Reviewed by Sarah Scheele for Readers' Favorite

The Gathering by John W. Milor is a Christian children’s adventure novel. It takes place in the primitive ancient world of Genesis and tells the story of five special chosen animals who are separated from the violent, cruel world of nature around them by a shared dream of a lone mountain. Overcoming dangerous adventures, vicious enemies, loss and sacrifice, and a strange climate change that is creating volcanic eruptions and torrential rain, Judah the young lion and his friends (the eagle, the wolf, the snake, and the sheep) undertake to unite others on a perilous journey they barely understand, to a mountain none of them has ever seen. Intrigue, confusion, betrayal, and sacrifice stand in their way. Will they reach the mountain in time? And why are they going there in the first place?

The Gathering is a first-rate Christian story, bringing to life the harsh world of the Old Testament, as seen through the lives of wild animals. Goodhearted Judah and his snarky-yet-under-confident snake friend, Sophia, make a heart-warming team as they collect allies like the reluctant Nimbi and hard-bitten Lumis, and face off against the sharply drawn, realistic villain Nephram, who represents this world’s greed and arrogance. John Milor’s numerous plot twists and suspense kept me dedicated to the pages, and the grandeur and scope of the ideas presented gave plenty of food for devotional thought as well. Reminiscent of The Lion King, with epic themes, drama, comedy, and fully realized characters, the story stands tall and puts a whole new perspective on one of the world’s oldest tales. Readers of biblical fiction and Christian fantasy shouldn’t pass this one up.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Jake loves wandering through the woods. He growls at everything and everyone – in a friendly sort of way, of course. He enjoys meeting all of nature’s wonderful creatures and he’s made friends with many of them, especially Neet the squirrel. While Jake dashed through the forest trails, Neet would keep pace flying through the tree branches above. Then, one day, Jake and Neet discovered some unusual tracks. Neither one of them knew what to make of these tracks. Could it be an alien from outer space? Jake is quite worried and sleeps restlessly, fearful of what strange creature might be roaming through his woods. Jake enlists all his friends, doggy and others, to help solve the mystery. One of the new doggy friends, Tuck, helps solve the mystery, only Jake discovers that Tuck is the mystery because he’s different.

Samantha Shannon’s picture book, Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail, is another entertaining story in the Jake the Growling Dog series. This charming, inquisitive dog loves to share his life experiences, all while teaching both himself and his young readers some very important lessons. I like the way the author weaves a fantastic story, cleverly using rhyming verse, its lyricism making the message clear and familiar. In this story, Jake and his readers learn about empathy, equality and inclusion, vital concepts that simply mean accepting everyone for their differences and making everyone feel the value of their own self worth. In previous stories, other dogs and living creatures had to get used to Jake’s growl, something he does without thinking and certainly not to be malicious. His friends learned to accept Jake for this unique quality of his. Now Jake must learn to accept Tuck for his unique qualities (even Tuck admits that Jake’s growl frightened him at first until he got to know Jake). The colorful illustrations are endearing and help carry the story along. This is another classic to add to the Jake the Growling Dog series. Well done again!

Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite

The Vault is the first book in The Hybrian Series by L. Wood. Harper has spent the last five years of her life as a subject of experiments down in the Vault with no memory of her life before that. Other subjects have joined her, and she has formed friendships with several of them. But recently, some of the subjects have started disappearing, following spells of anger and aggression. Harper begins to notice behavioral changes in her closest friends, and she can even feel something changing within herself. She suspects that the experimental injections are changing them, but something about her injections is different. When an escape plan emerges, Harper makes it out of the Vault, but not before everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. Learning to trust is just one of many problems that Harper must now face in her new world.

With a touch of romance and a whole lot of action, adventure, and mystery, The Vault is perfect for teen readers who enjoy a fast-paced read filled with unpredictable twists and turns. L. Woods has managed to piece together a multi-genre tale with a distinct setting and then pushed past all expectations. I can’t stress enough how much I loved the unique setting and direction in which the characters found themselves moving. Harper continually found herself facing one problem after another. She had to learn how to trust herself and others. I will definitely be reading the next book within this series, and I can’t wait to see how Harper’s dramatic adventures continue.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Starting a new school is hard enough, but being the new kids at a middle school in a new town where no one knows you makes it even more difficult. Especially when you look a little different. Too tall, too small, too smart – those are characteristics that make you stand out and the bullies always know who to pick on. Atlas was too tall for his age, so he managed to attract considerable unwanted attention. His siblings, Lilou and Nico, were also unique in their own ways. All three were adopted, but they bonded well. It was this move to a small town in Idaho that set them all on edge. Then, a few questions to his adoptive mother, the increasing ferocity of Atlas’s headaches, the voice in his head, and a box of random items left behind by his natural mother put Atlas and his siblings on the verge of an adventure. It will take them into another realm in the multiverse, another dimension where danger lurks everywhere, making the schoolyard bullies seem like mere fleas of annoyance. There are battles to be fought, evil to be expunged, and time is running out to save their own realm and the adoptive mother they left behind.

