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Recommend this book:
The Poison Dart
Debbie Bradley Crime Mysteries
Geri Dreiling
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Poison Dart by Geri Dreiling is a crime novel in which journalist Debbie Bradley, who is known by her famed “Crime Beat Girl” moniker, investigates a drug overdose case involving the son of a prominent St. Louis family. As she digs into the lives impacted by the incident, she uncovers startling connections and finds herself entangled with a dangerous drug ring operating in her city. It's up to Debbie to piece it all together, and as this is done, the author sheds light on the very real heroin and fentanyl crisis gripping the Midwest, portraying the struggles of characters like J.R., who is ensnared by a ruthless cartel to produce the drugs or pay the ultimate price. Through her investigation, Bradley must balance the desire for truth and justice and the looming threat of familial destruction against a beast of a deadly operation that has no qualms about the crime and addiction their products cause.
Geri Dreiling's The Poison Dart is the second book in her Debbie Bradley Crime Mysteries series, the first being the acclaimed Crime Beat Girl. Both books read as standalones, but the series is so good that missing book one is really just robbing oneself. Dreiling's writing is exceptional, and while I felt like I knew Debbie going in, Dreiling's ability to flesh her and those around her out even more is a testament to her skill as a writer. There is a delicate balance that must be met when a plot revolves around addiction, and the author treads this carefully and with the compassion needed for the victims to really feel like victims. She keeps the human element of the human condition at the forefront, and it is part of what makes Dreiling so credible as a crime writer. This is an intelligently written, deeply immersive, raw, and completely engrossing book, and I am, hand over heart, a happy Debbie Bradley fanboy. Very highly recommended.
The Poison Dart by Geri Dreiling is a crime novel in which journalist Debbie Bradley, who is known by her famed “Crime Beat Girl” moniker, investigates a drug overdose case involving the son of a prominent St. Louis family. As she digs into the lives impacted by the incident, she uncovers startling connections and finds herself entangled with a dangerous drug ring operating in her city. It's up to Debbie to piece it all together, and as this is done, the author sheds light on the very real heroin and fentanyl crisis gripping the Midwest, portraying the struggles of characters like J.R., who is ensnared by a ruthless cartel to produce the drugs or pay the ultimate price. Through her investigation, Bradley must balance the desire for truth and justice and the looming threat of familial destruction against a beast of a deadly operation that has no qualms about the crime and addiction their products cause.
Geri Dreiling's The Poison Dart is the second book in her Debbie Bradley Crime Mysteries series, the first being the acclaimed Crime Beat Girl. Both books read as standalones, but the series is so good that missing book one is really just robbing oneself. Dreiling's writing is exceptional, and while I felt like I knew Debbie going in, Dreiling's ability to flesh her and those around her out even more is a testament to her skill as a writer. There is a delicate balance that must be met when a plot revolves around addiction, and the author treads this carefully and with the compassion needed for the victims to really feel like victims. She keeps the human element of the human condition at the forefront, and it is part of what makes Dreiling so credible as a crime writer. This is an intelligently written, deeply immersive, raw, and completely engrossing book, and I am, hand over heart, a happy Debbie Bradley fanboy. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Year I Lived Twice
A Time Loop Mystery
Alex Woolf
2024 Bronze Medal
276 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is a time loop mystery that tells the story of Jason Harris, the protagonist, who experiences a time loop after the tragic death of his younger brother, Archie. As the family struggles to cope with the loss during Christmas, Jason falls while adjusting the tree and wakes up a year earlier. From that moment, he realizes the mistakes he made in the past and vows to make the best of his time with his siblings, especially Archie. He also tries to mend his relationship with his best friend Leo, who died along with Archie in the original timeline.
The book is divided into four parts, each adding a new twist and keeping the reader engaged. It explores themes of grief, romance, fraternal love, second chances, and friendship. The author skillfully builds suspense around a murder mystery while also examining the relationship between siblings and how the protagonist improves it in the new timeline. The plot is mysterious, with every answer we might have guessed being discarded as new facts are revealed. The author also delves deep into the works of Russian authors who wrote about the pain and regret of choices. The story follows the theory that the choices we make have a significant impact on our future. One can only regret after making a choice, as it cannot be undone. The best thing to do is to savor every moment. The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is well-written and satisfying. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories with time loops and murder mysteries.
