Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Melvin, the teen protagonist of The Accidental Summoning by Kos Play, is bullied daily, and his mom works too much. One day, his life changes in a rather unexpected way. He learns that magic is real. All he needs is a teacher to show him how it all works. Even though he has no experience, he attempts a summoning ritual to find the right teacher. He was hoping for someone like Gandalf. Instead, he gets a teenage girl upset about being pulled into another world. She’s not a wise teacher but knows she needs to teach Melvin about magic; otherwise, he can’t send her back home. Unfortunately, Melvin is unique and quickly attracts the attention of less-than-savory characters. Will Kalli go back to her world? Will Melvin master magic?

The Accidental Summoning is the first book in the System School series by Kos Play and ends on a note that isn’t a mean cliffhanger. However, it’s an ending that makes you want to read more. When I arrived at the end of the story, I was a bit sad because I quite liked being in the company of the characters even though they were so much younger than me. This is a lovely story with a good mix of fantasy, adventure, some action, a hint of funny romance, and a bit of coming of age. The two main characters are lovable, and you’ll care about what happens to them. I’m a fan of RPGs, so I enjoyed the idea of RPG elements becoming a part of real life. Implementing that idea was great, and I enjoyed every chapter.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Lost in The Ark by Val Agnew is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores family, faith, religion, and independence. Kate Bennett and her sisters learned three things from their mother: how to cook, how to clean a house, and most importantly, to leave her the hell alone. But when her mother succumbs to a blood clot in her brain, Kate remembers a pastor’s voice reverberating in her head: Trust God to smash obstacles. Kate had been dreaming of joining a religious organization called The Ark. Now that her mother is no longer around to forbid her from joining what she believed is a cult, there’s no stopping Kate from what she thinks is the fulfillment of her dream and her escape from her dysfunctional family. Within the confines of The Ark, Kate experiences the opposite of what she has always perceived the organization to be.

Lost in The Ark is a tale that may become widely shared much like Go Ask Alice. It serves as a reality check for young readers as to what happens when they fall short of managing their independence. Similarly, it teaches everyone to exercise critical thinking when it comes to charismatic leaders and the institutions they represent. There’s often something fishy about the business of salvation, the people who sell it, and why many of us are drawn to it. Val Agnew presents a strong narrative in short chapters that sustain your interest in the plot and keep you turning pages. It doesn’t take too long before you understand the aesthetic, moral, and pedagogic value of the storyline. It’s easy to remember The Ark’s stance on homosexuality is based on their literal interpretation of Scripture, one that begins to push Kate into doubt. This read is engrossing and it’s worth your time.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Queering: The Life and Death of Brooke Skipstone by Brooke Skipstone, is a lesbian romance novel written for young adults. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Taylor MacKenzie is a seventy-year-old grandmother, teacher, and writer who lives in Clear, Alaska. A closet lesbian, she finds happiness by writing lesbian and gay romance novels using Brooke Skipstone as a pen name. The name belongs to her late lover and best friend in college. Eager to reveal herself now as a writer of these novels and hoping for acceptance, she writes her autobiography focusing on her time with Brooke. Her husband Marshall accuses her of promoting a perverse lifestyle, and Levi, a local homophobic podcaster, exposes her identity to their conservative community. Her past also catches up with her as her homicidal brother, who just got out of prison, tries to locate her. Can she finally find the freedom and acceptance denied to her for such a long time?

Brooke Skipstone’s The Queering is a passionate romance novel with a strong gay theme. The author weaves together an intricate tapestry with several compelling characters forced to hide their true sexuality. This narrative has many unexpected twists and turns that will ensure the reader’s undivided attention. It’s an inspiring and unique story that pays tribute to gay love. When Taylor MacKenzie decided to write her autobiography, she was also trying to override the prejudices of society and that was a difficult and dangerous task. There is tension from the novel’s first page, and it’s palpable up to the end. With engaging dialogue and vivid literary style, it’s easy to be caught up in the lives of the characters. This emotive story about identity, friendship, and genuine love is beautifully written.

Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

On the Waterfront by Mike McCoy is the coming-of-age story of thirteen-year-old Danny Novak, a child of divorced parents in the early 70s who was eager to get away from his unhappy family by getting a job as a summer camp staffer. He first saw it as a welcome adventure and a good source of income before being awakened by the reality of hard kitchen labor and fitting into a dreadful place littered with bullies and weirdos. On the other hand, Danny did acquire some skills and did a lot of useful, amusing, and even forbidden stuff in camp. Most of all, he valued the chance to work on the waterfront, where things were more intriguing. Before being awarded the mile swim badge, Danny had to train under the meanest but most misunderstood boy who worked on the waterfront, Mark Colby. He was tough on Danny at first, but as they continued to deal with the mishaps, difficult situations, and the people at Camp Baker, Mark proved to be a trustworthy friend. Their common quest and struggles brought them closer and made them share the belief that a life of suffering can lead to a meaningful life. Years later, Danny would realize that what ultimately helped him mature in confidence, strength, and perspective was brought about by the imperfections, sufferings, devastation, and loss he had during that unforgettable 1972 summer. It was a pivotal time that made him see that learning and growing continue for our entire lives.

