WARRIOR IN THE MUD
Genre: Biography
IR Verdict: Nicole Martin Salter’s WARRIOR IN THE MUD is an uplifting memoir of an extraordinary life, written with skill, insight, and no small amount of courage.
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LIBERTY BOUND
Genre: Science Fiction
IR Verdict: With relatable, well developed characters and enough twists and turns to propel the reader through to the finish, LIBERTY BOUND is a modern dystopian novel that raises pertinent questions about our contemporary society. Nathaniel M Wrey’s eye is unwavering in his examination of cruelty and oppression and of the importance of freedom and personal choice.
BRASS TABBY
Genre: Romance
IR Verdict: Invigorating its conventional rom-com storyline with witty repartee and sensitive, masterful storytelling, Rowan Helaine’s BRASS TABBY is a first-rate debut for a brilliant new voice in the romance genre.
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HERE WE GO LOOP DE LOOP
Genres: Humor, LGBTQ
IR Verdict: Aside from being a comic tour de force, HERE WE GO LOOP DE LOOP also offers contemplative moments focusing on real human emotions like life and death and love and loss. That Sibley can tug at the heart at the same time as making the reader laugh is testament to his skills. Don’t be fooled by the jokes, Sibley is a serious talent.
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HARRIET: A Jane Austen Variation
Genres: Historical Fiction
IR Verdict: In a world where ‘revisiting’ often involves a clever spin, Jane Austen fans can rest easy knowing that Alice McVeigh’s HARRIET side steps any hint of spectacle in favor of a fresh, dynamic take on a revered classic.
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OUTSIDE THE BIG OAK DOORS
Genre: Literary Fiction
IR Verdict: Funny and heartfelt, Michelle Tocher’s OUTSIDE THE BIG OAK DOORS may be short, but this rich, warm, and deeply humane novel will linger in reader’s minds long after they finish it.
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THE GOLDEN QUEST
Genre: Children’s (Early to intermediate readers)
IR Verdict: In THE GOLDEN QUEST, David Delisle proves that important lessons and ancient truths are received best when presented in the form of a delightful adventure.
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BINGE
Genre: Popular Fiction
IR Verdict: Anne Pfeffer’s inspiring, dramatic and humorous novel BINGE approaches difficult topics with tact, while each obstacle in the story reveals the strong female lead’s strengths and weaknesses and teaches a powerful lesson about self-love.
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THE SWORD OF SAINT ISIDORES
Genre: Action/Adventure
IR Verdict: In THE SWORD OF SAINT ISIDORES–a sprawling saga of Norse kings, jarls and warriors, linked and menaced by the same exquisite, cursed sword–David Thomas Kay proves that an impassioned imagination and an expertly wielded pen produce storytelling that defies the creative limitations of any set genre.
SEASON OF RESTORATIONS
Genre: Literary Fiction
IR Verdict: Thomas DeConna’s SEASON OF RESTORATIONS, a touching story about the generational divides between men includes some evocative descriptive writing, some powerful emotional moments, and a lot of rich sensory detail.
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DREAM OF DRAGONS
Genre: Romance
IR Verdict: With its backdrop of old England at the time of King Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and Lancelot, DREAM OF DRAGONS is an always entertaining, fast paced romantic adventure that serves as a perfect entry point into Aja James’ world of dragons.
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FINN O’BRIEN AND THE SMALL GODS
Genre: Middle Grade
IR Verdict: Twists and turns abound in Scott Wagner’s FINN O’BRIEN AND THE SMALL GODS, a superb series debut pairing magic and Celtic folklore with a timeless YA adventure.
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BECOME A PROVIDER
Genre: Self-Help
IR Verdict: Weaving spirituality into self-help, Justin Thomas has written a solid guide for a Christian audience with BECOME A PROVIDER, memorably and satisfyingly turning lessons from personal anecdotes into accessible, tangible actions for readers to take.
SURROGATE COLONY
Genre:Science Fiction
IR Verdict: Poet and short-story writer Boshra Rasti’s SURROGATE COLONY is a solid first novel with an intriguing pandemic-related premise that fleshes out an alternate reality. It is also a sensitively drawn love story in a world where love beyond social strictures is no longer safe.
TRUE TERYN
Genre: Fantasy
IR Verdict: TRUE TERYN is an enchanting second chapter in S.G. Blaise’s sweeping “Lumenian” saga, deepening its mythology and escalating the stakes while retaining its delightfully cheeky sense of humor.
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CALLED
Genre: Inspirational/Spiritual
IR Verdict: CALLED is realistic, unique, heartening and beautifully told. Incredibly detailed and ambitious, while it’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical novels, it’s an equally worthwhile read for those seeking a story about adventure, love, and the strength of the human spirit.
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THE GODDESS OF GO-GETTING
Genre: Business
IR Verdict: THE GODDESS OF GO-GETTING is a thought-provoking, useful and authentic handbook for all involved in the corporate world, covering themes that are highly topical and set to remain so for the foreseeable future.
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EATING THESE FOODS MAKES ME…
Genre: Kids
IR Verdict: Well organized, easy to understand, and beautifully illustrated, EATING THESE FOODS MAKES ME… is an excellent introduction to basic nutrition concepts for early readers.
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THE DEMOGRA-FATE HYPOTHESIS
Genre: Aging/Death & Dying
IR Verdict: THE DEMOGRA-FATE HYPOTHESIS by Nguyen Ba Thanh employs statistical trends, common sense and the laws of physics to get its point across: modern living has put mankind on a path of self-destruction – and there’s no turning back. The end result is a tight, fascinating read that serves more as a moment of enlightenment than a clarion call for sweeping change.