My friends, the time has come to sprinkle some magical, pre-order fairy dust and I need your help! ✨

Pre-order incentives have arrived and I'm really proud of all the bundles we've put together for Twigs.

But why do pre-orders matter?

Pre-orders are one of the biggest ways readers can support a book because they help show bookstores and retailers that there’s excitement and demand before a release even happens. Strong pre-orders can lead to wider bookstore placement, more marketing funding to help support the book, and greater visibility for the author and book overall. Pre-ordering tells the world, “people are eager for this story,” and that support can make a huge difference for a book’s success.

You'll see myself, Gryffin, and Bindery post about these pre-order incentives today, and it would mean the WORLD if you'd boost those posts in whatever way feels most comfy. Like, repost, share to stories, comment, etc. Anything helps!💕

Now the fun part! Let’s break down the bundles:

🍄 Bundle 1:
- All entries will receive digital downloads of themed phone background
- All entries will receive a signed bookplate by the author
- All entries will receive a custom themed bookmark
Eligibility requirements: To enter, all you have to do is pre-order a copy of Twig’s Traveling Tomes or add it to your TBR on Goodreads or Storygraph. All pre-order entries will receive this bundle. Open internationally.

⭐️ Bundle 2:
- Metal candle spinner
- Vellum character art page overlay
- Personalized book recommendation from Meg + Gryffin
- Cliché Tea gift set
- All previous benefits in Bundle 1
Eligibility requirements: To enter, all you have to do is pre-order a copy of Twig’s Traveling Tomes. 5 winners will be drawn. Open internationally.

☕️ Bundle 3:
3 month subscription to the Cozy Quill Bindery community (eligible for new/existing subscribers)
- VIP box with exclusive promo items and ARC
- Quilted witch hat
- Leather tea cup satchel
Eligibility requirements: To enter, all you have to do is pre-order a copy of Twig’s Traveling Tomes. 1 winner will be drawn. Open internationally.

Winners will be selected in October and, as we know, the book will be released on September 8th.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN

I truly can't wait to get this book into your hands, friend. And your support throughout this publishing journey has meant the WORLD to Gryffin and I! Thank you so much for sharing and uplifting us as we ramp up into launch season. This is so exciting!

xx,

Meg

Not every amazing book gets blessed by the TikTok algorithm. These hidden gems by Rebel Ever After guests deserve more love. After reading, make sure to listen to their authors on the podcast!

Single Player by Tara Tai. I read over a hundred romance novels in 2025 and Single Player stood out as a groundbreaking on-ramp to the genre for folks who never saw themselves in its pages. Yes, there's queer and nonbinary Asian-American representation, which is worth celebrating on its own. But I recommend this book all the time to nerds: gamers, cosplayers, tabletop RPG (role-playing game) devotees, and anime fans. There is much more overlap between romance fans and lifelong gamers than publishers and game developers realize, mostly because of antiquated ideas about gender and genre. Many gamers live for romancing NPCs (non-playable characters) and making their Sims whoo-hoo. Single Player delves into what it's like to write romantic storylines for video games by featuring a workplace romance about characters who do exactly that.

Friends With Benefits by Marisa Kanter. The day I stop screaming about this book is the day I am dead. Two childhood best friends get married for health insurance and housing!!! How did this book not exist until 2025!!! Oh my god!!!!!!! It's hard to find a well-executed marriage-of-convenience romance in the contemporary sub-genre, and Kanter found the perfect premise to explore the inherently political underpinnings of marriage as an institution. Plus abandonment issues, what commitment really means, and a sexy, sweet central relationship. If you have ever considered marrying your best friend because you are disabled and they have union insurance, and married couples somehow qualify for more apartments, here you go!

