Reviewed by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. for Readers' Favorite

Ever the Same by Michelle Wishner is an intriguing story about a teenager named Sam who moves with her family during her senior year because her father receives a promotion at work. Having to separate from her best friend Becky, she must adjust to the new area, including her new school. Sam inevitably meets up with a handsome young man named Conner, who is captain of the hockey team. They seem to have an instant connection, but Conner has secrets of his own; things he has not revealed that could make their relationship complicated. Jake is another teenager on the hockey team who is attracted to Sam, and his competitive nature with Conner shows. Sam has to survive the year alongside her new friends.

Ever the Same features a fast-paced narrative with alternating points of view. Michelle Wishner created realistic characters that will captivate you as the plot unfolds. It was fun to see Conner and Jake's relationship progress as they ran into each other in different areas, all because of Sam. It was wonderful to see how friends can be like family because of Sam's relationship with Becky, Jess, Rachel, and Lynn. Michelle Wishner created a fantastic twist near the conclusion of this tale. Bibliophiles will root for Sam after everything she goes through. After reading Ever the Same and thinking about it, the book cover makes sense. Ever the Same will entertain readers regardless if the characters are at school, hanging out, or talking over the phone.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

From The Sky by J. E. Nicassio is a riveting blend of romance, mystery, and interstellar intrigue that captivates readers from the first page. The story follows Samantha Hunter, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a miraculous escape from a deadly car crash. Little does she know, her savior is Lucien Foster, a mysterious boy with eyes like the cosmos, whose true nature and intentions remain shrouded in mystery. When Lucien and Samantha begin to nurture the attraction they feel for each other, they draw the attention of the MJ 12, a shadowy government organization that will stop at nothing to harness the power unleashed by their attraction. Heart-pounding action, tender romance, and spine-tingling suspense create a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

From the chaotic aftermath of the car crash to the clandestine pursuit by shadowy governmental forces, every scene is imbued with a sense of urgency and intrigue that propels the story forward. The characters are lovable and cleverly executed, and the plot is intriguing. Samantha's journey of self-discovery and grit is compellingly portrayed as she navigates the challenges of loss, love, and the unknown. Likewise, Lucien's enigmatic presence creates an atmosphere of mystery and danger. The romance between Samantha and Lucien is both tender and tumultuous. As they embrace their forbidden love amidst a universe-spanning conspiracy, their chemistry leaps off the page, drawing readers into their passionate and complex relationship. From The Sky blends different genres, effortlessly moving between moments of heart-pounding action and quiet introspection. Whether it's a brutal confrontation between Lucien and his brother Cassiel or a tender moment of intimacy between Samantha and Lucien, each scene is expertly crafted to evoke a range of emotions in the reader. I was invested in the characters, the beautiful worldbuilding, and the phenomenal conflict. Fans of I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore will be thrilled by this novel.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Dev and Raya are from Solaran Prime, a distant planet from Earth. Right now, Raya is on Earth with new friends she has made who are like family to her. Did Dev make the right decision to leave her on Earth, and how will her two-year wait turn out? Meanwhile, she decides to study for her doctorate, and she is also scanning for signals from her home planet. Dev had thought of turning the Dauntless around before entering cryosleep to go back for his girlfriend, but he didn't. Back in Solara, he has to answer for stealing a ship to go after Raya. Will he be punished for it? In Solara, things are getting out of hand with the terrorists. To find out how things turn out with Dr. Raya and the hunt for the heartless terrorists, get a copy of Down Comes the Dark: Elemental Book 2 by Liane Mahugh.

Down Comes the Dark by Liane Mahugh is a must-read! Sometimes science fiction can be tedious because of too much jargon, but not this book. I was hooked from the first chapter to the last. Despite this being the second in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The plot flows flawlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. Liane also utilized suspense to great effect, which kept me on the edge of my seat. The fast-paced narration kept me intrigued and entertained. The characters are also well-developed, and the reader will appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the book accessible to all kinds of readers. I cannot wait to read something else by this talented author.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

A futuristic cyberpunk retelling of a classic fairytale like no other finds Jack, a young woman born missing an arm and a leg, fighting for the survival of her family and herself. Into the BeanStalk by J. Paul Roe follows Jack on her treacherous journey as she tries to pay off her debt to a notorious gang of bikers and save her father from corporate slavery. All the while, it seems something far more sinister lurks above the city Jack calls home.

Into the BeanStalk by J. Paul Roe is an exciting new take on the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk. I didn’t think I would love this book as much as I did, but between the relatable characters and the gritty setting, I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. While I usually don’t read cyberpunk books, I can safely say that this one has a familiar but different plotline, descriptive and imaginative world-building, and wonderful characters.

