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 ARK AND THE WHALE is a creative and original novelette that serves up surreal slices of magical realism, rich in symbolism and subjectivity. Author James Fulmer has drawn inspiration from biblical stories, Greek mythology, philosophy, and literary allusions among other influences to produce this curiously addictive little book. Narrated by an introverted, self-deprecating character, occasionally referred to as “Nobody”, the reader journeys with him through a series of dreamlike, allegorical events that materialize during his daily life. These bizarre, otherworldly tableaus guide the narrator to redemption and provide a fascinating, thought-provoking read.
High school kids live in a different world than the rest of us. Gone are the simple things to worry about—getting busted for skipping school, smoking in the bathrooms, and failing gym class. YOUR STORY STARTS HERE by Jim Zervanos updates readers on the realities of today’s teenage angst—complete with school shooters, drugs. mental illness, bullying, and social media. As a high school teacher, Zervanos shares his firsthand experiences with today’s “Generation Z,” complete with insight and sensitivity.
At turns bizarre and fascinating, Christopher Dainton’s Afrocentric dystopian sci-fi novel RAPTURE OF THE DEEP explores the repercussions of Venusian colonization and African technological might with polyphonic POVs. Its strong characterization and original, if scant, worldbuilding will leave readers with a lasting impression.
Paul Hudon’s ABUNDANCE TO ZEN offers a thoughtful exploration of self-awareness and personal growth through the lens of the alphabet, making it an engaging read for those seeking inspiration in daily life. The book’s unique format and insightful reflections on topics such as love, resilience, and accountability provide readers with practical wisdom and a fresh perspective on living authentically.
A FONDNESS FOR TRUTH, the third book in the Polizei Bern series (all set in Bern, Switzerland) by Kim Hays, features detectives Linder and Donatelli in an outstanding mystery that never skimps on either the procedural elements of solving the murder or of the humanity of those affected by the crime. When Andi Eberhart, half an interracial lesbian couple with a baby, is murdered in a hit and run on her way home from curling practice, Detectives Giuliana Linder and Renzo Donatelli are part of the team determined to discover the truth. Both detectives are deeply committed to their work and justice, but their lives outside of work also matter. The book is tightly plotted and paced, with new revelations peeling back like an onion to reach the heart of the murder. The characters are smart, engaging, complex, and nuanced as they face challenges both professional and personal. The chemistry and dynamic between Linder and Donatelli are terrific and layered. This book can be read as a standalone, but it will drive readers back to the first two books in the series, and have them eagerly await the next one. A top-notch mystery by an excellent writer.
THE MAKER OF WORLDS by David Litwack is a captivating tale of self-discovery and the power of imagination, showcasing the protagonist’s remarkable ability to shape his new world with conviction. The book’s vivid descriptions of the fantastical landscapes and the custodian’s guidance offer a compelling exploration of the human desire for control and the potential for growth.
R. Karl Hebenstreit combines three decades of corporate experience with his graduate, and post-graduate studies in this comprehensive yet straightforward management guide that offers practical advice, realistic strategies, and sound insight. Using easy-to-navigate, simple but effective leadership models and criteria, Hebenstreit examines the key challenges of any managerial role, offering sensible, focused guidance and solutions in a pragmatic, engaging manner. EXPLICIT EXPECTATIONS: is a thoroughly accessible and useful resource for all levels of management.
S.M. Stevens delves into a range of impactful social issues in her literary new adult novel, BEAUTIFUL AND TERRIBLE THINGS. Mental health takes center stage, challenging the ensemble cast by pushing the boundaries of their relationships. Addressing themes of racism, immigration, and sexuality provides opportunities for deep introspection as the characters navigate their identities in post-college life.
Avi Datta’s THE RESET is a gripping science fiction novel with emotional undertones that explores questions of identity and fate through a time-travel plot. With multidimensional characters and a meticulously detailed world, the story immerses readers in its universe, prompting deep reflection. The intricate storyline and thought-provoking questions make it a meaningful and engaging read.
