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The Fall of the Phoenix
Daniel Kelly
2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
“History is written by victors.” So, who can tell if the well-known accounts of the Trojan war reflect the actual truth? In The Fall of the Phoenix, Daniel Kelly incorporates historical events mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid and weaves them together to present an alternative version of history. The book starts with the famous duel between Hector and Achilles, ending with the fall of the once-mighty Trojan empire. The ten-year-long siege had exhausted Troy while the Trojan horse succeeded in breaching their hitherto impenetrable walls. However, in Kelly’s version, the Trojans ended the war on their terms, ensuring the downfall of the Greeks with their dying breaths. I would implore you to read the first installment in the saga of these unsung heroes and be a part of their last battle.
I loved how each character came alive under Daniel Kelly’s skilled writing. Priam the Trojan king’s kindness shone brightly in contrast to the endless greed of the Greek king, Agamemnon. Kelly described Achilles, the great hero, as a human being full of compassion, and at times, uncertainty and grief. Apart from the famous heroes, Kelly also introduced many commanders from Troy and Myrmidon, whose feats of bravery left lasting impressions. Diomedes, a Trojan orphan taken captive by Achilles, made me realize how oppressive it must have been for the commoners to live under the siege. Entire generations grew up knowing nothing but a state of war along with a scarcity of essential supplies. Kelly described the Trojan war with vivid details, thus transporting readers to a different era. He also envisioned an ending that deviated from the legendary epics yet seemed even more intriguing. I would recommend The Fall of the Phoenix, a masterpiece of speculative fiction, to any reader interested in history and mythology.
“History is written by victors.” So, who can tell if the well-known accounts of the Trojan war reflect the actual truth? In The Fall of the Phoenix, Daniel Kelly incorporates historical events mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid and weaves them together to present an alternative version of history. The book starts with the famous duel between Hector and Achilles, ending with the fall of the once-mighty Trojan empire. The ten-year-long siege had exhausted Troy while the Trojan horse succeeded in breaching their hitherto impenetrable walls. However, in Kelly’s version, the Trojans ended the war on their terms, ensuring the downfall of the Greeks with their dying breaths. I would implore you to read the first installment in the saga of these unsung heroes and be a part of their last battle.
I loved how each character came alive under Daniel Kelly’s skilled writing. Priam the Trojan king’s kindness shone brightly in contrast to the endless greed of the Greek king, Agamemnon. Kelly described Achilles, the great hero, as a human being full of compassion, and at times, uncertainty and grief. Apart from the famous heroes, Kelly also introduced many commanders from Troy and Myrmidon, whose feats of bravery left lasting impressions. Diomedes, a Trojan orphan taken captive by Achilles, made me realize how oppressive it must have been for the commoners to live under the siege. Entire generations grew up knowing nothing but a state of war along with a scarcity of essential supplies. Kelly described the Trojan war with vivid details, thus transporting readers to a different era. He also envisioned an ending that deviated from the legendary epics yet seemed even more intriguing. I would recommend The Fall of the Phoenix, a masterpiece of speculative fiction, to any reader interested in history and mythology.
Recommend this book:
The Mask
Clayton Marshall Adams
2022 Finalist
48 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
The Mask, written by the late author Clayton Marshall Adams, is an inspiring story for young adults. The story follows a young boy named Mil who looks different from most other people. Mil lives alone in the woods, hidden away from villagers who mock him because of his appearance. Mil is a talented sculptor and enjoys making his creations. One day whilst looking for wood for his sculping, he stumbles across something lying on the ground. At first, Mil thought it was a bowl, but he couldn't have been more wrong; it was a mask. Mil loses interest and reaches to throw it away when, all of sudden, the mask talks! Mil instantly gets a bad feeling about the mask as he senses darkness radiating from it. Mil tries to remain uninterested, but the mask is persuasive and offers to make a deal, a deal Mil can't refuse. What was it that the mask had to offer Mil? Find out in this wonderfully written book, The Mask.
