WRITTEN BY JOE COMPTON
So, this year I set out a personal goal to read more than double the books I read a year ago and I accomplished that feat and then some. I wish I had stayed more on top of the review writing here (as I am sure all of you do as well) and as I improve in my reading skills I will look to do that much better next year in both ideas.
Let me just say this was a tough list to crack. I loved so many books this year, you all (and you know who you are) are a talented lot so this list is a little bigger than normally it would be. These are the honorable mentions for 2022 and then I will unveil my #10-6 choices for my favorite Indie Books of 2022.
ADAM STEMPLE - BAD COMPANY
GENRE: THRILLER
THE BLURB: It only took one good deed to start the apocalypse. It’s going to take a whole lot of bad ones to stop it.
And Quinn Keegan—mobster, hitman, thief—is just the man to do those deeds. Problem is, he doesn't want to. All he wants to do is find his target in the Midwestern laboratory where the man works, put a couple bullets in him, then head back to the east coast.
But now he's trapped with a terrified genius and a beautiful reporter inside a building that's wired to blow and filled with people who are crazy violent and nearly impossible to kill. And even if he manages to escape, he's sure that civilization—and everything that goes with it, like good steak, classic TV, and Jameson Irish Whiskey—is going to come to an end.
With killers closing in from the outside and crazed cannibals chasing him within, Quinn has to escape the Dahlgren Medical Research Center and try to do the one thing he knows he's uniquely unqualified for:
Save the world.
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: This book has a cadence and rhythm that played extremely well to the purposeful manner that carefully sets up what is to come. The cadence also helps get you through the earlier chapters chalk full of the set up. The humor adds a nice kicker to the story, but you have to be prepared because not only is it sarcastic, but it has a nice bit of sass and crassness as well. Which of course I am the target audience for, and I enjoyed quite a bit. In fact, for a while, it kept me in the story in spots where it might have otherwise lost me. There are some nice and back and forth between the characters, but Adam's writing strength really resonates within the inner monologues and the characters when they make it known their moods and biases. I found all of that establishes each character's strengths and weaknesses very well; an important opportunity in a thriller like this. There are a few times I got caught up in one character's voice or story and got tripped up when it shifts but it righted itself for me quickly. Overall, there is a strong foundation here that makes me excited for what's to come in the books ahead and as Adam writes more, I think his books will make it higher up on my list every time I read them. This one also has a neat little ending and a nice little set up for what's to come too.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: There is a lot here to like especially if you are someone who likes fast paced thrillers with a propensity to smile and chuckle at the occasional snark. Also, it's got a neat ending that I think will frustrate some and make others smile. So, if you like to be drawn in and then fucked with, this the book that will do that very well. It is also the kind of book where I think anyone will naturally latch on to a favorite character and I think most would say it's Elle. Just for the record I would say mine's Quinn. He reminds a little of Mike Ehrmantraut meets Jake Gittes.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
RON L LAHR & RJ BURCHETT -
YOU GET WHAT YOU STEAL
GENRE: SCIENCE FICTION - COMEDY
THE BLURB: Meet CLOD, the most notorious outlaws in the galaxy. At least in their minds.
There's Clint, the fuzzy green menace who left home to become a mercenary. As a plant, a polyped, and a genius, he filled three spots in their quota-driven minority-recruitment drive.
Leif, the performance artist and small-time smuggler, who lives boldly, unleashed from the fear and the basic common sense that make most lives so small. He's not afraid to make any mistake once, or, as it happens, many, many times.
Then there's Doris, the hidden brains of the group and a woman whom you underestimate at your peril.
Together, they learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Not really.
In fact, you'll have to read the book to find out if they learn anything at all.
Full of laughs, loves, and scenes so bizarre they will stay with you forever (for good or bad), You Get What You Steal is the feel good space opera that the world needs today.
