What do readers want from indie fantasy? Let’s talk!

[Ermina]

Hi everyone! 👋
I’m an indie fantasy author and I’ve been spending time on BookTok lately, and one question keeps coming up in my mind:

What do you actually look for in a fantasy book?
Do you stick to well-known titles or do you enjoy discovering new indie stories too?

What grabs your attention first — the cover? The tropes? A good villain? The promise of romance?

I just released my debut novel Crown’s Echo: Five Kingdoms, and while I’d love to have people read it, I’m even more interested in hearing what makes you want to try something new.

Would you read a book with:

Elven royalty and a dark prophecy

A morally gray villain who was once good

Forbidden romance

A heroine torn between duty and destiny

Let’s talk about it! 💬
Feel free to share your thoughts — and if you’re curious about my book, you can find it on Kindle Unlimited. No pressure at all!

[Fierce]

Covers really catch my attention I don't pick up books with non-illustrated covers usually; I love a good dragon; I also looooove strong women; I don't read anything with spice (1. I'm a minor, 2. Most of it is poorly written)

Your book seems interesting and the cover's colors are gorgeous, might pick it up when I'm 16!

[Nox]

The cover is the first thing that grabs my attention. Please do not put any real people on it. I will probably read if it’s pretty, but I do get most of my recs from other people booktokers or my friends. Good complicated villain is a must