5 More Indie Books You Should Read {+5 More On My TBR} - #IndieAugust20

 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!

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

Prince of Shadow and Ash {book review}

You know, I think I originally made this blog for reviewing books.  And then, over the past four years (four years!!) it's turned into whatever it is now.  As much as I enjoy reviewing books (and I do), for some reason my brain tells me I don't have enough brain power to write them.  But when I read this book, I knew I was going to need to let y'all know about how epic it is.

Selina R. Gonzalez is one of my favorite people to follow on bookstagram, so when she announced her debut fantasy novel, I knew I was going to have to read it.  And I was not disappointed.


Prince of Shadow and Ash



(this cover though *heart eyes*)

Author: Selina R. Gonzalez
Genre: Fantasy romance
Content: Some violence, and a lot of magic
Main characters: Regulus Hargreaves and Adelaide Belanger

Synopsis:
Bastard and former mercenary Lord Regulus Hargreaves just wants to earn his freedom from the sorcerer who enslaved him. When Lady Adelaide sees past his scar and his shadowed past, Regulus’ dying hope rekindles. But will loving Adelaide while serving the Prince of Shadow and Ash put her in danger?
Adelaide Belanger longs to use the magical energy within her, but revealing her power could get her killed. When she meets kind and rugged Regulus, she wonders if she has finally found someone to trust with her secret—and her heart.
Regulus and Adelaide struggle to build a relationship and keep their secrets from those who would harm them. By the time Regulus’ and Adelaide’s secrets are revealed, it may be too late for them both...

Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon

What I Thought:

This was everything I wanted it to be and more.  It's the perfect blend of epic fantasy and fluffy romance.  The story sucks you in and doesn't let go, with a fascinating plot and such a cool magic system.

The characters were far and away my favorite thing.  Adelaide is so cool, Regulus is a sweetheart, Dresden and the rest of Reg's squad are my faaaves, Minerva and Gaius are SO cute, I just love everybody.  Adelaide and Regulus' relationship was everything, they're so stinking cute!!  They actually communicate from each other, and listen to each other, and they're just precious I love them so much. <3

When the villains drive me as crazy as these did, I know they're well-written.  When the magic system makes me as intrigued as this one did, I know it's well-done.  Just... everything about this was so perfect I'm obsessed.  I wanted to make sure I wrote this review out before I dive into the second one, but basically all I can say is read it. 

If you love fantasy, or supportive couples, or unique magic systems, read this book.  Go forth and read on, my friends.

Overall rating: 5 magic daggers out of 5

About the Author:
Selina R. Gonzalez is a Colorado native with mountains in her blood and dreams that top 14,000 feet. She loves chocolate, fantasy, costumes, bread, history, superheroes, faux leather, things that sparkle, medieval Britain, snark, dogs, and Jesus—not in that order.
She loves to travel, and has driven coast-to-coast in the US, visited Britain three times (once for a semester at Oxford), and moved to Maine for four and half months. She has a list of places to go as long as Pikes Peak is tall, but always comes back home to Colorado.

Connect with the Selina: her website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Have you read this book? Do you want to? (the answer should be yes xD) What's your favorite romance trope?  Let me know all the things in the comments down below!

~ Abby