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!
Stephen C. Pollock’s poetry in EXITS portrays various facets of existence from an existential standpoint. The work flows freely without strict adherence to convention and covers diverse topics ranging from the individuality of life to the horrors of war. It’s a compelling collection for those who enjoy contemplating life and its myriad orientations.
HARBINGER by P. A. Vasey offers an enthralling narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction and space exploration. Through the depiction of a superior alien technology and a fascinating story of finding the ‘Oumuamua spaceship, readers will be captivated from the start until the end. With the suspenseful twists and turns, the book presents an intriguing investigation of the extraterrestrial wildlife and its influence on humanity, making it a fascinating read for fans of this genre.
For believers who want to improve their capacity to sense God’s presence, hear Him clearly, and forge a stronger bond with Him, Jeannine Rodriguez-Everard’s book THE RIVER OF GOD’S PRESENCE is an invaluable spiritual tool. It is based on firsthand information obtained by the author after a dream encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, which increased her awareness of God’s presence. The book debunks beliefs about how God’s presence manifests and presents compelling proof of benefits such as joy and healing that everyone who seeks after it obtains.
In the style of a 1940s radio play, the audio book of THE TABLE BY THE WINDOW offers a meta take on a new level. The demon of the writer’s block comes to life as author Paul Leon tells the tale of writer William defeating his demon in a metered poetic style. Complete with sound effects and emotional background music, this short story comes to life in grand inspirational brilliance.
LEGACY OF ATONEMENT by Stephen Maitland-Lewis is a beautifully written alternate-history post-World War II novel. When the mystery of unexplained occurrences leads the protagonists on a thrilling global journey to uncover facts, the discoveries are more than life-threatening stakes of worldwide proportions. Written with incredible pacing and brilliant suspense, readers will love this adrenaline-fueled thriller.
Caroline’s Helenasdotter ‘s THE SAGA OF THE SWEDISH WATER SPIRIT tells the melancholic tale of Liv, whose life in 17th century Sweden feels faded with unfulfilled dreams but who finds solace in the twilight whispers of the woods. The deeply passionate and captivating story chronicles Liv’s journey, her personal challenges and her yearning for self-discovery–a quest that leads her towards a realm of shimmering moonlight and ancient secrets. A unique romance novel featuring vivid and poetic descriptions seen through Liv’s unique perspective.
A PYRRHIC VICTORY, the third volume in Ian Crouch’s “Fate” trilogy, is a marvelous blend of history and fiction that follows King Pyrrhus of Epiote as he grows into a fierce and admirable leader and the the many battles in which he was a pivotal part in winning. The author, whose writing style is both gripping and easy to follow, also explores the personal life behind the extraordinary leader.
J. Q. Gagliastro’s THE DIARY OF A SUGARBABY is a poignant epistolary novel that immerses readers in the harrowing experiences of a young, gay man navigating a dystopian America. It offers a stark narrative of a society divided by race, class, and gender, providing a deeply touching and thought-provoking reading experience for people from any minority and walk of life.
Hayley Reese Chow’s ODRIEL’S HEIRS is a thrilling young adult fantasy that immerses readers in a meticulously crafted world where the dead can be resurrected and humans wield extraordinary gifts. Seventeen-year-old Kaia, inheriting the power of the flame with the ability to conjure fire, is thrust into the role of Dragon Heir after her father’s brutal murder. Charged with the daunting task of defeating a great evil, Kaia—alongside Klaus (Shadow Heir), who has the power to manipulate shadows—embarks on a journey to save the world, discovering love and friendship along the way.
GRIEF ALLY: by Aly Bird is a must-read guide that reveals practical suggestions and insight necessary for one to become a valuable ally to grieving families and individuals. The author borrows heavily from her life-shattering experience of losing her husband at a young age and ably illustrates what it takes to make a grieving person live a full life while being in their truest self.
Justin Hale’s RUNNERS ( in the plunges readers into a gripping dystopian sci-fi world on the planet Nera, where Mr. Zan and his rogue crew of assassins navigate betrayal and survival. As they race against time to evade both deadly Shadows and relentless pursuit by Deputy Marshal Akira Sudo, they must confront their past while facing a new, ominous threat. With its action-packed plot, complex characters, and masterful storytelling, RUNNERS delivers a thrilling and immersive experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
A quirky holiday romp with classic monsters locked in a battle against a flamboyantly wicked witch, John DeGuire’s HOLIDAY SPIRIT makes good use of clever wordplay and over-the-top gore.
NOVIKOV WINDOWS by Chris Cosmain is a science fiction novel following the journey of David Singh, as he grapples with cutting-edge science and technology to construct a time machine. The plot is engaging and rife with twists and turns, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the readers on their toes. Furthermore, the characters are well-developed, with an appreciable amount of emotional heft and intellectual curiosity, placed in an immersive world well-drawn with visual imagery and piercing language. The author successfully fuses meaningful storytelling with science, urging the reader to ponder the far-reaching ethical implications of time travel. Readers of immersive science fiction will appreciate the book.
Ian Michael Aguilar’s REVERT discloses a captivating dystopian cyberpunk thriller whose protagonist —Rene Vaughn— glimpses the future whilst the world embraces superhuman powers. The novel delves into the collision between Rene’s quest for identity and the enigma surrounding a groundbreaking scientific achievement. Against the backdrop of Pedway, a desolate subterranean city beneath Chicago, Aguilar examines societal upheaval, the new trends in the sleeping pill industry, and the porous surface that separates fantasy from reality.
Joshua Lisec’s SO GOOD THEY CALL YOU A FAKE provides a compelling guide for business owners to transform their expertise into a powerful brand and income source, resonating with readers seeking to enhance their brand recognition and income potential in the digital age. As a seasoned ghostwriter, Lisec not only shares a comprehensive system but also offers real-time examples, engaging readers in a conversational style and providing actionable advice for successful book launches and beyond.
THE SILVER SPHERE TRILOGY by David Gittlin offers a unique blend of mystery, artificial intelligence, humor and suspense. Gittlin’s narrative prowess is evident in the gripping portrayal of a time-sensitive apocalyptic event on Earth and the convergence of creativity and scientific intrigue showcases the author’s versatility and adds an enriching layer to the overall reading experience.
CHRISTIANITY 2.0 (by John Dorsey introduces readers to a path that can restore Christianity to the level of truth and authority it had at its conception. The author utilizes Jesus’s teachings and personal experiences and ably demonstrates practical ways of dealing with the obstacles that have hindered Christianity from evolving to a more desirable status. This is a book that will make believers worldwide stop and consider his distinct approach to evangelism and personal spiritual growth.
The fourth book in the Wildcatters Hockey series, ANOTHER GOAL by Alexa Padgett is a heartwarming romance novel that follows Millicent Jones and star hockey player Luka Stol as they navigate love, past challenges, and the surprises of an unexpected pregnancy. The book stands out with its depth, offering a refreshing take on romance without relying on clichés. Padgett skillfully crafts a satisfying and emotionally resonant story, making it a potentially delightful read for romance enthusiasts.