On Thursday, June 3, 2021, IndieReader, one of the original review services for self, hybrid, and independently published authors, announced the winners of the 10th annual IR Discovery Awards (IRDAs) for 2021. Trine Rising, The Kinderra Saga: Book 1, by C.K. Donnelly won in the Young Adult category.

IndieReader launched the IRDAs in 2011 to help notable indie authors receive the attention of top publishing professionals, with the goal of reaching more readers. Noted Amy Edelman, author and founder of IR, “The books that won the IRDAs this year are not simply great indie books; they are great books, period. We hope that our efforts via the IRDAs ensure that they receive attention from the people who matter most—potential readers.” 

Past and present sponsors for the IRDAs include Amazon, Reedsy, Smith Publicity and NY-based literary agents Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Judges have included publishers from Penguin Group USA and Simon & Schuster, agents from ICM, Dystel, publicists from Smith Publicity, and bloggers including GoodeReader.

“I had to read the IRDA 2021 award announcement email twice because I was so surprised I won the Young Adult category,” Donnelly said. “This is my third award for Trine Rising—a book where it’s been a miracle in of itself just getting published. This novel was decades in the making and suffered through dozens of literary agent rejections, but I never lost faith that the story would find its fans.”

Trine Rising has received awards and rave reviews since its release, including the 2021 Independent Press Association Award for “Fantasy”; and the 2020 NYC Big Book Award for “Epic Fantasy.” The novel has also received top ratings from Booklife by Publishers Weekly Critics-2020 Quarter Finals, Kirkus Reviews, Readers’ Favorites, Goodreads, and Reedsy Discovery.

“Trine Rising is a fantasy for those who’ve never read the genre or don’t think they’ll like it as well as for life-long fans of the genre because the characters are very relatable to today’s audience,” Donnelly shared. “What’s more, Trine Rising also delivers a unique voice for readers not found in enough books of any genre—you can finally read what the ‘bad guy’ is thinking.”

Donnelly has more than two decades of writing and editing experience. She has held careers in healthcare and journalism, and was honored with several press awards. Currently, she owns a boutique freelance writing, social media, and marketing support agency.

Trine Fallacy, The Kinderra Saga: Book 2, the exciting sequel to Trine Risingis expected to be released late summer.

The Independent Press Award has recognized “Trine Rising, The Kinderra Saga: Book 1” by local independent author C.K. Donnelly as the 2021 winner of the Fantasy category. This recognition follows her earlier success winning the 2020 NYC Big Book Award for the Epic Fantasy genre.

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected award winners and distinguished favorites are based on overall excellence.

C.K. Donnelly’s debut fantasy novel, “Trine Rising,” follows sixteen-summer-old Mirana Pinal, one of the few to have ever possessed all three magical powers of the Aspects. However, she has terrifying visions that wielding her magic will destroy her homeland. As her people fight to stop a cunning and ruthless warlord from conquering the land, Mirana must decide if using her powers will save them — or will bring her home, her family, and her beloved even more peril.

In 2021, the Independent Press Award received entries worldwide. Participating authors and publishers reside in countries such as Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom and others, in addition to cities all across the United States.

"The quality and quantity of excellent independently published books hit a record,” said awards sponsor Gabrielle Olczak. “We are so proud to announce these key titles representing global independent publishing." 

Donnelly said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled than being selected for the 2021 IPA Award for Fantasy. This novel was decades in the making and suffered through dozens of literary agent rejections, but I never lost faith that the story would find its fans.”

“Trine Rising” has received awards and rave reviews since its release, including the 2020 NYC Big Book Award for “Epic Fantasy”; top ratings from Booklife by Publishers Weekly Critics-2020 Quarter Finals, Kirkus Reviews, and IndieReader; and five-star reviews from Readers’ Favorites, Goodreads, and Reedsy Discovery.

“‘Trine Rising’ is a fantasy for those who’ve never read the genre or don’t think they’ll like it as well as for life-long fans of the genre,” Donnelly shared. “While it has many of the trappings of traditional epic fantasy, the characters are very relatable to today’s audience. What’s more ‘Trine Rising’ also delivers a treat for readers not found in enough books of any genre where you can finally read what the ‘bad guy’ is thinking!”  

Donnelly has more than two decades of writing and editing experience. She has held careers in healthcare and journalism, and was honored with several press awards. Currently, she owns a boutique freelance writing, social media, and marketing support agency.

“Trine Fallacy, The Kinderra Saga: Book 2,” the exciting sequel to “Trine Rising” is expected to be released late summer.