Chandon Siman’s middle-grade novel, Atlas and the Multiverse: Seeking Courage, is a spellbinding adventure of mammoth proportions. The adventure begins on the first page and doesn’t let up until the very end. Readers will instantly be drawn to these characters as they weave a path through multi-dimensional realms, fighting battles and trying to save more than just one world before the evil, all-consuming powers of P.O.R.T.A.L. destroy everything in their path. P.O.R.T.A.L. wants Atlas and, more importantly, they want his father. The descriptive narrative is compelling and engaging and thoroughly wraps the reader in the complex web of the story. The plot progresses quickly with growing energy and adventure. Dialogue and character development are well used and readers will instantly relate to the characters as if they were kids in their own school. This is a powerful, action-driven story that will attract young readers of all ages.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Dreamed She Could Fly is a work of fiction in the fantasy and adventures subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by author Tom Hoffman. Written as the third novel in the Translucent Boy Series, we find ourselves back with titular protagonist Odo Whitley and his newfound friends for another magical adventure. This time, an old woman being held against her will in a retirement home reveals an incredible secret, one which leads the team to discover an otherworldly quest filled with mysticism and danger. It won’t be easy, but together, they might just recover the fabled Spike of Odysseus from the hands of deadly thieves.

Author Tom Hoffman never fails to delight with this superb series, which perfectly packages a magical and mythical adventure alongside highly relatable teen characters with all the emotional drama that comes with their age group. I’ve always enjoyed reading this series, but this third installment really amps up the creep factor with some truly spine-tingling atmospheric touches and allies who are often as frightening and chaotic as the enemies of the story. There’s plenty for YA readers and adults alike to appreciate in the heartfelt characters, amusing dialogue, and the wonderful blend of original material and reworkings of ancient tales. The ending had me both in tears and on the edge of my seat. Overall, I would highly recommend The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Dreamed She Could Fly and the series in general to fans of accomplished YA fantasy.

Reviewed by Anelynde Smit for Readers' Favorite

The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone is a very moving story about the true struggles many gays and lesbians faced in the early 60s and 70s. You envy her bravery and tenacity, and you find that Tracy is a woman on a mission. We follow her as she discovers that she has no interest in men, but is attracted to women in the late 60s. At this time there was no LGBTQ community she could go to, and she was all on her own, except for her brother Spencer who was gay. Their love for music is what eventually pulls Tracy through difficult times, especially when something very tragic happens to her family. She decides to leave for Alaska, leaving her abusive father behind, hoping her mother would join. There she finds two people who would change her life forever.

The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone is a wonderful read. Sometimes a difficult one because of how Tracy and her brother were treated by the only person they needed love from. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I do feel like this is something people in our community should read. There is a life lesson to be learned from this tale. My heart broke at some stages and I remember what it felt like being different and being treated differently for liking both genders. This was inspiring and honest. Anyone who still has that question deep inside should look at this book and find solace. This is a fantastic story with so many moments that you want to laugh and cry. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the LGBTQ community and I believe these words will help many find their “true” selves. In this day and age, we are more accepted, but to imagine her struggle will give you hope. Spencer’s story will tear into your flesh and leave marks. Tracy’s story will soothe your soul. This is a book of pure hope.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

Wow! What a fantastic magical adventure! This was the main thought that kept running through my mind as I read this brilliant piece of work by Derrick Smythe. In his book The Other Way (Passage to Dawn Book 2) the magical system in that world is brimming with artistic beauty. You will never tire of its splendor, which includes a magical hidden city, a dragon-like creature with two legs and a spiked tail, and brave warriors whose love for their kingdom will warm your heart. However, evil forces led by Magog, the demon God-king, threaten to consume this world's future. All hope is not lost, as it is expected that a prophecy will come to pass which predicted that a slave boy named Kibure will be the salvation. The She'yar, a group of women who believe Kibure is the true messiah, take him to Purgemon, a hidden island, where he learns how to control his magical ability. To defeat evil, Kibure must collaborate with others, including other magic users such as Lumáles and a disgraced priestess. However, they are dispersed and separated. How will they come together? Will Kibure master his magic before the conflict starts?

In The Other Way (Passage to Dawn Book 2), Derrick Smythe lights a brand-new flame in the magical realm to create a spellbinding tale. He maintains the book's allure by establishing several fascinating relationships between the characters, besides engrossing the reader in the exciting action. This maintains a steady pace while requiring the reader to review the lessons they have learned. Derrick also did a fantastic job of developing characters. We grow to like their personalities as we follow their exploits and they realize their true potential. We also become more excited as we root for their successes and feel sorry for them when things don't go their way. The author's masterful use of descriptive language dramatizes the events and creates an enthralling world for the reader. This feature contributed significantly. The structural organization used to orchestrate the work is unique and admirable. He divided the main subject into clearly defined chapter breaks, which were reinforced by a lovely prologue that summarized the story. There was nothing about the book that I didn't like. Instead, I thought it was a fantastic read that anyone looking for a compelling narrative, especially those who enjoy paranormal fantasy wouldn't want to miss.

