2027 ENTRANTS
Added as our first-round reviewers read them, find the latest verdict blurbs for the 2027 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June 2028!
Despite some unresolved conflicts, Bill Bennett’s arctic mystery is an engrossing tale of climate change, human greed and the will of a few conscientious souls trying to adapt to an altering land. Like all climate fiction, BOREALIS: Secrets, Sabotage, and the Arctic Cadence teems with urgent and fundamental questions about our future on earth, and more importantly about the future of earth itself. Bennett's sincerity to the themes, as well as the poetic language of the book, makes this short yet compact tale worth reading in an age where climate disasters have become the worst nightmares in our shared human history.
MOTHERLOVE by Jean Trounstine is a collection of stories from the perspective of mothers whose children are incarcerated for serious crimes. Though fictionalized, the stories vividly portray the pain, loss, and guilt experienced by parents as they confront the earth-shattering reality of their child's life behind bars; and ponder the choices that led them down their destructive paths. Thought-provoking and deeply moving, it exposes the human cost of the American prison system and the life-long repercussions of a single irreversible mistake.
Indeed, anyone can soon become what they never expected due to grief and shame mixed with the anger of losing loved ones to violence and being unable to prevent it, as is the case in Lewis McDonald’s dark fantasy THE FORGOTTEN TALE: The Road to Hell. Junius begins as a loving husband and father, in fact, a pacifist who “couldn’t even wield a sword,” until the grief of losing his family and friends transforms him into something monstrous, raising morally complex questions such as whether refusal to help in order to protect some people makes a person morally culpable for the death of the others. Asking difficult questions about justice and systemic evil, McDonald grounds these profound themes in deeply human characters and a richly immersive world, effectively building suspense for the next installment in the series.
RECOVERING MAURICE is packed with lyric and evocative beauty and narrative sincerity as author Martin Zelder beckons his readers on an emotional journey into his protagonist’s past memories, from his childhood to old age. The ever-curious and strange central character, Maurice, indulges in life-altering questions and observations as we follow his journey from childhood to adulthood and then to his old age. Impactful, witty, and at times disturbing in its simple yet significant discoveries of minute details about the nature of human existence, RECOVERING MAURICE proves a stirring exploration of human life and love appearing before us in many different forms.
AMBER’S WAY is an emotionally charged account of a woman’s sincere love for her husband and her only daughter as she is continually tested by this very love. The first part of the novel comes across as hastily developed with lack of nuance and subtlety in characterization, yet author Gloria Galloway compensates for that in the succeeding parts of the plot, offering stirring reflections on a mother’s love for her daughter battling a chronic illness. Readers will find Galloway’s portrayal of a tragic yet strong mother-daughter bond a truly uplifting and moving experience.
James F. Comley and Jason R. Rich's THE UPS AND DOWNS OF RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS is a treasure trove of practical, life-altering advice gleaned from his years at the helm of a family-owned elevator firm. Aspiring entrepreneurs and craftsmen seeking lasting success can find practical direction in Comley's forthright views on risk, loyalty, and tenacity. This is a reassuring guide for newcomers or those constructing a legacy, thanks to his consistent, relationship-focused worldview.
In her space drama OLYMPUS DAWN (Gaia Book 4), Zoë Routh tells the story of characters driven by ambition, deceit, and the struggle for survival among the Mars species. She probes commitment, authority, and the dangers people are willing to accept for a second chance by following scientists and leaders who face inconceivable decisions. This will appeal to fans of intellectually fascinating and emotionally intriguing science fiction with real-world repercussions.
THE FORSAKEN PLANET by Bryan Wilson opens the Power of the Stars series as Earth faces invasion. College student Colton Samson discovers humanity exists across distant planets where people wield Solara (a soul-bound cosmic energy capable of saving or destroying the universe), pushing him to join an interstellar military order after devastating loss. On the capital planet of Vintara, Colton faces prophecy, prejudice, and intense training simulations that test his courage, while Wilson builds heartfelt friendships and rich mythology that make you genuinely care about every character. Blending space-opera scale with a classic coming-of-age arc and steady momentum that rewards patience, this is a strong and inviting debut that delivers layered world-building, emotional depth, and an ending that leaves you desperate for the next installment in this five-book adventure.
A NAUGHTY POTTY DEMON TALE, written and illustrated by Deven Jatkar, is a fun and imaginative children’s picture book that gives a playful mythological twist to the common problem of a stubborn, non-flushing toilet. Fusing a humorous tone with vibrant illustrations, the book keeps young readers thoroughly hooked from start to finish. Funny, adventurous, and energetic, it’s a perfect choice for children’s read-aloud sessions.
