Hello writing and reading communities! It’s time for the next installment of Indie Recommends Indie and today I have Trudie Skies. We had a fun conversation about YA Fantasy on The Creator’s Roulette and it is my immense pleasure to host her for another series.
Trudie, thank you for joining me! I know you but some of my readers might not if they are visiting Armed with A Book for the first time. Tell us a bit about yourself. 🙂
Thanks for having me back! Hi, I’m Tru, a British author that loves reading and writing fantasy when not playing fantasy video games! I published my debut YA fantasy back in 2019 with a small press. While I’m still writing for that series, I’m now fully embracing the indie life by working on my first self-published adult fantasy novel.
Do you primarily read indie books or big publishers books as well?
I used to read mostly traditionally published books, and mostly young adult, but in recent years I’ve been trending towards adult fantasy and indie books. For my Goodreads challenge this year, a cool 100% of my fiction reads have been indie, and I’m definitely not short of indie books on my TBR pile! Maybe when I’ve caught up, I’ll pick up some traditionally published books, but for now, indie authors just keep on writing gems.
Trudie’s Indie Recommendations
Black Stone Heart by Michael R. Fletcher
Dark Fantasy/Grimdark
Published 2020
Series: The Obsidian Path Series
Book Number: 1
A broken man, Khraen awakens alone and lost. His stone heart has been shattered, littered across the world. With each piece, he regains some small shard of the man he once was.
He follows the trail, fragment by fragment, remembering his terrible past.
There was a woman.
There was a sword.
There was an end to sorrow.
Khraen walks the obsidian path.
Why Trudie recommends this book:
Oh boy, was this book a trip! I’ve read and loved plenty of dark fantasy, but nothing prepared me for Black Stone Heart. This is the story of a resurrected dark lord on a mission to discover just who he is. As his past unravels one piece at a time, he comes to realize that he was responsible for the wars and atrocities of the past, and now he must balance the person he was with the person he could be—but is he destined to always play the villain? Or can he change his destiny and become a better man? As he tries, and mostly fails, we see our protagonist sink further into darkness. This is definitely a villain origin story which is full of horror but also humor. On one page I’d be laughing and the next I’d be questioning my life choices because damn, this book does not hold back. And I devoured every page of it.
This is one for grimdark fans who aren’t squeamish and would enjoy reading for a villain’s perspective.
Finding Fae Artifacts by Isa Medina
Urban Fantasy
Published 2020
Series: Magical Artifacts Institute
Book Number: 1
Tricky Fae magic. Bloodthirsty creatures. One scrappy Artifact Hunter to-be.
Joining the Magical Artifacts Institute as an artifact hunter has always been my dream job. Problem is, they keep rejecting my applications. So when I find a dangerous Fae artifact stashed in my temp job’s basement, I know I’m about to prove them wrong.
Unfortunately, the arrogant stranger who interrupts my find doesn’t agree with my good fortune. Aidan belongs to the Institute and insists on following procedure and confiscating my artifact. He’s welcome to try, but there’s one small problem.
Oops, make that two: he’s triggered a binding spell that won’t allow more than a few feet between us, and someone has unleashed a nightmarish Fae hound that’s trying to turn us into lunch.
Now I must break the bond, escape the hound, convince Aidan that I’d be the best Institute worker ever, and figure out who’s willing to kill to get to my artifact. Sounds hard? That’s okay—I might be only one-sixteenth Fae, but I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve.
Why Trudie recommends this book:
Every now and then you want to read something lighthearted and fun, like candy in book form, and the Magical Artifacts Institute series of novellas really satisfies that urge. This is the tale of Maddie, a young college-aged girl who is desperate to earn her dream job at the Institute of magical artifacts, but the jerk director keeps denying her applications. Maddie, however, is a resourceful and determined character, and she’ll do anything to get that job, even if it means chasing after deadly artifacts and getting involved with dangerous Fae creatures. What I loved about this story was how cheerful and energetic it is, from the ditzy main character and playful banter to the treasure-hunting plot. It’s a fun and joyous read.
If you’re bored with gritty urban fantasy wrapped in leather jackets and want something reminiscent of The Mummy Films (NOT the one with Tom Cruise!) then this adventure is for you!
Mazarin Blues by Al Hess
Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Published 2021
Part 1 of Duology, Hep Cats of Boise Series
Introvert Reed Rothwell is part of a subculture of art deco era enthusiasts, pushing back against bland mainstream society and its mandated technology. Stuck with an AI assistant in his head is bad enough, but when he’s inflicted with a forced upgrade to a new beta version, named Mazarin, the navigator starts to take on feelings and opinions of his own.
When rumors spread of beta navs turning on their pilots, Reed is determined not to become a victim. Mazarin hasn’t become violent yet—the AI is sympathetic and understanding—but with beta participants coerced into slitting their own throats, it’s only a matter of time before Reed is next.
The AI megacorporation already has an unhealthy interest in Reed, and all the beta testers who have sought help for their navigators have disappeared. The swingin’ cats of the deco scene have the means to illegally terminate Reed’s AI. But Mazarin has never tried to harm Reed—he loves Reed.
Grappling with ridding himself of intrusive technology, the morality of hurting his self-aware AI, and avoiding the attention of a company that wants to sweep Reed’s existence under the rug might be too much for one hep cat to handle.