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

In The Game of War: The Trials of Dantess, Warrior Priest (The Chronicles of Chaos) by Glen Dahlgren, Dantess has always idolized his grandfather, the infamous priest of War, Varyon. His father Tolliver, however, is dead set against Dantess ever joining the temple. Owner of the general supply store in Freethorn Creek, Tolliver has kept Dantess away from the temple and everything associated with it for as long as possible. When Tolliver ends up in a cell at the temple of War, Dantess is forced to go against his father’s wishes and enter the test to become a priest of War. This is the only way he can think of to help with his father’s release, from the inside. On his journey to save those he loves, Dantess unravels secrets that have been kept hidden from the faithless as well those with the Longing. His search for the truth could reveal something no one is willing to accept.

Glen Dahlgren has created a phenomenal new world in The Game of War with brave and intelligent characters. There is the absolutely necessary constant struggle of Chaos versus Order and the majority having to serve a select few. However, now the entire world is flipped upside down. Perceptions and preconceived notions are highlighted as flawed. In this case, doubt is good. Questioning is ideal. The author gives us colorful, relatable characters in this superb fantasy novel divided into four parts. The author has an easy-to-follow style that makes it possible for any fantasy reader to completely submerge themselves in the pages just to break the surface, addicted, needing more.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Most kids often wonder if, when nobody is looking, their toys might come to life. Wullie the Mahaar Gome, Book 1: Blackhope Scar by David Kennedy McCulloch revolves around a young boy named Finn and an extraordinary present he received from his uncle, comprising a dictionary and a rock. Pretty amazing, right? I didn't think so until the rock inexplicably shape-shifted into a little old man named Wullie and started talking to Finn with something a little less extreme than a potty mouth, but still quite grumpy. The dictionary also came in handy when being hustled across the Scottish landscape, trying to figure out things like the connection between Scaur O' Black Hope and an excerpt from Bluebeard's Wee Black Book. Wait...what? Trust me, if you know, you know.

Wullie the Mahaar Gome by David Kennedy McCulloch is an infectiously fun story with a great deal to offer in only a few nights of bedtime reading. As far as chapter books for older children go, this story sits comfortably in the middle length-wise and the chapters themselves are long enough to feel like an accomplishment to a child but short enough so that when they ask if they can read just one more chapter, it doesn't mean an all-nighter. Wullie is hilarious and Finn is the de facto main character, but out of the “happy band of adventurers,” it is Finn's friend and neighbor Hadley who steals the show. The prose is well presented, but if we have one complaint it is that the narrative can occasionally be dense and close to being loquacious. This is a wonderful adventure and I look forward to reading book two. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Fever Dreams and the End of All Things is a fantasy novel for young adults written by A.J. Massey. Middle school seemed so anticlimactic after Meridia. Ben would have dismissed his adventures there as nothing more than a dream had it not been for the fact that his friends Marcus and Avery had also played important roles in saving that planet from the Creator’s plans to destroy it. They could not all have been dreaming. Would they ever be able to return to Meridia? Meanwhile, their final year as middle school students was drawing to a close, and next year they would be in high school, where Ben could reinvent himself and anything could happen. For now, he would struggle to control the tickle taking hold of his throat while Mr. Perkins plodded grimly through his history lecture. Perkins had problems with students leaving for the bathroom in the middle of class, but the flu or cold that had Ben in its grip overrode his reluctance to ask Perkins for permission. After class, Marcus suggested Ben go to the nurse’s office, but Ben wouldn’t be able to go to the dance that night if his illness were acknowledged. He was taking Avery and planning on somehow telling her how he felt about her. He also had to learn how to dance, something Marcus promised to help him with. He could do this. Heck, he'd helped save a planet and every creature living on it.

A.J. Massey’s epic fantasy novel, Fever Dreams and the End of All Things, continues his brilliant coming-of-age saga featuring three middle school kids whose lives were changed forever when they found themselves on Meridia, an alien planet in danger of destruction. Along the way, Massey tackles body positivity, self-esteem, and the social awkwardness many young people feel around school, popularity, and dating. The author weaves an intricate and powerful tale that delves deep into philosophical realms as Meridia is once more endangered, this time by the Ghastly Three, and the three friends find themselves on separate quests in their efforts to save it once again. Settle into a comfortable reading chair, relish the author’s role as Dungeon Master and storyteller, and get involved in an intense and compelling adventure/fantasy tale. I had a grand time reading Fever Dreams. It’s most highly recommended.