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: Is it serves the genre in a manner that I think frankly I would welcome more of in the future. There was a period of time where the 80's had zapped all the seriousness from those of us who didn't want to be associated with the "fandom". Yet we were still fans and so what happened, a few parodies and lighter fare came out of it. This book could be that benchmark. It is a bit far-fetched, it is a bit ridiculous (there is a pole that hypnotizes all that come near it and puts a somewhat erogenous spell on that person) but that's where its charm really shines. I think the crew of Hushpuppy Leif, Clint, and Doris are amazing characters and they each play their roles to perfection. In fact, I like most of the characters in the book and how they all get a little moment each to shine. Sometimes the joke stretches out a little further than I want but it's not to say that doesn't have it appeal and once it gets out of those times when it seems a little stuck you get right back into it quickly. I don't know who wrote what here and that is a testament to how well this duo came together and made this a seamless story.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: This is playful and funny but still has some reward if you are Science Fiction fan and especially a fan of the parodies I spoke about above. A lot of great unintended and intentional homages and reminders of things that make this genre what it is. If you remember stuff like Hitchhiker's Guide, Space Pirates, and Spaceballs, you'll just might really like You Get What You Steal.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
L. MARIE WOOD - THE BLACK HOLE
GENRE: HORROR
The friends find themselves in a battle for their lives in unfamiliar terrain against well-equipped opponents whose motivations are both irrational and lethal.
WHAT THIS BOOK (NOVELLA) DOES WELL: Okay so anybody who has read my favorite Indie Films' blog knows I have this grand debate every year about whether to include short films in the mix. Well, the same principle applies here with Novellas. That being said I can't go without mentioning this one. L. Marie is a master at moving you from one direction to the next and zigzagging you into where she really wanted you to go. The ending of this story is awesome, and the build is really nice. There is a neat little transition that gets you into the interesting existential twist this story takes that I really enjoyed, very cinematic. There is also this neat exchange where we hop from POV's and characters experiencing something seemingly simultaneously, I like how well that's written, it doesn't feel jumpy or scattered, very controlled with a nice slasher movie-like punch. Of course, with a story that's shorter and captures you, there is always a yearning for more backstory and background, but I think that may be the best compliment you can give a story, no matter its intended length. So, I yearn for more and savor what I got here. Oh, and possibly my favorite thing of the year of reading is in this book, in particular, THE SCREENPLAY is included! It's really awesome to read the differences and yet how well it translates, almost as if my visual thoughts were being transcribed.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: If you ever wanted a grand example of how to turn your book or story into a screenplay, this one does it right there for you, in the book itself. It is almost a must read for that reason alone. The story is cool and its a quick read, and if you like 80's slasher-type films with a neat little twist that's kind of seen with these stories then I don't see any reason why you wouldn't dig this.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
THE BLURB: Can an angel and a demon find love?
Kalili's a demon. In 10th century Rome, her job is simple: corrupt humans. It's also dead boring. Her latest assignment, a pimply teenager named Octavianus who might someday be pope, is a case in point. After all, there are only so many ways Tab A can go into Slot B. But she's content with her life, easing through her days, until she's told of a new angel in town.
One sent to kill her.
Faith has a simple job. Go to Earth, find a demon, slay her for demonic acts, and return. Of course, it's always the simplest things which are the trickiest. Finding Kalili is easy enough when you're given directions, but actually killing her proves more difficult. Not because Kalili resists, but because there's...something between them.
As they continue their dance, each begins to disobey their rules. Kalili tells the truth and breaks off her assignment, while Faith passes up opportunity after opportunity to kill Kalili. When they can no longer deny their attraction, they're left with the question: what next?
What they discover will shatter their perception of the world and may give them the chance at love they seek.
Read the novel reviewers call "witty, funny, and fun", "an enthralling romance", and "the perfect balance of wholesome and seductive."
When an angel and a demon fall in love, there's Hell to pay...and Heaven's waiting its turn.
