Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Last POW by Howard Cohen follows Jax Wilder, a CIA operative tasked with extracting Vitaly Sonkin, a Russian scientist secretly living under the alias Robert Miller—a former American pilot who defected to the USSR decades earlier. After a covert meeting and preparations, Jax infiltrates Sarov, a highly restricted Russian city where Sonkin works on sensitive military technology. Sonkin plans to defect to the West, bringing critical knowledge about a virus embedded in Russian aircraft systems. To escape Sarov, Jax and Sonkin must evade relentless Russian security forces, including the FSB led by Yuri Bykov. Using disguises and up against brutal confrontations and a dangerous trek through forests toward the Latvian border, allies are lost or killed, and Jax faces impossible choices to ensure Sonkin’s safe extraction. All this unfolds while under intense pursuit by Russian military and intelligence units desperate to prevent the defection.

The Last POW by Howard Cohen is an intense thriller that offers a sharply written and tightly paced story of loyalty and survival under relentless pursuit. Cohen’s crisp prose and clear, direct style are perfect in a tale that moves at a clipping speed, and with a momentum that draws readers into a world of spycraft, quick and covert maneuvers, and deadly decisions. I thought that the character interactions were really convincing, the organic dialogue contributed greatly to the plot's urgency, and the detailed descriptions of tactics and terrain grounded Cohen's writing, bringing realism to the chase. Rather than relying on melodrama, Cohen maintains an even tone that respects the gravity of the situation and the calculated actions of each member. The plot’s progression feels natural, avoiding unnecessary detours, and the balance between action sequences and backstory allows us to fully appreciate the resourcefulness of each player. Overall, an excellent read. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite

Casi McLean's Between the Shadows is the third installment in the captivating Lake Lanier Mysteries series. It tells the story of two 21st-century friends, Mackenzie Reynolds (Kenzi) and Attaway York, who end up time-traveling to 1865 Georgia and end up amid the Civil War period. Their adventure is prompted by York, who stumbles upon a young woman stuck in a time loop originating from her timeline back in 1865. Dedicated to rescuing the woman (Izzy) from her fate, York convinces Kenzi, who has a time travel device called Tess, to travel to Izzy's era and intervene on the young woman's behalf. When the two friends venture into the 19th century, they both embark on separate storylines. York rushes to save his beloved Izzy, while Kenzi falls in love with James, a Civil War soldier who is badly wounded. Can she save his life?

Between the Shadows is a compelling time travel novel that incorporates history, romance, and paranormal elements. The action is non-stop, and it meticulously merges two stories across different eras. I love how each storyline affects the other and possibly the entire outcome of history. But don't worry! If you are new to the time travel genre, everything comes together perfectly in the end. Overall, this novel is well-composed. The time travel aspects are developed and explained in a manner that makes it easy for readers to understand. I love the cast of characters that have been established throughout the narrative. Casi McLean has woven a very detailed and engaging story around them. The twists and turns kept me guessing the whole time. I love the mind-blowing reveal at the end! I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. I'm already eager to see what Casi McLean regales her fans with next.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The Fell Deeds of Fate by C.J. Adrien is a thrilling and immersive start to The Saga of Hasting the Accursed. Set against the backdrop of the Viking Age, this story offers a blend of historical intrigue, personal ambition, and the complex ties of loyalty and betrayal. Hasting, a Viking chieftain haunted by his infamous reputation and visions of the wolf Fenrir, is a compelling protagonist. The narrative examines his quest for redemption and revenge as he strives to restore his honor and navigate the complex web of alliances and enmities that shape his world. His fierce yet deeply flawed character illustrates the rich tapestry of human complexity, propelling the story forward with emotional depth.

C.J. Adrien’s meticulous attention to historical detail vividly recreates the Viking world, from the intricacies of shipbuilding and Norse warfare to the cultural dynamics of the era. The descriptions of Hasting’s home, the politics of Armorica, and the brutal realities of raiding and survival create an immersive atmosphere that transports readers to the harsh beauty of the 9th century. Hasting’s visions of Fenrir are a powerful metaphor for his internal struggles, adding mysticism that complements the historical narrative. While the plot is intricate, it remains engaging, balancing action, political intrigue, and introspection. The supporting characters add richness to the narrative. Bjarki, Hasting’s loyal yet straightforward comrade, adds moments of levity and wisdom, while Reifdis, Hasting’s wife, introduces tension and a sharp emotional edge to the story. Their interactions illuminate the personal stakes intertwined with Hasting’s greater ambitions, anchoring the epic scope in intimate, relatable conflicts. The Fell Deeds of Fate is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mythological undertones, making it a must-read for fans of Viking tales and epic sagas. Adrien crafts a world as brutal as it is captivating, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

The Treasure of Tundvala Gap is an engaging adventure by Jeffrey K. Schmoll. Angola, 1984 - Colonel Juan Mateus de Silva thinks of his family and the hidden treasure as the UNITA enemy advances. He doubts he will survive the battle. In California in 2009, the colonel’s grandson, Mateus, visits his estranged dying grandmother in Santa Domingo, Cuba. He receives a cigar box containing old letters from his grandfather and one of them is a cryptic poem about the treasure’s location. Mateus and his friends, Tay and Muni, decide to search for it. Muni, a computer hacker, assists with the “red tape,” while Tay and Mateus travel to Angola to follow the poem’s clues. Romania, an Angolan, becomes their guide, but danger seems to follow them everywhere. General Ilidio has invested much time and money to claim what he believes is rightfully his and win his father’s respect.

