Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

In The Last of the Time Lords Book 1 by Athena Stamelou, a great stirring is underway, which could spell disaster for the fate of the universe. Everything started sixty-five light-years away from Earth, on the planet Thelleirilia, when Noemi, a bounty hunter, took on a job to recover a mystical artifact lost centuries ago, after a great war that echoed throughout the universe and left entire galaxies desolate. Noemi must infiltrate enemy territory and somehow steal the artifact before it falls into the wrong hands. But nothing is as it seems in these cursed depths. When Noemi crosses paths with Raven, a witch from planet Earth, and Ramiel, a Gypsy from Thelleirilia, her world changes forever. Ramiel is one of the rarest types of Gypsy people who are born with the gift of seeing glimpses of the future. Lately, his visions have been invariably terrible ones. Chillingly terrifying nightmares that foretell imminent torture, death, and destruction. Demons and a vicious race of hunters from one of the darkest planets in the universe stalk in the shadows, waiting to strike. When Noemi and her companions stumble upon the impossible, they are thrust into a race against time to save themselves and everything they love. Will they succeed?

All readers who love engrossing, action-packed space operas, mythological fantasy, and supernatural adventure will enjoy this tale of destiny, hope, and survival. The first chapter throws you headfirst into the action with intensity and some wonderful historical background. I was hooked from the very first page. Athena Stamelou blended beautiful, tightly woven mystery with meaty plot twists to create a fast-paced galactic adventure that grips you from the beginning and never lets go. The characters are marvelous, and enemies attack each other with every deadly weapon, from lethal fusions of technology and ancient magic to curses and demons that are brilliant, logical thinkers and monsters. In this realized universe of greed and power, every secret is dangerous, trusting the wrong person could be your last mistake, and one wrong move will end everything. It’s an absorbing edge-of-your-seat adventure that is intricate and thrilling. There are deadly rescues, falling in love, and lots of courage as brave souls conquer their fears and embrace their fates, the ultimate sacrifice. The Last of the Time Lords Book 1 has the perfect cliffhanger to whet your appetite for whatever the second book might bring. It's a highly entertaining series opener.