SKaeth author

Beneath the Gods' Tree by S. Kaeth

Amanah knows all-too-well the dangers of catching the attention of the upper class of Arruk. Using her position as a guard to steal secrets of healing and help other lower class people means she works hard to remain unnoticed. Fellow guard Taunos is boisterous, laughing, larger than life–and always around. He attracts attention as easily as breathing, which makes being associated with him dangerous. Better to stay far away, regardless of her attraction to him and his easy calm. But when Amanah inadvertently insults a magistrate, she must flee the city to avoid his vengeance. She takes a last-minute job escorting a pair of noblemen to another town–a job Taunos is also hired for. Along the way, she’s forced to reveal her stolen healing skills to keep the small group alive, and finds more support from Taunos than she ever would have dreamed. His confident charm becomes hard to ignore as he sees her as no one else has, even when she’s doing her best to be invisible. But opening herself to romance might be as dangerous as the wildlife and bandits they face in the wilderness, and pursuing her dreams of becoming a healer could attract the ire of those in power. This book has: so much banter; strong sibling relationship; strong friendships; friends-to-lovers (low steam); gay side characters; main character anxiety rep; diverse cast with immersive worldbuilding; action and adventure, wilderness survival style; low fantasy (none of the main group displays clear magic on page); single PoV, third person past tense

Palon, a Windward novella by S. Kaeth

It’s not easy growing up part of a famous family. Twelve-year old Palon’s magic isn’t strong compared to the rest of her family’s, she has no special talents, and she’s constantly falling short of the mark. Desperate to stand out, she leaves home and bonds a dragon, Windward. But life among dragons and other dragonbonded is not easy. Palon’s refusal to admit to mistakes makes it hard for her to fit in. She’s so worried about proving herself, she pushes people away. When Palon sees an intruder in the nest, no one believes her. Despite her insistence, they explain away her concerns, and soon everyone’s too distracted with a spreading illness to listen. Frustrated, Palon defies her mentor’s instructions and convinces Windward to help her investigate. In order to heal the nest, Palon will have to trust that her newfound family will accept her despite her imperfections. And it begins with immersing herself in the wisdom of the dragon she bonded.

Prelude Cycle by S. Kaeth

SFFOasis

This novella is arranged as a series of seasons with one short story vignette from each of the four main point of views. These stories are set approximately three years before Between Starfalls begins. Taunos attempts to get into the library of Far Dahutad. Takiyah balances her love of learning with the judgements of her community. Kaemada struggles mind to mind. Ra’ael faces challenges on her path to becoming a priestess. If you’re looking to dip your toe in the Children of the Nexus universe and get to know the characters briefly, this is the book for you!

Let Loose the Fallen: Book Two of Children of the Nexus by S. Kaeth

Teacup Dragon Coop SFFOasis

The priestess searches for her faith. The fire-wielder wrestles with her past. The psion dreams of peace. And the hero is torn between his heart and his duty. While grief scatters the four protectors to the winds, outside forces write history according to their own whims. The fate of the Rinaryns lies twined with that of the boy, Eian, caught in a tug of war the heroes are unaware of. But the evidence lies waiting for Taunos and the others to see, if only they can move past their betrayal.

Between Starfalls by S. Kaeth

SPFBO6 WriteHive Book Club Teacup Dragon Coop SFFOasis

Never leave the path.  It’s sacred law, punishable by exile. When her son goes missing in the perilous mountains, Kaemada defies the law to search for him. She enlists the help of her hero brother, a priestess berserker, and a fire-wielding friend. But the law exists for a reason. When the search party is captured by the mythical Kamalti, they learn that Kaemada’s son was sent to an ancient prison city. As they battle for freedom, they discover a horrible truth that will change the future of both races forever. With their world in upheaval, Kaemada must find a way to peace if she's to save her son—but tensions between the two races are leading to war.

Windward by S. Kaeth

SPFBO7 SFFOasis Indie Recs Indie

When dragons fight, mountains weep. In nests high in the mountains, dragons and dragonbonded share their lives, thoughts, feelings, and ambitions. Palon and her partner, the dragon Windward, are renowned among their nest for their flying skill. Their days are filled with everything she loves, especially riding the wind. Even being tasked with teaching their way of life to Tebah, a rebellious newly bonded teenager, can’t bring her down too much. But when treasures from the dragons’ hoards are found in Palon’s collection, her idyllic life comes crashing down. She battles to prove her innocence, while her every move is cast as further evidence against her. Tebah’s suspicion, homesickness, and defiance would be frustrating even in easy times. With Palon in the spotlight while her rivals smear her name at every turn and stir up plots of revenge, her teenage charge’s behavior proves dangerous. Dragon tempers shorten, and challenges and disputes shake the ground. Palon will have to trust more than just herself if she hopes to once more own the sky.

