Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

When Hunter, the young male protagonist of In the Heart of a Mustang by M.J. Evans, learns that his father is neither dead nor a noble hero, his world collapses. His mother had lied to him all those years, and his father is nothing but a useless alcoholic with a violent streak that made him spend some years in prison. Hunter decides that he should not disappoint his mother. After all, she always wanted him to become just like his father. Hunter starts a downward spiral and eventually ends up on a ranch for troubled boys. Initially, he wants nothing to do with the people and the horses. After all, cars are better than horses. But then he meets a female mustang from a recently rounded up herd. The mustang and Hunter are both in need of trust, love, friendship, and time - especially after Hunter receives some additional shocking news that turns his life upside down once more.

I picked up In the Heart of a Mustang by M.J. Evans because I have just started working in a place that has some horses and felt like reading a story involving horses (as the place here also uses animals for therapy purposes). I ended up enjoying the story very much as the characters, their issues, and behaviors were rather believable, i.e. close to how things could play out in real life (though I doubt the taming of an absolutely wild horse would really happen within such a short time - I had issues with being allowed to touch a "normal" horse's hair for seven weeks!). I liked how there were different side characters, too, and how each of them played an important role when it came to moving the plot on another step. It also helped that the writing flowed smoothly and was very well done. It was a joy to read!

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

“'You’re adopted,' she said, quick as you like, and slapped her hands over her mouth. The words had barely reached my ears when everything went north of normal. Mam erupted into a shaking mess of tears. Dad recoiled with a feverish look to him; his ruddy face deepening to purple and his eyes enlarging to the size of cue balls.” The Origins of Benjamin Hackett by Gerald M. O'Connor is a refreshing coming of age story that is sentimental, bold and hilarious at the same time. Set in Ireland in the summer of '96, 18-year-old Benjamin Hackett finds out that he was adopted. He decides to look for his birth parents and drags his friend JJ with him, traveling all over Cork city while facing unexpected problems along the way.

If you think you’ll find another typical coming of age tale among the pages of The Origins of Benjamin Hackett, it’s best to leave your expectations at the door. O'Connor can definitely make readers feel the heavy past of the Irish land which doesn’t just serve as a mere background for the story. That said, despite the episodic heaviness and contemplation, the story isn’t without its heartwarming, funny and respectable moments, making it fascinating and enjoyable to read. O’Connor’s vivid prose is perhaps even more perceptive in quirky moments, and the plot has solid and unpredictable twists. All in all, this is an unforeseen and profoundly moving tale from O’Connor, a satisfying read where the story concludes with a fitting ending.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

During a hospital visit, a young woman is detained and incarcerated against her will in the thrilling suspense novel, The Caging at Deadwater Manor by Sandie Will. Jeanie's mother died when she was fourteen, leaving her and her brother to be raised by their father. Incongruously, her once loving father now hates Jeanie, but yet, still loves her brother. Her father never misses a chance to verbally chastise Jeanie and spew his venomous distaste for her. Unable to do anything about her circumstances at present, Jeanie has plans to escape her abusive situation on her eighteenth birthday. Fortuitously, the day of her birthday arrives, and her father surprises her with a car. Now Jeanie has a better mode of transportation that will expedite the plans she has prepared for that very night. However, her father has one request of Jeanie; she needs to visit her emotionally ailing aunt at the local psychiatric hospital. Because she loves her aunt, Jeanie complies and puts a hold on her plans until the following morning. Unfortunately, this is a big mistake. When Jeanie enters the hospital, she is abducted and drugged. When she wakes, Jeanie finds herself imprisoned in a cage in an attic; adjacent to her is another cage occupied by a girl. Horrified and frightened, Jeanie realizes the neighboring young female occupant is dead. What is going on? Why is this happening to her? Will she be able to get out of there alive?

Based on real events, The Caging at Deadwater Manor by Sandie Will is an exhilarating young adult suspense novel reminiscent of the Gothic horror story, Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews. In the first chapter, the reader is captured by Jeanie's fortitude despite her circumstances, and is able to connect and empathize with her character. From there the story takes off, surprising the reader with unexpectedly appalling and terrifying incidents. From the alarming hospital scene onward, the horror and suspense continue to build to a chilling and shocking climax. For those who love a shiver inducing story, this is a fabulous suspense novel that makes the hardiest reader's blood run cold. However, due to some of the more adult situations, I recommend it to readers over the age of sixteen.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant is the third book in the Davey & Derek: Junior Detectives series, written by Janice Spina and illustrated by John Spina. While celebrating their eleventh birthday at the Pizza Palace, Davey and Derek Donato’s festivities are suddenly interrupted when restaurant staff discover a would-be thief breaking into their gaming machines. The twins later visit their Aunt Gigi, where they learn the story of Tamba – the beloved elephant of an African village, which died after living a full life. Aunt Gigi’s living room is filled with mementos of her visit to Africa, including a magical elephant figurine, carved from the elephant’s ivory tusk in honor of Tamba’s incredible life. On returning home, Davey and Derek find Peter Reynolds – the party-crasher from their pizza party – waiting at their front gate. Peter asks for the twins’ assistance regarding the theft of an ivory figurine from the local museum – carved from the same tusk as Aunt Gigi’s figurines. With so many suspects to choose from, all with alibis, Davey and Derek are pushed to the limit, trying to solve the case.

