Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Indie Releases: March 2012


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Cover art for THE FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES
INDIE
Released: Oct. 15, 2012

"An engrossing portrait of a woman among men in wartime."
A freelance writer struggles to find her place among hard-nosed newsmen covering the Vietnam War in this depiction of wartime journalists. Read full book review >
Cover art for SECRETS OF THE APPLE
INDIE
Released: June 15, 2012

"An exceptional first effort that captures the harmony of two beating hearts."
Detailing how family dynamics, cultural diversity and past relationships shape who we are, debut novelist Hiatt subtly explores the cavern between a successful life and a meaningful one. Read full book review >
Cover art for SHOW TRIALS
INDIE
Released: May 1, 2012

"A persuasive, valuable addition to the ongoing immigration reform debate."
A highly organized, informative discussion of the immigration system in the United States. 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 LONG DRUNK
INDIE
Released: Nov. 20, 2011

"An unshakable noir with a protagonist learning along the way, but beyond the more overt genre traits is a rewarding story of a man's unconditional love for his faithful companion."
A vagrant turned amateur sleuth investigates a murder in Coyote's debut novel and series opener of the Homeless Detective Trilogy. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TENANT LAWYER
INDIE
Released: Nov. 18, 2011

"A notable debut that infuses an engrossing legal procedural with deep empathy."
A young attorney struggles to humanize the law--and himself--in this quietly absorbing legal tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE REGGAE BAND RESCUES MAMA EDDA LEATHERBACK
INDIE
Released: Nov. 1, 2011

"A deeply enjoyable read—one that will thoroughly delight children while also encouraging them to think and care about the world around them."
A reggae-singing parrot and his friends deliver a pro-environment message as they rescue an endangered leatherback sea turtle. Read full book review >
Cover art for JIMMY JAMES BLOOD
INDIE
Released: Sept. 18, 2011

"An intense, lyrical portrait of America's vulnerable underbelly."
Hopelessness dims this poignant tale of a young woman's tumultuous, modern American life. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BLACK CORSAIR
INDIE
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
by Emilio Salgari, translated by Nico Lorenzutti

"A true page-turner and classic adventure story, Salgari's tale of exotica is a welcome diversion."
A high-seas tale of plucky buccaneers, savage Spanish colonialism and the most fearsome captain of the Caribbean, translated into English. Read full book review >
Cover art for FROM THIS WICKED PATCH OF DUST
INDIE
Released: Sept. 1, 2011

"With its skillful pairing of conflict over religious and familial obligations with the backdrop of a Mexican-American family's love for one another, Troncoso's novel is an engaging literary achievement."
Troncoso tells the story of a Mexican-American family as they come to terms with their cultural heritage over a span of 40 years. Read full book review >
Cover art for IN THE SHADOW OF BABYLON
INDIE
Released: Aug. 11, 2011

"A wonderfully written, provocative novel that utilizes two distinct genres to promote progressive cultural messages."
An epoch-spanning thriller that's part academic mystery and part historical fantasy. Read full book review >