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!
Pairing traditional story-telling and lyrical poetry with stunning illustrations (courtesy of Patrick Atkins), David Cary Lane’s THE PUPPY PROPHET offers readers a genre-bending novel that’s truly like no other. Part philosophical exploration, part spiritual journey, this contemplative tale offers a litany of life lessons via a lowly ‘dumpster’ stray navigating some of life’s biggest questions on a journey that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.
THE PIANIST’S ONLY DAUGHTER, a memoir by Kathryn Betts Adams, details her parents health battle after her mother is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and her father with cancer. Adams is the only child, therefore it is her responsibility to look after them. She quickly learns that, in order to fulfill this obligation, she must find a way to get past her father, who wants to be in charge of all aspects of her mother’s daily care despite the fact that his health is deteriorating as well. Through the lens of a social gerontologist, she skillfully blends her own experiences as the only daughter with the difficult task of providing care, as well as the subtleties of love and family relationships. This heartwarming tale serves as both a helpful manual and memoir, penned with wisdom and insight regarding the optimal ways to tend to ailing and aging parents. It is also incredibly thorough and written with empathy and clarity, making it a priceless, reliable shelf companion for caregivers.
THE NOBLE ADVENTURES OF BERYL AND CAROL by Jeremy Sherr is a delightful tale that captures the boundless imagination and unwavering friendship of two young girls as they embark on a journey to build their own house and boat. Filled with whimsical adventures, relatable characters, and a heartwarming spirit of determination, this book will captivate readers of all ages with its charming storytelling and the inspiring resilience of its protagonists.
The reality of how the working class in Yorkshire, England in the middle of the 19th century dealt with a web of repressive systems is impressively painted in David Jacinto’s fictional book, OUT OF THE DARKNESS. The struggles that individuals in this century faced—child labor, poverty, mortality, and loss—are exemplified by the life of Tom Wright and his family. This story effectively demonstrates both the destructive effects of unrestrained capitalism and the inherent character of human nature. It is an intriguing historical novel that effectively highlights ambition, opportunity, and tenacity as critical components of accomplishing one’s goals.
Sigmund Freud would have a field day, what with dreams and Christian symbolism and reality interwoven in Nicholas D’Souza’s THE DEATH OF A BLUE JAY, the tale of Jeremy Martin’s spiritual journey. Many events remain unexplained, like the cause of son Leon’s death. Others can be interpreted readily, thanks to a back-end glossary. Along the way, readers might feel like a lost Alice in Wonderland with quickly switching scenes and characters; it’s balanced by the underlying emphasis on the search for the authentic self.
Michael E. Jimerson’s compelling examination of morality and justice in DRAW A HARD LINE forces readers to reevaluate their assumptions about justice and fairness. The story highlights the fuzzy lines between good and bad as it navigates the complexities of the legal system through the eyes of its protagonist, E.J. Kane. The novel presents a captivating story with vivid descriptions and endearing characters , making a lasting impression on readers who dive into its examination of human nature.
Decker Brown, returning home to Virginia after education in Boston, must decide whether to stick to his federal principles or his hometown loyalties as his country and future plans erupt into chaos. Engaging from page one, Brian Kaufman’s DREAD TRIBUNAL OF LAST RESORT is an American Civil War novel that features an easy-to-read writing style paired with an engaging story that will excite history fans.
Maya Workowski’s collection of poems QUIVER is filled with truthful moments that are both dissonant and lyrical. They make the personal universal and the universal personal, dissecting moments in ways that encourage the reader to experience them through multiple facets. From “Cupid’s Orchestra” to “Airport Poem” to “Tarot is for the witches” she takes a specific moment of experience and expands it across the senses. Photographs are woven amongst the poems, although not directly mirroring them, allowing the reader to decide which photograph goes with which poem and how to interpret their own matches. Workowski also uses the white space of the page and the way the words of a particular poem are arranged on it to further boost the experience. QUIVER is a collection of poems to make the reader think, laugh, see, and, most importantly, feel.
