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!
Emphasizing traits such as generosity and kindness, Dayna Mason’s MAGNANIMOUS offers a profound exploration of the trait, underscoring the significance of cultivating human connections for a fulfilling and successful life. The author’s comprehensive perspective serves as a source of inspiration, rendering the book essential for anyone seeking personal and professional advancement.
Kimberly J. Smith’s BODY OF ORIGIN is a captivating young adult science fiction, enriched with a hint of romance, that portrays the struggles of sixteen-year-old Calliope Littleton, who harbors a dangerous secret. Despite being a switcherborne with immunity to government-mandated drugs, she risks everything by letting her friend, Jamie Mulligan, use her body to walk again after causing his accident. As tensions rise with the antiswitcherborne movement and government scrutiny, their arrangement takes an unexpected turn, threatening to unravel their lives in unforeseen ways.
A timeless struggle between tradition and truth, Omari Richards’s THE KIMONI LEGACY: Initiation navigates the noble responsibilities of the Kimoni siblings amidst growing threats to the sweeping savannas of Nahwalla. As they confront ancient enemies and unearth long-buried secrets, a maelstrom of peril and revelation unfolds. Richards weaves a tale of African-inspired fantasy, blending political intrigue, familial bonds, and the enduring power of kinship, painting a glowing portrait of a world teetering on the brink of chaos and change.
Patrick M. Garry’s THE POWER OF GRATITUDE captures the transformative power of gratitude through the story of his family, blending reflection and storytelling with a style that’s both simple and deeply engaging. It illustrates how deep appreciation can lead to profound fulfillment and freedom, serving as a heartfelt testament to resilience and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
SPINNAKER (by Sabato diVincenti intricately weaves a tale of wartime romance and suspense in 1943 Germany, skillfully blending fact and fiction. The detailed accounts of World War II missions add depth to the plot. The immersive storytelling and unexpected twists make it a compelling read, offering readers a genuine and captivating experience.
NURSE FLORENCE®, HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND TIME? by Michael Dow, RN, MS, MHA, MSM, with illustrations by Lindsay Roberts, M.Ed, BFA, offers an innovative approach to educating children about complex concepts through relatable storytelling. With a focus on enhancing children’s health literacy and fostering scientific curiosity, this book series serves as a valuable educational resource that encourages young readers to explore careers in STEM fields and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
In the gripping narrative of THE BEST KEPT SECRET, author and doctor Harvey Manes skillfully presents a captivating and relatable account of the struggles and triumphs of a fourth-year med student. The book immerses readers in the competitive world of medicine and the profit-driven underbelly of the medical field–and most egregiously–the insurance companies, offering a glimpse into the determination and passion that drive a young med student towards his goal of finding a cure for cancer.
ANIMALIA by Shauna C. Murphy immerses readers in a captivating world where mystery and unique abilities converge against the backdrop of the Victorian era. The novel’s portrayal of Sunday Gråe’s journey into the enigmatic Svalbard School and her quest for truth amidst personal struggles is both engaging and inspiring. Murphy’s skillful storytelling and the depth of character development make the book a compelling read that blends historical allure with thrilling mystery, offering readers a captivating and imaginative experience from start to finish.
When Skyeris became unwell in November 2019, she initially assumed it was a twenty-four-hour virus. Although no stranger to respiratory complaints, she was alarmed at how ill she felt, and by early 2020 her symptoms worsened, aggravating pre-existing conditions until she was struggling to fulfill simple tasks. As the pandemic progressed, it became clear Skyeris had developed Long Covid and STILL MOVING is her experience of life as a “long-hauler”. Skyeris has written a beautifully candid, intimate, and thoughtful exploration of living with chronic illness. She reflects upon the intense challenges faced, from personal and societal perspectives, and examines the mental battles and physical struggles of coping with long-term sickness. Weighted with emotion, and threaded with instances of wry humor, STILL MOVING is a profound and powerful memoir.
