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 QUIET UNRAVELING OF EVE ELLAWAY by Melanie Hooyenga is a chilling YA psychological thriller that follows Eve—a teenage girl forced to embody both herself and her missing twin, Gen, to shield her mother’s fragile sanity after Gen’s mysterious disappearance. Caught in a web of duplicity and heartache, Eve grapples with the heavy cost of maintaining a lie that slowly fragments her sense of self while the truth lurks in the shadows, ready to shatter the carefully constructed façade. With jaw-dropping plot twists that serve as the story’s unforgettable centerpiece, raw emotion, and a narrative that fearlessly explores identity and psychological fragility, this novel will linger in your mind and heart long after you turn the last page.
Definitions of “family” can vary for just about everyone, and in author Stephanie Cesca’s debut novel DOTTED LINES, a young woman’s scattered childhood turns into something golden—but not without a bit of drama along the way. Clear, engaging writing introduces readers to Melanie Forsythe, as she and her younger sister are abandoned by their mother but raised by the mom’s boyfriend. With varying emotions, Melanie learns what “real family” means.
ETHOSBOT by S. Sky is a gripping tale of adventure and romance set in the captivating Southwest, where some teens embark on a daring quest to uncover the truth behind a dangerous medical nanobot. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding the bot’s unexpected effects and its connection to geomagnetic sandstorms, they face opposition from federal agents, telepathic adepts, and the biotech company behind the bot’s creation. With its blend of suspense, mystery, and teenage rebellion, ETHOSBOT promises an exhilarating journey that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Morgan Hatch’s GONE TO GROUND is a riveting thriller full of tension and sharp social commentary. The book follows well-drawn individuals caught up in a perilous web of crime, power, and survival against the gritty backdrop of Los Angeles. Fans of character-driven thrillers will be captivated from beginning to end by Hatch’s brilliant, fast-paced novel, which features incisive dialogue and a captivating atmosphere.
A STORM OF IMMORTALITY by J. Wint is a compelling dystopian fantasy that immerses readers in a world where humanity has retreated underground due to unending storms. The protagonist, Brindall Harper, faces a pivotal rite of passage known as “The Day of the Nail,” which unexpectedly marks him as an immortal, thrusting him into a protracted war over the coveted Skylight System—a sanctuary orbiting Earth. Twisted in the best of ways, Wint masterfully crafts a dark and immersive setting, portraying a society where survival hinges on strict conformity and the suppression of individuality. The narrative delves into themes of power, manipulation, and the quest for truth, as Brindall uncovers unsettling secrets about his heritage and the true nature of the war he is compelled to fight.
GONE TO GROUND by Morgan Hatch is a gripping, hard-hitting thriller that masterfully intertwines family loyalty, systemic injustice, and the ruthless forces of gentrification. The story follows Javier Jimenez, a high school senior with a bright future, as he navigates the dangers of his troubled neighborhood and attempts to steer his younger brother, Alex, away from the destructive path of gang life. With sharp prose, authentic dialogue, and deeply compelling characters, this novel is both a fast-paced thriller and a searing exploration of power, survival, and the fight for a place to call home.
Alexandru Czimbor’s SENTIENCE HAZARD is a fascinating look at artificial intelligence and its implications, as seen through the eyes of those working to develop a true AI and those who fear they are already being ruled by one. The multiple points-of-view give the reader insight into both the competing AI projects in the book, and their successes and failures, along with the philosophical implications at the base of each. The author has clearly thought deeply about what it means to be sentient, and what will be necessary to make a true artificial intelligence – or something like one – which will do more good for humanity than harm. This is an intriguing read for anyone interested in what makes human thought and consciousness possible.
Matt Eventoff’s THE ORATORY PROJECT is a handy, comprehensive guide to effective communication. Drawing on 20 years of experience coaching individuals on good communicating, Eventoff writes lucidly on subjects including public speaking, the art of networking, making small talk, email etiquette, and preparing for media appearances, all presented in an approachable and easy-to-use style.
EUCATASTROPHE by Josh Bottomly is a heartfelt and courageous exploration of mental health struggles and recovery, blending raw vulnerability with literary richness. Bottomly’s personal journey, told with wit and honesty, offers hope and solace to anyone navigating life’s darkest moments.