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel. I am not a big celebrity romance reader, but Ariel brings the sub-genre down to earth with compelling characters and workplace issues. Pop star Ella Simone is determined to take back her career in the wake of her shitty ex-husband's coercive control. The last thing she needs is a splashy relationship in the tabloids with Miles Westbrook, a playboy baseball player who is down bad for her. No Ordinary Love is a swoony angsty sexy read worthy of its title inspired by Sade. It's also a thoughtful, layered depiction of litigation abuse and falling in love after intimate partner violence. Ariel's prose is gorgeous like a soulful R&B track on vinyl.

I’ve been reading the Realm of the Elderlings audiobooks for the past few months, and I am truly obsessed.

No, your eyes do not deceive you. I read an audiobook over the weekend, and in fact, I read audiobooks all of the time.

Preface to the following discussion:
I am not trying to start a whole listening vs. visualization, audiobook vs. physical vs. e-book debate. It’s tired and worn out. Instead, I’d actually like to point out that the conversation at large, at this point, is an opportunity for us to see language evolving.

First, let’s start off with the word “READ”. Merriam Webster has 15 varying definitions of the word. For our purposes, however, let’s focus on the following three.

1.  To receive or take in the sense of (letters, symbols, etc.), especially by sight or touch

2.  To learn from what one has seen or found in writing or printing

3.  To become acquainted with or look over the contents of (something, such as a book)

All three of these definitions have something in common. To read is to take in information. Definition #1 even specifies by sight or touch. I believe that it’s time we finally add listening as well, given that it is the oldest form of learning and conveying both stories and information, primarily because reading visually is rather new for the masses as a whole.

For thousands of years, most of the general population of the world was not able to “read” visually, as it required education. Education was (and still can be) expensive. Access to and education were reserved for the wealthy and privileged, not just because of cost, but it also helped the wealthy to keep their power and hold over the working class. Many communities relied on oral recitations and tellings to convey both histories and stories. Elders and poets were responsible for holding these memories and stories and conveying them to their neighbors and community. One example is the griots, from West Africa, who served their communities as oral historians, musicians, and poets, preserving important information that had been passed down for years.

Oral recitations were not the only form of holding knowledge, though. The Incas used knotted yarn or string, called khipus, as their main form of keeping records and holding knowledge. Recently, new information has come to light on the subject, showing that this form of record keeping was not strictly reserved for elite members of society, but that it was also practiced by “commoners” as well.

“Reading” in much of the world, however, did not become common in the general population until the 19th century and even then, it depended on where you lived in the world and the resources available to you in obtaining an education. For example, serfs in 19th-century Russia were not being taught to read as their noble rulers did not deem the literacy of a working population as important (Catherine the Great did, but she famously had a difficult time modernizing her court). Additionally, in the American South, anti-literacy laws existed, preventing and excluding the black population from access to literacy. These populations relied on other forms of sharing knowledge.

Imparting knowledge through oral recitation is the original form of learning.

Audiobooks are not “new” yet our culture often treats them as inferior to physical books (or e-readers). Audiobook’s are books. “Book” is literally in the name. We “read” books whether that is through sight, touch, OR sound.

Technology rapidly progressed in the early 1900’s, and books were able to be recorded. The first “audio-book” appeared in 1932 , when it was recorded at The American Foundation for the Blind. Recordings of books were pressed on vinyl records, and each vinyl side was only able to hold 15 minutes of audio. Audio books were created to offer accessible avenues to reading, providing access to stories, history, and other forms of literature for the disabled, elderly, and more.  (The first records weren’t actually for music, but for audiobooks!)

Audiobooks became much more commonplace for the general population’s use in the mid-1990s, with readers’ being able to download their audiobook files onto computers or CD’s that you could play in the car. I remember that two of the first audiobooks I listened to as a kid during car rides were At the Back of the North Wind, by George MacDonald, and Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, so my love-affair with them has been ongoing for well over two decades. Not to mention that listening and reading them now allowx me to work with my hands (knitting) without having to sacrifice one of my other favorite hobbies and pastimes.

Hopefully, if you have read this far, you will see that audiobooks aren’t a new way of relaying information. They revert to the original form of storytelling and education of our ancestors, and its language that hasn’t quite caught up to match culure.

