IndieReader Discovery Awards 2025 Entrants
Added as our reviewers read them, find the latest verdicts for the 2025 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June!
FALL OF TITAN by H.G. Ahedi catapults readers into a vividly imagined future where a formidable security barrier shields the outer reaches of our solar system and Titan stands as a critical stronghold against lurking cosmic threats. Astrophysics cadet Emmeline Augury embarks on an unorthodox quest driven by family legends—uncovering hidden clues that lead to a mysterious device capable of opening the path to the seven realms, an asset coveted by a power-hungry alien queen who threatens everything Emmeline holds dear. Combining relentless action, intricate world-building, and a seamless mix of science fiction and fantasy, this first book in the Realm series delivers a high-stakes adventure that will grip fans of both genres.
FROM MADNESS TO MAD PRIDE by Thomas Kudla is a deeply moving memoir that transforms raw personal struggles into a powerful narrative of self-discovery and resilience. Its candid storytelling and evocative prose inspire readers by revealing the strength found in vulnerability and the journey toward embracing one’s true self.
Prolific author and poet T. Kudla (who also publishes as Thomas Kudla and Thom Kudla) turns his layered imagination to American history in his latest HISTORY IS HISTORY: The book is a collection of poems and prose poems focusing on specific events that shaped the United States and what is thought of as the nation’s soul and the ideas for which it supposedly stands. But what if things happened differently? What if there’s a different lens through which to view events? If one thread of the tapestry was tweaked, how would it change everything? What if the British didn’t come, and it was a midnight ride for pleasure? What if 9/11 never happened? What about the individual stories of those lost during the Trail of Tears? What if it made more sense to surrender and live than to die at the Alamo? The spare prose evokes specific imagery and layers of nuance and subtext. Each piece should be savored and revisited, as each re-read reveals a fresh facet of thought and possibility. Kudla’s work is always inventive, complex, and subtle, and his latest collection is beautiful, poignant, provocative, and insightful.
Mike Trigg’s compelling thriller BURNER looks at the sinister side of internet fame and the perilous junction between social media and domestic extremism. The author deftly depicts the volatility of the modern era with a gripping story about the collapse of a charismatic online character and the anarchy he unintentionally causes. The novel’s tense pacing and thought-provoking themes make it an unsettling yet timely read.
Told with searing candor and a hefty pinch of self-deprecating humor, THE MANIAC WITH NO KNEES is a blistering account of how author Tyler Kania navigated rugby playing, coaching, and a cryptocurrency start-up, among other pursuits, while wrestling with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, which was finally confirmed in 2022. Triggered in part by a catastrophic knee injury that derailed his rugby career in 2016, Kania’s manic episodes increased, leading him take risks and challenge confines which often resulted in success, yet bouts of crippling suicidal depression followed the failures. Whip-smart, entertaining, and inspiring, THE MANIAC WITH NO KNEES deserves a broad audience.
Soph Tang’s DECADENCE (part of the Across Space and Time series) sweeps readers into Elise’s world when a single text from her former lover yanks her back to a hometown she abandoned, igniting a fierce clash of desire, guilt, and hope. In a daring nonlinear journey through past and present, Elise must navigate the wreckage of old passions and the promise of new beginnings. Tang’s vivid, emotionally charged storytelling and unforgettable queer characters make this a heart-pounding exploration of what it means to love and forgive across both time and space.
In Elizabeth Oldham’s SHADOWS ON THE HEART, boxer Lita Bravo discovers that life can be very difficult. After brother and wife die in a car crash, Lita is now guardian of three kids, ages 4-12, plus her dementia-afflicted mom. Her anger pervades half of the story, until the alternating-chapter flashbacks explain why. Her coming to terms with unforeseen events acts as a good roadmap for readers experiencing similar disruptions.
NO CHANCE, MOONBEAM! is a picture book with an important message about self-confidence. When Moonbeam overhears racegoers making cutting comments about her, she feels fit to cry; but some kind words and a little grit and spirit combine to give her the boost she needs. Author Shahron Ameer and illustrator Caroline Webb produce a story that is by turns uplifting, inspiring – and just a little cheeky.
Jonathan Maas’ THE ARCHBEAVER OF CANTERBURY is a dizzying melange of literary references, hard-luck dating stories, and intergalactic travel. A surreal and sometimes lascivious retelling of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, it offers parody and social commentary on twenty-first century living – and relationships – in equal measure.
