Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite

The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer by Laxmi Hariharan is a YA dystopian novel set in the city of Mumbai. Soon after a terrifying encounter with a subway pervert propels her out of the hustle and grind of her everyday life, Ruby Iyer, the titular heroine, a fiercely independent and forthright young woman, finds herself on a mission to rescue her kidnapped best friend, Pankaj, from the clutches of a maniacal doctor determined to tear down the city. In a fast paced thrill ride of a novel, Ruby must do what she can to stave off disaster and save her best friend.

The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer by Laxmi Hariharan is a very exciting read. When it starts off, though Hariharan does a good job of drawing you in, you're not quite sure what The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is going to be about. However, while you're reading you can never quite shake off the ominous feeling as the story moves on. That feeling continues to build all the way up until the fateful incident at the train station. I absolutely love Laxmi Hariharan's beautifully evocative descriptions when it comes to smells; the author has a way of really bringing the scenes to life. Her character Ruby Iyer is far from two-dimensional; she is an interesting web of motivations, determination, sadness, and intellect. A creative story wrapped around a taut, gritty, dystopian plot, and featuring a fiercely independent, if sometimes immature heroine, The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer is one hell of a read!

Reviewed by Maria Stoica for Readers' Favorite

Zephyr the West Wind by R.J. Tolson is the first book in the young adult fantasy series, Chaos Chronicles. Zephyr has the gift of understanding other people’s emotions, but he never managed to understand its use while growing up alone, isolated and hated by the other villagers on the small island of Dentro. Years ago, his mother had broken the village law by having a child with an outsider. Zephyr’s father had disappeared before his birth and his mother had died when he was young so the entire village's rage and disgust for his parents was aimed at Zephyr. Only the old village chief had the kindness to look after him. Now at seventeen years of age, Zephyr is ready to take his Trial of Adulthood which will get him off the island towards new lands in the world of Tye and, hopefully, towards some friendship. That is, if he survives it. The first and foremost task is to be selected by one of the five crystals: Sea, Ouranos, Void, Balance, or Dream which unlocks unknown powers within each individual.

The book is written in first person, following Zephyr’s perspective although there are a couple of chapters later on, written from another character’s perspective, also in first person. In the world of Tye, the king or chief is the strongest warrior of the people he is leading. Despite this apparently violent culture, there are those who do not think that brute force is the key to solving every conflict and they offer a moral balance over the entertaining and clean fighting scenes. R.J. has done an awesome job in creating a vivid world with amazing artifacts, giant lizard carriages, and flavored energy crystals which awaken one’s aura in different ways, thus enabling anime-like effects during fights. The plot twists are the best parts alongside the discovery of Zephyr’s powers, identity, and the use of his gift. There are bits of wisdom and introspection here and there which give depth to all the struggle and pain. I recommend Zephyr the West Wind to both young adults and adults since it is a great journey of self discovery in an exciting world.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

From the Shadows: The Complete Series is a young adult science fiction series written by KB Shaw. It contains two volumes: Separate Paths and Convergence. Cameron Rush and Rosa Costas are best friends and fellow geeks, but they've never really seen each other. He lives in Wisconsin and she's a cowgirl on a ranch in New Mexico. They've gotten to know each other through GundTech's multiCom technology, which comes equipped with AI personalities. Cameron's AI is named Sam, and he's got the program ready as Cameron rushes into his bedroom after school. He and Rosa have been waiting all day to hear GundTech's news conference, and they've arranged to listen to the announcement together. GundTech's spokesperson presents the results of some revolutionary strides the company's made in the field of quantum computing, and, even better, they're announcing the formation of the IHT International Academy, which will offer free tuition and is accepting applications effective immediately.

KB Shaw's young adult science fiction series, From the Shadows: The Complete Series, is filled with action, adventure and technology -- the perfect recipe for an enthralling and exciting read. Shaw's characters are well-defined and intriguing, especially the AI personalities who turned out to be quite a bit more individualized than I ever thought they could be. The Academy is a virtual one, and it makes for an interesting mix of home and regular school with the challenging and futuristic demands on the young tech wizard-trainees. Shaw has Easter eggs pop up in the plot and plants a few of his own in the storyline; including those found during a marvelous time travel adventure that Rosa designs to celebrate Cameron's birthday. Sometimes I could see a glimpse of Philip Pullman's classic fantasy series, His Dark Materials, in the AI companions each student has, as well as the more obvious ties to Rowling's magical rather than techie, Hogwarts, but From the Shadows is much more than a reflection of these influences. While the author may, purposely or inadvertently, cause readers to think of these authors when reading the book, the world presented in this story is in a class by itself, and its marvels would promise a fascinating future indeed. From the Shadows: The Complete Series is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Daniel is a teenager with an unusual talent: he can read people's thoughts. He's also a young Jewish boy living in 2015, one with a troubled past that is marred by disappearances and deaths of loved ones that ultimately sent him to a psychiatric facility for rehabilitation. He quickly learns that rehabilitation isn't something that science can fix and he leaves in frustration, only to return home and have his world literally disintegrate around him. That's when he travels back in time to the first century, to an Israel that is totally foreign and a life that challenges not only his well being, but also his shattered beliefs, his shattered faith. Daniel crosses paths with Jesus of Nazareth. He meets others from this time period, good people and not-so-good people, and he chooses diverse paths in the misconception that money will solve his problems. In the end, he loses all that he earns in this first century world, justifying a need to find a purpose, to reclaim his Jewish faith and heritage, and to come to understand this person - this rabbi, this teacher, this healer - that people are claiming is the Son of God.

