Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy by Richard Robbins is a heart-warming, somewhat traumatic journey into the world of spirituality and the human condition. Hana was just a 5-year-old when she watched, in horror, as her parents were murdered by the Guatemalan Army when their village was suspected of harboring rebels against the regime. Running for her life, Hana made it to a nearby town where she was taken into the hearts of the locals and raised as one of their own, learning and displaying immense talent and artistic ability in the local craft of embroidery. When the army returned again to wreak havoc, Hana and her childhood friend, Deisi, decided to make the dangerous and exciting journey across Guatemala, through Mexico, and hopefully to freedom in the U.S. Upon arriving in Texas, Hana is horrified to discover she is pregnant and is sent to the small town of Indiantown in Florida to have her baby daughter in a community of Mayan refugees who take care of one another. Hana’s daughter, Josefa, soon begins to display a powerful spiritual and empathetic nature that endears her to and attracts the interest of the local Mayan spiritual leaders in Indiantown. When Josefa appears to have performed a “miracle”, her fame and notoriety go viral and suddenly Josefa is the center of worldwide attention and finds herself bringing her simple message of love and understanding to an ever-increasing audience desperate for true spirituality.

I was deeply touched by The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy. Author Richard Robbins presents a compelling case for more empathy in this world through his wonderful characters of Hana and Josefa. Hana’s childhood trauma was powerful enough to have broken many women but she was able to put it all behind her and move on in an increasingly violent environment, to create a simple, yet immensely satisfying life for herself and her daughter. The character’s muteness after the trauma served as a constant reminder of the pain and suffering she had experienced, plus it allowed the author to explore the aspects of communication between humans that transcends the spoken word. For me, this was what lifted the story above others in the genre. The descriptive passages especially in the first part of the book were redolent with the beauty and the horror of Hana’s home country of Guatemala. As a reader, I felt instantly transported to the lush Guatemalan rainforests and their immense diversity of flora and fauna. The overarching theme of the narrative is that of love, redemption, and, of course, empathy, and the story absolutely reinforces those qualities through the life of both Hana and Josepha. I particularly was drawn to the concept of the universality of spirituality and that salvation lies not in the hands of any or all religions but actually inside ourselves. This is a beautiful, touching, and redeeming tale that I can highly recommend to everyone. When as a reader you feel better inside for having read a book, you know the author has achieved his or her goal. This is such a book.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The question of whether the horrors of the Holocaust are over for the next generation is a pressing and haunting theme in Ruth Rotkowitz’s Escaping the Whale. Set in 1980, Brooklyn, this is the story of 28-year-old Marcia Gold, a high school guidance counselor who excels in helping pregnant teenagers. Then there is her tall, handsome boyfriend Jason who has earned the approval of her European refugee parents. What more can she ask for? But as a second-generation child of Holocaust survivors, the horrors of the past have caught up with her; a dormant plague lying deep within the recesses of her mind has awakened to disrupt the normal run of her life. Everything around her, from the people that she works with to the current world affairs, seems to trigger her psychological debility. Marcia is plagued with demons, and she will have to do something that she should have done a long time ago.

Regardless of the decade when you were born, Escaping the Whale will make you connect to the lessons of the past and remind you that it will always be connected to the present. On the other hand, you might also think that we don’t need another novel about the Holocaust. But Ruth Rotkowitz has so much to say about her theme. She brilliantly demonstrates one particular aspect of human nature; that we believe some secrets are better left a secret. We keep it bottled up and pretend that everything is fine. Rotkowitz’s love of the written word is reflected in her pristine narrative, and her keen examination of Marcia’s consciousness gives you a clear study of what goes on inside a brilliant but disturbed mind. This is a must-read, timeless story that I am willing to bet will remain relevant long into the future.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Walks with the Wind by Steve Physioc is a beautifully written and character-driven story that follows the life of two strong characters: Sam Cloud-Carson and Drake Dixon. Sam Cloud-Carson is a prodigy who led Ignacio to the state playoffs in both basketball and baseball. He is a natural tracker, incredibly sensitive to the mysteries of the wilderness that seem to be readily accessible to him. He is the pride of his family and his town. But Drake Dixon of DiamondBar Security has a special interest in young Sam. Drake is someone with no sense of altruism. He works for power and profit and that is what defines his relationships. Sam is an asset that he will stop at nothing to win over as a tracker, especially with the promise of wealth in the Afghan mountains. But what are the stakes for Sam?

