Hello everyone! Welcome to another post of Indie Recommends Indie! Today, I have author Nikki Minty with me! I have had the pleasure of hosting her on the blog a few times now, once in every series almost! Let’s welcome Nikki and take a look at her indie recommendations! I loved every single cover!
Thank you for being on this series, Nikki! Please tell my readers a bit about yourself. 🙂
Hello everyone,
My name is Nikki Minty and I’m the author of The Zadok Series, which is a YA SCI-FI/Fantasy Series with Magical Realism and a hint of Romance.
Not only do I write, but I also love to read. I enjoy books with Fantasy, SCI-FI, Paranormal Elements, Supernatural Elements, Magical Realism, Mystery, and Romance. Thrillers are great too and I don’t mind the occasional horror, but I’m a little more selective in these areas. I hate slashers and excessive gore.
Do you primarily read indie books or big publishers books as well?
I love to read both indie books and big publisher books. I generally read 4-6 books a month, depending on the month, and my indie to big publisher book ratios differs depending on what’s out or what’s been recommended.
Nikki’s Indie Recommendations
Shards of Venus by Tjalara Draper
The Celestial Series
Paranormal/Fantasy/Supernatural
Published November 1, 2019
Shifting by the light of Venus…
Still reeling from the vicious murder of her best friend, Violet Chambers is haunted by the “faceless” man with the neck tattoo who kidnapped her. Trying to move on is a daily struggle for the girl who spent most of her life in foster care. But when she meets Nathan, the detective who found her at her best friend’s crime scene, things begin to look more promising. Violet finally finds sanctuary for the first time in her life.
Hellbent on protecting her, Nathan Delano, a mysterious shape-shifting Veniri, will do anything he can for Violet. All he has to do is ensure Violet’s world never collides with the shifter world. But even he can’t stop the enemy determined to destroy her and anyone she gets close to.
Suddenly, Violet doesn’t know who she can trust. With a pact broken and her safety on the line, will Violet save herself before it’s too late?
I can see why Shards of Venus won a Maxy Award, it’s an action-packed page turner filled with shapeshifters, well-rounded characters, and a hint of mystery. I literally couldn’t put it down.
The story is written from two points of view, Violet’s, and Nathan’s.
Violet is the heart of the book. Her friend’s death weighs heavily on her, and the vision of Lyla’s killer’s tattoo is imprinted in her mind, haunting her like a reoccurring bad dream.
Little does Violet know she hasn’t faced the worst of it. Shapeshifters roam the earth, and not everyone in her tight knit circle is as trustworthy as they seem. I really felt for Violet. She’s endured a lot and there’s still more to come.
Nathan is a detective, and a particularly witty one at that. I found myself laughing out loud a few times while reading his dialogue. He’s a man of many secrets, and as the story unfolds, more skeletons emerge from his closet.
Shards of Venus is a well-paced story with high stakes and a big twist that’ll have you begging for book two.
I would highly recommend The Celestial Series to readers who enjoy supernatural, paranormal, fantasy, and mystery books, as well as fans of the TV show GRIMM.
Bestow the Darkness by Amanda Hocking
StandaloneÂ
Gothic Romance/Horror/LGBTQ
Published May 26, 2021
BESTOW THE DARKNESS is a brooding gothic romance set in the rugged forest of 1890s Michigan.
Emiliath lives in a cloistered religious sect with her sisters and brothers, as she has for over twenty-one years. Her life is stable and quiet, but she has begun to feel a longing for something more. When tragedy hits close to home, she begins to connect with a handsome stranger from the city, Trent.
But her quiet life is far more sinister than it seems, and Trent has his own secrets. On top of that, a hungry beast is lurking in the forest, and it might be the end of everything Emiliath has ever known.
BESTOW THE DARKNESS is dark, disturbing, and not for the faint hearted; but it’s utterly brilliant!Â
Right from the first chapter I was completely sucked in.
I find the cult concept fascinating on so many levels. It’s terrifying how we as humans can be so easily brainwashed by manipulators, especially if we are taught certain beliefs as children.Â
Emilith has had a tough and rigid upbringing with very little love. Everything in her life has already been decided for her and she must toe the line or face heavy consequences.
After witnessing a tragic accident, and meeting a man named Trent, Emilith starts to question her upbringing—and with this, comes a whirlwind of events.
Emilith’s character grows and develops drastically—for the better—from beginning to end. You really feel her anguish as she struggles between doing what she’s always been taught and doing what is right. It’s an amazing journey to be a part of.
I enjoyed the romance throughout the story, which came with a surprise ending.
I would highly recommend BESTOW THE DARKNESS to readers who enjoy gothic romance, horror, and LGBTQ. It’s also a must for fans of cult inspired books/TV shows/movies.