Jack is the kind of protagonist you root for regardless of the trouble she seems to get herself into, and while she may not be perfect, her flaws make her such an endearing character. Her struggles and motivations felt so real that I couldn’t help but become emotionally invested, and by the end of the book, it felt like I had been on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. Into the BeanStalk is a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

In Brian Penn's The Wall, it is 2099 in the United States, and decades have passed since the once-brilliant beacon of hope and freedom devolved into authoritarianism and enslavement, fueled by greed, negligence, and the desire for immortality. In 2050, science brought about the second-life protocol. This involved giving people a second chance at life after they died. But first-lifers lived dangerously, and leaders resolved to revoke second-life rights. Then Zion's ruler, Renatus, led all first-lifers into The Wall. But the process means taking the life of another—lives Renatus secretly harvests from the MiddleLand. The Middle lies behind a giant, almost square, translucent Wall towering a hundred feet and coursing 100,000 volts from old America's Northern Wyoming to former New Mexico and back. Here, Renatus' contraband laws and his near-invincible army rule with an iron fist, terrorizing a people deemed low-class to the point of hopelessness. In this desolate wasteland, we meet Asher, the last son of the Defiance. This 25-year-old contraband mule is set on finding his lost love (who is on the other side of the Wall) and making those responsible for her "death" pay dearly. But this is a world where any revolt against oppression is shattered, and resistance is met with painful executions. Asher must blindly march into the lion's den to reunite with Sarai and be the leader, the elite warrior he was born to be.
 
One of the many lessons I gathered from The Wall is that sometimes to survive you have to do things you'd consider dishonorable under normal conditions. There were several heart-wrenching moments, and this book kept me glued from the first pages to the last. Penn's characters evoke emotions, and the descriptions are so vivid that you can almost hear whining drones in the distance and sense the turmoil and carnage coursing through the coliseum. For every next minute he's alive, Asher must traverse trials set to kill in an instant and take down blood-lusting warlords and gladiators. Every step is fraught with disaster yet propelled by hope and determination. Every moving part builds to a climactic, worthwhile end, and the narrative is told by crafting together key players' perspectives, immersing readers even deeper in the moment. If you enjoy fast-paced action, adventure, thrills, and feats with the highest stakes, check out this award-winning dystopian novel by Brian Penn. I would not recommend it to sensitive readers because of the gory battle scenes.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

The Neverborn by B. B. Brighton is a gripping dystopian novel set in the year 2048, where every newborn receives a chip containing their social security number and identification. Kekoa, however, is a Neverborn—saved by an abortionist without his mother's knowledge or consent. Raised secretly on the island of Kauai, Kekoa's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers his true origins during a pig hunt in a remote canyon. To protect the couple who raised him, he must flee into a world he is ill-prepared for, having only been trained in wilderness survival. Faced with the dangers of thieves and murderers who wish to exploit him, Kekoa grapples with the choice of becoming a fugitive or fighting in a brutal war. His journey demands immense courage and faith as he strives to carve out a life and find love in a perilous world.

B. B. Brighton's The Neverborn excels in weaving a taut, compelling narrative that explores profound themes of identity, survival, and resilience. The plot is richly layered, combining intense action with deep emotional undertones, ensuring readers remain engrossed from start to finish. Kekoa is a complex and relatable protagonist, whose internal struggles and external challenges are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. The supporting characters add further richness to the story, each bringing their own unique perspectives and emotional weight. The world-building is exceptional, vividly depicting a dystopian society where technology and human rights intersect in unsettling ways. The harsh realities of Kekoa's world are rendered with striking detail, immersing readers in his journey. The Neverborn is a standout in dystopian fiction, offering a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching tale that will resonate with fans of the genre.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

The Ghosts of Minera Springs is a young adult mystery by Charles Franklin. The book starts by transporting us to Minera Springs in the summer of 1982. When ten-year-old Tobi Sloan is sent to live with her grandparents at the farm, she can't wait to find adventure in her new home. Things get even more interesting when she meets Riley Cockerham, a witty ten-year-old boy with lots of spooky ghost stories about Minera Springs, one of which concerns an old bride who murdered her husband long ago. Rumor has it that she still roams the woods. For the next three years, Riley and Tobi spend most of their free time together on exciting adventures down by the creek until they head into a dilapidated old mansion rumored to be the residence where the Union Hill Bride brutally ended her husband's life. The ghost that Riley believed to roam the woods is as real as can be. Only this time, they are going back to help confront and vanquish the wickedness dwelling at the very core of Minera Springs.