Author Clayton Marshall Adams has created a touching story that will have a huge impact on anyone reading it. The story is filled with lessons on why we shouldn't judge people by the way they look as it can affect them deeply to the point of hitting rock bottom. People need to be kinder in this world and this book proves why. I was sad to hear of Clayton's passing and that this was a true story that he wrote when he was only sixteen. Depression affects so many people these days and more must be done to support them with their mental health issues. The Mask is a masterpiece and should be in every school across the world because I feel it will have an enormous influence on how we treat people in their day-to-day life. I want to let Clayton's family know that their son's book, in my opinion, will change the world we live in, making us all kinder and more understanding human beings. I will cherish this beautiful story forever and will remind myself of Clayton's message every single day.
The Mask, written by the late author Clayton Marshall Adams, is an inspiring story for young adults. The story follows a young boy named Mil who looks different from most other people. Mil lives alone in the woods, hidden away from villagers who mock him because of his appearance. Mil is a talented sculptor and enjoys making his creations. One day whilst looking for wood for his sculping, he stumbles across something lying on the ground. At first, Mil thought it was a bowl, but he couldn't have been more wrong; it was a mask. Mil loses interest and reaches to throw it away when, all of sudden, the mask talks! Mil instantly gets a bad feeling about the mask as he senses darkness radiating from it. Mil tries to remain uninterested, but the mask is persuasive and offers to make a deal, a deal Mil can't refuse. What was it that the mask had to offer Mil? Find out in this wonderfully written book, The Mask.
Author Clayton Marshall Adams has created a touching story that will have a huge impact on anyone reading it. The story is filled with lessons on why we shouldn't judge people by the way they look as it can affect them deeply to the point of hitting rock bottom. People need to be kinder in this world and this book proves why. I was sad to hear of Clayton's passing and that this was a true story that he wrote when he was only sixteen. Depression affects so many people these days and more must be done to support them with their mental health issues. The Mask is a masterpiece and should be in every school across the world because I feel it will have an enormous influence on how we treat people in their day-to-day life. I want to let Clayton's family know that their son's book, in my opinion, will change the world we live in, making us all kinder and more understanding human beings. I will cherish this beautiful story forever and will remind myself of Clayton's message every single day.
Recommend this book:
Song of the Moon
Artemis Lupine Series Book 1
Catherine Banks
2022 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Moon: Artemis Lupine Series Book 1 by Catherine Banks follows Artemis, a young girl who has always been an outcast in her hometown. She has no friends except for her best friend Bret. Bret is about to leave for college and so to spend their last week together, Artemis’s father takes them on a trip. It was meant to be a fun time; however, things quickly go south when news of massacres occurring all over the world makes them head back home, fearing for their lives. In the midst of chaos, Artemis encounters the stranger from her dreams and discovers her father has been keeping more secrets from her than she would have ever guessed.
Song of the Moon by Catherine Banks is definitely my type of book. Filled with hot werewolves, vampires, and all measures of supernatural beings, you can’t help but enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even with its unique take on werewolves. The story was good and this book was very well written, although Artemis could have done with some serious boundaries with those boys. Other than that, I found the characters to be quite entertaining with their quirky personalities and overall weirdness. Artemis made for a good female lead and certainly had some strong character development moments later in the book. I must say Koda and Max ended up being my favorite characters. Overall, this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to any supernatural genre fans.
Song of the Moon: Artemis Lupine Series Book 1 by Catherine Banks follows Artemis, a young girl who has always been an outcast in her hometown. She has no friends except for her best friend Bret. Bret is about to leave for college and so to spend their last week together, Artemis’s father takes them on a trip. It was meant to be a fun time; however, things quickly go south when news of massacres occurring all over the world makes them head back home, fearing for their lives. In the midst of chaos, Artemis encounters the stranger from her dreams and discovers her father has been keeping more secrets from her than she would have ever guessed.
