Every week, the Castalia House Blog spotlights some of the many new releases in independent, pulp, and web novel-influenced science fiction and fantasy.

Echoes of Extinction (The Voidwalker Chronicles #1) – Sean Robins

One man must lead the charge in the name of humanity.

Major Ethan Irons thought surviving Earth’s near-extinction event was the pinnacle of disaster, but when the remnants of humanity are catapulted into a galactic conflict beyond their wildest nightmares, he’s plunged into an unimaginable odyssey.

Armed with nothing but his wits, a sardonic AI companion, and unlikely alliances with enigmatic alien species, he must navigate the treacherous waters of intergalactic politics and warfare.

Can Ethan and his ragtag band of survivors rekindle the flame of hope for humanity?

Fight. Level. Survive. – Xrmaze

Stuck in a new world. Surrounded by monsters. It’s time to Fight, Level, and Survive.

When Mason wakes up naked and alone in a whole new world, everything changes. Lying there with blades of blue grass stabbing him in his ass, he has no idea just how chaotic his life is about to become.

His new world is crammed full of monsters, magic, and worse. But first things first. He’s arrived buck-naked in a strange land—should he pick a weapon or clothes first?

That’s just step one. After that, it’ll take his wits, charm, a ton of luck, and a heavy dose of sarcasm to ensure his survival as he levels up and learns to thrive.

Galactic Titan III – Miles Rozak

Sometimes you don’t get what you par for… when bending spacetime pays for itself.

Like most people, Captain Gage thought time was linear. One thing after the next. Well, that’s how it felt.

Until spacetime nearby turned into a loop.

His Commonwealth? Sold out by bribery and corruption. His task force? Disbanded… now lost or dead. If history’s fixed, what options are left?

One thing about cycles – they’re made to be broken.

So that’s what Gage is going to do next. Read More

Every week, the Castalia House Blog spotlights some of the many new releases in independent, pulp, and web novel-influenced science fiction and fantasy.

Crown of Beasts (The Beastcaller Chronicles #2) – Dan Michaelson and D. K. Holmberg

Leo Stormrider barely survived his first encounter with the Unbeasts. Now, as the apprentice to Lord Darkthorn, he faces an even greater challenge—the Tournament of Apprentices, where the most promising students compete for glory and advancement.

But dark forces conspire against him. The Supreme Realm Lord seems determined to prevent Leo from winning, fearing he could become the next Kong—a legendary Beastcaller whose madness nearly destroyed the realm. With only his Familiar Shadowshine and a few allies at his side, Leo must navigate deadly challenges, ruthless competitors, and a maze of political intrigue.

As ancient powers clash and conspiracies unfold, Leo finds himself caught between mastering his abilities and resisting the Call of the Beast—a primal force that threatens to consume him.

In a tournament where victory could mean the difference between elevation and extinction, Leo must prove that not all Beastcallers are destined to fall to darkness. But with enemies both in front of and behind him, even reaching the finals may be beyond his grasp.

Emberstone Farm – L. Meili

A cozy, slice-of-life, isekai fantasy about farming, crafting, low stakes adventure, and a journey to be the best.

Join the quest to become the greatest farmer of all time!

Violet, an orphan from Earth, was just about to apply to a college when she was transported into the world of her favorite game, Adventure Incarnate.

Thankfully, Adventure Incarnate is a cozy farming adventure RPG, and she has an awesome cheat—her inventory is full of raw materials that she can use to level up and craft legendary items.

Join Violet in her lighthearted quest to become the greatest farmer of all time in this quiet living, slice-of-life LitRPG about farming, low stakes adventure, crafting, a hint of romance, and so much more.

Rogue Commander (Oldest Starfighter #2) – Jamie McFarlane

Gordy Harmen thought he had seen it all. Recruited from Earth by the alien Obsidian Union to fight in their war against the ruthless Kadrak, he rose to lead Starfighter Command. But leadership in the stars isn’t just about dogfights and strategy—it’s also about politics, and Gordy’s no politician. After a clash with the manipulative Admiral Shezelkep, who prioritizes bureaucracy over battlefield success, Gordy finds himself stripped of command and locked away in the brig for punching the Admiral square in the face.

For most, it would be a career-ending disgrace. For Gordy, it’s just a pit stop.

When a mysterious energy anomaly devastates the Talonis System and scouts sent to investigate vanish without a trace, the Obsidian Union comes calling once again. Gordy seizes the opportunity, on one condition: he runs the mission his way, without bureaucratic interference. What he finds in Talonis is worse than anyone could have imagined—a deadly Kadrak plot tied to the destruction of a vital scientific outpost, threatening the fragile balance of power in the galaxy.