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: The set up to this book is amazing. I love how we are literally thrusted into this world of Angels and Demons but in a human relationship sort of way, very unique and fun. What is for sure is that AC Adams knows her characters well and she defines them well. I felt like I knew them like they were people I knew, especially Kalili and Faith, but even ancillary ones and I found I gravitated to them. This definition is also well paced, you are not just handed a description and a few moments, you are running the race so to speak with these characters, anchored through Kali's POV for the most part. I think the first 2 acts of this book are stellar, maybe some of the best 2 acts I have read this year. I really enjoyed the courtship, the tennis match so to speak of characters maneuvering and weaving in and out and back and forth through Kail's frantic nature. There is an incredible scene that culminates in a boiler room, some of the best writing I have encountered this year. I don't know if it's the pace that tired me out or if I was hoping for a little more into the 3rd act, I don't know and maybe if I was to pick it up around the middle, and read it through again, I might feel a tad different about it. Nothing wrong with the writing, I think its just me, but I think AC has a real good grasp on this relationship between Faith and Kalili and all the relationships really and these characters are distinct and a lot of fun to get lost in. I look forward to absorbing Book 2, which I will.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: As Paranormal, Supernatural Romance books go I don't think this is as tropey as most I read and for me that's a good thing. Don't get me wrong it does have a great feeling of what genre it is but if you are kind of burnt out from the same old, same old of this genre I think this one deserves a chance and place in your TBR and reading rotation. I also think if you are someone who loves character development and kind of walking (literally too) a mile in a character's shoes, I think this book has to right up there for you. I also think if you aren't exactly a fan of the genre this might be the alternative you have been looking for.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
MY FAVORITE BOOKS #10-6
So, let's get into the countdown list.
Lilith desire to show her father that he was wrong. She has placed the whole world in danger. If she is successful, it will undo the fabric of reality.
Hephaestus felt like he was damned, but his mother knew that he was destined to great things. He now must face his destiny.
Camaxtli knew what his destiny was before he knew how to talk. His father would tell him stories about how the gods would tell tales of his destiny. Now his destiny is playing out, he has been sent out to find the Elements.
Destiny or desire which one will win?
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: It tells an incredible origins story of not just 1 but 7 characters. This was my favorite narrative storytelling of the year. I loved its approach and style. As we weave from one character's arc to another, we are also moving forward in the story at the same time. That is storytelling at its best. I even loved the prologue. I think looking back it was the only way to start this story and give it context.
Then right from where the story really begins, we are given so much by Tiffany. Each character is rich, colorful, and well defined but beyond that their roles are identified, even if they are discovering or denying them. They all have flaws, weaknesses, and strengths. I will simply point to Lilith the Queen of Hell as an incredible example of how to write the near perfect antagonist. She has motives, evil as they may be, to her they are not, even if she acknowledges they may be a bit self-serving and only she benefits from them, but they also have a layer of, dare I say, human need and connection. It's that old adage the villain is the hero in their own mind.
I love how this paces out, how it defines each act, and gives you just what you need but you hold on to so much more from what you read before. It's like playing the obstacle course on the old Nickelodeon show Double Dare, where you had to navigate obstacles and in while doing so collect a flag. With the flags you are holding at the end being the only thing that counts. When you are holding all the flags it's then that you realize this course maybe run but you have many more to go. It was a brilliant ending, encapsulating everything you were given, and rewarding you for staying with it. While leaving you with a "To Be Continued", not a cliffhanger, which for this story is the absolute perfect choice for this reader.
Okay so why is the best story only #10 on my list? The only reason is there were a couple unnecessary chapters and parts of chapters I felt kind slowed the pacing a wee bit. In a lot of ways gave us something we didn't really need or gave something we already knew. I mean in one particular case for one of the demon Allistair's chapters while it was interesting being in their head, we kind already knew what they felt, so it kind of threw me a tad bit off course for a moment. To Tiffany's credit, it was still interesting and brief enough, it still did pry me out of a key moment in the story that was humming along so amazingly.
