IndieReader Discovery Awards 2025 Entrants
Added as our reviewers read them, find the latest verdicts for the 2025 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June!
Sera Maddox Drake’s ANCILLA weaves a spellbinding tale of a shy librarian and a university scholar whose meeting sparks a soul-deep connection and a journey into the magical and erotic arts. Their relationship, steeped in longing and chemistry, captivates the reader with its literary and academic allure, making this a must-read for those seeking a magical and engaging exploration of love and desire.
RAGING FIRE OF LOVE by Dr. Kelly James Clark is a thought-provoking exploration of love and compassion within the Abrahamic traditions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The author’s personal journey and insights into the centrality of love and neighbor-care in these faiths make for an engaging and informative read.
BEYOND HATE by Michael Mcgrath presents a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of a murder case, offering a compelling exploration of human psychology and the criminal justice system.The book’s intricate storytelling and character development make it a worthwhile read for those interested in legal dramas and psychological thrillers.
Filled with high-school drama and the cyber pitfalls today’s teens have to navigate, FAKE OUT keeps the reader’s attention to figure out the mystery. Author Felicia Farber creates a delicate web of bullies, authorities on power trips, and a judgmental, fickle society within the school hierarchy, yet balances it by giving the main characters a support system of friends and parents that rally around them. It is a treatise set in a fictional setting, educating readers of the dangers of deep fake media manipulation.
Michael McGrath’s high-stakes novel, NEVER SAID I LOVE YOU, centers on Michael Callahan, a former police officer studying medicine in Israel, who becomes entangled in a murder case after accepting a CIA assignment to assist a group of Palestinians in the West Bank actively pursuing a peaceful resolution with Israel. Given Michael’s background as an undercover agent, his dependability, and his capacity to perform under duress, the US government is willing to use him to provide covert assistance to the Palestinian group, which is in desperate need of direction, protection, and support to gain the political momentum needed to stand on its own. This story seamlessly blends romance, mystery, and action with themes of profound deceit make it an intriguing read. McGrath’s work is sure to captivate fans of international thrillers.
Ten-year-old Sally Fowler thinks the old man is sleeping when she finds him in the forest surrounding the quaint town of Brevard in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But the elderly gentleman has been murdered, shocking the residents and puzzling the police force. When the Brevard Tuesday Night Book Club, who have a fondness for Agatha Christie, begin sleuthing, they discover a fascinating story with good and bad repercussions for the Brevard community. THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE BREVARD RECLUSE is a mysterious, atmospheric, and folksy tale set within the slightly eldritch town of Brevard. Vivid with details and descriptions that lend the narrative a visual quality, author W. M. J. Kreucher has written a captivating murder mystery with a raft of quirky characters who entertain and intrigue.
HUMAN JUSTICE by Human and the Lights is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the complex interplay between human values and corporate interests in the legal system. The book offers a rare insider’s perspective on the challenges faced by those fighting for justice on behalf of marginalized individuals, providing valuable insights into the need for reform to prioritize human dignity over profit motives.
Mythical creatures come to life with well crafted detail in Victor Marrow’s EVERGREEN DREAD when a young woman is tasked with investigating unexplained tragedies in the Pacific Northwest. The action-packed stories of her adventures will have readers on the edge of their seats while she faces both gruesome creatures and threats to her honor from those attempting to discredit her to avoid the truth coming to light.
A full-throttle tale of rebellion, peer adulation, and adolescent expression, Michael Mohr’s THE CREW follows sixteen-year-old Jack “Dog” Donnigan into Southern California’s punk rock scene and a clique of anti-conformists. With its close first-person narrative, the novel effectively conveys the protagonist’s dizzying search for self and belonging.
Leslie Kain paints a story rich in psychological drama in WHAT LIES BURIED where readers learn about complex-PTSD. Adding in Italian mob ties, dysfunctional family generational wounds, and a thriller plot gives readers a peek inside the devastating mind of a victim of PTSD and how it affects everyone around him. Expertly crafted, Kain writes with authority and creativity, giving readers quite the experience.
With some well disguised twists and turns, THE KILLER CHORUS is a gripping, noir-ish mystery set in and around the music scene in Nashville. In Detective Jed Hatcher, Jack Conlan has created a character with enough depth to warrant future outings, and by the end of the novel, readers will already be eager to meet him again.
Julie Barth’s NOTES FROM A BLACKBERRY is an intimate memoir that engages with significant feelings of life and unfortunate loss. The author ravely describes the hardships her family faced when illness disrupted the lives of her husband and daughter. Reminiscent of The Diving Bell and The Butterfly, NOTES FROM A BLACKBERRY is thoroughly insightful and inspiring.
Pat Miller’s KICK KARMA’S ASS is an engrossing and moving story about staying true to your convictions during hard times and the influence that supportive surroundings can have on your well-being. The book shows life lessons of how inner strength and a positive outlook can overcome any obstacles thrown at you by life. The resulting story is one of hope and the strength to overcome any insurmountable challenges.
Proof that some good things come in huge packages, Ashley Wall’s THE DAY I HAD A DINOSAUR is an informative and adorable children’s book that follows Luke on a yoga-saurus adventure with some prehistoric pals. With the help of Vaughan Duck’s engaging illustrations (and some pronunciation assistance), the story teaches cute lessons on teamwork, ingenuity, and the importance of inclusivity, showing that embracing ‘new and different’ isn’t always easy, but welcoming the unfamiliar can lead to wonderful new experiences, friendships, and personal growth.
REAL PEOPLE by Roberta J. Chromey is a captivating memoir that provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the Gurdjieffian training program at Sherborne House under the guidance of J.G. Bennett. The author’s honest and transparent account of her personal journey offers valuable insights into the challenges and transformations experienced by those dedicated to the Fourth Way teachings.
In PROJECT AGOSHA: Call of the Koteli by M.T. Lynx, a compelling narrative unfolds, intertwining themes of duty, sacrifice, and the uncertainties of destiny. The author skillfully navigates through the characters’ profound decisions and the burdens they bear. Through evocative imagery and deep emotional insight, the book delves into themes of allegiance, bravery, and the enduring connections that influence our paths. It presents a profound exploration of human behavior, captivating readers with its intricate storytelling and reflective storyline.
Lisa Darcy’s THE PACT immerses readers in the gripping journey of Samantha and Annie Callahan, celebrated doubles champions whose bond is tested when Annie’s engagement threatens their partnership. Through drama, action, and heartfelt moments, Darcy crafts a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of sisterhood, friendship, and love exemplified by relatable characters.
A MISFORTUNATE MISFIT is an inspiring account of one man’s journey from over 700 pounds to a fit 225, all without surgery, therapy, or visits to doctors. Far more than a weight loss book, Karl Sebastian’s well-written memoir is a moving lesson on facing life’s challenges with courage and conviction.