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!
In CAPTAIN BACAWLY AND THE BREAKAWAY BANDITS, author Jimmy Jungles crafts an engaging adventure set on the magical island of Wazoo, where a young boy must navigate political intrigue and pirate invasions to uncover hidden truths and protect his animal friends and their peaceful home. This charming tale blends whimsical world-building with timeless themes of community, responsibility, and courage, offering young readers an exciting journey filled with memorable characters and unexpected twists.
Evoking works like the Morte d’Arthur and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, THE PENITENT part II transports its reader to a dark but verdant realm in which dreams contain prophecies, harps can speak, and hearts can be transformed in moments of intense spiritual illumination. Though the text sparkles with realistic details of material construction, crops, and culture, it’s the pervasive mysticism and intensity of religious faith that make this fantasy feel like a crystal-clear window into the medieval world.
Susan M. Reynolds’ memoir, WHILE I BREATHE, follows the journey when her firstborn son, Ryan, is born with Down Syndrome, underdeveloped lungs, and a heart defect. The baby spends more time fighting for his life in hospitals than he can spend at home, and his mother learns to fight for his well-being at each escalating challenge. Reynolds delves deep into the complex emotions of motherhood, personhood, and debating with God as she fights for her child’s life. She is honest about the often conflicting emotions she feels on this rollercoaster, even as she prepares for the birth of her second child, while continuing to advocate and care for her first. She learns the harsh truths of the medical system, more interested in protecting itself than caring for those who need it most. Written in heartbreaking, beautiful prose, WHILE I BREATHE is a powerful tribute to her son.
Set in 1950s San Francisco, IN THE SHADOW OF AN IRISH GOD is a finely written, slow-burning coming-of-age tale that explores religious fanaticism, racism, and sexual awakening through the relationships and experiences of young teenager, Jack McGuire. Terrified by the Nuns’ dogma at his Catholic School, Jack turns for advice to Samuel, a wheelchair-bound African American man with whom he has formed a profound connection. Rich, authentic dialogue and a series of well-observed, convincing characters ensure Barry’s absorbing novel lingers long after the final page.
MORI: THE LOST ONES VOLUME 1 by Michael Seagard is a captivating and introspective work that delves into the complexities of the human experience. Seagard’s vivid descriptions and honest exploration of themes such as loneliness, mental health, and the search for meaning make this book a compelling read for those interested in a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human condition.
Loss of nature, fear, and the “future” are portrayed in THE LAST FLORIDIAN by author Pete Clements. The story has the Sunshine State growing by leaps and bounds in terms of people, but because of an agricultural disease, the citrus industry—that which brings in life-sustaining revenue—and Florida’s natural habitats are disappearing (including much-needed clean water). Descriptive writing helps readers visualize a kayak trip down a scenic river in which the lead characters try to save the state’s natural resources.
The dark fantasy, QUEEN OF THE BLOOD THRONE, is the second book of Rhiannon Hargadon’s Descendants of the Fate series, but the prequel to the first book in the series, QUEENS OF MORAI. Malinda, a talented thief, is rescued and then hired by Melchior, the Prince of Darkness, son of Atropos, the Fate in charge of Death. He wants her to steal the mask known as Eternal Slumber from his mother. Separated from her twin at birth and exiled from her family, Malinda was raised by Zephyros Castan, leader of the Jackdaws. But she wants more than to be a thief tied to a gang. The money from Melchior would give her the freedom she craves. Hargadon’s writing is gorgeous, and the love story that unfolds between Malinda and Melchior is beautiful. The world building is intricate and interesting. There are escalating plot twists along the way that keep the pages turning. The characters are strong, engaging, and memorable. Malinda and Melchior’s dance between love and fear of rejection is particularly riveting. Even characters who appear in only a few scenes have gems of memorable moments. The book can be read as a stand-alone, or as part of the series.
Kip Cassino’s fifth novel, GLEANERS, is a mix of science fiction and conspiracy theory. Idealist psychiatrist Elizabeth Wyler, concerned about one of her patients and increasing disappearances among the homeless population, gets drawn into intrigue by ex-solider Oliver Raine, the only survivor of an oil rig fire south of Kirkuk. It becomes Elizabeth’s fight and the cover-up goes back centuries into an alien civilization crash-landing on earth. The plot twists and turns frequently, as the antagonists withdraw, reform, and prepare new attacks. Who can be trusted? Who will betray them? Readers should be prepared for scenes of gang rape, mutilation, and cannibalism. The action keeps ratcheting up, and Elizabeth (now Liz), keeps rising to each occasion. Liz and Raine’s teamwork to first get to the truth, and then to figure out a way to (literally) save the world gives the book its heart. GLEANERS may be a science fiction novel about an interspecies war to save the world, but Liz and Raine are its central core.
