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!
Much can be learned from the ancients – in this case, the Chinese with their systems of discipline. Which is the underlying core of author Craig Cooke’s message in his self-help book, BUSINESS KUNG FU, where he outlines how to use those learnings to overcome challenges in business. Adopting, in theory, the five Chinese elements of life, he explains how to use passion, discipline, expertise, confidence and faith in matters of entrepreneurship. Personal examples abound; rely on as inspiration for start-ups as well as experienced business people.
In Robert Rioux’s complete edition of the IDOL PURSUITS trilogy, eighteen-year-old Heather Moon’s dream of becoming a K-pop singer is ruined by a ruthless executive. Determined to redeem herself and achieve her long-desired goal, Heather endeavours to form an indie girl group made up of a gutsy but talented cast. Heather and her friends enter the nation’s biggest music competition hoping to win and gain global popularity, exposing them to the dark hidden world of the entertainment industry. Stirring and impactful, this text is a sumptuous gala for all music lovers. The sheer determination and resilience exhibited by the characters in the midst of the numerous challenges they face, will endear readers to them. Fresh and original, Rioux’s work is certainly binge-worthy.
Based on a actual Australian event, COBRA POSE by Susan Rogers & John Roosen is a cleverly plotted thriller about internet hacking, where the tension is punctuated with information about recognizable Australian cities and landmarks. The book is both enlightening and frightening in its realistic possibilities.
In the midst of wartime turmoil, VANDELLA: RESILIENCE by M. Ch. Landa masterfully portrays the resilience and courage of its characters against the backdrop of World War II-era Germany. Through Maia’s narrative, the book blends historical context with fantasy elements, providing a captivating and unique outlook on the period. With its engaging plot and genuine characters, this novel is sure to connect with readers, adding depth to the historical fiction genre with its compelling storytelling.
Part life coaching, part self-help, part cookbook, Deborah Johnson’s ON RISING: Recipes and Rituals for Joyful Mornings is full of sunshine, smiles, and good food. The author combines taking time in the morning for daily musings and gratitude practice with luxurious breakfast recipes and talks to the reader as though having an intimate conversation with a friend. There are many full-color photos, and the recipes are clear and easy to follow, with a mix of omnivore, vegetarian, and a scattering of vegan recipes. There’s also a section on basics and on brunch. The Quick & Easy Bakery Bread is quick, easy – and delicious. The Earl Grey Chocolate Chip Scones are another recipe that check the boxes for both easy and delicious. ON RISING is a cookbook/motivational book that might just turn you into a morning person.
THEY TOLD ME TO FORGET by Christopher D. James delves into themes of mystery, virtual reality and psychological depth. Its gripping narrative weaves mysterious plot twists throughout the story, offering readers an immersive experience exploring complex issues surrounding trauma and memory. For those intrigued by how technology intersects with our minds, this book is definitely worth adding to your reading list.
A MEASURE OF RHYME by Lloyd Jeffries shines bright as an action and intrigue-laden novel where a never-ending battle between good and evil proceeds in modern time. The drama is heightened as chapters shift between Israel and Washington, DC as the malevolent Cain attempts to consolidate his power in a clever read from beginning to end.
Author S.G. Blaise plummets readers into an exceptionally built story world in book IV of The Last Lumenian Series, MEDDLING MAGES. This sci-fi fantasy adventure will enchant readers as they follow Glenna and Ragnald, a healer and a mage, through a perilous journey in hopes of healing Glenna before it’s too late. Fraught with internal struggles, external dangers, and a forbidden romance, the twist-ending promises even more.
In Larry Kahaner’s humorous noir crime fiction DID THE FRAIL HAVE A HEATER?, the eccentric yet respected PI Sam Marlowe, alongside two others, takes on Helen Boston’s case, only to uncover a web of corruption and murder. When Helen’s death is ruled a drug overdose, Sam suspects foul play and delves deeper into a world of drug cartels, Russian oligarchs, and corrupt elites, ultimately unraveling the truth behind her murder and exposing a global network of illicit activities. An absolutely delightful read!