It is not because of something I think a lot of people might think it is because of, so I am going to address this with the caveat, this is a criterion that does not determine how or why I like a story but for some it might. I think I have to be fair and honest in mentioning that they are several grammatical errors I came across. They were noticeable ones but again to Tiffany's credit for this reader, it didn't take me out of the story at all. We are talking easy fixes and far be it for me of all writers to place any merit of judgment using this criterion (my 1st book was a mess grammatically) being a part of how I view a book. For me, it is always about the story, characters, and how much I see it in my head and think about it, during and after reading it. That's the only criterion I use to make this list. It's my list and what makes it a favorite to me. I have read some of the most perfectly correct grammatical books and been bored to death. I am also not judging anyone who would have this as their criterion for liking something or not. If that's important to you, then it is. I am sure that will be reflected in your list. I just hope ultimately it doesn't take you out of a story I think is going to be part of and become a very special series.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: If you love comic books, comic book movies that don't dowse your intelligence but celebrate and elevate it. If you are a fan of origin stories and cinematic pacing, I think you just might gravitate to this book as much as I have. I think if you are a fan of books that delve into the ethereal planes and don't smother you with religious condemnations, in fact this book while following a doctrine of rules it does so in the vein of a Dogma (the Kevin Smith movie) and with the ideology of a Dune, then I think you will love this super-hero meets Heaven and Hell story. Get over the grammar stuff, life's too short not be entertained and thought-provoked. If you can let it go, the absorption levels in this book are off the charts.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
BY BRYAN TANN
THE BLURB: The first entry into the world of the Dark Lands introduces us to Bryce Kreed, The Enforcer. He's the best at what he does, and Mistress Enya Blake needs his talents when a clandestine cult sets its sights on her.
When monsters in the dark threaten your existence, you enlist aid from the monster that terrifies the darkness itself.
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: I love how we get this kind of James Bond, Beverly Hills Cop opening set up in a bar and how that plays into this story. I love what it does for us, establishing pacing, tone, a little bit of the bad-assery that I think is really well designed in not only some of the fight scenes but the strategy chess matches and the banter. I love it when a storyteller really knows their character so well like this because it makes us invest in him and that is the key for this reader to be sold on the story itself. Beyond that, though there is a subtle predictability with certain elements of this story and I think the smartest thing Bryan does to balance that is he leans into it and doesn't shy away from the obvious. In fact, at times it becomes good fodder for Kreed in moments of vocal and non-vocalized one-liners, like a great 80's action star.
Another way in which Bryan shows his prowess is by infusing a couple nice devices, like a flashback or two, giving us Kreed's history, and one of the best ways I have seen to almost info dump but not in a "blah" way but in a more interesting and intricate idea, is he uses journal entries written by Kreed himself. I found that one of my favorite ideas about this is the way Kreed looks at it, just the mere act of writing an actual journal, and his apprehension, in the writing we are reading. Staying in character throughout, even when switching out of 1st person is paramount to why this book really works and is as charming as it is exhilarating.
Mistress Enya is a great character that I think in many other books like this would be lost or be placed in some sense of the weaker Bond Girl trope; one that I hope fades away in dust personally. Bryan switches that here, he gives her depth and a really nice balance of feminine and feminist. I appreciated reading something like that.
Ok so in full disclosure this is a rewrite of a book published a while back and re-published. I only perused the first version after reading this current version but I can tell you that this is as new a book as there could be without losing that natural instinct and talent I see in Bryan and his writing. I love the cinematic nature of his viewpoint but I love how it feels like distinctness, straight to the point, pulling no punches. While I can see the action so clearly and all the plot points as well, I probably appreciated more the approach of being in Kreed's head. Bryan knew exactly when to give us that and he knew exactly when we needed to get out. I don't want to compare it to the first time these stories were out there because all that matters is what I read now and it is a fun series with rich characters that are going entertain me for the foreseeable future.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: Bryce Kreed is one of those characters you come across, an amalgamation of many different characters you can think of to describe him and there probably be very few wrong answers but the thing I think I love most about Bryce and reading his story here is that he has warmth and charm that he doesn't want you to see or feel and yet you can't help but feel it. It's an impressive way to bring a character of such bad-assery to life and using the subtle context that Bryan uses really provides a nice outline. I think if you love 80's action movies but were thinking, "what are they thinking about?" then you got to give this book a chance. I think you would really love it.
