Indie book reviews

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IndieReader’s reviewers are tough, but fair

Our Reviewers won’t judge your book as compared to other self-published titles, but against other books, period. Our ratings are based on the following criteria, although reviewers are able to award partial stars (i.e. a 1.3 or a 4.7), rather than rounding up or down to a whole or half number.

1/5

Really bad 
Work on it.

2/5

Mediocre
1-2 bright spots.

3/5

Good
Worth reading.

4/5

Very Good
1-2 spots that need work

5/5

Excellent!
Must-read.

* IndieReader receives compensation for most of the books it reviews, along with copies of those books.

Rating:
3.1 / 5.0

Despite confusing formatting and visual aids, Linda Soules's SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ICE CREAM FLAVOR INVENTOR is held up by delectable descriptions.

IR Approved
Rating:
4.7 / 5.0

Dr. Tawainna Houston's BLACK WELLNESS BARRIERS: Understanding the Root Cause of Disease Vulnerabilities as a Pathway Towards Restoring Health is insightful, rigorous, and long overdue....

Rating:
2.9 / 5.0

Despite its very realistic portrayal of climate change, David Guenette’s OVER BROOKLYN HILLS: The Steep Climes Quartet (Book Three) proves to be an underwhelming reading...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

In writing LIFE STANDS EXPLAINED: The Simple Fun Book That’s All About You — and Why Something Like Nothing is Everything!, C.J. Carew has managed...

IR Approved
June 24, 2026

THE GOLDWYN COUNTY CANDY BAN

By J. Z. Zerber
Rating:
4.8 / 5.0

Through lush, cinematic prose, J.Z. Zerber’s THE GOLDWYN COUNTY CANDY BAN weaves a humorous tale of 1990s boyhood with memorable characters and a tangible setting.

Rating:
3.8 / 5.0

Despite pacing issues and a climax that falls short of its anticipated intensity, Lena Gibson’s NO HOME WITHOUT YOU: A Post-Apocalyptic Romance (Love and Survival...

IR Approved
June 23, 2026

ORPHANS OF THE SEA (Underground, Book 1)

By Charles R. Cooke and Christopher X. Ryan
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Charles R. Cooke and Christopher X. Ryan's ORPHANS OF THE SEA (Underground Book 1) is a fresh, thrilling, and action-packed opener to what promises to...

IR Approved
June 23, 2026

THE SWEET SEASON

By James B. Farmer
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

James B. Farmer's THE SWEET SEASON delivers an emotionally resonant coming-of-age story through immersive atmospheric descriptions, thoroughly sketched characters, and a dynamic depiction of softball.

IR Approved
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Dan Shapiro’s DECODING GENIUS: The Unexpected Lessons of After-School Chess Club intriguingly takes the positive effect that chess has had on the author’s son and...

Rating:
2.9 / 5.0

With God at the center of THE COLOR BOOK CADENCE: Volume 1, C.J. Henry gives us an earnest glimpse into spirituality, resilience, and the influence...

Rating:
3.0 / 5.0

Harshit Jain’s THE NEXT MARKETING: From Molecule to Mindset offers a clear, research-supported argument for using behavioral “nudges” and timing to improve healthcare marketing effectiveness....

IR Approved
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

THE PROBLEM FIRST METHOD: A Framework for Innovative Product Builders is a practical guide that bridges the gap between what clients say they want and...

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