Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

The Gift by Julie Hodgson is a wonderfully humorous story about a man and his monster-in-law. Joe and his wife, Beth, are in love and are very happy. After eight years of marriage, they are finally going to have a baby. They are both delighted that Beth's due date is two days after Christmas. They both love the Christmas holiday season and are celebrating it to the fullest. Happy and excited as the joyful day approaches, Joe is given the bad news. Beth's mother is coming to spend the holiday week with them. The woman hates him and never lets him forget it. Two days into her visit, Joe runs away from home to escape from the wretched beast for a while. Joe does a little shopping, and has the bright idea of visiting Santa in the grotto at the shopping center to get a gift for the baby. Joe jokingly tells Santa that he wants his problem to disappear. Santa is sympathetic and gives Joe a gift to be opened only if he is pushed beyond his resistance. Unfortunately, the wrong person opens the gift and Beth vanishes. Joe and his mother-in-law have to work together to bring Beth and their unborn baby back safely. Can the monstrous woman set aside her hatred long enough to help Joe or will his family be lost forever?

The Gift by Julie Hodgson is a wonderful Christmas story with a sense of humor. It is about putting aside differences and working toward a common goal in the name of love. This lovely story is told in a warm and humorous fashion while getting across a meaningful message. Joe's monster-in-law is the epitome of a fiend from the netherworld. With her fire-orange hair and her branding tongue, she makes his life a living hell. Despite her antipathy for him, Joe overcomes her enmity with the immense love he has for his wife and his unborn child. It is a memorable Christmas story similar to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", with love overcoming the evil villain's cold heart, but it is much better. I intend to keep this book in my Christmas library and will be reading it every year. If you love Christmas, you will love this story!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Capricious Shadows: Orville Wellington Mouse Book 3 is a young adult adventure fantasy written by Tom Hoffman. Orville’s dream seemed so real; but this was nothing new to him -- Orville was quite familiar with dreams that felt real, and he was fully aware of his dream states as he slept. Sophia Mouse was with him in this dream, as indeed she had been his companion in earlier dreams. Was it the real Sophia or just a dream construct? She certainly seemed to respond and act as if she were the real Sophia as they explored the eerie castle that Orville was certain he had dreamed about before. He would want to check with Sophia when he was awake, but, in any event, her calmly rational presence was very welcome in this darkly ominous place. But even Sophia was alarmed by the tall apparition that awaited them behind the huge obsidian doors. The tall robe-enveloped creature’s yellow eyes blazed balefully at them. Orville was sure they were in the presence of dark magic, but he fought to master his fear long enough to pay heed to the creature’s dire message as it spoke of the destruction of the universe.

When Orville set off for work the next morning, his mind was still pondering that most troubling dream even as he delighted in playing with the new word for the day, which was “blustery.” Orville had made it an ongoing project to learn a new, randomly selected word each day. “Blustery”, he pondered, as he began his walk. It certainly seemed an appropriate word for the morning’s weather. The wind gusted around him, making the red, yellow and orange leaves underfoot whirl and dance, and the dust form into little cyclones. He imagined artfully including the word in his next conversation with Sophia Mouse and envisioned her admiration at his steadily growing vocabulary. His ruminations on dreams, words and the weather were suddenly interrupted by the bright flash of brown and purple that flew by him as it was carried along in that blustery wind. Following its trajectory, he spied the object high overhead where it was snagged in the branches of a tree. He recognized it as being an adventurer’s hat and thought to bring it to Master Marloh -- surely someone would be missing a marvelous hat like that. Watching to make sure no one noticed, Orville directed a brief force beam at the hat, nudging it just enough to propel it on its way down to earth. He tried it on and found it fitted perfectly -- having it perched jauntily on his head made him smile. Maybe there’d be no claim for it, he thought, and he would get to keep it. And, indeed, no one was waiting anxiously for news of a lost hat, and Orville began wearing it as his own, but there was just the little problem of the shadow it cast which appeared where it shouldn’t -- a capricious shadow that foretold deadly and universal peril.

