TheReadingRen

Indie Ink Awards 2025 Judge

Reviews

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear

Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Strong emotions

Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

What a book! I've never read anything like it, and I'm so glad it came into my world. A very well thought out story, bringing forth a new perspective on religion, heaven, hell, angels, demons, monsters, gods, and what it's like to exist and be human.

Reviewed on 2026-06-05T01:44:47Z

Runelight by J.A. Andrews

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear

Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging

Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Runelight by J.A. Andrews hooked me from the first chapter, however, the pacing slowed right down up until about the half way point, where it picked up again. Overall, I did enjoy the very unique story, especially with the puzzle box mystery.

Reviewed on 2026-04-09T11:02:50Z

Cello’s Gate (The Sky Pirates of Imperia 1) by Maurice Africh

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear

Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Strong emotions

Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well

This one sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. Feels like Guardians of the Galaxy, but with more depth. I'm 100% invested in these characters. Maurice has done an amazing job at balancing character development, world building, plot and pacing.

Reviewed on 2026-03-09T08:21:34Z