So many indie books are brimming with imagination. It is time that they are recognised for the things that are outlandish, unexpected, and oddly-specific to them. As we bring 2025 to a close, I’m dishing out my fun awards to a small selection of the indie books I’ve read this year. What stood out to me will differ from what stood out to other readers, and that’s what makes the dialogue between author and reader special… you can’t anticipate where it will go.
Best Dressed
Kye from Wraith and the Revolution by A.J. Calvin
Kye is a jeans and T-shirt type of person. But with the help of his best friend’s fiancee, he upgrades his fashion sense. It turns out he wears green very well … especially when the colour powers a special exosuit.
Most Diverse Cast
Trip Fantastik: Gathering Wise by M.K. Baker
Every one of the 12 main characters is a different species in this unique creation myth.
Best Animal (?) Companion
Peggs from The Tennacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword by Bill Adams and Dewey Conway
How many one-legged roosters keep swords in their peg legs and take on groups of lizard men?
Couple I’d Most Want to see in a Romantic Comedy
Owen and Tess from Serpentus by A.J. Calvin
Their flirting is relentless in even the darkest of settings. They deserve some truly light and fluffy moments.
Most Elegant Cannibals
River in the Galaxy by Natalie Kelda
They will carve you up and eat you with a knife and fork.
Best Morally-grey Cat
Miss Fortune from Hannah and Gregory, A Fairytale Retelling by J.C. Faust
With her changing allegiances, Miss-Fortune kept me guessing throughout this middle-grade Halloween story.
Best Actor and Best Creature Effects
The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle by Steve Hugh Westenra
Tyler’s talents have been overlooked for too long… his time has come. He also encounters some truly beguiling cryptids on Echo Island.
Best Amnesiac Husband
Arthur Grimm from Austringer’s Wrath, Book 2 in The Gifts of the Auldtree series by E. L. Lyons
He will take care of you even though he can’t remember saying “I do”, doesn’t mind the roots growing out of you, and is enthralled by the feral little hisses and moans you make.
Most Memorable Beach Getaway
The Convergence, Book 3 in The Drift series by Casie Aufenthie
If you’ve been following this series, you’ve been waiting for this.
Grandparent who’d Knit you The Best Winter Ensemble
Jun from An Ambitious Woman and Her Very Normal Pet by A.J. Alexanders (aka Lily Greene)
The sweetest character you could hope to meet, but they won’t hesitate to scold you if you’re not eating and resting enough.
Highest Proportion of Tragic Heroes in a Multi-POV Cast
Tears of the Maelstrom, Book 2 in the Legacy of Boulom series by Timothy Wolff
Tempest isn’t what his people want, David is looking for a reason to keep going, Serenna wonders whether she will ever have a moment’s peace, and Francis is terrified of the common folk he rules. There are many tears indeed.
C B Lansdell 