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The Realm of Gods
The Chronicles of Chaos Book 3
Glen Dahlgren
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Realm of Gods is penned by author Glen Dahlgren in the epic fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the third novel of The Chronicles of Chaos series. The work is intended for young adult readers. This immersive tale takes readers to a realm where dreams and reality merge, setting the stage for the ultimate battle between Order and Chaos. Despite efforts by priests to maintain peace, rebellion brews, pushing the world to the brink of war. Galen and Eve embark on a desperate quest to prevent Order's return, confronting both their nemesis and the exiled gods of Order, who still hunger for dominion.
Author Glen Dahlgren has crafted an immersive and thrilling story that captivated me from start to finish with its command of action and atmospheric scenes. Dahlgren's intricate world-building and compelling characters are evident from the first page, drawing readers into a rich tapestry of conflict and intrigue, where the lines between good and evil blur in the face of overwhelming odds. Each well-paced twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover the fate of beloved characters and the world they inhabit. I also felt that the character work was appropriate for the YA audience, offering authentic dialogue and realistic reactions from the characters that will be relatable to teen readers. This final installment of The Chronicles of Chaos series delivers on its promise of epic storytelling, weaving together themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. Overall, The Realm of Gods is a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey that will linger in the imagination long after the final chapter. I recommend it and the series in general to fantasy fans everywhere seeking a thrilling new read.
The Realm of Gods is penned by author Glen Dahlgren in the epic fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the third novel of The Chronicles of Chaos series. The work is intended for young adult readers. This immersive tale takes readers to a realm where dreams and reality merge, setting the stage for the ultimate battle between Order and Chaos. Despite efforts by priests to maintain peace, rebellion brews, pushing the world to the brink of war. Galen and Eve embark on a desperate quest to prevent Order's return, confronting both their nemesis and the exiled gods of Order, who still hunger for dominion.
Author Glen Dahlgren has crafted an immersive and thrilling story that captivated me from start to finish with its command of action and atmospheric scenes. Dahlgren's intricate world-building and compelling characters are evident from the first page, drawing readers into a rich tapestry of conflict and intrigue, where the lines between good and evil blur in the face of overwhelming odds. Each well-paced twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover the fate of beloved characters and the world they inhabit. I also felt that the character work was appropriate for the YA audience, offering authentic dialogue and realistic reactions from the characters that will be relatable to teen readers. This final installment of The Chronicles of Chaos series delivers on its promise of epic storytelling, weaving together themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. Overall, The Realm of Gods is a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey that will linger in the imagination long after the final chapter. I recommend it and the series in general to fantasy fans everywhere seeking a thrilling new read.
Recommend this book:
Thaddeus and the Master
Louis Sauvain
2024 Honorable Mention
442 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Thaddeus and the Master is a work of fiction for young adult readers in the epic fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres. Penned by author Louis Sauvain, the story unfolds in the Dark Ages, where four boys are apprenticed to the enigmatic Master Silvestrus and his sentient mule, Asullus, at the ancient College of Sorcerers. Under the care of the green Goblin House Mistress Lilyput, they discover her devotion to the specter, Brother Longbone, and the mysterious Tower of the East on the college grounds. As the boys learn sorcery, they suspect Master Perditus of nefarious intentions, aiming to unleash the Tower's evil in a pact with the Arch-Demon, Morag. Thaddeus of Beewicke, leading his comrades and aided by allies, must confront Master Perditus to prevent catastrophe.
Author Louis Sauvain has put every ounce of imagination and enthusiasm into crafting such a vivid setting, where the promise of sorcery and arcane arts is sure to excite YA readers from the very first page. The characters, from the enigmatic Master Silvestrus to the brave Thaddeus of Beewicke and his allies, are richly developed and engaging, with some stellar dialogue touches that make them all unique, but also contribute to the overall olde-worlde style of the narrative. The intricate plot, woven with shifting elements of magic, suspense, and alliances, kept me hooked from beginning to end and was balanced well to offer introspective moments of personal character growth. I also found the use of atmospheric description highly effective in matching the emotional mood of each scene, making it feel totally immersive as you watch the young heroes rise to each challenge. Overall, Thaddeus and the Master is a captivating read that transports readers to a world of adventure and magic, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of YA fantasy adventures everywhere.
