Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Indie Books of 2012: Sci-Fi & Fantasy


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Cover art for SAVING MARS
INDIE
Released: July 26, 2012

"A sci-fi novel that soars along with a teenage heroine whose imperfections help make her believable and endearing."
A 17-year-old pilot with a history of crashing her craft holds a planet's fate in her hands when a human settlement on Mars runs low on food. Read full book review >
Cover art for The Kronos Interference
INDIE
Released: June 30, 2012

"An impressively original take on alternative history."
In this time-travel thriller, debut authors Miller and Manas spin a clever, original variation on a classic alternative history premise: What if it were possible to travel back in time and kill Adolf Hitler? Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU SHOULDN'T CALL ME MOMMY
INDIE
Released: June 12, 2012

"A compelling narrator drives this strong, sympathetic tale that begets metaphysical soul-searching."
In a future where artificial humans have become common household helpers, a government-employed therapist must question his faith in the system he has long supported. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GLASS SKY
INDIE
Released: June 1, 2012

"An exciting, well-written and compassionate eco-thriller with real heroes and a mission worth caring about."
An American biospherist and a Chinese nanoengineer risk everything to save Earth's climate in this thriller set 40 years in the future. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHRONICLES OF IONA: EXILE
INDIE
Released: May 25, 2012

"Exciting, immersive and authentic."
This historical novel, set in sixth-century Scotland, relates the struggles of St. Columba to establish his monastery and of Aedan mac Gabran to gain a kingship. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIFE IN CONTINUUM
INDIE
Released: May 18, 2012

"A classic in the making, this collection of time-traveling sci-fi stories mixes gripping human narratives with provocative scientific speculation."
A dazzling collection of time-travel–themed sci-fi that stands with some of the classics of the genre. Read full book review >
Cover art for KINGDOM
INDIE
Released: May 10, 2012

"For fans of noir-laden science fiction in the vein of Philip K. Dick that is in equal measures suspenseful, gripping, darkly funny and philosophically challenging."
Against a backdrop of dystopian urban sprawl and human suffering, a morally questionable scientific corporation hunts for the gene responsible for the soul in O'Donnell's debut novel, the first in a planned sci-fi trilogy. Read full book review >
Cover art for TENEMBRAS
INDIE
Released: April 24, 2012

"A stellar sequel that can stand on its own."
A rollicking interplanetary tale of cunning, gumption and the human spirit. Read full book review >
Cover art for LAY SAINTS
INDIE
Released: April 23, 2012

"A stylish reimagining of the psychic mystery genre."
Influence peddling--the telepathic kind--fuels the big city in this hard-boiled but soulful fantasy thriller. Read full book review >
Cover art for Sea of Crises
INDIE
Released: April 10, 2012

"A stellar thriller that handily juggles its formulaic elements to achieve near-perfect liftoff."
Debut author Steere shows off his air-and-space mastery in this swashbuckling tale of Apollo 18, the moon landing that never was. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DUCHESS OF THE SHALLOWS
INDIE
Released: March 2, 2012

"A fresh, compelling twist on fantasy, without magic or sorcery."
Co-authors McGarry and Ravipinto jump into the fantasy genre: "The time had come to leap before she looked," with the rest of the book explaining the heroine's dramatic decision. Read full book review >
Cover art for HACKED
INDIE
Released: Feb. 19, 2012

"An original voice that's initially disorienting, but given time, Allison lyrically creates an intriguing world."
In a realm of virtual reality, "subscribers" hone in on the lives of others. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TEN
INDIE
Released: Feb. 12, 2012

"An exemplar of storytelling and character-driven adventure."
Graphic novelist turned fantasy author Myrick (Feynman, 2011, etc.) releases the first installment of a promising trilogy that trails an elite warrior as he adventures through foreign lands, weaves magic and vanquishes his enemies. Read full book review >
Cover art for I2
INDIE
Released: Nov. 27, 2011
Kirkus Star I2

"In a word: mind-blowing."
Bannon's cutting-edge science-fiction and psychological thriller revolves around a terminally ill biosoftware scientist's attempt to upload his mind into the consciousness of an unborn baby to once again be with the woman he loves. Read full book review >
Cover art for Repeaters
INDIE
Released: Sept. 17, 2011

"The gripping pursuit and protection of the love of a lifetime."
The petrifying tale of a chain of reincarnations that can only be broken by finding true love. Read full book review >