Indie publishing has revolutionized the literary landscape, empowering authors to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach readers directly. But with this freedom comes a new force: the power of public reviews. Unlike traditionally published works, indie books face the unfiltered judgment of readers on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. This democratization of critique can be a double-edged sword, benefiting both readers and authors, but also presenting challenges. Benefits for Readers: A More Informed Choice Public reviews empower readers to make informed choices. Gone are the days of relying solely on a…