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!
DAEMONES EX MACHINA by Russell Anders is a fast paced and gritty sci-fi story full of sharp dialogue, clever twists, and inventive tech. Friedy, the eccentric hacker at the center of it all, brings both heart and chaos to the mission, while the story delivers nonstop tension and a few dark laughs. It’s an entertaining read for anyone who enjoys gritty action and a bit of supernatural tech drama on the side.
Thoroughly researched and carefully written, Bonnie Suchman’s WHAT REMAINS IS HOPE humanizes the true story of the Heppenheimer family during Hitler’s ascent, the war, and the Nazis’ Final Solution. Their story is not only poignant, but shockingly relatable, as Suchman renders a genocide in long, slow, everyday steps, even for those who never see the camps: the loss of business; the economic pressures which lead lovers to quarrel and families to break up; the anguish of watching a malnourished child sicken; and for many, the terror of not knowing what has become of one’s family and friends, perhaps ever.
ALL THROUGH THE CROWN: SING YOUR WAY UP THE CHAKRA RAINBOW by Rachel Glowacki is a delightful, interactive storybook that effortlessly introduces preschoolers to the concept of chakras through movement, song, and color. Set to the familiar melody of “The Wheels on the Bus,” each verse guides young readers through different body parts and their corresponding energy centers from grounded feet to thoughts culminating in the joyful. The book’s vibrant illustrations by Ryan Nelsen use bold, saturated hues and body-part close-ups to vividly reinforce each chakra’s energy while subtly aligning with traditional color coding. Parent-facing explanatory notes and a guided “rainbow meditation” flow naturally from the song, offering a gentle yet structured journey into body awareness and emotional literacy.
Two separate stories that subtly tie together make up author Jack Call’s SMALL PIECES OF THE ACTUAL WORLD. The first, a tale about two old friends recalling an acid (LSD) trip they took together more than 50 years earlier, when the drug culture and hippie lifestyles were in full swing. The second story, more of a mystery of the future, has the reader trying to guess its eventual outcome and the ultimate meaning of death. Both entries are written with vivid imagery and descriptions that take bystanders on a far-out journey, man.
THE TALE OF THE ENGLISH TEMPLAR by Helena P. Schrader is a meticulously researched and emotionally resonant historical novel that delves into the harrowing events surrounding the suppression of the Knights Templar in 1307. The narrative centers on Sir Percy de Lacy, an English Templar who, after being arrested and tortured under false charges of heresy, escapes and becomes a symbol of resistance against the tyranny of King Philip IV. Schrader’s portrayal of Percy’s transformation from a broken prisoner to a determined leader is both compelling and inspiring. Schrader’s commitment to historical accuracy is evident in her vivid descriptions of medieval France and the complex political and religious dynamics of the time. For readers interested in the human stories behind historical events, THE TALE OF THE ENGLISH TEMPLAR offers a profound and thought-provoking experience.
TAKING THE STAIRS AND LIKING IT by Lauren Speeth is an uplifting and actionable guide that blends personal narrative with practical wisdom. Inspired by a transformative 2005 interview with President Jimmy Carter, Speeth developed a methodology rooted in his insights, which she has since refined through global teaching and personal application. The book outlines seven steps designed to help readers overcome perceived limitations, harness their unique talents, and cultivate a life of purpose and joy. Each step encourages proactive engagement—such as embracing possibility thinking, building supportive partnerships, and maintaining a positive mindset—to create meaningful change both personally and in the broader community. Speeth’s compassionate and clear prose makes complex concepts accessible, offering readers a roadmap to a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or ways to make a positive impact, this book provides valuable tools to guide your journey.
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.
I Blew My Diet! Now What? is a humorous, conversationally toned book for those looking to lose weight or bounce back from weight gain. Written by award-winning author Connie Bennet, this helpful guidebook presents complex nutritional language in a digestible, easy-to-understand manner. Bennet further stands out by allowing readers to explore her own weight loss journey in a humorous, conversational way that’s perfect for the modern reader.