Song of the Moon by Catherine Banks is definitely my type of book. Filled with hot werewolves, vampires, and all measures of supernatural beings, you can’t help but enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even with its unique take on werewolves. The story was good and this book was very well written, although Artemis could have done with some serious boundaries with those boys. Other than that, I found the characters to be quite entertaining with their quirky personalities and overall weirdness. Artemis made for a good female lead and certainly had some strong character development moments later in the book. I must say Koda and Max ended up being my favorite characters. Overall, this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to any supernatural genre fans.
Recommend this book:
The Ghost Hunter
Steve Altier
2022 Finalist
248 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Ghost Hunter is a young adult paranormal mystery novel by Steve Altier. After being bullied his entire school life, sixteen-year-old prodigy Gerald Dupickle hopes to turn things around in college. However, mistakenly presuming a group of black t-shirt-wearing students to be pulling pranks on him is not the way to go. Gerald learns that the group, led by a student named Fangs, fancy themselves to be ghost hunters. Initially skeptical at first, Gerald soon discovers that ghosts are real, and one of them haunts the very library where he reads. After joining the group, Gerald and his friends visit haunted places. While Frank wants to show the world proof of ghosts' existence, Gerald wants to help them pass over to the other side. But Gerald's obsession may take him on a dangerous path.
If you're a fan of anything paranormal, The Ghost Hunter is just the book for you. Author Steve Altier tells an engaging coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up with the shadow of ghosts looming in the background. The plot is paced well, and the narrative flows smoothly without a single hitch. Gerald is a likable protagonist you can't help getting attached to, and you find yourself rooting for him as he embarks on his adventures with his friends. Gerald's initiation and friendship with the ghost hunters are the primary aspects of the story that drive the narrative forward. The ending delivers quite a shocking surprise, and I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. Recommended to young adult readers.
The Ghost Hunter is a young adult paranormal mystery novel by Steve Altier. After being bullied his entire school life, sixteen-year-old prodigy Gerald Dupickle hopes to turn things around in college. However, mistakenly presuming a group of black t-shirt-wearing students to be pulling pranks on him is not the way to go. Gerald learns that the group, led by a student named Fangs, fancy themselves to be ghost hunters. Initially skeptical at first, Gerald soon discovers that ghosts are real, and one of them haunts the very library where he reads. After joining the group, Gerald and his friends visit haunted places. While Frank wants to show the world proof of ghosts' existence, Gerald wants to help them pass over to the other side. But Gerald's obsession may take him on a dangerous path.
If you're a fan of anything paranormal, The Ghost Hunter is just the book for you. Author Steve Altier tells an engaging coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up with the shadow of ghosts looming in the background. The plot is paced well, and the narrative flows smoothly without a single hitch. Gerald is a likable protagonist you can't help getting attached to, and you find yourself rooting for him as he embarks on his adventures with his friends. Gerald's initiation and friendship with the ghost hunters are the primary aspects of the story that drive the narrative forward. The ending delivers quite a shocking surprise, and I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. Recommended to young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
The Gatekeeper's Descendants
Johanna Frank
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
A Christian fantasy science-fiction novel that delves into the riddles of life and death, The Gatekeeper’s Descendants by Johanna Frank is bold and imaginative. Pipiera arrived in the form of a curious young teenager and is still reluctant to enter the gate to the kingdom. This catches the attention of Megalos, the head gatekeeper. Megalos needs a favor as he is all worked up by a situation that requires intervention for a boy named Matthew. Pipiera accepts the task to help Matthew get his life back on track. Interventions are not her thing, and Matthew will not realize what is happening at the beginning. Things will not turn out the way Pipiera intended them to be. Matthew's life will seem to go from bad to worse. Will Pipiera still go the extra lengths to save a fledgling earth-dwelling boy, and will he ever get any assistance from Megalos?
