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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.

March 5, 2025

EVERYTHING IS NOT PEACHEY

By Lisa Peachey
Rating:
3.9 / 5.0

Though it occasionally tacks close to some brands of pseudoscience, Lisa Peachey’s EVERYTHING IS NOT PEACHEY is a thoughtful, affecting, deeply personal account of chronic...

March 3, 2025

JORSA

By Eric Swanson
Rating:
2.0 / 5.0

Eric Swanson’s JORSA occasionally has a certain lyrical, dreamlike prettiness; but without clearer character motivations and firmer internal logic, the action can feel confusing and...

March 3, 2025

LOTUSLAND

By David Joiner
Rating:
3.3 / 5.0

Despite its narrative flaws, David Joiner’s LOTUSLAND still comes across as a heartfelt, accessible, and smoothly written tribute to Vietnam.

IR Approved
March 3, 2025

EXTREME MALICE

By J.T. Tierney
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

J.T. Tierney’s EXTREME MALICE paints a chilling, ripped-from-the-headlines portrait of political violence in small-town America.

February 28, 2025

CYCLING 70 YEARS ONCE WORLD CHAMPION

By Gordon Neale
Rating:
2.5 / 5.0

Though the underlying material is of historic interest, Gordon Neale’s CYCLING 70 YEARS ONCE WORLD CHAMPION lacks a strong central narrative to elevate it from...

February 28, 2025

THE SCIENTIST

By Kristen B. Cole
Rating:
3.8 / 5.0

Snarky banter and fully rounded characters make Kristen B. Cole's THE SCIENTIST feel realistic enough to overcome its flaws and satisfy those looking for a...

IR Approved
Rating:
5.0 / 5.0

Martha Walandouw Lohn and Brian Kimmel's BLUE SKIES, TROUBLED WATERS: An American Twin's WWII Odyssey in Minahasa, Indonesia offers a unique perspective on a pivotal...

February 26, 2025

JUSTICE RENDERED

By Kit Karson
Rating:
3.5 / 5.0

Kit Karson’s JUSTICE RENDERED is brisk and fun, with just enough twists to stay fresh to the end.

IR Approved
February 24, 2025

SLIP

By L. Ryan Storms
Rating:
4.8 / 5.0

L. Ryan Storms's SLIP is sure to please YA readers with its compassionate exploration of mental health, first love, and supportive relationships. Its magical realism,...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.4 / 5.0

Those struggling with depression, anxiety, or stress will find many accessible forms of cordial encouragement in Dr. Heidi McKenzie’s highly organized I JUST WANT TO...

Rating:
3.7 / 5.0

A riveting tale of adventure and espionage, D.R. Berlin's THE THIRD ESTATE SECRETS OF THE MANOR makes up for its slightly labored dialogue with a...

IR Approved
February 21, 2025

DRAGGED DOWN DEEP

By Michael Okon
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Michael Okon’s DRAGGED DOWN DEEP delivers a fun, fast-paced romp that's elevated by its haunting evocation of a Long Island town with dark secrets and...

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