The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is a time loop mystery that tells the story of Jason Harris, the protagonist, who experiences a time loop after the tragic death of his younger brother, Archie. As the family struggles to cope with the loss during Christmas, Jason falls while adjusting the tree and wakes up a year earlier. From that moment, he realizes the mistakes he made in the past and vows to make the best of his time with his siblings, especially Archie. He also tries to mend his relationship with his best friend Leo, who died along with Archie in the original timeline.
The book is divided into four parts, each adding a new twist and keeping the reader engaged. It explores themes of grief, romance, fraternal love, second chances, and friendship. The author skillfully builds suspense around a murder mystery while also examining the relationship between siblings and how the protagonist improves it in the new timeline. The plot is mysterious, with every answer we might have guessed being discarded as new facts are revealed. The author also delves deep into the works of Russian authors who wrote about the pain and regret of choices. The story follows the theory that the choices we make have a significant impact on our future. One can only regret after making a choice, as it cannot be undone. The best thing to do is to savor every moment. The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is well-written and satisfying. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories with time loops and murder mysteries.
Recommend this book:
The Future King
Return of the Once Monarch
Vishnul Jain
2024 Gold Medal
323 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
In The Future King: Return of the Once Monarch by Vishnul Jain, the story opens with a captivating scene set in the halls of Oxford University. Professor Limren, a seemingly ordinary history professor, navigates through his daily routine, only to be confronted by echoes of his ancient past. As the modern-day persona of Merlin, Limren’s mundane existence is shattered when he senses a resurgence of magical disturbances. These unsettling signs signal the return of the Order of Rhamnusia, a shadowy cult determined to unleash the dark sorcery of Morgana. This inciting incident plunges Merlin back into the treacherous world of magic he had left behind, setting the stage for an epic battle that spans centuries.
Vishnul Jain's storytelling is masterful, weaving a rich tapestry of plot and character development that captivates fans of epic fantasy. The plot is a thrilling rollercoaster, deftly balancing intense action with deep emotional undercurrents. Merlin, portrayed as both powerful and vulnerable, is a deeply nuanced character whose journey of redemption is compelling. The secondary characters, from the enigmatic members of the Order to Merlin's allies, are equally well-developed, adding layers of intrigue and depth. The world-building is exceptional, seamlessly integrating elements of modern society with ancient magic, creating a setting that feels both familiar and fantastical. The Future King will undoubtedly appeal to readers who relish intricate fantasy worlds and timeless battles between good and evil, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Fantasy fans should definitely add this to their list of summer reading. It’s well worth it.
In The Future King: Return of the Once Monarch by Vishnul Jain, the story opens with a captivating scene set in the halls of Oxford University. Professor Limren, a seemingly ordinary history professor, navigates through his daily routine, only to be confronted by echoes of his ancient past. As the modern-day persona of Merlin, Limren’s mundane existence is shattered when he senses a resurgence of magical disturbances. These unsettling signs signal the return of the Order of Rhamnusia, a shadowy cult determined to unleash the dark sorcery of Morgana. This inciting incident plunges Merlin back into the treacherous world of magic he had left behind, setting the stage for an epic battle that spans centuries.
Vishnul Jain's storytelling is masterful, weaving a rich tapestry of plot and character development that captivates fans of epic fantasy. The plot is a thrilling rollercoaster, deftly balancing intense action with deep emotional undercurrents. Merlin, portrayed as both powerful and vulnerable, is a deeply nuanced character whose journey of redemption is compelling. The secondary characters, from the enigmatic members of the Order to Merlin's allies, are equally well-developed, adding layers of intrigue and depth. The world-building is exceptional, seamlessly integrating elements of modern society with ancient magic, creating a setting that feels both familiar and fantastical. The Future King will undoubtedly appeal to readers who relish intricate fantasy worlds and timeless battles between good and evil, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Fantasy fans should definitely add this to their list of summer reading. It’s well worth it.
Recommend this book:
The Accidental Education
System School Book 2
Kos Play
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
The Accidental Education is book 2 in Kos Play’s System School series. To us, the Los Angeles Times is just an old newspaper building. But its age and history mean it has another use. Unknown to mere mortals, those of the non-magical world, the place is a front for a magic school called The Academy. Here Melvin and Kalli are about to embark on their newest adventure, learning to harness their powers. But secrets and discoveries lie in their future, they have much to learn, and the clock is still ticking.
