D.L. Orton's Hive Wins 2026 IndieReader Discovery Award for Science Fiction
Rocky Mountain Press is pleased to announce that Hive: Madders of Time, Book One by D.L. Orton has been named the winner in the Science Fiction category of the 15th annual IndieReader Discovery Awards.
IndieReader announced the winners of its Discovery Awards on May 28. The IndieReader Discovery Awards recognizes the year's standout independent books, focusing on connecting winning authors with influential members of the publishing, media, entertainment, and literary communities. A complete list of winners can be found at:
https://indiereader.com/irda26-winners
The 2026 awards marked the first awards ceremony presented under the ownership of Julia and Jared Drake, who acquired IndieReader in 2025 and have expanded its mission of helping exceptional independent books gain meaningful recognition.
"The quality of this year's submissions make it clear why we believe so deeply in this community. Independent publishing has never been more vital, and these winners represent exactly the kind of bold, original work that deserves a wider stage," said IndieReader co-owner Jared Drake.
"Hive reminds us why science fiction remains one of the most powerful genres for exploring the human condition. D.L. Orton has crafted a story that combines sweeping imagination with emotional authenticity, creating a novel that is both a thrilling adventure and a thoughtful reflection on love, sacrifice, and the future of our world. We are honored to see Hive recognized with IndieReader's top Science Fiction award."
Hive launches Orton's new science fiction saga, Madders of Time. Set in a future where humanity's last survivors struggle to endure within a failing biodome, the novel follows Isabel and Diego as they uncover a long-lost time bridge that may offer one final chance to alter the course of history. Blending dystopian suspense, time travel, and an enduring love story, Hive explores resilience, sacrifice, and the consequences of the choices we make today.
With over 1,000 submissions submitted across more than 50 categories, this year's competition was the largest and most competitive award cycle in the program's history.
About IndieReader
Founded in 2009, IndieReader has been the trusted, credible source of professional book reviews, literary awards, and marketing support for self-published, hybrid, and small press authors. Today, IndieReader continues its mission to level the playing field for independent authors—treating indie not as an alternative, but as a force: bold, vital, and impossible to ignore.
About D.L. Orton
D.L. Orton is the award-winning author of the acclaimed Between Two Evils series and the Madders of Time saga. Her novels blend science fiction, suspense, time travel, and deeply human stories that explore love, sacrifice, and humanity's resilience in the face of existential threats. Her work has received recognition from numerous literary award programs, including the Independent Press Awards, Eric Hoffer Awards, and IndieReader Discovery Awards.
About Rocky Mountain Press
Rocky Mountain Press is an independent publisher dedicated to bringing exceptional fiction to readers worldwide. The press focuses on publishing compelling stories that entertain, inspire, and challenge readers while supporting independent authors and innovative voices.