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 24, 2026

THE GOLDWYN COUNTY CANDY BAN

By J. Z. Zerber
Rating:
4.8 / 5.0

Through lush, cinematic prose, J.Z. Zerber’s THE GOLDWYN COUNTY CANDY BAN weaves a humorous tale of 1990s boyhood with memorable characters and a tangible setting.

IR Approved
June 23, 2026

THE SWEET SEASON

By James B. Farmer
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

James B. Farmer's THE SWEET SEASON delivers an emotionally resonant coming-of-age story through immersive atmospheric descriptions, thoroughly sketched characters, and a dynamic depiction of softball.

IR Approved
Rating:
4.8 / 5.0

Bittersweet but satisfying, Anna Madorsky’s thriller delves into the darkest parts of Elliott’s psyche, her fascinating metamorphosis, and the raw intensity of the human condition....

Rating:
3.8 / 5.0

Although a little meandering and slow at times, Anna Madorsky's DISSOLVED has a sense of unease that creeps around the edges at all times. The...

IR Approved
June 5, 2026

TWO MINUTES TO EVERYTHING

By H.W. Cumming
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

H.W. Cumming's TWO MINUTES TO EVERYTHING is for any reader who's ever felt invisible in their own life and needed a book to share that...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.2 / 5.0

With an impeccable eye for the beauty and simplicity of the everyday, Michael M. Brownstein’s PAPERBACKS & BAGUETTES is a delight. The book is built...

May 26, 2026

FEVER DREAMS

By Kay Jay
Rating:
3.6 / 5.0

Kay Jay’s FEVER DREAMS offers an immersive and atmospheric reading experience, though its reliance on ambiguity may limit its appeal for some readers.

IR Approved
May 18, 2026

THE GYRE: A Novel

By Stacy Carlson
Rating:
5.0 / 5.0

Glittering with historical detail and full of psychological intrigue, Stacy Carlson's THE GYRE offers meditations on the mysteries of the High Arctic.

IR Approved
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

Capella Cao's WINGS & ROOTS: Wisdom from a Forgotten Garden has something to offer people of all ages. Much as new seasons change a garden,...

IR Approved
May 12, 2026

THE PROFESSOR OF EVENTIDE

By Meredith Allard
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

Meredith Allard's THE PROFESSOR OF EVENTIDE enticingly draws from and embodies the lore surrounding American gothic literature.

April 28, 2026

OSPREY GOLD

By Thomas Lion
Rating:
3.0 / 5.0

Thomas Lion’s OSPREY GOLD intriguingly examines sacrifices made for others and whether they can be truly repaid.

IR Approved
April 21, 2026

ONLY BREATH & SHADOW

By Andrew Tweeddale
Rating:
4.7 / 5.0

In ONLY BREATH & SHADOW, Andrew Tweeddale crafts a thoughtful and emotionally resonant historical narrative that combines lyrical prose with a powerful exploration of moral...

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