Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Last Great American Magic by L.C. Fiore is an epic tale of war and magic, featuring very interesting characters, powerful themes, and a classic conflict, a story that paints an exotic landscape with a unique culture in the tradition of The Last of the Mohicans. Two brothers, one a prophet and the other a warrior, reconcile their childhood grievances and work together to protect a culture threatened by post-colonial wars. Spiced with a love story between the warrior and a beautiful hostage, this story is packed with breathtaking action and surprising twists that make the read hugely irresistible.

L.C. Fiore is a master craftsman when it comes to characters and plot. Fast-paced and intriguing, the plot has many "Aha!" moments. The story begins with action and the evocation of powerful and interesting images: the warrior, Tecumseh, shot and languishing alone in pain, the forest, and the solitude, and then the practiced, sharp sense of hearing culling the sounds around him. The reader is immediately thrust into a powerful canvas of war and the chaos it creates. But the focus on the plight of the warrior is something that creates a driving sense of curiosity in the reader who wants to know if the warrior will survive and what will happen if he does. The language has a spell of its own, beautiful and utterly descriptive with a sensuality that transports readers into untraveled terrains. The Last Great American Magic is a captivating story, a hard-to-put-down tale of courage, nerve, and love from a master storyteller.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Deep in the forests of Washington state, a blood-thirsty psychopath is on the hunt in The Sage Wind Blows Cold (Mac Crow Thrillers Book 1), a chilling thriller by Clint Hollingsworth. In his youth, Mac Crow went to a wilderness survival school and learned how to track and survive in the woods of the Cascade Mountains. Mac's love for the untamed woods sparked his career as a tracker, and now he works as a bounty hunter, hunting skip-traces in the wilderness. Since Mac is very familiar with the area and an above average tracker, he is called in to help search for a nine-year-old girl who has disappeared from her campsite. Search and Rescue, led by the local Sheriff's office, have been searching for her in the cold and rain for two days with no luck. With little time to waste for a good recovery, Mac immediately begins searching for traces. While following her tracks, Mac discovers that a dangerous interloper, not indigenous to the area, has moved into the woods. This unknown is also tracking the girl, but what are his intentions? When two of the SAR team members fall victim to the predator, not only are the girl's chances of leaving the woods alive declining, but also the lives of those who seek her are at risk. Will Mac's skills make a difference or will any of them leave the wilderness unscathed?

The Sage Wind Blows Cold (Mac Crow Thrillers Book 1) by Clint Hollingsworth is a gripping thriller that will make your blood run cold. It is a brilliantly written book with a scintillating plot and a mesmerizing storyline that climaxes to a smashing finish. The opening chapter is riveting and I couldn't put the book down until the final page. It is an enthralling story with intriguing twists and turns and realistic characters. The characters are easy to love or hate with respect to their individual personalities. Mac is a marvelous protagonist with his down to earth, naturalistic lifestyle, and skills that are comparable to those of Bear Grylls. This is a tremendously exciting thriller, and I am looking forward to experiencing more of Mac's exploits in the future!

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Weight by award winning author Hubert Crouch is a unique thriller and the third book in the Jace Forman legal thriller series. After Leah Rosen, a young reporter, publishes her article “Texas Justice Gone Wrong,” she receives an unexpected response from Cal Connors, a powerful lawyer, who is featured in the article as being a perpetrator of a multi-million dollar fraud in the justice system involving an insurance company. The reporter is being sued for defamation. Now Jace Forman must defend the young reporter, but the task is far more than standing behind a defendant because the plaintiff is as cunning as he is ruthless. Forman has to follow a trail of blood and deal with a disgusting case of kidnapping to bring the enemy down.

Hubert Crouch has a knack for writing prose that is tight and with emotional insight. This story will absorb thriller fans that also enjoy compelling courtroom drama. The plot is complex and there is so much in it to wow the reader. The author shows great mastery of the law and seems to have been around the courtroom for a while. I love stories that feature great and vivid descriptions with plot-driven dialogues that do not come across as forced, and the author masterfully blends the two aspects of storytelling in this compelling story. The characters are awesome. I loved the way the antagonists of the story are created. Cal Connors and his daughter are hard-core criminals who are very ingenious in executing their criminal plans and it is enjoyable to watch them against a formidable adversary. The Weight exceeded my expectations and I was absorbed from the beginning to the end.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

When Bill and Cheryl Parker are visited by an aggressive reporter who has recognized them from news footage of an earthquake on Molokai, their idyllic, love-filled lives are turned upside down and inside out by more than the earthquake in this riveting political thriller, The Quiet Coup by Rob Lubitz. Imagine, if you will, suddenly beginning to wonder if you really are who you think you are, and finding out after some research, that you aren't Bill and Cheryl Parker. Worse yet, that you might have been a porn star in some life you cannot remember at all. How could such a thing happen? And suddenly, after you've told the rude reporter to get lost, all hell breaks loose. Someone tries to kidnap you both. When you try to get away, you find yourself being charged for trying to escape in restricted areas at an airport. As you frantically rush to solve the riddle of a past you can't remember, you are plunged into a terrifying trip across the mainland where those trying to protect you end up dead and where, to protect yourself, you also murder the assassin sent to "erase" you.

