Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Abigail Cutter’s The Last of What I Am is a riveting and well-crafted historical novel about a Confederate soldier and the American Civil War. The narrator is the ghost of Tom Smiley, a Confederate veteran from Bethel in Augusta County, in southwestern Virginia. Tom’s spirit continues to live in his family home in Bethel into the 21st century. Tom’s memories of the Civil War and his profound remorse at the death and devastation caused by the war will not let his spirit rest. His sense of who he is, everything in his life, and his family’s life from the 19th century is still in the farmhouse. All that changes abruptly when the new owners, Harry and Phoebe Hunter, begin significant renovations of the home. Tom’s heart breaks as his memories are ripped away. His anger grows. Phoebe senses a ghostly presence as she opens closets and chests, discovering long-ago letters among many family treasures. Intuitively, with her growing awareness of the family who lived here once, she reaches out to Tom and he tells her his story about those dark and grim Civil War days. The novel twists and turns to the very end.

Profoundly moving and thought-provoking, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Last of What I Am for its remarkable characters and deeply personal narrative. I particularly liked how Tom Smiley’s character remains central to the story, as he remembers the harrowing and unforgettable days of the Civil War and then his heart-wrenching helplessness when the 21st century intrudes into his home, unaware and uncaring about his memories and his spirit. The novel gained great depth with the rich and vivid details of the other characters, Tom’s family, his boyhood friends who were also infantrymen with him, and the other Confederate soldiers Tom came to know in the war. I was deeply moved as I read the letters from Mary, Tom’s sister, during the war, and how these letters were a lifeline for him to survive at all costs and to return home. I also liked the details Abigail Cutter worked into the novel after Tom returned from the war, as well as the challenges he faced in postwar life. The interweaving of the paranormal and the layering of past and present was expertly crafted through Phoebe’s intuition, understanding, and encouragement. The Last of What I Am has complex and compelling themes; a historical and contemporary story of friendship, loyalty, family, forgiveness, and redemption.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Worst Ship in the Fleet is the first book in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series by Skyler Ramirez. After making a monumental mistake that led to the deaths of 504 civilians, Captain Brad Mendoza's military career in the Promethean Navy is in disarray. Assigned to the remote Gerson Station, Brad finds himself in command of the Persephone -- a frigate hailed as the worst ship in the Promethean Fleet. Resigned to his fate, Brad reluctantly meets his crew and soon develops an infatuation with Lieutenant Commander Jessica Lin, his beautiful and talented XO, who also has a dark past. However, on the way to a seemingly routine patrol, Brad and his crew encounter a dangerous threat they had not foreseen. Can they survive? And will Brad be able to protect his XO from her past?

A concise sci-fi novella filled with humor, heartbreak, and mystery, The Worst Ship in the Fleet takes you on an exhilarating interstellar adventure you won't want to end. Skyler Ramirez excels in crafting a compelling plot featuring characters you love to root for while others you love to hate. With a fast-paced narrative, Ramirez's sci-fi adventure tale hooks you in from the first page, and it's a thrilling ride to the finish line. A couple of well-placed twists and turns raise the stakes, and, as a reader, you find yourself hoping the main leads make it out of their situation alive. Ramirez's use of dry humor hits the nail on the head almost every time, and there were multiple instances throughout the book when I chuckled out loud. Fans of space opera science fiction will savor this one.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Sower of Black Field by Katherine Koch is a historical fiction novel set during the final days of Nazi Germany. The story follows Fr. Viktor Koch, an American priest of German heritage, who is deeply conflicted as he tries to guide his parishioners through the horrors of the Third Reich. Struggling with his own self-doubt, Viktor must protect his flock from the brutal Nazi regime while wrestling with the moral implications of their actions. As American liberators uncover a mass grave near their village, Viktor faces an ultimatum that forces him to confront the true cost of survival and humanity.

Author Katherine Koch expertly captures the moral complexity of living under a tyrannical regime, making the reader empathize with characters in impossible situations as we meet Viktor and his congregation during a horrifying period in history. The vivid and historically accurate depiction of Nazi Germany sent chills up and down my spine all too often during this tale, bringing to life the struggles and fears of ordinary people in highly relatable ways, thanks to the close attention to detail in every physical and psychological reaction in the narrative. The character development is exceptional across the board, with a host of realistic figures and authentic period dialogue and attitudes, but most particularly in portraying Viktor’s internal conflict and the transformation he attempts of those around him. The novel’s exploration of faith, guilt, and redemption is powerful and thought-provoking as an underlying theme, and this builds into a bigger picture with a pace that leaves room for moments of deep contemplation, but always flows into the next twist with confidence and impact. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Sower of Black Field to fans of realistic historical fiction.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Walk-On is an outstanding novel by Richard Podkowski. Although Mike "The Steelman" Stalowski rules the football field, he is beginning to spiral out of control. Mike played football despite suffering from severe pain and an injury for years. Mike turned to alcohol and painkillers to dull his suffering, both physical and emotional. Estranged from his wife, he unexpectedly meets Kim Richardson while still in the professional sports world. Kim saw Mike for who he was, a kind-hearted Chicagoan who had never lost sight of his humble beginnings. Mike embarks on a life-altering path as a result of significant game losses, painkillers, and excessive alcohol consumption. He was able to work through the pain and come to self-forgiveness through a path led by his mentor, a priest.

