JUSTICE DENIED
Genre: Biography
IR Verdict: JUSTICE DENIED by Roger Lawrence is both riveting and disturbing and relays the true-to-life tale about how the judicial system can steal people’s livelihoods and lives, working them over for reasons that have little, if anything, to do with serving actual justice.
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UP FOR AIR
Genre: Romance
IR Verdict: UP FOR AIR is a passionate, well-written novel that strikes the perfect balance between racy and riveting with a stunning narrative about self-discovery wrapped in the sensual embellishments of an adventurous love story.
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LOVING MODIGLIANI
Genre: Literary Fiction
IR Verdict: LOVING MODIGLIANI: THE AFTERLIFE OF JEANNE HEBUTERNE is singularly unique and intensely ambitious and an utter joyride for any reader deciding to take the journey.
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THIS WAS ALWAYS ABOUT BASKETBALL
Genre: Young Adult
IR Verdict: A feel-good coming of age tale, THIS WAS ALWAYS ABOUT BASKETBALL is a delightful, funny, and heartfelt young adult adventure that combines a love of basketball with the importance of friendship.
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BAD MEDICINE
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
IR Verdict: Bold storytelling, a sensitive portrayal of relationship problems and a taut whodunit makes BAD MEDICINE another winner for Geoffrey M Cooper.
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PLAYING SOLDIER
Genre: Memoir
IR Verdict: PLAYING SOLDIER is a gripping memoir of life, war, loss, and recovery that effectively conveys the fear and horror of a shell-shocked veteran who had once romanticized the idea of being a soldier.
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THREAT (The City of the Magicians Book 1)
Genre: Fantasy
IR Verdict: Peter Gribble’s THREAT (The City of the Magicians Book 1) is an exquisitely crafted, richly textured world of magic and mystery, with settings and mood so exceptionally well visualized that fans of science fiction and fantasy should not pass up the chance to walk inside.
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THE ORDINARY LEADER
Genre: Self Help
IR Verdict: Geoff Lew draws from ancient Chinese military strategist Sun-Tzu’s The Art of War to provide a broad-reaching advice book that will help readers improve their outlook, focus, and their chances of achieving success, no matter their goals.
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THE BEGINNING AND END OF ALL THINGS
Genre: Science Fiction
IR Verdict: While most anthologies, regardless of genre, are hit-and-miss, THE BEGINNING & END OF ALL THINGS is mostly hits–wondrous stories with relatable characters that explore the far reaches of space and the limits of technology.
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JOEY AND THE BODACIOUS BEANS
Genre: Children’s (Board books and Pre-reading)
IR Verdict: Fun and insightful, JOEY AND THE BODACIOUS BEANS uses lively prose, engaging characters, and cheerful illustrations to teach young readers the importance of cultivating tolerance, empathy, forgiveness, and other important virtues.
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RANGERKNIGHTS
Genre: Science Fiction
IR Verdict: RANGERKNIGHTS is a sci-fi fan’s delight: it is full of action, granular details, and rich characters who must face familiar battles in an unfamiliar war.
THE GIRL IN CELL 49B
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
IR Verdict: The transfixing Emily Calby series continues with THE GIRL IN CELL 49B, the standout sequel from Dorian Box featuring a fierce female main character, a perfectly planned and paced plot, and a strong sense of theme.
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SISTERS OF THE VINE
Genre: Women’s Fiction
IR Verdict: SISTERS OF THE VINE is a sweet, tender novel about a woman finding her calling at a tumultuous time with the help of other women.
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LATVIAN FOLKTALES
Genre: Short Stories
IR Verdict: LATVIAN FOLKTALES is a fun, easy-to-read, and cozy compilation of ancient folktales from the Baltic. Here, in several different yarns, the majesty and mystery of nature are underlined for all ages alongside fantastic illustrations.
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EMERGENCE
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
IR Verdict: A slow-burn thriller, EMERGENCE by Ellie Beals interlaces the stories of 13-year Xavier, a young naturalist raised in the remote woods of Western Quebec and the subject of his observations, a middle-aged woman named Cass, her three dogs, and an assortment of friends and foes–the latter of which may be a threat to her life.
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BLACK RIFLE
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
IR Verdict: BLACK RIFLE is an effective, fast-paced murder mystery that looks at gun culture in America from both sides of the political fence. A treat for Robert Ludlum and Joseph Wambaugh fans.
BEYOND THE PALE BLUE SUN
Genre: Science Fiction
IR Verdict: Unique world-building, myriad characters, and themes of natural balance versus technological advancement make Kip Koelsch’s BEYOND THE PALE BLUE SUN an engaging second-in-a-series novel.
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BILLY GOATS GRUFF: The Origin
Genre: Inspirational/ Spiritual
IR Verdict: BILLY GOATS GRUFF: The Origin by Roar Alexander Mikalsen is a thoughtful and engaging tale that uses the fable of the “Three Billy Goats Gruff” to probe philosophical questions which are deeply relevant for our times.
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GRIMDARK: Tales of Exile
Genre: Fantasy
IR Verdict: Best read as a supplement to Kyle Fox’s fantasy series of which GRIMDARK: Tales of Exile is a spin-off, this short novella–featuring striking, vivid language–shows that gritty relentlessness, despite indomitable circumstances, can sometimes pay off.
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