I had great expectations for Tom Hoffman’s young adult epic fantasy adventure novel, Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Capricious Shadows: Orville Wellington Mouse Book 3, based on my acquaintance with Orville’s previous two adventures as well as Hoffman’s Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy. Those prior books did set the bar awfully high, but I wasn’t all that surprised to find that my expectations were actually exceeded and in a big way. As I began to read, I couldn’t help but smile as I became part of that wonderful chemistry that sometimes takes place between an author, his characters and the reader. Hoffman has a great fondness for Orville and Sophia, and he takes such delight in their company that the reader can’t help but get swept along in that magical revelry.

Hoffman deftly merges epic fantasy, science fiction and metaphysics in this disarming, imaginative and wonder-filled story which is Hoffman’s best work yet. Following the clues of a hat and a dream, Orville, Sophie and Proto, their Rabbiton friend, set off on a most worthy and unforgettable quest. My only regret was that the story ended, as all stories do, but I remain confident that there will be future metaphysical adventures to look forward to -- and I think both Orville and Sophia would approve of that optimistic outlook. Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Capricious Shadows: Orville Wellington Mouse Book 3 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

The Rise of the Dawnstar by Farah Oomerbhoy is the second spellbinding installment in The Avalonia Chronicles, a delightful epic fantasy read for young adult readers. In this latest installment in the series, the stakes are raised even higher. The seven kingdoms of Avalonia are plagued by a new form of darkness and are on the verge of collapse. Queen Morgana is poised to access a magical power that would allow her to enslave the entire world. She is about to find a way to open The Book of Abraxas and, if she does, no one can stop her if she uses the power trapped in its pages. Meanwhile, Aurora must travel through the war-torn lands into the fairy kingdom of Elfi in search of a legendary weapon that still contains the ancient magic of the realm. She once survived a battle against Morgana, but can she still be a match for the evil queen?

The story starts in the midst of action and, from the very first page, the reader moves from one dramatic incident to another — betrayals, intrigue, battles, and a conflict that escalates at the speed of light. Both the heroine and the villain are deftly crafted, each playing a role that enhances the plot and keeps the tension high. Farah Oomerbhoy’s writing is gorgeous and it features great passages and intelligently written dialogues. I enjoyed the way the author weaves mythology into the story. This is fantasy at its best, riveting and utterly enjoyable. The Rise of the Dawnstar will transport readers into a land of magic where nothing is as it seems and where surprises happen at every turn of the road.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Reach Between Worlds: The Arclight Saga, Book 1 is an epic, coming of age fantasy for young adults and adults, written by C.M. Hayden. Taro realized that having anything to do with Victor Mathan was a perilous undertaking at best, and he knew his father would be angry if he found out. But with both of his parents ill at home, Taro had to scrape enough money together to feed his family. He was their only answer. Taro’s little sister, Nima, was already fretting that Taro had agreed to make the delivery without setting a price beforehand as they approached the large door to the mansion. Victor Mathan was the richest man in Ashwick, but his reputation was an unsavory one. Mathan’s manservant was all set to send the brother and sister away, until the man himself stepped up and invited them in. Taro wanted to get his money and go, but Nima was intrigued by Mathan’s offer of another job for substantially more money. Taro insisted, and the two left with a special enchanted piece of parchment that would enable them to contact Mathan if they should change their minds. Taro knew Nima would be upset at the lost opportunity, even as he realized he should never have involved her in this transaction. She seemed to enjoy it all a bit too much and hadn’t realized the danger they had both been in. Later that night, Taro went to speak with her and was shocked to discover that she was gone. He found the parchment on her nightstand with her precise handwriting, agreeing to the job, and he saw Mathan’s response.

