We can all agree that some hidden gems always deserve all the love and praise they can get. Similarly, as readers, we gravitate more toward traditionally published books than self-published ones.
So, here we bring you the 12 best self-published books that deserve all the hype and praise they can get.
#1 The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
About the book
Title: The Sword of Kaigen
Author: M.L. Wang
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy
Type: Standalone
Pages: 559
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
The most powerful warriors in the world live at the mountainside, on the edge of the Kaigenese Empire. They can raise the sea and wield blades of ice at will. For hundreds of years, the fighters of the Kusanagi Peninsula have held the Empire’s enemies at bay, earning their frozen spit of land the name “The Sword of Kaigen.” A fourteen-year-old, Mamoru has always known his life’s purpose: to master his family’s fighting skills and protect the Empire. All-mountain people believe that the Empire will save them from all calamities. However, this belief comes crashing down when an outsider arrives and pulls back the curtain on Kaigen’s alleged age of peace; Mamoru realizes that he might not have much time to become the fighter he was bred to be. Worse, the Empire he was born to defend may stand on a foundation of lies.
Why do we recommend this book?
Even after reading this book so many times, I can’t even begin to express the love I have for this book. This book has the most unique magic systems I’ve ever read. It reminded me a lot of Avatar: The Last Airbender in terms of the magic system. The characters are thoroughly developed. This book made me cry. Read this book because it is one of the best self-published books.
To buy/gift The Sword of Kaigen, click on the below link:
#2 Mortal Techniques Series by Rob J. Hayes
About the book
Title: Mortal Techniques
Author: Rob J. Hayes
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Never Die, #2 Pawn’s Gambit, #3 Spirits of Vengeance
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
When the gods of death give Ein, an eight-year-old boy, a mission to kill the immortal emperor, he knows he will need all the help he can get. Whispering Blade, Iron Gut Chen, the Century Blade, and Flaming Fist. These are all names of legend. And the god of death has given Ein a way to bind them to his cause. There is only one catch. To serve him, they must first die. After that, it becomes a journey filled with Samurai, shinigami, vengeful spirits, and an impossible quest.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book was such a fun ride. It feels like reading a video game or an anime. It has some heartwarming friendships alongside the fight scenes that make the pain even more heartbreaking. People who love mixing fantasy with Japanese mythology/manga will love this book.
To buy/gift Mortal Techniques Series Book 1, click on the below link:
#3 Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
About the book
Title: Legends & Lattes
Author: Travis Baldree
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Type: Standalone
Pages: 318
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
Viv, an orc barbarian, worn after decades of packing steel and raising hell. Hope and a dream led her to the streets of Thune, where she planned to open the first coffee shop the city had ever seen at any rate. However, her dreams of a fresh start pulling shots instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners and a different kind of resolve.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book was so cute and felt like sunshine after rainy days. It is a cozy fantasy book moreover with romance. I loved every part of this book. The characters are so cute and well-written. If you liked The House in the Cerulean Seas, you would love this book.
To buy/gift Legends & Lattes, click on the below link:
#4 Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell
About the book
Title: Stolen Tongues
Author: Felix Blackwell
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Type: Standalone
Pages: 320
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
High up on the windswept cliffs of Pale Peak, Faye and Felix celebrate their new engagement. But soon, the peace disrupts. First, they could hear noises coming from the nearby woods: the screams of animals, the cries of children, and the mad babble of a hundred mournful voices. Next, a dark figure looms near the windows in the dead of night, whispering to Faye. Lastly, as the weather turns deadly, Felix discovers that his terrified fiancée isn’t just mumbling in her sleep – she’s whispering back.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book was so creepy and terrifying. Moreover, it made me remember my childhood fears. Yet, even in a tense situation, the author occasionally sprinkles humor throughout the book. In addition, it has a perfect small-town vibe, and the ideal wintery vibes add the creep factor a lot more. Finally, it is one of the best self-published books.