The Forbidden (The Ancestors Saga, #1) by Lori Holmes

Beneath Black Sails by Clare Sager

Reign & Ruin by J. D. Evans

The Hunter by Hannah E. Carey

A fun light read with an interesting world, including a Welsh-like culture

The Unwanted Prophet by Carolina Cruz

What a fantastic story, with an incredible voice that takes a dark, low fantasy and makes it funny at moments. Definitely check content warnings!

Queen of the Dawn by S.M. Gaither

Mother of Death and Dawn (The War of Lost Hearts Book 3) by Carissa Broadbent

Children of Fallen Gods (The War of Lost Hearts Book 2) by Carissa Broadbent

Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts Book 1) by Carissa Broadbent

Absolutely enthralling, extremely quotable prose to match a gripping tale

The Faceless Mage (Legends of Abreia Book 1) by Kenley Davidson

A Darkness At The Door by Intisar Khanani

Aestus: Book 2: The Colony by S. Z. Attwell

Aestus, Book 1: The City by S. Z. Attwell

This is a great, fast-paced story filled with twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next one!

The Children of Chaos (The Cruel Gods #2) by Trudie Skies

Crown of Nightmares (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 7) by Sylvia Mercedes

Queen of Poison (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 6) by Sylvia Mercedes

Tears of Dust (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 5) by Sylvia Mercedes

Dance of Souls (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 4) by Sylvia Mercedes

Paths of Malice (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 3) by Sylvia Mercedes

Visions of Fate (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 2) by Sylvia Mercedes

The Name-Bearer (Flowers of Prophecy #1) by Natalia Hernandez

An incredible story filled with diversity and fresh worldbuilding that came from the heart, with lovable characters you are excited to root for. The ending clearly sets up for the next book and I suspect it's meant to be all one long story by the end.

We Are the Origin (Wrath of the Gods Book 1) by C.M. Lockhart

This book defies common genre buckets, and the story is a fresh perspective and storytelling style. If you like anti-heroines and dark fantasy mixed with mythology, definitely pick this up!

The Sword in the Street by C.M. Caplan

Spit and Song (Ustlian Tales) by Travis M. Riddle

I had some trouble getting into this book, though I loved the worldbuilding, but about the halfway mark it began to grab my attention more and more.

Starkiller: The Merry Maids Book Three by Stefanie Contreras

Piecefinder: The Merry Maids Book Two by Stefanie Contreras

The Merry Maids by Stefanie Contreras

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless

Wings of the Storm (The Dunes of Aelaron: Book One) by Aaron Bunce, Christopher Guhl

Tales of Lunis Aquaria by Tessa Hastjarjanto

This is like an old book of fairy tales, and it's so interesting trying to see how the various stories intersect with each other (if they do)! Thoroughly enjoyable, though a bit distant in storytelling style from what I typically prefer.

Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar

Lightblade by Zamil Akhtar

Such an entertaining tale, full of interesting twists. Part sci-fi, part fantasy, part myth and legend, and fully enjoyable.

Shadow of a Dead God (Mennik Thorn #1) by Patrick Samphire

A fantasy-mystery with intriguing magicbuilding/worldbuilding, and a gripping ending.

Shadows of Ivory by T L Greylock and Bryce O'Connor

An excellent epic fantasy with an archaeologist main character dealing with religion, magic, politics, and also the responsibility of scholars for the plundering of artifacts.

No Rest for Wicked Thieves by Jonathan Pembroke

A short, entertaining tale. A thief, a priestess, and a scoundrel walk into a bar. Well, a town. But first, the thief and priestess's house... Well, you should just read it.

Bonds of Promise by Andrew D. Meredith

This is an intriguing second-world fantasy following mercenaries as they go through their day-to-day activities. Part epic fantasy, part slice of life, with novel creatures and worldbuilding.

The Eternal Muse: Desecration by Rick Waugh

Awesome music magic in a medieval European world with religious-political influences on the plot. Interesting, satisfying story.

The Last Gifts of the Universe by Rory August

This is an absolutely brilliant, poignant book filled with characters who come alive (Pumpkin!) and deep musings on the nature of life.

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Flames Over Frosthelm (Inquisitors' Guild Book 1) by Dave Dobson

Excellent story weaving humor and plot together with a deft hand while spotlighting lovable characters!

The 13th Zodiac by L. Krauch

Of Honey and Wildfires (Songs of Sefate #1) by Sarah Chorn

An incredible story that reads like a masterpiece painting, the various threads of time and story gradually coming together in a twisting knot at the end.

