Books By Indie Authors You Should Read

It's me!

Whether you're just now venturing into the wonderful world of Indie Authors or you're an old pro, welcome! I've compiled a list I think you'll enjoy. (I know I did.) It's tough for us indies, so this is me doing what I can to use my voice and spread the love.

This list is spice-free, though you'll find some pretty swoony romance, amazing plots, loads of twists, boundless creativity, and lots of killer lines worthy of an IG post.

You can click the title of any book to find it on Amazon, and you can click the name of the author to be taken to their socials.

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Fantasy

The most beloved genre of our era. Oh boy, have I got some recs for you.

Blade of Ash by C. F. E. Black - YA

I read this book a long time ago and... I still think about it sometimes. I love the cover art, I love the font, the characters, the fact that the prince is a redhead, and the magic system. On top of all of that, C. F. E. Black is a wonderful woman and her Instagram is a delight to me.

This book is the first in a completed trilogy (YAY!) called the Scepter and Crown trilogy. Crown of Dust is also a solid read, but I haven't had the chance to read book 3, Scepter of Fire. I will tell you, if book 3 is anything like the other 2, it will be well worth your time

Illuminare by Bryn Shutt - YA

We're talking musician knights, immortals, and magic. Does it get any better? I think not.

I remember being literally blown away by the stunning prose of this book. It felt like I had jumped into the past and I was soaking in a legendary tale. Illuminare is a wonderful story that challenged how I thought as a writer.

Bryn's use of unique POVs opened my eyes to a world of storytelling that I instantly decided I loved. If you want something different and beautiful, read this book.

Daughter of the Sun by Amanda Auler - YA

One cannot simply make a list of indie books to read... without including Amanda's wonderful fantasy novel.

Daughter of the Sun is a breath of fresh, crispy, snow-filled air. The characters, timeline, plot, storytelling, animals, and settings are all wonderfully thought-out. The writing is naturally easy and flows well, but it's still full of vivid paintings and good dialogue.

I just know you'll fall in love with these characters and you won't guess the plot twist. This is the first book of the Mothmar Trilogy. The second book is Children of the Earth, and (shhhh!) it's even better than DOTS.

Romance

Perhaps the second most loved genre of our era? I don't know. Let me know your thoughts.

I don't really read a lot of romance books, or rom-coms, or anything else like that, but...

Brought to Light by Allie Lewis - NA

This is a murder mystery romance novel set on a college campus.

Yeah. You read that right. Now go read the book because I loved everything about it. It wasn't anything too crazy complex, but it was a lot of fun. There were several Pride and Prejudice mentions that instantly endeared me to the author, and the romance was way cute.

If you like coffee, true crime, college romance, HEAs, and a sprinkle of danger, this book is exactly what you need. (Also, I'm pretty sure Allie designed that cover herself??)

Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Claire - Closed Door Adult (?)

Two words: Hockey Romance.

Three words: pink fuzzy chair. (IYKYK)

As stated above, I don't really read much romance, but Emma's books are such fun, easy reads. This hockey series (yeah, there are more), the Falling For ___ Series (Falling for Your Fake Fiance... thank me later), and the Royal RomCom series (Rafe in Royally Rearranged? Are you kidding me?) are all quick, happily-ever-after, rom-coms that will fill any evening with a lot of laughs.

Emma is hilarious in her works and in her life, so be sure to check out her IG.

Science Fiction

Don't give up on me now that we've gotten here. Sci-fi is a great genre! It's just not as popular right now as it has been... ever. But I like it, so, here we go.

Shattered Ice by Rebekka Strand - YA

I had the pleasure of being an Alpha Reader for Rebekka way back in 2023... or 2022... It feels like a lifetime ago. Regardless of when I read it, look at the beautiful novel it became! I'm so proud of Rebekka and I have loved being a part of Kaia's journey from the very beginning.

If you want fast-paced sci-fi with a lot of danger and very interesting settings, this is the place to be. Rebekka brought her heart and soul to this project, and anyone who doubts that can go back and watch her videos. If you're not drawn to Rebekka, I will have to wonder if you're a sociopath.

Of Starlight and Bone by Emily Layne - YA

With a title like that, how could you not be interested? This is another great author that I got to invest in by being a beta reader. Emily put out a great sci-fi work that feels bold, adventurous, and a touch scary.

The Lost Colony series (book two is To Madness and Ruin) gives off major Firefly vibes and that's not a bad thing. At all. In fact, we love.

This book is for those readers who want an action-packed story that feels grand (because, well, space) and brings that thread of romance we love.

Technically Not Dead, Coded Humanity, and Web of Gold

by Leah Jubilee - NA

I know what I did. I am just an indie author trying to make a living, after all.

But, hey! I wrote these ones, and I like them a lot. The Basilisk trilogy will be complete on August 16th of 2025.

It's a lot harder for me to sell my books than it is for me to sell literally anyone else's. so I'll just say that these are as pure sci-fi as it gets. If you love action, space travel, witty banter, crew that's really a family, loss, and powerful villains, you will probably love these books.

I grew up on all the OG sci-fi (Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate, etc.), and my readers say it shows. I constantly hear that this trilogy is a fresh approach to sci-fi that brings in all the retro vibes and nostalgia from classic sci-fi.

Conclusion

That's my very short list! There are many other incredible indie authors out there, but these are a few of my favorites. If/when you read any/all of them, let me know what you think!

Lastly, remember that it does a world of good to share. You might not be able to buy all these books right now, but if you read one and love it, tell your friends! Share it on your IG story! Like one (or all) of the author's posts! It helps much more than you know, and it boosts our hardworking souls to the skies when someone cares enough to let us know.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for being awesome. Ciao.