RECOMMENDED INDIE READS
One of my favorite things about being an independent author is being part of a community of other writers who are so supportive, encouraging, and talented. I've been able to read some excellent indie books over the years, and I wanted to compile a list of some of my favorites. Please consider supporting these authors by reading their books and leaving them a review if you see something that interests you.
SCIENCE FICTION
The ZIVA PAYVAN Series
EJ Fisch
Assassins. Conspiracy. Complex characters. Action scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat. What's not to love?
STARSWEPT
Mary Fan
To escape a bleak life on Earth, talented children are raised to compete with each other in various arts for limited spots as performers on an alien world.
AMARANTHE Series
GS Jennsen
An epic and ongoing space opera saga spanning entire universes and featuring a cast of characters who will continue to amaze you.
The MALFUNCTION Trilogy
JE Purrazzi
This grim biopunk trilogy follows protagonists Menrva, Bastille, and Cowl as they face some intense obstacles and are forced to make tough choices.
SURVIVAL KIT
AH Haga
This post-apocalyptic zombie tale shows a couple who will stop at nothing to save each other and survive the horrors around them.
NOMAD OF THE EMIRATES
EB Dawson
A well-written, engaging short story that examines what it's like to find home in a strange land.
ALETHEIA
Megan Tennant
In this post-apocalyptic world overrun by a deadly plague, a brave young woman risks everything to protect herself and those she loves.
VINYL
Sophia Elaine Hanson
In a dystopian world where music has been turned into a weapon, a young woman struggling to support her family finds freedom...and danger.
CUTE MUTANTS
SJ Whitby
These teenage superheroes are absolutely adorable and will work their way into your heart from the very first page.
THE WANDERLAND CHRONICLES
JM Sullivan
This post-apocalyptic retelling of Alice in Wonderland will have you at the edge of your seat and cheering for our zombie-slaying heroine.
FANTASY
TALES OF THE WENDY
Erin Michelle Sky & Stephen Brown
This well-crafted YA fantasy series is a retelling of Peter Pan that centers around protagonist Wendy Darling. A delight from the very first page.
DRAGON LYRIC
Bethany A. Jennings
Jennings makes a unique concept work with a compelling main character and high stakes.
WATERS OF SALT AND SIN
Alisha Klapheke
This book has one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen. It also features great world building, endearing characters, and a unique social structure and magic system.
THE INKLING
KT Ivanrest
This is a fun little short story with an intriguing magic system and compelling characters.
The BLACK YEAR Series
DJ Bodden
Everything you could want in a paranormal/urban fantasy series—terrifying monsters, unique spins on classic tropes, and lots of humor.
THE SAVIOR'S CHAMPION
Jenna Moreci
This is one of my new favorite fantasy novels. I absolutely loved the characters, and the plot is a thrill-ride right up to the very last page.
THE ELECTRICAL MENAGERIE
Mollie E. Reeder
This steampunk fantasy gave me everything I wanted and more: complex characters, a unique setting, mystery, magic, and adventure.
CHILD OF THE KAITES
Beth Wangler
With rich worldbuilding and an inspirational message of hope and bravery, this book takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey.
THE FROST EATER
Carol Beth Anderson
This post-apocalyptic fantasy features an intriguing magic system and a cast of unique characters thrown into a high-stakes plot.
ORCONOMICS
J. Zachary Pike
This clever satire is the perfect blend of lighthearted fun, lovable characters, and heroic adventure.
THE SWORD OF KAIGEN
M. L. Wang
This Japanese inspired fantasy novel looks at the devastating impacts of war on a single family through the eyes of a boy warrior and his mother.
SHADOW OF A DEAD GOD
Patrick Samphire
If you're looking for a fun fantasy adventure with mystery, humor, and a down-on-his-luck protagonist, you'll definitely want to pick this up.
DUST ON THE ALTAR
Michelle Winkler
A witch named Jade must leave her comfortable life in the city to take her place as coven leader in the small town of Sugar Hill.
THREADLIGHT Series
Zack Argyle
This high fantasy series features a rich world and a well-developed magic system, along with a variety of interesting characters.
AWAKE WHILE I DIE
KE Woodruff
A young adult vampire story with a refreshing and poignant twist that focuses on its main character and his emotional experiences.
THE GODDESS OF NOTHING AT ALL
Cat Rector
A heartbreaking Norse mythology retelling that focuses on the story of Loki's wife Sigyn.
LIVINGSTON GIRLS
Briana Morgan
This is an entertaining story full of memorable characters at a boarding school. There's murder, magic, witches, romance, and more!
BLOODY SPADE
Brittany M. Willows
A fun and emotionally stunning anime-inspired YA fantasy with a loveable cast of characters and a unique magic system.
OTHER GENRES
MERONA GRANT AND THE LOST TOMB OF GOLGOTHA
Brina Williamson
Reminiscent of movies like Indiana Jones and video games like Uncharted, this book is a is a thrilling and thoroughly amusing ride from start to finish.
ONE FINAL VINYL
Savy Leiser
A teenage girl and a 90-year-old woman go on a road trip that leads to friendship and self-discovery in this emotional YA contemporary.
THE RAVENTREE SOCIETY
JE Purrazzi
This supernatural horror serial is written in short, self-contained but closely linked episodes that follow a paranormal investigator searching for his missing younger brother.
GET IN MY HEAD
SM Holland
These contemporary YA novels offers a glimpse into what it's like to live with a mental illness and the harsh, unfortunate realities that can go along with it.
THE CURIO CABINET
Carol Beth Anderson
The stories in this collection are all less than 100 words, and Anderson is a master at making sure every single word packs a punch.
SCULPT YOURSELF
Savy Leiser
This book explores and raises thoughtful discussions about what might happen if a new drug allowed us to literally reshape our bodies.