For fantasy lovers, there’s nothing more exciting than stumbling upon a story that sweeps you away into another world — especially when it’s a hidden gem not plastered all over Amazon. While big publishing platforms dominate the digital shelves, some of the freshest, most creative, and most original fantasy stories are being shared freely online, straight from authors to readers.
If you’re hungry to read some of the best fantasy stories online that offer something different, this list will point you to some of the most exciting voices working today. From laugh-out-loud comedies to dark, emotional epics and immersive slow-burn tales, these authors are crafting worlds that deserve your attention — and the best part? Many of their stories are free to read right now.
Let’s dive in.
Richie Billing — Gritty, Witty Fantasy With Heart
Richie Billing is an indie fantasy author whose work stands out for its brilliant combination of grit, humour, and heart. At the centre of his writing is The Breakaways, a sharp, darkly funny series following a dysfunctional group of monster hunters. This isn’t your usual heroic quest — Billing’s characters are messy, flawed, and all too human, navigating a world that’s dangerous, unpredictable, and sometimes absurd.
What sets Richie apart is how he plays with familiar fantasy tropes, turning them on their heads to reveal something deeper. His stories are packed with fast-paced action and clever dialogue, but underneath the excitement is a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, failure, ambition, and redemption. Whether it’s Dudley, the lovable but bumbling crossbowman with a northern twang, or Marteus, the sadistic crewmaster, Richie’s characters leap off the page.
A standout feature of Richie Billing’s work is accessibility — he shares many of his stories online for free on Patreon, inviting readers to join his world without barriers. For fans of series like Kings of the Wyld or The Witcher, but with a sharper comedic twist, The Breakaways is a must-read. Richie’s site is also packed with extra material, including short stories and behind-the-scenes insights, making it a fantastic hub for fantasy fans eager to explore something new.
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Selkie Myth — Slow-Burn Romance and Beautiful Worldbuilding
Selkie Myth is the pen name behind The Prince of Swords, a hugely popular fantasy web serial. Known for slow-burn romance, deep character work, and gorgeous worldbuilding, Selkie Myth has built a devoted following on web fiction platforms. Her stories combine emotional depth with magical intrigue, focusing on the bonds between characters just as much as the external conflicts they face. Readers who love carefully crafted relationships and patient, immersive storytelling will find themselves right at home here.
Pirateaba — Epic Adventure With a Community Spirit
Pirateaba, the creator of The Wandering Inn, is one of the biggest names in the web serial world — and for good reason. This massive fantasy saga follows Erin Solstice, a young woman from Earth who finds herself running an inn in a magical world. What starts small gradually blossoms into an epic adventure, with sprawling character arcs, political tension, and emotional gut punches. Pirateaba’s writing masterfully balances humour and heartbreak, earning it a huge global fanbase.
Intisar Khanani — Indie Fantasy With Heart and Purpose
Intisar Khanani is a celebrated indie fantasy author known for her fairytale retellings and emotionally charged original works. With stories like Thorn and Sunbolt, Khanani has earned praise for her focus on resilience, justice, and transformation. Alongside her published novels, Khanani offers free short stories and novellas online, giving readers a chance to explore her thoughtful, character-driven worlds. Her heroines are clever, determined, and deeply human, appealing to anyone craving fantasy with emotional weight.
K.A. Doore — Sharp, Compelling Queer Fantasy
K.A. Doore, author of the Chronicles of Ghadid trilogy, brings assassins, desert cities, necromantic intrigue, and queer representation into vivid focus. Doore’s worldbuilding combines thrilling adventure with deeper explorations of identity, morality, and belonging. While her novels are traditionally published, Doore shares bonus content, short stories, and behind-the-scenes material online, offering readers a window into her unique and imaginative fantasy realms.
Why Read Fantasy Stories Outside Amazon?
You might wonder — why bother hunting down fantasy stories on indie sites or author platforms when Amazon has thousands of ebooks at your fingertips?
Here’s why it’s worth it.
Diverse Voices, Fresh Ideas:
Indie authors and web serial creators are free to experiment with themes, formats, and characters, offering stories that feel fresh and exciting.
Ongoing, Interactive Storytelling:
Many online authors publish in serial format, letting readers follow along, comment, and even help shape the narrative.
Supporting Creators Directly:
Reading outside the mainstream helps authors sustain their work. Many rely on Patreon, Ko-fi, or direct reader support, creating a vibrant, independent creative ecosystem.
Hidden Gems and Cult Favourites:
Some of the best fantasy fiction today is happening off Amazon, in passionate online communities and independent corners of the web.
Why Richie Billing Is the Perfect Place to Start
Richie Billing’s The Breakaways is a shining example of why online fantasy is worth your time. His characters don’t just entertain — they pull you into a world where humour and heartbreak live side by side. Billing understands that fantasy is about more than magic systems or epic battles. It’s about people: their flaws, their struggles, their messy, hopeful, stubborn hearts.
Whether you’re laughing at the crew’s bickering, holding your breath during a dangerous hunt, or reflecting on the weight of loyalty and failure, The Breakaways delivers an experience that sticks with you. Richie’s free online stories, witty dialogue, and raw, vivid writing make him one of the most exciting hidden gems in the fantasy scene today.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking to read fantasy stories online that you won’t find on Amazon, these authors are your gateway to unforgettable worlds, fresh voices, and stories you’ll carry with you long after the last chapter.
So brew yourself a cup of tea, settle into your coziest chair, and start exploring. Magic, adventure, and brilliant storytelling are waiting — and it’s all just a few clicks away.
And if you’re not sure where to begin? Richie Billing’s website is the perfect first stop. Dive in, and discover why indie fantasy is one of the most exciting corners of the online literary world.