Lorilyn Roberts has written a thrilling time travel story that will inspire young readers to look into themselves to discover their beliefs and their faith, and to strengthen their passion to follow their God. This is a page-turning thriller, a coming-of-age time travel fantasy that challenges a young man's faith and belief in God.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

I couldn't help but compare The Monsterjunkies with The Munsters and The Addams Family even before I start reading this book. Yet, the comparison was put aside right away. The Monsterjunkies An American Family Odyssey: Being Normal is a State of Mind by Erik Daniel Shein and Theresa A. Gates is written in a realistic milieu. That said, the fantasy element is apparent in this macabre-esque story - their dog Chico, a genuine chupacabra, Beauregard the eloquent Sasquatch, and a pterodactyl named Periwinkle are part of the family along with other odd creatures. The mix of pragmatism and extraordinary facets lead to a story that is rich and strange.

There are several protagonists, although the story mostly revolves around Crow Monsterjunkie, an intelligent, sensitive and chubby Goth 9th grader. Crow and his family live in a Gothic mansion on a secluded wooded road near Foggy Point. His father, Dr. Talon Monsterjunkie, is a brilliant cryptozoologist who’s responsible for bringing strange and rare animals to their home. His mother, Pandora, a brilliant botanist, shares her husband’s passion. Crow’s Gothic older sister, Indigo, is an intuitive teen with a great social skill that triumphs over the weird rumors about her family.

Being normal is, without doubt, a state of mind. On the whole, The Monsterjunkies is unexpectedly charming and educationally priceless in terms of dealing with prejudice, protecting nature, as well as instilling other ethical values in young minds. I’m amazed and grateful at how Erik and Theresa highlight the problem of bullying and discrimination among youths today. Needless to say, both authors prove their ability in weaving a great story with existing, hot-button social issues that need to be addressed.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Authors Erik Daniel Shein and Theresa A. Gates continue to delight readers with Sanctuary, Book II of The Monsterjunkies, An American Odyssey series. A year has passed since the Monsterjunkies welcomed several trusted souls to their estate. Crow is now 15 years old and enjoying his friendship with his Schnoggin Knockers gang; Larry, Todd, and Edgar. Despite the joy of camaraderie, the challenges of cruelty and harassment remain, including other issues that Crow and his sister Indigo have to face.

Having read the first book, Being Normal is a State of Mind, the continuation of the story did not disappoint me. The development of the plot and the characters are well-written. Book two continues to depict the personal and social issues that teenagers have to deal with today. The bullying problem in school is still being highlighted where Crow still has to endure the harassment from Grimes and his gang. Worst, Ruth Grimes’s father, Grimes Sr., is determined to get rid of the Monsterjunkies for good – out of the area, or better, out of the country. He would love to get his hand on the Monsterjunkies’ estate.

Beau, the lovable and articulate Sasquatch, also receives an interesting development to his character. Although living with the Monsterjunkies is peaceful and safe, Beau longs to be free in the wilderness. Beau must choose whether to stay happy and protected with the Monsterjunkies or brave the outside world to search for his parents and his own species. Simply put, I find myself growing to love the Monsterjunkies and their extended family members more and more. The great mix of reality, powerful messages on social issues and macabre fantasy in the storytelling make it a worthwhile series to follow.

Reviewed by Savannah Edelen for Readers' Favorite

Daughter of the Fallen by Madeline Wynn is an incredible and fantastic story about a teenage girl. She doesn’t want to follow along with everyone else in their adoration of Jack, the popular rich kid. Starting The Daughter of the Fallen off, you are introduced to May at a graveyard doing a video report with her boyfriend Cay, the rich boy Jack, and a girl named Alicia. During their video, May falls down a mine shaft and sees something, something that leaves the mine shaft with her. Then she finds out that the demon from the mine shaft wasn’t released when she fell in; it has been with her all of her life. Now it is up to May to do all that she can to keep from falling into the darkness that threatens to consume her.

