Add These Three Indie Author’s Books to Your Shelf
At the end of 2024, I set out to fulfill new reading goals. Of those goals, I decided to read more indie author’s books.
If you follow this blog— you already know my sentiments towards the quality of narrative within some (not all) traditionally published books. If you don’t know what, read some of these blog posts: How to Get out of a Reading Slump: 2025 Mid-Year Wrap-Up or 2024 Reading Wrap-Up.
As an effect, I’m galvanized to explore new ways to find indie author’s books rather than consume the next advertisement from the Big Five Publishers. Truthfully, it takes a little bit of research to find new writers. However, after plunging into the indie author world, I’ve discovered some new favorites. This blog post explores why I recommend these three books, and a bit of news about what’s to come from these indie authors.
Side note: honestly, I’d hoped to find more stories, however, I fell into a reading slump this year. Therefore, I plan to write more indie author reading lists and book reviews, but for now— I have three new fiction books you should read. Each of these novels have varying story lines, so any lover of fiction can pick their preferred subgenre.
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure policy, here.
What to love about these indie author’s books?
Their character development was beautiful; these authors understand nuance and how to craft dynamic people.
They all have a writing style that you fall into; you forget your reading a book when you’re in their world.
They have unique plot lines; these books are page-turners.
Fiction Indie Author Book Reviews
V.K. Dixon
Lake of Glass (Archives of the Warden #1) - Fantasy
Ashley Dill
We Redeemed the Rain (Meadowbrook Ranch #1) - Fiction
Abbie Emmons
100 Days of Sunlight (#1) - Young Adult
Lake of Glass (Archives of the Warden, #1)
by V.K. Dixon
★★★★★
October 18, 2022 | Xenia House Press
Summary
Two brothers are beckoned into a small town when their estranged great-aunt passes away, leaving everything to them. But… there are more secrets in this town than they ever imagined. The brothers feel like they just stepped into one of their own stories as they uncover supernatural entities and multiple animal attacks. Do they choose to leave this spooky town after finally inheriting financial freedom and time to write? Or do they stay and fight against the darkness?
Book review
Truthfully, I’m hesitant to dive into sagas— they’re a lot of commitment. But, when I read the premise of this story, it sounded like everything I love within storytelling: a small town, the supernatural, and a great cast of characters. My first reaction was that the two brothers leading the story reminded me of The Brothers Grimm— I was hooked. I love a fantasy; add in a misty, dark academic tone, that’s set in a small town— I’m in. However, what energized me more than the plot was the character development, worldbuilding, and the writing style. V.K. Dixon felt like a classical fantasy writer. Her worldbuilding never felt unnecessary, or like filler. This book was her debut, and she nailed it. She officially became one of my favorite new authors!
This series is available on Kindle Unlimited, and I’ve already downloaded book two.
News: V.K. Dixon is launching a new series in 2026. The Kickstarter for that project is live. It’s another fantasy saga called, Warriors and Mages. I’m stoked to read it.
We Redeemed the Rain, (Meadowbrook Ranch #1)
by Ashley Dill
★★★★★
November 19, 2024 | Kindle Edition
Summary
A girl exhausted from the shackles of the music industry needs a break. Bea books a flight. She goes back to the one place that felt like a time capsule in her heart, with the hope to find the boy she left there so many years ago. That same boy—now a man— is a rodeo circuit stock contractor, who otherwise, lives a hermit life on his ranch. He’s jaded and isolated because he never dealt with his childhood trauma (SA). Now, that same girl from years ago, shows up on his front steps, and she just might be the remedy he needs to start living again.
Book Review
This story is a duology, and I enjoyed every moment with it. Ashley Dill wrote about an intense subject matter with grace and tenderness. I fell in love with these characters and this world. It’s a story about healing from the inside to strengthen life on the outside. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but it does include (SA) as part of the protagonist’s trauma, and theme.
This novel is also available on Kindle Unlimited, grab it today!
News: This author has more fiction books available, and I’m honestly excited to read anything she writes. I just downloaded her newest audiobook release: The Blooms that Broke Us.
100 Days of Sunlight, #1
By Abbie Emmons
★★★★★
May 29, 2024 | Abbie Emmons
Summary
Tessa is blinded after a car accident. When she returns home, life can’t go back to the way it was; she’s a blogger who can’t type. So, her grandparents decide to put an advertisement in the paper, seeking someone to help her write. Weston eagerly applies; he hopes to finally be treated like a normal person, not like one with a disability. But Tessa isn't so eager— in fact, she’s downright angry. She is callous and cruel; wounded by her own injury, she can’t see past her pain. Weston loves her authenticity, but he’s hiding his disability from her: he doesn’t have legs. Can he accept himself if she were to know the truth?
Book Review
This is a young adult story about two people falling in love, overcoming their adversities, and accepting who they are. It’s a sweet story with real struggles that each character must overcome. 100 Days of Sunlight is Abbie Emmon’s debut novel, and she truly wrote a heartfelt and gripping novel.
Abbie Emmons has been one of my favorite writers for years—not only does she write compelling characters, but she is a teacher of the craft. Abbie Emmons has more books available to read and I’ve reviewed all of her published books. She’s definitely an indie author to check out.
News: Abbie is currently working on releasing more books, including a non-fiction on the writing craft, which she solidified a deal with a traditional publisher.
Read the other book reviews:
That’s the reading list: three indie author’s books you need to add to your bookshelf.
Tell me in the comments some of your must-read indie authors? We are always looking to support more self-published writers. Happy reading!