Jeffrey K. Schmoll’s The Treasure of Tundvala Gap is a suspenseful adventure that captivated me with the remarkable and brave Colonel Juan de Silva and his grandson, Mateus, who matured quite a bit on his treasure-hunting mission. He is clever, deep-thinking, and compassionate. Tay and Muni are strong-willed, fun characters who make the story entertaining. I love the Indiana Jones imagery in the action and adventure that kept taking me between the past in Cuba and Angola with Colonel de Silva and then to the present with Mateus. The author's writing left me feeling various emotions as many parts are touching and intriguing. I recommend The Treasure of Tundvala Gap for much reading enjoyment.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and environmental grief told through poetry. Through the unlikely romance between two Great White sharks, this unique story explores connection, vulnerability, and the devastating impact of human interference in the natural world. Emotionally powerful and beautifully written, this collection of poems is a must-read for lovers of eco-poetry and unconventional love stories that stay with you long after the final page.

Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a breathtaking and genre-defying tale that pulses with lyricism, love, and ecological heartbreak. Told entirely through poetry, this hauntingly beautiful story brings two Great White sharks into an almost mythic love story beneath the waves. What begins as an unexpected connection between two isolated beings quickly deepens into a tender exploration of companionship, vulnerability, and resilience in a world slowly unravelling. Pontus and Electra’s bond is achingly pure, built on shared loss and the discovery that even in the vast, indifferent ocean, someone can truly see you. Hershenson writes with poetic mastery as the verses in each poem are saturated with emotion, weaving environmental commentary into the narrative without ever sacrificing the depth of the story. This book is perfect for readers looking for something fresh and different. This collection is the perfect lyrical storytelling for anyone looking for a unique book of poems. I found myself enjoying this more than I could have imagined, and I look forward to more works from this author.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Tales From the Texas Timberlands by J. Andrew Rice comprises five short stories inspired by those told on Texas porches. They present very different characters and deal with many themes and situations. In the first story, we are on a farm where we meet Billy and Jim Colter and Billy's sons, Luke and Matt, all busy with the cattle. In the second story, a white man, Matthew Brunson, talks to an elderly Black woman and makes some reflections. Then, we follow Kenneth Howell as he decides to run for county commissioner. The next hero is a young boy named John, who hopes to stay out of trouble (different from his friend, Ike). Finally, we meet Travis Knight and learn about his work in hay fields and his vicissitudes with girls, sports, and bullying.

Reading Tales From the Texas Timberlands was fascinating. I have never visited Texas, but reading this book allowed me to take an imaginary but exciting journey to a place where you can find everything from cowboys to county commissioners. The book's strength lies in the skillful presentation of events that seem taken from real life. J. Andrew Rice created original characters and described them so well that you feel you personally know them. Many times, my only regret was that the story was over, but I will forever remember Matthew Brunson's reflections and the help that young John received. I recommend this book to all lovers of short stories, and I hope they enjoy spending time with these unique and fascinating characters.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

An error in programming the nanobots almost causes the extinction of the human race. Can they be re-programmed to save the rest of humanity? A woman investigates the murder of a man of the cloth, only to discover that she was the intended target. Can she solve the mystery? And, more important, will she survive? Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis’s The KEAK Anthology has many diverse themes in this collection of short stories, flash fiction, and novel excerpts. Some of the stories can be classified as literary fiction, while others are more clearly defined as mystery, thriller, historical nonfiction, science fiction, romance, and realistic. The author takes an idea and weaves a magical web of tangents and parameters around a compelling plot that captures the reader’s attention.

Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis’s The KEAK Anthology: A Collection of Short Stories and Much More is an intense look at this author’s literary career and that of her father, Artemios Korkidis, who wrote some of the stories. Each story is well constructed with a thorough consideration of plot development, characterization, narrative, and dialogue. The book itself is divided into three sections: short stories, flash fiction, and excerpts from five different (already published) novels. The author’s writing is engaging and entertaining, drawing the reader in right from the start. The author has a diverse interest in genres and themes and illustrates her succinct ability in each story she shares. This is a wonderful collection to be enjoyed over an extended period. There is something for everyone’s tastes in this collection.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Echoes of the Arcane is an eclectic collection of short stories and poetry by Cody D. Campbell. After years, a young woman revisits the previously quarantined woods near her grandparents' home and discovers that people have yet to learn from past mistakes. When people inexplicably lose their ability to see the color blue, a teenager grows up reminiscing about the world as it was, like everyone around him, until someone comes into his life and gives him a new perspective. A man equates the tumultuous events in his life to facing a pack of predatory wolves. Plagued by guilt over the death of his lover, an artist wakes up from a terrible nightmare with a new resolve. A dream catcher tries to protect a young boy from his nightmares while his parents go through a divorce.

Cody D. Campbell presents short story lovers with a diverse collection of tales in different genres, including science fiction and fantasy, alongside some mesmerizing complementary poetry. The stories in Echoes of the Arcane are tragic, poignant, and sometimes heartbreaking. They move you in ways that you never see coming. Almost all of Campbell's characters face different kinds of adverse situations, and something happens to them that changes the course of their lives. Each story offers readers a fresh perspective on human behavior and the human experience in general. Campbell also excels in seamlessly traversing different kinds of genres, from one story to the other, using their distinct elements to enhance the narrative and craft an enthralling anthology. This book is a must-read for all short story readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't recommend it highly enough.

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

Cry of the Kestrel: Book Two of The Bardic Isles Series by the talented Marla Himeda reunites us with Kaelin, a gifted Bardic apprentice. Now Kaelin is twelve years old, and four Masters of the Bardic Order have agreed to train him. So, Kaelin is sailing to the island of Eyrie to learn the lute from Master Talan. After three months on Eyrie, Kaelin is to learn flute from Master Marek on the isle of Zephyr, vocal skills from Master Rial on Lyra, and harp from Master Grened on Elegy. But Master Talan accuses Kaelin of stealing his tuning fork, and Kaelin’s future falls into the hands of the Bardic Council. If Kaelin does not admit to theft but the Council finds him guilty, Kaelin will be banned from playing Bardic musical instruments forever. How will Kaelin’s life unfold after this accusation?

Having listened to the prequel audiobook Master of Music, I was delighted to reunite with Kaelin in Cry of the Kestrel, and I loved it even more than the prequel. I loved how the cover reflects the storyline. I felt that this novel was packed with unique and rare wisdom, and I would listen to it again and discover it anew. I enjoyed the dilemmas of honesty, bravery, humility, and perseverance Kaelin faced. As a lawyer, I loved how the novel vividly distinguished between the concepts of accused and guilty, the debate at the Bardic Council, and the concerns triggered by the unyielding and inflexible Bardic laws. But most of all, I liked how Kaelin transformed the lives of the Bardic Masters who trained him.

The audiobook quality was superb. Listening to Will Hahn’s narration, I visualized Kaelin’s Master Bergid as Harry Potter’s Professor Dumbledore. I also liked how Will represented all the other characters, portraying their thoughts and emotions with only his voice. Did you train with Master Ryal, Will? I also loved all the musical episodes, but most of all, the quintessential song of Elegy Mountain. I look forward to escaping to the Bardic Isles in the upcoming third book, Rider of the Wind, and I highly recommend Cry of the Kestrel to anyone who likes fantasy and music. The dilemmas in this novel also make it a great fit for school moot competitions and book club debates.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

The Very Last War, a political thriller bestseller by W.H. Hawthorne, is far from my usual reading genres. However, the superb narration by Nathan Moore drew me into the story with his first words about Jake O’Connor, a 13-year-old boy living in Alaska who would become the unlikely President of the United States. How did this happen? And why was the title of this novel The Very Last War? The combination of excellent writing by W.H. Hawthorne and narration that breathed life into every character and event ensured I would find the answers. Until I did, I couldn’t put the book down.

Given current events, it’s not hard to imagine the world’s major powers like China and Russia joining forces with various European powers and saying, “Enough is enough.” So, is what happens in this novel plausible? Yes. Is it probable or even likely? W.H. Hawthorne offers a plot that is most convincing in its developments as France emerges as the country with a plan and the other superpowers come on board. Together, they believe they have the ultimate weapon. But of course, as you would expect from an American author who believes in his country, so does the US. The US also has a superior air force, army, and navy, and, not to be taken lightly, the largest population raised under the Second Amendment: American citizens have a huge stash of guns, and they know how to use them. Combine that with an ultimate technologically advanced weapon and good old American fervor when it comes to the US, and the winner of this war is guaranteed.

My enjoyment of an audiobook is very much dependent on the narrator. What impressed me the most was the superb performance by Nathan Moore. He delivered exchanges between the characters with feeling, bringing those characters to life. Even when the writing turned into solid narration, there was such passion in his voice that I never lost interest. The audio file was free of blips, crackles or other distortions. As an audiobook, this deserves an A+.