I couldn't resist this classic. The book is packed with lots of action, not to mention the hilarious moments that will have you chuckling to yourself. Charles Franklin's well-constructed, vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue will seamlessly transport you into the narrative. So extensively narrated are the scenes that you can visualize the fireflies floating down by the creek bed as darkness sets in and almost smell Maw Blanch's bacon and eggs. My tranquil mood would shift to nervous alertness every time Riley was alone, quietly traversing the rough terrain, and hearing a stick snap behind in a thick patch of undergrowth. I couldn't shake the feeling that the creatures thought to live under the bridge, or that the witches rumored to be buried somewhere in the lake, were back and lurking. I commend Franklin's choice of the first-person point of view as the primary narration style. The unique characterization and storyline are better experienced first-hand. With heavy suspense, nail-biting twists of events, well-fleshed-out characters, thrilling action, and adventures, and the intricacies of young love, The Ghosts of Minera Springs has it all.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

In August 1975, Ambassador Rodney Williams was shot dead at an outdoor cafe in Tokyo. This tragedy occurred in front of his son Tommy while they celebrated his graduation from Annapolis. The world-class assassin was a Russian called the Chameleon. Tommy couldn’t match his expertise just yet, so he switched career paths to undergo grueling training with the SEALs. In July 1979 in Gazi, Kenya, Makena, the great-granddaughter of the legendary Tumaini, continued her ancestor’s legacy. With the help of Undersecretary Bosher, Makena would foil kidnapping and slavery attempts by the Arab nations. The duo stepped on toes, and it spelled doom. Tommy was also on his first assignment at the same time against a kidnapping party, and his opponent was the Chameleon. Can anyone trap a chameleon? Find out in The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson.

Few books provoke a standing ovation and applause from me, but The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson cut it. Everything about this fantastic and action-packed page-turner was excellent. I was impressed by the continuity, plot, dialogue, writing style, pace, and unpredictable storyline. Dan tackled the story from two sides (Africa and the West) and merged them with finesse at the center. I enjoyed witnessing how the male and female protagonists determined the tide and balance of this novel. The characters were consistent, carefully developed, and made a lasting impression. This book drew me in, moving through themes like deception, politics, corruption, humor, love, bravery, integrity, determination, and more. I never imagined Bosher and Adessa. Wow! That woman made me proud, even though Tommy was my most favorite. I felt like Alysha was a little too much, and Captain/Admiral Fargo had my respect. This novel deserves a sequel.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

The Witchfinder's Serpent is the first installment in The Witches of Windsor series by Rande Goodwin. In the mid-seventeenth century, Malleus Hodge, Witchfinder General, is thrilled to finally execute an honest-to-goodness witch. His only regret is missing out on catching the witch's daughter, who would have been a mighty grand find for his collection. Almost 400 years later, Nate and Marc Watson bury their father, who'd just died of cancer. Shortly after, Nate and Marc move in with their Aunt Celia and are given just one rule of the house to obey: the locked room on the second floor is strictly out of bounds. After hearing voices from the forbidden room, the boys give in to their curiosity and steal their aunt's key, unleashing a world they never thought possible. Everything beyond the door looks magical and mysteriously innocent, with trinkets and tools possibly relating to witchcraft. But after a snake buries its fangs in Nate's arm, and a bottle falls from its shelf, cracking and unleashing the deadly prisoner from within, the boys learn the hard way what true evil looks like.

The Witchfinder's Serpent, Rande Goodwin's first installment of the series, was captivating, mysterious, sad, and shocking, and it was not long before my loathing of the evil Witchfinder hit its peak. I enjoyed how the book's chapters jumped between the hysteria of the witch trials to the present day, as it helped me become immersed in the story quite nicely. The bullying aspect of the book was very well written and detailed what had caused the school bullies to become so vicious and spiteful at such a young age. Life is difficult for young teens at the best of times after the death of a parent, but putting bullying into the mix certainly added to the strain of trying to fit into a scary new world. I could easily relate to the two boys in the storyline, and my heart went out to them as they grieved. The fact that the boys could accept the new circumstances that life was now throwing at them made for a wonderful read, and I very much look forward to the second installment in The Witches of Windsor series—a tale that I truly believe fans of magic and witchcraft stories will most definitely enjoy.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the second novel in The Dark Galaxy Series. It is intended for young adult readers and contains some mild scenes of sci-fi violence and serious themes. Penned by author Hannah D. State, this riveting sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star continues the adventures of Sam Sanderson, a twelve-year-old with a knack for stumbling into extraordinary circumstances. Now facing an interplanetary ultimatum, Sam is drafted into the Great Alliance for Interplanetary Affairs, setting the stage for a harrowing journey into the unknown. Sam's journey to the Dark Galaxy is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists. The narrative explores complex themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. As Sam navigates a maze of lies and dark secrets, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher.

Author Hannah D. State has crafted a superb novel that’s a really immersive experience with a deft combination of intriguing mystery, vividly described adventure, and larger-than-life characters leaping off the pages into action. What I found most compelling was the portrayal of Sam's personal growth, which is handled with emotional resonance, close personal narration, and a great sense of humanity in speech and thought presentation. The book raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of our technological advancements, and this is created as a solid backdrop to the tale without overtaking the action. Overall, Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a thrilling continuation of Sam's adventures, offering both excitement and introspection, and I would highly recommend it for YA sci-fi fans everywhere.