Thaddeus and the Master is a work of fiction for young adult readers in the epic fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres. Penned by author Louis Sauvain, the story unfolds in the Dark Ages, where four boys are apprenticed to the enigmatic Master Silvestrus and his sentient mule, Asullus, at the ancient College of Sorcerers. Under the care of the green Goblin House Mistress Lilyput, they discover her devotion to the specter, Brother Longbone, and the mysterious Tower of the East on the college grounds. As the boys learn sorcery, they suspect Master Perditus of nefarious intentions, aiming to unleash the Tower's evil in a pact with the Arch-Demon, Morag. Thaddeus of Beewicke, leading his comrades and aided by allies, must confront Master Perditus to prevent catastrophe.
Author Louis Sauvain has put every ounce of imagination and enthusiasm into crafting such a vivid setting, where the promise of sorcery and arcane arts is sure to excite YA readers from the very first page. The characters, from the enigmatic Master Silvestrus to the brave Thaddeus of Beewicke and his allies, are richly developed and engaging, with some stellar dialogue touches that make them all unique, but also contribute to the overall olde-worlde style of the narrative. The intricate plot, woven with shifting elements of magic, suspense, and alliances, kept me hooked from beginning to end and was balanced well to offer introspective moments of personal character growth. I also found the use of atmospheric description highly effective in matching the emotional mood of each scene, making it feel totally immersive as you watch the young heroes rise to each challenge. Overall, Thaddeus and the Master is a captivating read that transports readers to a world of adventure and magic, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of YA fantasy adventures everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Broke the Dark
An Epic Fantasy Adventure
Evelyn Puerto
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Evelyn Puerto brings us a truly epic fantasy adventure in The Girl Who Broke the Dark. This is the first novel of the Royal Mages series. The evil sorcerer Cetus was banished to an underwater realm more than a thousand years ago. During that time there was a great rift in Ardebil and Malkh and its citizens vanished into that rift. Little by little Cetus gathered some of his power back and, upon discovering that the people of Malkh had survived, placed a curse on their prince. To break the curse and keep Cetus from exacting his revenge, Princess Eliana of Ymittos has to awaken the sleeping prince or face being the cause of an entire kingdom’s demise. Legend has it that the people of Malkh are half goat or half fish. To make matters worse, she only has so much time to do it.
This is a magnificent role reversal of the legendary Sleeping Beauty. Author Evelyn Puerto scattered the puzzle pieces onto the board and slowly turned them over to reveal an intricate and complex plot. Once these puzzle pieces start fitting into each other, the brilliance of it is revealed. The author has an amazing gift that keeps the reader interested by stimulating all the senses and having a diverse cast of unique characters. The scenery is rich and descriptive, and I could easily lose myself in this book with characters you love to hate and characters you long to see succeed. I gladly recommend this book to young adults and all fans of fantasy. With The Girl Who Broke the Dark being the first volume, I look forward to finding out what happens next.
Evelyn Puerto brings us a truly epic fantasy adventure in The Girl Who Broke the Dark. This is the first novel of the Royal Mages series. The evil sorcerer Cetus was banished to an underwater realm more than a thousand years ago. During that time there was a great rift in Ardebil and Malkh and its citizens vanished into that rift. Little by little Cetus gathered some of his power back and, upon discovering that the people of Malkh had survived, placed a curse on their prince. To break the curse and keep Cetus from exacting his revenge, Princess Eliana of Ymittos has to awaken the sleeping prince or face being the cause of an entire kingdom’s demise. Legend has it that the people of Malkh are half goat or half fish. To make matters worse, she only has so much time to do it.
This is a magnificent role reversal of the legendary Sleeping Beauty. Author Evelyn Puerto scattered the puzzle pieces onto the board and slowly turned them over to reveal an intricate and complex plot. Once these puzzle pieces start fitting into each other, the brilliance of it is revealed. The author has an amazing gift that keeps the reader interested by stimulating all the senses and having a diverse cast of unique characters. The scenery is rich and descriptive, and I could easily lose myself in this book with characters you love to hate and characters you long to see succeed. I gladly recommend this book to young adults and all fans of fantasy. With The Girl Who Broke the Dark being the first volume, I look forward to finding out what happens next.
