Synopsis Sir Dashing Junior was only knighted because they couldn’t knight his father twice. Now he’s determined to prove he’s worthy of his new title. With an aspiring ranger, an awkward friar, and a book-loving orc, DJ will venture across the territory of Uh to reach the Amulet of the Goddess, proving that he’s truly […]
Young Adult
Review: The River She Became (River & Salt #1) by Emily Varga
Synopsis: A high stakes, action-packed romantasy from bestselling author Emily Varga where a relic-hunter searches for an ancient fae object to restore the magic to her world, but must learn to trust her own powers—and her heart. This limited luxe edition features gorgeous foil design on the cover and case, a dazzling edge and interior […]
Review: Morbid Curiosities by S. Hati
Synopsis: An ambitious teen enrolls at an elite science institute in Morbid Curiosities, a young adult thriller from author S. Hati. When the Institute’s invitation arrived at my doorstep, it felt like it had been inked in my blood, sweat, and tears. Aarya’s life plan has been set for as long as she can remember: […]
SPFBO XI Review: Children of Nemia by Michael Goe
Synopsis On the eve of Nemia’s Journey of Patronage, fifteen-year-old Van is determined to prove himself by returning home as a blooded member of his tribe–assuming he survives the ordeal. As the chieftain’s son, Van will strive to earn his father’s respect by extending a hand in friendship to Simon, a fast-talking sorcerer from a land […]
Review: A Tale of Plagues and Perfumes by Jake Halpern & Peter Kujawinski
Synopsis: Every scent tells a story. The last thing Nia wants is to be branded a “Sinsory.” Where she comes from, that’s just as deadly as the devastating plagues that sweep through their land. That’s why she keeps her unusually keen sense of smell a secret. Only two people in the city of Yerat know […]
Review: I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
Synopsis: Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else’s story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents—both gods, albeit minor ones—she dreams of leaving her family’s island for a life of adventure. So when she catches the eye of the goddess Athena, who invites her to […]
Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard
Synopsis In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home. Safi must avoid capture at all costs as […]
Review: The Ascenditure (Daughter of Summit and Sea #1) by Robyn Dabney
The Ascenditure might be one of the most fun books I’ve read this year—a fresh breath of mountain air.
If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry
Synopsis: If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry is a blend of historical fiction, mythology, and crime thriller that puts Jack the Ripper against Medusa in 1888 New York that picks up more later on in the book. This YA novel follows Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl as they try to rescue a girl trapped […]
Review: The Beast Hunters (The Beast Hunter of Ashbourn 1) by Christer Lende
Synopsis Winner – Indies Today Award for Best Fantasy (2022)Winner – Page Turner Awards 2023 Best Book GenreWinner – Page Turner Awards 2023 Best Book SeriesShortlisted – The Chimera Awards When a beast slaughters her parents, young Ara is saved at the last moment by two veteran beast hunters. Becoming their apprentice, she learns of […]
Review: The L.O.V.E. Club by Lio Min
Synopsis: From the acclaimed author of Beating Heart Baby, an immersive novel following three estranged high schoolers who are pulled into a video game to pursue the disappearance of their friend Three years ago, Elle (the “E” in the self-proclaimed L.O.V.E. Club) disappeared from Calendula, an affluent Chinese American suburb in inland California. Soon afterward, […]
Review: The Emilie Adventures by Martha Wells
Synopsis Two novel-length YA steampunk adventures from the author of the wildly successful Murderbot Diaries Together in one volume for the first time: Emilie and the Hollow World Running away from home, and stowing away on the wrong ship, Emilie embarks on a fantastic adventure. Emilie learns that the crew hopes to use an experimental […]