The Gatekeeper’s Descendants will take you to the emotional brink, and it is moving enough to push you over. It ends on a convincing and happy note, but not in a formulaic resolution. Johanna Frank decodes an enticing allegory about the human soul and how good and evil battle to have custody. What happens to Pipiera and Matthew in the story is like nothing you have ever read before. It provides a reflective moment on the mysteries of death and how we fit into the grand scheme of things. I finished reading sensing something that I cannot explain, but I appreciate it. I recommend you to read it because this is a story that has something to impart to even the most cynical among us.
A Christian fantasy science-fiction novel that delves into the riddles of life and death, The Gatekeeper’s Descendants by Johanna Frank is bold and imaginative. Pipiera arrived in the form of a curious young teenager and is still reluctant to enter the gate to the kingdom. This catches the attention of Megalos, the head gatekeeper. Megalos needs a favor as he is all worked up by a situation that requires intervention for a boy named Matthew. Pipiera accepts the task to help Matthew get his life back on track. Interventions are not her thing, and Matthew will not realize what is happening at the beginning. Things will not turn out the way Pipiera intended them to be. Matthew's life will seem to go from bad to worse. Will Pipiera still go the extra lengths to save a fledgling earth-dwelling boy, and will he ever get any assistance from Megalos?
The Gatekeeper’s Descendants will take you to the emotional brink, and it is moving enough to push you over. It ends on a convincing and happy note, but not in a formulaic resolution. Johanna Frank decodes an enticing allegory about the human soul and how good and evil battle to have custody. What happens to Pipiera and Matthew in the story is like nothing you have ever read before. It provides a reflective moment on the mysteries of death and how we fit into the grand scheme of things. I finished reading sensing something that I cannot explain, but I appreciate it. I recommend you to read it because this is a story that has something to impart to even the most cynical among us.
Recommend this book:
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth
The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 1
Jarrod Edge
2022 Finalist
383 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth: The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 1 by Jarrod Edge is a breathtaking Christian sci-fi fantasy story. It's the first book in the E7Prophecy™ series. It follows the family of the chosen one as it deals with the loss of two loved ones. On a wet, stormy morning, Samantha and Jonathan Sette were driving to the hospital for their baby to be born when a truck hit them. When Jonathan wakes up from a coma, he learns from his long-time partner, Agent Martinez, that his newborn baby girl was abducted from the nursery and that this might be the work of the Syndicate, the international crime cartel, Jonathan's only enemy. Will Jonathan be able to find his baby girl alive and learn who kidnapped her and why?
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth by Jarrod Edge is a beautiful book in every way. I got lost in it easily as there was always something going on that held my interest. It's fantastic and suspenseful from beginning to end. This captivating story is filled with non-stop action, vivid fight scenes, and inspiring and evil characters to be feared, including FBI agents, kids trained in an ancient form of martial arts, an apostle, creatures of darkness, and more. There is something unique about Edge's style. He impressed me with his storyline, which is both heartbreaking and purposeful. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book that revolves around a prophecy hidden in a secret room within the walls of the Vatican and a Christian family battling the forces of darkness.
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth: The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 1 by Jarrod Edge is a breathtaking Christian sci-fi fantasy story. It's the first book in the E7Prophecy™ series. It follows the family of the chosen one as it deals with the loss of two loved ones. On a wet, stormy morning, Samantha and Jonathan Sette were driving to the hospital for their baby to be born when a truck hit them. When Jonathan wakes up from a coma, he learns from his long-time partner, Agent Martinez, that his newborn baby girl was abducted from the nursery and that this might be the work of the Syndicate, the international crime cartel, Jonathan's only enemy. Will Jonathan be able to find his baby girl alive and learn who kidnapped her and why?