Not having read the first book in the series, I did feel a little lost as to the way things were, but it's written in such a manner that a reader can easily follow along with the story and details become clearer as the plot progresses. I love how the magic world exists within the non-magical, and how Kos Play explained things such as train delays as occurring when a magical presence affects the non-magical. It was well thought out. The mixture of development and action, discovery and adventure is perfectly paced to ensure the reader feels fully immersed in both the world and characters. The magic system had a lot of thought into how it worked, and discovering this through the characters’ trials and errors ensured it avoided the typical textbook descriptions some books employ. As a gamer, LitRPG is one of my favorite genres, and The Accidental Education hit a sweet spot between urban fantasy and Lit RPG. This book has so much to offer for gamers and fantasy lovers alike. Drama, insecurity, and jealousy meet epic fantasy creatures, magic, and adventure in a coming-of-age journey that will leave you wanting more.
The Accidental Education is book 2 in Kos Play’s System School series. To us, the Los Angeles Times is just an old newspaper building. But its age and history mean it has another use. Unknown to mere mortals, those of the non-magical world, the place is a front for a magic school called The Academy. Here Melvin and Kalli are about to embark on their newest adventure, learning to harness their powers. But secrets and discoveries lie in their future, they have much to learn, and the clock is still ticking.
Not having read the first book in the series, I did feel a little lost as to the way things were, but it's written in such a manner that a reader can easily follow along with the story and details become clearer as the plot progresses. I love how the magic world exists within the non-magical, and how Kos Play explained things such as train delays as occurring when a magical presence affects the non-magical. It was well thought out. The mixture of development and action, discovery and adventure is perfectly paced to ensure the reader feels fully immersed in both the world and characters. The magic system had a lot of thought into how it worked, and discovering this through the characters’ trials and errors ensured it avoided the typical textbook descriptions some books employ. As a gamer, LitRPG is one of my favorite genres, and The Accidental Education hit a sweet spot between urban fantasy and Lit RPG. This book has so much to offer for gamers and fantasy lovers alike. Drama, insecurity, and jealousy meet epic fantasy creatures, magic, and adventure in a coming-of-age journey that will leave you wanting more.
Recommend this book:
The Wisdom Answer
Equipping Teens Living in a Culture of Deception, An Interactive Journal Based on Proverbs 1–9
Lenora E Trembath
2024 Bronze Medal
140 Pages
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Young Adult - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
If you could choose anyone, past or present, to be your mentor in moral issues, whom would you select? Hopefully, you would choose the wisest man who ever lived. That man was Solomon and God included his sage advice in the biblical book of Proverbs. Lenora E. Trembath shares Solomon’s wisdom with teens in The Wisdom Answer. Since God is our Creator, He gives excellent guidance on living the best life. Through encouraging readers to memorize biblical verses, providing short commentaries, and asking probing questions, Lenora presents a great study of the first nine chapters of Proverbs. One important thing to remember is that since Jesus Christ met the requirement for perfection in His sacrificial death, we do not have to be perfect.
Even though The Wisdom Answer is a Bible study, Lenora E. Trembath’s writing style is not preachy. This easy-to-read informative book brings the wisdom of Solomon to life by asking open-ended questions. While this book can be used independently, Lenora suggests studying in a small group. Solomon’s wisdom includes learning self-control. Lenora is a retired homeschooling mom. She wanted to instill biblical wisdom in her children and taught them from the book of Proverbs. The Wisdom Answer is the culmination of fourteen years of preparation. If you have pre-teens, then you need this book. As a parent, one of the best things you can do is to lead your children into Godly living. This comes from studying the Bible and applying the truth. Start teaching them when they are young, and they will grow up to be wise. I highly recommend this book to all parents.
If you could choose anyone, past or present, to be your mentor in moral issues, whom would you select? Hopefully, you would choose the wisest man who ever lived. That man was Solomon and God included his sage advice in the biblical book of Proverbs. Lenora E. Trembath shares Solomon’s wisdom with teens in The Wisdom Answer. Since God is our Creator, He gives excellent guidance on living the best life. Through encouraging readers to memorize biblical verses, providing short commentaries, and asking probing questions, Lenora presents a great study of the first nine chapters of Proverbs. One important thing to remember is that since Jesus Christ met the requirement for perfection in His sacrificial death, we do not have to be perfect.
