I set a goal of reading 52 books this year (which was as it turns out a bit of a gross underestimation), and part of that was I wanted a significant number of them to be self-published works. So far this year of the 47 books I have read, 19 have been self-pub, and I thought I would share a couple sentance review of each below. A few are horror, but most are fantasy/sci-fi. Here they are in roughly reverse order that I read them (other than grouping each author together):

The Delivery of Flesh by Francis James Blair: This was a lot of fun! If you enjoy westerns mixed with magic you should like this. It’s a little western tropey at times perhaps, but I think with sort of book that is exactly what you want.

Wondrous by Travis M. Riddle: I usually don’t like portal fantasy, but this is a rare and excellent exception! It has a neat twist, and packs real emotional impact.

Balam, Spring by Travis M. Riddle: Slice of life fantasy with what I have learned is a sort of Final Fantasy influence (never played them, can’t attest to that fact). Solid read, but my least favorite of the three Riddle books I read.

The Narrows by Travis M. Riddle: Horror, but the best of the three Riddles. This book lingered with me for days! If you took out every bit of the supernatural, you would still be left with a great book that centers on fading friendships, and the concept of can you go home again.

Legionnaire by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole: Military sci-fi. I like the genre, and this was a good and fairly standard entry into the genre.

Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe: The first LitRPG book I ever read. Amazing concept, but the LitRPG execution just isn’t for me. To much exposition, but then that is what you want with a book like this I guess. It just took me out of the story at times.

On the Shoulders of Titans by Andrew Rowe: Even though this isn’t the genre for me, it’s a testament to how good the story itself is that I read the sequel. Same problems as the first for me, but there is a reason this gets recommended so often.

The Sighting by Christopher Coleman: Fun little horror novel. Nothing mindblowing, but there is a neat twist.

Dungeon Master by Eric Vall: Decided to give LitRPG another try, and stumbled into a Dungeoncore book. Craftwise its fine, but it sorta made my skin crawl to read. This genre just isn’t for me, but if you like Dungeoncore, I guess check this out.

The Game Bird by Aidan R. Walsh: Blackpowder fantasy! And a blast to read! Loved this book, and if you like nautical adventures you should check it out.

The Prophecy Con by Patrick Weeks: Second book in the Rogues of the Republic series. I recommend this series ALL the time, especially if heist style reads are your jam. EDIT: It has been brought to my attention that this series isn't self-pub, its through an Amazon press. So it's on KU, but not self-published. Still great though! Carry on bingo'ers!

The Paladin Caper by Patrick Weeks: Third book in the Rogues of the Republic series. Think I said enough above. EDIT: It has been brought to my attention that this series isn't self-pub, its through an Amazon press. So it's on KU, but not self-published. Still great though! Carry on bingo'ers!

They Mostly Come Out at Night by Benedict Patrick: The first Yarnsworld book. I love this setting so much! And the book is good and twisty. I will be reading the rest in the series for sure.

Dead Lake by Darcy Coates: Another quick little horror book, about a young woman at an isolated cabin, and the creepy stuff that happens. Solid, but not all that remarkable I guess.

Here Be Dragons by Davip P. Macpherson: I love this book! If you liked Kings of the Wyld, you should like this. It’s a humorous tale of a retired adventurer getting back into the game.

Blackwater by Christian Galacar: Two short stories in one book. They were both solid horror stories, zero complaints.

Gilchrist by Christian Galacar: This book reads like a Stephen King novel. The prose isn’t quite on Kings level, but the structure, the tone, its very good. If you enjoy horror, check it out.

Teeth Marks by Matthew Weber: Full disclosure, Matt is a friend of mine. But this collection of short horror stories is great, and I love how they weave together using the same location.

A Dark and Winding by Mathew Weber: Same as above, only of the two collections I think this one is every so slightly better. Lots of twists and turns, lots of great ideas.

Of these, my top three recommendations: Here Be Dragons, The Narrows, The Rogues of the Republic Series.