I love to read Indie books & to support Indie authors, I'm an Indie author myself, so I had an idea to make a fun reading goal for myself for this year.
For the year 2024, I want to read 24 Indie books total.
If I read more than that, great! If not, I'll try again :)
I usually read Indie books throughout the year, but I've never actually tracked how many I've read and it feels like there's so many more out now or recently released in the last two years that I need to catch up on!
Is it like that for you too or just me being crazy and behind on everything aside from the new Taylor Swift albums?
Without further ado here's my list of Indie books for 2024 and a bit about them! If I've already read some of them so far (seeing as it's already May) then I'll share a snippet of my thoughts on them too. Some of these will be new releases coming out this year that I can't wait to get my hands on!
Anyways...to the list!!!
A Bond of Briars by Erin Phillips
This standalone is a YA dark fantasy Ruth retelling.
The author wrote a standalone dark fantasy Esther retelling in 2022 that I adored, so when she released this one in October last year I immediately added it to my tbr!!!
Until The Stars Fall by Vanessa Rasanen
This fantasy romance, is the first in a series of interconnected standalones and was released earlier this year!
It's a fantasy romance, with cozy-ish fairytale vibes, fated mates, fae, and fake engagement.
I've heard really good stuff on bookstagram about this read and the author's other series (which is also on my tbr)!
Serpents of Sky and Flame by Rebecca F. Kenney
OKAY SO-- it's Beauty and the Beast, but he's a dragon meets Fourth Wing but she falls for the dragon, with true enemies to lovers!!
That's all I needed to know to add it to my TBR mountain, okay? LOL
I've loved a lot of books by this author, so I have no doubt that I'll thoroughly enjoy this read when I get to it!
Heads up-- there's a lot of spice 😉
Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova
I'm newer to Elise Kova's books, I started with Deal with the Elf King, and loved it so I'm hoping to continue with her next book.
This is another Married to Magic novel, which is a world of interconnected standalones so you can read them in any order.
I highly recommend giving them a try if you don't mind some spice.
This is an upcoming release, that I can. not. wait. for!!
''When denied-princess-turned-spy, Aella, is tasked with her first mission, hidden truths and dangerous secrets begin to unravel. As old sparks reignite and the harsh realities of the realm reveal themselves, she must decide whether to follow orders or defy them.''
I'm beyond excited for this spicy romantic fantasy, I actually learned about it several months before the cover reveal through a bookstagram friend on Instagram and then I started following the author's updates it sounded so good!!
A spicy retelling of Beauty and the Beast x Phantom of the Opera
I actually received an ARC from the author for this read & have my review here!! (It was a 5 star read for me!)
It just released earlier this month!! 🎊
Long Live by V. B. Lacey
This is book one in a romantasy series I've heard A LOT about, so many bookish friends on bookstagram have suggested it to me!
Isla Belthare lives an ordinary life in her small village of Lockhurt. Since losing both her mother and the man she loved two years ago, all she wants is stability and peace. But her world is forever changed when her family is attacked on a journey away from home and she must travel to the Aataran mountain range to find them.
Across the realm, four ancient beings who control the elements of nature are awakening. After a civil war that tore the humans apart, the elementals entered a thousand year slumber. Now, they are being summoned to prevent a dark force that is greedy for power and threatening to overturn the balance of nature.
When Isla’s path crosses with one of these elementals, she finds her fate is more entangled with theirs than she had ever imagined. As she risks it all to follow the elementals on their journey to defeat the unknown foe, she discovers that not everything may be as it seems. Isla is torn between protecting her loved ones or following her heart down a dangerous path of power and magic, of truth and lies.
What will they sacrifice to stop the coming storm?
Across the realm, four ancient beings who control the elements of nature are awakening. After a civil war that tore the humans apart, the elementals entered a thousand year slumber. Now, they are being summoned to prevent a dark force that is greedy for power and threatening to overturn the balance of nature.
When Isla’s path crosses with one of these elementals, she finds her fate is more entangled with theirs than she had ever imagined. As she risks it all to follow the elementals on their journey to defeat the unknown foe, she discovers that not everything may be as it seems. Isla is torn between protecting her loved ones or following her heart down a dangerous path of power and magic, of truth and lies.
What will they sacrifice to stop the coming storm?
Skyblue by M. P. Halliday
A gothic fairy tale retelling (we know how much Noel loves those!!)
A dark spellbinding retelling of the Bluebeard fairytale filled with swoony romance and wicked magic. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Adalyn Grace, and Erin A. Craig.
By Blood and Blade by Anna Augustine
I've been told this adult romantic fantasy reminds readers of Arabian Nights and Redeeming Love, and is the first in a series.
It's been on my tbr for a bit now, and I desperately need to actually read it!