To buy/gift Stolen Tongues, click on the below link:
#5 The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
About the Book
Title: The Cheat Sheet
Author: Sarah Adams
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
Pages: 306
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
Is it hard or even possible to get out of a friend zone? That’s the biggest dilemma of Bree’s life. She is hopelessly in love with her best friend and star quarterback Nathan Donelson. She can’t admit her feelings to him because everything would be weird, and she doesn’t want to lose her best friend. Their friendship is blooming until she accidentally spills her beans to a reporter over too much tequila, and now the world seems to think Bree and Nathan belong together. So now they have to date for three weeks publicly. Can she keep her feelings at bay during these three weeks?
Why do we recommend this book?
Basically, I love this book. Bree is such a lively, determined, and strong-willed girl that I can’t help but admire her. Nathan is also such a sweet gentleman. However, I loved their friendship. Lastly, this book was so wholesome and cute.
To buy/gift The Cheat Sheet, click on the below link:
#6 To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise
About the book
Title: To Love Jason Thorn
Author: Ella Maise
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
Pages: 428
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
In this book, we follow Olive, who is a writer. Her book got a massive hit and is now being adapted into a movie. She is called to the office to decide the terms of the contract when she encounters her childhood crush Jason Thorn, who is starred as the movie’s hero. However, it was not just a crush, she was hopelessly in love with him, and he stomped on her heart and broke it into tiny pieces. Now Jason is back and wants to have the friendship back. Will Olive be able to protect her heart this time?
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is so beautiful. How lucky is it to have your childhood love evidently starred in a movie adapted through your book, which you wrote for the said star? I undeniably loved every second of it. The awkward situations, the heartfelt conversations, and the sizzling chemistry are very well portrayed. Also, it has the brother’s best friend trope. Finally, it is one of the best contemporary romance books.
To buy/gift To Love Jason Thorn, click on the below link:
#7 Paternus Trilogy by Dyrk Ashton
About the book
Title: Paternus
Author: Dyrk Ashton
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Rise of Gods, #2 Wrath of Gods, #3 War of Gods
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Even myths have legends. And not all tales are myths. When a local hospital is attacked by strange and frightening men, Fiona Patterson and Zeke Prisco save a catatonic old man named Peter—and find themselves running for their lives with creatures beyond imagination hounding their every step. They seek out Fi’s enigmatic Uncle Edgar with nowhere else to turn. But the more their questions are answered, the more they discover that nothing is what it seems–not Peter, not Edgar, perhaps not even themselves.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is like Percy Jackson(but for adults) meets Supernaturals. This book is intriguing and simultaneously pure enjoyment. It is action-packed and also fast-paced. It combines myths and gods from different regions and religions, such as Greek and Chinese folklore, and many more. Moreover, the writing style is really unique. Lastly, it is a perfect book to read to escape the reading slump.
To buy/gift Paternus Trilogy Book 1, click on the below link:
#8 Cradle by Will Wight
About the book
Title: Cradle
Author: Will Wight
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy
Type: Series
No. of Books: 10
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
In this world, sacred artists follow different paths to power, using their souls to control the forces of the natural world. However, in this world, where power is everything, Lindon is born unsouled, forbidden to learn the art of magic for his clan. As things get complicated, he must fight to pave his way. Finally, when faced with a looming fate he cannot ignore, he must defy his family’s rules…and forge his Path.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book was super fun. Following Lindon as he navigates what to do and how to help his clan in every way possible was fantastic. Moreover, the plus side to this whole series is that every book is super short, making them perfect to binge-read. Also, seeing Lindon being polite to even those who don’t deserve it was funny and fantastic. He believes in killing with kindness, and I love him for that. Finally, it is one of the best self-published books.
To buy/gift Cradle Book 1, click on the below link:
#9 Married to Magic Series by Elisa Kova
About the book
Title: Married to Magic
Author: Elisa Kova
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Romance
Type: Series
No. of Books: 2
Books in it: #1 A Deal with the Elf King, #2 A Dance with the Fae Prince
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
Three thousand years ago, humans were hunted by elves, powerful creatures with wild magic. Then came the treaty, and now the elves come into the human lands only for two things- war and wives. The elves have taken a young woman from Luella’s village to be their Human Queen for centuries. For humans, most of the time, it means death. So a marked nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she’s dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town’s only healer. That is until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives for her. The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home, and people tug on another… but what will genuinely break her is a passion she never wanted.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book was so intriguing. It reminded me, especially of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Although, it is a lot different from that book. The world that the author created was so unique and fresh. Moreover, it was fun and romantic. The starting was fast-paced and fun, but the ending was a little cheesy.
