IndieReader Discovery Awards 2026 Entrants
Added as our reviewers read them, find the latest verdicts for the 2026 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June!
GINO’S CONTRABAND: GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT by Gabrielle O’Donovan details the author’s harrowing experience with the HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) and its insistence that she was a criminal, not a victim. Colorfully written and well-detailed, the emotional and beyond-frustrating tale about “business as usual” in the UK’s tax authority shows how the seemingly cutthroat unit actually treats its source of income—innocent taxpayers.
THE HIPSTER’S LEGACY by Lorraine Gibson Cohen is a vibrant, heartfelt memoir that captures the spirit of 1960s Southern California through the lens of a young woman navigating the complexities of family, identity, and artistic ambition. The narrative follows 22-year-old Lorraine, who, after a disheartening stint in Hollywood, returns to her family’s eclectic cottage in Hermosa Beach. There, she reconnects with her unconventional family, including her jazz-enthusiast brother, Jeff and her spirited sister, Arlene, amidst bohemian chaos and cultural upheaval. Cohen’s storytelling is enriched by her own illustrations and family photographs, offering readers an intimate glimpse into a world where jazz rhythms and familial bonds intertwine. Her prose is humorous, painting a vivid picture of a young woman’s journey toward self-discovery. While the memoir focuses on personal and familial struggles, it also celebrates the resilience and creativity that emerge from adversity. For readers interested in coming-of-age stories, mid-century Americana, or the interplay between personal history and cultural shifts, THE HIPSTER’S LEGACY is a compelling read.
Rossi’s memoir, THE PUNK ROCK QUEEN OF THE JEWS, is a daring and emotionally stirring account of her journey from a young girl brought up in a rigidly Orthodox family to a rebellious, self-made punk-rock caterer. Fueled by an unwavering yearning for freedom, love, and belonging, she reflects on her time living with the Chasids in Crown Heights, her bold escape, and the convoluted journey to reclaiming her identity with snarky humor and unwavering honesty. Rossi’s vivid storytelling make this an unforgettable tale of rebellion and reinvention.
BELLOSIO: AN AGE OF MIRACLES by John Shekleton is a richly imagined, genre-blending epic that weaves together political upheaval, spiritual philosophy, and speculative science in a world unlike any other. At its heart is Princess Danaba’s desperate struggle to claim a throne she was never meant to inherit, even as a desert abbot’s arrival sparks upheaval in both church and state. Shekleton’s background and literary skill shine through in a narrative that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally immersive—perfect for fans of thoughtful fantasy with real-world resonance.
When a 12-year-boy lives with visions of monsters and supernatural beings, it’s hard to accept the magical gifts he’s inherited. LIONBORN by Sharique Zea introduces middle-school aged children to a young hero who learns how to fight the demons and save the people he loves. Kids may enjoy this fast-paced page-turner, wanting to further explore a fantasy world.
In A.I. AND THE METAWISDOM CIVILIZATION, author Tran The Cong paints a vivid picture of a future shaped not only by technology but also by the values that guide it. The book challenges readers to think about progress in deeper terms, while still offering an uplifting and hopeful vision. With its mix of story, philosophy, and forward-looking ideas, it will appeal to anyone curious about how society can grow in meaningful ways. This is a timely and engaging work.
Rugged, crisp, and moving, Chad Lester’s HOUSE OF CRIMSON ROSES weaves seamlessly between the societal collapse and the bloody battlefields of the American Civil War. The book’s greatest triumph, however, is telling the story of the war through the eyes of its marginalized survivors: the disillusioned draftees, discarded wives, and terrorized enslaved people of the Confederate home front, who must bear much of the cost for the folly of secession.
MAGDALENE’S JOURNEY by Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone is a visionary reimagining that seeks to restore Mary Magdalene’s voice and spiritual authority, long obscured by patriarchal narratives. Blending historical fiction with esoteric wisdom, the book presents Miriam of Magdala as a healer, teacher, and spiritual equal to Yeshua (Jesus), challenging traditional portrayals that have marginalized her role. Through a narrative that intertwines ancient teachings with modern insights, the authors invite readers to explore themes of divine feminine energy, inner transformation, and the balance between masculine and feminine forces. The story emphasizes the importance of looking within, echoing Yeshua’s teaching that “the kingdom lies within,” and encourages a reevaluation of historical and spiritual paradigms. While the book’s fusion of mysticism and speculative elements may not align with all readers’ preferences, its heartfelt prose and transformative message offer a compelling perspective on spirituality and self-discovery.
AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY by Dan Flanigan plunges readers into the heart of 1988’s turbulent Satanic Panic, with Peter O’Keefe at the center of a case that threatens to unravel everything he holds dear. The novel expertly blends suspense and moral conflict, exploring the cost of truth in a society consumed by fear. Flanigan’s vivid period detail, relentless suspense, and a hero who refuses to bow to mass paranoia make this a must-read for fans of hard-boiled mysteries and historical thrillers.
TAMING CANCER by Drew N. Kelner, Ph.D., is an optimistic and insightful look inside the cutting-edge world of cancer research from a seasoned biochemist and immunologist. Kelner charts two centuries of breakthroughs in biology and oncology to demonstrate how “living drugs,” including engineered antibodies, immune cells, and viruses are replacing the old “cut, burn, and poison” approach with therapies that target cancer’s molecular roots and harness the body’s own defenses. His clear, metaphor-rich explanations make complex science accessible, delivering both education and hope to readers of varying backgrounds. While some dense passages may challenge lay readers, Taming Cancer stands out as an encouraging, thoroughly researched guide for anyone seeking a conceptual understanding of where cancer treatment is headed and why a future where cancer is manageable, even curable, may be closer than we think.
