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!
Readers who enjoy legal dramas may find themselves deeply involved in author James Rosenberg’s GUARDING INNOCENCE, where a first-year law student becomes an unexpected, not-so-legal guardian to his younger siblings. Lifelike characters and dynamic legal scenarios come together in this gripping story of child welfare, legal red tape, and devoted family connection. Moving and fast-paced, GUARDING INNOCENCE has the question of “and then what happened?” down pat.
DYING WITH DAD is a touching memoir by Yvonne Caputo, detailing her experiences with death at an interpersonal and institutional level. Caputo’s work allows readers to open up about their own experiences with grief and death in a book that is both engaging and energetic.
An immersion into the labyrinth of spirituality and affliction, Dave Kobrenski’s FINDING THE SOURCE chronicles a poignant odyssey of self-discovery and redemption. The author’s narrative sweeps continents and delves into the depths of African mysticism, as he grapples with a mysterious illness and seeks solace amidst the echoes of ancient traditions and the aenigma of magical thought. With a blend of evocative prose and introspective insight, Kobrenski transforms a journey into literature through landscapes of trauma, unworldliness, and the clash between the West and the rest.
Full of drama, angst, and multifaceted characters, THE ART OF TAKING SECOND CHANCES by Varsha Chitnis cogently explores first love, heartbreak, and forgiveness against the backdrop of familial obligation with adroit prose.
From its explosive opening to its equally explosive ending, the speculative fiction novel ZERO DAY GHOST by Scott Olsen will enlighten those unfamiliar with the extent to which AI could disrupt our reliance on computers, while thrilling technology geeks with frightening but realistic possibilities for earth’s future. A heart pounding read where the action never stops.
Richard J. Blanco’s novel STORMHEIM is an ambitious novel mixing science fiction, fantasy, war, time travel, and generational sagas. As a young girl, Shaw is saved by Herold when her planet is destroyed by a demons that are part of a ”parasitic phenomenon.” Although some of her fellow refugees are given the opportunity to begin anew on the planet Gaia, Herold brings Shaw to his planet and puts her into a rigorous training program because of the strength of her Qi. The consequences resulting from that choice affect millions of individuals across planets and timelines. Blanco pulls inspirations from many different types of stories, mixing them into a novel filled with loyalties and betrayals. He explores the powerful thrill of destruction, the reverberations of different timelines between each other, the justifications for planet-scale genocide by the perpetrators, and the more intimate personal relationships of familial love versus intergalactic prophecy. Readers who like a mix of styles woven into an epic story will be drawn to STORMEHEIM.
THE WINTER QUEEN CONTINGENCY by Patrick Ashe is the final book in the exciting Riven Queen Duology. Epic in its scale and poignant in its message, the story will satisfy dystopian fans looking for a truly unique novel that expertly balances a fantastical apocalyptic threat with a grounded thematic narrative. The first part of the novel features returning characters Cassandra Riven, a transgender special forces soldier, and Mike Ballard, cat lover and analyst, as they confront the quickly evolving infected while wrestling with societal intolerance and incompetence. However, as the years pass and the Infinite gains power, Angelina Jordan must lead the Remnants in a quickly evolving battle for humanity.
Sam Torode’s graphic novel DIRTY PARTS OF THE BIBLE is both a coming of age story and a tale of returning to one’s familial roots. Tobias Henry was nineteen years old in 1936 Remus, Michigan when an unforeseen incident forces him to journey south to his father’s home town in Texas, on family business. It is in every way a journey to his past and his future. Excellent illustrations by Tina Ritchie help set the tone and accent the story. Great characters and Torode’s crisp style make this a quick read that most readers will enjoy!
A disturbing view of what Earth’s future could hold, Terrence King’s CRITICAL HABITAT is a science fiction tale packed with detailed descriptions of adventurous scenes as two young rebels seek to save humanity from a totalitarian General committed to controlling the remaining population regardless of the destruction it will bring.
