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

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.

IR Approved
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.

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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