Janice Spina’s adventurous tale of twins just coming into their magical powers is one of excitement, suspense and mystery. With each chapter’s header carrying its own unique illustration, the story is one which can easily be enjoyed by children and adults alike. No stone is left unturned as Davey and Derek are given all the tools they need in order to fully investigate the case. Many exciting surprises are brought to light in The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant, with more and more magical characters being disclosed as the story progresses. Having read all three of the Davey and Derek novels, I find myself being lured into the story more and more, almost as if ... by magic! I thoroughly enjoyed The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant, and recommend it to readers of all ages who enjoy the fun, thrill and adventure of two gumshoe detectives, each of whom has the world of magic at their fingertips, whilst trying to solve the most difficult of cases.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Whizbang Machine: Tunney's Curse Book 2 is a young adult paranormal mystery novel written by Danielle A. Vann. When Elizabeth awoke, it was from feverish dreams into a hellish reality that slowly made its way into her comprehension. She remembered that she and Grandpa Jack had been locked into the old abandoned factory and had to fight their way to survive the fire that Vivian set after imprisoning them. Elizabeth found that she was unable to move, debris from the upper floors covered her, holding her tight, and she could barely breathe in the toxin-laden air. She shouted out for her Grandpa and was relieved when she heard his footsteps running towards her. Vivian was still in the building and was vehemently defiant as she exited. She hissed to Grandpa Jack that there was no escaping Tunney’s vloek and that the machine belonged to her. Her parting words were directed at Elizabeth, and they sent a chill throughout her battered body.

Danielle A. Vann’s young adult paranormal mystery novel, The Whizbang Machine: Tunney's Curse Book 2, is a fast-paced and exciting continuation of the first book that blends history, action and adventure, and coming of age genres as Elizabeth and Grandpa Jack try to solve the mystery of the Whizbang machine and lift Tunney’s curse. I recommend that readers begin with The Whizbang Machine, the first book in the series, to get a full appreciation for the development of the story, its underlying history and the relationship between Elizabeth and her grandfather. Vann’s story is a thoroughly entertaining read. She keeps the suspense high and makes the reader work just as hard as her characters do to decipher the clues in this enthralling mystery. Elizabeth comes of age in Tunney’s Curse, and it’s a joy to follow as she copes with the uncertain waters and betrayals that are scattered throughout her path as a new adult rather than a child. She’s a marvelous character, intelligent, resourceful and willing to take risks, and she rises above situations that would fell even the most seasoned adult. Elizabeth is a grand role model for more mature preteens as well as young adults, and the content of this story is suitable for both age groups. The Whizbang Machine: Tunney's Curse Book 2 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

I love romance, but I cannot say that I am a big fan of paranormal literature. However, since romance was the primary theme of this novel, I gave it a chance and I am glad I did! The Nearer The Dawn by J.P. Barry follows Nina and Chase and their love. Nina is a Mortal Healing Angel; she is from a long line of such angels, but she must protect her secret from humans at all costs. When she and her family move to Savannah, Georgia, she has no idea that her life is about to be changed because of someone she will to love more than anything in the world.

Chase James is not new to keeping secrets, and he has a big one he must protect at all costs. He and Nina love each other, but Chase has to protect himself and her from the people who want to use him and his soul for their purposes. Both Chase and Nina have a choice to make and their souls can save each other. But they have very strong adversaries, adversaries who are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Can they do it? Can they protect everyone, their love, and themselves?

The Nearer The Dawn was so good; I could feel Nina's and Chase’s fights and internal struggles. The character development was great and the dialogues were wonderful. You will love these characters as much as I did right from the beginning. Nina is a solid, strong young woman who has a lot of responsibilities. Chase is dark and mysterious, but there is a lot more to him than just a pretty face. I loved them and their relationship. The Nearer The Dawn is wonderfully written and deserves more than 5 stars.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Demon Conspiracy by R.L. Gemmill is Book 1 of The Demon Conspiracy Series. Kelly, Jon, and Travis Bishop are orphaned after an accident and, after being shuffled around, they finally get placed with a family in Northern Virginia. At last, life can get back to normal. Or can it? The family takes a trip to Crystal Creek Park and heads down into a cave, but things go wrong when an earthquake strikes and they are trapped deep inside. That’s not the problem though; the problem is, the cave is full of demons and the kids video a pact made between the demons and a tall businessman. When they get out of the cave, a rescue bid is mounted to save those trapped inside, but that's when the real terror begins. Nobody believes the kids about the demons and the video may still be in the cave. It’s a race against time and demons to save the world.

