Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Indie Books of 2012: The Complete List (page 3)


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Cover art for RAJA
INDIE
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
by Anne Hambleton, illustrated by Margaret Kauffman

"Lifelong equestrian Hambleton makes an impressive outing as a first-time author of juvenile fiction, weaving her knowledge and love of horses, horsemanship and the world of competitive racing into a moving narrative that will keep fellow horse-loving readers of any age enthralled."
An outstanding debut novel for young people by retired amateur steeplechase jockey Hambleton, who uses her knowledge of horses and the equestrian world to tell of the tragedies and triumphs that befall a thoroughbred racehorse—from the horse's point of view. Read full book review >
Cover art for CICADA
INDIE
Released: Dec. 6, 2011

"Be sure to read this steamy Southern noir in the A/C."
Tragedy befalls a small town in the 1950s Deep South when the Klu Klux Klan's arrival coincides with an unraveling of long-held family secrets. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE IMMORTALISTS
INDIE
Released: Dec. 7, 2011

"David's compelling debut successfully incorporates pop culture, profanity and religion into a resonant exploration of existence."
An unapologetic, perverse, yet spiritual first novel that follows one man's mistakes and triumphs when he learns that he can live forever. Read full book review >
Cover art for NEIGHBORS
INDIE
Released: Dec. 10, 2011
by George Held, illustrated by Joung Un Kim

"Charming critters in collage and poetry for people of all ages."
Not your standard children's poetry book, this illustrated collection offers sounds and scenes to savor for ages 3 and up. Read full book review >
Cover art for LUST TAKES THE WHITE HOUSE
INDIE
Released: Dec. 22, 2011

"A solid story of political warfare made doubly compelling by the dubious hero leading the charge."
A callous mogul tries his hand at politics and uses his undue influence to get a former governor elected president, only to regret his support and redirect his resources to ousting the same man. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE KENNEDY RIFLE
INDIE
Released: Jan. 9, 2012

"Sexy, savvy and utterly satisfying."
The first installment of Brandon's saga features Phoenix-based ballistics expert Michael Cole in an un-put-down-able thriller noir. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN MALE
INDIE
Released: Jan. 13, 2012

"An honest, funny and occasionally troubling look at socially bewildered masculinity in the 21st century."
A roller-coaster ride through the sex- and thrills-addled brain of the young, modern, American man. Read full book review >
Cover art for NOTES TO THE BELOVED
INDIE
Released: Jan. 15, 2012

"Not a perfect collection--but it comes close."
Bitting (Good Friday Kiss, 2008, etc.) returns with earthy, adventurous and existential free verse. Read full book review >
Cover art for LYLA LYTE AND THE LI'BERRY FRUIT
INDIE
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
by I'deyah Ricketts, illustrated by Katie Williams

"An impressive story about a girl whose courage transforms a town."
Nine-year-old author Ricketts (Where Are the Animals, 2010) returns with the adventure of Lyla Lyte, a young girl who rescues books from obscurity. Read full book review >
Cover art for COOPER'S PROMISE
INDIE
Released: Jan. 17, 2012

"Literary dynamite."
In Smith's debut novel, a former American soldier hiding out in a small African country can't escape the ghosts of his past. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPOONFUL
INDIE
Released: Feb. 8, 2012

"A superb tale of the druggie lifestyle, by a writer with talent to burn."
Young drug dealers cope with love, loss and voracious smack habits in this scintillating saga of Chicago's lowlife demimonde. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIVING THROUGH CHARLIE
INDIE
Released: Feb. 9, 2012

"An irreverent but stylish critique of a privileged social milieu."
The hypercompetitive rituals and other inanities of elite suburban preschools get a merciless but droll dissection in Woods' debut novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for FALL FOR YOU
INDIE
Released: Feb. 10, 2012

"A compelling mix of action, drama and love."
Gray's (A Delightful Arrangement, 2011, etc.) young-adult novel offers a unique twist on a classic. 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 THE WHIPPING CLUB
INDIE
Released: Feb. 15, 2012

"A powerful saga of love and survival."
Inspired by her heritage and research of the Irish Industrial School system, Henry's auspicious debut chronicles a couple's attempt to save their son from horrific institutions. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DUKE DON'T DANCE
INDIE
Released: Feb. 16, 2012

"A novel too good to be ignored."
In this novel, a group of friends gathers to pay respect to a retired Air Force major following his untimely death in an auto accident. 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 BITOPIA
INDIE
Released: Feb. 27, 2012

"All the fun of a children's book, coupled with the razor-sharp wit and potent insight that seasoned readers crave."
Magnusson's debut YA fantasy follows a young boy's flight from the wrath of bullies, taking him to another world from which there may be no escape. 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 THE NEXT TO LAST DRINK
INDIE
Released: March 7, 2012

"A powerful story that approaches a happy ending--or at least a hopeful one."
A novel about one man's struggle with alcoholism and anxiety after hitting rock bottom. Read full book review >