To buy/gift Married to Magic Series Book 1, click on the below link:
#10 The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
About the Book
Title: The Atlas Six
Author: Olivie Blake
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery
Type: Standalone
Pages: 383
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
The Alexandrian Society is a secret society of magical academicians, the best in the world. Their members are caretakers of lost knowledge from the greatest civilizations of antiquity. And those who earn a place among their number will secure a life of wealth, power, and prestige beyond their wildest dreams. Every decade, the six most talented magicians are selected for initiation. This time, the selected candidates are- Libby Rhodes and Nicolás Ferrer de Varona, Reina Mori, Parisa Kamali, Tristan Caine, and Callum Nova. Five, they are told, will be initiated. One will be eliminated. If they can prove themselves to be the best, they will survive.
Why do we recommend this book?
I read this book primarily because of the hype it gained on TikTok, and I’m so glad it is getting the publicity it deserves. Although the pacing was slow in the middle, it picked back up at the end. Finally, it follows unreliable narrators and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book.
To buy/gift The Atlas Six, click on the below link:
#11 Arcane Ascension by Andrew Rowe
About the book
Title: Arcane Ascension
Author: Andrew Rowe
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Sufficiently Advanced Magic, #2 On the Shoulders of Titans, #3 The Torch that Ignites the Stars
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Everyone must head inside the Serpent Spire — a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those strong enough to survive the trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be awarded a boon by the spire’s goddess. Corin’s brother entered the building five years ago to get his attunement and never returned. Now it’s Corin’s turn. If Corin can survive the trials, he’ll return home with attunement, and entering the tower might allow him to find out what happened to his brother and whether he is alive. The journey won’t be easy, but he won’t stop until he gets his brother back.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book was undoubtedly like a video game. However, it had great magic sequences. The concept of the ever-changing tower was unique and well done, so people needed to figure out what to expect from it. Moreover, the characters are well fletched out, making them likable. Alongside the excellent magic system, it also has some well-placed humor scenes that’ll make you laugh out loud. Finally, it is one of the best self-published books.
To buy/gift Arcane Ascension Book 1, click on the below link:
#12 The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
About the book
Title: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Author: Mariana Zapata
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Type: Standalone
Pages: 537
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
Vanessa Mazur knows that now is the right time to do what she always planned. She needs to quit, and she needs to stop feeling guilty for leaving her job. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. So she has plans that don’t include being at Aiden Graves’s beck and call. But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she’s beyond shocked. For two years, Aiden never gave any importance to her. The guy didn’t even thank her for doing so much. So why is he at her door asking her to come back?
Why do we recommend this?
Mariana Zapata is a queen when it comes to writing slow-burn romances. Moreover, the way their relationship grew was beautiful to see. I loved how pure and determined the main female character was. However, she said what needed to be said. I loved the friendships in this book. Finally, for all the lovers of slow-burn romances, read this book.
To buy/gift The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, click on the below link:
I hope that you can find some self-published books that intrigue you markedly. Please give them a try. They are even better than the traditionally published books.
That’s all for the recommendations for self-published books until next time.
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read these books. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
To conclude, here are the 12 self-published books.
| 1 | The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang | Buy Now |
| 2 | Mortal Techniques Series by Rob J. Hayes | Buy Now |
| 3 | Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree | Buy Now |
| 4 | Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell | Buy Now |
| 5 | The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams | Buy Now |
| 6 | To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise | Buy Now |
| 7 | Paternus Trilogy by Dyrk Ashton | Buy Now Book 1 |
| 8 | Cradle by Will Wight | Buy Now Book 1 |
| 9 | Married to Magic Series by Elisa Kova | Buy Now Book 1 |
| 10 | The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake | Buy Now |
| 11 | Arcane Ascension by Andrew Rowe | Buy Now Book 1 |
| 12 | The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata | Buy Now |
Read every book on this list as soon as possible. I am sure it won’t disappoint you.
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