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth by Jarrod Edge is a beautiful book in every way. I got lost in it easily as there was always something going on that held my interest. It's fantastic and suspenseful from beginning to end. This captivating story is filled with non-stop action, vivid fight scenes, and inspiring and evil characters to be feared, including FBI agents, kids trained in an ancient form of martial arts, an apostle, creatures of darkness, and more. There is something unique about Edge's style. He impressed me with his storyline, which is both heartbreaking and purposeful. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book that revolves around a prophecy hidden in a secret room within the walls of the Vatican and a Christian family battling the forces of darkness.
Recommend this book:
The Last Text You Sent
Elise Fender
2022 Silver Medal
220 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite
The Last Text You Sent by Elise Fender is a dramatic young adult romance that tells the story of one teenager's struggles to cope with the loss of her brother. Whit was the Nashville football star who held Avery's family together. When he unexpectedly passes away after a head injury, her home life just isn't the same. Avery recovers his cell phone only to discover texts to show that Whit was keeping secrets -- namely, a secret lover at the family vacation home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She spends all of the winter break looking for clues to figure out who this mystery person is. She makes no progress, but she reconnects with Jack, the first boy she ever kissed. From separate states, the two of them continue to hunt for the person who stole Whit's heart, while Avery tries to put her life and her family back together.
Right from the beginning, The Last Text You Sent had me hooked into Avery's world, with unexpected twists and turns that were both beautiful and emotional. Elise Fender wonderfully portrays Avery with so many relatable emotions aside from just losing a sibling -- alienation at school and at home, survivor's guilt, and even guilt at finding her own happiness in the midst of her grief. I couldn't have asked for a more well-developed character nor a more smoothly woven-together storyline. The family relationships are just as beautiful as the innocently blossoming romance between Avery and Jack. I highly recommend The Last Text You Sent to fans of young adult books, and I will definitely be reading this one again.
The Last Text You Sent by Elise Fender is a dramatic young adult romance that tells the story of one teenager's struggles to cope with the loss of her brother. Whit was the Nashville football star who held Avery's family together. When he unexpectedly passes away after a head injury, her home life just isn't the same. Avery recovers his cell phone only to discover texts to show that Whit was keeping secrets -- namely, a secret lover at the family vacation home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She spends all of the winter break looking for clues to figure out who this mystery person is. She makes no progress, but she reconnects with Jack, the first boy she ever kissed. From separate states, the two of them continue to hunt for the person who stole Whit's heart, while Avery tries to put her life and her family back together.
Right from the beginning, The Last Text You Sent had me hooked into Avery's world, with unexpected twists and turns that were both beautiful and emotional. Elise Fender wonderfully portrays Avery with so many relatable emotions aside from just losing a sibling -- alienation at school and at home, survivor's guilt, and even guilt at finding her own happiness in the midst of her grief. I couldn't have asked for a more well-developed character nor a more smoothly woven-together storyline. The family relationships are just as beautiful as the innocently blossoming romance between Avery and Jack. I highly recommend The Last Text You Sent to fans of young adult books, and I will definitely be reading this one again.
Recommend this book:
Chasing the Stars
Melanie Hooyenga
2022 Finalist
250 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Chasing the Stars is the second book of the Campfire Series by Melanie Hooyenga. Seventeen-year-old Naomi McGinnis runs a popular podcast with her younger twin brother Theo. But she finds herself unwittingly committing to a camping trip with her family to Salt Lake when her mother, Nancy, books a 'stay-outdoors' with her best friend Margo and her kids. Hunter, Margo's son, is primarily focused on becoming a book editor in New York but finds himself forced to join his mother and twelve-year-old sister, Melody, on their adventure in the wild. As Naomi and Hunter spend each day together, sparks fly, and soon the two start falling for each other. But with Hunter's unwillingness to date and Naomi's tempting contract offer, will the lovebirds reveal their true feelings?
