Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Boy Behind The Door: How Salomon Kool Escaped the Nazis by David Tabatsky is inspired by a true story. Salomon Kool was celebrating his Bar Mitzvah with family and friends when they learned that Amsterdam had been invaded. The life they knew was slowly but surely changing. Each day, new rules were added that restricted the movements of Jews. Salomon’s father and siblings were taken away, and he never heard from them again. Only he and his mother remained. His mother sent him to his room to hide when the soldiers knocked on their door. He watched through the window as the soldiers took his mother as well. He was now alone and looking for shelter and a place to stay. With the help of a few courageous Christians, he was able to avoid the concentration camps and survived the war.

The Boy Behind The Door by David Tabatsky is a powerful story and the writing style holds your attention throughout. He tells Salomon's story as if it is his own and brings Salomon’s loneliness and fears to life. I could not help but hold my breath with Salomon when the soldiers approached. The characters were well-developed, and the interaction between them was always overshadowed by fear. Many of the situations are based on real-life experiences. It is sobering to learn about the horrors that the survivors endured. This story is both moving and frightening. It offers a different perspective on the lives of those who suffered the Nazi occupation of their country during World War II.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Secrets of the Gold by Baer Charlton is a suspense-filled young adult story about an extraordinary friendship between people with different pasts. Seventeen-year-old Bean is running away from an abusive home when she encounters Duff, a biker running from vicious assassins and a history he cannot remember. Bean cannot wait to turn eighteen, become independent, and get away from the foster care system. But, before then, she has to find a way to escape. So she convinces Duff to take her with him and cross various states together. Along the way, they develop a deep friendship, and Duff introduces her as his niece throughout the journey. Both main characters grow as they face dangerous situations and learn lessons together.

Charlton brings together two unlikely characters who forge an intriguing and believable friendship. Each character is fascinating in their way. I loved Bean’s perceptiveness and enjoyed reading about her growth as she makes new friends along the road and pursues her goals. The storyline provides her backstory, which further helped me understand her as a main character. The people they meet are equally fascinating. Duff’s mysterious past adds a thrilling twist to the plot, and tension mounts as the story ends. The conversations between Duff and Bean are entertaining and enhance the tale. Secrets of the Gold by Baer Charlton is a captivating mystery novel with riveting turns and convincing characters. You will love the lead characters’ growth and enjoy the absorbing experiences they have on their journey.

Reviewed by Paula García Lasa for Readers' Favorite

Love in the Age of Dragons by Fatima R. Henson follows one of the survivors of a destroyed world, Ayanna Grace. She is a citizen of an underground community with a strict system of rules to survive. Supplies are scarce, and people are barely hanging on. At just seventeen years old, she already carries the world on her shoulders. She is an apprentice to the community's only doctor, and everyone assumes she'll be his successor. However, she doesn't feel ready yet. The doctor's untreated heart condition limits his life expectancy, and she might have to take his place sooner than she would like. She will attempt to get the medicine he needs through the chaos of infections, drought, and protests. If that weren't enough, she finds her heart divided: Richard, the honorable boy she has known all her life, and Jackson, the charismatic boy she has just met.

Imagine if dragons reached our world through a wormhole. Cities burned to ashes, broken families, and people running for cover. That is the world Fatima R. Henson depicts in her novel. Love in the Age of Dragons combines a dystopian world with touches of fantasy. The author describes an extraordinary world through a thrilling and addictive narrative. The characters embedded in this dynamic tale are complex and very well written. Ayanna is a strong and brave yet believable main character that sets a healthy role model for anyone who might pick up this book. The people that surround her are as three-dimensional as she is. Henson pays attention to details. The result is a fast-paced but not rushed story, perfect for dystopia/fantasy lovers.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The Last Triceracorn (Book One) by Vincent M. Miceli is a young adult fantasy adventure that reminds us why we invest in mythical creatures possessing noble qualities and supernatural abilities that cannot be visualized. But it really doesn’t matter because, for us, they embody ideals that we look up to that we’ve never outgrown. Such is the case of this new magical creature called the Triceracorn, the most magical creature in the galaxies which the villain, Gauro, is running after. Triceracorns are the ultimate righteous creatures that give the planets their rightful balance. Having said that, you know what happens if such creatures fall into the wrong hands, and the last one of its kind becomes a very priceless possession. Sisters Matea and Luciana will be involved in a dangerous rescue mission where the balance of the universe is at stake. They will have to forge an alliance with other gifted kids from different parts of the world to survive and stop a menacing evil.

