At the end of the year, everyone loves to reflect on their reading journeys. From talking about the best books they read, to whether or not they met their reading goal. However, there's always a subset of books I feel are overlooked when this year-in-review posts start happening: what were the best indie reads of the year? So, I have put together my top three indie reads of the year, and highly recommend you support these authors and their amazing stories.
1. Dominion of Magic by Eleanor Rose, August Oliver, and Chase St. Clare
Dominion of Magic is a book I feel defies genre. It's simultaneously an urban fantasy, a romance, a thriller, and a race-against-the-clock adventure, and blends each of these together to create a one-of-a-kind experience only these three amazing authors could create. Putting the book down felt like a crime against the story, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I read it last October. And now that the sequel's cover has been revealed, I'm once again
Dominion of Magic is available through Amazon
2. The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste
It's honestly a shame The Poisons We Drink is still as timely as it was during its conception - but this book is full of rage that I feel has been building in some communities for generations. I loved the worldbuilding, the themes, and the characterization. But most importantly, was the way it called out the way people in power treat those they believe are beneath them. And I hope people will still read it, and see how the world still needs to change.
The Poisons We Drink is available through Sourcebooks.
3. A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner
This book is cute, cozy, and full of magical baking. While my top two indie reads were much more on this serious side, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic is pure cavity-inducing fun. Imagine the Great British Baking Show having magic, add in a little bit of romance, and a dash of internal crisis and you have this book. And the best part? The recipes included in the story are included, so you can create your own magical bakes in the comfort of your own home.
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic is available through Amazon
4. Bonus for 2025: Altar'd Plans by Alexis Almanzar
While I read this book this year, it doesn't officially come out until January. However, I loved it so much, I put it on here anyway because it's the perfect romcom to start the year. It's funny, dramatic, and full of people who have worked hard to master the art of starting over. Plus Juniper's one-liners are some of my absolute favorite witticisms on the planet, and I highlighted so many of them just so I could go back and laugh a second time.
Altar'd Plans is available for preorder through Amazon and will release on January 14, 2025