THE CASTLE ON GIBBET HILL by Cherie Dumont provides a wealth of fascinating information about the area in and around Groton, MA which has been the center of much history over the centuries–from fierce battles between Pilgrims and Native Americans to the building of an opulent castle by General William Bancroft, the mayor of Cambridge, in the early 20th century. The author succeeds in skillfully relaying the evolution of Gibbet Hill, alongside the growth of the United States.
Alex Bree’s THE HIGH SEER is a marvelous dark fantasy novel set in a breathtakingly magical world full of complex characters, magic, and monsters. Main characters Theo, a blacksmith and Aurienne, a High Seer who is haunted by her visions, set out on the seemingly impossible journey of saving their people by soliciting the help of their neighbors. Bree certainly makes her mark as an author to watch in this gripping fantasy.
Candidly written, THE GUEST HOUSE: by Shannon Terrell tells the story of the author’s struggles with anxiety disorders, inviting readers into her turbulent and fragile inner world. Written in short chapters, this poignant yet inspiring collection details Terrell’s struggle to cope with this, revealing that mental health issues can be dealt with and overcome. The narration is succinct with vital and deep soul work, and initiates a sense of fervor in striving to look beyond the condition. Tackling a complex subject with grace, this memoir is certainly a welcome addition to the non-fiction genre.
An imaginative exploration of the burden of gender during the Era of Good Feelings, Geneva Price’s THE GUILD MASTER’S DAUGHTER portrays the life and struggles of Faith, a gifted artist who challenges New York City’s 1816 societal norms, while discovering —with a touch of fantasy— the price of personal agency, freedom, and self-awareness in a claustrophobic world of appearances. A compelling tale of bravery, and a valuable contribution to the growing sub-genre of Women’s Historical Fantasy.
MOTHER OF THE FALLEN by J.R. Manga is a riveting thriller following female Detective Garcia as she investigates a series of murders that mysteriously connect to her past and her family. The protagonist’s character is developed with great attention to detail as the reader finds out about her past in Mexico and her complicated responsibilities as a mother. The satanic rituals and cults shown in the book are painted with hair-raising graphic imagery and revealed to the reader slowly and suspensefully following plot twists. Excerpts from diary entries and hand-written notes accompany many chapters, adding suspense to the narrative; fans of thrilling murder mysteries will love this book.
POTTY TRAINING DAY: FOR BOYS by Akilah Trinay is a heartwarming tale of a young boy named Malcolm on his potty-training journey, highlighting the unwavering support of his encouraging dad. Filled with positivity and relatability, this charming story is sure to resonate with families as they share in Malcolm’s triumphs and challenges, making it an uplifting read for parents and little ones alike.
EXECUTE ORDER by Jett Ward delivers an adrenaline-pumping international thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Reaper Pilot Brent Parker’s life is in jeopardy after a mission gone wrong turns him into a target for both his own government and a ruthless terrorist agent. With nonstop action and suspense, this gripping novel is a must-read for fans of heart-pounding thrillers, such as those by Tom Clancy.
PYRAMID ON THE HUDSON by Howard R. Reiss is a captivating tale about a probe into a 170-year-old murder that occurred before the Civil War on top of a mountain. The protagonist is driven by lucid dreams that feel like open windows to the spirit world as he tries to unwrap the decades-old mystery. This text is a page-turner that goes back to the nineteenth century and is a definite eye-opener to the concepts of greed and love. Readers who love plots that defy quick solutions will find much to savor in Reiss’s work.
J. Barrett’s MAIALEN, the second book in the KEEPERS OF IMBRIA series, unfolds a riveting tale of betrayal, prophecy, and sacrifice in a world ravaged by famine and plague. As Maialen, the Keeper of Earth, grapples with the threat of war and the looming prophecy of the Solvrei, she must navigate treacherous alliances and confront her own doubts to save Imbria. With the book’s intriguing plot, dynamic character development, and immersive world-building, fantasy enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by this action-packed page-turner.