Well, there are several indie ya novels that have gained a following. 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is a classic indie ya novel. It delves deep into the life of a high - school freshman, Charlie, as he navigates through friendship, love, and mental health issues. It has a very relatable and poignant narrative. 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs is another interesting one, with its blend of strange photos and a unique story about a group of children with special abilities.
You can start by checking out online book communities like Goodreads. There are many groups dedicated to young adult novels where indie books are often discussed. Also, indie bookstores usually have a section for ya novels. The staff there can give you some great recommendations based on your interests.
Some indie visual novels worth checking out are 'Clannad'. Although it has been made into an anime, the visual novel is really engaging. 'Muv - Luv Alternative' offers a complex and engaging story with multiple routes. 'Everlasting Summer' is an indie visual novel that takes place in a strange, dream - like summer setting and has an interesting mystery element to it.
The best indie novels often have unique voices. They're not bound by the mainstream publishing norms. For example, they might explore niche topics or have unconventional narrative styles. They can also be more experimental in terms of plot and character development. Indie novels sometimes have a more personal touch as they're often written from the heart of the author without too much corporate influence.
Indie graphic novels often have unique art styles. They are not bound by the mainstream commercial styles. For example, some might use very experimental illustration techniques. Also, their stories can be highly personal and niche, exploring themes that big publishers might avoid.
Another great one is 'Blankets' by Craig Thompson. It's a semi - autobiographical work that explores themes of love, faith, and growing up. The detailed black - and - white illustrations add to the overall mood of the story. It's a long - form graphic novel that really draws you in with its characters and their relationships.
One popular indie novel is 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. It started as an indie work and gained huge popularity. Another is 'Fifty Shades of Grey' which began as indie erotica before becoming a mainstream phenomenon. Also, 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline was an indie novel that caught on widely.
Some of the well - known top indie graphic novels include 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It tells a very personal and political story. Another is 'Blankets' by Craig Thompson, which is a beautifully illustrated coming - of - age story. 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel is also in the list. It's a memoir that deals with family, sexuality, and literature in a very engaging way.
The settings are often quite imaginative. Whether it's the Capitol and the districts in 'The Hunger Games' or the faction - based society in 'Divergent', these unique settings add depth and interest to the stories. They allow for exploration of different social structures and how individuals interact within them, which is appealing to young adult readers.
One interesting indie game in America could be 'Stardew Valley'. It was created by a single developer and has a charming rural setting with farming, relationships, and exploration elements. It became extremely popular for its relaxing gameplay and pixel - art style.