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!
Many writers – and workshops – will advise wannabe scribes to ‘just write’ or ‘make up a storyboard’ or simply concentrate on the how-tos of writing. Not Karin Adams. THE ONE-WEEK WRITING WORKSHOP is a printed version of her live workshops and takes readers through seven days of well-orchestrated instructions, beginning with icebreakers and reminders. Each day introduces a new element, from generating ideas to revisions (and a mandatory day of rest!). Remedies for procrastination are also included; overall, a good process for any writer-to-be (whether of fiction or not) to follow.
MIDNIGHT FOR JUSTICE is the thrilling first book in the Warren and Carmichael Legal Thrillers series, where two lawyers—Lt. Duncan Carmichael, a seasoned U.S. Navy officer, and Sydney Warren, a bold ACLU volunteer—are thrust into a decades-spanning conspiracy. Their journey begins with the defense of a sailor accused of murder on a naval base, but years later, a mysterious yacht wreck on Vancouver Island connects their old case to stolen military weapons and a violent far-right extremist uprising. Set in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, this fast-paced legal thriller intensifies with each chapter, combining rich character development and meticulously researched legal details, making it a captivating start to a promising series.
TANGLES, the title of Kay Smith-Blum’s book is more than apt: Alternating stories from Mary Boone and Luke Hinson, at first, seem unrelated – except as next-door neighbors in the northwest United States. Mary’s tale centers on highly classified scientific work during the mid- and late 1940s; Luke’s, his doctoral thesis about radioactive waste in Washington State waters. The tangles: Luke’s relationship to Mary’s twins; Mary’s disappearance; radioactive impacts on area citizens, and more. Sobering, realistic narrative with easy-to-like protagonists.
In this impactful and absorbing memoir, Michael Shandler shares his extraordinary journey from an emotionally and physically abusive childhood in 1950s South Africa to the psychedelic counterculture of the ’60s and ’70s before graduating with a doctorate in 1983 and becoming a sought-after life coach and award-winning author. Shandler effortlessly takes the reader through decades, continents, and cultures as he searches for spiritual fulfillment and a sense of belonging. Written with compelling candor and peppered with a diverse mix of fascinating characters that step from the page, KARMA AND KISMET is a vivid and moving read that deserves a broad audience.
Ernestine Whitman’s beautiful memoir COUNTER MELODIES is structured as a prose sonata, integrating the two forms to create a book that’s intentionally lyrical and profoundly memorable. She loved music and loved playing the flute from a young age and crafted a professional life as a musician. The price she paid, and how she learned to heal the many wounds inflicted on her along the way are told in an unsparing but beautiful prose. Whitman takes the reader on the journey with her, including behind-the-scenes, with the nuts and bolts of working in a professional orchestra, navigating rehearsals, practices, and touring. Throughout it all is Whitman’s love for her profession. COUNTER MELODIES is a moving memoir, sure to stay with the reader.
CONSIDERING US by Jenn Bouchard follows Devon Paige—a private chef who, after a scandalous affair ruins her career, takes a new job at a prestigious boarding school where she reconnects with Kyle Holling, a man from her past. As she navigates a blossoming romance with someone new, Devon is forced to confront old feelings and decide whether to rekindle her connection with Kyle or pursue a fresh start. With a blend of humor, emotional depth, and a compelling storyline, this novel beautifully explores second chances and the complexities of love, making it a perfect read for romance lovers.
Francesco Paola’s debut novel, LEFT ON RACHO, is an engaging suspense novel following a burned-out tech entrepreneur, Andrew, coming to a dead-end desert town to help his childhood best friend save his cannabis business. The book digs into the nuts and bolts of both the legal and illegal aspects of the cannabis business world in great detail, along with the extreme party aspect involved in marketing and raising funds from investors. It also intersects with the issues of illegal immigration and the for-profit prison culture. Along the way, Andrew falls in love and learns a lot about his own values, boundaries, and loyalties. The setting is an additional character in the story, making the Mojave Desert come to life.
RIGHTEOUS ALLEGIANCE by George Yuhasz is a brilliant blend of intrigue and action, delving into themes of loyalty and resilience in the face of political turbulence. Yuhasz creates a vibrant narrative with highly drawn characters, captivating readers in a story that combines personal sacrifice with a nation’s struggle for freedom. This novel will appeal to followers of gripping, character-driven dramas.