Through detailed character analysis and grand political intrigue, Mark Jamilkowski's ambitious and highly detailed historical novel MASK OF ROMULUS powerfully brings ancient India and Rome to life. A rich tapestry of multi-layered historical fiction that is well-grounded in scholarship and emotional complexity; it combines intellectual depth with cinematic storytelling and meticulous research.
HOW RAMPAGE KILLERS INTERPRET THEIR WORLDS by Dr. S. Lee Funk is a penetrating examination of the anatomy of rampage killings. Drawing on case studies, scientific data, and multidisciplinary theories, the book explores the psychological, social, and situational dimensions of these crimes, arguing that such violence often follows a predictable progression rather than erupting spontaneously. It is a strong choice for readers interested in criminology and the psychology of mass violence.
THE TIME THAT REMAINS thoughtfully examines love and loss through the quiet unraveling of a relationship shadowed by a life-altering diagnosis, anchoring its emotional weight in intimate conversations and unfinished plans. Andrea Lagomarsini’s restrained prose underscores the fragility of time while emphasizing the resilience found in shared memory and small acts of devotion. The novel will resonate with readers who appreciate reflective, character-driven stories about what endures when the future feels uncertain.
THE MIDNIGHT CROISSANT, the second book in Bonnie Solomon’s Pearly Gates series, is set in contemporary Paris. Pearly’s assignment as a guide, her dream job, is to level up three of her charges. What better place to do so than during ten days in Paris? And then there’s running into her soulmate from multiple incarnations, and her supervisor’s sabotage to deal with. If she fails, she’s banished to Trash or the Null. It starts like an absurdist comedy and deepens into a tale of love, found family, and acceptance against the backdrop of beautiful Parisian scenery and delicious food. The characters are delightful and layered, struggling but also willing to help others on the struggle bus. Pearly leans as much as she guides, and she’s always willing to go the extra dimension to help those in whom she believes. THE MIDNIGHT CROISSANT is a fun, delicious fantasy novel.
In C. L. Murray's A FACET FOR THE GEM (The Tale of Eaglefriend Book 1), a magical gem guides a teenager on a journey of self-discovery and responsibility. The story weaves together themes of fate, sacrifice, and loyalty, with exciting adventures and thoughtful moments. If you're a middle grade or young adult reader looking for a heartfelt adventure, this book is for you.
SKINLESS: The Story of a Female Survivor by Maggie Moor is perhaps a book that is shelved as a must-read. Moor tells Charmay's experiences with abuse and betrayal in stark, unsentimental prose, tracing how trauma seeps into identity, relationships, and even the body itself. What stands out most is the emotional precision: the way she captures dissociation, self-blame, and the exhausting performance of “being fine” long before healing begins. The book doesn’t rush toward redemption; instead, it lingers in the messy, nonlinear process of survival, showing how reclaiming one’s voice can feel both terrifying and liberating. Skinless ultimately becomes a story about rebuilding selfhood after it has been systematically stripped away.
PILGRIMAGE TO NOWHERE by Afoma Mbara Mpi is a candid collection of poems and journal entries made on what the author describes as “A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment.” Finding her life circling around yoga and meditation practice but never really moving forward, the author made the decision to break out of her comfort zone and seek a deeper truth. This beautifully illustrated book is the result of taking that first step in what she looks upon as being a continuous process of evolving and is an inspiring testimony to the value of journaling as a means of self-discovery.
Afoma Mbara Mpi’s POETRY FOR A CONSCIOUS MIND appears to be written as an act of devotion, exploring the inner workings of not only one’s own heart, but also the vast universe to which it eternally belongs. The aesthetic embellishment of this poetry collection in the form of stunning drawings and digital art is sure to entrance its readers. In this concise yet evocative anthology, Mpi achieves what few poets can in this age: connecting with readers in a language and style that calms their agitated souls, rather than adding to the despair that so often infiltrates our modern lives.
The daughter of a Zionist Peruvian intelligence officer visits Israel, falls in love with an Arab man and builds her life in Gaza leading to her parents disowning her. When she is killed in a bomb blast, the news sets off a chain of events that threaten to uncover a dark secret with terrifying consequences. Michael S. Mast's FOOTPRINTS is a gripping, global thriller which takes in Mossad agents and South American drug barons and charts the human consequences of living under the shadow of a previous generation’s actions.
