IndieReader Discovery Awards 2024 Entrants
Added as our reviewers read them, find the latest verdicts for the 2024 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June!
A space-operatic tale of redemption, Anna Schroeder’s ARCHER 887 unfolds as Arsaces Wood, a pilot haunted by betrayal and conflict, finds himself reborn and entrusted with a vital mission. Teamed enigmatically and sent to navigate a treacherous galaxy, Wood faces an unprecedented alien threat that imperils their very existence. Schroeder’s debut novel captivates with its blend of epic space battles, thorny political intrigue, and a stylized Sci-Fi plot, propelling readers into a mesmerizing odyssey where the boundaries of humanity are tested as a means of survival.
Dare Delano’s ABILENE in a gem of in the genre of women’s fiction. The story contains notes of tragedy, triumph and love: a multi-generational tale of self-loss, self-discovery and magical realism. A spellbinding story of women supporting each other to overcome devastating odds.
CALLING EXTRA is a moving fictional story that explores a complex time in American history. With firm precision and candor, the text follows one young woman with a yearning to free her father from wrongful imprisonment. She resiliently fights to have her voice heard by pushing the boundaries of her world against the backdrop of child labor, human exploitation and harsh economic times during the Progressive Era. Author Kristina Romero stays true to the period with intricate scene settings and rich language, ultimately shining a worthy panorama of this time in history.
In Ken Cruickshank’s debut novel EAGLE BAY, Thomas of the Westbrooke family is taken aback when his best friend shows him a news clip photo of their two grandfathers standing together in 1928. He has been keeping a secret about the source of his family’s wealth, and his friend’s discovery has him terrified that his grandfather’s dark history may be exposed. This compelling novel delves into the darker side of The Pillar of Eagle Bay, a corporate magnate widely regarded as a man of integrity and benefactor to the community. Readers may feel inclined to re-evaluate the connections in their lives after reading this very touching and undeniably fascinating tale of family secrets, money, deceit, and early childhood trauma.
In his highly readable novel, FREEDOM’S JUST ANOTHER WORD…, Len Joy explores ethical questions surrounding gun control, abortion, and political maneuvering through the lens of Jake Doyle, a once-respected journalist who fell from favor following an affair with his intern, resulting in a son, Devante. Fifty-five-year-old Jake owns his failings; writing a local column, driving an Uber, and trying to maintain peace between his high-maintenance ex-wife and alcoholic daughter as well as forging a relationship with Devante. But a series of provocative events force him to re-evaluate his judgments and priorities in this well-observed and engaging story.
Readers who enjoy suspenseful tales of crime and intrigue will enjoy the latest adventures of Detective Kristi Konnors, in TIDES OF CRIME by J. Luke Bennecke. This short, fast-moving storyline has all the elements of an engaging thriller, as the crafty detective gets swept up in drama and a fight for her own life. TIDES OF CRIME is a quick and easy read for those moments of fantasy escape.
An updated eldritch horror for our time, Barbara Cantrell’s Lovecraftian story DARKNESS BELOW is set in the halls of the modern-day Miskatonic University. Ellen Logan is a student just wanting to make it through school and pass her classes; but when one friend jumps to her death and another vanishes, Ellen is left with a mysterious book, some very unsettling dreams and so many questions. Ultimately, she and her professor, Andrew Carter, must embark on a dangerous journey deep into the depths of the university to find the answers. Mystifying and compelling, DARKNESS BELOW is an excellent introduction to the Arkham community and all the goings on at the mysterious Miskatonic University in Cantrell’s Cthulhu-inspired series.
Bethany Rosa’s PURSUIT OF INNOCENCE (Book 1 of the Pursuit series) follows Lily’s determined quest for success—until the arrival of billionaire playboy Sebastian Dubree and the sudden attention from her longtime crush, Jackson, disrupts her plans. Caught between her childhood fantasies and the allure of Sebastian’s dominance, Lily’s journey becomes a tumultuous struggle filled with secrets and unexpected turns, promising readers a steamy romance intertwined with themes of ambition, loyalty, and self-discovery that will keep them captivated until the very end.
Josh Bennet was unsure whether to believe his father’s stories of demon-slaying with a man named Digger. After Ephraim Bennet dies in mysterious circumstances, Josh decides to find the elusive Digger and hopefully the truth. However, when he catches up with the legendary gravedigger, Josh is thrown into a world of monsters and mayhem where he discovers a lot more than just the truth. DIGGER by Arjay Lewis is a fluent, fast-moving, and suspenseful horror that flings the reader from one ghoulish battle sequence to another while ensuring its characters are investable and engaging especially the titular Digger. The author has produced a deceptively well-written and creative novel that provides a spine-tingling supernatural feast for fans of the genre.
