Welcome to the SIXTH Epic Sale of Beloved SFF. The sale this year is bigger than ever, there are over a HUNDRED fantastic recommended books on sale for just $0.99 each from Aug 7-11th 2025, each with a brief recommendation so you know why it's awesome! And if you look closely you might spot a freebie here or there as well as many additional books the authors decided to offer up for a discounted price as well!
"This was so much fun - and it features dragons, so that's an obvious plus, but they're also really cute! (Criket is my favorite, of course). Cora is a great heroine and the story definitely left me feeling good by the end!"
"This teen roadtrip fantasy takes place in an alternate Earth, specifically an alternate United States, where witches have been in power for centuries and the world revolves around magic. The worldbuilding is so fresh and fun, with almost a hint of parody at times, and the ensemble of characters are loveable. It also lightly tackles issues of society and identity, especially body image and education."
Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson
Miss Percy Guide Book 1
"Did you know Lucy Maud Montgomery and Terry Pratchett collaborated on a book about dragons? You know now."
~ Bjørn Larssen
"Aside from having a wonderful (and long) title, the book is an easy read with a phenomenally written middle aged MC. The prose is witty, the parenthetical asides funny, and the entire book is a cozy read that was just what I wanted. Unless you hate cozy reads, this is one I don't think you can go wrong with. "
~ Calvin Park
"It's a delightful tale about a woman in her forties finally taking charge of her own story and going on the adventures she's always dreamed of and we need more stories like it in the world."
~ Virginia McClain
"An absolute delight from one of the greatest minds in SFF since Terry Pratchett ."
~ C. M. Caplan
"The regency fantasy you didn't know you needed!"
~ G. M. Nair
""A charming, warm, delightful story with absolutely superb writing and characterisation."
~Mitriel Faywood
Undine's Blessing: A Lunis Aquaria Story
by Tessa Hastjarjanto
Recommendation:
"A dark fairy tale novella full of enchanting wonder that focusses on family and friendship among the delightful sea creatures."
"Old school sword and sorcery meets new school ideas, fine prose and metal dragons!"
~ D. B. Rook
"An INCREDIBLE start to a new, dark epic fantasy series! Great characters, a fast-paced & action-packed plot, and excellent world building. A real GEM of a find!"
"A very dark story that doesn't shy away from putting characters into danger and making them face the consequences. A quick, action-packed read."
~ G. J. Terral
Callus & Crow by D. B. Rook
The Wayward World Chronicles Book 1
Recommendation:
"With Callus & Crow as his calling card, DB Rook has established himself as one of the most interesting and distinctive fantasy writers to emerge in the last couple of years."
Dark humor combine with brutally stark character portrayal.
~ Angela Boord
Imagine you are a son or daughter of gods: self-involved, uncaring, selfish gods who either ignore you completely or use you for their own ends. Now read Children--if you dare.
~Marian L Thorpe
Children turns familiar myths on their head, defying expectations whilst staying true to their source. If you enjoy Nordic mythology and prefer your fantasy on the grimdark side, Larssen’s distinctive voice is likely to appeal to you.
"This is a dark, gritty assassin and coming of age story. A classic story of grit and heart and being strong enough to become unbreakable."
~ Joey, The Dragon Reread of SFF Insiders
"It deals with a concept I've always loved in fantasy: the Thieves Guild. Andy Pelloquin manages to nicely combine the Young Adult school drama of things like Harry Potter and Divergent with a Medieval crime story."
~ CT Phipps of the blog The United Federation of Charles
"A gothic ghost story in a fantasy world with some of the most subtle, yet powerful, worldbuilding I've ever read. Featuring herbalist exorcists, seances, and hauntings that range from tragic to terrifying, it's the start of a truly memorable series."
A masterful piece of character-driven fantasy in a gritty Victorian-inspired setting.
~ Angela Boord
Legacy of the Brightwash has one of the most well realized characters I've read in a long time. It's dark as hell and deeply, wonderfully and horrifically human all at the same time.
