Listicle: Nine Fantasy and Horror Indie Books You Should Read Right Now
As an indie author myself, most of my reading material comes from other independent authors. There are so many incredible authors and fantastic stories out there which don’t always reach the audiences they deserve, and I’m listing a few of my favourite indie fantasy and horror books I read in 2025.
Fantasy
The Floating Castle by L.N. Holmes
I am not usually a fantasy reader, but this book fully converted me. The Floating Castle revolves around multiple female characters and their struggles to stay alive in this dangerous, magical world. Holmes deftly weaves her narrative through class and gender struggles, with her prose staying engaging and exciting throughout and her characters remaining determined to save the world. And… there’s dragons!
Perfect for: fans of strong female characters who wish there were fewer romantic subplots.
Tethered to Darkness by Matt Falcon
The first book in the Veil of Sand series, Dutch author Matt Falcon has made a bold debut with this book. Pampered rich kid Shen’s world completely falls apart under the rule of his tyrannical father Eoden, and as he travels further and further into the desert, a whole new world opens up to him. This story has such an endearing cast of supporting characters, and such a unique magic system, I would recommend it to anyone.
Perfect for: fans of Eragon.
Skyfold by Tim McKay
Acclaimed fantasy author Tim McKay is always pushing genre boundaries in his fantasy, and Skyfold is the perfect introduction to his world. A fun little novella, Skyfold is a twisty heist narrative that doesn’t hold back on the thrills or the worldbuilding. The characters are lovable, the stakes are high, you’re gonna have a great time reading this. Demen pragos.
Perfect for: fun seeking adventurers.
Horror
Toadhead by Andrew Lyall
Toadhead was one of my favourite reads of 2025, and it will stick to you, like a toad on the head. One day, loner Teddy Doucet wakes up in a cemetery with a toad on his head, and, somehow, he slowly starts to lose control… A truly gross exploration of loneliness, grief, and what happens when you lose grip of the world around you.
Perfect for: fans of Stephen King and Psycho.
Eyes Wide Open and The Devil in Mia by Jan Miklaszewicz
I couldn’t pick just one of Jan’s books to talk about here! Eyes Wide Open and The Devil in Mia are both part of Jan’s Hartmouth Horrors, a collection of gruesome novellas set in a seedy British seaside town. These novellas are so intensely gross, yet so fast paced, you can barely put them down. I cannot wait for Drudge, the next instalment.
Perfect for: people who love really gross horror.
This House Isn’t Haunted But We Are by Stephen Howard
What happens when a house desperately wants to become a home? Death haunts the family home in this novella, as a house tries to welcome its new, grieving owners. It’s eerie, and overwhelmingly heartbreaking at its core; a beautiful exploration of grief.
Perfect for: people who love when the setting is its own character.
Caesaria by Hanna Nordenhök
This book is such a difficult one to classify but at the same time, one I wish more people knew. Almost fairytale-esque in its way, Caesaria follows the story of a baby, born by caesarean section in 19th century Sweden, and raised by the surgeon who delivered her. It’s incredibly subtle, but the gentleness of the prose is so beautiful, as if you’re trapped in a nightmare.
Perfect for: fans of isolationary ruralness and Pan’s Labyrinth.
What Comes Before by Molly Macabre
This might be the most divisive book on my list! A short book in itself, Tess and Aiden get lost in the forest, and things all start to go wrong… The plot is confusing and claustrophobic and I was terrified the entire time reading it. Such a fun little read!
Perfect for: fans of confusing narratives.
By Sarah R. New
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