A cozy romance novel for young adults to enjoy, Chasing the Stars is as much a coming-of-age story as a tale of star-crossed lovers. The protagonists are witty, confident, and focused on their careers and their families to the point where they are sometimes willing to sacrifice their own desires. Author Melanie Hooyenga tells a charming love story full of heart, humor, and warmth that makes the narrative a breeze to go through. Both Naomi and Hunter have likable personalities, and their palpable chemistry makes you want to see them end up together. Even their respective siblings, Theo and Melody, charm their way into your hearts and make for an entertaining dynamic you can't help but enjoy. Recommended to young adult romance lovers.
Chasing the Stars is the second book of the Campfire Series by Melanie Hooyenga. Seventeen-year-old Naomi McGinnis runs a popular podcast with her younger twin brother Theo. But she finds herself unwittingly committing to a camping trip with her family to Salt Lake when her mother, Nancy, books a 'stay-outdoors' with her best friend Margo and her kids. Hunter, Margo's son, is primarily focused on becoming a book editor in New York but finds himself forced to join his mother and twelve-year-old sister, Melody, on their adventure in the wild. As Naomi and Hunter spend each day together, sparks fly, and soon the two start falling for each other. But with Hunter's unwillingness to date and Naomi's tempting contract offer, will the lovebirds reveal their true feelings?
A cozy romance novel for young adults to enjoy, Chasing the Stars is as much a coming-of-age story as a tale of star-crossed lovers. The protagonists are witty, confident, and focused on their careers and their families to the point where they are sometimes willing to sacrifice their own desires. Author Melanie Hooyenga tells a charming love story full of heart, humor, and warmth that makes the narrative a breeze to go through. Both Naomi and Hunter have likable personalities, and their palpable chemistry makes you want to see them end up together. Even their respective siblings, Theo and Melody, charm their way into your hearts and make for an entertaining dynamic you can't help but enjoy. Recommended to young adult romance lovers.
Recommend this book:
The Knowledge Seeker
A YA Dystopian Novel
Rae Knightly
2022 Silver Medal
354 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Francis Mont for Readers' Favorite
The Knowledge Seeker: A YA Dystopian Novel by Rae Knightly is an epic adventure tale in a dystopian setting, 600 years in the future. Past civilizations of the ‘Enlightened People’ have disappeared in a total collapse caused by climate change and all-out wars. What remains are two feudalistic city-states engaged in a deadly struggle over the remnants of knowledge collected by one of them in their library of ancient printed books squirreled away from the ruins of past cities. All this knowledge, condensed in an ancient memory device, is entrusted to 16-year-old Eodain (nickname ‘Termite’) by the Grand Protector, so he can spread this knowledge to the whole world where it belongs. The story follows young Termite and a few of his helpers through hair-raising adventures, trials, and tribulations that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The narrative is from the first-person point of view, in the present tense, by the young Knowledge-Seeker and the language is expertly tailored to the target audience.
In our current age of almost anti-science, denial, and misinformation, this is an extremely important book for young readers to learn and appreciate knowledge in all its forms. What I found delightfully unexpected was the use of leftover electronic technology, powered by still functioning solar panels from the Enlightened Era. This provides an intriguing contrast with the sword-wielding, horseback riding characters of the medieval setting. The characters are the usual antagonists representing good and evil in a classic struggle for all-out victory. The hair-raising adventures of young Termite are coupled with convincing inner monologues of the protagonist, projecting the conflicting emotions of the young crusader as he follows his sacred quest. I found the ending shockingly unexpected; it would leave any young reader gasping with a realization that they didn’t see it coming. I recommend The Knowledge Seeker by Rae Knightly to young adults who need all the encouragement to seek knowledge and humanistic values.