The Walk-On is a story of the lengths a player will go to in order to keep playing the game they love. The suffering they will endure, the treatments they will endure, and how the game will change their lives. The story is a page-turner, and Richard Podkowski had my attention from the start. It was easy to follow the game action, even for someone with limited football understanding. The characters were brilliantly developed and easy to relate to. I could feel Mike’s anguish and anger as he struggled with his troubles with alcohol and drugs. Mike’s fall from grace was traumatic, but he was given a chance for redemption. The story was beautifully written, and the chapters flowed into each other. It was much more than I expected and will stay with me for a while.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Four Myths is a work of fiction in the thriller, action, and suspense subgenres, and was penned by Robert Reisler. Written for the general adult reading audience, the work contains some moderate expletives but no extensively graphic content. A journal from the year 2048 sparks the fascinating action in this apocalyptic tale. When archaeologist Jack Johanssen and night watchman Randy Haverstamp happen upon this prophetic item, details of the end of the world come to light. It all seems bleak until the prophecies begin to come true, and a path lies ahead that might be the only way to stop this future from becoming a reality.

Author Robert Reisler has crafted a superb thriller. The edge-of-your-seat sense of suspense is one of the most impressive features of this book, and I loved the structure of the plot, where certain elements are revealed to add new intrigues, just as you think you know what’s really going on. It makes for an unpredictable read and leaves tons of room for the author’s clever innovations to surprise readers at every turn. I also enjoyed Jack and Randy as central figures, neither of whom were the typical action-man presentation in apocalyptic thriller novels. Their skill sets and unique personalities really shone through in the dialogue and decisions they had to make. Overall, I would highly recommend The Four Myths to fans of Stephen King-style thriller fiction and stories which pack in plenty of plot with a fast pace and exciting characters.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Gabriel Farago’s Murder on the Ghan unfolds with the gripping allure of an Australian outback tale fused with a murder mystery. The narrative kicks off with a captivating scene featuring Jimmy Bingarra, a young Aboriginal miner whose prophetic dream sets in motion a chain of events revolving around a rare opal known as Yurlunggur. This serpent-shaped gem becomes the focal point that entangles charismatic journalist Jack Rogan and virtuoso conductor Sophie Ritter in a perilous adventure. Their decision to team up leads them down a rabbit hole into the dark and menacing realm filled with biker outlaws and murder. The heart of this pulse-pounding narrative beats with palpable tension as Rogan and Ritter board the iconic Ghan railway journey, seeking refuge from their pursuers while grappling with the weight of Aboriginal Dreamtime legends and the ruthless greed of their adversaries.

Gabriel Farago masterfully intertwines elements of Australian history and culture, enriching the plot with vivid descriptions of the outback landscape and the cultural significance of the opal. He excels in character development, presenting Rogan as a resilient and quick-witted protagonist whose journalistic instincts drive him to uncover the truth behind the opal’s curse. Sophie’s evolution from a talented conductor to an unexpected ally in the face of danger adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of courage and redemption amidst chaos. Murder on the Ghan is a testament to Farago’s storytelling prowess, blending suspenseful twists with rich historical detail and cultural insights. As the plot hurtles toward a climactic showdown, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, rooting for Rogan and his allies to triumph over their ruthless foes. This is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and adventure tales set against the backdrop of Australia’s enchanting yet perilous landscape. Murder on the Ghan is a captivating read that seamlessly weaves together history, mystery, and the timeless allure of the outback, ensuring its place as a standout in contemporary crime fiction.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The God Heist is a thrilling young adult adventure novella by Jessica Flory. It tells the story of Jehn, a young apprentice priest who lives in a village located in the vast desert. Life in Jehn's village has become unbearable, with people missing and anxiety running high. However, a glimmer of hope appears when Jehn's master, Elder Yewen, informs them that they will receive moonstones containing sand gifts from the moon goddess, Atoille, which will allow them to sail across the sand and achieve many more abilities. Unfortunately, on the day of the gift-giving ceremony, the stones are stolen by Zarin, who is working for the dark god, Haraithan. Elder Yewen entrusts Jehn with the only remaining powers and gives him the task of retrieving the stolen stones. Despite being conflicted about helping the very people who did not care for him when he was starving and stranded in the streets, Jehn embarks on the journey with his friend Duma and his archnemesis Keziah.