Beyond the Filigree Wall by Melissa Wright
This one has popped up on my radar repeatedly, it sounds fantastic and I just love the cover!!
A dark curse. A deadly secret. The ill-fated girl at the heart of both.
Antonetta Ostwind is about to get everything she’s ever wanted. If all goes to plan, she’ll end the fae, steal back what was stolen, and win the post she’s dreamed of since she was a girl.
There’s just one problem. His name is Gideon Alexander.
Gideon holds the key to her coveted post. He’s fantastic with a sword, looks amazing in uniform, and commands even the adoration of his great, beastly dog. He’s living the life Etta needs.
Gideon doesn’t believe Etta should have any of it. In fact, he’s planning to make sure she never does. And that’s a real problem, because if Etta can’t take her post as marshal, how can she have her vengeance and save the kingdom from the prince of the fae?
Slip into clean, slow-burn romance with a properly stabby heroine and the low commitment of a standalone series in this light regency fantasy romp for fans of Enchantment of Ravens and Little Thieves.
Antonetta Ostwind is about to get everything she’s ever wanted. If all goes to plan, she’ll end the fae, steal back what was stolen, and win the post she’s dreamed of since she was a girl.
There’s just one problem. His name is Gideon Alexander.
Gideon holds the key to her coveted post. He’s fantastic with a sword, looks amazing in uniform, and commands even the adoration of his great, beastly dog. He’s living the life Etta needs.
Gideon doesn’t believe Etta should have any of it. In fact, he’s planning to make sure she never does. And that’s a real problem, because if Etta can’t take her post as marshal, how can she have her vengeance and save the kingdom from the prince of the fae?
Slip into clean, slow-burn romance with a properly stabby heroine and the low commitment of a standalone series in this light regency fantasy romp for fans of Enchantment of Ravens and Little Thieves.
The Herbwitch's Apprentice by Ireen Chau
This is marketed heavily for those that grew up on the original Barbie movies and love the feel of those movies with fantasy and cozy mystery vibes!
Heck yes, please!
I know there's two books so far, and the author has illustrations she made of the story and characters throughout as well! 💖 *happy squeal*
On Wings of Ash and Dust by Brittany Wang
This one all I needed was the synopsis and I was hooked, my TBR mountain did not thank me, but I digress.
A rebel pixie princess. A deadly competition between five faerie clans. Will she win the crown or die trying?
Pixie pirate Quinn may be an outlaw, wanted by all five faerie clans, but she prefers it that way. All she wants is to finally become a captain and bury her true identity beneath the rolling waves. But when the sudden death of her twin brother causes her to plot a vengeful heist, a shocking betrayal unmasks her for who she really is—her people’s last living heir.
Her only hope of escaping certain death for her crimes is taking her brother’s place in the Ethodine: a dangerous competition for the faerie crown.
In a series of death-defying trials, Quinn faces off with the heirs of four rival clans:
A mute beast tamer.
A flirtatious merman.
A half-blind artist.
And a pompous princess.
But as dark secrets unravel and an ancient prophecy entwines their fates, rivals must become allies before there’s no world left to rule.
On Wings of Ash and Dust is the action-packed first book in this YA epic fantasy. If you're looking for a fresh take on fae magic, deadly trials, and royal intrigue with a dash of enemies-to-lovers, then you’ll adore Brittany Wang’s whimsical and dangerous tale.
Pixie pirate Quinn may be an outlaw, wanted by all five faerie clans, but she prefers it that way. All she wants is to finally become a captain and bury her true identity beneath the rolling waves. But when the sudden death of her twin brother causes her to plot a vengeful heist, a shocking betrayal unmasks her for who she really is—her people’s last living heir.
Her only hope of escaping certain death for her crimes is taking her brother’s place in the Ethodine: a dangerous competition for the faerie crown.
In a series of death-defying trials, Quinn faces off with the heirs of four rival clans:
A mute beast tamer.
A flirtatious merman.
A half-blind artist.
And a pompous princess.
But as dark secrets unravel and an ancient prophecy entwines their fates, rivals must become allies before there’s no world left to rule.
On Wings of Ash and Dust is the action-packed first book in this YA epic fantasy. If you're looking for a fresh take on fae magic, deadly trials, and royal intrigue with a dash of enemies-to-lovers, then you’ll adore Brittany Wang’s whimsical and dangerous tale.
These Hollow Shores by A. P. Walston
This is book two in a pirate romantasy series, I read book one a bit back and absolutely loved it!
It's got action, a hunky love interest that was my #1 favorite character, steamy scenes, and mystery.
My #1 pirate romance recommendation.
A new adult retelling of The Little Mermaid, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like friends to lovers, extrovert/introvert, and magical creatures. It is part of the “Hope Ever After” series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.
