Vivi’s 5 Star Indie Reads
by Viviana Kingston
Welcome back to my bookish nook! In this edition of the HOwLer, we’re exploring the supernatural and paranormal, as well as a witchy read to quench your inner mage. I may have cheated my own theme with two traditionally published books, but they were too good not to mention!
Traveler by Melanie Bateman We’re sucked into a world of the supernatural and time travel in this historical indie read. Set in WW1, we follow a war medic, Mark, as he finds himself venturing into Passerelle Woods, a place that seems to defy space and time. Things become more tricky after he rescues a child in the wood and he finds himself having to protect her while running from a past he can’t seem to shake. Warning, there are scenes of war, death & mental health that may be triggering to read for some readers. The Sharp Edge of Fate by TF Johnson Magic and assassins mix in this contemporary indie fantasy where an infamous assassin, Belladonna, finds herself botching her most important assignment yet. She’s forced to partner up with her target to uncover the truth behind a series of disappearances, one that includes the prince, and her best friend, whose children she has to look after. A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faisal Vampires with a twist in this honourable traditionally published book. Set in the world of the Arawiya Duology, we’re now in White Roaring, where the city is ruled by a mask monarch and Arthie Casimir is forced to make the most difficult alliances to keep her tearoom open - a tearoom that serves, well, tea by day and is a vampire bloodhouse by night. The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix Kingdoms and covens are at stake in this witchy tale of love, betrayal and mental health. Ranka has a rare power (one she knows is a curse) - blood magic. And when she’s named a treaty bride to the human prince Galen, she wants nothing but to live her life out in isolation but she becomes a tool to end the treaty and is sent to kill him. But everything she holds near and dear is not as it seems at all. As she uncovers a plot to destroy not only her coven, but witches in general, and endanger the lives of innocents, she’s forced to rethink her priorities. It’s a sapphic tale of love vs duty, but fair warning. As Ranka struggles with her past, it may be triggering due to the emotional abuse. Proceed with caution. |