Why Trudie recommends this book:
This was a little different from the usual fantasy that I read, in more ways than one! Set in a future where intrusive virtual AI assistants live side by side with their humans as ‘navigators’ and handle their daily chores, a beta upgrade results in some AI turning murderous. The protagonist is an introverted milquetoast (a word I’d never come across until this book!) who isn’t comfortable around AI or technology. Instead, he’s part of a subculture of art deco fans who rebel against the bland mainstream technology taking over humanity. But he needs to overcome his anxieties with his AI partner to get to the bottom of these mysterious murders—and hope his pilot doesn’t kill him next! This book was a wonderful mix of art deco culture and slang with a truly diverse world featuring characters across a spectrum of gender and sexual identities. Reading it felt like a breath of fresh air.
I’d describe this book as a dystopian slice of life which isn’t heavy on the sci-fi. It’s perfect for readers looking for positive LGBT+ representation.
Of Honey and Wildfires by Sarah Chorn
Gaslamp Fantasy/Steampunk
Published 2020
Series: Songs of Sefate
Book Number: 1
From the moment the first settler dug a well and struck a lode of shine, the world changed. Now, everything revolves around that magical oil.
What began as a simple scouting expedition becomes a life-changing ordeal for Arlen Esco. The son of a powerful mogul, Arlen is kidnapped and forced to confront uncomfortable truths his father has kept hidden. In his hands lies a decision that will determine the fate of everyone he loves—and impact the lives of every person in Shine Territory.
The daughter of an infamous saboteur and outlaw, Cassandra has her own dangerous secrets to protect. When the lives of those she loves are threatened, she realizes that she is uniquely placed to change the balance of power in Shine Territory once and for all.
Secrets breed more secrets. Somehow, Arlen and Cassandra must find their own truths in the middle of a garden of lies.
Why Trudie recommends this book:
I’m not usually one for literary prose because I find myself getting lost in heavy metaphors, but Of Honey and Wildfires drew me in with its emotionally heavy and lyrical style and convinced me that poetic prose is indeed beautiful. Set in a fantasy wild west, this is a world full of strife and bleeding hearts where oil, known as shine, has magical properties. Though much like real oil, the greed for it ruins countless lives. The story is based around the relationships of two siblings and their father, an outlaw against the shine company who owns everything and everyone. Unlike most action-packed fantasy novels I’m used to, this tale focuses more on these relationships and the consequences of desperation. It’s a tear-jerker, but it’s so beautifully written, you won’t mind getting your heart wrenched.
This book is perfect for those who want to delve deep into the emotional and messy lives of characters and feel them weeping on the page.
Radio by J. Rushing
Historical Fantasy
Published 2020
Standalone
RADIO is an SPFBO 2020 (Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off) Semi-Finalist.
Amid the music, lights and energy of 1928’s Paris, something sinister pulses through the æther. The Radio of the Gods manipulates minds across the continent and its creator, the arrogant god Marduk, will sacrifice everything to keep his kind from perverting his masterpiece.
Attempted treason and bitter betrayal force Marduk to escape into a new, unknown body. Worse still, the previous owner, an opium-addicted jazz guitarist, is still inside.
Desperate, drug-addled and fighting for control, Marduk is forced to rely on the few friends he has left – and one terrifying enemy — to see his mission to fruition. If Marduk and company fail, the gods’ vain machinations will destroy everything they’ve built, including civilization itself, all made possible by his RADIO.
Why Trudie recommends this book:
This is a fantasy book dripping with style. I never imagined I’d love a fantasy story based in 1920’s Paris, but RADIO is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. In this world, god-like beings can manipulate humans through mind control and by taking over their bodies. Our protagonist, Marduk, is one such god and scientist who is betrayed by his fellow gods and forced to inhabit the body of an opium-addict and jazz player. Thus begins an unlikely relationship with his new host, as Marduk must deal with the limitations of his new body and the pains of addiction, all while being hunted by gods. Marduk is another villain character, but I loved his arrogance and humor as we see the world of humans through his eyes. Reading RADIO felt as smooth as jazz.
If you’re looking for something a little different, then RADIO will take you somewhere new and a little dangerous.
After all these fabulous recommendations, here is one of Trudie’s books that she wanted to highlight.
Trudie’s Book Spotlight
Sand Dancer by Trudie Skies
Young Adult Fantasy
Published in 2019
Book 1 of Sand Dancer Series
Only monsters summon fire by magic. It’s a sin against the sun god and a crime against the king. The punishment is death.
But when sixteen-year-old Mina discovers fire magic runs in her family’s blood, it’s just the beginning of the secrets her father has been keeping from her. When her father is murdered, this half-starved peasant girl finds herself on the run—pursued across the desert by the soldiers and guards of the noble Houses. To survive, she knows she’ll have to abandon her past and learn the way of the sword. But only boys are allowed to carry a blade. There’s only one solution…
Disguised as a young nobleman, Mina must make a new life for herself in the heart of her enemies. But she knows she can’t keep up the masquerade forever. With time running out, which will she choose to find—the truth or revenge?
Perfect for readers who enjoy young adult fantasy authors such as Sabaa Tahir, Sarah J. Maas, and Tamora Pierce.
Want to read this book? Check out the universal buy link here. Don’t forget to sign up for Trudie’s newsletter and learn about upcoming books.
Thank you so much for hanging out with Trudie and me today as part of the fourth Indie Recommends Indie Series. I hope you are enjoying the series so far and are looking forward to future posts. 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. Looking forward to connecting with you.
Banner Photo of library by Alfons Morales on Unsplash
Be First to Comment