Self-Published Author Appreciation Week – M.S. Olney’s Top 5 Indie Fantasy Books

This week is self-published author appreciation week (bit of a mouthful) so to that end we here at team EPIC have decided to each list our top 5 Indie fantasy and sci-fi books.

Some of these you might recognize and others they’ll probably be the first time you’ve ever heard of them. However, this is the main point of EPIC, to bring attention to the wealth of talent and great books that otherwise get overlooked. So without further ado here is my list in no particular order of my top 5 Indie books.

1.       A Ritual of Bone ( The Dead Sagas Book 1) by Lee C Conley

Although I'm usually not a big fan of grimdark or darker fantasy books, "A Ritual of Bone" by Lee C Conley completely blew me away. The world Conley creates is massive and full of gritty detail, setting up the perfect backdrop for all the hardcore action and ruthless scenes that take place.

The fights in this book are insanely good, with every blow and clash described so vividly, it's like watching an action movie in your head. What's really cool about this story is the creeping sense of dread it creates. The way the horror builds up gets under your skin in the best possible way, and you really feel like you're in the shoes of the characters as they gear up to face the walking dead.

The pacing of the build-up to the horror is just spot on, and it really ramps up the anticipation. You're right there with the characters, sharing their fears and their resolve as they stare down the undead threat.

So, if you're into horror mixed with fantasy, or post-apocalyptic stories like "The Walking Dead", you'll probably love "A Ritual of Bone". It's got killer action scenes, a lot of intense, bone-crushing violence, and some seriously scary moments. So give it a shot - it's well worth the read.

2.       Healer’s Ruin by Chris O’ Mara

This book skillfully navigates the sombre realities of a world shattered by conflict, immersing the reader in the intense emotions of horror, treachery, valor, and devastating tragedy, all too familiar within the context of war. The book stirs the imagination with its vivid portrayal of majestic mythical creatures and grandiose battle scenes, reminiscent of epic folklore and myth. However, it's the protagonist's introspective stance that truly sets the narrative apart.

The central character, a skeptical observer, consistently questions the ethical implications of the ongoing war, provoking the reader to ponder on the often obscured morality of warfare. Every line of this well-crafted work is written with evident expertise, while the narrative's relentless tempo ensnares readers, pulling them deeper into its gripping storyline. Character development and plot intricacies seamlessly unfurl as the tale advances, culminating in a striking denouement marked by an unforeseen twist.

This book truly deserves place on your to read list. It is a riveting read that effortlessly holds its readers captive from start to finish.

3.       Devil’s Night Dawning by Damien Black

Reading this book left me awestruck due to the meticulous attention given to character development and world-building. To me Damien Black’s work is what all indie authors should aspire to. It’s excellent. Each character is perfectly fleshed out, leaping off the page and straight into your imagination. One standout aspect for me was the creation of an intelligent, multi-faceted female lead, defying the tired, stereotypical categories we often see women boxed into in literature.

Comparisons can be drawn between this book and the sweeping, intricate worlds of George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. The immense effort that's gone into this level of creation is nothing short of astounding. Furthermore, there are echoes of my all-time favorite, Tolkien's "LOTR", which most consider an unparalleled literary masterpiece. Ranking this author alongside Tolkien is high praise, indeed but that’s just how good this book is.

 It also brilliantly tips its hat to the classics of the Horror genre. For instance, the opening chapter pays a tasteful homage to 'The Exorcist'. Immersing myself in this universe, with characters you can't help but adore or despise, is a joy. Rooting for Adelko and Horksram from the onset was an effortless task. It’s a long book, but well worth it.

 For fans of Fantasy/Gothic Horror, this is a must-read. Even if you're new to the genre, dive in.

4.       They Mostly Come Out At Night by Benedict Patrick

I am a huge fan of old tales and folklore and in They Mostly Come Out At Night, author Benedict Patrick does an incredible job of evoking the feelings such tales create. This was one of the few books I’ve read in a single sitting. The book vividly paints a picture reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm's dark fairy tales, a narrative filled with myths and supernatural beings. Nestled in a dense forest, a village thrives under the protection of a semi-mythical entity, the Magpie King.

What sets this book apart are the mini fairy tales weaved into the end of each chapter, an ingenious concept by Benedict Patrick. He conjures a vibrant mythology that seamlessly integrates into the story, evoking a Brothers Grimm-like aura, with elements borrowed from Native American folk tales.

Adding depth to this universe are the 'Knacks,' unique magical gifts granted to people that excel at a particular skill. This sprinkling of magic tastefully enriches the narrative without overcomplicating the system, which is fitting for a book of this size.

The writing style is extraordinary, aligning perfectly with the fairy tale theme and offering clear, vivid imagery. Some characters may appear somewhat one-dimensional, serving more as plot devices, but it's a natural element in a fairy tale world.

 5.       The Eighth God by Paul S Lavendar

This book breathes new life into the classic fantasy setting of orcs vs. elves with an unexpected twist. The orcs and elves are portrayed not as mindless savages or high-and-mighty figures, but as human-like entities with their unique quirks and cultures.

The book isn't for the faint-hearted, featuring some harrowing scenes and a lurking sense of impending doom, primarily caused by the half-orc spy, Bazak. The action is brutal, but there's also an element of sneaking and scheming, adding a layer of intrigue to the story. Despite all that, however, is that it’s also funny, in some place laugh out loud. The Eighth God is epic in every sense of the word with a well described world, excellent set pieces and genuinely intriguing characters. If you want something new to read that puts a unique spin on established tropes The Eigth God is for you. I also highly recommend the prequel short stories in Tales of Ashen Falls as it further demonstrates Paul’s humour and is a great prelude to this book.

Overall it's an action-packed, engaging read.