Tidal Skies is the kind of story you can really get lost in, and it sticks with you after you finish. It pushes the limits of dark fantasy, mixing strong emotions, deep ideas, and intense action into a story that stays with you. In future books, readers can expect even stranger dream worlds, new conflicts in the Wokedown and beyond, and the ongoing journeys of Baylan and his friends as they face bigger dangers and deeper mysteries. Themes like rebellion, memory, and reality will keep growing, making the series bigger and more intense with each book.
Tag Archives: indie author
Author Spotlight: Nathan Burton and What They Should Have Taught You About Personal Finance
Nathan Burton’s first book, What They Should Have Taught You About Personal Finance: Empowering Better Financial Choices, is getting noticed for its relatability, ease of reading, and genuine helpfulness. Released on February 15, 2026, this short guide is already helping people who feel stressed about money. With only 98 pages, it’s a fast but meaningful read that gives everyday people the financial knowledge they may have missed in school.
Author Spotlight: Tyler Kirk – The Cloak Man of Indie Dark Fantasy
Known online as #TheCloakMan, a nod to his penchant for cloaks and his enigmatic, engaging online persona, Kirk is not just a writer but a creative storyteller who weaves grit, heart, and gothic beauty into every narrative. His work, whether it’s the hauntingly immersive Children of Strife series or the warm historical novel The Vitamin Kid, strikes a chord with readers who crave stories that explore the raw, messy complexities of the human condition. With a unique voice that blends poetic prose, emotional depth, and a touch of dark whimsy, Kirk’s books linger in readers’ minds long after the final page, offering not just entertainment but a strong connection to the characters and worlds he brings to life.
Author Spotlight: S. A. McNutt and Her Illuminating Collection, Lamplighter: Poems
In poetry, words evoke emotion and imagery, and these are tools S. A. McNutt wields masterfully. Her collection Lamplighter: Poems reflects two decades of observation, offering a reflective journey through memory, nature, and quiet truths.
Lights Over Phoenix
While skipping class one day, seventeen-year old Daisy finds a mysterious message in the girls’ bathroom. Though she’s not sure if it’s meant for her, she’s determined to find the sender. Every message has a sender. Soon she begins witnessing strange lights in the desert surrounding the small Arizona town from which she’s determined to escape. Before she can go far, however, she must face the parts of herself she wishes to rewrite. Inspired by the Phoenix Lights phenomena of the late 1990s, Terrestrial explores themes of isolation, communication, place, and the desert as both a home and a questionably inhabitable environment.
Author Spotlight: Calder Venn and the Treasure of Storytelling
In the quiet moments outside his office, cigarette in hand, Calder Venn crafts worlds on his phone. By day, he’s an architect, designing structures that shape the world around us. By night, he’s a writer, building stories that transport readers to distant times and places. His debut novel, All the Tide Takes: The Lost Treasure of Olivier Levasseur, shows his unique perspective, blending meticulous historical research with a storyteller’s flair. Published on February 24, 2026, this indie historical fiction novel has already begun to carve its niche in the literary seas.
All the Tide Takes: The Lost Treasure of Olivier Levasseur, Calder Venn’s Fresh Take on Pirate Lore
Calder Venn’s debut, All the Tide Takes: The Lost Treasure of Olivier Levasseur, plunges readers into the high-stakes world of 18th-century piracy, treasure hunting, and the unforgiving Indian Ocean. Published on February 24, 2026, this historical fiction novel is a meticulously researched maritime adventure that blends the intellectual discipline of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series with the moral complexity of The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s a tale of ambition, consequence, and the sea’s relentless duality—what it offers and what it takes. With its roots in real history and its sights set on timeless themes, this novel is a standout addition to the genre and the first in a planned trilogy.
Author Spotlight:Collings MacCrae on Crafting Crime, Embracing Indie, and Redefining Neurodiverse Heroes
Collings MacCrae is a name that stands out in the world of crime fiction. A former healthcare consultant with over 40 years of experience, MacCrae brings a unique blend of professional expertise, personal insight, and creative passion to her writing. Her Fox Argall Mysteries series has fascinated readers with its dark, atmospheric storytelling, richly developed characters, and authentic portrayal of neurodivergence. In this Author’s Spotlight, we explore MacCrae’s journey as a writer, her decision to self-publish, and her vision for the future of indie publishing.
Collings MacCrae’s The Ruin of the Watcher: A Standout in Character-Driven Crime Fiction
Collings MacCrae’s The Ruin of the Watcher is a riveting crime-fiction prequel that blends a dark atmosphere with human characters and a unique protagonist. This novel introduces the Fox Argall Mysteries with a powerful exploration of trauma, loyalty, and neurodivergence, while delivering an intelligent, emotionally resonant standalone mystery.
12 TBR Gems You Need to Check Out This Week!
Building on this system, my picks for the week include a mix of indie gems and traditionally published heavyweights. Alongside sharing my recommendations, I’ll offer tips on how you can choose your next read wisely. We’ll also take a closer look at how indie books are impacting the publishing world, and why they deserve your attention.