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!
Delores J. Dillard’s memoir PAPUA NEW GUINEA, 1983 is a sincere account of the author’s spiritual journey, cultural interchange, and personal development. She describes her experiences as a missionary in great detail, navigating unanticipated hurdles, making profound connections with locals, and witnessing the power of religion in crossing worlds. Dillard’s frank observations and vivid images make this an engrossing read for anybody interested in cross-cultural experiences and spiritual development.
Renowned, Norwegian-born photographer Geir Jordahl pairs his powerful photographs with carefully chosen by poetry by Rolf Jacobsen (1907-1994) in the luscious volume THE ENDLESS SPHERE OF TIME. The poems (translated by Roger Greenwald) are presented in both their original Norwegian and in English translations, arranged in sections including “Beyond Death”, “Winds of Change” and “Eternity.” The design of the book is gorgeous. The photographs appear in circles, pulling through the design indicated by the “Sphere” of the title. The images themselves, in black and white with stunning composition, contain layers of meaning and symbols that encourage long periods of contemplation and exploration. Paired with the spare modernism of Jacobsen’s poems, the effect is luminous and resonating. The loving care and attention to detail by True North Editions (founded by the Jordahls) pays off with this gorgeous, slipcovered edition. THE ENDLESS SPHERE OF TIME is a book to savor, reflect on, and treasure time and time again.
Roberta Hartling Gates takes on difficult subject matter with a deft, sure hand in NUMBER 12 RUE SAINTE-CATHERINE AND OTHER STORIES, centered around Klaus Barbie, the Nazi known as “The Butcher of Lyon” to show how he grew from an abused boy into one of the evils of the regime, and then descended into a hunted old man. The stories do not shy away from brutality, yet use spare, carefully chosen details with powerful impact. Gates does the near-impossible, making Barbie an understandable, complex human being without trying to make excuses for the character or make him likeable. The use of language and imagery is both stark and poignant, and relevant today. The characters come alive, and the choice to show many facets of these characters through slow reveals over the course of the stories give the book a strong arc. NUMBER 12 RUE SAINTE-CATHERINE is not an easy book of historical fiction, but it is a powerful and worthwhile one.
The notable phrase “you can’t go home again” comes true when a man tries to repair his past but instead finds a new purpose in life. AUTUMN by Marc MacDonald is the story of love, faith, obligation, and unexpected friendship. With points that will hit home for many readers, AUTUMN is an engaging read for any time of year.
In the epic fantasy THE TIDES OF KADAVAR, Carl E. Wooldridge Jr. weaves a tale of intricate lore and vivid imagery that draws readers into a land of swords, sorcery, and deep emotional stakes, where morally complex dilemmas are part of the journey. Fans of tabletop RPG-inspired adventures will find much to admire in this debut.
Everyone’s connected in Lilly Stewart’s bi-coastal story THE BEAUTIFUL NAME. It just takes a few chapters to understand who’s who and how they’re related to each other. People aside, a college named Mondegreen, along with its alumni and their carefully concealed confidences, actually takes center stage. Combine its ‘hallowed’ walls with a thriving drug culture, frat parties, and a secret society: All lead to Book Two (to come). Can readers wait for the denouement?
REBELS AND SAINTS by Lena Gibson is a riveting dystopian thriller that immerses readers in a fight for survival and liberation in a brilliantly imagined future. Gibson’s ability to weave complicated plots with fascinating character journeys makes this novel a great finale to the Train Hoppers trilogy, resonating with themes of resistance and optimism in the face of oppression. Fans of thought-provoking excursions will enjoy this fascinating and gratifying read.
THE KEYS OF THE ORACLE by A. E. Zane is a thrilling fantasy adventure that marks the beginning of THE DRAGONBORN KING series while standing strong as a captivating standalone novel. Thirteen-year-old Oliver discovers he is a destined Guardian and part of an ancient lineage of dragon-blooded humans, leading him on a perilous quest with his friends to recover seven magical keys (guided by a mysterious Oracle and the whispers of ancient trees) while confronting formidable foes as an encroaching darkness threatens all the realms. With its perfect balance of myth, magic, and exhilarating twists, this cinematic tale delivers heart-pounding action, character-driven storytelling, and an immersive journey that will captivate readers of all ages.
Besotted with his Washington diplomat girlfriend, Quinn, Canadian Paul, a directionless humanitarian doctor, accompanies her when she is posted to Bamako, capital of the war-torn, conflict-strewn West African country of Mali. As their relationship falters and volatility rises, Paul becomes increasingly drawn into the intricate, illusory complexities of Malian culture, custom, and post-colonialism. Author Christopher Dainton effortlessly transports the reader into West Africa’s incendiary geopolitical landscape in MALIPOLITAN, his highly charged and darkly mesmerizing tale of desperation, delusion, and ambition driven by the emotionally introspective Paul. Written with sharp sophistication and vivid insight, MALIPOLITAN is a fascinatingly good read.