Even though The Wisdom Answer is a Bible study, Lenora E. Trembath’s writing style is not preachy. This easy-to-read informative book brings the wisdom of Solomon to life by asking open-ended questions. While this book can be used independently, Lenora suggests studying in a small group. Solomon’s wisdom includes learning self-control. Lenora is a retired homeschooling mom. She wanted to instill biblical wisdom in her children and taught them from the book of Proverbs. The Wisdom Answer is the culmination of fourteen years of preparation. If you have pre-teens, then you need this book. As a parent, one of the best things you can do is to lead your children into Godly living. This comes from studying the Bible and applying the truth. Start teaching them when they are young, and they will grow up to be wise. I highly recommend this book to all parents.
Recommend this book:
The Ghost Ring
Tom Hoffman
2024 Gold Medal
321 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Ghost Ring is a fictional work combining paranormal adventure, action, and mystery. The book is intended for young adults and contains some mild death-centric themes as the ghosts take center stage in the story. Penned by Tom Hoffman, this highly engaging drama introduces us to our teenage protagonist, Simon Moody, just as he is swept away from all he knows in Brooklyn. The death of a relative brings Simon to the Victorian mansion of Wilder House and a little village with some really big secrets. Inheriting his Great-Uncle Edmund’s mysterious ring is only the beginning of Simon’s supernatural journey.
Tom Hoffman knows how to pitch a powerful mystical tale to his YA audience, and he keeps them on the edge of their seats from cover to cover as the various ghostly mysteries and hidden secrets of Wilder House unfold throughout this well-written and atmospheric novel. One of the things I especially enjoyed about the story was how introspective it is in revealing Simon’s character to us and crafting a poignant story arc of a displaced young man discovering who he is and the kind of adult he’ll grow into based on the challenges he faces. Simon’s central relationship with his new friend Clara is rich in realistic teen dialogue, amusing asides, and deeper emotional moments that keep you just as invested in their journey together as in the overall mystery plot. I would not hesitate to recommend The Ghost Ring for fans of intricately penned paranormal adventures, heartfelt YA characters, and plenty of Victorian atmosphere.
The Ghost Ring is a fictional work combining paranormal adventure, action, and mystery. The book is intended for young adults and contains some mild death-centric themes as the ghosts take center stage in the story. Penned by Tom Hoffman, this highly engaging drama introduces us to our teenage protagonist, Simon Moody, just as he is swept away from all he knows in Brooklyn. The death of a relative brings Simon to the Victorian mansion of Wilder House and a little village with some really big secrets. Inheriting his Great-Uncle Edmund’s mysterious ring is only the beginning of Simon’s supernatural journey.
Tom Hoffman knows how to pitch a powerful mystical tale to his YA audience, and he keeps them on the edge of their seats from cover to cover as the various ghostly mysteries and hidden secrets of Wilder House unfold throughout this well-written and atmospheric novel. One of the things I especially enjoyed about the story was how introspective it is in revealing Simon’s character to us and crafting a poignant story arc of a displaced young man discovering who he is and the kind of adult he’ll grow into based on the challenges he faces. Simon’s central relationship with his new friend Clara is rich in realistic teen dialogue, amusing asides, and deeper emotional moments that keep you just as invested in their journey together as in the overall mystery plot. I would not hesitate to recommend The Ghost Ring for fans of intricately penned paranormal adventures, heartfelt YA characters, and plenty of Victorian atmosphere.
Recommend this book:
Thrown to the Wind
A Country for Castoffs
Amanda M. Cetas
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
In Thrown to the Wind: A Country for Castoffs by Amanda M. Cetas, many in the population of La Rochelle are Huguenots. The previous king had allowed them to be, but the current king wants everyone to conform to the Catholic religion and sends his musketeers to enforce the new rules. Etienne has always wanted to be part of this elite force, but his Protestant roots stand in the way. His best friend has offered a way for Etienne to remain in La Rochelle and maybe even become a musketeer, as he has always wanted. But in a sudden twist of events, the family has to embark on a dangerous journey to start afresh in Amsterdam. How will Etienne deal with his dilemma? Will he accept his friend's offer or follow his family to this new place to avoid persecution?
One of the themes that stand out in Thrown to the Wind by Amanda. M. Cetas is the role of religion in society. The dynamics of power and control also become apparent, and one can't help but question to what extent governments should get involved in religion and the role of religious leaders in interpreting the scriptures. This thought-provoking work also aroused my curiosity about history and Calvinism. I cannot wait to read more about the Huguenots. The characters were well-developed, and the author subtly ensured that the narrative was effective in passing on the intended message without alienating anyone. All the events and places were vividly described, which helped to capture my imagination. I also loved the steady narration, which kept me intrigued.