DEFIANT by Michael Maloof delivers exactly what its title promises, a heroine who refuses to back down. In this final mission, Kate Preacher is pushed to her limits as a sprawling conspiracy tightens around her, forcing her to navigate political manipulation and the very real cost of standing alone. The pacing is sharp and relentless, but what gives the novel weight is Kate herself: capable, morally driven, and increasingly aware that every decision could ripple far beyond her control. Maloof blends geopolitical intrigue with personal stakes, creating a thriller that feels urgent. It’s a satisfying, adrenaline-fueled conclusion that will resonate with readers who enjoy intelligent, character-driven suspense.
From the freedoms of youth, to the road of life, and then a path to “old” age, AFTER WOODSTOCK by Howard Reiss takes readers on a fifty-year-plus journey between two childhood friends who’ve led very different lives. Reflections, meditation, self-assessment, regrets, and ultimate reckoning come to play for the two—who communicate by writing letters throughout the decades. The story may hit home with people who find themselves looking back on the dreams, expectations, attempts, successes, and failures of their own lives.
Danielle M. Wong's THE LINES BETWEEN is a gripping thriller that pulls the curtain back on the seemingly glamorous world of Hollywood superstardom; revealing the lies, deceit and secrets hidden behind the bright lights. After the mysterious disappearance of a beloved actress, the narrative dives into the motivations and weaknesses of each morally ambiguous character as they cope with the fallout, inviting the reader to question everything and everyone involved.
In SAVAGE MALICE, Sheriff Elliot faces a chilling investigation sparked by a staged crime scene that deliberately echoes a case many believed long buried, raising personal as well as professional stakes. Kit Karson balances taut pacing with layered character development, weaving small-town tensions and moral ambiguity into a gripping procedural. Fans of atmospheric mysteries and long-arc character evolution will find this installment both suspenseful and satisfying.
CHAOS WOOD by Scott T. Barnes doesn’t just take place in a dangerous forest, it feels like being lost in one. It’s a living, breathing presence that presses in on the characters with every step they take. What starts as a journey through hostile terrain slowly becomes something more psychological, forcing the characters to face not only the threats lurking between the trees but the fears and fractures within their own group. The tension builds steadily through uneasy alliances, unexpected betrayals, and moments where survival hinges on split-second decisions. There’s a rawness to the magic and violence that makes the stakes feel real. It’s the kind of fantasy that leaves you slightly unsettled in the best way, like you’ve walked through the woods yourself and aren’t entirely sure you made it out unchanged.
Schultz skillfully interweaves biting social commentary, sexual tension, and psychological suspense in OVER A GLASS OF WINE: Wine, Food, Love, Sex, Murder. As Harry's marriage falls apart, the story delves into themes of desire, self-deception, and the delicate balance between self-awareness and obsession through his enthralling relationship with the mysterious Claire. Anyone who enjoys sophisticated character-driven suspense will love this book. The wine club setting and clever conversation will put readers in the mood.
THREADS OF PURPOSE by Douglas Bell follows Asher Tidwell, a disciplined medical resident, whose life unravels after a single misstep leads to criminal charges, forcing him to confront past choices, trauma, and abandoned dreams. The novel thoughtfully explores his journey through meditation and self-discovery, capturing the tension between societal expectations and authentic personal fulfillment. While the pacing occasionally leaves deeper character moments understated, the book is a compelling and introspective read that highlights resilience, identity, and the quiet power of transformation.
Kate Walker, the protagonist of Katie’s Walsh’s debut contemporary romance novel, FOLLOW YOU DOWN, is getting divorced. She also lost her job, has a tense relationship with her sister, and had a bad Botox session. Her best friend convinces her to spend the summer in Cape Cod, where her biggest romance and heartbreak happened twenty years ago. Kate wants to be less rigid, less controlled, more spontaneous, and figure out the rest of her life. When a younger man pursues her, her past keeps coming back to haunt her. The book has strong characters, sharp dialogue, and poignant moments. FOLLOW YOU DOWN is a well-paced, engaging, romantic reinvention novel.
ONLY BREATH & SHADOW by Andrew Tweeddale explores the realities of war and Nazi occupation through the perspective of a blind man in Austria. Through his daily life and relationships, the reader encounters the creeping terrors of Nazi rule, the compromises made to stay safe, and the persecution of Jewish and gay communities. The novel is a standout work of historical realism; the result is a book of deep focus on vulnerability.
THE SERRA IS BURNING: A Memoir of Fire, Trauma, and the Search for Healing is a deeply personal book that combines Daral Boles’ personal experiences with her feelings about the devastation caused by wildfires in Portugal; she offers a thoughtful exploration of trauma-informed care and burnout, community, and what is needed to be resilient. The book will resonate particularly with readers who are experiencing a need to heal, understand their mental health, or have had the recent experience of reinventing their lives.
Thank you to the 2027 IndieReader Discovery Awards Sponsors!
