Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Is it too early for me to say that The First Harm by Steven Piskula is the best medical thriller I’ve read this year? Perhaps…but it’s going to take a far more chilling and better-written novel than this one to supplant it. Firstly, too many medically-based thrillers are so heavy on medical jargon I end up skipping pages. Secondly, I rarely, if ever, read a 300-plus page in 2 days, but this one kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! Now that’s my kind of novel, regardless of genre.

Picture if you will, a brilliant, but smug scientist hell-bent on saving mankind from succumbing to crippling old age by modifying weaknesses in our basic DNA. A noble mission, but getting the formula perfect is a challenge without being able to use humans. It’s also expensive and ultimately requires the use of nefarious methods. When Tanna, a first-year med student, spots an anomaly during a dissection and shares her discovery with her roommate, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly Tanna is on the run from a hired assassin out to silence her. Who wants her and Jason, her unexpected protector, dead?

With the skilled eye of an award-winning screenwriter, Steven Piskula takes Tanna, Jason, and readers on a thrilling motorcycle ride through traffic-clogged streets as the pair, now suspected of murder, race to get proof of their innocence into the hands of those who can exonerate them. Piskula makes it so easy to experience all the exciting action as if it were on the big screen. What a fabulous movie this would make! Marvelous visuals, snappy dialogue, and nasty characters contrast sharply with Tanna’s innocence and the burgeoning romance between Jason and Tanna. And then there is that clever twist at the end that lets you close The First Harm with a satisfied sigh. This is superb writing from a skilled author whom I am delighted to have discovered. So, as I asked at the beginning of this review, is it too soon to consider this the best medical thriller I’ve read this year? Don’t think so!

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Gabriel Farago's The Stolen Altarpiece is a psychological and suspense-filled thriller. Connecting ancient and modern times, this is the riveting tale of a quest to find a painting, an amulet, and an artifact, each of great religious and historical significance. The novel takes its inspiration from historical figures, events, and places. I liked the Author's Note, in which Gabriel Farago writes about current events, and how a Russian children's poem inspired him to write The Stolen Altarpiece. Jack Rogan is an acclaimed journalist and novelist who is drawn into a dangerous quest by a powerful adversary from the past. His enemy is a psychopath who will not hesitate to murder and manipulate people for his nefarious ends. Jack follows a trail of cryptic clues from Venice and on to other European cities. He must defeat his archenemy to keep his family and friends safe. The story twists and turns to the very end!

I greatly enjoyed Gabriel Farago's riveting The Stolen Altarpiece because of its remarkable character Jack Rogan and his extraordinary courage and love for his family and friends. I particularly liked the interweaving of the backstories of Jack and the other major characters into the quests. As I read the evocative and gripping descriptions, the characters sprang to life. I liked how Jack's dilemmas, fears, and hopes emerge throughout the story as he faces challenge after challenge from his malevolent and manipulative adversary. At the same time, Jack is committed to protecting his family and friends. I loved this intriguing multilayered story and how the complexity of human nature emerges through different characters, their actions, settings, and dialogues. Equally, I loved the details as Jack tracks the "journeys" of the historical artifacts, the different owners through time and geography, and of incomplete or lost records. Some of the most powerful and emotional moments were when Jack finds significant pieces of the puzzle. The Stolen Altarpiece is a fascinating, compelling, and thought-provoking historical crime mystery with extraordinary characters!

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Although the adage “history repeats itself” isn’t usually applied to fiction novels rooted even loosely in fact, it most definitely applies to the characters and plot of DF Kennedy’s The Whole Truth. This novel is the sequel to Kennedy’s previous book, The Truth, in which rich heiress Dahlia Frost published her memoir of abuse at the hands of her stepfather. In the course of promoting the said book, she was reunited with the love of her life, famous actor Roland Hughes, but because of well-intentioned lies on both sides, their path to lasting love was fraught with obstacles.

In The Whole Truth, DF Kennedy takes us more deeply into both their backgrounds, exploring why and how these lies, and now even more lies, could further damage their pending marriage. They are expecting a baby, but is that baby theirs? Dahlia’s mentally unstable former husband, Daniel, is out to convince Roland it isn’t. Making Daniel’s plan even easier to execute is the fact that Dahlia’s abusive stepfather winds up dead, and in Dahlia’s memoir, investigators find the most likely motive for his murder. Dahlia is arrested, much like her mother was many years prior and for similar reasons. Will Roland and Dahlia ever share the loving life they both deserve? Perhaps, but only if and when The Whole Truth is revealed.