~ C.M. Caplan
I love this one because the writing is gorgeous, there's an intriguing murder mystery, and it is Gaslamp/Victorian Grimdark, so yeah that's awesome, right!? Also some of the best characterization and deeply personal interactions you will find in a fantasy book.
~ Nick Borelli of Out of This World SFF
"Grimdark gaslamp with romance! A dark story showing both the best and worst of humanity with incredible characters that step out of the pages."
~Tru Skies
"Characters you love from the first page facing wonderfully real dilemmas in a gritty, fascinating world. Plus stunning, evocative writing and all the emotional trauma."
~ CM Debell
No Heart for a Thief by James Lloyd Dulin
Malitu Book 1
Recommendation:
"Avatar: The Last Airbender meets The Kingkiller Chronicle made for a great combination!"
~ Joseph John Lee
"A remarkable book of deeply woven cultures and identities clashing for survival, with an impressive magic system and a great dual-narrative"
Magical Girl! Except it's more Madoka and less Sailor Moon. A very, VERY dark fantasy that deals with concepts such as identity, agency, and independence.
~ Dax Murray
Seeds of War by João F. Silva
The Smokesmiths Book 1
Recommendation:
"Memorable characters, fantastic magic, great use of the "Gods Meddling in Mortal Affairs" trope. One of my favorite reads of 2023!"
~ Joseph John Lee
"A very enjoyable gritty fantasy with an inventive magic system."
~ Mitriel Faywood
Scythe and Pen
by A. C. Hobbs
Recommendation:
"a brilliant gothic fantasy that pulled me in from page one. It's unique and engaging, and is at the top of my favorites list!"
"I loved this book. Rich environmental themes and stunning writing marry well to create a captivating plot, but it's the characters that really blow me away. This is a story that breathes on and off the page."
"An absolute joy ride from start to finish! Excellent writing, equally well-written characters, a fast-paced, exciting plot, & an amazing world full of intrigue."
"There is a LOT to love about The Skin. J. E. Hannaford brought some really great ideas and bits into this novel which makes me look forward to what comes next for the characters. It really is a love letter to marine life – and wildlife in general. Not surprisingly, I think the main message of The Skin is that we have to take care of the (wild)life around us, or we’ll get fucked. Which is something that we really ought to remember. That, and life sometimes throws things at us we don’t see coming and we need to adapt to survive."
~ Timy of Queen's Book Asylum
"A genre mashup extraordinaire; a gritty but beautiful story that draws you in and never once lets you come up for air as it breaks your heart and puts you back together."
~ Krystle Matar
"because it combines fantasy, folklore, and an important message on caring for the oceans."
~ Kerstin Espinosa Rosero
"A fresh take on post-apocalyptic fantasy featuring selkies and a crew on a quest to rescue legendary sea creatures."
"Bradshaw has a poetic, descriptive writing style and there's a rich sense of history to this novel, deftly blending Nordic myth with fantasy. The setting is amazing but the characters are the ones who really bring it to life."
Windborn is another debut novel worthy of your attention if you are into Norse mythology inspired stories. In Bradshaw's world there are Vikings with superpowers. Windborn follows the story of Edda, whose only dream is to live in peace, but fate has other things in store for her, and she finds herself among people like her, and in battles she never wanted to fight, but has no choice now. Very well written, emotional, and one that's hard to forget."
"This was a really enjoyable epic. I was swept away by the futuristic tech juxtaposed by the frozen wasteland the world has become, and the old world roots that made their way back to the surface in the wake of devastation. The characters jumped off the page and into your heart, for better or worse, and I couldn’t help but rush through the chapters. Katherine’s writing makes the read so enjoyable and if you're one for details, she's got you covered."
"a sprawling epic fantasy that combines morally complex characters and a gorgeous, well-realized world. Fans of George R.R. Martin or Joe Abercrombie will feel right at home here."
“An absolute, underrated masterpiece. A journey from poverty to mystery and power, and from being a slightly dumb prince to being a slightly dumb prince, but older. My favourite read of 2023."
This one is a classic cultivation fantasy, where we follow a young protagonist as he was taken from his village and ends up joining a sect of cultivators. Wong does an excellent job of making the genre accessible for westerners. Again, the characters are what truly shine in this one, though the setting is also excellent.