In Thrown to the Wind: A Country for Castoffs by Amanda M. Cetas, many in the population of La Rochelle are Huguenots. The previous king had allowed them to be, but the current king wants everyone to conform to the Catholic religion and sends his musketeers to enforce the new rules. Etienne has always wanted to be part of this elite force, but his Protestant roots stand in the way. His best friend has offered a way for Etienne to remain in La Rochelle and maybe even become a musketeer, as he has always wanted. But in a sudden twist of events, the family has to embark on a dangerous journey to start afresh in Amsterdam. How will Etienne deal with his dilemma? Will he accept his friend's offer or follow his family to this new place to avoid persecution?
One of the themes that stand out in Thrown to the Wind by Amanda. M. Cetas is the role of religion in society. The dynamics of power and control also become apparent, and one can't help but question to what extent governments should get involved in religion and the role of religious leaders in interpreting the scriptures. This thought-provoking work also aroused my curiosity about history and Calvinism. I cannot wait to read more about the Huguenots. The characters were well-developed, and the author subtly ensured that the narrative was effective in passing on the intended message without alienating anyone. All the events and places were vividly described, which helped to capture my imagination. I also loved the steady narration, which kept me intrigued.
Recommend this book:
Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness
T.S. Maynard
2024 Silver Medal
200 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Tanja Jurkovic for Readers' Favorite
Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness by T.S. Maynard is a dark and exciting story about a young girl, Nina, whose life in the Dark Ages revolves around her struggle to cope with the loss of her father while growing up in a small village. One day, a horrific event changes everything. After the dreadful attack by a ferocious beast on her village and her neighbors, panic and fear took over their almost idyllic rural life. Nina and the remaining villagers had to seek refuge in the reigning lord’s castle. Dark days descended on the people and the nobility, as they now had to do whatever they could to survive. Nina had to be careful where to put her trust to protect her mother and the rest of the villagers, in a place where safety was merely an illusion while fighting the darkness to survive.
T.S. Maynard pulls the reader into a dark time when human life was not valued as much, while, at the same time, creating danger that is almost invisible to the human eye. Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness is a story of survival, love, and care for one another. Maynard eloquently explores different states of human nature in unexpected and life-threatening situations. The character of Nina slowly grows from a scared young girl to that same girl finding her strength and power while facing imminent danger, which results in a culmination of events that lead to a surprising ending. Nina’s story is not for the faint of heart; however, it will take the reader to a different world than ours, making them envision and better understand the characters in this powerful story of love, loss, and finding one's strength.
Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness by T.S. Maynard is a dark and exciting story about a young girl, Nina, whose life in the Dark Ages revolves around her struggle to cope with the loss of her father while growing up in a small village. One day, a horrific event changes everything. After the dreadful attack by a ferocious beast on her village and her neighbors, panic and fear took over their almost idyllic rural life. Nina and the remaining villagers had to seek refuge in the reigning lord’s castle. Dark days descended on the people and the nobility, as they now had to do whatever they could to survive. Nina had to be careful where to put her trust to protect her mother and the rest of the villagers, in a place where safety was merely an illusion while fighting the darkness to survive.
T.S. Maynard pulls the reader into a dark time when human life was not valued as much, while, at the same time, creating danger that is almost invisible to the human eye. Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness is a story of survival, love, and care for one another. Maynard eloquently explores different states of human nature in unexpected and life-threatening situations. The character of Nina slowly grows from a scared young girl to that same girl finding her strength and power while facing imminent danger, which results in a culmination of events that lead to a surprising ending. Nina’s story is not for the faint of heart; however, it will take the reader to a different world than ours, making them envision and better understand the characters in this powerful story of love, loss, and finding one's strength.
Recommend this book:
Charting the Course
Leslea Wahl
2024 Finalist
226 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Charting the Course is a YA mystery and adventure novel by Leslea Wahl. Liz Kennedy is tired of shuttling between her parents' homes in Minnesota and Illinois after their divorce. When her father takes her on a cruise for his high school reunion, Liz is convinced it will be ten long days. Liz has a strained relationship with her father, which manifests itself in some self-destructive behavior. She strikes up a burgeoning friendship with a boy her age named Cole. Meanwhile, she continues to follow the clues of a scavenger hunt. When called upon to save the job of one of the ship's staff who's been wrongfully accused of theft, Liz feels guilty and falls back on her faith. However, someone else has the stolen items, and Liz must now get to the bottom of the mystery.
