We're halfway through Indiecember! As some of you already know, I'm writing a series of posts highlighting my favorite things in indie books so you can find great reads to fill your bingo card. (If you're not already familiar with Indiecember, go and check out Megan Tennant's website.) Today I'm talking about some of my favorite settings in indie books, so let's dive in!
The dystopian world of Aletheia by Megan Tennant
Just knowing that Aletheia is a dystopian novel, it would be very easy to dismiss this world as being something you've seen a hundred times before in other books. And while some of those same tropes do exist here, they are executed very well and in a way that feels unique. More importantly, the world is fully fleshed-out and examined from multiple angles, with repercussions that tie into the characters' journey. The result is a world that feels dangerously real, with challenging obstacles for our characters to navigate at every turn and very high stakes for all involved.
Neverland of The Navigator (Tales of the Wendy #2) by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown
The world we get to see and explore in The Wendy is a fascinating and well-crafted one, but once The Navigator takes us to Neverland, buckle up, because it's one heck of an adventure. I loved the way these authors wrote the legendary world and everything in it with their own unique spin. It was so magical, and I found myself wishing I could have stayed there even longer by the time I finished reading. I can't wait to go back once book three comes out.
The Celestial Isles of The Electrical Menagerie by Mollie E. Reeder
Flying trains. Steampunk. Magic. Do I even need to say any more? Oh, and there's also a high-stakes competition featuring talented magical performers of all different types. The focus of the story is definitely more on the characters than on the world here, but I still found myself wanting to spend a week vacationing in the Celestial Isles to see everything they had to offer.
The paranormal world of the Black Year series by DJ Bodden
This is another one of those books that is just plain fun. Sure, there are some more serious moments and a darker side of things (along with a healthy dose of black humor), but the Black Year books give us werewolf bodyguards, a zombie receptionist (who is never, ever to leave the lobby) and a whole new look at the world knowing these supernatural creatures are running around. It's a real treat getting to explore this world with protagonist Jonas Black.
The Asterion Dominion of the Asterion Noir trilogy by GS Jennsen
I absolutely loved the cyberpunk setting of these books, and Jennsen does a great job of exploring all the important societal impacts the advanced technology of her world has on its inhabitants - and on their interactions with other beings on other planets who are less advanced. The setting gives the story an appropriately dark, gritty feel at times, which just adds to the tension of the plot as the characters have to navigate their way through this high-tech and dangerous world.
A great setting is so fun to find in a book. What are some of your favorite settings in books? And if you're participating in Indiecember, how is it coming along? Drop a comment and let me kno.
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