On the Waterfront is a semi-autobiographical short novel by Mike McCoy, with some people and circumstances being based on real-life experiences he had as a Scout in Camp Baker. Written from the first person point of view, the author has exploited this so the reader can easily step inside Danny Novak's thoughts and feel his emotions. It can be both comedic and heartbreaking to share the experiences of a young man who tries to grow up on his own. The author has a conversational and engaging style that uses a lot of teen slang at times and descriptive figures of speech on occasion. It has a deeply personal tone, easy pacing, and good character development that shape the narrative. The book's 70s pop culture references and activities are filled with nostalgia. If you are open-minded about what is sometimes regarded as the appalling immaturity of a teenage mind and are generally a fan of the coming-of-age genre, this book is for you. It's a sentimental, sometimes funny, poignant, and bittersweet short novel, which makes it an entertaining and even memorable read.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Dragon Thief by Blake and Raven Penn is a fantasy adventure novel and the first book in The Skystone Chronicles series. Asher, a teenage magi, tragically loses his mother to the Black Valkyrie, a notorious Mage Hunter. He and his father then take in two siblings, Kai and Kari, who have also lost their parents to a group called the Knights of the Torch, a dangerous collective of magi. As Asher and Kai attempt to raise money to keep their family safe, they find themselves caught up in a heist gone wrong, and soon after, the Drekai, dragon-like creatures, invade. They seek a magic dragon egg stolen by King Rodan, and the Knights of the Torch must find it before the Black Valkyrie does. Asher decides to join them on their quest, both to stop the Black Valkyrie and to make sure those responsible for his mother's death atone for it.

“How about how you blame yourself for your mom's death? That's why you're here, isn't it? It's not for revenge, Asher. It's regret.” Dragon Thief by Blake and Raven Penn is an exceptionally crafted debut in a new fantasy series, chock-full of all of the hallmarks required from an entry novel with the added bonus of a uniquely assembled hero's journey. Sure, the protagonist has the same name as me and that makes me feel pretty darn happy, but the double-edged sword is that if this book wasn't as great as it is, it could have been summed up with a dumpster fire of personal insult. Asher is a guy we all want to root for, and the alternating point-of-view characters allow for the same intensive character development. As a result, we are able to immerse ourselves as readers in the world and better understand the motivations of other characters, the standout to me being Kai, who is a firecracker. The alternating points of view also flesh out the war that is inevitable, especially in scenes such as the meeting between a Drekai leader and the king's brother, Aradan. This is where the writing shines brightest and as I have now been roped into the series, I look forward to seeing where the Penns take it next.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright, Quen Tomo Santu stands apart from the people of Solia due to her Nixan, a changeling's "shadow soul" that harbors the potential to grow from calm to calamity. Though her father instilled in her the virtues of tranquillity, everyone living thing, including animals, flee from her presence. Quen's father wishes for her to study at Pillar of the Way of Water, yet her destiny takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Kentaro Nevara, a commanding mage of the dragon cult. Bound by her late mother's promise, Quen is obliged to accompany Nevara, who pledges to aid her in mastering her Nixan's initial metamorphosis, warning her that tragedy will follow unless she complies. In the wake of a vicious dragon attack that claims the life of someone dear to her, Quen and her brother Rhoji set off with a group of vigilantes on a perilous quest to vanquish the dragon.

“I want people I love to be free from harm. I won’t be responsible for more death.” Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright is the first book in the epic fantasy Dragos Primeri series, and it is an ambitious one at that. Wright paces the novel at a speed that allows for the necessary backstory and worldbuilding to occur as we learn what we must in a new fantasy adventure, and she achieves this without compromising the novel's most important themes. It's not uncommon for a fantasy plot to be swallowed up by unnecessary detail and lengthy information dumps, but Wright avoids these with the polish and panache of a truly gifted storyteller. I love that we are able to actually witness Quen's metamorphosis in this first installment of the series. It is not a dangling carrot, it is a deeply moving transformation that has a traumatic impact both physically and emotionally for Quen, and also for another for whom she has intense feelings. Season of the Dragon is a beautifully woven coming-of-age hero's journey, complete with good and bad players, a bit of romance, and an ending that won't have you cursing over a cliffhanger.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Tale of the Young Witch by Joseph Minart is a fantasy story for young adults. Witchcraft is long gone, and it will never influence the world again. Wrong, because once magic is imbued in the world, it never truly goes away. Some 450 years after witchcraft was supposed to have disappeared, it’s back with a vengeance, and it’s using a teenage girl called Amelia Twigg to manifest. Amelia doesn’t believe in it, even when she sees a broomstick floating around her cellar, but it doesn’t take long for her to realize that she is a witch. Unwilling to use her powers initially, that all changes when she is targeted by a secret group who want to use witchcraft for their evil ends. Refusing to give in, she needs to stay ahead of them until she learns to use her powers. Will Amelia succeed, or will they catch her before she becomes powerful enough and will she learn the truth about magic along the way?