ZEN AND THE ART OF ANAL BLEACHING by Old Hairy Jesus provides an entertaining and humorous look at the personal struggles of the protagonist, Toby, as he navigates a new career path and attempts to rebuild his life. The author’s vivid descriptions and witty dialogue offer a lighthearted and engaging read, making this book an enjoyable choice for those seeking a comedic escape.
MARGINAL MAN, written by Paul Redvers Brown, is a captivating exploration of the life of Emilio Goggio, an Italian immigrant who overcame adversity to become a respected scholar and teacher. The book’s strength lies in its vivid portrayal of Goggio’s journey, from his humble beginnings in Italy to his academic achievements in the United States, offering readers an inspiring tale of perseverance and success in the face of challenges.
A thought-provoking narrative exploring the lasting impacts of trauma and the complex relationships that shape a life, Rodney Nelsestuen’s superbly written TOO MANY STONES follows Evelyn Toraason’s journey from an 11-year-old farm girl in Depression-era Wisconsin to a resilient woman decades later, all while tackling a myriad of difficult topics with sensitivity and grace.
In HARRIET: A Jane Austen Variation, author Alice McVeigh perfectly captures Austen’s (almost) inimitable style. In addition to the Harriet of the title, there’s yet another heroine, Jane Fairfax, who both share friendships with Emma Woodhouse, as well as the desire to marry (well). Gossip reigns: Is the newly married Mrs. Elton universally disliked? Who will get Emma’s hand? Answers to these questions (and more) are enveloped in a thoroughly delightful Austen-like narrative, with characters that beg for another tale.
There seems to be no end to World War II historical/fiction – nor to the audience for it. In WAR STORY, inspired by his diary and a family photograph, Rolf C. Margenau tells of conflict through the voices of six participants, from 1941 to 1945, ranging from teenager to mid-life lawyer. Characters are well-defined and relate-able, with each chapter usually dominated by one individual and largely arranged from early to late war years. What happens to Dora and Horst’s mixed marriage? Do Liesel and Paul each discover the loves of their lives? Interesting questions for a possible reprise.
LONE LAKE ROAD (is part police procedural mystery, part paranormal adventure. Deputy Roger Wilkie quit his job as an LA detective and moved to Whidby Island for a quieter life with his new wife Andie, a scientist. Investigating a series of strange cold case accidents on Lone Lake Road, he meets a hermit who is then kidnapped. This leads to an unraveling of more than just the island’s history. How it does would give away spoilersbut the author’s intimate knowledge of and love for the island are among the most engaging elements of the book, which is a good choice for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place.
For every beginning, there is an ending. EXITS by Stephen Pollock is a collection of poetry and photographs that bring life to its ultimate ending, but in a way that helps readers to visualize their own accomplishments. Stunning graphics are among the vivid imagery and varying styles of these dramatic poems that give their subject matter life, before the exit.
TRIPPING INTO LOVE by Dale N. Alter and Sally Hanan is an inspiring memoir that chronicles Dale’s remarkable journey of faith, miracles, and personal growth. The unwavering belief in God’s love and power shines through, making this book an uplifting read for those seeking encouragement in their own spiritual journey.
With a gentle theme describing sorrow and loss, 9 DAYS OF PIPER SNOW by Danielle Blechner is the story of a little girl and her new friend, a pigeon. Focusing on kindness and gratitude, the tale (beautifully illustrated by Victor Onyenobi) shows young readers how Samara works through grief following her father’s death. Simple yet effective, “PIPER SNOW” is a sweet piece of children’s literature.
Raymond Bolton has ingeniously elevated young adult science fiction with his novel FOLDER, intertwining parallel universes and traveling into alternate realities. Readers join 18-year-old Eric on an exhilarating journey as he manipulates reality to escape peril, sending readers on a thrilling adventure of tension and curiosity. In escalating action, each reality builds upon the last, culminating in a gripping cliffhanger that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.