Rhett McLaughlin & Link Neal: The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek (2019)

    Rex and Leif are forced to question everything they know about their unassuming hometown and its cherished school for delinquents (Goodreads).

    It takes some time for the first-time novelists to gain their footing, but when they do, the result is spectacular. The first few chapters are slightly convoluted and too full of establishing shots of characters, places, and backstories, but as soon as the real plot gets underway, Bleak Creek suddenly becomes home to a brilliantly crafted, eerily executed adventure, complete with all the humour one would expect from a book by these two. Being a fan of their other endeavours certainly enhances the reading experience, but without previous knowledge it is still an enjoyable story. The action builds well, and although the general plot is a little contrived, the two authors manage to keep it original and engaging. The characters certainly find their foothold in terms of development and the main antagonist gains in depth as well, with a plan that is akin to Doctor Who combined with Stephen King. The novel ends with an action-packed climax and an epilogue that thankfully does not rule out a sequel. 8.4/10

Eoin Colfer: The Fowl Twins (2019)

    This Fowl adventure is filled with the most unusual of individuals: an immortal duke, a miniature troll, a nunterrogator and a Police Specialist that's 42% elf. And of course, the Fowl twins (Goodreads).

    Not only does Colfer return to the world of Fowl in this spinoff tale, he also returns to form as he showcases just how truly mesmerizing his writing can be (no pun intended). The two leads are engaging and play well off of each other with a mix of heart and wit, and the plot is engaging throughout with Colfer's signature quippy narration. The rest of the cast isn't quite as remarkable, but they do their jobs well enough. The story differentiates itself from the original series just enough to be original, while maintaining the original charm and smarts needed in a Fowl story. Disbelief must be suspended slightly too much here, and the final climax goes on a little too long, but overall, the narration and Fowl nature of Colfer is what really shines and makes this book a worthy continuation of the original bestselling series. 8.0/10

Rick Riordan: The Tyrant's Tomb (2019)

    In his penultimate adventure, a devastated but determined Apollo travels to Camp Jupiter, where he must learn what it is to be a hero, or die trying (Goodreads).

     This penultimate installment of Riordan's Apollonian series continues the trajectory of its predecessors in that it is quite good. Admittedly, the second was lackluster, but for the most part, this series has been a bright spot in the ever expanding Percy Jackson universe. The humour in this one hits better than its immediate predecessor (the arrow of Dodona is a hit, as well as more meta-jokes), and Apollo's continued character development as he encounters many of his past mistakes also furthers the series' depth. Riordan still utilizes most of the same formula as has proven to be successful, but this one is original enough to stay intriguing. Overall, Riordan has obviously found a groove, and is playing it relatively safe by sticking to that, with hints of originality here and there. Most of the subsequent books after the original series have begun to blend together as a result. 7.8/10

Stephen R. Lawhead: The Sword and the Flame (1983)

    Quentin reigns as the Dragon King and faces the insidious attack of evil from within himself when Nimrood holds his son hostage (Goodreads).

    The first two novels being relatively lackluster, Lawhead concludes his fantasy trilogy on a surprisingly pleasant note, showcasing much more complex and intriguing character development that is thought out well and an equally enjoyable plot with just the right amount of detail and layering. The new additions to the supporting cast are well utilized, although the main antagonist does not live up to expectations, and some of the main character's side-quests seem a bit pointless. Although it does surpass its predecessors in terms of quality, this third novel also seems very disconnected from the first two in terms of series continuity and overall structure. That being said, one cannot ignore its relative superiority. Overall, that’s obviously not saying much, as the first two were quite poor. 6.9/10

Scott Westerfield: Behemoth (2010)

    Dr Barlow and Deryn deliver their precious cargo to the Sultan, but their peace-keeping mission goes unexpectedly - and disastrously - awry (Goodreads).

    The world building continues to shine in Westerfield's series as this sequel continues to expand and introduce new elements and characters to the unique alternate history. The plot remains relatively simple (though still enjoyable) and the characters follow suit. The romantic aspects are pointless and add nothing to the story, and some of the cultural explorations and character beliefs around them are questionable, but again, the concepts and unique mechanical and organic beasts are the real selling point of the series, and it is worth noting that the illustrations depicting said things are also very well done. Overall, Behemoth stays consistent with its predecessor in showcasing, if not the most amazing plot or characters, wonderful and imaginative vessels (quite literally) for the weaker aspects of the novel to ride the success of. 8.3/10

    

James Frey & Nils Johnson-Shelton: Rules of the Game (2016)

        Two keys have now been found, and the remaining Players must find the final key—before Endgame brings about the ultimate destruction (Goodreads).

    In this concluding installment, the two authors are able to retain a quality of overall consistency that has become increasingly evident with each novel. Consistently good writing is at the forefront, as the authors showcase excellent prose with a good variety of pacing, although as usual it shines amidst the fast-paced action. The international scope of the series is also displayed extremely well, and although the cast becomes smaller for obvious reasons, it still maintains a wide variety of different characters, each of whom are well fleshed out (with the exception of the aliens). On that note, it must be acknowledged that the more science fiction aspects of the book remain consistent with the rest of the series in that it is the weakest link. All in all, though, a satisfying conclusion. 8.2/10

Rick Yancey: The Last Star (2016)

    In these last days, Earth’s remaining survivors will need to decide what’s more important: saving themselves…or saving what makes us human (Goodreads).

    Rarely is such a fall from grace seen in a series as the one in Yancey's young adult science fiction trilogy. It is all too clear that the author hoped to expand his plot, backstories, relationships, and antagonists, but unfortunately this concluding novel has one wishing for the admittedly simpler, but far more enjoyable harrowing alien survival tale of the first installment. The Last Star is nothing more than a filler novel, something a concluding piece should definitely not be, as the plot is convoluted, reasons for character's actions are blurred, and the various romance subplots are wince-inducing. No notable additions in the cast are added, and the whole climax and conclusion seem utterly sudden and ultimately pointless, leaving one with a disconcerting sense of dissatisfaction. Yancey writes well enough, and his prose is often quite professional, but the smooth diction does little to clear up a convoluted and disappointing plot. 6.5/10