. Forced to run, Iskra heads up the mountainside and is rescued by two men. Tarkio is a trader accompanied by Xico, who is a Risker. Iskra learns that the Riskers are nothing like what she was taught in the village. After Tarkio escorts Iskra home, she tells her best friend Tavda about her experience. Tavda starts asking questions about why they were forbidden to associate with Riskers and two days later is taken. Iskra believes that it was her fault Tavda is gone and goes to the Riskers for help. Iskra and Xico fall in love, despite the law against mixed marriages. Iskra's trips to the Riskers are discovered by the leader of the village, and now she must face her worst fears.

Flight of the Spark is a story that drew me in, and I found myself hoping that Iskra and Xico would prove the village laws were wrong. Iskra's emotions and fears are conquered the more she discovers the freedom that Xico teaches her. I loved reading about Xico's fearless approach and can-do attitude toward life, and I can completely understand how Iskra felt motivated by him. I didn't like how the leaders of the village encouraged others to belittle Iskra when she returned safely from her trip. Evelyn Puerto's description of the poverty in the village and the beauty of the Riskers' camp was what I could picture as hell versus heaven. Puerto was able to put me in the mind of all the main characters; I could feel their fear, anger, hope, and happiness as it happened. The ending was not what I thought it would be and I'm glad this is a series because it hints at more. This is a 5-star book that I recommend to anyone who likes an adventurous story of discovery mixed with love, rebellion, and suspense all rolled into one.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Clarissa Hedgestone and the Blood Moon is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and fairy tale style fiction sub-genres and was penned by author C. Jill Hefte. The work is intended for the young adult reading audience and forms the opening novel to The Clarissa Hedgestone Chronicles. Our protagonist is the titular Clarissa, a chosen one born to bring back the light of the Human Fairies who have been exiled from Earth to another place far off in the galaxy. Sparking a wild adventure with gorgeous mythology and swatches of atmospheric storytelling, what results is a very engrossing and original fantasy tale that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout.

Author C. Jill Hefte has crafted an ethereal and entertaining work of fiction with plenty of stunning visuals, fairy tale stylings, and powerful moments to offer readers. One of the most essential features of this work is the talent the author displays in worldbuilding, through such details as the lore of Human Fairies and their culture, as well as the smaller details of each character, their parlance, and their role in the world itself. The dialogue was also effective, serving to display the unique traits of the characters whilst moving the plot forward in a natural way, and it felt so fitting amidst the darkly regal settings of the story. Overall, I would highly recommend Clarissa Hedgestone and the Blood Moon to fans of immersive fantasy stories, clever plots, crafty characters, and fairy fiction enthusiasts everywhere.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Thunder and lightning evoke a sense of dread in our minds, no matter how old we are. But not many of us know the reasons behind them. In his epic fantasy novel Dragons in the Clouds, David Blair explains that lightning is nothing but the jet of the white-hot, fiery stream a dragon emits, whereas thunder is its reverberating roar. Dragons used to roam the earth freely until King Arturus decreed their slaughter, following the death of his best knight at the hand of a carnivorous one. The all-powerful wizard, Merlinius, sends the herbivorous dragons to inhabit the clouds to save them from extinction. But will the bloodthirsty humans support his noble cause? What will happen to Rago, the beloved dragon friend of young David?

David Blair has conceived a thrilling fantasy tale that spans both the past and the present. The aura of mystery and fear surrounding the dragons is palpable from the very beginning. A gradually escalating conflict between the dragons and the humans keeps readers on edge. When a shocking betrayal threatens Merlinius’s cleverly devised plan, we shudder to imagine the terrible fate awaiting the innocent dragons. When a devastating battle ensues between the herbivores and the carnivores, the course of the war alters with every breath, making us eagerly await the end. However, a strong friendship between a young boy and a young dragon provides a beacon of hope in this world full of greed and deceit. I would recommend Dragons in the Clouds to any young adult reader who appreciates fantasy.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Haunted Purse is a young adult paranormal mystery novel written by Kimberly Baer. As they waited at the counter for Toni to make her purchase at the thrift store, Libby spied a flash of blue denim sticking out of a cardboard box on a counter. She was stunned to discover it was a jeans purse, complete with patch pockets on the back. The retro qualities of the purse were enticing, and she held her breath as she asked the clerk for the price. Libby couldn’t wait to transfer her stuff to her new purse, which was big, almost a tote bag, and that’s how Libby discovered her purse was very peculiar. The physics report she had stashed in it disappeared, something she discovered when she went to turn it in to her teacher. Frantically, Libby emptied out every compartment and pocket onto Ms. Eckhart’s desk and still no report. Then, at the end of class, Libby found the report, exactly where she had put it hours before. Ms. Eckhart agreed not to dock her grade but warned her not to try handing in something late again. Other things seemed to disappear in that purse as well. Toni suggested Libby return the errant and unpredictable purse to the thrift store, but Libby was reluctant to do so. It was her nicest possession, after all, and she had the oddest feeling the purse was trying to tell her something.

Kimberly Baer’s The Haunted Purse features a fifteen-year-old protagonist who’s had to grow up way too fast. Libby’s been effectively deserted by her mom who had her when she was only fourteen years old, and she’s been so careful to not let anyone know she’s been home alone for over a year now -- not even her best friend knows. Libby knows what the foster care system does with kids in her situation, and she knows how to take care of herself. Libby has plans. She’s academically gifted and is determined not to be a teenage mom like her mother and grandmother. Libby’s also curious and cannot resist the challenge of her new purse as it seems to be communicating with her. Who was the girl whose photograph appears in the purse one day, and what happened to her? Baer’s heroine is courageous and determined, and watching as she tackles the mystery of the missing girl from twenty years ago is grand fun. The plot is original, ramping up the suspense terrifically, and the characters are unforgettable. The Haunted Purse is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Edilyn Trinidad for Readers' Favorite

Susan McCauley’s The Devil’s Tree is a terrifying tale that follows Kaitlyn and Dylan. Despite her misgivings and general disbelief in the supernatural, Kaitlyn was convinced to go on an adventure with her boyfriend Hunter and friends Dylan and Keisha. Unfortunately for the group, there are things better left unknown and this cost them the lives of two of their friends. But even death is not the end as both Dylan and Kaitlyn were haunted by their friends' spirits begging for help. This story is not just a cautionary tale about respecting unseen forces but also tackles the grim reality a lot of youngsters have to face daily. It is also about facing one’s fears. The Devil’s Tree is a gripping page-turner that will surely capture the reader’s imagination!

I loved The Devil’s Tree by Susan McCauley! It’s not just a horror story but also about some social issues that still exist even to this day. Kaitlyn's and Dylan’s characters are not the typical shallow teenagers in horror flicks but have depth and complexities. I’m sure a lot of people will be able to relate to their struggles. This story is ripe with history and terrifying encounters with the supernatural. In this modern world, it is easy to ignore older people’s stories as superstition, but The Devil’s Tree will make you wonder where we go when we die. Just don’t make the mistake I made of reading this at night! It’s a page-turner that I finished in one sitting but it resulted in a sleepless night. Horror fans will definitely love this one!