The Tale of the Young Witch by Joseph Minart is a fascinating story of adventure and magic. Despite being a fantasy, the characters are real people you get to know, and the plot itself feels authentic as well. This is an action-packed account filled with weird and wonderful creatures, even a dragon, magical folk, and plenty of sorcery along the way. The tension builds throughout as we follow Amelia on her journey, with plenty of twists and turns, ending in an epic finale. It’s a coming-of-age tale and although it’s aimed at the young adult audience, I think other age groups would enjoy it too. It’s a mix-up of several popular magic-themed movies and a thoroughly enjoyable epic.

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

Ever the Night Road by Michael Breen is a fantasy that will take your imagination to new heights. Dagny Losh is seventeen years old. She has been living with the Benzara family in Old Rork for quite some time. Alex Benzara was a friend of her brother Morgan, which is how she ended up with them after leaving The Rakesmount. When her brother succumbed to fever and her sister died after The Rakesmount was washed away, Dagny felt alone and very much out of place in this world. Then she meets the Naverung. Somehow, the roads she takes lead her to the places she needs to be. With an entire world to explore, Dagny is sure to find wealth most could only dream of. Danger and mystery are always around the corner.

Each page reveals a treasure of its own. After being drawn to this book by the cover art, I had no idea of the adventure I was about to embark on. Michael Breen has an amazing gift with words and stimulated my senses on a whole new level. I experienced moments of panic and sheer terror. I felt that the author touched on some deep and personal emotions that we don’t always like to admit, even to ourselves. With a strong female protagonist and other relatable characters, this book is sure to entertain and leave you pondering for days, which is exactly what I did. I feel I need to read it again because I am sure I will find more gems that I overlooked the first time in Ever the Night Road.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie Rodriguez is a transformative coming-of-age adventure of a young girl against a world of inequality. The story welcomes you to the world of Aerizon, a place that is home to four united tribes. Laela is a Treedle who is about to transition from girlhood to womanhood. This change represents a beginning and an end, a force of nature over which she won’t have any control as the Pyuva clan to which she belongs are specific with gender roles. But free-spirited Laela doesn’t want to be constrained by such roles as she is passionate about venturing out and exploring. Complicating matters are her feelings for Vito, a Pyuva classmate, whom she sees courting another girl. She goes on a journey after her friends and neighbors want her to settle down with Leon. She feels that the business of finding a match is showing her the wrong path. But outside Aerizon lies the dangerous hill tribe of the Mergons.

Lisa Perskie Rodriguez gives you a lucid narrative where both characters and the fantastic world they inhabit come alive. Laela is no old-school cookie-cutter heroine. She has a spark that pushes her to create her own destiny—something that she finds outside her tribe and away from its stringent conformity to age-old practices. While Laela is armed with being reared in philosophical wisdom and closeness to nature, she also has the heart of an adventurer like a huge bonfire that cannot be extinguished. Rodriguez is a master of world-building. Anyone can see the level of meticulousness that went through the details of the history of the Four Tribes, their culture, and their ancestry. All of the elements of an engaging YA fantasy fall right into place in this story. The dialogues are meaty and there is so much energy in its young protagonist as well as her interactions with those around her, especially Prince Mateo. Indeed, Laela and the Moonline is a must-read.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Source of Death is a young adult urban fantasy by Jay Michael Night. Mikey Black still remembers the day his parents sacrificed themselves to save him from the monstrous creatures of the Otherside. A human-vampire hybrid, Mikey spent years in different foster homes, unwittingly bringing the stench of death wherever he went until he was adopted by an elderly postman, Arthur Cafferty. After a chance encounter with two acolytes named Sabrina and Thomas, Mikey finds himself in the sect headquarters of Portum, where gifted youngsters like him learn to harness their powers to fight against the monsters of the Otherside. With his unique abilities, Mikey distinguishes himself amongst his peers and prepares to join the tribunal with his friends. However, unbeknownst to him, other powers at play want him at all costs.

Akin to the Lorien Legacies series by James Frey and Jobie Hughes, The Source of Death is a supernatural tale that follows a teenager trying to come to terms with his abilities amidst a power struggle between two influential factions of the world. Jay Michael Night crafts a fast-paced rollercoaster of a ride filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and plenty of action. Mikey is a teenager who has lived an orphan's life but his extraordinary abilities put him in a dangerous place where he must prove himself amongst his newfound friends to become who he always meant to be. All in all, this is an exciting urban fantasy series in the making.