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!
Oliver Ferrie’s SUGAR PEOPLE steer the labyrinthine corridors of trauma, trust, and mental anguish, weaving a slow-paced horror montage tinged with ethereal mystique. Amidst the shadows of art class struggles and the spectre of Tala’s fractured psyche, protagonist Kestrel is drawn into the enigmatic orbit of a religious counselor, unraveling secrets that lurk in the murky depths of the Church’s past. Ferrie’s narrative is a haunting symphony, evoking a myriad of emotions that dance on the precipice of anger, disgust, and conspiracy.
In M. K. Dean’s A CORPSE IN THE CONDO, veterinarian Ginny Reese’s vacation turns into a whirlwind of chaos when she discovers a cadaver in her recently inherited property, prompting suspicion and distrust. With a fast-paced plot and engaging character dynamics (including the crucial intervention of Reese’s dog Remington), Dean manages to balance mystery, humour, and emotional entanglement, enthralling attention whilst the protagonist navigates the stormy investigation amidst romantic tensions and the looming threat of a hurricane. Through clever twists and classic crime fiction reveals, the novel is a gripping page-turner and a must-read for fans of the genre.
Even in today’s more “sensitive and understanding” society, bullying is as prominent as ever, especially for kids in school. In BULLY BOY by Tom Wade, a 15-year-old boy must find a way to defend himself and deflect the taunts and beatings from his school mates. While the topic is all too familiar, the story takes a turn to bring a powerful ending.
Susan M. Boyer has written an excellent, nicely paced mystery which is very cleverly solved. The character subplots are very interesting on their own, plus serve the main story well. BIG TROUBLE ON SULLIVAN’S ISLAND gets a BIG thumbs up!
An eye-opener, WE ARE ALL MADE OF SCARS by Christopher Morris is a raw and riveting memoir that examines the author’s erratic childhood marred by an absent alcoholic mother and the trauma this caused to him as he grew up. Poignant and uplifting, the book goes further by detailing the author’s pathway to wellness as he struggled to navigate around these negative influences and heal from past experiences. The text is a harrowing portrait of a family broken by alcoholism-but not one without hope, and its profound lessons and nuggets of wisdom will serve as an anchor for many generations to come.
A sweeping debut portal fantasy, Stephanie Brick’s THE SECRET DOORS OF CANNONDALE offers a plucky young protagonist, a unique world of realms replete with vibrant sensory details, puzzles, and magic–and a breathtaking last-minute twist. Likely more suited for older middle grade and lower young adult readers, the book’s deeper themes of loneliness, belonging, and friendship resonates. A captivating first installment that promises more magic and danger for the rest of the series.
By combining captivating dark fantasy with clever mental health commentary, REMEMBERING DEMONS by J. Cornelius stands out as a truly unique experience that will excite fantasy and horror readers alike. Daryl — a patient at a mental asylum — must confront the trauma and guilt from a past he doesn’t remember as nightmare creatures, and a possible larger conspiracy, threatens to end his life.
Ebenezer O. Makinde’s novel CASSIUS KING concerns a teenage Warhawk’s football player whose coach’s surprising announcement about a severe lack of funding almost puts an end to his ambition of competing in the regional tournament on the Blue. He, like the rest of the squad, is surprised when it is revealed that everyone must raise a large sum of money for the club, which causes him to embark on a terrifying yet life-changing endeavor. This delightful book is packed with insightful advice about managing finances, forming friendships, and the amazing power of collaboration.
Mike Stalowski, a middle linebacker for the Chicago Storm and better known as “Steelman,” finds himself at crossroads in Richard Podkowski’s new book, THE WALK-ON. The day his wife delivered divorce papers—the eve of a tournament in which his team, the Chicago Storm, lost badly—has left him dealing with excruciatingly painful memories. Following this defeat, he gets into a horrific accident and later admits to the homicide of his twenty-three-year-old girlfriend and her unborn child. In an effort to put his life back on track, the protagonist must overcome a multitude of emotions and life scars in this plausible story that is devoted to readers who enjoy contemporary stories that defy quick solutions.
In the captivating exploration of the complexities of marriage and grief, Gregory Duncan’s THE UNKNOWN FACE unveils the hidden struggles within relationships. Duncan’s deft narrative explores the depths of human emotion and strikes a chord with readers despite the tragic events that transpire. Ultimately, the book serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-discovery in the face of adversity.
Rob Sheely’s KICK DRUM is a thoroughly entertaining novel set in and around the music business. True to its title, the narrative is propulsive and energetic, with the occasional cymbal splash of humor. Like the best pop songs, KICK DRUM is short, sharp, and instantly memorable.
Adoption is a gift of love. ALREADY HOME: by Howard Frederick Ibach is a personal journey of life, security, familial connection, and self-discovery. Members adopted into their families may be on the same path … readers who’ve never experienced these questions have a better insight into the adoption process and its effect on children. Written with knowledge and sensitivity, this story hits home.
SPIES AMONG US by Mel Harrison is the latest exciting installment in the Alex Boyd Thriller series. Alex and his wife Rachel are assigned to the U.S. embassy in London. Alex is with the Diplomatic Security Corps and Rachel works in the political section where there is a spy ring operating in and around the embassy. Although the story takes place present day, it’s our old Cold War nemesis the Russians conducting the espionage. A minor observation by the CIA station chief sets the wheels in motion of this thriller. The incredible level of detail regarding U.S. embassy operations and procedures in this highly recommended page turner is no doubt due to to the author’s 30 year career in the U.S. diplomatic security corps where he was stationed at embassies around the world.
HAPPY HERE AND NOW serves as a transformative roadmap to enduring happiness. Authored by Matt Tracy, this guide provides profound insights, practical exercises, and a holistic approach to uncovering joy and contentment. Delving into gratitude, forgiveness, and inner peace, Tracy empowers readers with tools to nurture lasting happiness, irrespective of external circumstances. Ideal for those desiring a profound understanding of genuine happiness, this book comes highly recommended.
THIRTEEN LUNATIONS creatively challenges traditional calendars, blending ancient wisdom with modern insights to offer a whimsically unconventional exploration of time and celestial rhythms. Enriched by personal anecdotes, recipes, mythology, and historical tidbits, author Khia Marin invites readers on a deep dive that encourages contemplation and reevaluation of established calendrical beliefs, prompting reflection beyond contemporary norms.
HYPHENATED RELATIONS is an affecting tale that follows Sam Daly, who, upon losing her husband, withdraws into a cocoon to overcome her grief. She is, however, reluctantly pulled into an unprecedented family drama that compels her to confront her painful past. Even narration and stellar prose are the hallmarks of Daniel Maunz’s novel. The plot’s plausibility also adds flair to his writing, making the book a pleasure to read.
Tom Strelich’s WATER MEMORY masterfully fuses humour, satire, and speculative fiction to explore the consequences of a world reset by a reversal of the Earth’s magnetic poles. Through the lens of Hertell Daggett’s singularity —an exceptional memory-owner due to residual copper fragments in his brain— the novel navigates the price of oblivion, what is human about humanity, and the opportunity for societal renewal. Strelich crafts a compelling story radiant with witty intelligence and profound humanism.
VANISHING BODIES by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev is a genre-bending story that combines science fiction with philosophical writing, as it follows Adam Micah, who possesses the ability to be reincarnated after death. The unique premise of the protagonist’s powers and the originality of the book’s plotline will keep readers engaged. The author sketches each character with honesty, while exploring themes of immortality and identity. Fans of thought-provoking science fiction will love this book.