This week's issue is a journey through three incredible, distinct worlds crafted by amazing indie authors. We have two epic speculative fiction adventures and one deeply moving contemporary story. The common thread? Unforgettable misfits on a journey to find their people.
Let's dive in.
This Week's Epic Space Opera
The Sci-Fi Galaxy Series by Jeremy Clift
Genre: Space Opera / Sci-Fi
Key Themes: Strong Female Lead, Unbreakable Bond, Rebellion
Available on Kindle Unlimited: Book 1: No, Book 2: Yes
Let's start with a high-stakes adventure across the cosmos. When Teagan discovers her donated eggs were used to create seven children for a secret space experiment, she launches a one-woman rebellion to get them back. This isn't about protecting a pre-existing family; it's about a mother forging a "found family" with the powerful children she's never met, all while battling ruthless corporations. It's a fantastic, high-concept story, and the best part? The recently released sequel, Space Vault, means this is a current, ongoing series you can get lost in.
This Week's Dark Fantasy Discovery
Eye in the Blue Box by Ann Yihyang Kim
Genre: Dark Fantasy / Action & Adventure
Key Themes: Reluctant Hero, Found Crew, Surreal World-Building
Note: The sequel received a 4.5-star review from IndieReader!
Next, we journey into a surreal dream dimension known as "the Flowering." The protagonist, James, is a classic reluctant hero—a guy who just wants to eat ramen and be left alone—who gets unwillingly pulled into a group called "Crew Blue." This is a perfect "found family" story about a misfit learning to fight for his new friends against nightmarish monsters. With a stellar professional review for its upcoming sequel, this is a fantastic hidden gem to discover.
This Week's Heartfelt Journey
The Salt and Light Express by Lee Ann Walling
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / LGBTQ+
Key Themes: Finding Connection After Loss, Road Trip, Authenticity
Note: Critically acclaimed by Foreword Clarion Reviews!
To bring us back to Earth, this is a beautiful and insightful novel about a grieving woman on a solo road trip to scatter her late partner's ashes. The story is a profound exploration of the "human need for connection" and the "transformative power of relationships." It’s a quiet, powerful story of a misfit finding her way in a sometimes hostile world and discovering a "kindred spirit" who offers the hope of new love. If you're looking for a compelling, character-driven story, this is it.
From the stars to our dreams to the open road, this week's misfits remind us that connection can be found in the most unexpected places. I hope you found an adventure to add to your list!
Happy reading, and I'll see you back at the Hearth on Friday.
All the best,
C.J.