Indie fantasy books are a great way to expand your reading horizons, support authors directly, and more often than not, save some money.
Several years ago, when people were just starting to publish their own books, I’d pick one up and cringe at the self-made cover and unedited text. But now, it’s easy for indie published authors to find freelance cover artists and editors to polish their work and take it to the next level, making it nigh impossible to tell the difference between a book that’s published by a big company and one that’s not.
If you’re participating in our 2024 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Reading Challenge, December’s theme is to read an indie published fantasy or sci-fi book.
What is an Indie Book?
An indie (or independently) published book is one that was self-published by the author or by a small press. It’s basically the small business of the book world.
Why Buy Indie Published Books?
- It’ll make you feel good when you support the author directly. đ
- You’ll be able to find more creative, unique plots, voices, and characters in indie-published books.
- If you’re a poetry or short story lover, you’ll be able to find these much easier!
- Find hidden gems. You’ll discover some beautiful stories and characters that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
- They’re often more affordable.
So, if you want to support authors more directly, find creative books, and not sacrifice good writing and beautiful covers, then check out these indie fantasy books that have beautiful covers, complex characters, memorable plots: all things we love about traditionally published books.
Songflight by Michelle M. Bruhn
This was one of the first books that opened my eyes to the joys and professionalism of indie fantasy books.
The first in a trilogy, this YA dragon fantasy follows AlĂsa, the daughter of a slayer chief with a speech impediment who can feel dragons’ emotions.
I loved reading about an introvert who has a stutter and who is willing to stand up for what is good and just.
For fans of dragons, music magic, well-represented characters, action, and slow-burn romance.
Empire of Dragons by Rachel L. Schade
Another YA dragon fantasy that is just as good as anything you’ll find at Barnes and Noble (even if the cover’s not my fave). This book follows two young women: Lo, a nun who’s dedicated her life to fight against the injustices still wrought against her people in the torn capital of Alrenor. And Empress Jaliana, who’s a captive in her own palace, biding her time to take back her throne, dragons, and kingdom.
But a young solder, Kovi, will change Jalie’s perspective on what it means to be enemies.
For fans of enemies-to-lovers, dragons, detailed world building, and political tension.
The Gift of Dragons by Rachel A. Greco
The fate of two species rests on the tip of a dagger.
Is it weird or conceited to talk about my own book in this post? Ah, well, I’m doing it anyway :).
When the prince Adelaide seeks to overthrow tries convincing her that the legendary dragons exist and need help, Adelaide must decide where her true allegiance lies before the kingdom shatters.
For fans of dragon shifters, enemies-to-lovers, companion animals, slow burn romance, quests, and rebellions.
“Solid characters, a world full of real dangers, fascinating dragon lore, and a sudden yet profound ending that has stuck with me for days after reading!â -Review from a Reader
Want more dragon books in your life? Check out 23 Dragon Books Every Fantasy Lover Should Read.
The Carver and the Queen by Emma C. Fox
This Russian-inspired indie fantasy book will make you dream of treasure, mountain caves, and stone carving.
Two young serfs, Petr and Lena, long to escape serfdom and, in Lena’s case, a terrible arranged marriage. But they will have to face a mythical Malachite queen, an underworld kingdom, and their own greed.
If you’re a lover of underworld kingdoms, myth, and magical art, then you’ll love this quick, delightful book!
Greywolf’s Heart by C.M. Banschbach
Giant wolves, saber tooth tigers, and lynxes! Need I say more?
This standalone clean New Adult book is about two half-brothers who must unite to save their clan from war. There’s also a dash of romance, and it makes a great winter read!
If you want to cuddle up with giant wolves, love familial relationships, enjoy tense action scenes, then check out this book.
Ironrose by Abigail O’Bryan
A fierce retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Lydia, captain of a rebellion, seeks to overthrow the Crimson Lord who have overtaken her kingdom by finding the heir. The only problem? All the heirs are dead. Meanwhile, the Beast’s humanity is slipping away just as the kingdom slips away from him.
They must find a way to break the curse before everything they love collapses.
For fans of rebellions, fierce female MCs, fairy tale retellings, curses, and finding true love.
Crack the Stone by Emily Golus
A creative retelling of Les Mis that will squeeze your heart.
Valshara, a goblin, escapes from a slave camp in the mines where she lives. When she journeys to Topside, she encounters a human child who needs her help. Together, they search for the boy’s mother all while trying to stay one step ahead of a relentless bounty hunter.
Enjoy retellings? Especially unique ones? Be sure to check this out, as well as the rest of the Classic Retold series.
Craving more retellings? Check out these 8 must-read fairy tale retellings.
Fool’s Honor Edited by Anne J. Hill and Lara E. Madden
In this indie fantasy book collection of short stories, you will find tricks, twists, and fools.
Each story or poem features tricksters who straddle the lines between good and evil. You’ll encounter a pirate king, the god of mischief fighting for love, the Phantom of the Opera, and more!
Sailing Magic Edited by Sarah Rodecker and Helena S. George
Pirates, anyone? Or spaceships? Find all kinds of ships in this short story collection. Venture into deep space where you will find adorable star dragons or step aboard a pirate ship that has arisen straight out of the sea. These stories are full of adventure, heart, and hope.
Wither and Bloom Edited by Anne J. Hill and Lara E. Madden
In this collection of clean adult fantasy romance stories, youâll find sweet stories not only of falling in love, but loving in the nitty gritty of every day life and through the darkest valleys.
It also has beautiful poemsâa special treatâand some fun flash fiction pieces. Whether youâre into romance or not, this book will capture you with its lovely words and worlds.
This indie fantasy book is perfect for fans of sweet romance, short stories, and unexpected worlds.
Saltwater Souls by Hannah Carter
Mermaids, anyone? This collection has something for anyone, no matter your mood: light and hilarious, deep and pondering.
But theyâre all perfect for fans of deep themes, beautiful characters, and salty worlds. And it’s an easy, quick read. (Also, isn’t that cover just lovely?!)
If you want to find your next favorite author and read something short, check out these 21 short story collections for fantasy lovers.
Enhanced by Candace Kade
In a futuristic society, where everyone’s DNA determines their destiny, Lee Urban is living a lie.
She has no super-human qualities, thus is a Natural, but is lying about it to avoid living in the gritty and poor Outskirts.
When she gets into her dream college, she must continue the lie, even when a hacker bent on exposing her true DNA puts her into an Artificial Intelligence Game that could expose her lie and puts her entire family at risk.
For fans of Marie Lu’s Warcross, gritty characters, and futuristic technology.
The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes
When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe, trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus.
In this indie fantasy/sci-fi book, Cain Cross is determined to find a cure, but when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival.
When the Emperor offers him access to a cure in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul.
Have you read any of these indie fantasy or sci-fi books? If not, which of these would you most like to read?