MY WINGMAN marks a heartfelt debut from Tessa King—following Clover as she flees overwhelming loss and finds solace in a charming town where new friendships ignite and the memory of her soulmate, Elliott, still flickers through ghostly visions. Between warm coffee shop camaraderie with Sadie and unexpected sparks with Elliott’s brother, Everett, Clover faces the tender challenge of honoring her past while daring to embrace a future brimming with possibility. With gentle humor, poignant moments, and a cast of endearing characters, this novel beautifully captures the journey from grief to hope and proves that sometimes the greatest wingman is the one who helps you rediscover your own heart.
BEING BROKEN: by Geoffrey R. Jonas is a searingly intimate look at the scars of growing up under the weight of family dysfunction and substance abuse. By piecing together letters, emails, and memories, Jonas exposes how childhood trauma can spiral into cycles of substance dependence and mental illness and how confronting these truths becomes the first step toward healing. While often wrenching, Jonas’s raw honesty and determination to heal make this a profoundly moving testament to resilience and the possibility of breaking the cycle.
PROMISING YOUNG MAN by Elias Axel takes readers on an emotional and humorous journey through the life of Oscar Danielsson, a teen struggling with ADHD, self-doubt, and the pressures of growing up. A spontaneous cross-country road trip with his eccentric grandmother forces Oscar to confront his mistakes, embrace unlikely friendships, and discover that second chances can come in the most unexpected forms. With equal doses of humor and heartbreak, this coming-of-age debut captures the chaos of growing up and the hope that comes from finally learning to face the world on your own terms, offering a refreshing and hopeful perspective that resonates with readers of all ages.
THE SOURCE OF STORMS by Angelina Kelly is an enthralling start to The Stormbound Series, blending Celtic and Norse mythology with a gripping tale of self-discovery, magic, and forbidden love. Halja, a fae-touched outcast, must navigate a world of shadowy monsters, powerful allies, and ancient secrets as she learns to master her shapeshifting abilities and protect those she holds dear. With vivid world-building, complex characters, and a romance that feels earned and genuine, this novel will captivate fans of epic fantasy and leave them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Halja’s journey.
WHAT’S YOUR NAME? How to Write Your Name in Han’gŭl Without Learning the Korean Language 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.
Deborah M. Foster’s WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT BEING POOR is a powerful memoir that intertwines personal narrative with incisive social critique. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in poverty-stricken environments across, Foster delves into the complexities of poverty, mental illness, and systemic failures in America. Her family’s struggles, marked by her father’s schizoaffective disorder and her mother’s bipolar depression, highlight the profound impact of mental health issues compounded by economic instability. Foster challenges the detached analyses of poverty experts, particularly critiquing Charles Murray’s assertions, by juxtaposing their theoretical perspectives with her lived reality. Through vivid storytelling, she exposes how policies often overlook the human dimension of poverty, treating individuals as abstract problems rather than people with agency and dignity. The memoir also sheds light on how economic hardship can lead families to seek solace in religious fundamentalism, illustrating the desperate measures taken in search of stability. Foster’s journey from a marginalized child to an academic serves as both an inspiring narrative and a call to action, urging readers to reconsider societal attitudes toward poverty and the structures that support it.
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.
A SMILE IN EVERY SEASON by Paul Z. Alber offers a rich, character-driven story exploring grief, family duty, and queer identity within a Trinidadian-American family in Atlanta. Its strength lies in portraying the emotional complexity of caregiving, sibling dynamics, and the struggles of gay men navigating cultural expectations and belonging.
DON’T BE AFRAID OF SIRENS by R.L. Florez and M.L. Florez gently guides young readers through fear using a heartfelt father-daughter story, transforming loud, frightening sirens into symbols of hope and help. With expressive illustrations by and soothing dialogue, the book reassures children while teaching empathy and awareness of emergency responders.
Stefano Teatini’s dystopian novel SAVING UTOPIA is notable for its political incisiveness and emotional depth. It examines the breakdown of a delicate society and the challenging decisions made in the struggle for freedom. Teatini strikes a balance between action and critical inquiries into identity, power, and ideology.