The Demon Conspiracy (Book 1 of The Demon Conspiracy Series) by R.L. Gemmill stars with a warning from the American Security Administration about the possible psychological effects that the story may cause some readers. The story is written with the point of view changing from chapter to chapter between characters, all of whom are incredibly well developed throughout the story. They are written in such a way that, almost immediately, you will bond with them, and form an unbreakable connection that will stay with you throughout the whole story. The writing style is incredibly visual, allowing you to play the story in your mind as you read it. I must admit to choking back a bit of laughter when the demons began speaking, but other than that, this is an intense story that will have any reader, young or old, hooked from the start. It made a refreshing change to read something quite different in the paranormal genre and I am going to read the rest of the series.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

In The Ascension by Lauren Hudson, Desdemona, Felix and Jinx Anchor, triplets separated at birth, were normal teenagers living their ordinary teenage lives with their ordinary parents until their fifteenth birthday, when life as they knew it abruptly came to an end. After each teen received a strange and terrifying dreamlike vision, they are hastily taken from their homes to a secret location where the three meet for the very first time. Without any explanation, their very nervous guardians whisk them off to a strange building where they are abandoned to the hands of the man in charge.

While at The House, they learn their true lineage to be Asterian - a special race whose descendants have special powers. The Anchor siblings soon discover their powers to be the ability to tell the past, the present and the future, but they also discover the identity of their biological mother to be none other than Jane Anchor - an evil and invincible Asterian hell-bent on domination and destruction. After several months of training, the three became extraordinarily powerful, but when a friend's life is in danger, can they defeat Jane and save the Asterian race from her evil plans? They have seven days and time is running out fast.

The Ascension by Lauren Hudson is such an engaging and captivating YA paranormal story you will want to read it nonstop until the very last page. The story comes alive through the detailed narration so that one can easily picture the setting and characters in a very vivid way. The Ascension characters are fresh, engaging and memorable - you will want to follow them on this journey to the very end. You will fall in love with the Anchor siblings and root for them all the way. Fans of the genre, both young and old, will enjoy this incredible story of the Asterian race, their way of life, their powers and their battles. Lauren Hudson delivered it so amazingly.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The Slope Rules by Melanie Hooyenga is a great romance for young adult readers, a story that explores love, coming of age, and personal growth. During the holidays, Cally, a fifteen-year-old beauty meets Blake, a “hot snowboarder,” with whom she develops a strong connection. But this couldn’t last long. It is just something light, a thrill in the vacation. But fate brings them again together when her father opens a new business in another town and Cally finds herself in the same school with Blake. Only this time, Blake doesn’t want to have anything to do with her. He has become someone she never knew. Watch as she navigates her new terrain, deepening her trust in herself and self-knowledge while working to find her place in the new environment.

Both sporting fans and readers who love emotionally charged novels will adore The Slope Rules. Melanie Hooyenga creates memorable characters in her work. Cally is a well-rounded character and she demonstrates perfectly her age and what faces her as a young adult. She is the perfect image of what young adults go through as they traverse a critical phase in their lives, learning to trust their instincts and build meaningful relationships. The conflict is well-developed, especially the internal conflict, mostly experienced by Cally. Through the judicious use of stream of consciousness, the author unveils powerful thoughts in the protagonist and different layers of conflict. The Slope Rules is a fascinating story with an interesting plot, a novel that will arrest the attention of readers with its gorgeous characters and moving conflict.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

In Competing With The Star (The Star Series) (Volume 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager, Hadley Daniels was living the life. She finally felt like she belonged. She had made some really good friends and things between her and Nick were finally moving in the right direction. Her new group was, however, not your everyday kind of friendship; it included Reagan (Nick's very beautiful ex-girlfriend), Morgan (a super mean girl with her fangs always aiming for Hadley), and Simone (a beautiful former teen TV star and also Nick's former major crush). The romantic bliss she was hoping to enjoy with Nick was therefore often interrupted by these friends and her resulting constant feelings of insecurity. The couple, however, had everything in common and a deep friendship too, and the moments they had, especially away from their friends, were so beautiful and so memorable. But in the face of all the baggage from Nick's past, will their bliss survive the drama that comes with teenage romance?

Competing With The Star is the continuation of Krysten Lindsay Hager's epic YA drama series, The Star Series. Through a captivating plot, amazing character development, and Krysten's flawless writing, the story captures the true essence of the drama, confusion, and emotional high that is teenage romance. It brings to life the beauty of YA romance with all its uncertainties and possibilities. In the midst of all the drama, confusion, and romance, the story also gives off a beautiful and serene sense of family. I especially loved how the book dived into the story right away, and captured the genuine feeling of the story down to details, language, and interaction between the characters. Lovers of YA romance will definitely love The Star Series.