While the Triceracorn is the center of this book’s theme, it’s about brave and bright kids who come together to pull off a common goal of saving the galaxies. The Last Triceracorn embodies the kind of innocence and idealism that belongs to curious and imaginative minds—something that we have all experienced and perhaps you will continue to do so. Vincent M. Miceli ramps up the young adult fantasy genre with a well-crafted and stirring plot. The Triceracorn reminds me of the Chinese mythical creature, qilin, which was used in the Fantastic Beasts film series. Reading the first page of this adventure tale immediately made me decide to invest in this new series. It’s an exploit fraught with dangers for the young protagonists, yet it feels reassuring. I loved the way Miceli allows his characters to explain jargon without sounding like they are lecturing. I highly recommend this book to lovers of young adult fantasy for its imaginary vision with a modern style appeal.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Cavalier by Israh Azizi is a war fantasy epic and the first book in the new Heroes of the Empire series. The novel is narrated from multiple point of view characters with the main characters being an orphan turned warrior named Velemir and a princess of Karalik named Natassa, each on opposing sides. Velemir has been trained since early childhood at an academy, his education and training directed by the notorious combatant Lord Prolus who Velemir defers to as a father-like figure in his life. As a young man now, Velemir is sent on a mission against the Empire they are at war with and begins having recurring dreams. As the daughter of the bloodthirsty Emperor Malus, Princess Natassa is, like everyone else in the empire, subservient to her father. He has a husband lined up for her who is equally foul, but she knows too much about the prince, her father, and the danger their empire faces to accept this with the unquestioning loyalty demanded of her. Where her loyalty lies is with her people and her course of action is determined by this.

The Cavalier by Israh Azizi is a monster of a book and takes some time to unpack. It is an ambitious undertaking as the start of a series even by fantasy standards and, for the most part, Israh Azizi did well in keeping all the plates spinning. I like the perspective a reader is given with the narrative coming from opposing sides. Velemir is the primary protagonist and we spend a large amount of time in his camp, which I found to be a plus given that his ride-or-die crew adds to his likeability and authenticity of character. However, his arc is slower to build than Natassa's and, ultimately, getting to know her and her situation sooner had me leaning toward her plight and made her the most intriguing of the two. Having both Velemir and Natassa struggle with varied degrees of father issues makes this book a psychologist's dream fantasy and both manage in their own ways. Velemir is pretty dutiful and Natassa has been playing the long game to get far away from Malus' grip. Their coming of age in a war does wonders for providing options. The book ends on a cliffhanger and, no, an epilogue doesn't make that more palatable. Overall, though, this is a promising series and one I'd keep an eye on.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex: A Superhero High School Adventure by Carole P. Roman is a remarkable young adult novel about kids with special needs overcoming their handicaps and facing simple challenges of everyday life. Grady Whill and his best friend, Aarush Patel, hope they will be both handpicked to attend Templeton Academy, the most exclusive high school in the world. Templeton Academy only chooses kids with special talents. But because he is just an orphan with asthma, Grady doubts he will be selected as he doesn't have any special talent or money. Aarush and his nemesis, Elwood Bledsoe, have all the chances in the world. Aarush comes from a wealthy family and has a brilliant mind, and Elwood is a good athlete. Will Grady be picked?

If I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and fascinating story. It's filled with valuable life lessons, adventure, peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters. I was impressed by Aarush's maturity and ability not to give in to his bully. Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex is a must-read as it teaches you to have more confidence in yourself and tells you why failure is good, why size is no indication of strength, how thoughts become things, how looks can be deceiving, and where the ultimate source of power is hidden. Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex is for anyone looking for a true escape into a delightful story.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

A heart-warming, coming-of-age story, The Girl with 35 Names by DJ Colbert follows Molly, a girl with a kind heart and special gifts. Molly is born in Zhitomir, a small village in Russia, in the cold winter of 1892. Surrounded by relatives and friends, Molly is given thirty-five names of women whose legacies she will carry forward. One day as she works with her parents, Molly discovers her great-grandmother’s special spectacles. As she grows up, Molly becomes curious about what each name given to her means. As she runs errands for her mother, she soon discovers the amazing stories of the women whose names she carries. Life continues beautifully until war comes to Zhitomir. At this point, Molly must escape Russia for America, with her new husband whom she barely knows. But her kindness and courage continue even in the new land.

The Girl with 35 Names by DJ Colbert instills kindness through its main character, Molly, who uses her gifts to help other people. In America, her role in the community is unforgettable as she changes the lives of those around her. Her curiosity to understand the meaning of each name given to her is also encouraging. Molly begins to understand what each name means and learns from the roles of these other women, which serves as a source of strength for Molly in her journey. The story is set in a beautiful, picturesque village as it begins. As the Red Army moves into the village and rumors of another war escalate, the atmosphere changes. Still, the frightening experiences bring out Molly’s courage as she and her husband face terrifying challenges along the way. The work’s language and tone are also accessible to young readers. The Girl with 35 Names is an absorbing story based on true events and whose main character is inspiring.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Boy King’s Tale: True Adventure of the Young Life of England’s King Edward III by Michael January takes us back on a journey to medieval England at the beginning of the fourteenth century, told through the narrative of the eminent Royal Court Poet, none other than Geoffrey Chaucer. When Edward II is accused of unnatural acts by Queen Isobel, she, in concert with her lover, Mortimer, move against the king and seek his removal. The teenage Edward III is appointed as the “boy king”, with his mother as the Regent and the true power behind the throne, the evil Mortimer who has plans and designs on the throne for his own family. Forced to grow up quickly and accept the mantle thrust upon him from an early age, Edward III is determined to rule justly, honestly and with honor, adhering to the tenets of the great Charter signed by King John. In a country wracked by wars and division between the nobles, steering his own path with his limited powers as a minor will be a difficult task for the young king. Unusually for the time, Edward manages to make a love match for his marriage to the beautiful Philippa, cousin of the French king. Despite this being a marriage of love, it still gives Edward the opportunity to strive for the French crown to add to that of England’s. But he will soon discover he has enough battles to fight at home. Between fending off the evil intent of Mortimer and the acquiescence of his beloved mother, it will be a battle just to maintain the crown of England until he reaches his majority and outright rule.