Dr. Suhayyau Abu-Hakima’s ENTREPRENEUR HERETIC OR HERO OF INNOVATION? is an easy-to-assimilate text on becoming a successful entrepreneur. Though the good doctor’s two start-ups targeted AI products – one enabling compliance with content laws; the second, delivering emergency messages – her seven steps to winning are clear and comprehensive. Embedded within the teachings are lessons learned and beliefs, both good messages for any aspiring business person. Start learning here.
Set against the dynamic background of New York’s tech and social scenes, Eve M. Riley’s book THE PHOTOGRAPH dives deeper into the investigation of relationships, identity, and personal development. Riley’s skill in creating clever, multidimensional characters ensures that readers are completely engrossed in a story that blends humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery. This book provides a unique take on modern romance and the difficulty of navigating love in a constantly changing environment.
CHRONICLES OF THE ENCHANTED VANGUARD: SERAPHINA AND THE DIVINE MANDATE by Luminescence Goh transports readers into an enthralling adventure through a world on the brink of collapse. Seraphina and her companions, a diverse group of heroes, journey through breathtaking yet perilous landscapes—from ancient forests to volcanic islands and abandoned ruins—on a mission to confront the forces of evil and restore balance. With its intricate storytelling, nuanced characters, and meaningful exploration of sacrifice, courage, and hope, this first installment promises to captivate lovers of imaginative and thought-provoking fantasy.
A MIRROR FOR THE BLIND provides a stark, disturbing commentary on the relentless pressure placed upon young Koreans to pursue the Korean ideal of success. This near-unattainable goal is driven by rampant materialism, ruthless competitiveness, and a relentless online addiction that strives for perfection and validation. Author Jeong Mu explores these unrealistic expectations through the moving experiences of three rival friends in Seoul as they desperately attempt to climb the corporate ladder whilst navigating overwhelming societal assumptions. A MIRROR FOR THE BLIND is an insightful story that shines an uncomfortable light on the soul-destroying socio-cultural complexities in modern-day Seoul.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT 2: DESTROY ALL MONSTERS delivers a thrilling continuation of John DeGuire’s gothic fantasy saga, filled with dark humor, emotional depth, and non-stop action. The iconic antiheroes—Dracula, Aoife, Frankenstein, and the Invisible Man—navigate chaotic adventures in Paris and London, facing new villains, personal struggles, and unexpected moments of love. With stunning illustrations by Bill Sienkiewicz and a masterful blend of gothic romance and supernatural intrigue, this sequel is an unforgettable ride that will leave readers eagerly waiting for more.
In the face of increasing pressure on the school system to adapt to a frequently chaotic society, TEACHING IN THE NEW CRAZY offers ideas for a fresh approach to education. Calling on his years of experience in the classroom, author Glen Coleman provides practical strategies to inspire teachers and shows how they, in turn, can inspire their students. This slim book will prove invaluable for educators both young and old.
Growing up in an Amish community is vastly different from the everyday life of the “English” way of life. PLAIN ENGLISH by Susie E. Fisher gives readers a glimpse at the Amish way of life and how her life changed when, at age 20, she left the church. Well-written chapters tell the story of Fisher’s life and uncertainty as she moves through adulthood.
In this eye-opening, and occasionally mind-bending, investigation of quantum theory author I A Gill blends science, philosophy, and spirituality as he seeks to reveal a dynamic, interconnected universe. A BRIEF GUIDE TO LIFE, CONSCIOUSNESS AND OTHER QUANTUM WACKINESS benefits from Gill’s easy style and his ability to explain a complicated subject in clear, witty prose.
Full of intricately descriptive details that vividly immerse readers into a mythical, futuristic realm, Jason Leigh Smith’s THE EXILED is a fantasy tale abounding with political intrigue when the arrival of humans threatens the Elven reign, leading eccentric characters with imaginative magic abilities to unravel secrets long buried.
TIP OF THE SPEAR by Rodney Magallan is an inspirational exploration of resilience and leadership, combining authentic Navy SEAL experiences with life lessons for personal and professional development. With its genuine storytelling and practical ideas, the book provides a fascinating roadmap for anybody looking to realize their full potential. A motivating read that encourages readers to push their limitations and strive for greatness.