This is a mesmerizing tale that is fast-paced and filled with covert activities. The story takes readers across the globe as they follow the characters through the treacherous landscapes and a setting characterized by conflict. The setting has historical hints, with the political games and war in Afghanistan evoked beautifully. Sam is a character that I rooted for and it is interesting how a bad day played him into the hands of the one man who’d always wanted him. His natural instincts make him the best tracker. Steve Physioc is a great storyteller who writes believable characters, with a conflict against a historical backdrop that has been widely written about yet he creates unique scenes and a plot that is original. Walks with the Wind is tightly plotted, gorgeously written, with political themes and a strong appeal to fans of espionage.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The Slummer: Quarters Till Death by Geoffrey Simpson is a compelling, futuristic novel that features a sport scarcely written about: running. Set in 2083, Benjamin Brandt is among those who live on the fringes of society. He belongs to the class of poor people commonly referred to as slummers. The social and economic gap between those of his world and the enhanced elite is enormous. They have nothing in common. Yet Ben is fascinated whenever he watches athletes who are genetically enhanced compete on the television. Instead of being intimidated, he feels inspired by the national track championship. He sets himself to work, determined to make a difference. He feels alive when he sucks in the damp air, running through the dark, uneven streets of Cleveland’s east side. In fact, running is the easiest part of his life, easier than tying laces. But what are his chances of winning against enhanced runners?

The Slummer is a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and grit; the story of one man’s desire to change the rules of the game and the status quo. The setting is a future world where those who are genetically enhanced live in affluence while millions suffer in poverty, laboring in the Industrial Valley. The story starts with vivid descriptions of the world of the protagonist, his emotions, and his worldview. The story is set in the future and in a world like ours. Geoffrey Simpson’s protagonist is a character of grit, someone who inspires readers to believe in their dreams and to stop at nothing. I found myself rooting for him from the very moment he was introduced into the story. The author describes his sporting activities with such clarity that the reader can see him in their mind’s eye. The elements of the setting, from the uninviting locales inhabited by the slummers to the social atmosphere, are brilliantly written. The prose is stellar, filled with terrific descriptions and strong imagery, and the plot so skillfully crafted that it transforms the tale into a page-turner.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

"In that instant, the moon slid from behind the clouds, throwing full light on the beast. A humanoid face, the skin dark, almost black to match its fur. Pieces of clothing clung to its body. Tattered human clothing. From around its neck, she caught a brief shimmer of some sort of medallion. " In Brenda Hill's From The Painted Tomb: Something Ancient Is On Its Way, Krista Hawthorne witnesses the murder of her date by a mythical creature wearing an identical ankh pendant. She survives the attack but lives in terror, knowing that the beast is still out there and just waiting for a second chance to kill her. Local sheriff Hugh Rawlins not only becomes her protector but also helps her discover the connection between the beast and her true heritage.

In this contemporary supernatural fantasy, the horror element starts in the beginning and continues to loom just over the horizon as the story progresses. The engaging narrative switches swiftly between the present day and ancient Egypt, which is definitely a fascinating era of the past to be included for many readers. After the terrifying incident, protagonist Krista has to deal with the investigation and other issues in her life so the tension thrums as the truth is gradually revealed. Alternately, the story of the Egyptian prince is a captivating window into the ways of the ancients and the answers that lie within a secret love between a royal and a slave. Simply put, From The Painted Tomb: Something Ancient Is On Its Way by Brenda Hill is a gripping supernatural tale that combines two different timelines, capturing the past and present through eternal devotion between two soulmates.

Reviewed by Trix Lee for Readers' Favorite

The Last Insurgent is the second book in J.C. Fields’ Michael Wolfe Saga. Sniper extraordinaire Michael and his ex-Mossad agent wife Nadia Picard-Wolfe are pulled back into the game to stop a sinister terrorist plot. Our lethal couple faces Danny McCaffrey, a former IRA member, an expert bomb-maker, and overall dangerous mercenary killer. From the mountains of Iran down to the harbors of Ireland and all the way to the suburban streets of the USA East Coast, Michael and Nadia race against time to prevent a disaster that could shake up the world.

I truly enjoyed reading The Last Insurgent. The plot was well thought-out, the pacing of the story was good, and the dialogues were effective. The suspense was kept up throughout the entire book and the action sequences were thrilling. I liked the way the narration was done, alternating among the characters spread out in various locations and with scenes that are sometimes sequential and sometimes even simultaneous. This is a movie waiting to happen! I especially liked the dynamics between Michael and Nadia, the loving marriage that they share, the lethal prowess that they have, and the dutiful principles that they uphold. The Wolfe couple is a good example of a healthy and supportive partnership between two independent and equally capable individuals. Marriage goals, I’d say! Of course with the exception of making enemies out of dangerous men like McCaffrey, a man who leaves trails of death and destruction every step of the way. J.C. Fields is an excellent storyteller. The Last Insurgent is a plot-driven, suspenseful read that does not slow down until the very end. The narrative was superb, the details well-researched, and the conclusion was satisfying. I’m looking forward to the next book in this saga.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Divine Devils is a work of fiction in the thriller, suspense, and action sub-genres, and was penned by author R. Weir. The opening work to a continuing series, this novel is intended for mature reading audiences owing to the inclusion of explicit language throughout, and some non-graphic references to sex and violence. In this tale, we meet protagonist Hunter Divine, a former US Marshal seeking something to put his life back together. When he happens upon a case threatening to kidnap a pair of siblings, and a mother who is down to her very last prayer, Hunter must rally his team and take on an enemy so vast that it seems impossible to succeed against them.