Wow! Talk about an exciting thriller. The Quiet Coup is anything but a quiet read. The tension builds chapter after chapter and the reader is swept along in a tale that seems unbelievable, but is actually based on a very real probability...that of a drug so strong that it can wipe out all memories and leave only those planted by powerful people using the drug for political reasons. Most of the action is set in the US and digs into the deception and intrigue that no doubt does take place in the upper levels of the government and CIA. The drug component is based, as Rob Lubitz tells us in the afterword, on "Project MKUltra," "a secret and illegal CIA program that used drugs and hypnosis to manipulate mental states and brain functions" back in the fifties, but was exposed in 1975. Apparently, information on Project MKUltra is available on the internet if you wish to research it. How does the reader know that the tale Rob Lubitz has woven here and the implications he's made about how things work in the government, Department of Justice and CIA aren't all just the figments of a creative mind? One only has to read his bio: this author has worked for years in those upper levels. He is a criminal justice expert and has been quoted many times in major newspapers.

It's exciting and fulfilling to read fiction like The Quiet Coup that moves at such a fast pace it's impossible to put down, and yet realize that what you're reading is entirely possible, even probable. There were two previous books in this series that will fill readers in on Bill and Cheryl's lives and how they ended up where we find them in the opening to this story. After reading The Quiet Coup, you will want to read those too. One of the most thrilling and fast reads I've ever had. Excellent writing, Rob Lubitz!

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

David Bishop has managed to combine two of my favorite elements, politics and puzzles, into one thrilling read! The First Lady’s Second Man is the story of Linda Darby and how she ends up in the middle of a life or death scandal. You see, Linda has been charged with a pretty awful task, one that she wouldn’t even entertain as a possibility - unless of course a child’s life wasn’t on the line. She desperately needs her on-again, off-again sexy man of mystery Ryan Teslar, but he’s off in some dark and dangerous part of the world. On top of all this, Linda has to deal with an actual proposal from a man who wants her to move to the middle of the country while she’s struggling to give up her life on the coast. And those are just the details I can give you without ruining this incredible thrill ride of a story!

The First Lady’s Second Man is about just what you’d expect; the woman behind the man has a man of her own. That alone was so salacious I knew I had to give David Bishop’s writing a try. It isn’t just the action that unfolds, it’s the writing style that pulls you right into the story and drops you smack in the center of political intrigue, assassinations and secret missions in the Middle East. You get several stories in one and, when they converge, the excitement reaches a fever pitch that will have you gripping your e-reader in anticipation. It’s hard to find good politically based novels, and as a fan of the genre I held my breath and hoped for the best. David Bishop more than met my expectations.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The Romanov Legacy (A Natalie Brandon Thriller) by Jenni Wiltz is a spellbinding thriller that follows an unusual treasure hunt; the action is exhilarating and the characters mesmerizing. Natalie Brandon has a powerful revelation, one that no one would believe because of her schizophrenia — Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia, left a secret bank account with millions for his family. Even though people close to her look at her claims with disbelief, there are some who believe she may be telling the truth. When Constantine, a Russian spy with blue eyes, kidnaps Natalie and goads her into leading him to the treasure, things get complicated, but that is just the beginning. The Russian Prime Minister will do anything to reach the treasure before anyone else, so he puts his hit squad on the tails of Natalie and Constantine.

This is a story packed with action and many thrills as the two — Natalie and Constantine — try to stay a step ahead of the Russian Prime Minister's thugs as they race across countries and cities, looking for the treasure. But what if the voice of the angel Belial who speaks to Natalie and her intuition could be wrong? Jenni Wiltz had me well-entertained with her prose and storytelling skills. She creates characters that are interesting and memorable. The fact that Natalie doesn’t seem normal makes her an even more interesting character to follow. The plot is well-imagined and executed with mastery, with swift and surprising turns to pique the reader’s curiosity on every page. The Romanov Legacy (A Natalie Brandon Thriller) by Jenni Wiltz is great entertainment for fans of thrillers and mysteries.

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

When building inspector Max Spalding dies in a terrible car accident, something just doesn’t seem right. Detectives Graisco and Wickland, assigned to the case by the local Myrtle Beach police department, quickly realize that his death was no accident. And when they start to look into what really happened, they realize that they're in for more than they ever expected. In an investigative novel that leads from the highest echelons of Myrtle Beach’s elite all the way to a Russian crime syndicate, The Versailles Conspiracy by author Robert “Digger” Cartwright leads the reader on a wild ride of mystery, suspense and action, from its beginning all the way to its exciting end.