Nancee J. Soisson’s A LONG JOURNEY BACKWARDS is a deeply affecting memoir that continues the harrowing yet hopeful saga first introduced in her earlier work, A Child from the Inside Out. Drawing from her three decades as a mental health counselor, Soisson recounts her therapeutic relationship with Lucinda, a survivor of severe trauma, including sexual and ritual abuse. This sequel delves into the complexities of their journey, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. Soisson candidly shares her own emotional struggles as a therapist, offering readers an intimate look into the challenges faced by those who support trauma survivors. The narrative is both raw and compassionate, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance and community in the healing process. While the subject matter is intense, the book serves as a testament to the enduring strength found in the face of adversity. A truly fulfilling read for those ready to face the reality of life.
CHASING PHANTOMS by Inna Tamir is an exquisitely tender and imaginative paranormal romance that gracefully blurs the line between reality and the metaphysical. The story opens with Vera Simkin, a gentle-hearted healer whose life is upended by a mysterious entity named Kaliga. Soon after, fate brings her to cross paths again with Adrian, her long-forgotten high school crush, now an unexpected flatmate. As their shared history and buried emotions resurface, their bond deepens under the influence of reincarnation, soul connections, and disarmingly uncanny events. Tamir weaves memorable characters, luminous prose, and spiritual themes into a narrative that is both deeply human and mystically resonant. Brimming with longing, second chances, and soul-deep enchantment, Chasing Phantoms is a standout for readers who seek romance that transcends time, logic, and the boundaries of existence.
THE NOEMA CYCLE by Salvatore Cataudella is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded sci-fi collection that explores the blurred boundary between artificial intelligence and human consciousness. Set around Noema Labs and a quantum experiment gone strange, the stories balance scientific discovery with deep questions about memory, identity, and creation. The book is a smart, well-paced read that combines futuristic ideas with intimate human moments.
WHAT HANGS IN THE BALANCE by Philippe Johnson is a compelling and meticulously researched exploration of leadership ethics, drawing from the author’s extensive 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force. Rather than focusing on policy critiques, Johnson examines the leadership style of former President Donald Trump, using his actions and social media presence as a case study to highlight the consequences of unprincipled leadership. The book is structured around seven core leadership principles—such as humility, empathy, accountability, and self-control—and contrasts these with real-world examples of both effective and deficient leadership behaviors. By incorporating insights from historical figures and contemporary experts, Johnson provides readers with a nuanced understanding of how ethical leadership can influence organizational success and public trust. This work serves as both a cautionary tale and a practical guide, emphasizing the importance of character and integrity in leadership roles across various sectors. For anyone interested in the dynamics of leadership and its impact on society, WHAT HANGS IN THE BALANCE offers valuable perspectives and actionable insights.
A CHILD FROM THE INSIDE OUT by Nancee J. Soisson is a poignant memoir that talks about complexities of trauma, healing, and the transformative power of faith. The narrative centers on Lucinda, a young woman who enters the author’s life during her tenure as a student counselor. As Lucinda’s harrowing experiences of sexual abuse, satanic ritual abuse, mental illness, and suicide attempts come to light, Soisson embarks on a challenging journey to help her mend the fractured pieces of her personality. Through a combination of therapeutic counseling and deliverance ministry, the memoir chronicles their collaborative effort to navigate the darkness and find a path toward healing. Soisson’s compassionate storytelling offers readers an intimate look into the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of unwavering support and faith. While the subject matter is undeniably heavy, the memoir serves as a testament to the possibility of redemption and the enduring strength found in genuine connection.
WHAT’S YOUR NAME? by Albert Jung is an impressive and user-friendly guide that empowers readers to transliterate their names into Hangul with precision—no Korean language background required. Jung presents Hangul through three insightful lenses—modern, 15th-century, and what he calls “Multiverse Hangul”—to capture sounds from diverse languages accurately . The book offers clear explanations of phonetic logic, accompanied by helpful charts, pronunciation tables, quizzes, and illustrations that demystify mouth positioning and sound production . Alongside historical context tracing the script’s evolution, Jung emphasizes practical tools for expressing identity and bridging cultural divides through name pronunciation. While it doesn’t teach Korean grammar or vocabulary, its focused approach makes Hangul accessible as a global phonetic key—ideal for linguaphiles, travelers, or anyone keen to see their name rendered authentically in Korean script.
LOVE IN CRISIS by Ali Rad follows Abraham, a man shaped by war, love, and exile, as he journeys through turbulent decades—from Vietnam to the Iranian Revolution—searching for meaning, healing, and human connection. With sweeping historical detail and deep emotional resonance, the novel explores how personal and political upheaval collide in the life of one man. Thoughtful and moving, it’s a meditation on love, freedom, and the stories that carry us through crisis.
Evette Davis’s THE CAMPAIGN, which unites witches, empaths, and power brokers in a vividly conceived setting, offers a gripping fusion of supernatural tension and political intrigue. As seen by the protagonist’s intricate objective and moving trip from San Francisco to Idaho, Davis is a master at fusing personal growth with international stakes.