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.

Rating:
2.8 / 5.0

Written by Virgilio Russi, VAN DIEMEN’S LAND: Based on Too Many True Stories is a tender exploration of intimacy, identity, and the historical denial of...

IR Approved
July 2, 2026

SALVATION (Jonah Grady, Book 1)

By Frank Faustino
Rating:
5.0 / 5.0

With nuanced queer representation, a plot that maintains its momentum the whole way through, impeccable world-building, and sharp prose, Frank Faustino's action-packed SALVATION is a...

IR Approved
June 14, 2026

A SMILE IN EVERY SEASON

By Paul Z Alber
Rating:
4.4 / 5.0

Reflecting on LGBTQ relationships, religious customs, and family values, Paul Z. Alber's A SMILE IN EVERY SEASON illustrates in depth the experiences of finding acceptance,...

IR Approved
May 18, 2026

I AM DANVERS

By Kate Kaminski
Rating:
4.2 / 5.0

Written by Kate Kaminski, I AM DANVERS proves an innovative prequel-meets-origin-story for the novel Rebecca and the character of Mrs. Danvers.

May 16, 2026

TWINE: A Novel

By Joshua Senter
Rating:
3.5 / 5.0

Joshua Senter’s raw, startling TWINE paints a vivid portrait of a rural town full of complex characters, even as superfluous passages dictating backstory bog down...

IR Approved
March 19, 2026

THE COLOR OF OUR NAMES

By Mahitab Mahmoud
Rating:
4.3 / 5.0

THE COLOR OF OUR NAMES is a culturally grounded and meticulously structured novella by Mahitab Mahmoud, providing a disciplined examination of identity in the face...

IR Approved
January 21, 2026

BRAVE: Story of a Trans Woman

By K.K.
Rating:
4.1 / 5.0

Written by K.K., BRAVE: Story of a Trans Woman offers piquant commentary on the chaotic, harrowing, but ultimately uplifting story of a trans woman's journey...

IR Approved
December 10, 2025

Lost Village

By Michael Saver
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Michael Saver's LOST VILLAGE sets the stage for what promises to be a series of clever, tight-knit murder mysteries.

IR Approved
November 10, 2025

DÉJÀ VU

By Niki C.
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Written by Niki C., DÉJÀ VU is a profoundly moving and beautiful piece of prose poetry, as well as a formidable cry of overwhelming pain...

Rating:
3.8 / 5.0

C.J. Loveman’s PROTOCOL HERESY: The Limp in the Code draws on moving and meaningful subject matter, although it doesn’t fully develop that potential across its...

September 3, 2025

PROMISE KEEPER

By Verde Arzu
Rating:
3.9 / 5.0

Verde Arzu’s PROMISE KEEPER never loses sight of its rich and timely thematic heart.

IR Approved
August 27, 2025

A FRIEND OF DOROTHY’S

By Richard Willett
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

Richard Willett’s A FRIEND OF DOROTHY’S beautifully evokes how the AIDS crisis complicated the humanity of gay life for men in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

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