Daughter of the Fallen is a well written tale that captures not only your mind, but your heart as well. Madeline Wynn has created a wonderful book and I would expect the rest of the series to be just as fascinating. As Daughter of the Fallen progresses, more twists and turns are thrown in. Full of hope, despair, and romance, everything that makes a good book is all packed into this 200+ page book. Read and watch as you are transported to a wonderful place you will never want to leave. How much better could it get? Read the stunning first book in the series, Daughter of the Fallen by Madeline Wynn, to find out. May is waiting for you.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Ten-year-old David Kingsley and his sister Chloe are spending the summer at their grandmother’s house, expecting it to be boring and dreary. However, David begins to see and hear things he never thought he would ever experience; shadows, the voice of a little girl and strange creatures. Unfortunately, David and Chloe find themselves struggling to fight against the darkness and the one they call The Judge in the spirit world.

S.K. Fernandez’s The Children Kingsley: A Novel is an intriguing paranormal story that would provoke our fear about the unknown and the afterlife, yet it also tells a story about love and courage. Coupled with intense suspense and action, S.K. Fernandez makes The Children Kingsley an incredibly satisfying book for any reader. The plot isn't as simple as I thought when I first read the synopsis and the first few pages of the book. Fernandez planned it so well that whenever I thought I had guessed what would happen next or who’s who, I’d get hit with a clever plot twist.

Overall, this is one paranormal fiction that you don’t want to miss, especially if you’re into this genre – you won’t be disappointed. Fernandez maintains a good balance by moving the focus between the main characters and the lesser ones, and gives enough attention to each and every one of them while also providing a wonderfully detailed unique world for readers to savor. The ending especially is superb and makes me look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

The Silent Deal: The Card Game, Book 1 by Levi Stack tells the story of Victor, an average serf boy, and Romulus, a boy who lives in the forest. Victor has recurring dreams about the 'Brass Art' in his city, graffiti of playing cards. Cards are outlawed; owning one is punished with death, talking about them gets you in big trouble, too. When Victor sees that Romulus owns a special card, he becomes even more interested in the strange boy who lives in the forest and who seems to be able to bear more pain than others. Soon, the two boys become friends and try to find out the secret behind the cards. Why are they forbidden? Why does nobody want to talk about them? And why do people turn up dead once the Leopard finds out that there still is one card out there? And is the old castle really haunted?

The Silent Deal: The Card Game, Book 1 by Levi Stack is one of the best books I have read via Readers Favorite so far. When I saw that the book had over 450 pages, I hoped that it would be a really good story because good, long books by new authors seem to be a rarity these days, especially when it's book 1 of a series (books in series are usually short and often rather dull, or have little character development). I am very glad that I discovered Levi Stack's book. The main characters, and even most of the minor characters, are all unique, and very well developed. You care for them, and you really want to know what will happen to each of them, and what kind of part they play in the overall picture.

The plot of The Silent Deal moves along at a perfect pace. It is a long book, so you won't be able to finish it in just one sitting. It is the kind of book you enjoy coming back to at the end of a day or for a little break during the day. It is hard to put down because the story moves on in a way that makes you think that you should read just one more chapter to get one question answered - and then the next question or problem appears. I enjoyed reading this story a lot, and hope there will be more from this author in the future.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Kat Preston doesn't believe in ghosts. She has to because it’s the only way she could protect herself. A ghost with dark hair and silver eyes had tried to steal her life when she was nine years old. Since then, ghosts are something that Kat Preston actively avoided for years. Disbelief keeps her safe, that is until her junior year at McTernan Academy. As a research project for the eccentric Professor Astor, Kat must investigate a notorious double murder that had happened at Castle Creighton in 1886, located at a tiny, private island off the coast of Connecticut. Protagonist Kat is restless about her research project. Castle Creighton is a place where ghosts thrive and going there could be her undoing. However, she discovers that two ghosts from her past are connected to the murder mystery, therefore her fear of the ‘unbelievables’ must be put aside. There’s a vital truth that is waiting to be unearthed.

The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts, Book 1 from The Unbelievables series by K.C. Tansley, is a YA paranormal that is already compelling with its beautiful cover alone, and credit goes to the cover artist, Creative Paramita. I consider paranormal as well explored by writers, but The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts is truly a welcome fresh addition to the genre. As a fan, the premise is a proverbial one for me, but K.C. Tansley has crafted a substantially interesting plot interwoven with ancestral curses, powerful spells, time travel, crime solving and memorable characters (the living and the dead). What we have is a sublime, engaging YA paranormal story that demonstrates the evocative talent of its writer. I truly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more in this series.