Recommend this book:
The Phoenix Quest
Isle of the Phoenix Novels Book 1
Greg Baker
2024 Gold Medal
342 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
After playing another mean prank on his favorite target, Roy is punished and labeled a delinquent—someone whose fate is worse than that of a vagabond. Fortunately, Roy is allowed to embark on a quest to find the phoenix’s nest to redeem himself. However, the journey is not for the faint-hearted, and the last person who attempted it three years ago failed to return. Roy is joined by Prince Bain and an unlikely companion, who is none other than the girl he bullies and calls Skinny Minnie. He must find a way to get along with his new companions as they face multiple serious threats on their journey. Greg Baker's The Phoenix Quest is a riveting plot filled with danger, magic, and promises. Can these three protagonists survive thieving elves, fierce trolls, and a manipulative enchanter?
Greg Baker's characters are charming and sophisticated and I felt myself liking them effortlessly. Roy and Minnie go from being enemies to having to work together to survive. Their relationship conveys the importance of choosing kindness over bullying and name-calling. In general, The Phoenix Quest is a book with many wholesome messages that Christian parents would love to share with their children. Also, the fascinating magical elements are a thrill to follow, from complex creatures like the gift-bestowing phoenix to the intricate magical rules. Greg's writing is completely smooth and enjoyable, with no overwhelming details and overly fast scenes. All in all, Greg has written a story for young adults that's as compelling and thrilling as the plots of epic fantasies like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I couldn't get enough of its smart mix of energetic characters, suspense-filled danger, and mind-blowing magic!
After playing another mean prank on his favorite target, Roy is punished and labeled a delinquent—someone whose fate is worse than that of a vagabond. Fortunately, Roy is allowed to embark on a quest to find the phoenix’s nest to redeem himself. However, the journey is not for the faint-hearted, and the last person who attempted it three years ago failed to return. Roy is joined by Prince Bain and an unlikely companion, who is none other than the girl he bullies and calls Skinny Minnie. He must find a way to get along with his new companions as they face multiple serious threats on their journey. Greg Baker's The Phoenix Quest is a riveting plot filled with danger, magic, and promises. Can these three protagonists survive thieving elves, fierce trolls, and a manipulative enchanter?
Greg Baker's characters are charming and sophisticated and I felt myself liking them effortlessly. Roy and Minnie go from being enemies to having to work together to survive. Their relationship conveys the importance of choosing kindness over bullying and name-calling. In general, The Phoenix Quest is a book with many wholesome messages that Christian parents would love to share with their children. Also, the fascinating magical elements are a thrill to follow, from complex creatures like the gift-bestowing phoenix to the intricate magical rules. Greg's writing is completely smooth and enjoyable, with no overwhelming details and overly fast scenes. All in all, Greg has written a story for young adults that's as compelling and thrilling as the plots of epic fantasies like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I couldn't get enough of its smart mix of energetic characters, suspense-filled danger, and mind-blowing magic!
Recommend this book:
The Ghosts of Nothing
The Weird and the Wicked Book 1
Cecily Walters
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Sadiyah Bhamjee for Readers' Favorite
Get drawn into Cecily Walters’ eerie world in The Ghosts of Nothing: The Weird and the Wicked Book 1. The town of Nothing is haunted and the townsfolk have always blamed the Morighan family. Nelly Morighan refuses to believe the rumors until she is surrounded by fairies. With this shocking discovery comes danger and the ones she loves need help. Nelly cannot save them by herself and seeks out the help of the fairies. With no other options, Nelly has to put all her trust in these strange creatures who seem to want more from her than she is willing to give. And when the past comes back to haunt them all, Nelly is not sure she can save everyone.
I love the fairies in The Ghosts of Nothing. They are not only haunting and beautiful, but earthy and clever with fascinating mechanisms. The fairies’ personalities are carefully fleshed out and I could see all the research and time that went into perfectly crafting each individual. The pacing slowed and built up the suspense and had me holding my breath and sitting right on the edge of my chair. Cecily Walters delivered wild adventures and thrilling plot twists after those moments of suspense. The character, Trouble, stole the show for me. Trouble is shrouded in mystery and there are tantalizing hints at an exciting backstory. I would love a sequel that reveals Trouble’s story. The Ghosts of Nothing keeps the feeling of eerie supernaturalness running smoothly throughout the book and I felt like I was in Nothing too.
Get drawn into Cecily Walters’ eerie world in The Ghosts of Nothing: The Weird and the Wicked Book 1. The town of Nothing is haunted and the townsfolk have always blamed the Morighan family. Nelly Morighan refuses to believe the rumors until she is surrounded by fairies. With this shocking discovery comes danger and the ones she loves need help. Nelly cannot save them by herself and seeks out the help of the fairies. With no other options, Nelly has to put all her trust in these strange creatures who seem to want more from her than she is willing to give. And when the past comes back to haunt them all, Nelly is not sure she can save everyone.