Christina Bacilieri’s THE LAST REFUGE delivers a touching message about the power of hope in this dystopian fantasy tale filled with an imaginative magic system and sympathetic heroines on journey of self-discovery while thwarting the plans of malicious authoritarian forces.
Comical characters, unexpected yet believably unbelievable situations and an upbeat storyline add up to THE FUNNY MOON by Chris Lincoln. Life’s ever-changing road has its standard ups and downs—this tale of marriage, career, frustration, and imagination brings them all together in a fast-paced light and airy read.
James Kingsley summons the spirit of the Old West, its settlers, and indigenous inhabitants in GREYSKIN, his beautifully unusual and gently profound collection of stories that dissolve genre boundaries to explore conflict, identity, and the complexities of the human condition. Fusing fantasy, horror, and traditional Western adventure, Kingsley unfolds tales of emotional struggle and injustice that introduce several wonderfully embroidered characters whose lives weave together through the different narratives. Rich in imagery and written in prose that manages to be both lush and austere, GREYSKIN is a spellbindingly good read.
THE BURN STREET HAUNTING by Richard Gadz intricately weaves a tale of mystery and self-discovery, drawing readers into a world where past traumas collide with present realities. The book’s vivid storytelling and the protagonist’s journey towards facing inner demons make it a compelling read for those intrigued by psychological depth and dark intrigue. Gadz’s ability to blend elements of suspense and introspection creates a narrative that lingers in the mind, offering a unique exploration of human resilience and the complexities of memory and truth.
Messrs. Samuel and Facey return in their second adventure which finds the former “resurrection men” living in Portsmouth. But when Sammy’s adopted son, John, is kidnapped and taken to London, they return to the crime-infested capital together with Sammy’s wife, Rosamund. John’s ransom is the magnificent “Eye of Brahma” black diamond. Nothing and no-one can be trusted as Sammy, Facey, and Rosamund get caught up in one greedy conspiracy after another. WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND is a rollicking riot of a read through Regency London in the company of a wonderfully entertaining troop of characters. Author Siôn Scott-Wilson has produced a deliciously authentic and accomplished novel full of wicked insight and ingenious plot twists that, although a sequel, effortlessly stands alone.
Marc Joan’s THE CARTOON LIFE AND LOVES OF A STUPID MAN offers a unique exploration of the protagonist’s inner struggles and his connection to the world of sequential art. The book’s depth and imaginative narrative make it a compelling read, shedding light on the complexities of human emotions and artistic passion.
THE WONDER WIG by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis is a touching tale delving into self-acceptance, familial bonds, and the potency of inner worth. It follows Brooke’s transformative journey through adolescence, highlighting the significance of embracing one’s true identity. Lewis adeptly depicts Brooke’s personal development and the shifts within her family, crafting a compelling narrative that uplifts and empowers readers seeking inspiration.
A sweeping new fantasy saga, M.A.B. Wyman’s MOUNTAIN ROOT is an adventurous journey of self-discovery and spirituality that delights in the importance of community ties. Infused with martial arts philosophy and fighting styles, the world is richly layered and the characters feel immersive—both in their physical realm and the supernatural beyond the Veil. A captivating debut where the descriptions of food are as hearty as the lore.
Laura Paquette’s THE LITTLE TIME ALLOTTED US is a gradual accounting of the continuing battle between Mongolia and the People’s Republic of China. Characters float in and out (after all, time travel and body swapping are facts of this life). New innovations, like cell regenesis and the drug oppyin, enable medics and doctors to patch up once-fatal injuries. And battles are won and lost to realize a just world, with a home for everyone, friend and foe. It’s an imaginative multiverse that sci-fi fans will welcome.
In her self-help book CREATING YOUR LIMITLESS LIFE … ON YOUR TERMS!, Dr. Esther Zeledón offers a roadmap to personal fulfillment. She offers readers useful skills and her own story to help them find their purpose, overcome obstacles, and create meaningful lives. The value of a supporting group, self-discovery, and resilience are all emphasized in the book. It even delves into finding purpose within your career and the world around you. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or a more impactful life, Zeledón’s guide provides valuable strategies and inspiration.