Digger Cartwright’s new book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. A fantastic police procedural, the descriptions, explanations and backstory provided make it difficult for me to believe that Mr. Cartwright doesn’t have a background in investigation himself. The plot is engaging and complex enough to keep even those who are tired of mysteries and thrillers to stay involved. The development of the characters is fantastic; you’ll find yourself rooting for Graisco and Wickland, and despising the Russian Vladimir Stratavynski as well as the other unsavories this book reveals. The Versailles Conspiracy is much more than a simple story, and would appeal to any reader who loves mysteries, detective novels, police procedurals, action/adventures, political intrigue, or just a plain good book. This was the first novel of Robert “Digger” Cartwright’s that I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

The CleanSweep Conspiracy: A Matt Tremain Technothriller by Chuck Waldron is a strong opening for the Dystopian World Chronicles that features a powerful setting, a great conflict, and complex characters. This is the kind of fiction that will appeal to fans of thrillers, crime fiction, and the dystopian. Matt Tremain is an investigative blogger, a man with a “slight limp” who uncovers a conspiracy that could send rippling waves beyond the city of Toronto. A popular tycoon and a ruthless man, Charles Claussen has set up an operation that could ensure the deaths of the teeming number of homeless people that litter the streets of Toronto - they call it CleanSweep, and someone has got to stop it. But who can he trust? When Matt’s informant gets murdered, he knows he must tread carefully. In a city where people easily get manipulated, who can he trust?

Chuck Waldron establishes himself as a great storyteller, weaving a page-turner that is entertaining in an intoxicating kind of way. The CleanSweep Conspiracy: A Matt Tremain Technothriller has huge potential to appeal to fans of thrillers and crime fiction and those who are into conspiracy and intrigue. Matt Tremain is a compelling character, introduced from the very beginning of the story, a character that readers will adore. I enjoyed the way the author explores his loneliness, the psychological conflict that creates the dynamics of his work; indeed, heroes are loners! The plot is excellent, fast-paced, and laden with surprises. Then there is the ability of the author to ignite the reader’s attention by crafting scenes that end on a high note, announcing what could follow. I was hugely entertained and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

The Caves of Corihor by J.D. Shiner is a sensational thriller. California is in a severe drought. The economy is suffering. The state is on the brink of chaos, panic is escalating. “Life is glorious when kept in balance.” But what happens when life is shaken, turned inside out, then upside down? Moreover, what happens when all the shaking and quaking unearths something mysterious, hidden underground in California’s Sierra Nevada? These questions are just a few that the secret, highly classified agency of the PPI must answer. Napoleon Hancock and the PPI (Presidential Praetorian Initiative) are called into action. The President wants answers! The biggest question remains, could this drought be the result of a clever terrorist attack? It is time for Napoleon and his long time partner, Cassandra Caro, “to do what they do best.” The success of this mission is imperative. Once again, Napoleon and Cassandra are on an “ultra-secret mission, hurtling into the abyss of uncertainty in the name of national security.”

J.D. Shiner pens a high impact, action-packed adventure in The Caves of Corihor. It is a narrative where every minute counts. The plot consists of thrills and spills, death and destruction, super-sonic speeds, and endless action encompassing an ancient cave with rare artifacts. A secret government agency with elite agents using high tech gadgets, state-of-the-art weapons and communications devices make up the heroic cast of characters. On the flip side, the villains are sinister, patient, clever and evil with their deadly acts of terror. The clash between good and evil intensifies with every turn of the page. The action takes place on many fronts, and with each change of location Shiner shares tidbits of historical relevance, creating an interesting setting for his characters. The action rises with the finessed fury of an erupting volcano. You feel the heat, you sense the shaking, and you observe the overflow of molten energy ready to explode at just the right climactic moment. The climax causes your head to spin with the unbelievable discovery. Shiner brings to light that which has been hidden, deepening the plot by putting a suspenseful contemporary twist on an Old Testament story. The conclusion sets the reader up perfectly for the next book in The Sword of Abraham series.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

In author Cary Allen Stone's latest installment in his Jake Roberts series, After the Kill, readers will again be treated to a stellar thriller that will keep them engaged from the very first page all the way through until the end. When the story begins, Jake encounters a veteran at the airport who seems to be going through a psychotic break down and is killing many who cross his path. Jake's great friend is wounded, and Jake needs to act to keep others from being harmed. But just when Jake thinks he might be able to give a sigh of relief, a new serial killer makes an appearance on the scene, and it appears that his unique skill set will be desperately needed to help solve the crimes before more victims are claimed. Will Jake be able to bring the criminal in, or will he become a target himself? You'll need read the book to find out!

I very much enjoyed After the Kill. Author Cary Allen Stone has done a great job in creating interesting and engaging characters, especially the main character, Jake Roberts, and his readers will continue to think about them long after the book is finished, a true hallmark of a talented author. The story line is crisp and fast paced, and will have readers on the edge of their seats throughout. Any reader who enjoys thrillers, or just an exciting read of fiction, should absolutely read After the Kill. I am pleased to recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from author Cary Allen Stone as soon as I possibly can!