The Knowledge Seeker: A YA Dystopian Novel by Rae Knightly is an epic adventure tale in a dystopian setting, 600 years in the future. Past civilizations of the ‘Enlightened People’ have disappeared in a total collapse caused by climate change and all-out wars. What remains are two feudalistic city-states engaged in a deadly struggle over the remnants of knowledge collected by one of them in their library of ancient printed books squirreled away from the ruins of past cities. All this knowledge, condensed in an ancient memory device, is entrusted to 16-year-old Eodain (nickname ‘Termite’) by the Grand Protector, so he can spread this knowledge to the whole world where it belongs. The story follows young Termite and a few of his helpers through hair-raising adventures, trials, and tribulations that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The narrative is from the first-person point of view, in the present tense, by the young Knowledge-Seeker and the language is expertly tailored to the target audience.
In our current age of almost anti-science, denial, and misinformation, this is an extremely important book for young readers to learn and appreciate knowledge in all its forms. What I found delightfully unexpected was the use of leftover electronic technology, powered by still functioning solar panels from the Enlightened Era. This provides an intriguing contrast with the sword-wielding, horseback riding characters of the medieval setting. The characters are the usual antagonists representing good and evil in a classic struggle for all-out victory. The hair-raising adventures of young Termite are coupled with convincing inner monologues of the protagonist, projecting the conflicting emotions of the young crusader as he follows his sacred quest. I found the ending shockingly unexpected; it would leave any young reader gasping with a realization that they didn’t see it coming. I recommend The Knowledge Seeker by Rae Knightly to young adults who need all the encouragement to seek knowledge and humanistic values.
Recommend this book:
On the Winds of Quasars
T. A. Bruno
2022 Bronze Medal
356 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
On the Winds of Quasars is a work of science fiction with plenty of action and adventure, and was penned by author T. A. Bruno. Suitable for the adult reading audience due to explicit violence, this work focuses on Denton and Eliana Castus after their harrowing trials in Orbit of Sirens. The world of Kamaria is vastly changed and more dangerous than ever, so when children Cade and Nella Castus are taken from home and find themselves in the wilderness, there seems little hope of survival. We follow these young, terrified souls as a deadly winged beast tracks their every move. Meanwhile, their parents uncover something as they search for their children, which may change the wider fate of the world itself.
I am always impressed with T. A. Bruno’s ability to create science fiction that also feels literary for its depth, poignancy, and attention to detail in character. One of the features I admired most about On the Winds of Quasars was its ability to present real drama and terror without over-sensationalizing anything or relying on gimmicks to make the next twist come to life. Because we are so rooted in the Castus family’s personalities, their bonds with one another, and their life so far, it becomes easy to build tension with every decision they make in case it turns out badly for them. Without wishing to spoil anything for readers, the conceptual work for the children’s captor was spectacular and thought-provoking, and the journey they attempt to get home was fraught with danger. Overall, I would highly recommend On the Winds of Quasars and The Song of Kamaria series in general for science fiction fans everywhere.
On the Winds of Quasars is a work of science fiction with plenty of action and adventure, and was penned by author T. A. Bruno. Suitable for the adult reading audience due to explicit violence, this work focuses on Denton and Eliana Castus after their harrowing trials in Orbit of Sirens. The world of Kamaria is vastly changed and more dangerous than ever, so when children Cade and Nella Castus are taken from home and find themselves in the wilderness, there seems little hope of survival. We follow these young, terrified souls as a deadly winged beast tracks their every move. Meanwhile, their parents uncover something as they search for their children, which may change the wider fate of the world itself.
I am always impressed with T. A. Bruno’s ability to create science fiction that also feels literary for its depth, poignancy, and attention to detail in character. One of the features I admired most about On the Winds of Quasars was its ability to present real drama and terror without over-sensationalizing anything or relying on gimmicks to make the next twist come to life. Because we are so rooted in the Castus family’s personalities, their bonds with one another, and their life so far, it becomes easy to build tension with every decision they make in case it turns out badly for them. Without wishing to spoil anything for readers, the conceptual work for the children’s captor was spectacular and thought-provoking, and the journey they attempt to get home was fraught with danger. Overall, I would highly recommend On the Winds of Quasars and The Song of Kamaria series in general for science fiction fans everywhere.
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