DF Kennedy is excellent at crafting complicated plots, creating realistic characters to whom readers easily relate, while forever keeping us in mounting suspense. The Whole Truth is a clever blend of psychological thriller and touching romance. Kennedy is skilled at letting characters reveal themselves through dialogue and reflection, and never slows down the pace of the action through too much description. If you love novels that keep you guessing right until the closing sentences, you’ll enjoy Dahlia and Roland’s story which will be continued in the third book in this series: Nothing But the Truth. Perhaps in that one, we will finally discover the identity of the elusive “forevermrshughes” and the significance of the mysterious black dahlias, both of which have ominously appeared throughout the first two novels and portend an exciting conclusion to the series.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The Greek Gambit is the first book in a promising new thriller series called Nuke Response Team Alpha. Author Charles A. Salter introduces you to Colonel Blake Hunter, who is vacationing in Greece when unknown agents try to kill him and abduct his family. Meanwhile, the Pentagon summons the Nuke Response Team to investigate a series of mysterious rapid aging among people along the North Carolina Coast. It appears that the attempt on Hunter’s life, the kidnapping of his family, and the acute radiation in North Carolina are related. Blake has had his share of combating terrorists. But nothing has prepared him for what he faces right now, as the terrorists that kidnapped his family want him for a task that has something to do with a hyperbaric plasma sphere.

The Greek Gambit is a technopolitical-military thriller that is sophisticated, well-researched, and a perfect example of the genre it represents. As the first book in a new series, it provides the best opportunity to immerse yourself in the actions, methods, and motives of Charles Salter’s recurrent characters, especially that of his protagonist, Blake Hunter. It is a worthy first installment that will whet your appetite to follow Blake’s adventures, as it promises a long-term plot that may rival Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan franchise. Salter blends engaging realism and character authenticity with intricate plotting and over-the-edge suspense. The pacing is consistent with the tension that the storyline provides, always maintaining momentum. Masterful and informative, The Greek Gambit simply draws you in from start to finish. If you love reading high-octane thrillers, this book is one of the best in the genre you’ll ever read.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Doubt the Stars are Fire by Daniele Kasper continues the story of Cara and Caine. Cara is back home in New York but she has lost all her memories of her time in the future and Caine. Everyone around her can tell she is different but nothing makes sense until she meets a fortune-teller. Once she gets her memories back, Cara has a single-minded goal to reunite with Caine. Little does she know, Caine is suffering just as much, if not more, without her. Caine misses her but that is the least of his worries. Before he knows it, Caine is surrounded by liars and enemies wearing the skin of friends. As more and more secrets of the Confederation are revealed, Caine is left wondering what goal he truly fights for. Is Cara able to retrace her steps to Caine? Is Caine able to support Cara despite what is happening around him?

I loved the thrilling tale of Cara and Caine. The suspense is alive, the mystery is thrilling, and the action is palpable. It is hard to pick a favorite moment in the story. I loved Cara’s reactions and how she handled the situation to the best of her abilities. My sympathies however lay with Caine and his struggles. He is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Caine is second-guessing everything including his next move. Cara’s health is a sensitive topic in the latter part of the story, and Daniele Kasper made sure to give it importance, without making it the focal point of the plot. The pace is fast and each of the characters has enough page space to tell their story. Doubt the Stars are Fire is the perfect weekend book to read!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Outlaw Gillis Kerg by Mike Murphey is a work in the time travel, surrealist, and adventure subgenres and forms the fourth novel in the Physics, Lust and Greed series. It is best suited to mature readers for its adult humor and references. In this amusing, witty, and full-throttle science fiction adventure, we are embroiled in dangerous AI companions, murderous plots to kill prominent legal figures, and a dangerously stupid political campaign. To top it all off, the central protagonist and former time traveler Marta Hamilton has inadvertently caused the creation of a cult hell-bent on revenge against her.

Mike Murphey is a socially sharp writer who knows how to repeatedly hit the funny button on issues that we might all have a lot of trepidation and exasperation about today. There’s wit all over this novel, from the intricate narrative surrounding the characters to the plot line's worryingly familiar campaigning and dirty politics. Still, it shone through most in the slick dialogue that genuinely made me laugh out loud several times. There’s a comic timing to what Murphey does that draws you in, smiling along with the moments you think you recognize until a newly surreal incursion causes the other shoe to drop, and suddenly you’re in on a joke you didn’t even know was building. In addition, the character development keeps things somewhat grounded so that you’re never too lost in the absurdity of it all. Overall, I’d say that The Outlaw Gillis Kerg is a wonderfully well-balanced novel packed with satire, adventure, and humor galore.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

As The Secrets Turn: My Darkest Secret Book 3 by B. Truly is a completely engrossing romantic suspense novel about family drama, secrets, forbidden love, and self-discovery. Justin and Madison thought that Ocho Rios was the most romantic place to marry. But the trip to Jamaica proved to be quite challenging, and bad luck seemed to follow them. At only twenty years old, they each had a complicated past. However, right before the wedding, Madison had her palm read, and she learned that there would be many terrible obstacles and tragedies in her path, leaving her skeptical about her future. Will Madison and Justin make it to the altar, and if they do, what tragedies will they have to face?