A NEW WORLD COLLISION by Jack Torn delves into a complex narrative involving characters like Pinn, Lilith, and the mysterious OyOyann. Pinn, a character with fantastical notions, engages in conversations about the OyOyann and his past interactions. Lilith, on the other hand, navigates through various intriguing encounters and discussions, adding layers of mystery and depth to the storyline. The narrative unfolds with elements of fantasy, relationships, and enigmatic concepts that keep the reader engaged in a web of intricate storytelling.
A dystopian novel set in futuristic times where the world lives through technological illusions, AUGUMENTED by MJ Douglas twists together an imaginative story utilizing highly technical descriptions. Following the unexpected journeys of the characters will have readers questioning reality and the repercussions of becoming too connected.
In the intricate world painted by C.K. Madrid in GLOWS, readers are taken on a roller-coaster ride of espionage, romance, and suspense. The story skillfully navigates through a web of intricate plots with a blend of mystery and romance. The . Madrid’s adept storytelling and rich descriptions–particularly in the wedding scenes–create a vivid and immersive experience. A compelling choice for readers who appreciate a nuanced and engaging narrative in the espionage fiction genre.
A heartwarming children’s picture book, LUNA BLANCA! beautifully portrays the tender bond between a little girl and the White Moon. David Lane’s narrative, coupled with Caleb McBee’s enchanting illustrations, captivates with a message of comfort, friendship, and the wonders of the night sky, making it a delightful read for children and parents alike.
Kim Catanzarite’s THEY WILL BE COMING FOR US ( series), delves into the gripping tale of Svetlana Peterman, whose seemingly perfect marriage to astronomer Andrew Jovian unravels amid the strange world of his family. As Svetlana grapples with the pressure to conform to the Jovians’ bizarre expectations, she discovers a monumental secret that threatens to change her destiny and that of her unborn child. Catanzarite masterfully blends elements of thriller, science fiction, and mystery, delivering a riveting narrative that showcases her exceptional storytelling prowess.
OATHBREAKER, by Dimitar Gyopsaliev, is the second book in the thrilling Return of the Son series. Peter Longsword, estranged nephew of Richard the Lionheart, embarks on a thrilling new quest in the Holy Land as he hunts down the masked warrior who took his comrade’s life. Historical fiction fans, such as fans of Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett, will enjoy how the author finds the perfect balance between exciting history and non-stop action.
Mae Webster is a young woman who put her Cambridge education on hold to work for the British intelligence service helping to break German codes where she meets and marries Jack Knight, a war photographer from New Zealand. The plot of SL Beaumont’s excellent THE WAR PHOTOGRAPHERS is partially based in England during the second world war and time jumps to 1989 Berlin, where the couple’s photojournalist granddaughter is on assignment documenting events leading to the collapse of the East German government and fall of the Berlin Wall. The author does a masterful job of weaving 1940s’ England and 1989 Berlin together, sometimes creating cliffhangers that force the reader to wait until the story returns back to that time for the resolution. A must-read page turner.
Lisa A. Traugott combines history, superstition, romance, and adventure seamlessly in TO RESCUE A WITCH. When fierce Scottish lawyer/protector William McLeod embarks on a daunting journey to the Virginia colony to rescue his boss’s daughter, McLeod’s family also becomes ensnared in a web of dark secrets. Unexpected turns, twists, and even a suspenseful witch trial ensure that justice — and readers — are satisfied.
Featuring a cast of unforgettable characters, explosive antics, and an ‘us-against-the-world’ narrative, KAWABUNGA KITTEN! is a nutty, genre-bending romp that effortlessly entertains—a modern “comic novel” channeling a yesteryear, counterculture vibe, Doc Pruyne’s third novel is a wholly entertaining epic that more than earns its saga-length page count.