Drawing on historical and modern leaders like Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie, Bryan Smeltzer’s THE VISIONARY LEADER presents a perceptive study of the ideas that define visionary leadership. Through extensive case studies and practical applications, the book underlines the need of creativity, resilience, and strategic foresight in leadership. It acts as both a manual and an inspiration for future visionaries to develop a transforming attitude and have a long-lasting impact.
RED MIST by Sam Mitani is an electrifying action thriller that takes readers on a thrilling journey from California to Mexico and China. Maximilian Koga, a former naval officer turned DEA agent, must navigate a web of international crime, from drug cartels to political intrigue, while battling his own demons after surviving a harrowing ordeal. This second installment of the Prototype trilogy delivers relentless action, inventive twists, and detailed automotive insights, making it a must-read for fans of good thrillers.
Tamel Wino’s VISAGE OF MOROS is a stunning piece of fiction that captivates readers with its rich, vivid imagery and deeply engaging plot. Wino’s remarkable use of lyrical words and vivid character representations creates an atmosphere of raw sincerity, enabling readers to delve into the complicated interplay of despair and salvation. The book’s artistic genius and emotional depth make it an engaging and memorable read.
TREE POSE, the third installment in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, is a riveting mix of suspense, romance, and high-stakes drama set in the vivid landscape of Tasmania. Ric Peters and Elaina Williams set out for a peaceful getaway, but when Ric’s past resurfaces in the form of a relentless enemy and a deadly hitman, their trip becomes a desperate fight for survival. With layered characters, intricate plotting, and vivid descriptions that bring Tasmania to life, this installment masterfully weaves multiple storylines—personal betrayals, criminal conspiracies, and a detective’s pursuit of justice—into a thrilling, immersive experience that mystery fans won’t want to miss.
Wanda Adams Fischer returns to one of the characters in her third novel, STILL DOING TIME, who appeared in her first novel, EMPTY SEATS, set in 1970’s, around Boston. Minor league baseball hopeful Jimmy Bailey spent four years in a Walpole prison for a murder he didn’t commit. When his sister stands up to a lecherous guard as Jimmy leaves, it sets of a chain of dangerous events tied to a criminal ring within the prison. All Jimmy wants is a fresh start, a job, another chance, maybe a date with the pretty Eileen, and his former cellmate’s safety. Unfortunately, factions beyond his control have other plans. The desegregation tensions of the time and prejudices are well done, as are the flavors of neighborhoods such as Weymouth, Arlington, and Beacon Hill. Jimmy’s sister is a firecracker, on track to a solid career that gives her independence. Smart and feisty, she’s also resourceful when the chips are down. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, offering pieces of the puzzle as it unfolds. The story has a bit of everything: murder, kidnapping, physical violence, romance. Anyone who wondered what happened next for Jimmy after the end of EMPTY SEATS will relish this historical novel with touches of suspense and romance.
ANNE HAS AN ALLIGATOR tells the story of Anne, a schoolgirl who, like everyone else, has an animal assigned to them at birth – but who, unlike everyone else, happens to have been given an alligator. Author Margaret Bain, with help from illustrator , use the conceit to craft a simple yet immensely likable story about the trials of school and making friends, and how to deal with difficult emotions.
“Modern” Jewish history comes to light when a former navy fighter pilot recalls his experiences with antisemitism in the military. Author Norman M. Shulman’s LOVE, NORM is a compilation of letters from father to (step) son when the latter joins the Air Force, and a reminder of the many Jewish heroes in battles throughout history. Recommended reading for people of all religions, LOVE, NORM is a Jewish love letter to all who feel persecuted by their own backgrounds.
2102: PRETENSE, THE PLAY by William E. Jefferson is a thought-provoking narrative that blends media ecology, artificial intelligence, and theatrical allegory into a futuristic tale. Through richly developed characters and poetic storytelling, the book explores the implications of AI on human presence, wisdom, and societal norms. With its immersive prose and deep philosophical undertones, this novel offers a compelling reflection on the intersection of technology and humanity.
With ROSEMARY, NOW AND THEN, Christina Larson has written a touchingly honest memoir with startling clarity and emotional forthrightness about her mother Rosemary’s struggles with strokes, the onset of dementia. A literate, moving, and powerful meditation on life, death, and the strange, liminal place that lies in between.