The Skeleton Key by Justine Manzano

Jacklyn and Kyp are back, and this adventure is no less heart-twisting and thoroughly gripping than the last, and yet somehow at the same time, it's a wholesome ride.

A Touch of Light by Thiago Abdalla

Amazing epic with political undertones, following multiple incredible characters through their storylines.

Hag of the Hills (The Bronze Sword Cycles Duology Book 1) by J.T.T. Ryder

Where Blood Runs Gold by A.C. Cross

an action-packed Western with enjoyable characters and an intriguing supernatural plot

The Demons We See by Krista D. Ball

I finished this book in less than 24 hours and cried. It's brilliantly told!

Through Shadows by P.S. Livingstone, A.M. Justice, Alex McGilvery, J.E. Hannaford, Laura Shank, Liam Hogan, Anela Deen

A great selection of compelling stories by talented authors!

The Thirteenth Hour by Trudie Skies

Incredible gaslamp fantasy with an impressive array of distinct races. Amazing pacing, intriguing worldbuilding, and characters you can't help but root for!

Sairō's Claw by Virginia McClain

Absolutely fantastic story--sailing ships, water dragons, a giant wolf kami, and more!

Emma and the Prince of Shadows (World of Light Book 2) by Jon Herrera

A fantastic follow up to Emma and the Minotaur! I really loved exploring this new world with Emma and Will.

Where Shadows Lie by Allegra Pescatore

Fantastic, absolutely epic book with great disability rep and LGBTQ+ rep. Told through multiple PoVs, each necessary and interesting.

ILLBORN by Daniel T. Jackson

The plotlines wove together so well in this one! There was a distance to the storytelling style but I loved how the magic interacted with each other.

Dio in the Dark by Rizwan Asad

A fascinating, enjoyable tale featuring some of my favorite characters from Greek mythology with an imaginative adventure.

The Enixar: The Sorcerer's Conquest by Mikkell Khan

An interesting dark mixture of science fiction and fantasy playing with familiar tropes in intriguing ways.

Lady Vago's Malediction by A.K.M. Beach

Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill

Fantastic worldbuilding, with a story that’s kind of Wheel of Time meets Eragon.

A Voice That Thunders (Voice That Thunders #1) by Cully Mack

Children by Bjorn Larssen

Kotov Syndrome by Tim Baughman Jr

A thought-provoking sci-fi that delves into what makes a person, and grapples with the light and the dark that people can bring to a relationship. A diverse tale with mental health representation.

They Mostly Come Out At Night by Benedict Patrick

Truth and Other Lies by Lyra Wolf

Helpless: A Short Story Collection by Tiffany Christina Lewis

A gripping selection of a variety of short stories all showcasing women in a range of strengths.

My Hand and My Heart by Isabel Huntoon

This cli-fi is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy with the feeling of anime, but in novel form. Fascinating, intriguing worldbuilding!

The Wild Court by E. G. Radcliff

The Last Prince by E. G. Radcliff

The Wildflowers at the Edge of the World by Shaylin Gandhi

Includes Neurodiversity Representation and incredible diversity.

Birds of a Feather by Sandy Butchers

illustrated!

Cradle of Sea and Soil by Bernie Anés Paz

Nocturne: A Collection of Dark Tales by H.B. Diaz

The Hidden King (The Coming of Áed #1) by E.G. Radcliff

Like a gay Goblin Emperor with a disability, with Found Family themes, and lovely description. I loved the worldbuilding but I craved even more of it to be on the same level with Strange the Dreamer. Amazing book though from an astounding talent.

Zeroth Law (Digitesque #1) by Guerric Haché

I adore the worldbuilding and premise for this story but struggled to connect to the characters. It may simply be a writing style thing not meshing with me. Love the sci-fi/fantasy fusion. Some minor editing errors but nothing too major.

Legacy of Flame by Rebecca Bapaye

A gorgeously told second world fantasy with characters who will whisk you along with their tale with such vibrancy that the plot itself fades into the background a bit, and that’s okay! Thoroughly enjoyable.

The Gatekeeper's Staff by Antoine Bandele

This is the kick off to a new YA series with super refreshing worldbuilding playing off of West African mythology, like a Percy Jackson meets Black Panther with excellent, diverse characters to connect with.

The Iron Crown by L L Macrae

This was an interesting book with unique worldbuilding & amazing diversity. The pacing was great for me, with main first-book events tied up nicely by the end. My only issue was that I didn't love some of the PoV characters. Definitely highly recommended to give it a try, though!

Privilege: A Trilogy by Bharat Krishnan

A thoughtful but no-holds-barred imagining of a world where white privilege is a drug controlled by the people in power. People can take this drug, use it (& abuse it), & give it to others. Told through the perspectives of various people strung together in a series of events.