I'm currently reading this one, and can't wait to share my thoughts!!
I'm a bit late to the party on this pirate and fae romantasy, ironically enough I pre-ordered this book when it first came out and since then the trilogy has been completed and the author released the first book in another series, but... my reading slump issues had happened and so this book ended up not being read when I had initially planned to.
I read this earlier in the year, and wooh *fans face* there's uh, there's some steam in this one alright
Rebecca F. Kenney is another author I have enjoyed every book that I've tried so far, and she has plenty to choose from. Heads up they do all have spice so if that makes you uncomfortable, heads up.
This one is a dark fae romantasy, and each book in her series can be read as standalones as far as I'm aware.
This is book two in a werewolf romance trilogy, my favorite one by far! I read this book earlier this year, and I just have the last one left!
MIDNIGHT CLAIM is book two in the steamy Wolves of Midnight series, a paranormal werewolf romance. For fans of enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, fated mates, feisty heroines and morally gray men.
Wolves of Midnight is part of the A Touch of Vampire world, but it’s not necessary to read the A Touch of Vampire series first.
AND
*DRUMROLL*
Book three!!
I can't wait to read this one, it just released too!!
Oh. my. goodness.
I have heard about this book, this series, and this author-- EVERYWHERE
I have to give this a try.
Living on an island plagued by magic and mythical monsters isn’t a fairy tale... it’s a nightmare.
After Keelynn witnesses her sister's murder at the hands of the legendary Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, she realizes there’s nothing she wouldn't do to get her back. With the help of a vengeful witch, she’s given everything she needs to resurrect the person she loves most.
But first, she must slay the Gancanagh.
Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half-fae who has no patience for high society—or propriety—would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own.
That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Together, they embark on a cross-country curse-breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and The Falconer, A Cursed Kiss is the first book in a series of interconnected novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren.
After Keelynn witnesses her sister's murder at the hands of the legendary Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, she realizes there’s nothing she wouldn't do to get her back. With the help of a vengeful witch, she’s given everything she needs to resurrect the person she loves most.
But first, she must slay the Gancanagh.
Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half-fae who has no patience for high society—or propriety—would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own.
That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Together, they embark on a cross-country curse-breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and The Falconer, A Cursed Kiss is the first book in a series of interconnected novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren.
Confession time, I've loved this book series for YEARS. This was the first Indie author I ever read, but I have only read the first three books🙈🙈
There's two more books y'all!
I love this series to pieces but I still haven't finished it, and uh...yeah...
So it's a mashup of 5 fairytale characters in the series and they have to travel and save their worlds/realms: Alice from Wonderland, Wendy from Neverland, Jack from Giant Country, little red riding hood, and Kai from Snow Queen.
I can not recommend this book series enough, even though I've only read the first three books😅
Cue another sci-fi book I....desperately need to read.
Isayo, a Robot Fighter from the dregs of the galaxy and Zuthyra, a young but passionate governess, cross unlikely paths when the prospects of a dangerous invention, known as the Plexus, threatens to control the hearts and minds of greedy rulers. But, the closer they get to this device, the more they unveil the dark secrets surrounding it.
Determined to find answers, the battle scarred young commoner and the spirted heiress embark on a space adventure, fleeing pirates and powerful Elite leaders who are equally hungry for the power of the Plexus. It is suspected that keeper of this fabled device is an android named Koyeko. What began as a simple quest turns into a treacherous mission, as Zuthyra and Isayo race to find Koyeko before anyone else. The deeper they get involved, the more they realize how their lives are suspended by nothing more than a single thread. What happens when that thread is cut?
Determined to find answers, the battle scarred young commoner and the spirted heiress embark on a space adventure, fleeing pirates and powerful Elite leaders who are equally hungry for the power of the Plexus. It is suspected that keeper of this fabled device is an android named Koyeko. What began as a simple quest turns into a treacherous mission, as Zuthyra and Isayo race to find Koyeko before anyone else. The deeper they get involved, the more they realize how their lives are suspended by nothing more than a single thread. What happens when that thread is cut?
Fate Born: Secrets of Sratta by Michelle L. Robison
I read this one last month or the month before (excuse my pregnancy brain please), as an ARC when the author released it, it's so good if you love a sci-fi and dystopian setting!!
Secrets of Sratta is the first installment of The Fate Born Tetralogy, a sci-fi coming-of-age adventure about family, friendship, first love, and finding yourself as you rise to the challenge in extraordinary circumstances.
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This is book two to Lume, and the final book in the duology.
If you like sci-fi fantasy, westerns, and anti-heros, give this a try big time.
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Of which, I have read 4 of so far!!
See any that you've seen before, enjoyed, or have on your TBR mountain as well??
Happy reading lovelies,
~NoelW
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