I love the fairies in The Ghosts of Nothing. They are not only haunting and beautiful, but earthy and clever with fascinating mechanisms. The fairies’ personalities are carefully fleshed out and I could see all the research and time that went into perfectly crafting each individual. The pacing slowed and built up the suspense and had me holding my breath and sitting right on the edge of my chair. Cecily Walters delivered wild adventures and thrilling plot twists after those moments of suspense. The character, Trouble, stole the show for me. Trouble is shrouded in mystery and there are tantalizing hints at an exciting backstory. I would love a sequel that reveals Trouble’s story. The Ghosts of Nothing keeps the feeling of eerie supernaturalness running smoothly throughout the book and I felt like I was in Nothing too.
Recommend this book:
The Phantom Enforcer
First Responder Book 2
J.W. Jarvis
2024 Honorable Mention
214 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Phantom Enforcer is a young adult fantasy novel by J.W. Jarvis. The story follows the adventures of Dani and Noah, two teenagers who discover a magical bookstore run by a mysterious witch. In each adventure, the two are transported into the lives of everyday heroes such as firefighters, police officers, and paramedics. In this installment, they experience what it is like to be a police officer and a dog on the K-9 unit. They witness a police chase, a drug bust, and a dangerous car theft. During the latter case, Dani and Noah encounter a familiar foe possessing phantom abilities like them. This realization makes them aware that the stakes are higher than before, and any wrong move could have catastrophic consequences, including the loss of innocent lives.
The Phantom Enforcer is a fast-paced, thrilling story that combines magic, time travel, and fantasy genres. It is the second book in the First Responder series by J.W. Jarvis, and it continues the action-packed adventures of Dani and Noah. I enjoyed getting to know these unique characters and their complex personalities. One thing that sets this book apart is that it educates readers on various jobs and the daily lives of frontline workers. It is not just about their jobs, but also their families and aspirations. The characters are all intriguing and add an element of mystery to the story. Tense moments will keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this author and the series.
The Phantom Enforcer is a young adult fantasy novel by J.W. Jarvis. The story follows the adventures of Dani and Noah, two teenagers who discover a magical bookstore run by a mysterious witch. In each adventure, the two are transported into the lives of everyday heroes such as firefighters, police officers, and paramedics. In this installment, they experience what it is like to be a police officer and a dog on the K-9 unit. They witness a police chase, a drug bust, and a dangerous car theft. During the latter case, Dani and Noah encounter a familiar foe possessing phantom abilities like them. This realization makes them aware that the stakes are higher than before, and any wrong move could have catastrophic consequences, including the loss of innocent lives.
The Phantom Enforcer is a fast-paced, thrilling story that combines magic, time travel, and fantasy genres. It is the second book in the First Responder series by J.W. Jarvis, and it continues the action-packed adventures of Dani and Noah. I enjoyed getting to know these unique characters and their complex personalities. One thing that sets this book apart is that it educates readers on various jobs and the daily lives of frontline workers. It is not just about their jobs, but also their families and aspirations. The characters are all intriguing and add an element of mystery to the story. Tense moments will keep you on the edge of your seat. Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this author and the series.
Recommend this book:
The Younglings
Mayhem & Magic
Helena M Craggs
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
The Younglings: Mayhem & Magic by Helena M. Craggs follows Quinn Carter and his group of supernatural friends as they try to not only navigate life as young adults but also as supernatural beings. Quinn being half human and half demon is always fighting the darker side of his nature but having a beautiful half-angel at his side makes it a lot easier to manage. If only it were that easy to manage every other issue that seems to arise. Can Quinn conquer his dark side while helping the people he cares most about?
I really loved how the author decided to throw almost every supernatural being into this one group of friends. It felt like not only were they individually different based on the type of supernatural creatures they were but also based on their personalities. Their ‘species,’ for lack of a better word, is almost a reflection of who they are and we see how they grow and overcome issues relating to their specific abilities and situations. I also love how it made the found family concept in this story even better as they all come from completely different backgrounds. The Younglings by Helena M. Craggs is so well written and has really good world-building. The pacing is also just right, easing you into the dynamics of the characters before thrusting you into the real action. The best part of all was the twists and turns this story took; some I could almost predict but others caught me completely off guard, which I really enjoyed. Overall, this was such a good book and I would definitely recommend it.
