Best Indie Fantasy Books 2025 – Curated by BRW
10 Indie Fantasy Books You’ll Love in 2025 (Hand‑Picked by a Publisher)
Indie fantasy is booming, delivering fresh worlds beyond the big‑house orbit. Below you’ll find ten carefully vetted indie fantasy books for your 2025 reading calendar—plus a handy spreadsheet to keep track. Before you dive in, download our reading tracker.
How We Picked These Indie Gems
Our editors sampled hundreds of titles, then filtered by Goodreads score ≥ 4.0, 150‑plus ratings, and availability for preorder or purchase in 2025. We balanced epic, urban, romantasy, grimdark, and YA to keep your shelf varied. Two Black Rose Writing releases showcase our own curatorial eye; the rest come from respected indie presses or self‑publishing standouts. Each candidate met quality benchmarks for prose, production, and design, making this list a beacon for 2025 fantasy releases.
The List
#1 Ancient Tides Ashore – Mike Robinson (BRW, Feb 2024)
Eco‑fantasy | 4.2 on Goodreads ratings
Hawaii, 620 CE. Kaimi senses elemental spirits haunting Kauai’s untouched shores. Centuries later, marine biologist Marilyn sketches the same shapes. Two timelines merge as an awakened deity threatens island life. Robinson’s lyrical style blends cultural lore, environmental stakes, and time‑slip suspense. A perfect entry point for readers craving mythology outside Europe. Buy now
#2 Desulti – Ross Hightower & Deb Heim (BRW, Nov 2024)
Epic feminist fantasy | 4.3 on Goodreads ratings
Tove’s scarred past fuels her bid to join the secretive Desulti sisterhood. Political intrigue, aerial assassins, and a brewing rebellion twist through fast‑paced chapters. Hightower and Heim craft sharp dialogue and inclusive themes while exploring loyalty and power. Perfect for readers who enjoyed Priory of the Orange Tree. Buy now
#3 Legends & Lattes – Travis Baldree (Self‑pub → Tor, 2022)
Cozy urban fantasy | 4.34 on Goodreads ratings
Orc warrior Viv retires from quests to open the city’s first coffee shop. Low‑stakes warmth, found‑family feels, and mouth‑watering pastry lore make this slice‑of‑life tale a comfort read for any rainy evening. Buy now
#4 The Sword of Kaigen – M.L. Wang (Self‑pub, 2019)
Military wuxia | 4.46 on Goodreads ratings
Matsuda Misaki hides wartime talent behind domestic duty until invaders breach her mountain village. Snow battles, elemental blades, and family tragedy drive this standalone’s emotional punch. A showcase of independent authors challenging genre norms. Buy now
#5 Of Blood and Fire – Ryan Cahill (Self‑pub, 2021)
Epic dragon fantasy | 4.32 on Goodreads ratings
When a forbidden egg hatches, farmboy Calen must race warlords to awaken ancient wyrms. Cahill weaves tight pacing, rich lore, and relentless action—ideal for readers hunting fresh fantasy book recommendations beyond trad series. Buy now
#6 The Iron Crown – L.L. MacRae (Self‑pub, 2021)
Dragon‑spirit quest | 4.14 on Goodreads ratings
Fenn’s memory is gone, but a slumbering dragon binds to his soul. Court politics, sky‑ships, and elemental spirits converge in a journey tailored for your fantasy TBR spreadsheet. MacRae balances humor and high stakes across sweeping vistas. Buy now
#7 A Touch of Light – Thiago Abdalla (Self‑pub, 2022)
Grimdark epic | 4.14 on Goodreads ratings
In a world where faith grants immortality, winged warriors clash with plague‑ridden heretics. Multiple POVs unravel moral greys, vivid battles, and twisted prophecy—prime small‑press fantasy for fans of Sanderson’s large‑scale conflict. Buy now
#8 The Thirteenth Hour – Trudie Skies (Self‑pub, 2021)
Gaslamp portal fantasy | 4.16 on Goodreads ratings
Every realm obeys a god with strict laws—except Kayl, whose watch triggers illegal midnight portals. Thieves’ guilds, celestial bureaucracy, and biting wit fuel this award‑finalist adventure. Buy now
#9 Shadow of a Dead God – Patrick Samphire (Self‑pub, 2020)
Noir urban fantasy | 4.25 on Goodreads ratings
Low‑rent mage‑for‑hire Nik uncovers a corpse possessed by a fallen deity. Sarcastic narration, tense mysteries, and fast pacing create a cross between Dresden and Chandler. Buy now
#10 We Break Immortals – Thomas Howard Riley (Self‑pub, 2022)
Dark epic | 4.24 on Goodreads ratings
Investigator Aren chases a drug‑fueled killer who steals magic from gods. Dense world‑building, inventive magic science, and morally tangled characters reward patient readers seeking fresh horizons. Buy now
How to Support Indie Authors
Your purchase is only the first step. Leave thoughtful reviews on Goodreads and retailers, share covers on social media, and buy direct when possible. From our Texas headquarters, we’ve seen reader advocacy turn small sparks into wildfire success. For monthly spotlights and discounts, join our newsletter.
FAQ
Are indie fantasy books as well‑edited as traditional?
Many indies hire professional editors, designers, and sensitivity readers. All books on this list passed two or more editorial rounds before release, matching or exceeding the polish of comparable traditionally published novels.
Where can I find upcoming indie releases?
Track award lists like SPFBO, NetGalley’s indie catalog, and BRW’s Hot New Releases page. Social platforms such as r/Fantasy and TikTok’s #IndieFantasy tag also spotlight rising authors quarterly.
How do small‑press fantasy sales support authors?
Buying from a press like BRW returns higher royalties to writers and funds future projects. Direct purchases cut retailer fees, letting creators reinvest in covers, edits, and marketing that grow the genre ecosystem.
Conclusion
Indie titles amplify diverse voices and fresh storytelling. Explore more on our Fantasy Books hub or browse the latest Hot New Releases. Ready for more discoveries? Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly picks and giveaways.
