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!
HOPELAND by Ebenezer O. Makinde tells the tale of Alyan Pierce, whose life is marred by unfortunate events and enveloped in loneliness. Struggling with personal loss and the challenges of the pandemic era, Alyan loses his job, prompting him to contemplate a significant shift in his career and perspective on life as he sets out on a journey to a place called Hopeland. The story is swift, gripping, and serves as a poignant portrayal of contemporary society, where material and social needs often dictate one’s existence. Rise and embrace the role of a seeker, delving into the myriad of possibilities; that’s the essence of this captivating novel.
In Ebenezer O. Makinde’s REIGN OF FREEDOM, a young man called Adun discovers startling truths about a world outside his town, where people live freely without constraints or concerns about the future. His yearning to be and do more than what he sees in the other villagers has grown in recent days, motivating him to embark on a search for the aforementioned freedom. This captivating story may impact the reader’s understanding of concepts that lead to true life happiness. An essential mind-transformation resource.
LIGHT OF DARKNESS by Ebenezer O. Makinde shines with captivating elements. The unique interview format sparks thought-provoking discussions on deep philosophical questions, while vivid descriptions transport readers to fantastical realms and angelic encounters. The intriguing exploration of timeless inquiries offers a fresh perspective, making it a must-read for those seeking a unique and spiritually stimulating journey.
Beyond being an anthology of verse, Ebenezer O. Makinde’s work is a far-reaching exploration that seeks to answer humanity’s pressing issues inviting readers to probe their lives and make impactful decisions regarding their future. Uplifting and well-imagined, these entries will impact every reader to start a personal journey of transformation.
K.A. Nelson did an amazing amount of dedicated research, digging into US and British military files, wartime newspapers, and logbooks of German headquarters staff for KILLING SHORE, an incredibly detailed yet readable history of WWII U-boat attacks on the U.S.’s Gulf and East coasts. Readers will meet German and US commanders (including personal histories), feel the loss of 216 ships and thousands of men, and begin to understand how a submarine (and other submersibles) work. Archival photographs and a few illustrations, along with survivor testimonials, underscore how close the Allies came to losing – and winning the war. “Sighted sub, sank same.”
When Jesse applies for a job as a research assistant to an agoraphobic author desperate to write a whistle-blowing best seller, her investigations take her into the luxurious but dangerous world of a manipulative control freak, where one wrong question could be a death sentence. Through a masterful blend of metaphoric descriptions, unexpected plot turns, and borderline horror overtones, the morally dead are very much alive in AND THE DEAD SHALL LIVE, the sophomore novel by talented writer David Shawn Klein.
A mystery, suspense, thriller, with humor and a sound track (the protagonist frequently drives around LA with music playing in his old, worn, and dented blue Toyota), BIG FAT F@!K UP by Lawrence Allan is a well conceived and very well written book. Jimmy Cooper is a 30 something former child actor and licensed private detective whose acerbic wit and maverick personality provide some very amusing dialogue and inner monologue making the book (the first in a series) a real page turner and a highly recommended read.
Holly Spofford’s SNAP DECISION presents a gripping maritime mystery, where tugboat captain Lindsey Johnson’s discovery in the New York Harbor sets off a compelling chain of events. With well-developed characters like Max Dovic and Paige Buckley, readers are treated to a suspenseful narrative that showcases Spofford’s expert storytelling and attention to detail. The book is a captivating read for fans of thrilling mysteries.
THE COVID MURDERS by Greg Vigdor is a thrilling murder mystery set in a hospital in Nashville where Irv Tinsley, a health policy detective, investigates a mysterious patient death. The plot unfolds as the protagonist uncovers conspiracy theories as well as convoluted policies which highlight the inadequacies of the current healthcare system in the US. The author’s decades of experience working in healthcare add authenticity to Irv’s investigation.
Though the title of Sarah Lahey’s book, LOUIE THE LYNX AND RYAN THE LION, might hint at children’s fare, this is, for sure, an adult story. Australian Louie (short for Elouise) is an almost Ph.D. in art history; Ryan, a well-known architect. A chance encounter swiftly turns to lust, which then bounces back and forth between like/love, dislike/hatred. Sparkling real dialogue, true ‘characters,’ and frequent scene changes will grab readers and lovers of chick-lit and romance right from the start.
Sarah Lahey’s TIME IS HEARTLESS is a captivating blend of speculative fiction and romance, set on a 2053 planet Earth. With intricately imagined worldbuilding and deeply human characters, the author crafts a thought-provoking tale that intertwines themes of love in a technology-mediated ecosystem, and the complexities of motherhood. Through unexpected twists and heartfelt moments, this entry in the series is a must-read for fans of fresh-inventive Sci-Fi.
DRAGONSIN by C.M. Surowiec Jr. follows Cymm’s journey through loss, camaraderie, and self-discovery in a captivating fantasy narrative. The story, filled with gripping scenes of tragedy and resilience, immerses readers in a world of magic and heroism, offering a compelling experience for fantasy enthusiasts. Cymm’s growth and relationships with characters like Talo and Old-Man Semper deliver a poignant tale of courage and friendship, making the book a resonant and richly told story.
Corporate life can be crazy – and toxic. Especially in a start-up owned by family. Canadian Enigma Solutions, after its founder’s passing, now headed by son Xavier Hardich, soon succumbs to in-fighting, valuation disagreements, dismissals – and, eventually, fraud. A sub-story of Marcus LaPierre’s lit fiction THE EQUITY OF LOVE focuses on employee Richard Earning, his affairs with sister Augusta and designer Natalie – and his yearnings to become a writer. The characters are well drawn – and readers will, for sure, root for the best person, ethically and romantically.
RUNNING AS FAST AS I CAN by John David Graham is the story of Daniel Robinson, a boy from Pittsburgh, determined to make it in life despite the cards stacked against him. Faced with negligence from his parents, and witnessing the harsh racial violence of Detroit, he fails to find solace in romantic relationships. The author interweaves moments of haunting emotional depth throughout the novel as Daniel struggles to find meaning in his life. The book immerses the readers within the narrative from the first chapter as the setting paints an accurate portrait of the 1960s through the hippie movement. Readers who enjoy narratives of self-improvement will enjoy Daniel’s journey immensely.
A gripping narrative that delves into the perilous realm of digital manipulation and psychological warfare, T.O. Paine’s THE DELUSION masterfully conveys the unsettling dilemma of a dedicated university researcher thrust into a web of international intrigue after her mentor disappears. Pendulating between a character study and a complex conspiracy plot, the novel presents a very topical exploration of the dangers of digital technology, the immersion into a world of unchecked artificial intelligence and the vulnerabilities of the human psyche.
Melasma is a skin hyperpigmentation that appears as dark patches, mainly on the face. Janett Juwien, an experienced aesthetician, was inspired by her clients’ stories to investigate its causes and explore possible treatments. THE TRUTH ABOUT MELASMA is a fascinating, in-depth study of a frequently misunderstood condition. Juwien’s copiously illustrated book will be a godsend for those affected by melasma, offering clear advice and outlining potentially beneficial life changes they can make.
Iris Dorbian’s NEXT STOP, BOSTON offers a poignant exploration of the human experience, skillfully balancing emotional depth and authenticity. The novel promises a captivating read for those seeking a narrative that delves into the intricacies of life, love, and personal growth.
Jane Kim Yu’s book JOURNEY OF AWAKENING AND HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS teaches readers how to achieve utmost peace in a world filled with fear and uncertainty via advice on how to work on the soul, body, and mind for better living. This is a solid self-help handbook for personal growth that every change-loving reader should have on their book shelf.