A Thousand Years To Wait by L. Ryan Storms
Book 1 in The Tarrowburn Prophecies
YA/Fantasy/Romance
Published March 19, 2019
Prophecies are meant to unfold on their own—they can’t be forced into fruition. Or can they? When a war-torn kingdom is on the cusp of falling to a usurping general, a young healer who doesn’t believe in magic is called upon to help a prophecy transpire. She must embrace the magic…or lose everything.
At eighteen, Moreina di Bianco is a young healer who believes in medicine, not magic, even while possessing a second sight she can’t fully explain. So when the Faranzine Talisman chooses Reina to reawaken an ancient magic and end a war, she must reconcile her beliefs, unlock the talisman’s secrets, and harness the magic within.
Reluctant to accept help, Reina agrees to allow two determined escorts to accompany her on her journey for truth, but each comes with a mysterious past of his own. Her estranged childhood friend, Quinn D’Arturio, left their village years ago and only recently returned, harboring dark secrets behind a solemn exterior. And despite his status as a perfect stranger, a dashing captain by the name of Niles Ingram is quick to fight by Reina’s side at whatever the cost. That someone she’s only just met would give his life for hers is a sobering realization of the ever-present danger Reina has jumped into.
There’s just one problem with Reina’s two companions. They, too, are featured in the talisman’s prophecy – as potential suitors. But what woman wants a suitor, let alone two, when she’s tasked with defeating a usurping general, ending a war, finding the true king, and rightfully seating him on the throne?
A Thousand Years To Wait was an American Book Fest Best Book Award Finalist in 2019 for Fiction/Fantasy, and has recently won first place in The Royal Dragon award 2021 contest for best Young Adult Fiction, second place for Best Cover Design, and scored an honourable mention for New Author Fiction.
This story is built around a prophecy and is woven with magic, action, adventure—and not to mention—a heart-warming romance. The worldbuilding and character development are balanced to perfection, and the overall tale moves forward at a pleasing pace.
Moreina is a mature, strong-minded character with a good set of morals. She’s smart, magical, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
Quinn, Moreina’s long-time friend—and love interest, is the strong, protective, serious type.
I absolutely adored the two main characters of this story, and I could really feel the chemistry sizzling between them.
I would highly recommend The Tarrowburn Prophecies Series to readers of YA, fantasy, and romance, as well as fans of the friends to lovers’ trope.
Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen
The Malediction Series
YA/Fantasy/Romance
Published April 1, 2014
A girl destined for the stage. A prince cursed to darkness. A bond that will unleash magic caged for centuries.
Centuries ago, the Isle of Light was ruled by cruel creatures with dangerous magic until a witch bound them to their underground city. But a prophesy has spoken of a union with a human girl that has the power to set them free.
CĂ©cile is a singer destined for the stage when she is kidnapped and bonded to the cursed prince of Trollus, with their minds linked in a way she never dreamed possible. Trollus is both magical and deadly, but as CĂ©cile hunts for a way to escape, she discovers there is more to her mysterious husband than anyone realizes.
As tension brews and political games escalate, CĂ©cile finds herself at the center of a rebellion… and she is the one with the magic needed to overthrow the tyrant who rules.
Torn between returning to her human life and becoming the princess Trollus needs, CĂ©cile must decide which world she belongs to… and how far she’s willing to go to save the prince who holds her heart.
Stolen Songbird is the first novel in a complete YA fantasy romance series that is perfect for readers looking to be lost in a magical world full of swoon-worthy and slow-burn romance!
The Stolen Songbird was picked as a nominee for the Goodreads Choice Award for Debut Goodreads Author in 2014.
This book has everything I love: fantasy, caves, magic, trolls, witches, mystery, action, romance, and interesting three-dimensional characters.
The Trollus world is vivid, fantastical, and well built. I was completely emersed.
Strangely, in a cave filled with trolls who can’t lie, there is nothing but deceit.
The story is written from two points of view, Cécile’s, and Tristan’s.
Cécile is a sweet but stubborn character with a lot of heart. She forgives easily and is too trusting/forgiving of those she shouldn’t be.
Tristan is the polar-opposite. He is snarky, sarcastic and distrusts everyone bar his uncle Marc.
I thought the balance of these two main characters worked well together, and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom.
I would highly recommend The Malediction Series to readers of YA, fantasy, and romance, as well as fans of the enemies to lovers’ trope.
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
The War of Lost Hearts #1
Adult Fantasy/Romance
Published January 7, 2020
Her life for freedom. Her blood for love. Her soul for vengeance.
Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.
Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organization of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.
The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. Even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both.
But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.
Even if it means wielding death itself.
Daughter of No Worlds pulls at your heartstrings. It’s a gripping story filled with romance, action, and heartache.