With a touch of mystery, romance, and intrigue, Leslea Wahl delivers the perfect sleuth adventure yarn for young adults. Charting the Course is a captivating tale of a young woman's journey of self-discovery. Wahl masterfully incorporates themes of faith and forgiveness into the story, showing how making amends for past mistakes and forgiving oneself can help a person turn their life around. The plot has a couple of unexpected twists that I never saw coming. However, the main highlight of the book is the characters. Wahl's characters have depth and layers to them, and this makes them so compelling to read. The relationship between Liz and her father feels genuine and realistic. I also enjoyed the blooming romance between Liz and Cole. Overall, this is a riveting novel I highly recommend to young adult readers.
Charting the Course is a YA mystery and adventure novel by Leslea Wahl. Liz Kennedy is tired of shuttling between her parents' homes in Minnesota and Illinois after their divorce. When her father takes her on a cruise for his high school reunion, Liz is convinced it will be ten long days. Liz has a strained relationship with her father, which manifests itself in some self-destructive behavior. She strikes up a burgeoning friendship with a boy her age named Cole. Meanwhile, she continues to follow the clues of a scavenger hunt. When called upon to save the job of one of the ship's staff who's been wrongfully accused of theft, Liz feels guilty and falls back on her faith. However, someone else has the stolen items, and Liz must now get to the bottom of the mystery.
With a touch of mystery, romance, and intrigue, Leslea Wahl delivers the perfect sleuth adventure yarn for young adults. Charting the Course is a captivating tale of a young woman's journey of self-discovery. Wahl masterfully incorporates themes of faith and forgiveness into the story, showing how making amends for past mistakes and forgiving oneself can help a person turn their life around. The plot has a couple of unexpected twists that I never saw coming. However, the main highlight of the book is the characters. Wahl's characters have depth and layers to them, and this makes them so compelling to read. The relationship between Liz and her father feels genuine and realistic. I also enjoyed the blooming romance between Liz and Cole. Overall, this is a riveting novel I highly recommend to young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
The Dark Prince of Lazera
E. Croxton, Rachel
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Rachel E. Croxton’s The Dark Prince of Lazera transports readers to the enchanting world of Zormonia, where Simina, a poor girl from the village of Lazera, finds solace in the pages of her beloved books. Simina’s favorite tales of fairy tales and romance offer her an escape from her mundane reality. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a mysterious book titled The Dark Prince of Lazera, which speaks of an evil prince with dark magic. Initially skeptical of the book's claims, Simina's disbelief is shattered by a fateful encounter that brings the dark prince into her reality, setting off a chain of events that forever alter her life.
Rachel Croxton excels in weaving a captivating plot that blends the allure of fantasy with the complexities of personal growth and discovery. Simina’s character is well-developed, her love for books making her relatable to readers who share her passion for stories. The dark prince is equally compelling, a figure shrouded in mystery and power. The incredible world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into the vibrant landscape of Zormonia. It further enhances the narrative and makes it work for this particular genre. Fans of YA fantasy will appreciate the novel’s blend of magic, adventure, and romance. The author's ability to craft a narrative that keeps readers on edge, combined with relatable characters and a well-paced plot, makes The Dark Prince of Lazera a must-read for those who crave an escape into a fantastical world filled with intrigue and enchantment.
Rachel E. Croxton’s The Dark Prince of Lazera transports readers to the enchanting world of Zormonia, where Simina, a poor girl from the village of Lazera, finds solace in the pages of her beloved books. Simina’s favorite tales of fairy tales and romance offer her an escape from her mundane reality. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a mysterious book titled The Dark Prince of Lazera, which speaks of an evil prince with dark magic. Initially skeptical of the book's claims, Simina's disbelief is shattered by a fateful encounter that brings the dark prince into her reality, setting off a chain of events that forever alter her life.
Rachel Croxton excels in weaving a captivating plot that blends the allure of fantasy with the complexities of personal growth and discovery. Simina’s character is well-developed, her love for books making her relatable to readers who share her passion for stories. The dark prince is equally compelling, a figure shrouded in mystery and power. The incredible world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into the vibrant landscape of Zormonia. It further enhances the narrative and makes it work for this particular genre. Fans of YA fantasy will appreciate the novel’s blend of magic, adventure, and romance. The author's ability to craft a narrative that keeps readers on edge, combined with relatable characters and a well-paced plot, makes The Dark Prince of Lazera a must-read for those who crave an escape into a fantastical world filled with intrigue and enchantment.
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