A Blades of the Goddess Series Companion Anthology
Recommendation:
"{Blades of the Goddess} Super fun urban fantasy with sci-fi twist that examines what it means to be the Chosen One and the harsh burdens it can come with, especially when you do NOT want it! Great for lovers of Heroic Tropes!"
"This slightly dark, somewhat cozy, single-POV epic fantasy adventure deserves some readers and honest reviews. Authored by the organizer behind this Epic Indie sale. Check it out!"
"Shadows of Ivory by TL Greylock is an awesome adventure fantasy that's basically Indiana Jones with a conscience meets Lord of the Rings with a dash of Assassin's Apprentice."
Sunbolt by Intisar Khanani is an all-time favorite of mine. Intricate magic, a fantasy world unlike any I've ever seen, and its rip-roaring pace make for one heck of a story!
Never is an excellent protagonist with an intriguing curse. The author expertly weaves that curse subplot into a story full of action, world-building, and lots of other great characters. I was intrigued from the beginning and can't wait to read more!
Sarah Lin's The Brightest Shadow is an absolute blast- it's existentialist epic fantasy mixed with a heavy dose of wuxia. It's filled with fascinating cultures, fast paced fights, and highly memorable characters.
"The Crimson Fire is one of those fantasy books that creeps up on you, insinuating itself into your thoughts, until you realise that you are fully invested in the people created by the author. People with real emotions, that act consistently and true to their character until circumstance and life turn them away from such a path. And for that, Montero must be congratulated.
There is so much to love here, and a layer of intricacy that leaves you ready for the next in the series. I must also say that though English is Montero’s second language, I am jealous of his turn of phrase and the beauty of some his description. I leave you with two thoughts ‒ firstly, that once you meet a Tamer and their sparrowhawk, you will be dreaming of the possibilities. And finally, that the Dagger has one of the most brutal origin stories conceived."
~ Nick Snape
The Freeing of the World by A. M. Knight
Union of Man Book 1
Recommendation:
"Ambitious epic fantasy that hints of a bigger world"
An epic fantasy story focusing on the ordinary people, not the heroes or villains, that shows how their lives are upended when Sorcerers attack the land. A story of resilience and making a last stand and surviving disaster.
"a dark and brooding gothic paranormal romance full of nightgowns, vampires, heaving bosoms and possessive growling - which is fun enough, but then it ALSO has a wonderfully confident use of classic gothic tropes, perfectly-judged Shakespeare quotations, some delightful disability rep, cute pets, found family...and a wonderfully earnest and sincere discussion of sin, grace, and redemption."
Men and women with superpowers in an alternative Regency England? It should surprise no one that I love this book. There are dangerous pirates, a dashing Royal Navy captain, a female heroine who chooses danger and adventure over the constraints of an arranged marriage... plus badass magic. I love how Elinor's power is perceived as both incredibly valuable and highly dangerous, which adds richness and complexity to the magic of this series.
Wonderful character-driven story with excellent world building.
~ Quenby Olson
A fascinating world with deep characters, split across two timelines that complement and enrich each other in great ways that keep you hooked on the story the entire way through.
~ Travis M. Riddle
This is a fantastic sweeping epic romantic fantasy with lush world-building and engaging characters. If you like big epics, deep characters, and a world you can really get immersed in, this is right up your alley.
~ Carol A. Park
A fantastic romantic fantasy with incredible world building and utterly compelling characters.
~ Krystle Matar
A stunning and sprawling nonlinear narrative that manages to make first person feel epic, viscerally compelling, and personal in a cocktail I haven't seen since Robin Hobb.
~ C.M. Caplan
“I originally rated it 4*. Then couldn’t stop thinking about the book for months and had to change my rating to 5*. Unforgettable, visceral, romantic, painful, beautiful. Buy the sequel, Fool’s Promise, while you’re at it. Thank me later."
An excellent little bite of a novella, with the same world as Fortune's Fool but in a short bite for people who are curious about her world but can't commit to a big chonky novel!
