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!
UNDER A DARKENING MOON, by Peter A. Heasley, is an elegantly written contemporary sci-fi novel with a classic aesthetic that takes an intimate perspective of the unexplainable. When a strange phenomenon strikes the moon — nicknamed Moondark — Jody, an ex-priest and computer programmer, must confront extraterrestrial events beyond his imagination as he desperately tries to return home to his family.
A delicate dance of young love and mystical realms, Stephanie Lane’s THE AIRS OF AN HEIR invites readers into a world brimming with trickery, distance, and magic. Lane adeptly explores themes of identity and resilience, weaving a chronicle that captivates with its modern sensibility and vivid imagery. A blend of enchanting storytelling and thoughtful portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences, the novel delivers a tale that truly resonates with our times.
BEYOND THE BORDER by Tae-hyok Kim and Nicole Rogers is a beautiful memoir following the life of Tae-hyok Kim, a North Korean farm boy. The book meanders across the landscape of the author’s life, touching on early childhood under Japanese Occupation, his experiences migrating across the border, and his time as a soldier during the Korean War. The memoir immerses the readers within the author’s life by hauntingly portraying settings using imagery, and the author’s personal experiences in tandem with the far-reaching historical backdrop. The prose employed is light and flowing, accessible to all readers and in keeping with the compelling narrative. Readers who enjoy historical narratives will love this story.
A gripping tale of espionage, counterterrorism, and vigilante ambition, Michael Maloof’s RELENTLESS introduces Kate Preacher, a former CIA analyst as sharp as she is resilient. On her shoulders, Maloof crafts a fast-paced thriller that blends military grit, cinematic properties, and technological intrigue. Through meticulous plotting, acute characterizations, and nods to real-world intel assessment, the novel is a compelling addition to the genre, promising an adrenaline-pumping series ahead.
Diana Tuorto’s MS. ALBERTA: FELINE BARN MANAGER is an endearing children’s picture book about acceptance and belonging. Ms. Alberta, a feral barn cat, has grown to love the human who provides for her, but a frightful dog already living with the human scares her from fully embracing what could be her new home. Ava Bucci’s expressive illustrations beautifully complement this stirring story about craving safe and healthy relationships.
John Blossom’s inventive novel, THE LAST FOOTBALL PLAYER, is a gripping exploration of a dystopian world where football is banned because the game doesn’t seem safe. The protagonist, Dude, the final football player, embarks on a compelling journey to revive the soul of the game. Blossom’s vivid writing breathes life into the narrative, with well-developed characters and a blend of sports, family, science, AI, passion, and friendship which will leave readers contemplating the future of their beloved game.
A passionate, Democrat-led ideological discussion on climate change and how it affects family planning in all of its forms, THE CONCEIVABLE FUTURE by Meghan Elizabeth Kallman & Josephine Ferorelli is a call to action aimed at persons questioning whether to have children in the current state of the earth. They suggest the way to tackle climate change issues is to join groups and get involved in political activism and implore people to move from individual to collective group responsibility, resulting in more power to enact change.
LIFELINE TO A SOUL (is an inspiring tale that centers on author John K. McLaughlin’s endeavor to teach prisoners in a minimum-security prison in North Carolina about how to become entrepreneurs. It offers a glimpse into prison life and will provoke readers’ thoughts on crucial reforms in the prison system.
M.K. Dean’s third Ginny Reese cozy mystery, A CORPSE IN THE CONDO, follows the intrepid veterinarian and amateur sleuth when she checks out the resort condo she inherited, bringing along her fractious sister and her loyal dog. Ginny finds the corrupt manager dead in the condo and valuable artwork missing, which puts her under suspicion of insurance fraud. The pace is fast and fun. Ginny’s fears about relying on anyone but herself collide with her growing second chance relationship with a former boyfriend. Her determination to find the truth, while juggling her romantic fears and prepping for an incoming hurricane, keep the reader as engaged and busy as the characters. A well-written, fun page turner with heart, A CORPSE IN THE CONDO balances the mystery and the relationships with skill and humor.
THE CHRISTMAS BANDITS by Brian Monge is an action-packed, wild and crazy adventure featuring a group of four talking raccoons who try to mug Santa and end up serving as his bodyguards, helping to defend Christmas against the mad King Tusk. The plot isn’t always as coherent as it might be, especially when a couple of the bandits get separated from the rest, but who cares when you have so many adrenaline-fueled fight scenes taking place in exotic locations like the Louvre and Hitler’s lost Arctic bunkers? The art is striking, colorful, and full of energy, leading the reader from frame to frame in quick succession, always engaging and never dull. Who knew Santa could be such a badass (but a kindly one, nonetheless- he’s still Santa after all)?
In her captivating memoir, A SMOKE AND A SONG, Sherry Sidoti delves into the complexities of life and personal growth. Through raw honesty and engaging storytelling, the author explores themes such as love, family relationships, healing, and self-discovery. Readers find the depth and authenticity of this narrative compelling, resonating deeply and offering valuable insights into intergenerational trauma and the journey towards self-compassion.
EXTRA FOCUS: combines reliable information about the nature of the condition and concrete guides to coping with it. Author Jesse J. Anderson provides this guidance from the literature, his own experience, and what he learned from his therapy.
Jade May’s debut work, TEMPED BY EDEN, has a captivating storyline and a good amount of plot twists, transcending the clichés of traditional romance novels. Dive into a world where passion and intrigue intertwine for an unforgettable reading experience.
Life is crazy sometimes, and while everyone has a unique story, the best medicine is, indeed laughter. LAUGH CRY REWIND by Judy Haveson reminds readers that, with all the pains and heartaches of life, there also comes joy and good karma. Honesty, humor, and sincerity come together in this well-written memoir.
PALMETTO PIONEERS by Cindy Roe Littlejohn is a uniquely narrative non-fiction that takes the readers along on the Walker family’s emigration to Florida in the 19th century. A book intricately linked with history; the story transports the readers to its vivid settings with memorable, prosaic language. Moreover, the author uses images, journal entries and diaries to immerse the reader into the protagonist’s life, keeping them engaged from the first page. Readers who enjoy historical insights will love this book as it touches on intricate issues such as the question of occupying indigenous land, and pores over American history with a personal lens.
S. Ramsey’s TALES OF WITCHES AND WYVERNS brings legendary fables to life with fantastical descriptions as a relatable, young heroine enters a mystical realm, discovering unexpected truths about her past while she perseveres to save her childhood friend.
There comes a time in life when a woman must make a choice as to what she wants for herself—if the choice is actually hers to make. STORIES WE CANNOT TELL by Leslie A. Rasmussen is a fictional tale of two pregnant women and their different but similar lives. Richly-drawn characters, intense real-life situations, and relatable emotions bring magic to this valuable story.
THE WORLD WE KNOW by Sheryle Gillihan presents a thought-provoking journey into the intricacies of human perspective and experience. Using narratives and empirical evidence, it advocates for empathy, diversity, and the exploration of different viewpoints. Through the combination of personal stories and world views, this book will engage readers to become more inquisitive and culturally aware which by itself, makes it a truly inspirational anthology.