By Ashley Rands, Marketing
As 2023 wraps up to a close we have many amazing indie authors’ works to choose from. The indie novel scene is ablaze with creativity, showcasing a diverse array of genres and themes. If you happened to miss any of these amazing books this year then make sure you put them on your to be read list as soon as possible. Join us as we list some of our favorite indie published literary gems.
2023 Indie Fantasy Recommendations
The Words of Kings and Prophets: Gael Song Series
If you are a fan of historical fantasy then this series is for you. It is set in Ireland and it is a war between mortals and immortals. It is set around three characters: Gormflaith, unhappy queen of Brian Boru, who schemes to destroy the Descendants; Fódla, a descendant healer trying to protect her nephew who has many secrets; and a mysterious man who comes to King Brina’s court. His presence could be a disaster for both Gormflaith and Fódla
Light Bringer: A Red Rising Novel
by Pierce Brown
Book 6 in the Red Rising series was published in July of 2023. It is a Goodreads choice award and on New York’s best seller list. Light Bringer is about loss, war, hope, friendship, love, and returning home. The Reaper is a legend, more myth than man: the savior of worlds. The Reaper is also Darrow, born of the red soil of Mars.
Of War and Ruin: The Bound and The Broken Series
by Ryan Cahill
Book 3 in the in The Bound and the Broken Series. This is an epic fantasy saga and you won’t be disappointed if you pick up this series. Of War and Ruin lives up to its name for sure! There are lots of characters and an ever evolving plot. Despite it being a very long book in the series it does not disappoint and one review states “there weren’t any wasted chapters, pages, paragraphs, or even sentences.”
Aiduel’s Sin: Book Two of The Illborn Saga
In this epic fantasy series, the nations of Angall move closer to a Holy War, the four Illborn are to face momentous challenges, while seeking answers about who they are and what their growing powers mean.
After Arion and Allana are drawn to opposing sides in the coming conflict, their mutual obsession threatens to bring ruin to them both. In Arlais, Leanna finds herself a target of both the Holy Church and of the killers who are closing in on her. And in Karn, Corin must respond to a deadly new peril, whilst coping with the devastating aftermath of the attack on his wife.
How will the choices and actions of the four shape each of their destinies? Only this much is certain; the mysteries of the Gate and of their dreams still await them, and there will be no peace for the Illborn.
Best Indie Novels of 2023: LitRPG Recommendations
If you are new to the LitRPG genre we have two great recommendations for you. LitRPG stands for Literary Role-Playing Game. It is a genre of fiction that combines the experience of digital role playing games with traditional narrative plotlines.
He Who Fights with Monsters Series: A LitRPG Adventure
by Shirtaloon aka Travis Deverell
This is a 10 book series. The last book in the series was just released in November of this year, and book 9 released earlier this same year. Follow Jason as he wakes up in a mysterious world of magic and monsters.
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it’s hard to be good when all your powers are evil.
He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters…and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
The Primal Hunter
This is an 8 book series. The 8th book will be released in January of 2024 and the 7th book was just released in September of 2023. Join Jake as he finds himself in a forest filled with monsters, dangers, and opportunity.
It was a day like any other when suddenly the world changed. The universe reached a threshold humanity didn’t even know existed, and it was time to finally be integrated into the vast multiverse. A place where power is the only thing anyone can truly rely on.
Jake, a seemingly average office worker, finds himself thrust into this new world. Into a tutorial filled with dangers and opportunities.
His new reality should breed fear and concern. His fellow coworkers falter at every turn. Jake, however, finds himself thriving.
Perhaps… This is the world Jake was meant to be born in.
Best Indie Novels of 2023: Time Travel Recommendations
A Slip in Time Series
by Jane O’Brien
In this 12 book time travel series readers will follow Fran Clark who was assigned the task of going through her Gram’s personal items. She soon finds herself transported back to 1875. Scared and alone, she must find a way to fit into this new world. She struggles to find her way back to her own time period. She soon discovers different truths she never knew about herself. Soon she is faced with the decision of staying or leaving this time period and she is torn. The final installment of this series was published in January of 2023.
As Born to Rule the Storm
By Cate Baumer
Cadet Charlotte Amsel will trade her life to win a war- but not all at once. As part of an elite group of experimental soldiers, she can move through time, with each jump taking months from her own fated lifespan as she struggles to prevent the cold war from boiling over into an apocalypse. With her own side just as untrustworthy as the enemy, the only thing she cares about is keeping her best friend and fellow soldier (and in some timelines, lover) safe. But each time loop adds violent complications, and saving anyone before she runs out of life to give may prove impossible.
Best Indie Novels of 2023: For Younger Audiences
The Books of Unexpected Enlightenment
Guardians of the Twilight Lands: The Sixth Book of Unexpected Enlightenment was published in October 2023. This series is recommended for teens and follows the Roanoke Academy for the Sorcerous Arts – A magic school like no other! Join Rachel Griffin, who discovers on her first day that her perfect memory allows her to see through the spell sorcerers use to hide their secrets. Very soon, she discovers that there is a far-vaster secret world hiding from the Wise in precisely the same manner that the magical folk hide from the mundane folk. When someone tries to kill a fellow student, she investigates. Rushing forward where others fear to tread, Rachel bravely faces wraiths, embarrassing magical pranks, mysterious older boys, a Raven that brings the doom of worlds, and at least one fire-breathing teacher.
The Vampire’s Creation
Book 2 of The Realm of Monsters series, The Vampire’s Creation follows Callista who is finally ready to defeat Caleb. There are monsters stuck in the monster realm and some in the mortal realm. There is more to discover about her past and her present as a vampire. Joharra Harper describes her book as “Monster High meets Percy Jackson”.
The Geomancer’s Apprentice Series
by Yin Leong
The 4th, and final book in this series, The Four Perils was released in April of 2023. Junie Soong reaches a new low in her life when she’s fired from Starbucks. Her brother is brilliant, her parents are stars in their professions while she … trails behind in everything. Things start looking up when Joe Tham, a struggling geomancer and feng shui master based in Washington, D.C.,’s Chinatown, takes her on as his apprentice.
Junie finds out monsters are real while she and Joe investigate an eerie sinkhole in their client’s cellar. She also discovers she may be the last of a line of warriors who can channel qi, the essential life force underpinning the universe.
She now must race against time to learn how to wield her powers while fending off shape-shifting, malevolent creatures from the depths of Diyu, the Chinese version of Hell. Not only that, she and Joe must deal with the ghosts that are suddenly manifesting in the cellar.
In the dynamic world of indie literature, 2023 has proven to be a year of remarkable creativity and storytelling prowess. From the enchanting realms of fantasy to the gripping twists of suspense, these indie novels showcase the boundless talent of authors who are breaking barriers and redefining the literary landscape. As we bid farewell to 2023, one can only anticipate the next wave of indie masterpieces waiting to capture our imaginations and hearts. Do you have a different recommendations for best indie novels of 2023?