The next time someone says they are reading and they are talking about an audiobook, just think about how you are able to witness language change and evolve in front of your eyes. The cool thing about language is that it grows to encompass the needs of society. Well, at this point, its long past due for the word read to encompass another form of obtaining information. Our society has evolved to include technology that allows for the relaying of information through recorded audio. It’s not too often you get to see language change in front of your eyes beyond the use of slang.

Happy Tuesday, misinternet amigxs,

I'm still coming down from BookNet Fest Weekend (roundup post coming tomorrow), so, for now, I'll leave you with a couple of book club announcements before getting to this week's releases.

We're still currently reading Asiri and the Amaru by Natalia Hernandez and Accordion Eulogies by Noe Alvarez. It's not too late to join for either, but especially for Accordion Eulogies because we're reading it through the end of June.

There will also be a poll this week on Discord to schedule our author chat with Natalia Hernandez in early June.

A note on programming, effective immediately, we'll be taking official Monday night sprints from weekly to a monthly event, on the second Monday of every month, meaning our next sprint will be Monday, June 8th. Also, Journaling/Sticker night is cancelled this month as well. I'm working on some alternatives that I hope will more than make up for these changes. Watch this space for more announcements and polls as we move forward!

And now onto this week's Latine book releases...

MEMOIR

The Keeper of My Kin by Ada Ferrer (Audiobook)

ROMANCE

I'm Gonna Get You Back by Eva Des Lauriers (Audiobook)

Running Home To You by Samantha Saldivar (Audiobook)

TRANSLATED LITERARY FICTION

Tarantula by Eduardo Halfon and Translated by Daniel Hahn

NONFICTION

What Science Says about Astrology by Carlos Orsi

Hello, everyone!

Happy New Release Tuesday! Here are some releases we are excited for today!

• The Dorians by Nick Cutter

• Filth Eaters by Ito Romo

• Startup Hell by Caitlin Rozakis

Recent reads include:

• Trad Wife by Sarah Langan

• A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay (reread, still 10/10)

• The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis

• To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth

• The Return by Rachel Harrison

More to come on the recent reads!

Till next time!

This romantasy was a delight! Life got busy so it took me a little longer to get through but this is ideal if you like fun fantasy, still with high stakes and chaotic. 

I started with the physical ARC and then switched to my e-reader as it is available on Kindle Unlimited! 

Okay, not back to the review —

It made me laugh! I was nervous, irritated, curious, and surprised. Full of action, filled with humor, and the stress is there too. 

I really enjoyed Shanora’s writing style. Ultimately I gave this book a 4 stars out of 5. I am not sure if you would consider this a cozy fantasy or not but it definitely gave me that vibe but still full of action + high stakes. It’s a fantasy you can just jump in, get what you need, and enjoy. 

Overall, I enjoyed it — just wasn’t obsessed with it but its still a really awesome tale with great storytelling and I will probably re-read in the future. 

Oh and did you see how GORGEOUS the first edition is (with the sprayed edges)?! I was so happy to get my hands on a copy. 

Special thanks to Shanora Williams and Entangled Publishing for sending me the physical advance copy — I appreciate it more than you all know! 

Happy reading ✨📚📖

Our newest reading kits for Tattered Tides by Sarah A. Bailey are officially here and they are packed with everything you need for the ultimate emotional coastal romance reading experience. 💙

Whether you’re diving into Tattered Tides with your book club, reading alongside a friend, or spiraling emotionally on your own at 2AM with ocean ambience playing in the background honestly valid, we created a kit for YOU.

These guides were designed to help you fully immerse yourself in Weston and Willow’s story through thoughtful discussion questions, emotional check-ins, themed activities, playlists, annotation prompts, snacks, drinks, and deep-dive reflections that make every chapter hit even harder.

🌊 Now Available to Download

📖 Book Club Kit

Perfect for full group discussions and themed meetings.