The story is written from two points of view, Tisaanah’s, and Maxantarious’.
Tisaanah spent many years as an abused slave, but she doesn’t let her past define her. She is a fierce, loyal character, who works hard to understand, control, and develop her magic for the greater good. She’s observant and listens to Max. She trusts him.
Maxantarious isn’t a stranger to war, death, and heartache. His tragic past haunts him like the plague. He is a strong, sarcastic, (bitter at the world) character who says exactly what he thinks. This being said, you can see where Max’s bitterness stems from, and despite his flaws, he’s a likable character.
Tisaanah and Max end up finding solace in one another. Their relationship is slow burn and feels very natural. They grow together and form a strong and unbreakable bond. I loved witnessing every minute of their journey.
I would highly recommend The War of Lost Hearts Series to readers of Adult fantasy and romance, as well as fans of the Shadow and Bone Series.
The Underground by Liv Evans
The Derivates Rising TrilogyÂ
Adult Sci-fi/Dystopian
Published October 10, 2020
“When freedom is a luxury, resistance is inevitable.”
The Government rule the Hub with an iron fist, their strict laws enforced by Derivates, humans with psionic abilities. When one of these Derivates flees her post, they send KC-847, a powerful telekinetic, to bring her back. But KC-847 soon learns he and his team are unprepared for what they find, and their mission goes awry.
Flit, a plucky teleporter, works for the Underground resistance, the last refuge for Derivates wishing to live free of the Government’s control. On a routine security patrol, Flit comes across KC-847 and breaks all the rules to bring him back to the Underground.
However, KC-847’s arrival brings with it a string of deadly events that threaten the safety of the Underground. Convinced the incidents are more than unfortunate coincidences, Flit refuses to fall back on a false sense of security and drags KC-847 on an investigation that will change the trajectory of Derivate-kind forever.
The Underground is a character driven story which really touched my heart. This story is full of love, friendship, witty banter, and action. There were a lot of unique characters in this story, and each brought something different to the table.
The story is written from two points of view, Flits’, and Scraps’.
Flit’s tough and strong minded, but her heart’s in the right place and she fights for what she believes in. I love this about her.
Scraps is childlike-innocent, socially awkward, and a stickler for the rules given his upbringing, but he grows as the story develops in more ways than one.Â
Scraps actually reminds me of my son RJ. His personality seems borderline autistic. I could really relate to him because of this.
My two favorite subs were Hawk and Acumen. They both seem like solid friends to keep.
I highly recommend The Derivates Rising Trilogy to fans of the Divergent Series and The 100.
Nikki’s Book Spotlight
First in The Zadok Series
YA/SCI-FI/Fantasy
Published April 7, 2021
From one ending comes a new beginning…
Ruby was murdered on Earth eighteen years ago and reincarnated on Zadok as a Pastel Zeek named Harlow. To be born at the bottom of her race’s caste colour system to a middle-class family of Magentas has made Harlow a source of conflict amongst the ruling Purples, and a source of derision from all three colours.
When Harlow is attacked by a fuegor on Zadok, the effects of its slow reacting venom triggers an unforeseen phenomenon, and due to the strong connection she had with her former twin sister Jade, her human spirit is unexpectedly drawn back to Earth.
Now living a double life, she has plunged into a world of intrigue on both planets.
On earth, she watches on in horror as Jade reconnects with Lucas, the man who murdered her and got away with it. And to complicate things further, she’s being pursued by Alex, the ghost of Lucas’ twin. On Zadok, she becomes embroiled with Jax, the son of the Commanding family. He’s determined to bring about change to the colony’s colour system, but it’ll come at a cost.
As Harlow mixes with the political intrigue of the Zeeks, will she become a victim of those trying to rigidly maintain the status quo or will she usher in a revolution?
And will ghost Ruby resist the temptation of the handsome Alex or pursue an impossible relationship that could have dire consequences on both planets?
Book Links: Goodreads, IndieStoryGeek and Amazon
Readers/reviewers of Pastel Pink (The Zadok Series) have compared the book(s) to The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer and the movie Avatar.
Connect with Nikki oner her website, Instagram and Twitter. If you are interested in reviewing her books/audiobooks, please feel free to contact to her through a direct message on social media. Check out an excerpt from Pastel Pink on the blog!
Did you add any books to your TBR today based on this post or did you see any you have already read? Tell us in the comments! Thanks for hanging out with us today!
If you are an indie or small press author who is an avid reader and wants to be featured, sign up using the form on the Indie Recommends Indie home page. This is a fantastic way to bring attention to fellow indie authors as well as your own book. 🙂
Banner Photo of library by Alfons Morales on Unsplash
Nikki is so lovely, this was great to read. Thanks for featuring my books on there, too. Xx