It’s the end of my first year at Fanfiaddict, and I’m super excited to get to do one of these fancy Top Reads of the Year posts! I decided to go with my top 8 Indie reads and my top 5 trad reads, for a total of 13, because why not? The main focus here will be the indie reads, as indie authors always need more visibility for their books. Then, at the end, I’ll list my top 5 trad books with a quick snippet of explanation for each.
I’m a sucker for witty dialogue, lovable characters, and action-packed adventures, and I think you’ll see a lot of those things in the books I’ve chosen!
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
8. Spark of the Divine by Louise Holland
This was a really fun DND based adventure. Really the perfect read for when you just want to spend some time with a party full of likable characters and enjoy all the found family. We follow the party as they move throughout a few different nations, dealing with various issues. It starts out a bit episodic before reaching the main conflict. I don’t want to get too far into spoilers, but there’s a villain intent on stealing power from the gods, and our heroes are out to put a stop to them. All the main cast members of likable and there’s lots of good dialogue, action, and some great emotional moments. Holland has excellent character work throughout. I absolutely loved Reevan and Grundle. Top tier characters! I especially loved the back and forth bickering between Lessie and Camden.
7. Performances of a Death Metal Bard by Rob Leigh
This was so much fun! You don’t have to be a death metal fan to enjoy this novella, but it helps to be a music fan. I’m more of a hardcore punk kinda guy, but this still hit the spot. Lovable characters, talking lutes, just an absolute blast. There’s an episodic feel–like different tracks on an album–but it all connects in the end and it was a really satisfying story! I will say that there were a few awkward sentences in the first few pages, but I’m happy I pushed past those because I enjoyed this so much!
6. The Forsaken Planet by Bryan Wilson
Lovable characters, impressive world-building, cool magic, and all sorts of great action scenes. This was an awesome start to the series and I’m looking forward to getting to the later books!
I didn’t expect things to go in the way they did, and I was pleasantly surprised. This is not just another first contact sci-fi book!
5. Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide for the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson
I grew up in a Jane Austen household. She was my mom’s favorite author, so growing up, we watched all of the different film and miniseries versions of Jane Austen novels, and then I read the books, of course. Miss Percy scratched that Jane Austen itch perfectly. The book was just an utter joy to read, and I’m looking forward to jumping into the sequels.
4. The Legend of UH by Aaron N. Hall
I absolutely loved this journey. Lovable characters, great bits of a humor and absurdity, and a whole lot of heart! We follow Dashing Jr., who is struggling to live up to his father’s name. He and a motley crew–my favorite type of crew–go on an adventure, and it’s just a heartwarming dnd-style adventure with a surprising amount of heart. Also, a surprising amount of waffles.
3. Jester by Tim Carter
Jester by Tim Carter is a rollicking good time. A underdog story that you can’t help but fall in love with. And most importantly, a story that surprises you.
This is an inspiring story of friendship, accepting others for who they are, and underdogs who just won’t quite.
Shelly is a goblin with the worst job ever: he’s a latrine slave who spends all of his time dealing with human refuse. It’s gross. However, it serves a purpose, because this is a story of Shelly’s ascent to one of the most important members of the Castle hierarchy, even if only he and a few others know his true role.
There’s wit, moments of humor, and a cast of lovable characters, but this story is so much more than just a silly dnd book. Carter’s characters will live on with you after you’ve finished the book, and you’ll be wishing for more. So Tim, I need another book, please!
All in all, I highly recommend this novel and Tim’s other work. It’s perfect for fans of Nicholas Eames, Terry Pratchett, Dungeons and Dragons, and anyone who enjoys a good, fun story.
Do yourself a favor and check it out!
2. Rise of the Ranger by Phillip C. Quaintrell
This is epic fantasy done right, which isn’t that surprising considering how popular Quaintrell’s books are. I don’t have too much to say that you couldn’t read elsewhere, but this is a smash hit book 1!
- Vispilio by Audrey D. Deboer
Outlaws and kings, star-crossed lovers, some crazy dark moments, and awesome worldbuilding. Vispilio is an excellent book; one that scratched my historical fiction itch while still being a fantasy novel.
Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect in Vispilio, beyond that there would be archers, a touch of romance, and Robin Hood vibes! However, this one blew me away and I’m eagerly awaiting book 2! Definitely my favorite indie read of the year!
Traditional Published Top 5:
5. Lightfall by Ed Crocker
Vampires, Werewolves, Sorcerers, and all the wit I love in a novel. Can’t wait for book two!
4. The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French
This one was just FUN. I loved the whole trilogy and was really impressed by how likable French made these half-orc hogriders.
3. Play of Shadows by Sebastian De Castell
You might be sensing a theme here. More witty characters in dark situations. I love a theatre troupe in fiction, and this is an awesome example of a cowardly protagonist done well.
2. The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
My favorite Abercrombie. FIrst Law? It’s cool and all, but this is right up my alley. The humor, the witty characters in serious situations, the dumplings… Vigga and Baron Rikard are my favorite two characters but I loved the whole cast.
1. Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
My book of the year. A harsh world, characters I fell in love with, great witty dialogue, and so much heartbreak. I finished the second book and I’ll be done with the third book soon, but I had to go with book 1 here! Gabriel is one of my favorite characters of all time.
Thanks for reading!
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