#8 - DAUNTING DARKNESS
(A PAIGE PAPILLON PARANORMAL MYSTERY)
BY LILY LUCHESI
But when she washes out of training, her Sergeant inspires her to go another route: become a private investigator.
After a few boring cases, she receives an envelope full of cash and mysterious clues that lead to the discovery of a cover up of paranormal proportions.
Worse, the Sergeant's wife is at the center of it. Can Paige solve the mystery and stay alive, or will she become a midnight snack for a monster?
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: Okay from one extreme in Bryce Kreed to nearly the polar opposite in Paige, Lily kind of has a similar approach with how she gives us who Paige is. Only she uses dialogue to give us some of the moments we discover about Paige that we don't have as we are following the story through her eyes. She does this neat thing wherein we are kind of when learning about her are piecing it together like that's a companion subplot mystery in its own right. In doing it that way you are in this neat song-like rhythm reading the events as they unfold. This stays very true to genre and while at times it's a bit more "cute" than I can handle, it is just so much fun to absorb. I reviewed the first 2 books of the series in depth earlier in the year and you can read that here.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: I think cozies are great getaway read and if you are looking for that, I don't know many that have as well defined characters mixed in what the genre does best. Lily is a maestro with these stories and I think they are easy reads that will make you smile.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
(FINAL BOOK IN THE DRUID HEIR SERIES)
BY N. Z. NASSER
Death is coming for me, of that there is no doubt. My hair greys quicker than before, as if she already has a grip. Life with Ezra and our daughter is joyful, but the city is strange. Footsteps trail in the snow where no man has walked. An unexpected migration of birds clouds the London sky. The book buried in the grove of the cottage whispers to me, even though I ignore it.
When the Wild Hunt sounds its horns and the blue goddess rides, the drumbeat of doom fills the Otherworld. Gaia is jittery, more bride than warrior. I am her champion, though I have no experience of leading an army. Though I prefer compassion to my obsidian blade. As magical factions take sides, the only constant is treachery. The new Prime Sorceress wants an alliance, but after her betrayal of Ezra, how can I trust her?
As my power curls within me, Rayna’s diaries illuminate a way out of the darkness and I dare to hope destiny favors me. It all comes down to this. Blood, graft, loyal friends and a handful of multivitamins. Together, we’ll stop the rogue gods from reforging humanity in their hateful image. Together, we must find a way to cheat Death or lose it all.
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: For those who follow this blog and those who read this list last year know how much I really enjoyed the first 2 books of this series, they made my Top 10. This book was the finale of the series and while I am sad there will be no more of Alisha and the Verma family's saga to read, I have to say its been a long time since I finished a series that felt like it came to a proper conclusion like this one does. I will also say that while not all the books were among my favorites, this one was going to make this list even if it was horrible. Okay if it was horrible, probably not, but somehow someway I knew I was going to acknowledge this Druid Heir Series, if for no other reason than to thank its author, N. Z. Nasser because this was an incredible journey you took me on and I am very appreciative of the opportunity to have absorbed a great, well thought series. A lot of what frustrated me a little in Books 5 & 6 kind of made me also think I might have been a little harsh on them, having seen how they really set up Book 7. I had a feeling that was what was going on, so I am glad that was the case. Now it gives me the opportunity to go back and give 4, 5, and 6 another shot. I will say this book drags you through all the emotions, does so well to embrace what has come before it, and yet be its own thing on top of that. This book reads just slightly different than the other 6 and its kind of amazing to see that after getting to know all these characters so incredibly well. I like that it didn't directly fall into a trap that it could have easily set down into. It instead gives a little twist and an unexpected turn, which I think really says a lot about how talented N. Z. Nasser is and how well she can not only craft a story but finish it with style. The 2nd act is phenomenal here, there is a great moment that involves a coffin that I don't think I have ever read being done as well as this moment. I owe you all a look into all 7 books in its own blog post for that, and I will get that done soon. For now, I will say between Book 1 and now this book end of Book 7, this is a great series with incredibly ambitious characters that, make you laugh, smile, cry, frustrate you, and in the end make you think about what is really important. That's a great series and the Druid Heir Series is just that. does it really have to end?
