Picture this. You’ve got a hot cup of tea at your side, you’re snuggled in your favourite armchair, the rain is tapping politely on your window.

What better time to crack open a good book? You reach for the latest Fantasy epic from a big-name author, but then you remember…you’ve already read this tale a dozen times.

Elves, dragons, magical swords – been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of the old tried-and-true.

But if you’re like me, you might be craving a bit of a change.

Something different, something novel (pun absolutely intended).

And that is where Indie fantasy books enter the scene.

What’s an Indie Author?

Indie authors are those brave souls who’ve chosen to venture beyond the comfortable confines of corporate publishing houses.

They’re the ones who’ve said, “I’ve got a story to tell, and I’m not going to let a few suits in an office dictate how I tell it.”

Now, don’t be fooled by the corporate spin into believing that because an author is indie, they’re somehow less skilled or talented.

In fact, indie authors are often on the cutting edge of innovation, crafting tales that might not jive with the risk-averse sensibilities of big publishing.

You see, the advent of indie publishing has done something remarkable—it’s removed the gatekeepers.

Okay, that’s not quite accurate. The gatekeepers are still there, but the wall’s been knocked down beside them.

No longer are authors from marginalised groups overlooked or shunted to the sidelines.

Instead, they’re front and centre, telling their stories in their own voices, reaching the right readers who want to experience those worlds and characters.

This makes for a vibrant, diverse, and utterly captivating landscape of narrative possibilities.

Why I’m an Indie

Let me put on my ‘personal hat’ for a moment.

As someone who is severely visually impaired, the traditional route of corporate publishing was a bit like trying to navigate a hedge maze blindfolded.

Becoming an indie author, however, has allowed me to carve out my own path.

I’m not writing for an agent who’s eyeing the latest market trends, or a publisher who’s more interested in the bottom line than the story line.

No, I’m writing for you, the reader.

I’m writing to pay my bills, yes, but also to share my ideas, my worlds, and my characters with those who will appreciate them.

And if that isn’t the epitome of job satisfaction, I don’t know what is.

So, next time you’re looking for a new book to curl up with, why not give an indie fantasy novel a go?

You might just find yourself swept away to worlds you never imagined, by voices you’ve never heard before. And who knows, you might even find your new favourite author hiding in the indie section.

Remember, there’s a whole universe of stories out there waiting to be discovered.

Don’t let someone else decide which ones you get to read.

Recommended Indie Fantasy Authors

Looking for an epic fantasy novel to sweep you away to magical realms?

With so many independents publishing their works, there are lots of talented authors to discover.

Here are 10 writers creating epic fantasy worlds to get lost in:

Michael G. Manning

Dive into the rich worldbuilding of Manning’s Mageborn series, following the coming of age of a young wizard. Intricate magic systems and complex characters make this a must-read.

Lindsay Buroker

Buroker blends fantasy and sci-fi in her action-packed Emperor’s Edge series. Follow a charming rogue and his band of misfits preventing magical disasters.

C.N. Crawford

Crawford’s Remnant Chronicles provide a fresh take on dragon riders amid royal intrigue. Fast-paced adventure mixed with romantic tension.

Jonathan Brooks

Brooks’ Rise of the Free Fleet series offers up swashbuckling fantasy on the high seas. Pirate escapades meet magic in this seafaring saga.

Ellie Raine

Raine’s Sorceress Queen Saga boasts bold worldbuilding and sweeping magical battles. If you love dangerous quests and clashes between kingdoms, check this out.

Kel Kade

Kade’s Fate of the Fallen series paints a rich portrait of demons striving for redemption. Deep characters drive this philosophical tale.

J.N. Chaney

Renegades take on evil overlords in Chaney’s Thieves of Fate series. Follow a ragtag crew undertaking dangerous heists in fantastical realms.

Terry Mancour

Delve into humorous, irreverent fantasy with Mancour’s Spellmonger series. Battles and wizardry with a comedic twist.

Daniel Roy Greenfeld

Greenfeld’s Death’s Mantle series introduces monstrous antiheroes fighting against oppressive regimes. Dark monsters wage war in creative worlds.

Andrea Stewart

Stewart’s atmospheric Wicked Lies series blends magic with eerie Gothic tones. A fallen queen contends with dangerous conspiracies.

So if you’re seeking engrossing fantasy epics, look no further than these creative indie authors.

Have you discovered any other indie fantasy gems?

Share your recommendations below.

The post It’s High Time to Get Cosy with Indie Fantasy Books first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.