I am a gigantic fan of historical novels deeply rooted in factual history and The Boy King’s Tale is certainly that. Author Michael January made an exceptional choice to tell the tale through the eyes of Geoffrey Chaucer, as this lent some real gravitas to the story and one could be forgiven for thinking one was reading a history book. The story is redolent with the intrigues, battles, and psychological warfare that was so typical of the day. Beautifully written and easy to read, the story flows easily from one drama to the next. The two main characters, in my opinion, were Edward III and Philippa, and both were drawn superbly by the author. In an era known for arranged marriages aimed at shoring up existing alliances and forging new ones, it was so refreshing to see two young people so in love and so devoted to each other. Edward’s morality and sense of honor, despite the betrayal and wickedness that surrounded him, shone through and it was enlightening for the time and allowed the reader to deeply empathize with his turmoil. His relationship with his mother, whom he loved dearly, would be deeply tested by the travails that would assail the king as he fought to maintain his crown against all the odds. For anyone that loves tales of knights, derring-do, and chivalry, this is a fantastic read but for anyone who just enjoys a rollicking good story, this is a book I can highly recommend.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

When Shawn woke up inside a moving carriage with no recollections of the last few days, his first thought was that someone had kidnapped him. Yet, did kidnappers use horse-drawn carriages and dress like they were from a different era? Shawn’s confusion escalated when they brought him to a school, of all places. Which school kidnapped their students and hosted an orientation ceremony that involved a beheading? As an institute that taught dead teenagers how to become proficient reapers and harvest souls, life in Wayward Academy was a deviation from what Shawn had considered normal. He decided to give this ‘life’ a chance until all hell broke loose when his first reaping assignment went awry. Read The First Assignment by Billy Kramer to find out what happens to Shawn.

With its intriguing premise, this young adult novel will surely appeal to anyone who loves fantasy and paranormal reads. The unique storyline immediately grabbed my attention. Kramer did a marvelous job with world-building, delineating the intricacies of the reaper community. An entire academy with its three interconnected factions and strict guidelines made for an interesting read. Kramer wasted no time diving headfirst into a complicated tale full of secrets, grudges, and betrayals. I liked how Kramer portrayed a grim subject like death in a new light. While the depressing job took its toll on the recently deceased teens, some spark of life still burned bright during this second chance. Teenage jubilance and humor, interspersed with grief and uncertainties, created a rare medley that prompted us to think about our purpose. If one missed the opportunity to make a difference while alive, shouldn’t one grab the chance to do so even when dead? I rooted for Shawn throughout his battle with death. The action scenes kept me glued to pages, the tension mounting high with each passing second. The First Assignment is a fantastic start to a promising new series, and I cannot wait to read the sequels.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Warlock’s Curse by C.B. Oresky finds two sisters drawn into an epic adventure after they move to a new house. When their parents move them into a rundown house, Clara and Angelica never expected that they would embark on the most extraordinary journey of their lives, taking them away from the bullying and judgmental sneers of the locals. Their adventure begins in the house they now call home where they meet ghosts and discover an ancestor’s secret access to another realm. Uncovering the secret sends them on an epic voyage where they encounter creatures of all kinds including unicorns, demons, and whales. In a fantasy come to life, the sisters train like warriors only to discover this is to prepare them to do battle against the evil agenda of a warlock.

The relationship between the sisters is at the heart of the story, taking on every aspect of the adventure together. Despite their closeness, their relationship is not perfect with the friction between them typical of real sibling dynamics. The incorporation of sisterly spats adds authenticity to the story and grounds the fantastical elements in reality. Despite their disagreements, the sisters work as a team and keep each other going, no matter what they encounter. They both find excitement in the adventure as it takes them away from their dreary lives and fulfills Clara’s wish for them to be superstars. Familial troubles are woven throughout, creating more reasons for them to want to go to another realm. The house creates the opportunity for their adventures and has a ghostly presence that connects them to their ancestors.

C.B. Oresky blends magic and adventure with an old Victorian house, a door to another realm, demons, ghosts, and travel by ship. The writing style brings this world to life with phrasing that adds a fantasy element. The Warlock’s Curse is a spellbinding adventure with magic, fighting, voyages, demons, and ghosts in a story that will capture children’s attention and draw them into an epic journey of imagination.