The Younglings: Mayhem & Magic by Helena M. Craggs follows Quinn Carter and his group of supernatural friends as they try to not only navigate life as young adults but also as supernatural beings. Quinn being half human and half demon is always fighting the darker side of his nature but having a beautiful half-angel at his side makes it a lot easier to manage. If only it were that easy to manage every other issue that seems to arise. Can Quinn conquer his dark side while helping the people he cares most about?
I really loved how the author decided to throw almost every supernatural being into this one group of friends. It felt like not only were they individually different based on the type of supernatural creatures they were but also based on their personalities. Their ‘species,’ for lack of a better word, is almost a reflection of who they are and we see how they grow and overcome issues relating to their specific abilities and situations. I also love how it made the found family concept in this story even better as they all come from completely different backgrounds. The Younglings by Helena M. Craggs is so well written and has really good world-building. The pacing is also just right, easing you into the dynamics of the characters before thrusting you into the real action. The best part of all was the twists and turns this story took; some I could almost predict but others caught me completely off guard, which I really enjoyed. Overall, this was such a good book and I would definitely recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Call of the Dreamwalkers
Rafaele Désiré
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at the young adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature middle-grade and adult readers alike. Penned by author Rafaele Désiré, we follow our protagonist, Ana, a shy ninth-grader whose dreams of fitting in are shattered when her only friend, Heloise, falls into a coma after a strange bus accident. Ana's life takes a dark turn until a fateful dream introduces her to Arcadion, a mysterious light being who reveals the existence of malevolent entities called Mind Worms that prey on vulnerable young minds. Ana discovers her destiny as a Virtue, tasked with fighting against these dark forces. To save Heloise, her school, and herself, Ana must rally her classmates to face their deepest fears and confront the hideous Mind Worms in a battle for their souls.
Author Rafaele Désiré masterfully combines elements of mystery, friendship, and supernatural encounters to craft a captivating narrative that is sure to have readers engaged from start to finish. The concept of dreamwalking and the existence of the Mind Worms add a unique and intriguing twist to the plot, building a sense of urgency and suspense through some excellent cinematic descriptions and atmospheric lexis. One of the features which impressed me the most was the thought put into exploring the psyche of young minds, exposing their fears and vulnerabilities while emphasizing the power of unity and inner strength to overcome darkness. Overall, The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a thrilling adventure that explores the depths of friendship, self-discovery, and the battle between good and evil, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to YA fantasy fans everywhere.
The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at the young adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature middle-grade and adult readers alike. Penned by author Rafaele Désiré, we follow our protagonist, Ana, a shy ninth-grader whose dreams of fitting in are shattered when her only friend, Heloise, falls into a coma after a strange bus accident. Ana's life takes a dark turn until a fateful dream introduces her to Arcadion, a mysterious light being who reveals the existence of malevolent entities called Mind Worms that prey on vulnerable young minds. Ana discovers her destiny as a Virtue, tasked with fighting against these dark forces. To save Heloise, her school, and herself, Ana must rally her classmates to face their deepest fears and confront the hideous Mind Worms in a battle for their souls.
Author Rafaele Désiré masterfully combines elements of mystery, friendship, and supernatural encounters to craft a captivating narrative that is sure to have readers engaged from start to finish. The concept of dreamwalking and the existence of the Mind Worms add a unique and intriguing twist to the plot, building a sense of urgency and suspense through some excellent cinematic descriptions and atmospheric lexis. One of the features which impressed me the most was the thought put into exploring the psyche of young minds, exposing their fears and vulnerabilities while emphasizing the power of unity and inner strength to overcome darkness. Overall, The Call of the Dreamwalkers is a thrilling adventure that explores the depths of friendship, self-discovery, and the battle between good and evil, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to YA fantasy fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Cusser Club
A Tawdry, Titillating Texas Tale
Randall Northcutt
2024 Gold Medal
328 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Cusser Club: A Tawdry, Titillating Texas Tale is a work of fiction in the coming-of-age, interpersonal drama, and Southern genres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience but contains some era-appropriate content that modern readers may find challenging. Penned by author Randall Northcutt, this gritty and realistic novel is set in 1969 in East Texas. Teddy Nutscalder and his friends Mickey O’Dell and Tommy Crum embark on a dangerous adventure that entangles them in a dark conspiracy, revealing the troubled lives and secrets of those around them. The plot is immersed in a turbulent era and weaves a tale of strong teenage friendship against a dark backdrop of abuse, conspiracy, and moral dilemmas.