👉 Tap here to download the Book Club Kit https://canva.link/689tl0l2rz1wmjk 

👥 Individual Book Club Member Kit

Designed for each member to use while reading before your meeting.

👉 Tap here to download the Individual Book Club Member Kit https://canva.link/689tl0l2rz1wmjk 

💌 Buddy Read Kit

Perfect for reading with your favorite book bestie.

👉 Tap here to download the Buddy Read Kit https://canva.link/ocbtb5js4sal0qs 

🌊 Solo Deep-Dive Kit

For readers who love fully analyzing every emotional layer of a story.

👉 Tap here to download the Solo Deep-Dive Kit https://canva.link/9s1wv7kafiuu97m 

✨ Why We Created These Kits

Tattered Tides is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page. It’s emotional, messy, healing, romantic, and deeply reflective and we wanted to create resources that help readers truly sit with the story instead of rushing through it.

These kits are meant to help you:

• Connect more deeply with the characters

• Enhance your reading experience

• Start meaningful conversations

• Make your reading experience more immersive and memorable

🌊 Share Your Reading Experience With Us

We absolutely want to see:

Tag us in your posts and stories so we can scream about this book together.

#TatteredTides #SarahABailey #TheFirstEditions #BookClubReads
#RomanceReaders

🌊💔 What happens when two broken people collide do they heal or pull each other under?

Our book club took a deep dive into Tattered Tides by Sarah A. Bailey, and this one sparked one of our most emotional, layered discussions yet. If you’re looking for a romance that goes beyond surface-level love and digs into healing, trauma, and second chances this is it.

🌊 First Impressions: More Than Just a Beach Romance

At a glance, Tattered Tides gives off those irresistible coastal romance vibes surfing, small-town tension, and forced proximity. But very quickly, it becomes clear this story is carrying a lot more emotional weight.

Weston Ashford isn’t just your typical troubled bad boy. His fall from grace losing his title, his future, and his freedom adds a gritty, realistic edge to his character. And when we meet him again, fresh out of prison and desperate for redemption, there’s this underlying tension that never fully lets up.

Willow Graham, on the other hand, brings a quieter but equally powerful storyline. She’s navigating the aftermath of trauma, trying to reclaim control over a life that was completely derailed. Her pain feels internal, raw, and deeply personal in contrast to Weston’s more outward struggles.

Together? They create a dynamic that’s complicated, messy, and incredibly human.

💔 Character Deep Dive: Broken, But Not Beyond Repair

One thing our book club unanimously agreed on: the strength of this story lies in its characters.

Weston’s journey is all about accountability and redemption. He’s not perfect, and the book doesn’t try to make him one. That’s what makes his growth feel earned. Watching him fight for a second chance not just in surfing, but in life was one of the most compelling parts of the novel.

Willow’s arc, though, is where a lot of our discussion centered. Her experience with trauma is handled with care, and her struggle to move forward feels authentic. She’s not fixed by love, which we appreciated, it’s more about learning to exist alongside her pain and slowly reclaiming her sense of self.

Their relationship builds from tension to understanding, and while there’s definitely a romantic pull, it’s the emotional connection that carries the story.

🔥 The Romance: Slow Burn With Substance

If you love slow-burn romance, this one delivers.

The forced proximity trope works beautifully here, creating moments of friction, vulnerability, and gradual trust. Weston and Willow don’t fall into an easy romance; they push, pull, and challenge each other in ways that feel realistic.

That said, this was one of the few areas where our book club had mixed opinions. Some readers loved the pacing and emotional depth, while others felt parts of the relationship leaned slightly predictable. But even those who felt that way agreed the emotional payoff was worth it.

🌊 Themes That Drove the Discussion

This book gave us a lot to unpack:

• Can love coexist with unresolved trauma?

• What does redemption really look like?

• Is it possible to rebuild your identity after losing everything?

• When does support become dependence?