KENTUCKY BLOOD is the first installment in the Kentucky Blood series by Ashley Thomas Sheik, set in 90s-era Kentucky—where the ruthless Cunningham family stops at nothing to find the Temple, a fabled sanctuary of untold wealth and glory. The story weaves two timelines, one tracing Bill (the family’s formidable patriarch) as he rises to power in the 1970s and the other following his family’s dangerous quest in modern-day Kentucky, with each chapter pulling you deeper into a world of moral ambiguity and chilling intrigue. The novel is filled with sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and a distinctly Southern Gothic atmosphere that will leave you both captivated and eager for more.
Arda Ozdemir’s EMOTIONAL MASTERY: 7 COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR A DRAMA-FREE LIFE is a guide for clearer communication. Ozdemir advances ideas including breathing techniques, awareness of one’s emotional responses, and the use of “I-Need” statements and “I-Want” statements to craft a useful handbook for regulating one’s emotions.
THE CONSPIRACY OF THE CHRIST by Michael LaFond is a thought-provoking memoir that intertwines personal spiritual experiences with historical analysis to explore the true story of Jesus Christ. LaFond delves into ancient sources, such as the works of historian Flavius Josephus, to present a fresh perspective on early Christianity, tracing its connections from Platonic philosophy to the teachings of Carlos Castaneda. The narrative offers readers a blend of historical revelations and introspective accounts, inviting them to question conventional narratives and discover new interpretations of faith and history. Overall, the book provides an enlightening journey into the intersections of history, theology, and personal spirituality.
Ana María López Jimeno’s thorough reference book VADEMECUM OF ENGLISH condenses important features of the English language into understandable, navigable graphs. This handbook is a great tool for advanced students as well as teachers with parts on phonetics, grammar, vocabulary, and etymology. It is an essential aid for mastering English, as it presents complex linguistic concepts in an accessible and structured manner by incorporating insights from over 50 dictionaries and grammar books.
SUMMERS AWAY by Kara DeMaio follows Ayla as a chance encounter with Ryan Gematti leads her to spend summers with his family—where she forms a deep bond with his brother (Tate), a friendship overshadowed by a secret he desperately tries to keep. When a hidden relationship threatens to unravel everything, Ayla is torn between protecting her friend and revealing the truth, setting off a chain of events that ends in tragedy. With compelling prose and deeply relatable characters, DeMaio crafts a poignant story of love, loyalty, and the life-altering weight of choices, delivering an ending that will move readers to tears.
Dr. Annise Mabry’s EDUCATIONAL DISOBEDIENCE tells the story of a mom who, when faced with children who were being bullied and failed at school in Georgia, created a successful homeschooling cooperative. Part memoir, part guide to a flawed education system, Mabry writes movingly on her own background and struggles in a system designed to fit the many, not the few, and offers profound insights on how to create educational experiences that serve all those who learn.
THE PITS is a harrowing account of one woman’s endurance of an attack by pit bulls, and the aftermath. Realtor and author Cheryl Edwards writes with a mixture of forensic detail and quirky wit of her experience feeding three dogs while her friend was on vacation, only to find herself set upon. Her frank, shocking account offers many startling insights into the survival instinct and the ongoing repercussions survivors feel after having gone through traumatic experiences.
THE SAPIEN EMPIRE by Nathan Ogloff is a compelling post-apocalyptic novel that follows Shindo Dacan, a socially awkward yet brilliant engineer whose inventions have been co-opted by the tyrannical ruler Vibrun Magrite to dominate the Domain’s four city-states. When Magrite’s cruelty turns personal, Shindo, with the unexpected alliance of Jarim Alsaedon, orchestrates a daring coup to overthrow the despot. As they attempt to rebuild society, they face internal and external threats that challenge their vision for a better world. Ogloff’s storytelling is magical, deserving praise for its vivid world-building and complex character development. The initial chapters present a dense array of details, making the beginning challenging yet gripping. Despite this, the novel’s intricate plot and exploration of themes like power, trust, and societal reconstruction make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
THE FORGOTTEN TALE: A TRAGEDY IN PASEA by Lewis McDonald is an engaging fantasy mystery that plunges readers into a coastal village shrouded in secrets and dark omens. A band of heroes—Ludwig, Elroven, Nadarr, and Lutras—venture into Pasea to probe vague rumors linked to the Djofull (gods), only to uncover a conspiracy and danger far beyond their wildest expectations. With engaging writing, a well-paced narrative, and an intriguing plot, this installment in the Forgotten Tale series delivers a thrilling and immersive reading experience.