Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Top 13 Indie Books for July


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Cover art for PATRIOTIC GAMBLE
INDIE
Released: July 4, 2012

"A rocky but informative road to the White House."
In Gorman's (The Atkinsen Ticket, 2008, etc.) latest political thriller, the fate of the country rests in the hands of the Electoral College. 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 THE WILD WOOD
INDIE
Released: June 23, 2012

"A suspenseful story about friends, family and sacrifice."
A debut YA novel set in a world of suspicion and violence, narrated by a condemned girl who suffers for the sake of her peers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SOCIETY'S TRAITOR
INDIE
Released: June 20, 2012

"A treat for young readers with a thirst for adventure and magic."
In Finnish's debut middle-grade reader, a young Wisconsinite discovers a hidden magical world with a focus on conservation. Read full book review >
Cover art for DIET SUCCESS STRATEGIES
INDIE
Released: June 20, 2012

"A solid, helpful book full of solutions rather than gimmicks, and a voice that sticks long after the last page."
A guidebook to healthy strategies offers more than just advice on diet and nutrition. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEARTSTONE
INDIE
Released: June 15, 2012

"An allegorical, emotionally intimate narrative for sci-fi fans, with broad themes that could appeal to a mainstream audience, too."
The second installment of Atrium's Dolvia saga is a character-driven sci-fi tale that explores profound--and timely--themes of sexual oppression, environmentalism and cultural intolerance. 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 THE TIME FOR JUSTICE
INDIE
Released: June 8, 2012

"A detailed, knowledgeable examination of a failing justice system, along with some solutions for fixing it."
An insider's view of the American legal system--that Bleak House–ish black hole--rendered for the laypeople. Read full book review >
Cover art for CREATIVE MEDIATION
INDIE
Released: June 6, 2012

"An encouraging book that sheds light on unique, approachable ways to solve conflicts where people often walk away satisfied."
Glick details outside-the-box strategies to successfully mediate disputes. Read full book review >
Cover art for DESIGNER DIRTY LAUNDRY
INDIE
Released: June 5, 2012

"A diverting mystery that offers laughs and chills."
In Vallere's debut murder mystery, shoe-buyer and trend-spotter Samantha Kidd tries to figure out who killed her new boss--and why she's suddenly the prime suspect. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LAST YEAR IN THE LIFE OF MARILYN MONROE  VOL. 1
INDIE
Released: June 1, 2012

"This enjoyable yet not entirely satisfying story will leave readers wanting to know more as they consider the line between fact and fiction."
In this mostly fictionalized account, O'Melveny (Extramarital, 2011) provides the backstory of a recently discovered, long-lost manuscript that provides intimate details of the last days in the life of Marilyn Monroe. Read full book review >
Cover art for COLLABORATION NATION
INDIE
Released: June 1, 2012

"More a practical how-to manual, short and to the point, than a study of the merits and disadvantages of outsourcing government."
A former Texas Railroad commissioner and current business consultant argues that government is undergoing a major transformation as it seeks ways to provide services profitably and effectively. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HEIRS OF PROPHECY
INDIE
Released: June 1, 2012

"A fair, heroic fantasy for the school-age demographic."
A mysterious earthquake catapults the modern-day Riverton family into the fantasy realm of Trimoria, where their latent magical abilities put them in peril from the reigning dark sorcerer. Read full book review >