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: Not all series have a definition like this. Some peter out, some don't come as strong to the finish line, and even though for me personally the middle was a little rougher than when I started it I don't think I was being fair to it. I am glad I saw this through because I do think even if you feel like I did about the middle books, stay with it. It does pay you out and I think that's all you can ask of any writer giving you 7 books. If you like the lighter fare of supernatural, urban fantasy, I don't know how you can go wrong with this series.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
#6 PRAYING THE DAY'S NOT POISON
THE REDEMPTION OF HOWARD MARSH 4
THE BLURB: Things are magically awry in Jubal County once more, and Howard Marsh is on the case. Not willingly mind you, but everyone’s favorite redneck wizard has learned a few new tricks and is anxious to give them a try. And while he’s about as low as he’s ever been, with a little help from his friends he’s ready to battle an array of new and old foes. And who knows, he might actually come out on top for a change!
In ‘Pigskins’ our hero gets drug into that most heated of passions: small town football. Are the Swampcats using magic to win their games? Just who is out there in the woods beyond the endzone? And will he ever find a suitable hot dog?In ‘The Swamp King’ Marsh takes a jaunt out to the Camp to try and tie up some loose ends. Who or what is making that strange laughing sound in the surrounding swamps? What is to be found in the ruins of Morgan’s witch house? Has Johnny’s fiddle playing magicked something up?
WHAT THIS BOOK DOES WELL: I am not sure I feel sorry for him but I damn sure feel like I have never read a character that not only gets himself in more shit than any character in modern literature I can think of than Howard Marsh but who also just gets so much shit happening to and around them. I love how this book reads, it's kind of got this Scooby Doo aspect where it's small vignettes of different scenarios but they are cleverly interwoven and referenced in many different ways to tie them together. I love Bob's humor in this, it's very nicely adapted to the character's growth or lack thereof, and it is almost so necessary when you read all the crap Howard gets into and what has happened to him.
I like also the POV here, it's very nice to get an unreliable narrator that isn't afraid to take you on the journey of how he rolls up his sleeves and sticks it straight into piles of shit. I love the bit players here too, through Howard's eyes we get a great sense of them but their contributions to Howard's misery on so much more powerful level because we see who they are through only one lens. Until we hear who they really are in their own words when interacting with that foggy (at best, it may even be scratched up a little) lens.
The other thing I think I really love about the stories in this book is I didn't read the first 3 before reading this one and yet I never got lost, maybe because I was to busy thinking geez what is next, how can Howard get tortured or torture himself next? There is also this neat linear timeline that steps along here and in what feels like the next day but is really a gap in time that just sows it all together nicely. A very unique talented device that most of the books I read like this, don't pull off but not only does this book pull it off, I really think it sets the president and standards for how they should be done.
WHY CHAMPION THIS BOOK: I am telling you if you are in need of something kind of levity or even just need to distract yourself this is kind of Jackass meets Scooby Doo with a bit of some magical systems throwing a dark cloud over it all. Also if you are a fan of rich sarcasm and snarkiness with a touch of Southern Charm, Howard Marsh will only steer you wrong but hey at least you know where you are going, except when Howard makes a wrong turn it is onto the most interesting block you can imagine, never a dull moment.
YOU CAN GET THIS BOOK HERE
IF YOU WANTED TO SEE MY TOP 5 BOOKS OF 2022 YOU CAN WATCH THIS YEAR IN INDIES AS I GO THROUGH MY LIST WITH MY COLLEAGUES AT GO INDIE NOW ALSO GIVING THEIRS. IT STARTS AT 40:43 OF THE BELOW VIDEO...
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