In LIVING WITH PANCREATIC CANCER, Dr. Earl Campazzi, Jr. brings a physician’s wisdom and a friend’s compassion to this comprehensive roadmap for navigating the arduous journey of pancreatic cancer, from diagnosis through treatment. Drawing from decades of experience as a physician and the insights of patients and their families, the book provides the knowledge and tools to secure top-notch care while tending to the emotional and logistical challenges of living with serious illness. Authoritative yet accessible and profoundly humane, LIVING WITH PANCREATIC CANCER is an indispensable resource for anyone facing this formidable challenge.
Former military and now Child Protection Services officer Constantia Munda takes readers on a road trip of what motherhood might mean in New York state (read: Albany) in MOTHER’S DAY IN THE EMPIRE STATE. Using the architecture of a legal deposition, she alternates ‘spying’ visits with two mothers in particular – Barbara Dalton and Madeline McHugh – at opposite ends of the demographic spectrum. Though the ending is tragic, it’s enlightened by descriptive prose, comic portraits (her boss and the gas station man, in particular), and occasional asides (e.g., on painter Thomas Kinkade).
There is no suffering as terrible as the kind of chronic pain that simply can’t be diagnosed or medicated away. Author Tony Peluso speaks forcefully and in great detail about his 30-year bout with migraines in A MIGRAINE IN THE LIGHT, from hospital stays and surgeries to the dearth of friends and various suicide attempts. Yet he survives – and then weaves his life philosophy of the White Tower within his story. No doubt, readers will wince at every description then applaud his coping strategies.
ON THE MAD RIVER is a metaphor for the journey of life of its characters, as well as the setting for Lucretia Guerrero’s literary suspense novel. While coming of age, Rosa Linda’s path twists and turns, crashing into Donnie Ray’s grey cloud of grief over the murder of his teenage brother. Together, along with other residents of Mad River, is an interesting tale of chosen family among the community helping each other traverse the currents of life.
Susan Marie Chapman’s THE LITTLEST PELICAN PART 2 continues the heartwarming story of a determined and resilient young pelican. The colorful illustrations and engaging story make it a delightful read for children, emphasizing the importance of friendship and perseverance.
In CAPTAIN BACAWLY AND THE BREAKAWAY BANDITS, author Jimmy Jungles crafts an engaging adventure set on the magical island of Wazoo, where a young boy must navigate political intrigue and pirate invasions to uncover hidden truths and protect his animal friends and their peaceful home. This charming tale blends whimsical world-building with timeless themes of community, responsibility, and courage, offering young readers an exciting journey filled with memorable characters and unexpected twists.
Evoking works like the Morte d’Arthur and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, THE PENITENT part II transports its reader to a dark but verdant realm in which dreams contain prophecies, harps can speak, and hearts can be transformed in moments of intense spiritual illumination. Though the text sparkles with realistic details of material construction, crops, and culture, it’s the pervasive mysticism and intensity of religious faith that make this fantasy feel like a crystal-clear window into the medieval world.
Set in 1950s San Francisco, IN THE SHADOW OF AN IRISH GOD is a finely written, slow-burning coming-of-age tale that explores religious fanaticism, racism, and sexual awakening through the relationships and experiences of young teenager, Jack McGuire. Terrified by the Nuns’ dogma at his Catholic School, Jack turns for advice to Samuel, a wheelchair-bound African American man with whom he has formed a profound connection. Rich, authentic dialogue and a series of well-observed, convincing characters ensure Barry’s absorbing novel lingers long after the final page.
MORI: THE LOST ONES VOLUME 1 by Michael Seagard is a captivating and introspective work that delves into the complexities of the human experience. Seagard’s vivid descriptions and honest exploration of themes such as loneliness, mental health, and the search for meaning make this book a compelling read for those interested in a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human condition.