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!
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.
In his eloquent memoir, THE GUIDE, Greg Munck details his tumultuous upbringing. As a young adult Munck enlisted in the US Marines, giving him a sense of purpose. The pressure helped him to discover his true self, enabling him to let go of long-standing wrath, resentment, and rage. This is a moving story of identity that includes wisdom that may alter the reader’s perspective on their own challenges and shocks due to life taking an unexpected route.
A nuanced, deftly characterized exploration of grief, loss, and growing up, Jamie Zerndt’s AFK is at its best when conveying the most significant yet prosaic events in life.
A. R. Latif’s VULTURES IN THE HOUSE OF SILENCE is a series of meditations on Islamic thought, a humanist critique of modern society, and a rollicking adventure spiked with triumph and tragedy. Set in the rich historical and cultural milieu of 13th-century Iraq, following the trauma of the Mongol invasions, the novel explores a complex, magical world through the eyes of two lost children, without ever losing sight of the humanity that underpins all religious and cultural belief.
HEIR OF ATARGATIS by A.G. Whitt intricately follows Jasmine’s journey from the devastating loss of her father and fiancé to her soul-searching trip to Ireland with friends, where her encounter with Seamus ignites a spark amid the shadows of her past. As Jasmine’s ancestral secrets resurface and she vanishes mysteriously at the Cliffs of Moher, Seamus, aided by his estranged brother and a professor, races to unearth the truth before she is lost forever to the sea. Whitt’s debut novel skillfully blends romance, suspense, and Irish folklore, promising an engaging start to a compelling series that explores themes of love, loss, and the mysteries that bind us to our past.
GRUMPY AND GREEN PARROT FIND A NEW HOME IN NAPLES by Susan Marie Chapman is a heartwarming tale that showcases the resilience and adaptability of its avian protagonists, highlighting the power of friendship and new beginnings. The book’s narrative charm and positive message make it a delightful read for all ages.
IN THE SHADE OF THE CRIMSON TREE by Mandar A. Pattekar is a mind-blowing fantasy novel that dives into a detailed world of cultural heritage and ancient wisdom. The author has masterfully woven together concepts of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for independence which is engaging and thought-provoking simultaneously. Through finely-crafted characters and lifelike depictions, the book eloquently addresses human experience and the importance of perseverance in challenging times.
CARRIE’S SONG by Dale Marie Taylor is a sweeping historical novel set in 1890’s Nashville. Thirty years after slavery, blacks still face lynching, inequity, and prejudice. Then, there’s the caste system within their own community, depending on how dark or light their skin. Carrie is a talented musician at Fisk University, studying under W.E.B. Du Bois, and attending rallies where Ida B. Tarbell speaks on the subjects of women’s suffrage and lynching. As she falls in love with Edward Smith, her younger sister falls in love with a white man, the catalyst for even more trouble. The historical complexities are meticulously researched and detailed, and the weaving of the tumultuous change and how it affects daily life is skilled. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, as this is the first book in Taylor’s The Flight of the Heart Series.
Part professional memoir, part corporate survival guide, Teena Hostovich’s WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE offers concise, practical advice for navigating the complexities of corporate America, drawing from her own impressive journey from receptionist to C-Suite executive. While firmly rooted in the corporate world, Hostovich’s insights were hard-earned and surprisingly applicable to anyone seeking to create a fulfilling life and career.
Written by Bryan Wiggins + Lee Thibodau, MD, THE CORPSE BLOOM blends the details of medical drama with the suspense of a thriller plot in this riveting story of a surgeon who believes his new role leading organ transplant surgeries for impoverished Mexicans is philanthropic, only to discover nefarious agendas behind the clinic that put his entire life in jeopardy.
When the U.S. military offers brilliant yet maverick biochemist Will St. John a huge contract for a testing procedure, he jumps at the chance. He’s just made a life-changing scientific breakthrough and requires finance. However, Will soon realizes he’s unwittingly complicit in a far-reaching, fatal cover-up. Failure to comply is not an option but when the stakes are raised with deadly consequences, Will can no longer remain silent. THE NOVEMBER MOLECULE is an accomplished, involving, and nail-biting thriller that has been meticulously researched. With a fast-moving narrative that twists with conspiracy and is driven by the deeply charismatic Will St. John, Richards’ debut novel proves difficult to put down.
Having suffered with survivor’s guilt for almost a decade after being blamed for a fatal car crash, Emma Gillen’s world is turned upside down by the return of her unstable cousin Lucy. Sarah P Blanchard’s DRAWN FROM LIFE is a complex and skillfully crafted psychological thriller.