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 Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell is a children's fantasy and the fourth book in The Pearls of Wisdom series. In a mythical animal kingdom, Princess Journee, a mischievous mouse, sneaks out of the palace with her friends. They venture into the enchanted Zoe-Chai orchard that provides everlasting food and nourishment. The group experiences a magical moment that gives them supernatural abilities and gifts. Little do they know that the Zoe-Chai tree is preparing them for a war that will see them utilize these powers to protect their people and fight their enemies. The Zoe-Chai tree gives the orchard life and acts as a portal that attracts beings who wish to use it for evil. The only way to seal the portal is by possessing a magical staff forged by the elves. Unfortunately, a swarm of bats drawn to the tree has arrived and is ready to invade the peaceful animal kingdom. Journee and her friends are tasked to retrieve the staff, but will they succeed? Get a copy and find out what happens.

Action, drama, and suspense, The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell will give you all this and more. Brave animals defending their land and a group of young warriors discovering themselves amid a war kept me glued to the story. I loved reading every intriguing chapter; from the opening scene to the final battle, I was captivated and in awe. Russell does a fantastic job of bringing each character to life. At the back, creative illustrations help us visualize these characters and scenes. This unique story features various animals and mythical creatures living in harmony but ruled by a Mouse King. His size does not matter because his fearless spirit makes him a great leader. Journee's development and realization of her gift is a beautiful plotline. We all are gifted with talents and can choose to use them for good or evil. This story will teach children about love, hope, and never giving up.

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 Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Tudor Alexander’s The Last Patient is a beautifully written story set against the backdrop of the historical upheaval of post-war Eastern Europe. The novel combines historical fiction with personal conflict, exploring a family’s struggles under communist oppression. The novel begins with the story of Kostea, a medical intern whose life is disrupted by the political upheaval of the time. Kostea’s personal struggles are closely linked to the wider social and political changes, making his story both intimate and expansive. Alexander expertly captures the era’s essence through detailed descriptions and well-developed characters, bringing the past to life with vivid realism. The book invites reflection on the impact of history on individual lives, making it a meaningful addition to the genre.

Tudor Alexander’s writing is strong with relatable and complex characters. Kostea is exceptionally well-crafted. The interactions between Kostea and his family, especially during moments of crisis, are portrayed with emotional depth and authenticity. One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the impact of political ideology on personal lives. Through Kostea’s experiences, Alexander delves into the moral compromises and decisions one must face under oppressive regimes. This thematic exploration is thought-provoking and deeply relevant, connecting with anyone interested in the intersections of personal integrity and political pressures. The Last Patient is a masterful blend of historical detail and personal drama. The narrative is both educational and emotionally engaging, making it a recommended read for those who appreciate historical novels that focus on the human element of historical events. The Last Patient is an excellent read for high school and college history classes. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the ending is unforgettable.