"This cosmic horror novella perfectly mimics its period style. A short, gut-wrenching epistolary that effortlessly showcases Cross's talent. If you love horror (particularly period horror) and eldritch beings, you should definitely check this one out!"
"Karen McCompostine's The Handwarmers of Immortality is as unique a tale as Karen herself, that is to say something you have never read before, nor will you ever again. The prose and witty humor are not to be underestimated in this more than parody of Highlander infused with romance."
~ Maxime Jaz
"Man, that book was... something else."
~ Kerstin Espinosa Rosero
Leveled up Love: A Romantic Comedy
by Tao Wong & A. G. Marshall
Recommendation:
A gamelit romantic comedy, was absolutely delightful from start to end. Zack Moore is trapped in a dating sim that forces him to clean up his life and date women in order to earn gaming time. But as Zack is about to learn, true love can't be reduced to an algorithm. This is not just an addictive story with characters who'll win your heart despite all their flaws, it also pulls no punches when confronting the protagonist with the consequences of his actions. I ADORED the epic character arc in this book as Zack goes from zero to hero.
Delightful. Vicar White attends to ho-hum church duties while on the side she ministers to creatures in a parallel world that she can access only through Morey, a smart-mouth Gryphon who's also a fundamentalist Christian. White is a liberal.
What if you could actually visit a virtual game world? What if you get stuck in there and can't get out? An interesting premise that's spawned many different types of stories in all kinds of media, but author and educator M. J. Lau adds his own twist to it by showing us a very realistic portrayal of the teenage main character's life. I love that the MC has epilepsy, which makes gaming (with all the flashing lights, etc) a struggle even though he loves it so much!
"Super ambitious debut novel that mixes both Fantasy and Sci-Fi and gave me vibes of both Indiana Jones and The Mummy!"
~ Sadir S. Samir
"It’s an exciting, imaginative, and well-written debut that feels different to the kinds of story I’ve read before.”
~ Mark Lawrence
“A book spanning so many genres—science fiction, high and low fantasies, comedy, romance—could easily have become an unfocused mess. But Faywood pulls it off brilliantly, making A Gamble of Gods a joy to read. So, grab yourself a big vat of popcorn to munch on as you enjoy this blockbuster debut.”
~John Mauro, Grimdark Magazine
“Combining rich prose, solid characterization, a cool plot alongside comedy, romance and found family tropes, this debut just won me over.”
~Fantasy Book Critic
Romantic Fantasy
Nine-Tenths
by J. M. Frey
Recommendation:
"it should be a coffee shop meet-cute, except the first time they actually talk to each other, the coffee shop burns down. Especially intriguing is the historical AU where dragons rule the world!"
"a super fun and lively book about lesbians fighting for sci-fi survival!" ~ RoAnna Sylver "Fun, tropey romp through the "alien invasion" genre, but with more of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer feel. "
"a military scifi with real gravitas as corporations vie for asteroid mining rights via space marine battles. And in Mint the best scifi character I've read in a long time."
~ Nick Snape
Ever The Hero by Darby Harn
Eververse Book 1
Recommendation:
"Gorgeously-written superhero sci-fi for people who aren't even into superheroes. Lesbian romance and gray morals."
Military Science Fiction with great world-building and characterization, I loved the exploration of the creepy power on the planet (& I still remember it years after reading!)
"An engaging combination of sci-fi and fantasy, greater than the sum of its parts, featuring a cast of relatable and memorable characters coming to terms with the oppressive and horrific circumstances life has bestowed upon them. Warriors. Betrayers. Monsters. And the occasional wandering soul. Even an invalid in our world can be dangerous--and deadly--in one populated by dreamers.
"Honestly, this book had its hooks in me from the opening pages and when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about the story and wondering when I would next have the chance to pick it up again. This was a cancelling pre-made plans and ignoring various important things on a long to do list kind of book."
"a fun, distant-future sci-fi romp with fascinating world-building, great pacing, and unexpected twists along the way. It won the Self-Published Science Fiction contest this year."