Still deep in the throes of grief three years after losing his wife, Eden, Oliver Bridge is struggling. When a chance meeting with a stranger, Alex, who herself has recently been widowed, turns into a profound connection, Ollie tries to move forward as Eden would have wished. But was the encounter with Alex fate, and what exactly do his friends know about her? THE LOVE OF IMPOSSIBLE SUMS is a beautifully cerebral and emotive story exploring the intricacies of loss, manipulation, and betrayal. Panayotis Cacoyannis’ writing is positively exquisite as he unravels the tangled web of deceit and guilt surrounding Ollie. Character-driven and occasionally surreal, this book is sophisticated, searching, and utterly of the moment.
OF FRICTION by S.J. Lee is a compelling exploration of interpersonal dynamics and the complexities of relationships, offering readers a thought-provoking journey through the intricacies of human connection and emotion. The book shines a light on the resilience and growth that can emerge from moments of tension, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in delving into the depths of human interaction and understanding.
UNLAWFUL GAMES by Adam Klein tells the story of a prominent attorney who comes across heartbreaking information about a client whom he helps get an acquittal on murder charges. The attorney is determined to prove himself worthy of an appointment to an elevated position in his firm but ends up being the victim of control and deep manipulation by the most unlikely individual in his life. Suspenseful and chock full of intense drama and heated arguments around the court chambers, this is a deeply elucidating story that will prompt readers to deeply scrutinize new associates and partners before any serious interaction.
Lana Taylor Stuart’s delightful cookbook MY SOUTHERN TABLE: Recipes From a Georgia Kitchen grew out of her popular food blog. The book mixes must-have Southern recipes such as Country Ham with Red Eye Gravy, Hoppin’ John, and several versions of grits with retro recipes such as Tomato Aspic and Green Goddess Dressing. With those, she introduces some modern twists on Creole Beef and Okra soup, Oven Fried Shrimp Po’Boy and Banana Fudge Pie. There is an assortment of excellent biscuit recipes, with the Angel Biscuits a standout. The recipes are clearly written in a friendly, conversational tone, and the results consistent. Many recipes contain notes with technique tips. In-depth background is on separate pages from the recipes, allowing the cook to read them at leisure. Anyone who enjoys cooking will adore this book, and anyone who enjoys eating will love the results.
In Derek Corsaro’s WINKLE AND ASTER, two little girls, having experienced a fire in their house, fight to flee from the strange place they find themselves. Monsters seeking immortality fiercely oppose their method of escape, forcing them to turn to a self-described hero for assistance. This brilliantly told coming-of-age story is filled with themes of bravery and harmony, making it a motivating read that magical realists and adventure seekers should not miss.
Contrary to what the title may suggest, Amy Huntsman’s THIS IS NOT A PARENTING BOOK offers a well-researched, comprehensive reference for parents, teachers, and childcare professionals seeking individualized approaches to raising children. From screen time to tantrums, this superbly written book provides easily implemented strategies for tackling daily challenges and fostering healthier relationships with children of all ages.
SMALLER IS BETTER by Brady Brim-Deforest is a practical guide that conceptualizes the adoption of small, self-supported, cross-functional teams in both small and large organizations. Over the author’s twenty-year-old career as a consultant to numerous startups and monolithic organizations, this model has proven itself less risky, less costly, and able to deliver tremendous outcomes. This is without a doubt a revolutionary framework that has been meticulously articulated to help any retrogressive organization unlock a competitive advantage and begin experiencing dramatic progress and gain.
MY UNEXPECTED LIFE (Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis) by Jennifer Gasner delves deeper than mere illness, crafting a poignant and insightful portrait of the author’s resilience and inspiration. Her engaging narrative not only sheds light on Friedreich’s Ataxia but also powerfully underscores acceptance, compassion, and the transformative journey of self-discovery. With rich storytelling and themes of conquering adversity resonating universally, this memoir earns its place among recommended reads.
AWAKENINGS: e Gottlieb is a stirring anthology that explores bodies of all kinds and the experience of living in them. These personal essays show a depth and breadth of experience including disability, incest, bullying, pain, body image, illness, age, and so much more. Each essayist’s voice is clear and distinct, drawing the reader directly into the experience. The writing is compelling, clear, and unflinching. The collection invites empathy and offers understanding. The essays grow more powerful with re-reading, and each re-read of the AWAKENINGS anthology reveals even more depth and beauty, and more appreciation for each essayist’s bravery and healing through their words.