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 EVIL TO COME is Thomas Holland’s fourth novel in the Big Ray Elmore series, is set in the town of Split Tree, Arkansas in 1964. Someone shot Dave Tucker as he sat on his tractor. Ray, the town’s police chief, tries unsuccessfully to save his life, using the medical training he got in the navy. A couple of days later, a high school football player is shot during a big game. Undercurrents amongst the townsfolk, his wife’s manic depression, trying to train a new young officer, and trying to save his job when his first love’s husband tries to oust him all add to the pressure. The characters are well developed and multi-faceted, and the layers of connection in the small community run deep, and often hidden. The sense of place and atmosphere are strong, with the setting offering visceral elements to the story. Ray’s frustration as he tries to put the pieces together from a killer who always seems one step ahead drive the story, and how he finally puts together the final piece, understands the motive, and finesses the confrontation make the book a solid, satisfying read.
In STAY CENTER, author Shannon J. Curtin skillfully captures the intense emotions of adolescence through the lens of competitive shooting. The protagonist, Paige Race, navigates the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth, making her journey relatable to young adult readers. The book’s exploration of anxiety and determination resonates powerfully, offering valuable insights into overcoming challenges and finding one’s place in a competitive environment.
In TALMADGE FARM by Leo Daughtry, readers get an interwoven cast of characters and moral dilemmas set against the backdrop of 1950s and 60s rural North Carolina. The degree to which the novel examines such themes as justice, change, and reconciliation constitutes a provocative narrative that underlines the novel’s merits. The author’s ability to evoke empathy for both the privileged and the marginalized adds a layer of depth to the story, ensuring that it remains engaging throughout.
ROOM FOR FORGIVENESS by Thomas De Tore is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, forgiveness, and the power of redemption. The author skillfully weaves a tale that delves into the complexities of relationships, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Emilia Ares’s LOVE AND OTHER CAGES explores a captivating examination of intricate relationships and human growth .The author skillfully crafts a story of love and resiliency, evoking strong feelings in the reader through evocative language and endearing characters. Fans of thrilling romantic thrillers should not miss this novel because of its compelling depiction of overcoming previous traumas and its rich character development.
With close readings of the Founders, Lincoln, LBJ and others, David L. Page’s THE ART OF THE COMPROMISE lays out how the American form of government is deliberately – and perhaps uniquely – organized to build consensus across interests instead of promoting winner-take-all, zero-sum political warfare. Though its understanding of historical events can feel narrow at times and shallow at others, the book is clear-eyed about how decision-making which rightly pertains to Congress has either devolved to the President or simply stalled, contrary to the vision of the Constitution. THE ART OF THE COMPROMISE is a key part of the antidote: engaged and informed citizenry demanding bipartisan governance instead of deadlocked gamesmanship.
RHYMING RILEY by Tracy Markley is an illustrated children’s book featuring a wonderful and endearing narrative recounted through Riley (a dog’s) endearing rhymes. Young readers will enjoy the book’s lively language and captivating story, which also perfectly captures the straightforward pleasures of a dog’s life with its vivid descriptions and upbeat attitude. Any dog lover, regardless of age, should read this book because of Riley’s adventures and his unique bond with his mother.
THE FRONTRUNNER by Brad Fawley captivates with its vivid character development and the intense portrayal of the protagonist’s internal and external struggles. The seamless blend of suspense and emotional depth makes it a compelling read for fans of intricate storytelling.
Sue Markovitch’s book UP IS MANDATORY is a gripping account of her path toward resilience and personal development. Through her detailed depictions of her physical and emotional struggles, especially on her life-changing hikes, the author inspires readers to believe in their own strength. The open narrative style and the book’s recurrent subject of persistence make it a valuable read for anybody looking for inspiration and self-discovery.
Kelly Vincent’s UGLIEST is an all-too-true scenario as prejudice, hate and bullying invade an Oklahoma high school. A band of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC teens (as well as their hetero friends) fight back against restrictive policies of their school, using social media, protests and other tactics to help regain equality. The characters are well-written as are their conversations and actions. Readers will take away lessons about the culture and managing similar situations gracefully.
WITCHFINDER’S SACRIFICE by Rande Goodwin expertly blends historical and supernatural elements, offering readers a thrilling tale of witchcraft, betrayal, and the fight for justice. Goodwin’s ability to bring rich details of the past into a contemporary storyline creates an immersive experience and tension builds as characters navigate moral dilemmas and supernatural challenges. A captivating read for fans of dark fantasy.
Thomas Mammoth’s first novel, ASHTRAY, is a darkly comedic look at a dystopian future that’s not all that much of a stretch. Isaac slept through the apocalypse and wakes up to maybe being the last human on the planet. Fortunately, his cat is still there, and since the world is run by AI, he can still get food delivery and find clothes and even new houses, at least until the power runs out or he dies of toxins. The voice of the book is strong, the comedy keeps escalating, and there’s even more than one cat. The absurdity of AI, hold music and technology in general is exploited for humor with a more serious undertone.
QUID EST VITA by Anonymous explores profound existential questions in a richly imagined, dystopian future. The book’s intricate world-building and deep philosophical musings make it a captivating read for those who enjoy speculative fiction with a thoughtful edge.
Youth meets age – and life wisdom — in Rich Wilson’s Tom Sawyer-ish tale, IT RHYMES WITH TRUTH. The no-name male narrator forms a bond with Ruth, a retirement home senior, where the revelation of past is verboten. Their adventures romp through the usual (card games, baseball, pranks on other residents) to the unusual (a 30-mile round trip-vacation, deaths and a funeral). What does truth really mean at the end? Readers will be drawn into the off-hand narrative (complete with humorous footnotes) and its underlying compassion for humanity.
THE DISCOVERY OF MAGIC by L.J. Evias is an exhilarating Young Adult adventure that thrusts readers into an alternative world of portal-traveling, magic, ancient royal kingdoms, and perilous encounters. With a compelling cliffhanger that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the fate of these well-crafted characters, this first book in the Intrigue of Magic series promises an entertaining and immersive reading experience. Readers will be delighted in this fantastic, fun journey through this enchanting world.
Living the “good life” can make people forget that love exists in other places, too. In FORTUNATE CHILD by Cheryl Thibodeau, a teenage girl has her own demons to conquer before she can recognize the truth of her feelings about her own mother. Readers may connect with the roller coast of emotions that contain anger, abandonment, reconciliation, understanding, and forgiveness. FORTUNATE CHILD is a nice read for teens and young adults.
ICARUS IN SILICO by authors Clarence and Fermin offers a gripping story of survival and ingenuity in a post-apocalyptic world. The detailed portrayal of Jae’s resourcefulness in building Icarus, a mechanical companion, and the bond that forms between them amidst the devastation is truly captivating. This engaging narrative beautifully explores resilience and the power of human determination.
THE HENNESSY LIE by Annette Masters masterfully intertwines themes of inheritance and identity through the eyes of Piper Covington, a relatable protagonist. The suspense builds with each chapter, as unexpected twists and well-placed clues keep readers engaged in this thrilling tale of family secrets and self-discovery.