I loved the first book, Godeena, which stood well enough on its own with a satisfying story that wrapped up nicely, but I was definitely thrilled when I found out the author had written a second book. This book has a much wider focus, showing us many different planets, characters from various different civilizations, and all kinds of interesting tech levels and even some supernatural powers. Also, archaeologists doing their thing - I loved that aspect of the book!
"A Darkening Dawn novella, Residuum is the abomination formed when a lab disaster erupts, fusing Terminator and Black Mirror into an eldritch nightmare, all seen through the bleary haze of, I don’t know… Time Bandits? If you’re looking for a dystopian science fiction horror turned fun space adventure, read this. Without a doubt, one of my favorite novellas ever!"
This dystopian near-future science fiction tale offers a thought-provoking exploration of family and what it means and some great character development for a diverse set of characters.
"YA Science Fiction to be enjoyed by adults too. A believable not too far distant scenario with very current moral dilemmas played out by relatable characters. And a robo dog..."
"The worldbuilding is incredibly rich and detailed, the space battles are tense with high-stakes, and the characters are complex and well-developed. Plus space magic!"
"Time’s Ellipse was an emotional and impactful tale, with many moments that genuinely moved me. It’s a great example of how the sci-fi genre allows us to tell stories that couldn’t be told in any other way."
"This space opera had me at page one. Umbra has everything I love about classic sci-fi with its own unique twist and a modern lit feel. The pace struck a nice cadence while allowing the depth required for a well thought out galactic adventure, and the romance was delicious."
Sapience: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories
by Alexis Lantgen
Recommendation:
Sapience is a fascinating collection of sci-fi short stories. It features a variety of stories that range from gritty and thought-provoking to futuristic fairy tales. Among my favorite stories is Chrysalis, the tale of a woman stranded in a broken vehicle on Europa's surface. It has such an unexpected, almost poetic ending, and that ending then weaves itself into the stories that follow. I also really loved The Last Bird and Swan, two related stories about mechanical birds that manage to be both tragic and uplifting.
Saints and Curses: A Collection of Fantasy Short Stories
by Alexis Lantgen
Recommendation:
This book is a strong follow up to Sapience, Alexis Lantgen's first short story collection. I'm a particular fan of The Lost Cat, a unique vampire story, and Braids, an interesting tale of feminine power and magic. I'd also love to see more stories about Nikolas, a creative, demon-hunting take on St. Nicholas. Alexis balances light & darkness well in this charming, thought-provoking collection.
"This book is a lot of fun. The magic is big, the humor is funny, the gods are devious and awful, there's a touch of unapologetic romance among characters it's easy to root for, all of it in an excellent gaslamp fantasy setting."
~ Angela Boord
"A darkly weird and highly original steampunk thriller set in a world of autocratic deities, divided loyalties and twisty politics."
~ Jacquelyn Benson
"This is an exciting, characterful genre-bending story with some of the most inventive world-building I've encountered in a long time."
~ Phil Williams
"The Thirteenth Hour is a very good book. This is an absolute triumph – worldbuilding, plot, characters. My favourite book of 2022."
~ Bjørn Larssen
The Werewolf of Whitechapel
Miss Sharp's Monsters Book 1
Recommendation:
Fun gaslamp/Victorian fantasy, told in an interesting style with plenty of action.
~ Melissa McShane
The Werewolf of Whitechapel by Suzannah Rowntree is a marvelous gaslamp romp. Full of monsters, wit, and a particularly daring ladies maid, it brings up topics from moral quandaries to how to crash a ball. I highly recommend the entire series!
The City Between is my absolute favorite urban fantasy series, with a scrappy heroine, very "other" Fae, and some seriously messy murders to investigate. The character development over the course of this series is incredible. ~ Intisar Khanani ""A fast-paced fun read, starting with bloody murder and featuring two cold-blooded fae and one very pouty vampire. Our main character, Pet, has a fabulous voice, and is both fearless and pragmatic, a wonderful combination. Definitely recommend!"
"Darkly cozy, cozily dark, all around fantastic dystopian sci-fi novel about hope, perseverance, and surviving against all odds while maintaining love."
"...a compelling addition to the urban fantasy genre...a world that is as enthralling as it is thought-provoking, populated by characters who are as complex as they are captivating."
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