“It might’ve seemed like a novelty, but to Taro, feeling actual magic was a wonder unlike anything he’d ever experienced. For the first time in his life, he felt powerful.” C.M. Hayden’s iconic young hero, Taro, has a prosthetic foot that fits poorly and gives him trouble, and a grown-up’s share of responsibility to bear. Yet, somehow, he manages to master fears, physics, and the most stacked-against-him odds as he and his little sister apply for admission to the Magisterium in Endra Edun. With little money and the awareness that great peril was poised to fall upon them if their purpose in posing as students was discovered, Taro finds untold worlds, challenges, and camaraderie await him as he prepares along with his fellow students for the year-end trial. I was at first somewhat reluctant to take on yet another epic fantasy novel, but I’m very glad that I did. You see, The Reach Between Worlds: The Arclight Saga, Book 1 is more than just an epic fantasy or a coming of age novel or even an archetypal quest story -- it’s all those things and much more. There’s an original, fresh and exciting adventure tale following students in a school that will get even the most jaded Harry Potter reader thrilled at rediscovering magical classes, classes unlike any ever found in Hogwarts. Steampunk fans who never seem to get their fill of great stories to follow will also find their appetites whetted. As I read, I reveled in the fact that Hayden’s story had that touch of greatness for me that hearkened back to the classic high fantasy and quest adventures that I’ve enjoyed in the past. There is magic indeed in this exciting and adventure-filled debut novel. This young and promising author certainly managed to shake off my jaded attitude about fantasy, and I’m very glad that he did. I had a grand time reading his book. The Reach Between Worlds: The Arclight Saga, Book 1 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite

The Universe Builders: Bernie and The Wizards by Steve LeBel is the long anticipated sequel to Bernie and the Putty. This story picks up one week after Bernie's first world wins the prestigious universe award. Armed with his ingenuity and problem solving skills, Bernie's first assignment is to fix a veteran's world by solving the problem of why the harvesting of the two designated crops that this world has created is at a standstill. After meeting with the world's creator, Bernie decides to drop in amongst the population to gather some information, in the guise of Wedon, an old weary traveler to all but a shaman named Reva. She uses a spell that reveals his true form. Suspecting that Bernie is more than he appears, she hopes that he might offer to help and maybe even do some healing for her villagers.

Mr LeBel's writing shifts between Bernie's assignment and his friends, Lenny and Suzie, whom he meets during breaks from work. They also give support by way of advice and tidbits of knowledge that help Bernie to understand things in his assignment. LeBel's characters have a certain quality about them that helps move this story along at a pace that forced this reader to turn each page with bated breath. When Bernie is reunited with his father at a banquet, they are both seated as guests of honor. And the results of meeting an ancient God gives Bernie quite the surprise. Wow ! This character driven book was well worth the wait. Bravo! Encore!

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Heir of the Hunted by Richard T Drake is a beautiful opening for the Hollow World Book series, a well-paced and attention-grabbing read for fantasy lovers. Radyn is a carnival performer, a man whose past may be as mysterious as the blades he juggles. Life could have been good for him, but the tranquillity and peace of mind he’s known all along is threatened by a magical event, one that may well become visible to ordinary eyes. The gates to the underworld are opening and the dark gods are just ready to flood the world. Now, Radyn must team up with other gifted ones to defend their world from evil. Do they have the time? Can they stand up to the power that is about to take control of the world?

Readers are going to love these characters crafted with a lot of humor. I was seduced by the company of Kyna, Loken, and Grol. Apart from the compelling and complex characters, the author has created a fascinating plot, featuring creatures that will soon be classified as legendary. The setting is beautiful, a magical world where things aren't what they seem. Readers will be gripped by this story from the very first page and the author has the knack for creating suspense. The action builds up with the conflict and attains staggering proportions. Heir of the Hunted by Richard T Drake is a book that will wow readers and make them dream of dark gods, demi-gods, and unusual heroes. It’s very entertaining. Sizzling with a supernatural feel.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Rise of the Sea Witch by Stacey Rourke is the compelling and tragic origin story for the famed sea witch that stole a little mermaid's voice. When Princess Vanessa's mother dies, she's left to fight for her father's approval while her little brother, Triton, is fawned over and easily coaxed through all his training. Fighting for her voice to be heard, Vanessa discovers a hidden talent for magic, as well as secrets regarding her birth. As humans wage a war upon the kingdoms of the sea, political sides are chosen as Vanessa and Triton end up vying for the crown, with decisions having serious consequences for them both.

In this story expect to find Easter eggs about the Disney classic. It was a nerdy kind of fun to see these little nods to the film, including lines from “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Greek mythology plays a large role in the story with Hades and Poseidon, and a Kraken. Vanessa is everything that Ursula isn't (at least not yet). She's compassionate and loving, yet has the same drive and craving for power with little hints that show the villain that she's going to become. She's easily likable, endearing, and garners a lot of sympathy. All she wants is to be taken seriously, to have her father's attention, be respected. Reading Stacey Rourke's take on Ursula's story gave me a whole new view on The Little Mermaid, seeing a villain in a sympathetic light. There are darker elements that pay homage to the original fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson. Rise of the Sea Witch is a delightful and dark origin story that more than lives up to the original tale, with all the fun of the Disney film, and all the tragedy of the fairytale. I loved it!

