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:
3.8 / 5.0

Although it's somewhat undermined by a clunky footnote system, Phil Smart's THE NAPOLEON OF AFRICA is a rousing story that offers confident writing, compelling characters,...

November 14, 2025

W IS FOR WINNIPEG: A Little Architect’s ABC

By Rae St. Clair Bridgman
Rating:
3.7 / 5.0

Though its subject matter is very narrow, Rae St. Clair Bridgman's W IS FOR WINNIPEG: A Little Architect's ABC is a thoughtful and beautifully illustrated...

IR Approved
November 12, 2025

THE ANDROBIOTICA ADVENTURES

By David Gittlin
Rating:
4.3 / 5.0

David Glitten’s THE ANDROBIOTICA ADVENTURES is a fast-paced but thought-provoking book that contemplates what it means to be human while entertaining readers with action and...

Rating:
1.0 / 5.0

Rashid Osmani's THOUGHTFUL AND CONTEMPLATIVE VERSES OF THE QURAN lacks the depth of thought or rigor of study that is necessary for any commentary on...

November 12, 2025

MAYBE NEVER

By Reba Pennell
Rating:
3.5 / 5.0

Reba Pennell’s MAYBE NEVER is a twisty, angsty, passionate rollercoaster of a book. While overwrought at times, this teen romance is perfect for readers who...

Rating:
3.3 / 5.0

Though it may lack some of the fine tooling of his debut collection, Piotr Bardzik’s WASHINGTON POST IS SWITCHING OFF LIGHTS still offers plenty of...

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...

November 7, 2025

THE CONVICTION AND ULTIMATE CHOICE OF GREATNESS

By Somadina Nnaji Chukwu
Rating:
2.8 / 5.0

Though containing many commonsense rules for living one's life, Somadina Nnaji Chukwu's THE CONVICTION AND ULTIMATE CHOICE OF GREATNESS is hampered by a lack of...

IR Approved
November 7, 2025

HIS LAST CHRISTMAS GIFT

By Debra Borchert
Rating:
4.6 / 5.0

Rich in sensory detail and psychological insight, Debra Borchert’s affecting novel HIS LAST CHRISTMAS GIFT suggests that healing often begins where certainty ends.

IR Approved
November 7, 2025

TOKYO JUKU

By Michael Pronko
Rating:
4.8 / 5.0

Michael Pronko's TOKYO JUKU brings a city to life, populates it with fully rounded characters, and drives a compelling narrative with meticulous plotting.

IR Approved
November 5, 2025

ARCANUM: In the Temple Shadows

By Kelly O'Hearn
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

A deliciously sensual wish-fulfillment romance story, Kelly O'Hearn's ARCANUM: In The Temple Shadows will appeal particularly to readers who love predestined soul mates, star-crossed lovers,...

November 5, 2025

THE WITNESS

By Jordan Standridge
Rating:
3.0 / 5.0

Sporting a spirited and vividly portrayed main character and a satisfying romantic angle, Jordan Standridge's THE WITNESS suffers from some pacing issues that derail the...

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