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!
Lee Urban’s intriguing experiences, as written by author Candace Kade in ENHANCED, paint a compelling picture of identity exploration (and future tech) that weave together thought-provoking themes for a highly engaging read. The story is perfect for young adult readers looking for adventure and strong worldbuilding with a suspenseful plot.
GIVE US BILLIONAIRES & BAD BOYS by L.M. Mountford is a collection of steamy romance novellas and short stories that are erotic and immersive. The stories follow several protagonists, from guarded princess Sophia to middle-aged, married Elizabeth. The author shows great mastery in world-building as each book’s setting and plot is precisely tailored to the narrative and characters, while being varied enough to accommodate a wide range of tropes such as werewolf romance, age gap and enemies-to-lovers. Readers who enjoy short and indulgent erotica will appreciate this collection.
EMIGRANT TALES OF THE PLATTE RIVER RAIDS by Janelle Molony focuses on painting the harrowing personal experiences of emigrants traveling through the Northern plains in 1864 during the Civil War. The author has compiled this book with the help of various historical sources, such as eyewitness testimonies, diary entries, and handwritten letters, further explained through helpful annotations, explanations and pictures. The book immerses the readers within its world, through emotionally charged language showcasing the courage of those who faced the raids. Readers who enjoy authentic historical reporting will love this book.
Parents of disabled children have many resources to help their child progress academically. But what about children who have no disabilities but still struggle in school? In BRIDGING THE GAP, educator Delores Henriques provides ample tips and resources for parents to help their children learn better, while reducing stress for both child and adult.
WHEN THE NIGHT IS OVER, book one in Lily Foster’s love blossom between Charlotte Mason and Simon Wade despite their feuding families. Tragedy tests their bond, separating them temporarily, but fate reunites them years later, prompting a journey of forgiveness, redemption, and parenthood. Foster’s adept storytelling skillfully navigates the complexities of the characters’ relationship, captivating readers with a heartfelt narrative.
A beautifully twisted retelling of the grim reaper, QUEENS OF MOIRAI is a dark fairytale that delivers gruesome action and complicated romance in an intricately detailed manner that will leave readers constantly wondering which path these fates will take.
Cute little dog stories are always fun to read, especially for children who love animals. THE ADVENTURES OF MR. BROOKS by Sheralee Everson takes young readers (and listeners) on and adventurous path, filled with colorful characters and lessons on friendship, kindness, and understanding. Divided into separate adventures with stunning ilustrations, each story is short yet concise—perfect for a discussion at bedtime.
THE AVIATOR AWAKENING is a fascinating exercise in science fiction worldbuilding. Through the eyes of a protagonist as lost as the reader, author M.C. Elaine slowly builds out a war-torn galaxy both full of fascinating technology and rife with duplicity. There are also threads of intriguing lore woven throughout the eponymous Aviator’s backstory, leading into the rest of the expanded Vor’s Shadow Trilogy.
END Z.O.N.E., book one in by Neal Wooten, offers a heartfelt glimpse into a future shaped by the dreams and despairs of its vividly drawn characters. Four college friends embark on a journey that explores the stark contrasts of a society divided by wealth and technology in the future. The novel deserves praise for its imaginative depiction of time travel and its emotionally profound stories about love, death, and other common issues in dystopian settings. This story not only entertains but also challenges the reader to ponder the future humanity is creating.
CROSSING CHARRY RIDGE by Suzann Albright immerses readers in a rich tapestry of Southern Appalachian culture through the eyes of the endearing crow narrator, Jet. Albright’s masterful storytelling captures the escapades of four characters who pass through adolescence into adulthood. This engaging and thought-provoking text not only entertains but also serves as a moving reminder of the universal themes of maturation, innocence, and the value of maintaining cultural heritage.
SNAKE EYES by Z. A. Jones is a beautifully crafted tale that weaves the raw threads of human emotion with the stark realities of life’s trials. The author’s protagonist, Mel, is a character etched with the scars of physical and emotional battles, embodying the spirit of a warrior forced to confront her vulnerabilities. Her journey is not just a path of external challenges but a deep dive into the internal turmoil of a soul grappling with the specters of past decisions and the relentless quest for self-acceptance. Using a gentle but strong tone, the author reminds us that everyone has a powerful inner spirit. This book is more than just a story; it’s an experience readers will remember long after they’ve finished reading it.
James D. Kiesewetter’s novel SMILE YOUR LAST BREATH AWAY is about a young college graduate who in the wake of his friend’s death, loses all sense of purpose in life and develops crippling fears of death. He becomes aware of his mental issues following a meeting with a stranger who has an astonishing journal formerly possessed by ninety-six other individuals. This inspiring story of triumph over grief may help readers create their own version of tranquility and navigate the existential quandaries faced on their own paths. A great place to start for readers looking for a sense of purpose.
Donnie McNamara is expected to take over the running of the family farm in rural West Ireland but, despite his father’s contempt, he dreams of becoming an actor. When a small inheritance allows him to travel to Tinseltown, he grabs it and unwittingly befriends Abe Nelson, a Hollywood star down on his luck. Will fame beckon for the hapless Irishman or will he sabotage his one big chance? Fiona Graham has written a captivating debut novel that sparkles with comic energy and observation while also managing to be achingly poignant. Driven by the beguilingly naïve Donnie and littered with a colorful collection of well-depicted and authentic characters, THE CHANCER is an engaging and entertaining treat of a read.
The tale of a 13-year-old boy who’s struggling to find himself and fit in with others, ON THE WATERFRONT by Mike McCoy is a reminder of the sometimes confusing times of childhood. Set in summer camp, this relatable story about teasing, bullying, fear, acceptance, and friendship brings two boys together in mutual understanding. The book is a well-written, descriptive, and sometimes emotional read with a satisfying path, and a surprise ending.
In Susan Kraus’ WHEN WE LOST TOUCH, the reverberations of the COVID-19 pandemic echo through the lives of Grace McDonald and her community in Kaw Valley. As Grace, a seasoned therapist, wrestles with grief and the resurgence of racial tensions, she navigates a complex web of personal and societal challenges, intertwining her fate with those of her neighbours. Through Kraus’ deft storytelling, the pandemic emerges as a crucible, testing the resilience and interconnectedness of ordinary lives against the backdrop of unprecedented upheaval.
MAKE THE DARK NIGHT SHINE by Alan Lessik is a compelling chronicle that delves into the poignant journey of lovers amid the tumult of World War I. Through a blend of vivid narration and Zen-like introspection, it unearths the profound challenges faced by an LGBTQ+ couple in their quest for solace, affection, and belonging amidst the ravages of war.
THE COUSINS ARE COMING captures the excitement and commotion of family reunions thanks to the spectacular efforts of Kay Jones and illustrator Peter Trimarco, who masterfully blend a rhyme-driven storytelling with vibrant artwork to create a heartwarming celebration of family bonds and childhood adventures.
In Wendy McQuaig’s BEHIND THE PICKLE JAR, protagonist Amy Hewston —engulfed in the chaotic whirlwind of modern life— seeks solace in an old farmhouse. As she delves into a century-old diary the rustic charm of pasts beckons, challenging her to reassess her path and choose between the frenetic pace of the present and the serene allure of a simpler existence. McQuaig’s poignant narrative style weaves a mosaic of time, inviting to ponder the quest for equilibrium amid life’s tumultuous currents.