Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

Into the Churn is a thrilling sci-fi fantasy with a sparkle of clean romance that opens a new trilogy by award-winning author Hayley Reese Chow. The story takes us to the planet of Belethea, where we meet Ezren Hart, a busy seventeen-year-old who juggles schooling with an internship at the planet’s research outpost. Ezren is passionate about the planet’s terraforming prospects, so humans can enjoy life in the open instead of living underground. But the budget cuts stop Ezren’s internship and threaten her mother’s research job. At the same time, Ezren’s brother Sam needs expensive surgery for his life-threatening condition. But Ezren learns that if she wins the upcoming Race Royale, she can use the prize to save the terraforming project and fund her brother’s surgery. So, Ezren decides to participate. But will she win Belethea’s Race Royale?

Into the Churn was a terrific roller-coaster that captivated me from the first scene and kept me gripped until the end. I appreciated how thoroughly Hayley Reese Chow transposed her personal, colorful athletic experience into this story, portraying the rigors of training and the drive required to succeed. I liked Ezren for her determination, tenacity, and care for her brother’s well-being. I liked that Ezren and her story were portrayed realistically, with flaws and virtues, misgivings and attempts, failures and achievements, disappointments and triumphs, making Ezren a perfect role model. I also liked how the story portrayed life’s unfairness and the commercial undercurrent of the Race Royale. But most of all, I was impressed by the story’s ending that made me look forward to the sequel.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by talented and experienced voice actor Brogan Werder. I was impressed by the flawless sound recording and clear narration. I liked how distinctly Brogan voice-acted the many characters of both genders and different ages, with their variety of thoughts and emotions, creating a perfect listening experience. All in all, listening to this audiobook made me feel as if I were watching a film, and it was a highly enjoyable experience on all counts. I highly recommend Into the Churn to young adults and older fantasy fans. In particular, readers interested in train-and-race extreme sports will love this story.