Stella Leoni’s I’M STAYING IN TONIGHT intricately weaves a narrative of self-discovery and interpersonal dynamics. Leoni deftly explores themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the evolving nature of relationships. Through the protagonist’s introspection and profound interactions with characters like Amy, Juliette, and Steph, Leoni offers readers a profound portrayal of human emotion, prompting introspection into their own emotional landscapes. As the story unfolds, each turn of the page reveals new layers, leaving an indelible impression on those embarking on this literary odyssey.
Adam James Chouinard’s THE HUMAN DISPERSAL PROJECT takes place in a world where people are tested for their survival abilities and adaptability. By balancing the emotional arcs of his characters with the technical aspects of interstellar travel, the author weaves a narrative that is optimistic about humanity’s capacity to grow and connect beyond its planet. It combines science fiction and adventure in an appealing future-humanity-in-space story worth a read.
Eligible for parole, cop killer David Covington has little choice but to attend the Oregon State Penitentiary psychologist, Owen Garrity, for evaluation. David has no intention of genuinely cooperating with Garrity; what happened in the past must remain hidden, not only for him but for his siblings, Thomas and Anna. But as a connection forms between the two men, David finds himself revealing far more secrets to Garrity than he intended. Driven by the compelling authenticity of David’s voice, THE SISKIYOU SON is a well-written, intense, and powerful novel that captures attention from the beginning. Author G.M. Davis vividly brings to life David’s haunting narrative together with the natural majesty of the Siskiyou Mountains in this multi-layered and deeply intriguing story that remains with the reader long after the final page.
In Orlando Chavez’ PORTRAIT OF A HOLLOW MAN a nameless protagonist traverses the tortuous corridors of a mundane existence. As he copes with the grip of modern technology and the emptiness of his daily routine, author Orlando Chavez deftly surveys contemporary themes of alienation, digital addiction, and the pursuit of genuine human connection. A distressing reflection on the absurdity of contemporary endeavours and a powerful catalyst for introspection and societal critique.
KIDNAPPING STEVE by C. Juliano is a literary gem, seamlessly blending humor, suspense, and unpredictability. With its daring plot centered around an unconventional kidnapping and the dynamic characters, Juliano crafts a one-of-a-kind narrative that keeps readers on the edge. This novel’s uniqueness lies in its ability to surprise, entertain, and leave a lasting impression, making it a standout read.
THE ADVENTURES OF IZZY ADAMS is a gripping fiction tale following Izzy as she navigates personal and professional challenges with resilience. Jessica Lee Sheppard’s storytelling expertly combines mystery, emotion, and supernatural elements, creating a compelling read for those who love immersive narratives.
Scott Osman, Jacquelyn Lane, and Marshall Goldsmith’s book BECOMING COACHABLE: invaluable information about why investing in coaching is among the most significant decisions that CEOs, executives and mentors will ever have to make. Its primary concept is the transforming power of the coach-client connection and the exponential rewards attached to it. This must-read career guide, prepared by some of the world’s greatest corporate coaching professionals, will open the reader’s eyes to some unexpected facts and help them better comprehend their work environment. Recommended highly!
SOMEWHERE FOUND by Kyle Battisti is centered around the author’s travels, as he immerses himself in unlikely locations and unknown cultures. The author’s writing style is piercing, poignant and witty as he paints a vivid picture of his diverse destinations while weaving his personal experiences throughout the narrative, giving it a memoir-like quality. Readers who enjoy travel stories will love taking a trip with this book.
LONG WAY OUT by Rand Bishop delves deep into the odyssey of a man navigating self-awareness, remorse, and eventual salvation. Through a candid lens, the narrative unfurls the intricate layers of human longing and the aftermath of rash decisions, emphasizing the potency of introspection and accountability. The protagonist’s turbulent journey serves as a mirror for readers, urging them to ponder their own decisions and their ripple effect on others.