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 3, 2026

MAKERBORN

By Daymon Ashcord
Rating:
4.3 / 5.0

Readers looking for a dark fantasy that explores themes of oppression, racism, and vengeance will enjoy exploring the new world presented by Daymon Ashcord in...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.3 / 5.0

Robert W. Riley’s BLOOD OF TOMORROW: The Second Cycle Book 1 delivers a gripping fantasy adventure whose vivid characters and satisfying ending make the next...

IR Approved
May 19, 2026

WHAT GOES BUMP IN THE NIGHT

By Hellen I Knight
Rating:
4.3 / 5.0

Charting the uneasy alliance between a prideful witch heir who has everything to prove and an anxious alchemist who refuses to be dismissed, Hellen I....

IR Approved
Rating:
4.7 / 5.0

THE ZOOKEEPER'S DRAGON: A Magical Modern Fantasy Tale for Grown-Ups charmingly manages to be funny, tender, and completely quirky all at once. Carolyn Mathews writes...

May 14, 2026

DUG UP

By Shari Marshall
Rating:
3.7 / 5.0

Shari Marshall’s DUG UP is a cozy small-town mystery that features grave robbing, a bit of the paranormal, and plenty of hazelnut coffee. It's perfect...

May 13, 2026

SKETCH: A Novel

By Ros Hill
Rating:
3.8 / 5.0

In SKETCH: A Novel, Ros Hill's fluid, descriptive prose and structured non-linear narrative outshine the book's pacing issues.

IR Approved
Rating:
4.4 / 5.0

S.W. Kent's THE STORYTELLER FROM BALINCIA: Book One of The Driftstone Series is a dense fantasy novel that masterfully uses language to weave tension between...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.7 / 5.0

Ariel Grace’s ENTWINED DIMENSIONS: Eura Trilogy Book 1 delivers a laid-back story that's perfect for readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy novels with a touch of...

Rating:
3.3 / 5.0

Readers looking for a coming-of-age fantasy that includes descriptive and creative environments will find an enjoyable adventure in C.M. Dawson’s THE EDGE OF OBLIVION: The...

IR Approved
April 18, 2026

LOST LEGACY: Legacy Book 1

By Mark Swirsky
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

The beginning of a trilogy set in the mystical world of Alakkadia, Mark Swirsky’s LOST LEGACY: Legacy Book 1 excels in portraying the title character's...

IR Approved
April 16, 2026

CICERO JAMES, ARDENT FOOL

By Hal Emerson
Rating:
4.3 / 5.0

Hal Emerson’s CICERO JAMES, ARDENT FOOL is witty, fast-paced. and philosophically deep.

April 14, 2026

PURITY (The Saint of Suffering Book 1)

By Luke Presneill
Rating:
3.6 / 5.0

Though the style is overly florid, Luke Presneill's PURITY (The Saint of Suffering Book 1) is a diverting gothic tale that dwells on themes of...

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