Teddy Nutscalder’s poignant narrative, set against the harsh realities of his abusive home life and the toxic environment of Dix Knob, is constructed to pull you into his world on his terms with no holds barred. The portrayal of friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity was profoundly moving and a huge highlight of the work for me personally, showing the author’s immense talent for creating realistic people with clear attitudinal choices and emotional arcs that run deep. The novel’s gritty realism and vivid imagery transported me to another time, evoking both nostalgia and unease with strong atmospheric language that achieved the mood of each scene well. Despite its raw and occasionally controversial language, the story’s authenticity and emotional depth kept me captivated until the final page. Overall, The Cusser Club is a compelling testament to the power of storytelling that I would not hesitate to recommend.
The Cusser Club: A Tawdry, Titillating Texas Tale is a work of fiction in the coming-of-age, interpersonal drama, and Southern genres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience but contains some era-appropriate content that modern readers may find challenging. Penned by author Randall Northcutt, this gritty and realistic novel is set in 1969 in East Texas. Teddy Nutscalder and his friends Mickey O’Dell and Tommy Crum embark on a dangerous adventure that entangles them in a dark conspiracy, revealing the troubled lives and secrets of those around them. The plot is immersed in a turbulent era and weaves a tale of strong teenage friendship against a dark backdrop of abuse, conspiracy, and moral dilemmas.
Teddy Nutscalder’s poignant narrative, set against the harsh realities of his abusive home life and the toxic environment of Dix Knob, is constructed to pull you into his world on his terms with no holds barred. The portrayal of friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity was profoundly moving and a huge highlight of the work for me personally, showing the author’s immense talent for creating realistic people with clear attitudinal choices and emotional arcs that run deep. The novel’s gritty realism and vivid imagery transported me to another time, evoking both nostalgia and unease with strong atmospheric language that achieved the mood of each scene well. Despite its raw and occasionally controversial language, the story’s authenticity and emotional depth kept me captivated until the final page. Overall, The Cusser Club is a compelling testament to the power of storytelling that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Recommend this book:
Steve The Zombie
Stephen Wayne
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Horror
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Steve The Zombie is a post-apocalyptic dystopian horror novel by Stephen Wayne. The book opens with a man waking up in a city surrounded by a horde of flesh-eating zombies. To his horror, the man remembers that he used to be a detective named Steve, now infected with a deadly pathogen that has ravaged his body and taken control of a part of his mind. Steve realizes his consciousness and the infection are locked in a fierce battle for control. He wills his mind toward figuring out the root cause of the deadly outbreak while dodging attacks from the survivors who struggle to repel the horde of zombies. But when he comes across Sarah, his former lover, on the verge of sharing his fate, Steve must protect her at all costs. Will he be successful?
Author Stephen Wayne puts a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic horror genre by telling a gripping tale through the perspective of one of the infected. What happens when an infected zombie develops an inner subconscious that retains its previous human self? This is the premise of Steve The Zombie. Wayne excels in creating an atmosphere of tension and dread, and with a swirling mix of suspense, intrigue, and thrills, the narrative keeps you hooked. The action sequences are described in vivid detail. The plot is evenly paced, with a few well-placed curveballs that take you by surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will recommend it to anyone who loves post-apocalyptic stories featuring zombies.
Steve The Zombie is a post-apocalyptic dystopian horror novel by Stephen Wayne. The book opens with a man waking up in a city surrounded by a horde of flesh-eating zombies. To his horror, the man remembers that he used to be a detective named Steve, now infected with a deadly pathogen that has ravaged his body and taken control of a part of his mind. Steve realizes his consciousness and the infection are locked in a fierce battle for control. He wills his mind toward figuring out the root cause of the deadly outbreak while dodging attacks from the survivors who struggle to repel the horde of zombies. But when he comes across Sarah, his former lover, on the verge of sharing his fate, Steve must protect her at all costs. Will he be successful?
Author Stephen Wayne puts a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic horror genre by telling a gripping tale through the perspective of one of the infected. What happens when an infected zombie develops an inner subconscious that retains its previous human self? This is the premise of Steve The Zombie. Wayne excels in creating an atmosphere of tension and dread, and with a swirling mix of suspense, intrigue, and thrills, the narrative keeps you hooked. The action sequences are described in vivid detail. The plot is evenly paced, with a few well-placed curveballs that take you by surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will recommend it to anyone who loves post-apocalyptic stories featuring zombies.
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