Author R. Weir has crafted a highly suspenseful work of thriller fiction with this unusual presentation of crimefighting and all-out action against a twisted, evil foe. One of the things which impressed me most of all was the characterization of Hunter Divine, who goes beyond the simplistic stereotype of a damaged former hero and offers us a deeply empathetic soul and a powerful psychological profile of a man with something to hope for. The plot unfurls with fantastic pacing, delivering plenty of cinematic action scenes with vivid descriptions, but perfectly balancing these out with intelligent exposition and tense moments of calm before the storm. Overall, I would highly recommend The Divine Devils for fans of slick action novels with sharp edges, as well as those who appreciate an intelligent plot and a well-crafted hero with plenty of highs and lows.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Pilate Scroll is a work of fiction in the Christian thriller genre. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and it was penned by author M. B. Lewis. The book follows the adventures of Kadie Jenkins, a scientist working to stop a lethal virus from devastating the world, and a woman whose faith has been worn down and broken by her experiences. After her mentor is murdered on the eve of a major announcement, Kadie rescues their research and flees for her life to Israel. Unsure of who to trust as she senses the danger drawing ever closer, the promise of a relic that could change the world forever draws the conspirators towards her.

Author M. B. Lewis delivers a highly engaging Christian thriller novel that follows Kadie Jenkins, a scholar who is struggling with her faith. One of the most striking things about this book was the author's intricate knowledge of the Bible and its teachings; this added depth to the story and made it feel very real. The cast of characters is diverse and fully fleshed out, each with its own unique personality. Our heroine, Kadie, is the female lead we have been waiting for: she’s strong, resourceful and brave. The Pilate Scroll takes you on a fast-paced and thrilling adventure, whilst also telling a story of hope that will lift your soul and make you shed a tear or two. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to fans of action-packed thriller novels and those who are looking for a story that will take them on an emotional journey.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Dance Towards Death: The Brotherhood Chronicle is a work of fiction in the thriller, crime, and suspense subgenres, and was penned by author Tejas Desai. Written for the mature adult reading audience, the work contains some explicit language, graphic violence, and sexual situations, and is the third installment in the series. In this volume, we find ourselves once again following the exploits of private investigator Niral Solanke as a swirling maelstrom of international crimes brings international influences to a tense peak filled with conflict. A big deal in Long Island sets the stage for more crime and conspiracy, leading to a startling conclusion that readers won’t see coming.

Author Tejas Desai presents modern crime thriller fiction in the most compelling of ways, delivering the kind of action blockbuster we can only dream of in a more enlightened movie industry in the future. I was thoroughly impressed with the many intricacies of the plot and how the narration lends itself to gently reminding readers of those strands until they all coincide and weave into the main plot. The surrounding atmosphere and character work really direct your attention to the right place at the right time for the best impact. The dialogue too was an enormous bonus, with its suave build-up of suspense and easily differentiated characters and personalities, and so many socio-cultural ideas and values blending seamlessly into the plot as a result. Overall, I would highly recommend The Dance Towards Death for readers who enjoy deeply considered and socially aware plotting, realistic thriller characters, and high stakes tension in every chapter.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Amazon Conspiracy is a thrilling novel filled with action and intrigue written by S.J. Philips. Henry Foster, chief researcher at the Pitiri Research Station in the Amazon, gets a monumental shakeup when an Australian TV crew led by hosts Clare Andersen and Aidan Green seek his help to navigate the Amazon rain forest. After dining with the local Indian Baniwa tribe, the crew insists on exploring a remote mine, leading to a confrontation with soldiers from an unknown faction that sees Henry, Clare, and their associate, Bill, being held captives against their will. As they find their way out of the forest, Henry and Clare embroil themselves in a conspiracy involving a South American nation hell-bent on proliferating a nuclear weapon.

The Amazon Conspiracy is a delicious mix of mystery, action, and intrigue that you just don't want to put down. Author S.J. Philips takes you on a wild rollercoaster of a ride through the dense forests of the Amazon that make you think about the tenuous relationship of human behavior concerning nature. The narrative flows smooth and fast, complemented by a plot that is riddled with twists and turns to keep your eyes glued to the pages. The characters have well-developed arcs with distinct personalities that make them thoroughly compelling to read. I found Henry, Clare, and Professor Berto to be my personal favorites of the bunch. I would recommend The Amazon Conspiracy to anyone who loves well-written thrillers set in nature.