Forbidden love and family drama have never been more alluring than in As The Secrets Turn by B. Truly. There is a mystery, suspense, intriguing characters, and a touch of the supernatural to be found. This enthralling novel is so beautifully written and haunting that it captured my attention right away. It’s filled with many dark secrets, twists, and sisterly drama that left me breathless and clinging to the pages, wondering what could come next. The story is packed with romance, heartache, and also wisdom. I love Madison for her non-judgmental nature, her ability to fight for justice, and her never giving up despite all her dark secrets, fears, and vulnerabilities. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great suspenseful read.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Unification Mission: The Price of Redemption (The Great Leap Backward Book 2) by Kelly Curtis is the second installment of this highly engaging science fiction series. The year is 2635, and humans have abandoned almost all technology after the spread of the tech u disease. There’s no social media, mobile phones, and personal technology on Earth. To survive in the galaxy, however, humans trade art, music, and food for weapons and military equipment. The mighty Shimbahn Unification of 5 has agreed to a trade and choose Captain Alma Johnson to lead the three-year Unification mission. After being disgraced after the Mars One incident, she could redeem herself through the success of this mission. During the negotiation with Admiral Val, she is surprised that the Unification wants young human women as part of the trade. The admiral also wants Captain Johnson’s commitment to the negotiations.

The Unification Mission by Kelly Curtis is a must-read for all science fiction lovers. With the overwhelming impact of technology on our world today, the author has created a future where humans have no access to technology, and it’s most refreshing. I love the idea of humans taking a break from technology. Captain Alma Johnson is a compelling and relatable character. The notion of trading human women for weapons and technology is also intriguing. The book is a highly credible science fiction novel that dwells on social issues. The plot flows smoothly, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. I highly recommend this novel, especially to those who think technology is taking over our lives!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Carrying the Dead by Juliet Rose is a story of loss, acceptance, and moving on. Hannah Moore’s life changes six months after she miscarries. A terrible accident results in the death of an innocent motorcyclist, and Hannah cannot forgive herself. Getting help from a mental institution seems like the best course of action, but the nightmares of that horrible day never stop. Even when her doctor deems her ready for the outside world, Hannah isn't sure. Things escalate when Hannah starts to hear a baby crying at night and has horrible night terrors of the motorcyclist in various stages of decay. Hannah is about to lose her mind when Buzzy, the healthcare worker from the institute, points her in the right direction. Buzzy believes her nightmares are trying to give her a message. So Hannah packs her bags and travels to Mexico to get the answers she needs to end the torture she endures daily.

Carrying the Dead was a surprisingly emotional story of a woman’s journey to finding and forgiving herself. Hannah’s character became dear to me, and now I understand why; she is relatable, and I could see pieces of myself in her. Her nightmares are scary but understandable. Hannah struggles to find answers, but she has no idea she will first have to forgive herself. Buzzy is such a great friend and the voice of reason Hannah needs to take action against her guilt and grief. The elements of mysticism are handled with utmost respect and care. The narrative style pulled me in and made me stay until the end. I enjoyed Hannah’s arc and her journey toward acceptance. Juliet Rose does a fantastic job of covering spirituality, trauma, and paranormal themes. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Secret of Life: An Adventure Out of Body, Into Mind by Stephen H Martin is a metaphysical novel that revolves around Claire, who is navigating the complex emotions surrounding her father's debilitating illness. After her father, in his unstable condition, mentions the name 'Angelique', Claire is propelled on a quest to unearth his obscure past. Assisted by Jeff, Claire discovers her father's survival of a devastating volcanic eruption in Martinique fifty years prior and his lost love, Angelique, providing some understanding of her parents' complicated marital history. Claire is immersed in themes of love, destiny, self-growth, and life's total interconnectedness. Guided by a spiritual healer, or quimboiseur, Claire ventures into the spiritual realm for even greater insight into her father's love for Angelique and the power of this love that transcends time. As she braces for her father's imminent death, Claire finds comfort in the lessons learned from their woven histories and the enduring power of their shared love.

I wanted to read The Secret of Life by Stephen H Martin because I am in the stage of life where, like Claire, I am faced with the prospect of the loss of unknown parts of my family history as the final generation before me prepares for their next journey in the afterlife. I felt deeply connected to Claire's very human drive to explore familial roots when threatened with their extinction, provided with hope when considering that all may not be lost, and heartened by her determination when she embarks on the pursuit and lands on the history of a volcanic eruption in the Caribbean. Martin conveys Claire's dedication beautifully and the landscape of the places she traverses, both here and outside the physical world as we know it, is almost cinematic in its descriptiveness. Dream-like sequences rarely pan out well in literature but Martin not only makes them work, he makes them work wonders for Claire's character arc. The 'real world' is also represented realistically as we see the simple rituals of plucking one's eyebrows against a backdrop of a consciousness that witnesses a natural disaster and observes ethereal beings emerging from a radiant source. The Secret of Life is a lovely adventure and a heartfelt, thought-provoking story that leaves room for more to come. Very highly recommended.