Julia’s Favourite Self Published SFF Books – A Giant List – Part 6 – Dystopia / SciFi

And here we are, the last round of my #IndieAugust favourites: Dystopia and Science Fiction!

I figured these two fit together quite well, after all, whether you are dealing with a broken society or zooming off into space, things rarely go smoothly. In dystopia it is usually the world falling apart around you, while in sci fi it is the universe throwing entirely new problems your way. Either way, characters are going to suffer a bit… which of course makes it all the more fun to read.

This also wraps up my little series of favourite self published reads. From epic battles to cosy dragons, grimdark betrayals to hot cocoa comfort, I have had a blast putting these lists together. I hope you have found a few new books to add to your shelves, and if not, at least you have confirmed that my taste is delightfully chaotic.


#Dystopia


Last Winter Sun by G.R. Matthews
#GrimDark
Review here

Cover of Last Winter Sun by GR Matthews

A mix of detective story and fantasy, but with plenty of humor to lighten the mood. It often feels like A Team working in World of Warcraft, with quirky banter and group dynamics balancing out the grim setting. The mystery is engaging, the world is bloody at times, but it never gets too heavy. Easy to read, fun, and very satisfying


Silent City (Corin Hayes, #1) by G.R. Matthews

Silent City (cover)

This is one of my comfort re-read books, and I enjoy it just as much every time. The underwater setting is unusual and adds a lot of atmosphere. Corin Hayes is a flawed but compelling main character whose voice and sarcastic quibs carry the story. It mixes noir vibes with science fiction in a way that works really well.


Salt in the Wound (Rainfallen, #1) by Benjamin Aeveryn

Salt in the Wound (cover)

The writing drew me in right away with its strong atmosphere and vivid setting. I liked the way the world felt gritty and alive without being over-explained. The pacing kept things moving while still giving space for character moments. It balanced dark themes with enough hope to keep me invested.


The Fall is All There Is (Four of Mercies, #1) by C.M. Caplan

The Fall is All There Is by C.M. Caplan

This story stood out for its raw and emotional writing style. The characters are deeply flawed yet sympathetic, and their struggles felt very real. I liked how the narrative balanced personal trauma with larger conflicts. It’s intense and not always easy, but it left a strong impression.

We Seek No Kings (The Steel Clan #1) by T. Thorn Coyle
#Disability
Review here

We Seek No Kings (cover)

The book mixes dystopian and post-apocalyptic vibes with strong character-driven storytelling. I liked the sense of community and resistance that runs through the narrative. The pacing sometimes slowed, but it gave space for the world and characters to breathe. It’s a thoughtful take on survival and rebellion.


The Given (The Books of Ezekiel 1) by Colby R. Rice
#POCauthor #WomenInSFF

The Given by Colby R. Rice

I enjoyed the main character and the gritty setting. The story had strong moments of tension and some creative worldbuilding. The pacing was uneven at times, which pulled me out of it here and there. Still, it left me curious about where the series might go.


#SciFi

In the Orbit of Sirens (The Song of Kamaria, #1) by T.A. Bruno

In the Orbit of Sirens (cover)

This was an emotional and exciting read with a vivid science fiction setting. I liked the alien worldbuilding and the way the story balanced family and survival themes. The characters felt grounded and easy to connect with. It delivered both action and heart in equal measure.


Steel Guardian (Rusted Wasteland #1) by Cameron Coral

Steel Guardian (cover)

I liked the post-apocalyptic setting with its mix of danger and unexpected hope. The robot character brought a fresh perspective and made the story stand out. The pacing kept things moving quickly while still giving space for emotional moments. It felt a bit like Baymax in a dystopia.


Drones by Rob J. Hayes

Drones by Rob J. Hayes

This was a sharp and fast-paced story with a gritty atmosphere and a great idea behind it. I liked how the characters were caught between survival and morality, which gave the action more weight. The world felt harsh and believable without too much explanation. It delivered intensity while still leaving room for character moments.


Inquisitor by Mitchell Hogan

Inquisitor by Mitchell Hogan

The story combines detailed worldbuilding with a strong mystery at its core. I liked following the investigation as it pulled the main character deeper into political and magical conflicts. The pacing sometimes slowed, but it allowed the tension and stakes to build. It’s a thoughtful fantasy that balances action with intrigue.


Blackcoat by Steve McHugh

This turned out to be a quicker read than I expected, with a good mix of action and character work. The story had strong pacing that kept me turning pages. I liked how the tension built without dragging things out. It worked well as a fast, engaging standalone.


Winter World (The Long Winter, #1) by A.G. Riddle

This hooked me right from the start with its high-stakes survival story. I liked the blend of science and thriller elements. The frozen setting added tension and atmosphere on every page. It was a gripping read that kept me invested until the end.


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By Julia Kitvaria Sarene

Julia Kitvaria Sarene, a Munich native with an unmistakable love for all things fantasy, spent a solid 21 years working as a bookseller. During that time, she became a veritable wizard of book recommendations, guiding countless customers to their next literary adventure. In fact, if you ever walked into a bookshop and heard a voice telling you, “You’ll love this one,” you were probably in her domain. Her heart beats for fantasy novels, but don’t try to talk her into romance. She’s far too busy exploring epic worlds where dragons are more common than love triangles. As a reviewer for Fantasy Faction, Julia brings her enthusiasm and humor to older books as well as the latest fantasy releases, trying to help readers navigate the realm of swords, magic, and supernatural wonders. When she’s not nose-deep in a book or battling the occasional villainous creature on paper, Julia can be found out in the wilds, either running, hiking, or practicing traditional archery. Yes, she’s one of those rare individuals who can probably lose an arrow while discussing the latest fantasy tome. (Loose as in go looking for it, rather than shoot, as she has much more love than talent for archery.) Her adventure doesn’t stop there, she’s also a proud owner of a cute black rescue dog who’s probably the only one who truly understands the complexities of her ever-growing book collection. And if you think her book obsession is a problem, think again. Julia’s collection has reached legendary proportions. She buys more books than any one person can read in a lifetime. No such thing as “too many” books in her world. Since her eyesight is on the decline (a tragic side effect of loving books a little too much), she’s a devoted fan of audiobooks, embracing the power of storytelling in every possible format. So, whether she’s running through forests, reviewing fantasy novels, or playing with Galli, Julia is living proof that life is too short to not enjoy a good adventure, be it in the real world or between the pages of a fantastical story.

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