[Simon Habegger]

I`m new to Kindle -- I`ve spent most of my time finishing my own book, not reading others -- but I`d like to take advantage of the open platform to read something I would never otherwise come across.  Can anyone recommend a good book of fiction, published by a true indie author, that takes advantage of the Kindle`s freedom?  Something that`s ambitious and strange.

Writers that I enjoy myself are Lem, the Strugatsky brothers, Budrys, Ford Madox Ford, Vance, and so forth; I like well-written, interesting fiction that is not overly long (no series, please). 

 

[Geoffrey]

You could try Arenson's The Gods of Dream

 

[Ann in Arlington]

Have you checked The Book Bazaar here on KindleBoards? Lots of choices there. . . it's set up specifically so authors can let readers know about their books and most of those who do so are independent.

 

[Simon Habegger]

I have tried the book bazaar - but I'd rather get something recommended by readers.  Authors tend to be overly kind to their fiction . . .

 

[kchughez]

Hi Simon, I just finished reading Bullied by Christopher Smith in one day. It was a free book. The writing was good but the story ended abruptly(in the middle of a scene). But that's just so we'd buy the next one. It was similar in storyline to mine and I guess that's why I liked it.

~KC

 

[Sean Thomas Fisher]

Ambitious and strange? You should read some Chuck Palahniuk. That guy is great...and very strange. Also, have you tried any of RL Stine's Goosebumps??

 

[JRTomlin]

Ambitious and strange? You should read some Chuck Palahniuk. That guy is great...and very strange. Also, have you tried any of RL Stine's Goosebumps??

Neither of which are indies with he specifically asked for.

I'm not sure what you are looking for. What do you mean by strange?

Ford Madox Ford and the Strugatsky brothers? Shall we say leagues apart? I can't really think of anyone who particular writes like Ford any more whether Big 6 or indie. Not many Russian authors publishing to Kindle either.

However, for something different in fantasy you might check out Edward C. Patterson's The Jade Owl which is a sort of Lord of the Rings set in the modern US and modern China but with strong influences from traditional Chinese culture. Very different from typical fantasy. An unusual cast of characters as well.

 

[Simon Habegger]

It's hard to say what I mean by strange -- I guess I mean someone who takes advantage of the Kindle's freedom to write something that probably wouldn't be published, otherwise.  There used to be a publishing house called The Ministry of Whimsy that put out odd books, sometimes with interesting graphics and whatnot as an important part.  Or like Shiel used to write -- though I've got a feeling that is what the Patterson books may be similar to.

As for the author of Fight Club, I like his work -- but he's not an indie.  And Goosebumps isn't strange, it's crap!  Unless you're referring to their popularity, which is truly strange indeed.  I dunno -- it doesn't have to be fantasy.  Something offbeat, well-written, obsessive, whatnot.  Like Jack Vance's weird fantasy of manners.  I tried to write something of the sort myself, but certainly don't want to read that . . .  not after the loathsome final review/revision/rewrite.  It's time to enjoy myself a bit!

 

[SylvieB1984]

I am looking forward to hearing if anyone has any other suggestions... I too am a fan of strange! One author in particular that I would consider strange is Amelie Nothombe (she writes in French)... I would love to find something like this in English it would be great.

 

[Geoffrey]

have you read any Jon Armstrong? Hes' not exactly an indie, but his is fringie. His novels Grey and Yarn are dystopian commentaries on our contemporary cult of celebrity and very strange in a very good way. You can get them at Amazon, but they're also available on Baen Books' site for a couple dollars less ....

 

[James Everington]

Iain Rowan's short stories in Ice Age qualify as 'strange' and he is indie... They're described as horror, but more surreal, spooky dark fiction. Oh, and they're good.

 

[TiffanyLovering]

I really like Karen McQuestion's Favorite. It's pretty unique.

 

[scl]

I'm not sure that I should admit that I've read it, but Siren Night by Keith Blenman is compelling in a very well written but obscene way. I think he definitely took advantage of the ability to publish this himself, since I can't picture a mainstream publisher touching it with a ten foot pole. It's fairly short, is an indie author, and is well written. It is also disgusting and vulgar in my opinion as the two main characters proceed to cut a swath across the country destroying monsters.

 

[Michelle Muto]

The Dirty Parts of the Bible by Sam Torode.

Humor, not a series, historical, different.