We found ourselves circling back to the idea that healing isn’t linear and Tattered Tides doesn’t pretend that it is. It embraces the messiness, which makes for a richer, more honest reading experience.

🌴 Atmosphere & Writing Style

The coastal setting of Pacific Shores adds such a strong emotional backdrop to the story. The ocean almost feels like its own character reflecting the turbulence, calm, and unpredictability of both Weston and Willow’s journeys.

The writing itself is accessible and engaging, leaning into emotional depth over fast-paced plot. It’s the kind of book that invites you to sit with the characters and really feel what they’re going through.

⭐ Final Thoughts: A Story That Stays With You

Tattered Tides isn’t just about romance it’s about rebuilding, confronting the past, and figuring out who you are when everything you thought defined you is gone.

It’s emotional, sometimes heavy, occasionally predictable but ultimately impactful.

As a book club pick, it’s a standout because it doesn’t just give you a story it gives you something to talk about.

❓Book Club Question

Do you think two people who are both still healing can truly build something healthy together or does healing have to come first?

📖🌧️ WANT THE BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE?

If you loved this deep dive and want to take your reading experience even further, we’ve created FREE starter kits just for you:

✨ Tap the link to download:

• 📚 Free Book Club Kit 

• 📝 Individual Book Club Member Reader Guide

• 🌧️ Solo Reader Deep-Dive Guide

• 🤝 Buddy Reader Kit for shared reading experiences

Whether you’re reading alone, with a friend, or hosting your own book club night, these kits are designed to help you go deeper into the story, the characters, and the emotions behind every page.

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💙 And if you’re craving the FULL immersive experience with exclusive in-depth kits, bonus content, and curated reading experiences…

👉 Come join us inside The First Editions, where we turn every book into a full experience, not just a read.

Sickos! I'm back from BookNet Fest in Orlando and ready to give y'all the goods with this Monday Reading Update. Let me know what you've been reading and plan on reading this week in the comments and let's boogie!

READING

REVIEW

LONDON FALLING: A MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN A GILDED CITY & A FAMILY'S SEARCH FOR TRUTH by PATRICK RADDEN KEEFE (narrative historical nonfiction)

Progress: Finished

My opinion from last week still applies here as the second half didn't alter my view of it much. I still prefer the stakes/subject matter of Empire of Pain and Say Nothing, I still found the mystery bit to be a bit gimmicky but engaging (big true crime fans may feel differently), and it was still a solid, superbly researched and woven together read that I quite enjoyed. I did love the quote "three bullshit artists, selling air" and felt that could've been part of a great subtitle.

The History Sickos loved this once based on the reviews I see in the Discord, and while I'm a touch lower than their consensus at 4.0 stars, PRK remains an auto-buy author.

WE DO NOT PART by HAN KANG (historical fiction)

Progress: 237/256

I went back and re-read the first two chapters of this one as I was surprised by how lyrical Kang went with the prose here. Maybe that's because I haven't read The White Book, which is supposed to be her most poetic. I'd wager We Do Not Part sits between The White Book and Human Acts re: lyrical prose and emotional, historical devastation, but instead of feeling like a mash-up, it's still very much doing its own thing. This really started to click for me in the second half and I feel much more connected to it all so I'm glad I stuck with it. So close to the end so you'll hear more about my experience with this next update!

CARTHAGE'S OTHER WARS: CARTHAGINIAN WARFARE OUTSIDE THE 'PUNIC WARS' AGAINST ROME by DEXTER HOYOS (academic historical nonfiction)

Progress: 115/192

Didn't make much progress on this but I am enjoying intentionally slowing things down for this academic style of book. It will likely be my priority while I'm lounging on the coach again now that I'm home from Orlando. While out of town though my go to earball listen was the Fall of Civilizations episode on Carthage. I'm getting re-obsessed with this topic and may make a YouTube video out of all the stuff floating around my brain ball about it.