VIBRATIONS: CHILDREN OF ATLANTIS by A. R. Alexander is an exhilarating young adult adventure that blends captivating mythological elements with unique science-based supernatural powers. As Nada, who sees sound as light, and Kani, with the power to control vibrations, uncover their Atlantean heritage, they must navigate high-stakes battles and deal with the emotional weight of their newfound abilities. With well-developed characters, fast-paced action, and a vibrant narrative enhanced by alternating viewpoints, this novel will keep readers hooked from start to finish, making it a must-read for fans of Percy Jackson and myth-inspired fantasy.
Angela Douglas’s debut novel EVERY FALL mixes a thriller with a ghost story. Bree is married to Jake, an RCMP officer, and they live in a dangerous town. When one of his collars shows up at the door to threaten Bree and their young son, they move to a house outside of the radius of Jake’s job, hoping to be safe. When Jake’s best friend and fellow cop is murdered, he suffers increasing PTSD, frightening the now-pregnant Bree. Or is their new house, known for “strange happenings” haunted, and what effect does that have on both of them? The heart of the story is the relationship between Bree and Jake, and how they try to navigate the increasing stresses and needs of their marriage, their children, and Jake’s job. The thriller and procedural aspects add texture. The ghost story layers in multiple possibilities of both hope and fear. Ultimately, the heartbeat of the story is the relationship between Bree and Jake and what they are willing to do to protect it. EVERY FALL is a multi-layered novel weaving in multiple genre elements for a fascinating read.
J.P. MacDonald’s THE WATCHERS is a gripping dystopian techno thriller set on Kangaroo Island, Australia, in a future where freedom is but a distant memory. The narrative follows Ame Goto-Loch, a young bio-robotics engineer, who becomes entangled in a rebellion against the oppressive People’s Global Republic (PGR) regime. MacDonald masterfully crafts a vivid portrayal of a society under constant surveillance by AI bio-robotic Watchers, blending elements of advanced technology with human resilience. The novel’s rich character development and immersive setting draw readers into a world where the fight for liberty is both perilous and inspiring. This book is perfect for fans of the sci-fi and dystopian genres.
Tony Stewart’s memoir CARRYING THE TIGER describes the diagnosis of his wife Lynn with terminal cancer, her final months, and what came after. This heartbreakingly candid account of multiple treatment rounds, the couple’s coming to terms with mortality, and Stewart’s subsequent grief and determination to follow his wife’s wishes and find new love offers a nuanced take on understanding, love, and hope in equal measure.
Ex-Green Beret Jamie Morales hoped to leave the horrors of battle behind and live peacefully with his wife, Brooke. But his mother, Maria, is hiding something, a relic she’s kept safe since leaving Mexico thirty years earlier. When Brooke’s sister Ashley divulges Maria’s secret to barbaric cartel boss Marco Delgado, who believes the artifact is his, her stupidity triggers brutal consequences, leaving Jamie with no option but to mount a revenge mission. THE EMERALD CROSS is a gripping novel that begins intriguingly before hurtling the reader into a twisty, high-octane military takedown that maintains focus and empathy on the human cost behind the cartel’s carnage. Cruickshank has created a strong, convincing protagonist in Morales, ensuring THE EMERALD CROSS is a highly readable, action-packed thriller.
Part One of THE LITTLEST PELICAN by Susan Marie Chapman lays the foundation for a heartwarming story of perseverance in the face of adversity. The tale of the Little Penguin, who tries out for the Pelican Squad and fails miserably, only to resolve to try again, is enlivened by Natalia Loseva‘s simple but effective illustrations and a compelling storyline that younger readers will follow, understand – and hopefully learn from.
DANCING IN THE DARK by Christopher Kantz is a profound narrative that intertwines romance with an exploration of life’s complexities. The story follows Alex, a writer and beekeeper, and Eden, a dedicated doctor, as they navigate challenges of love, ambition, and the unpredictability of life. Their journey, spanning vibrant circuses to introspective moments, serves as a mirror to our own struggles and triumphs. Kantz enriches the narrative with practical activities and insights, encouraging readers to reflect and grow alongside the characters. This blend of storytelling and self-help makes the book not just a tale to enjoy but a guide for personal development.
C.V. Vobh’s SOMNUS’ PALACE is a masterful blend of imagination and adventure, plunging readers into a mesmerizing realm where twenty-seven-year-old Proto awakens as a dream visitor in the ethereal halls of the Lord of Dreams. As Proto and his companions navigate strange dreamscapes guiding sleeping souls toward destiny, they notice something ominous lurking within each dream they visit—a chilling sign of a looming catastrophe for them and the world. With its fluid prose, intricate world-building, and captivating exploration of subconscious realms, this tale marks a brilliant start to the SLEEPWALKER CYCLE series, that will leave readers yearning for more.
Kyle Palmer’s THE LAST RIVAL: A TIME OF OUR CHOOSING blends historical intrigue with emotional depth to explore the human spirit against the backdrop of World War II. Palmer spins a gripping tale of covert agents Jim Bolden and Lew Weinman, whose secret missions to unearth the remaining embers of the Nazi regime force them to face external enemies and their own moral struggles. With stirring action sequences, the novel explores questions of vengeance, justice, and humanity’s capacity for forgiveness. A powerful exploration of resilience, it truly transcends the thriller genre.