Indie book reviews

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IndieReader’s reviewers are tough, but fair

Our Reviewers won’t judge your book as compared to other self-published titles, but against other books, period. Our ratings are based on the following criteria, although reviewers are able to award partial stars (i.e. a 1.3 or a 4.7), rather than rounding up or down to a whole or half number.

1/5

Really bad 
Work on it.

2/5

Mediocre
1-2 bright spots.

3/5

Good
Worth reading.

4/5

Very Good
1-2 spots that need work

5/5

Excellent!
Must-read.

* IndieReader receives compensation for most of the books it reviews, along with copies of those books.

IR Approved
June 23, 2026

ORPHANS OF THE SEA (Underground, Book 1)

By Charles R. Cooke and Christopher X. Ryan
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Charles R. Cooke and Christopher X. Ryan's ORPHANS OF THE SEA (Underground Book 1) is a fresh, thrilling, and action-packed opener to what promises to...

Rating:
3.8 / 5.0

Despite pacing issues and a climax that falls short of its anticipated intensity, Lena Gibson’s NO HOME WITHOUT YOU: A Post-Apocalyptic Romance (Love and Survival...

Rating:
2.6 / 5.0

C.J. Arlow’s THE ALGO: The Algo Series (Book 1) mirrors the ethical concerns surrounding our real-life tech landscape in a fictional dystopia. Unfortunately, structural weaknesses,...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.8 / 5.0

Offering a powerful look at the world around us through the lens of a dystopian sci-fi novel, C.J. Arlow's THE ALGO: Book One of the...

November 5, 2025

THE NOT SO DEAD PEOPLE

By Glenn Fain
Rating:
3.8 / 5.0

Glenn Fain’s THE NOT SO DEAD PEOPLE mixes action with zombie lit, providing an interesting meditation on humankind's moral obligation to other species.

October 1, 2025

BURDEN OF SHE

By G.W. Darcie
Rating:
3.0 / 5.0

In spite of its inconsistent voice and irregular pacing, G.W. Darcie’s BURDEN OF SHE is a unique, character-driven science fiction novel.

IR Approved
September 26, 2025

THERE ARE NO STARS HERE

By J.S. Thompson
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

THERE ARE NO STARS HERE by J.S. Thompson offers psychological dystopian fiction that prioritizes character development over action, examining how ordinary people rationalize complicity with...

September 3, 2025

APOSTATE: The First Heresy

By C.J. Loveman
Rating:
3.5 / 5.0

C.J. Loveman's APOSTATE: The First Heresy provides a glimpse of the change that can be sparked when someone finds the courage to live authentically and...

July 30, 2025

DAEMONES EX MACHINA

By Russell Anders
Rating:
3.0 / 5.0

Russell Anders's DAEMONES EX MACHINA is an entertaining, character-driven, and violent cyberpunk adventure.

IR Approved
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

Another in Stella Atrium's Dolvia series, and the first of the Duchy Wars books, THE MATRIX OPAL: A Dystopian Science Fiction Novel weaves together the...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

Stefano Teatini's SAVING UTOPIA is a unique entry in the realm of dystopian sci-fi. Rather than simply presenting a takedown of the harmful ideas that...

IR Approved
May 5, 2025

JOYPUNKS

By Fletch Fletcher
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

Fletch Fletcher's JOYPUNKS is a sharp, gritty novel that examines predetermined mortality through the lens of addiction and friendship. Packed with booze, drugs, and existential...

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