PREVIEW

Haven't budged much on the next reads since last week, so Parable of the Talents will definitely be up next, The Roman Empire in Crisis will be the next academic historical nonfiction, and I'm feeling the urge to re-read the excellent Carthage Must Be Destroyed but I may throw that in the next History Sickos vote to see if y'all wanna do that with me.

PUBLISHING IMPRINT NEWS

Any minute now I'm hoping that an email hits that gives me the final green light on our second acquisition. I'll have some cool stuff for A Complement of Scoundrels posted here and on social media on Thursday, but also we are currently doing bundle giveaways for ACoS, those details are here.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway for The Devils by Joe Abercrombie!

Beaking Bad is still my go to re-watch right now because old dog new tricks and all, we're up to S4E6. I've also been catching up on Daredevil with the eldest. Last night we watched a couple episodes that we're pretty damn good plus the Punisher special which was insanely bonkers.

As I mentioned, I was in Orlando this past Friday/Saturday for BookNet Fest, which was an absolutely blast. I felt I did well on my three panels, game night was a hoot, and the send-off party was all good vibes. Can't wait to go back next year.

While I was in Orlando I snuck off for a quick climbing session and lemme tell ya, I feel good about the grading at my home gym because this one felt much more commercial and soft. I was flashing V4's no problem followed by fighting for my life on V4's this morning at my local (sent 'em tho!).

💜 Same feels as Hannah x Graham, but lets make it a Bull rider romance 💜

✨"It's like coming back home" This is what Elsie Silver said about writing Fever Dream and I couldn't agree more.

💜 Emmett is a bull rider, selected to be the bachelor for a show. Julia aka Jules aka Baby Silva, is the location manager. Julia needs this job for her career. Emmett needs it to save his grandparents farm. Not to forget that Jules is his nemisis's sister. So what will happen when he falls in love with her, instead of the one of 10 girls he is supposed to.

✨ This books is good!
He risks his farm and career for them 😭
Emmett is a green flag and Jules is so sweet 💕
Loved the ending (no messy third act break up)
His sisters are amazing and Oma is just ♥️
Also cameos of Theo and Winter!

💜 9/10 💜

✨ Book releases tomorrow!! (19th May 2026)

Thank you so much @atriabooks and @authorelsiesilver for sending me a copy!

#bookstagram #bookreview #newbook

Welcome to Rootbound 🌿 Thanks so much for being here.

I’m Kenzi! You can find me as @kenzibooks on Instagram and TikTok, @kenzidid on YouTube, Kenzi Didericksen on Goodreads, and Rootbound on Discord. My reading taste ranges from rainy, melancholic literary fiction to gothic, epic, literary, or high-stakes fantasy... with the occasional emotional romance or dark thriller novel woven in between.

No matter the genre, you can expect stories with deep emotional roots: moody atmospheres, morally gray characters, lingering plot lines, and books that stay with you long after you close them.

However you choose to participate here, I truly appreciate your support and am so excited to connect with fellow readers. Thanks for stopping by Rootbound! I hope you’ll stay awhile. 🌧️ 🕯️🧚‍♀️

You can participate as a sprout, moss, or vine, and unlock cool perks. If you want access to more content, a chance to vote for our upcoming book club picks, exclusive reviews, or you just want to support me (🥹), you can do so within a Bindery membership & it would mean the world. 

I hope to see you around 🖤

Hi friends and happy Sunday!

It's March 17th, so it's also International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, also known as IHOBIT.

I'm writing this from my desk, as it's my long weekend to work, and also, it's a rainy, dreary day here in Green Bay, WI, which always causes for a little more reflection from me.

With the current administration in office attacking and stripping away gender-affirming healthcare from trans youth, calling "pro-transgender" people terrorists, and the recent news of the murder of 19-year-old Juniper Blessing - all within a week - I wanted to highlight trans joy. Which seems to be a moot point right now, as rights are being taken away left and right, we're getting murdered for doing our laundry, and the overall state of gestures broadly the world, it's important - now more than ever - that we celebrate US - our wins, our gender-affirming care, our lives, our voices, our stories.

