Top 8 Indie Books of 2022
Hi everyone, today I thought I’d talk about my top 8 indie reads of 2022! I read some really great independent books last year. In fact every read was enjoyable, so if you’re an indie author and your book doesn’t make my list, it’s not that I didn’t love it. I had to be quite ruthless, otherwise I’d be hear all day!
You’ll notice that several books are from the same author – excitingly some of my favourite authors released new books last year, as well as me getting to some of their other books on my TBR pile. However I discovered one or two fantastic authors new to me as well.
All of these books will contain links to Amazon. I haven’t gotten around to reviewing every book on my blog, which I confess dwindled a bit last year – but I hope to have blog book reviews for all of these books soon.
So, without any particular order, here are my Top Indie Books of 2022!
1. A Game of Wits by Niamh and Rebecca Schmid
I read this quite early on in 2022. This was just as amazing as the previous two books in the Schmid series. Astra and Louko are back after their near-death escape from their enemy, Tyron. Just as Astra might be about to recover, they get sent on a quest from a leader they’re not at all sure they can trust.
Astra and Louko’s friendship develops beautifully. It feels like there could be romance one day, but even if there isn’t, their friendship is rare and wonderful. Also there’s fast-paced action, stunning worldbuilding and a sensational antagonist. Really recommend this book, but also recommend you get the other books in the series first! Hit the links below to check out my blog review and how to grab the book on Amazon.
2. A Wider World by Karen Heenan
Well researched, exquisitely written with a beautifully developed character. I absolutely loved the first novel in Heenan’s series, Songbird, so it was no surprise to me to love this second novel. It is a sequel but as it focuses on a different character than the first book, it could be read as a stand-alone.
Secretary Robin Lewis is fighting for his life, on a journey to the Tower. Along the way he shares his story with his captor, Will Hawkins, in the hope of somehow averting his fate. Beautiful, moving and set in stunning scenery. Also, as a Protestant Christian myself, I particularly enjoyed the fascinating insight to the dissolution and the sad reality of what happened to the monks and to the ordinary people who depended on the monasteries for their livelihoods. Highly recommended!
3. Widow’s Lace by Lelita Baldock
Straight away the reader sweeps away into the intriguing character of Ellie, a PHD student researching the last known poem of a poet, Edward Barrington. Barrington mysteriously disappeared in 1880. Struggling with her own personal loss and anger, Ellie faces the prospect of failing her PHD. That is, until a startling discovery of bones – that could be the poet’s – kickstarts her inspiration.
Intriguing plot, the beautiful settings of Adelaide, wonderful character development (especially with the remain narrator in the present, Ellie) and stunning description.
4. Empress & Soldier by Marion L Thorpe
Thorpe’s latest novel is a fantastic alternative entry to the Empire’s Legacy series. One of my last reads in 2022, it follows the story of Druisius, a soldier and Eudekia, a scholar’s daughter who becomes an Empress. The novel is set before and during the third novel in the Empire’s Legacy trilogy, so it can be read as a stand-alone.
Eudekia is a true diplomat, with great passion and strength. Druisius is darker, shrewd and unafraid to do unpleasant tasks to serve his commanders. The novel has a great balance of never shying away from what Druisius does, but also never being explicit.
If you’re like me who has read the other books, it’s a wonderful insight into a thrilling new perspective. Well-loved characters are reintroduced and key events are shown. In the words of Hamilton, we get to be ‘in the room where it happens’.
Of course, the true gem is Thorpe’s masterful writing, bringing each scene and character to life. I felt I was right beside Eudekia bent over papers on a table, or beside Druisius as he walks along the docks. I cannot recommend this book highly enough – and I also recommend grabbing every other book in this series. Already excited for Thorpe’s next work.
5. Lady, in Waiting by Karen Heenan
Lady, in Waiting, is an excellent read, beautifully written with wonderful character development. Following on from ‘A Wider World’, the book follows the point of view of Margery. Margery has recently married Robin Lewis, the main character of ‘A Wider World’.
Margery is one of the ladies waiting upon Queen Elizabeth 1 and her husband serves the court. Despite their roles having much in common, they start their marriage apart. Like the other two books in the series, Heenan gives us an excellent glimpse of history, through very human lives and relationships.
6. Goldsong by Beth Hudson
Goldsong is a beautifully-written fantasy novel, with detailed character development and wonderful worldbuilding and lore. Traedis is a main character everyone can root for. After she is made king, Traedis hopes to build a better future for her kingdom, the city of Tolin. Tolin is known for being the ‘City of Assassins’.
Traedis works to find a new way of peace for her city, including fighting a curse with her powers as a bard. Though Goldsong details alliances and magic from other kingdoms, Traedis must also deal with the pain and threats that might come from her own family. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next books, including hopefully a sequel to Goldsong!
Traedis works to find a new way of peace for her city, including fighting a curse with her powers as a bard. Though Goldsong details alliances and magic from other kingdoms, Traedis must also deal with the pain and threats that might come from her own family. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next books, including hopefully a sequel to Goldsong!
7. Askefise by Rebecca Schmid
Near the end of 2022, I was very excited to read this latest installment of the Schmid TetraWorld series. This is a prequel detailing the earlier life of one of the characters in the main series. As such, although I had read the other books in the series, it could be read as a stand-alone.
The novel follows Tyron a prince running from his homeland and Rhioa, a warrior on a mission with a secret past. Along with her sister, Tirza, Rhioa saves Tyron’s life. In return, Tyron tries to help the sisters with their mission.
Like with every other book in the series, this has wonderfully written, with great character development and immersive and fresh storytelling. Highly recommended – and I also recommend getting every other fantastic book in this series!
8. Coming Apart by Karen Heenan
I devoured Heenan’s Tudor Court series, so I already knew I would love this author’s next work. Heenan’s wonderful writing and character development shines through. Heenan powerfully and poignantly tells the story of two sisters, who have grown apart due to different life circumstances.
Highly recommend – I was unable to put this book down! Already excited for the sequel. I also recommend grabbing the author’s Tudor series as well – you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for Reading!
So, those are my top 8 indie books of 2022! Thanks so much for reading. Do you have any favourite books from last year? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
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