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!
Prolific poet Thomas Kudla’s latest volume, WAKING UP AT THE GATES, explores ways of being and healing in hauntingly beautiful ways. Broken down into sections such as “Working”, “Living”, “Writing”, “Thinking”, and “Being”, each section has a series of poems that both stand on their own and build to a cohesive whole, with each section building on the previous one. It’s a tour de force of both the power of the individual poems and how they build into the whole book, supporting a theme of healing to wholeness. It explores ways to ground when one flails, sitting with grief, and building into hope. “Caged Singalong”, “One of Those Long-Lost Puzzle Pieces”, “That Poet’s Likely Story” and “Thoughts at Midnight as Another Year Passes into the Next” are especially resonant. In all the poems and prose poems, the crisp imagery and precision of language give the reader a sensory, visceral experience. WAKING UP AT THE GATES is a book to read through, then go back and dip into frequently, because each re-reading reveals another layer of beauty and meaning.
BETWEEN LIES AND REVENGE by Hannah D. Sharpe is a compelling story of loyalty, grief and personal redemption.The novel’s savvy writing and captivating characters transport readers to a world of intricate relationships and long-buried truths while the plot’s unexpected twists will keep fans of gripping drama on the edge of their seats.
Barbara Black’s second collection of flash fiction, LITTLE FORTIFIED STORIES, is a delightful, fanciful collection of dozens of pieces. Some are grouped under sections of liquor, such as “Gin” or “Bourbon” or “Tequila.” Others fit under “Ancestral Fabrications” or “Visual Provocations.” Each one takes less than five minutes to read, but pack a punch that stays far beyond closing the book. Sensory details are chosen with gossamer delicacy. Visual details taps deeply into emotions, and visual collages provoke the reader as they transition from section to section. Characters are defined in as little as a breath. The writing is extraordinary, specific, and multi-faceted. Some stories are laugh out-loud funny; others have the quality of more painful laughter; still others are more poignant. Each piece, no matter how short, is gratifying, diverting, and ultimately satisfying. The reader may choose to dip in and out of the book, rather than reading it straight through, in order to savor each individual story experientially. No matter how it’s read, LITTLE FORTIFIED STORIES stays with the reader far past the actual reading.
IN THE FULLNESS OF TION by J.C. Gemmell is a captivating exploration of societal constructs and individuality within a futuristic realm. The vivid world-building, combined with themes of identity and camaraderie, ensures readers are engrossed in Nacho Yat’s complex journey. Its intricate narrative and thought-provoking societal parallels make it a compelling read.
THE GAME by Eve M. Riley is a dazzling blend of romance, ambition, and personal growth set against the thrilling backdrop of professional tennis and tech innovation. With its dynamic characters and engaging narrative, the story masterfully captures the intersection of love and the pursuit of success, making it an unforgettable journey for fans of heartfelt and contemporary storytelling.
Alex Abraham’s TRAUMA AND ECSTASY is a harrowing, devastating, and deeply affecting read. In his minute examination of his use of psychedelic drugs to reveal terrible abuses visited on him by a teacher during childhood, Abraham goes through trials in healthcare, discovers new possibilities, and seeks to understand the effects of trauma on his life, all of it rendered in urgent, elegant prose.
The re-release of prolific author Linda Lappin’s first novel, THE ETRUSCAN, introduces a new audience to this atmospheric tale, set in Italy. American photographer Harriet Sackett travels to Italy in 1922 in order to research and photograph tombs and artifacts. When her letters back to her girlhood friend Sarah (married to Harriet’s cousin Stephen) become erratic, Stephen sends their housekeeper Mrs. Parsons to Italy, who discovers Harriet ill and near death. In an effort to piece together what happened, they find Harriet’s strange diary, which tells of an obsessive romance with a man who doesn’t seem to exist, and hints at old magic, while bringing to light old family secrets. Lappin’s writing is sensory and often beautiful and the deft gothic renderings pay homage to Bram Stoker and Daphne du Maurier. The perfect fireside read for a blustery winter’s night.
