SKaeth ✓ author

Prelude Cycle by S. Kaeth ✓ author

This novella is arranged as a series of seasons with one short story vignette from each of the four main point of views. These stories are set approximately three years before Between Starfalls begins. Taunos attempts to get into the library of Far Dahutad. Takiyah balances her love of learning with the judgements of her community. Kaemada struggles mind to mind. Ra’ael faces challenges on her path to becoming a priestess. If you’re looking to dip your toe in the Children of the Nexus universe and get to know the characters briefly, this is the book for you!

Let Loose the Fallen: Book Two of Children of the Nexus by S. Kaeth ✓ author

The priestess searches for her faith. The fire-wielder wrestles with her past. The psion dreams of peace. And the hero is torn between his heart and his duty. While grief scatters the four protectors to the winds, outside forces write history according to their own whims. The fate of the Rinaryns lies twined with that of the boy, Eian, caught in a tug of war the heroes are unaware of. But the evidence lies waiting for Taunos and the others to see, if only they can move past their betrayal.

Between Starfalls by S. Kaeth ✓ author

SPFBO6

Never leave the path.  It’s sacred law, punishable by exile. When her son goes missing in the perilous mountains, Kaemada defies the law to search for him. She enlists the help of her hero brother, a priestess berserker, and a fire-wielding friend. But the law exists for a reason. When the search party is captured by the mythical Kamalti, they learn that Kaemada’s son was sent to an ancient prison city. As they battle for freedom, they discover a horrible truth that will change the future of both races forever. With their world in upheaval, Kaemada must find a way to peace if she's to save her son—but tensions between the two races are leading to war.

Windward by S. Kaeth ✓ author

SPFBO7

When dragons fight, mountains weep. In nests high in the mountains, dragons and dragonbonded share their lives, thoughts, feelings, and ambitions. Palon and her partner, the dragon Windward, are renowned among their nest for their flying skill. Their days are filled with everything she loves, especially riding the wind. Even being tasked with teaching their way of life to Tebah, a rebellious newly bonded teenager, can’t bring her down too much. But when treasures from the dragons’ hoards are found in Palon’s collection, her idyllic life comes crashing down. She battles to prove her innocence, while her every move is cast as further evidence against her. Tebah’s suspicion, homesickness, and defiance would be frustrating even in easy times. With Palon in the spotlight while her rivals smear her name at every turn and stir up plots of revenge, her teenage charge’s behavior proves dangerous. Dragon tempers shorten, and challenges and disputes shake the ground. Palon will have to trust more than just herself if she hopes to once more own the sky.

The Iron Crown by L L Macrae

This was an interesting book with unique worldbuilding & amazing diversity. The pacing was great for me, with main first-book events tied up nicely by the end. My only issue was that I didn't love some of the PoV characters. Definitely highly recommended to give it a try, though!

Privilege: A Trilogy by Bharat Krishnan ✓ author

A thoughtful but no-holds-barred imagining of a world where white privilege is a drug controlled by the people in power. People can take this drug, use it (& abuse it), & give it to others. Told through the perspectives of various people strung together in a series of events.

Minimum Wage Magic by Rachel Aaron

Similar feel to Whitney Hill's Elemental Series (https://indiestorygeek.com/story/129) and Annette Marie's Guild Codex (Three Mages and a Margarita - https://indiestorygeek.com/story/654), but set in a future Detroit with gods, dragons, and magic alongside cybermetics and AI.

Seasons of Albadone (The Eighth Chant Book 1) by Élan Marché and Christopher Warman ✓ author

Fun short stories that weave together in interesting ways!

A Feeling Like Home by Haleigh Wenger

A Dark Inheritance (Hollow Fate #1) by Todd Herzman

Two Thousand Years (The Empire Saga) by M. Dalto

Eldritch Sparks: Shadows of Otherside Book 2 by Whitney Hill ✓ author

The Community by Jacob Klop ✓ author

Never Say Never by Justine Manzano

This is a fun, snarky, quick-paced YA novel, perfect for those who want their fantasy blended with the real world. The characters were relatable and the story was light and fun, even with the teenage angst. The writing doesn't slow the pacing with too much description.

Damned Souls and a Sangria (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 8) by Annette Marie

Lost Talismans and a Tequila (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 7) by Annette Marie

Druid Vices and a Vodka (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 6) by Annette Marie

The Alchemist and an Amaretto (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 5) by Annette Marie

Demon Magic and a Martini (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 4) by Annette Marie

Two Witches and a Whiskey (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 3) by Annette Marie

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 2) by Annette Marie

Three Mages and a Margarita (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 1) by Annette Marie

This is a super fun book centered around the non-magic-wielding Tori, who ends up surrounding herself with magic-wielders, and still holds her own.

Silver and Blood by Trina L. Talma

Protostar: An Automatic Apocalypse by Jesse Pohlman

The Brightest Shadow by Sarah Lin

Sol Invictus (The Eye of Ra Book 2) by Ben Gartner

A thrilling tale fit for MG readers seeking action, adventure, and history, all evened out with well-times humor!

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Heart of a Lion by Stephen Zimmer

A fun adventure with memorable characters!

Where Ravens Soar by Michelle Connor

The Techno Mage by S.W. Raine ✓ author

Nocturnal Blood by Villimey Mist

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera

A charming story of a bright 11-year old girl who, while trying to solve the mystery of her friend's missing dad, finds herself engulfed in an ancient war between creatures of myth and legend, with her town hanging in the balance.

Cute Mutants Vol 1: Mutant Pride by SJ Whitby ✓ author

Lani: The Girl Without Fear by Dan Cole ✓ author

This is a fun, light book with lots of twists on familiar tropes!

The Order of the Key by Justine Manzano ✓ author

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Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan

Dawnstar (Starchaser Saga Book 2) by Renee Dugan

Elemental: Shadows of Otherside Book 1 by Whitney Hill ✓ author

Absolutely fantastic urban fantasy. Highly recommended!

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Dragon's Reach: An epic fantasy adventure (The Keeper Origins Book 1) by JA Andrews

A Threat of Shadows (The Keeper Chronicles Book 1) by JA Andrews

Aegyir Rises (Guardians of The Realm Book 1) by Amanda Fleet

Voice of War (Threadlight Book 1) by Zack Argyle

Magic system reminiscent of Lightbringer series and Mistborn, with a fun new world to explore!

Daughter of Shades (The Venatrix Chronicles #1) by Sylvia Mercedes

Fun, female Witcher story with music-based magic!

Parasites by Matthew Samuels

Darkwind (The Starchaser Saga) by Renee Dugan

Consequences: A Wilders Finale by Cass Kim

The Chaos Circus by Renee Dugan

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Wilders by Cass Kim

Silvertongue by Casey White

This was a bit darker than I normally read, but I couldn't put it down, either.

The Necromancer's Prison by Alec Whitesell and Craig Bonacorsi

This one's a bit hard to categorize. Part portal fantasy, part sci-fi, part alternate history or parallel world, full of action, adventure, and also a YA love triangle.

Michael McGillicuddy and the Most Amazing Race by Trevor A. Dutcher

A satisfying fun read in multiple points of view immersed in a steampunk/gaslamp feel. While there are several points of over description, the actual plot was quite fun and the characters were interesting.

Crystal and Flint (The Journey Missions Book 1) by Holly Ash

Warlocks of the Sigil by Peri Akman

Windswept by Kaitlin Bellamy

Dragon's Price by Daniel Potter

The Lightning Rod by C.S. Ratliff

The Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner

Sand Dancer by Trudie Skies

The Reach Between Worlds by Cameron Hayden

Running With the Wolves by J.E. Reed