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite

Secrets of the Home Wood - The Sacrifice by Julie Whitley is about a family that lives next a mysterious forest named the Home Wood. There are tales of family members disappearing after crossing the brook where sometimes they don’t return. The story begins with the disappearance of Sarah, after an argument with her husband David. When David calls Sarah’s workplace, he finds that Sarah never showed up. David rushes out to look for her. Overhearing the conversation on the phone, their son Jonathon, rushes out of the house, but not before his grandfather gives him some fruit and a protein bar for his backpack. One at a time, Sarah, David, and Jonathon are pulled into the alternate dimension. Since David became a hero in this mysterious land when he was Jonathon’s age, he is reunited with the Sanigglans. When Jonathon finds his way to the forest kingdom, he is befriended by Pugg, the son of the leader of the Sanigglans. They arrive on the brink of war with the Grue. The chief’s wife has been captured by the Grue, and is to be sacrificed during the next full moon. If that happens, all is lost.

Julie Whitley does a magnificent job of traversing back and forth between our family of heroes, making sure to leave each of the characters with a cliffhanger. Her writing style reminds me of Terry Brooks. As the race against time ensues, while the family members are trying desperately to reunite, they are beseeched by desperate events that require them to improvise, and find courage within themselves. Sarah, with the help of her father-in-law’s brother, who had disappeared into the Home Wood many years ago, discovers a diabolical plot behind enemy lines. Julie’s characters are real, and she really captures the essence of family ties, albeit good guys, or bad. Secrets of the Home Wood is an adventure on all levels, with lots of twists and surprises. Brava, Ms. Whitley!

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

As the first entry in the Gateway series, The Calling by Louise G White, holds huge promise of a wonderful ride for fans of contemporary young adult fantasy. Carolyn’s mother and brother have gone missing, escaping through a hole which appeared on their kitchen wall. She lives in fear of being discovered by enemies that hunt her. Now, she must hone her magic, perfect her combat skills, and get ready to find out about her brother’s and mother’s whereabouts, and bring them home. But the mission won’t be easy - with unexpected challenges, and a demon she unwittingly brings back from another world while rescuing a human by her side, and a lot of other unimaginable trials. Can she ever be reunited with her mother and brother again?

The Calling is a highly entertaining story and Carolyn is the type of character that I enjoyed immensely. I love stories that defy the laws of nature and that make me dream of other lands and cultures, and Louise G White has created a unique setting and a culture of its own in this hypnotic story. The plot held me spellbound from the very beginning to the end. There is wonderful exploration of the depth of the characters and it won’t be hard for readers to enjoy the emotional and psychological growth of the protagonist. Here is a story that is beautifully told in excellent and eloquent prose. It is a story that will take fantasy fans to places they’ll love.

Reviewed by Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite

The Never Paradox is the second book in the Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs by T. Ellery Hodges. Gone is Jonathan Tibbs, the college student. In his place stands Jonathan Tibbs, the superhero who is constantly on call to fight the forces of evil. Backed up by a cast of memorable friends and enemies, Jonathan must also overcome memory loss before it is too late. And who is this Rylee woman, anyway?

By chance, I just finished the first book of the Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, The Never Hero, a few weeks ago, so I had the established storyline fresh in my mind for reading The Never Paradox. I was excited to once again be entertained by the trials of Jonathan and his friends, and I was even more excited to see more of the philosophy and action movie plots dissected and discussed. I was not as excited to have Jonathan's storyline interrupted with frequent shifts in point of view between chapters, but the hard hitting action scenes more than made up for my disappointment.

I recommend The Never Paradox to anyone who likes a superhero story wrought with dark undertones, out-of-this-world supervillains, and a solid mix of drama, humor, compassion, and despair. Hodges is never at a loss for developing interesting characters. Nor does he take the safe road when he delves into political intrigue, religious beliefs, or dynamic world building. I can't wait to see what the next book in this series brings to the table.