Last year, I hosted a readathon on my bookstagram called the Indie August Readathon, dedicated to celebrating the best of independent publishing. I had so much fun hosting it, and I knew I wanted to do it again! And since last year I also shared 5 of my favorite indie books here on the blog, I'm back again with 5 more recommendations!
I'm a firm believer that independently published books can be just as great (if not better!) than traditionally published ones, and these books are a testament to that. All of these were among my favorites from either 2019 or 2020! I tried to pick from a variety of genres, too, so there's something for everyone! For even more recommendations, make sure you check out my post from last year!
Let's jump on in!
1. Prince of Shadow and Ash - Selina R. Gonzalez
Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review
First off, that cover though!! This was absolutely everything I wanted - a mix of high fantasy and fluffy romance that was perfection. Sassy main characters, kick-butt action, epic magic, and an adorably shippable couple to boot. Regulus and Adelaide's story sucked me in and didn't let go, and I can't recommend it highly enough!
Let's jump on in!
1. Prince of Shadow and Ash - Selina R. Gonzalez
Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review
First off, that cover though!! This was absolutely everything I wanted - a mix of high fantasy and fluffy romance that was perfection. Sassy main characters, kick-butt action, epic magic, and an adorably shippable couple to boot. Regulus and Adelaide's story sucked me in and didn't let go, and I can't recommend it highly enough!
2. Rook Di Goo - Jenni Sauer
Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon
A sci-fi Cinderella retelling following a runaway soldier, full of adventure, friendship, and hope despite hard times. Featuring the found family trope and a lot of tea, this is one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can't wait to see what Jenni has in store next. (also if you don't come out of this one wishing you had standard issue Liosi military boots and you aren't a little in love with Captain Leiv Benham, I'll be surprised xD)
3. The Old River Road - Hailey Rose
Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review
Based on the real story of Hailey's great-great-grandparents, this is one of the most wholesome and heart-warming historical fiction stories I know. I adored Clara and William so much, the whole book just felt so comfortable and cozy, and I never wanted it to end. It's got all the feels, and I love it for that.
4. The Divided Nation - Angela R. Watts
Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon
One of the most unique and heart-pounding dystopians I've read in awhile, this is a story that's hard to look at at times, but one that's so important. Set during the future second American civil war, we follow a fairly large cast of characters who are doing their best just to survive. There's a lot of found family/"your family stinks so I'm your family now" tropes going on, plus a really stinking Soft romance, and I'm here for it.
5. Never Say Goodbye - Sarah Grace Grzy
Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ My review
Speaking of Soft romance... xD Tyler and Alyvia's story made me so ridiculously happy, tbh. Everything about it was just about perfect. Friends-to-lovers romance, a single dad with an adorable child, a female lead who wants to run a book store, everything you could ask for and then some amazing faith content throughout.
And now, here are five indie books that are on my list to read as soon as is humanly possible:
1. One Bad Apple - Rachel Kovaciny
snow white retelling + wagon train setting + found family trope (i think... lol)
2. Poison's Dance - Tricia Mingerink
twelve dancing princesses retelling + high fantasy + book 3 in one of my favorite series
3. Thief - Savanna Roberts
robin hood retelling + kick-butt heroine + squad goals
4. As Easy As Cherry Pie - Bell Renshaw
fluffy romance + baker + handyman + return to justin harbor (yaaasss)
5. The Anamnesis - Adelaide Thorne
epic story + slowburn romance + cross my heart the only reason i haven't finished this yet is because i don't want this series to end ;-;
So there you have it! If you'd like to participate in the readathon, we'd love to have you!
What's an indie book that you would recommend? Are you adding any of these to your TBR? Let me know in a comment below!
~ Abby
~ Abby