HOLDING IT TOGETHER by Robert MacNeil Christie, PhD, offers a timely and deeply analytical exploration of the systemic challenges facing our world as it transitions from industrial to ecological civilization. With a strong foundation in social psychology and decades of research, Christie examines the intersection of social control, environmental crises, and human agency, providing a thought-provoking blueprint for societal transformation. This book is a compelling read for those seeking a profound understanding of our era’s critical issues and potential pathways forward.
NO BIG DEAL by Dean Brownrout offers an insightful and candid dive into the music industry circa 1980-2000, chronicling the gritty realities of the indie record business at the tail end of its golden age. Brownrout’s clever storytelling and colorful tales, from his interactions with punk luminaries to his journey through industry changes, make for a nostalgic yet educational read for music fans while expertly portraying the rollercoaster of ambition and creativity.
JOURNEYING HOME by Emily Saxe Nydam is an emotional historical fiction tale that spans generations as serendipitous fate weaves both through the life of a World War era nurse aspiring to make a difference and through her great niece decades later, striving to uncover the story of her great aunt to ensure she is not forgotten to history.
Jerry Schaefer’s FROM PATRIARCHY TO PARADISE (It’s about time) is an insightful examination of human history from a patriarchal perspective. Schaefer explores the causes and effects of patriarchal structures, revealing how they influenced countries and providing a positive outlook for reform. By fusing historical insights with thoughts on collective healing and progress, these concise and captivating text pushes readers to reconsider their viewpoints.
For nearly 30 years, a beloved “family member” maid has a past that never comes to light until after her death, when author Sandra Schnakenburg learns the story of THE HOUSEKEEPER’S SECRET. This memoir shares a personal story of love, truth, and perseverance. Digging through tunnels of familial despair brings the story to a sad yet satisfying ending.
This tender, graceful novel highlights the devotion of family as the spark of life begins to fade in a beloved mother suffering from dementia. Gilbert skilfully mirrors the autobiographical tale of his mother’s decline with the shifting state of the natural beauty of Maine’s coastline amid relentless development. Though frequently heartbreaking, CONVERSATIONS WITH MY MOTHER ultimately glows with the enduring power of love.
R.A.Ruegg’s THE MAKING OF BRIO McPRIDE is two novels in one: fifteen year-old Bree (also known as Brio) faces too many challenges in their short life – no mother, school bullies, missing father, and severe mental health issues. A bevy of experts surround them for diagnosis, yet Brio only feels ‘free’ when writing a look-alike Lord of the Rings novel. Both fictional journeys experience ups and downs – encountering very interesting characters and adult insights that will inspire readers.
TOUGH TIMES, GREAT PR by Seamus Phan offers a pragmatic and insightful exploration of public relations strategies tailored for navigating challenging economic climates. The book excels in delivering actionable advice, including case studies and a step-by-step approach to leveraging PR during recessions, making it an invaluable resource for business leaders. Phan’s ability to distill complex concepts into digestible, practical tips ensures readers walk away equipped to enhance their brand’s resilience and visibility.
FIONA FOX by Nancy Packes is a beautifully illustrated tale that captures the heart with its poetic storytelling and themes of resourcefulness and kindness. Fiona’s clever solutions to feed her family during the harsh winter and her acts of reconciliation with the forest animals make this a touching and memorable read. Its vivid imagery and warm message about community and sharing make it a delightful book for readers of all ages.
In classic-southern style, this slow build tale ramps up to unexpected twists and turns; MYSTERIES OF THE SOUTHERN GOTHIC does not disappoint in shocking murder mystery admissions. Author Jessica Carrasquillo creates a chilling tale highlighting the lengths the human mind will go to protect through buried memory as she blends trauma, love, familial bonds, and the ultimate sin, murder. More than just a cold case, it’s an investigation deep into the mind of a murderer.
Chris Bennett’s THE ROAD TO REVOLUTION expertly balances historical accuracy with fascinating storytelling, transporting readers to the complexity of the American Revolution through vivid people and wonderfully drawn surroundings. The novel highlights the spirit of perseverance and the challenges of regular people caught up in exceptional times. Bennett’s ability to blend human hardships into larger historical events distinguishes his work from others in the genre.