Most of you that follow me on Bookstagram, have followed my journey with recently receiving gender-affirming care in the shape of top surgery January 7th of this year; and while I knew it would alter my life, I don't think I realized just how much. I find myself rubbing my chest in awe frequently throughout the day - like, this is really mine. Proud recipient of the no titty committee, at your service. This is real life. And it is mine. In all its trans glory.

That's joy. It brings me joy every time I touch my chest. Or take a shower and see my reflection staring back at me in the mirror - I get to live authentically; out loud, every day. And to think that the current administration is taking that opportunity away from our trans youth - that worries me, both as a mental health professional, and as a trans adult that suffered finding my own way out of those "formative years" alive.

In writing this, I wanted to bring along some books, just a few that popped into my mind, that screamed Trans Joy to me. There's so many amazing trans books out there right now, but these I have read and they all hold a special place in my heart. I hope you will read them and love them as much as I do:

The books, in no particular order, are as follows:

• Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

• Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

• Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

• Falling Back In Love With Being Human by Kai Cheng Thom

• Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

• Sylvia And Marsha Start A Revolution by Joy Ellison & Teshika Silver

• I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver

• Trans History by Alex L. Combs & Andrew Eakett

Again, I know there are literal dozens upon dozens of trans books that center joy, and this list is very much subjective, and I left so many out, but I wanted to highlight them because at the end of the day, it's important we share trans joy in the face of adversity. It's important we continue to speak up so as not to be silenced into fear.

I hope you immerse yourselves in joy today - in whatever form that looks like to you.

With all my trans joy,

Sawyer Cole

Horror is booming! But do you ever feel like the same books get recommended all the time? There's nothing wrong with loving the popular books. They are popular for a good reason!

Today I want to talk about some Indie Horror Books that left a lasting impression on me!

Child Of Dark Water by E.G. Rand

This horror novella is perfect for people who love small town secrets and revenge horror with a supernatural twist.

Powder & Poison by Julia Jackson

A historical horror novel following Marie Antoinette's arrival to Versailles. This one features haunting ghosts and an almost slasher vibe.

Something Dead by Andrea Mckenzie

A mysterious invitation invites two friends to come and compete in a scavenger hunt in a mysterious mansion for a large sum of money. But when contestants start to go missing, the game quickly turns into a fight for survival.

The House That Held Her by Adam Ellis

A book that follows a woman who moves into an old house with her husband in hopes that a fresh start will fix their marriage. But when she discovers a clue to a bigger puzzle, Margo quickly finds herself on a deadly scavenger hunt that endangers her and everyone around her. Perfect for fans of Ghost Mother. This one is more of a thriller with horror elements.

Pocket Full Of Teeth by Aimee Hardy

An ode to House Of Leaves. The book is narrated by three different women over several time periods. It has found footage elements and footnotes.

What are some of your favorite Indie Horror Books?

The Scarecrow Walks At Midnight follows a brother and sister whose annual summer visit to their grandparent's farm turns dark. Scarecrows are walking around...

This one was fun and I definitely have a few book recs!

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

Small Spaces follows an 11-year-old girl who takes a school field trip and gets stuck on a farm with "The Smiling Man" and his scarecrow minions. For a middle grade book this one is super spooky and will definitely give you the vibes of The Scarecrow Walks At Midnight.

Statues by Junji Ito (specifically the story titled "Scarecrow")

In this story, townsfolk begin putting scarecrows on top of their loved one's grave. After a few days the scarecrow will begin to resemble their loved one.

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge

Every year The October boy rises from the cornfields on Halloween and must make it to the church to win. Meanwhile, all the kids in town are hunting The October Boy.

The Nightmare Man by J.H. Market

A small town killer begins killing people and stitching their bodies in corn husks. The crime become known as the "Scarecrow Crimes."