The God Heist is a captivating tale with fascinating characters and an enjoyable storyline. The premise of a street-smart youngster trying to outwit a dark deity and save his community makes for a suspenseful read. Watching Jehn's character develop was intriguing, and the lessons he learned on his journey could be applied to real-life situations. The themes of perseverance, self-belief, empathy, and forgiveness will resonate with many readers. Jessica Flory is an imaginative writer who had me hooked from the beginning to the end of the story. The scientific details about sand and stones, as well as the enemies-to-lovers subplot, were excellent additions to the story. I did not want it to end, which is why I am eagerly anticipating a sequel. The God Heist is a must-read for anyone who enjoys young adult adventures with a touch of fantasy and romance.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Crossing the Tracks is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, interpersonal dramas, and social issues subgenres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience and mature teens wishing to learn about the dark realities of recent history. Penned by author Drew Hill, this is a powerful story set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement unfolding in Kansas City. The novel follows a white, working-class family man who takes a bold stand for justice and inclusivity amid a society marked by racism and bigotry. As history unfolds with pivotal events like Greensboro, Selma, and Memphis, the protagonist faces personal and moral challenges that force him to confront his own biases and the systemic prejudices ingrained in his community.

Author Drew Hill has crafted an enlightening experience that provides a vivid portrayal of the challenges individuals faced in confronting racial injustice during the Civil Rights Movement whilst also offering a powerful and emotive family drama at its heart. The story's authenticity and exploration of personal transformation made it a poignant and thought-provoking read that resonated long after the final page, not least because of Hill's capacity for emotional depth, creating a narrative that captures the essence of a transformative era in American society with the reality of how it directly affects people. The book shines a light on the individual's struggle against deeply rooted societal norms and offers a perspective on the significance of personal integrity and moral conviction during a tumultuous era in American history. Overall, Crossing the Tracks is a highly recommended read which delves into the complexities of family dynamics, community pressure, and personal growth, presenting a compelling narrative of one man's journey to overcome prejudice and advocate for change.

Reviewed by Keyla Damaer for Readers' Favorite

The Committee Will Kill You Now by JL Lycette is a medical thriller that takes you into the mad world of a hospital residency program. Noah, the protagonist, is a young intern struggling with a tormented past. When a fellow intern dies tragically, Noah stumbles upon a secret involving both the hospital and his deceased father. Back in the 80s, his father was a member of the committee responsible for the first dialysis trials. They basically signed the death sentences of many Americans. His father's lack of ethics and the recent loss led Noah to make a mistake that might have caused the death of a patient, and the hospital accuses him of making a mistake he didn't commit. All this causes a surge of doubts about his role as a physician.

The Committee Will Kill You Now is a gripping medical thriller with well-rounded characters that seize your attention from the start. Noah, the main character, is someone to root for, and Marah's strength and intelligence are refreshing until they aren’t. Author JL Lycette, a physician herself, doesn't shy away from difficult questions about medical ethics and the pressures physicians have to endure when practising their profession. The most impactful scene for me, as a woman, was the one inside the O.R. when Andrews asks what Marah is wearing under her scrubs. Overall, I recommend The Committee Will Kill You Now to anyone who enjoys a good medical thriller with a thought-provoking twist.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way is a novel by Jeffrey Blount. Ostracized by his family after a visit to a prostitute is sensationalized in the media, a well-known Black billionaire flees Washington, D.C. amid the heartbreaking ending of his marriage to seek seclusion and anonymity in rural Mississippi. Expecting an idyllic setting like his childhood, he arrives to find instead that the bungalow he bought online is in a dilapidated neighborhood. Families live in abject poverty, their houses are unfit for habitation, the schools are failing the children, and basic government services are inadequate or nonexistent. Can he help his neighbors find a path to hopefulness and prosperity even if it means becoming the target of a racist town leader who wants him gone?

In Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way, Jeffrey Blount gives us an utterly inspirational story of transformation at both the personal and community levels through the power of love, hope, and charity. I enjoyed reading this book, especially the way the author addressed practical solutions to poverty and restoring hopefulness and dignity. I appreciated the significant role that Mr. Jimmy’s parents were given in inculcating positive values in him as a boy. These underpinned his life and actions as a man. The intrinsic goodness of many characters is heartwarming while the evil, injustice, and unkindness of others is a sad note on the struggle that many Americans still face due to racism. The narrative is engaging and well-paced and weaves a complex tapestry of characters, plot, and theme. Highly recommended.