Minimum Wage Magic by Rachel Aaron

Similar feel to Whitney Hill's Elemental Series (https://indiestorygeek.com/story/129) and Annette Marie's Guild Codex (Three Mages and a Margarita - https://indiestorygeek.com/story/654), but set in a future Detroit with gods, dragons, and magic alongside cybermetics and AI.

Seasons of Albadone (The Eighth Chant Book 1) by Élan Marché and Christopher Warman

Fun short stories that weave together in interesting ways!

A Feeling Like Home by Haleigh Wenger

A Dark Inheritance (Hollow Fate #1) by Todd Herzman

Two Thousand Years (The Empire Saga) by M. Dalto

Eldritch Sparks: Shadows of Otherside Book 2 by Whitney Hill

The Community by Jacob Klop

Never Say Never by Justine Manzano

This is a fun, snarky, quick-paced YA novel, perfect for those who want their fantasy blended with the real world. The characters were relatable and the story was light and fun, even with the teenage angst. The writing doesn't slow the pacing with too much description.

Damned Souls and a Sangria (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 8) by Annette Marie

Lost Talismans and a Tequila (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 7) by Annette Marie

Druid Vices and a Vodka (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 6) by Annette Marie

The Alchemist and an Amaretto (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 5) by Annette Marie

Demon Magic and a Martini (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 4) by Annette Marie

Two Witches and a Whiskey (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 3) by Annette Marie

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 2) by Annette Marie

Three Mages and a Margarita (The Guild Codex: Spellbound Book 1) by Annette Marie

This is a super fun book centered around the non-magic-wielding Tori, who ends up surrounding herself with magic-wielders, and still holds her own.

Silver and Blood by Trina L. Talma

Protostar: An Automatic Apocalypse by Jesse Pohlman

The Brightest Shadow by Sarah Lin

Sol Invictus (The Eye of Ra Book 2) by Ben Gartner

A thrilling tale fit for MG readers seeking action, adventure, and history, all evened out with well-times humor!

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Heart of a Lion by Stephen Zimmer

A fun adventure with memorable characters!

Where Ravens Soar by Michelle Connor

The Techno Mage by S.W. Raine

Nocturnal Blood by Villimey Mist

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera

A charming story of a bright 11-year old girl who, while trying to solve the mystery of her friend's missing dad, finds herself engulfed in an ancient war between creatures of myth and legend, with her town hanging in the balance.

Cute Mutants Vol 1: Mutant Pride by SJ Whitby

Lani: The Girl Without Fear by Dan Cole

This is a fun, light book with lots of twists on familiar tropes!

The Order of the Key by Justine Manzano

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Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan

Dawnstar (Starchaser Saga Book 2) by Renee Dugan

Elemental: Shadows of Otherside Book 1 by Whitney Hill

Absolutely fantastic urban fantasy. Highly recommended!

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Dragon's Reach: An epic fantasy adventure (The Keeper Origins Book 1) by JA Andrews

A Threat of Shadows (The Keeper Chronicles Book 1) by JA Andrews

Aegyir Rises (Guardians of The Realm Book 1) by Amanda Fleet

Voice of War (Threadlight Book 1) by Zack Argyle

Magic system reminiscent of Lightbringer series and Mistborn, with a fun new world to explore!

Daughter of Shades (The Venatrix Chronicles #1) by Sylvia Mercedes

Fun, female Witcher story with music-based magic!

Parasites by Matthew Samuels

Darkwind (The Starchaser Saga) by Renee Dugan

Consequences: A Wilders Finale by Cass Kim

The Chaos Circus by Renee Dugan

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Wilders by Cass Kim

Silvertongue by Casey White

This was a bit darker than I normally read, but I couldn't put it down, either.

The Necromancer's Prison by Alec Whitesell and Craig Bonacorsi

This one's a bit hard to categorize. Part portal fantasy, part sci-fi, part alternate history or parallel world, full of action, adventure, and also a YA love triangle.

Michael McGillicuddy and the Most Amazing Race by Trevor A. Dutcher

A satisfying fun read in multiple points of view immersed in a steampunk/gaslamp feel. While there are several points of over description, the actual plot was quite fun and the characters were interesting.

Crystal and Flint (The Journey Missions Book 1) by Holly Ash

Warlocks of the Sigil by Peri Akman

Windswept by Kaitlin Bellamy

Dragon's Price by Daniel Potter

The Lightning Rod by C.S. Ratliff

The Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner

Sand Dancer by Trudie Skies

The Reach Between Worlds by Cameron Hayden

Running With the Wolves by J.E. Reed