As war looms on the horizon, Gordy must assemble an unconventional strike force and leverage every ounce of his cunning, skill, and defiance to save Talonis from falling to the enemy. With the weight of countless lives on his shoulders, Gordy’s return to command will test his mettle—and his loyalty to a galaxy that seems intent on undermining him.

Rebel Galaxy: Contact – J. N. Chaney and Jasper T. Scott

The first manned expedition beyond our solar system leads to a deadly encounter…

Lieutenant Dane Clark, second-in-command of Trailblazer One, is flying with over 300 colonists on a historic voyage to Proxima Centauri b, humanity’s first step toward establishing a new home among the stars. But their arrival reveals a chilling mystery—a strange signal is pulsing from the planet’s surface, luring them in.

When a crew descends to investigate, what they uncover is beyond comprehension—and beyond escape. Isolated over four light-years from Earth, the crew must decide whether to establish a colony on this alien world or turn around and run back to Earth. Read More

Every week, the Castalia House Blog spotlights some of the many new releases in independent, pulp, and web novel-influenced science fiction and fantasy.

Alan Buys the Universe – Marc Mulero

Somewhere faraway, the universe is in peril. But on Earth, Alan is minding his own business after a boring double-shift at the pawn shop… until he’s assaulted by a screaming archer who turns out to be a good shot.

Alan awakes in Strangey Town, a zany nightmarish jungle of ideas run by a horrid deity.

Things get even stranger when a clairvoyant frog confirms Alan has an affinity for magic, and that his powers are far from ordinary. He can convene with gods, bargain for souls, and tap into every known magic the universe has to offer. It’s unheard of!

But with great promise, comes grave danger. Realms hellbent on seizing control of the universe seek to seize Alan’s potential, willing to declare war to gain it.

Through magic, blade’s edge, or a bargain, Alan will prevail. He’s finally found a place not only where he belongs, but where he can thrive.

House of Owls (The Milesian Accords #6) – Jon R. Osborne

With the Challenge in the past, Liam now must cope with the fallout from his battle with a proto-goddess while he and Pixel prepare for their approaching wedding. Meanwhile, Erin struggles with a normal life and the fear of settling down in rural Illinois.

The Moon Council freed Pixel and her sisters from the House of Owls and their betrothal pacts in exchange for Pixel undertaking the mission to infiltrate the mundane world and recruit the new First Druid to challenge the Milesian Accords. When Matron of Owls reclaims the freed flower-brides, her Unseelie thugs not only capture Pixel but kidnap Liam and Erin’s children in the bargain.

Now the First Druid and the Champion of the Accords must join forces and muster their allies to rescue their children. With Liam tottering on the brink of madness, can they overcome their differences to brave the dangers of Glas-Cymru and the machinations of the House of Owls and save everyone they love?

New Empires (The Conglomerate #3) – William s. Frisbee, Jr.

It’s war!

The Conglomerate is shattered and burning, Topa Suresh is missing, and the Jupiter Alliance and Caliphate are both on the move!

But when Luke takes the battle to the enemy, he finds himself pitted against a foe that has been planning the destruction of the Conglomerate for hundreds of thousands of years. Most of humanity has already been enslaved by them, and hope is all but lost.

Can Luke build the alliances required to stop the ancient enemy, or will the Conglomerate finally fall to the invaders? Read More

Every week, the Castalia House Blog spotlights some of the many new releases in independent, pulp, and web novel-influenced science fiction and fantasy.

Able Bodied Soldier #2 – J. N. Chaney and Jason Anspach

Titus Briggs’s second chance has become a first-rate, alien-crushing, rebel-stomping success.

The MOCOM units are turning the tide of the war, and the Moonlight Rebellion is on the ropes. But if these treasonous humans, who worship alien invaders as gods, are to be finally defeated, it means cutting off the supply of weapons and equipment from their Thephari overlords… … if Briggs and his team can find out how they are doing it.

All the autonomous bomb drones, rail guns, pulse rifles, or even MOCOMs in the galaxy can’t make a difference while the Thephari’s advanced technology–and supply routes–remain a mystery.

So when an opportunity presents itself for Briggs to find out a way to hurt the Scaleys and disrupt their control over the rebels, he must take it. Even if it means putting himself alone, compromised, vulnerable and constantly facing the prospect of sudden death.

Without MOCOMs. Without friends, support, or communication…

Titus Briggs will find a way to cripple the Thephari’s plans for a second invasion of Earth… or he’ll die trying.

The Apothecary Diaries #13 – Natsu Hyuuga

In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.

Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison!

An Exile’s Lament (The Last Eternal #8) – Jacob Peppers

Death comes to Celes.

It marches with an army of thousands, an army that comes not to conquer but to destroy. Not to save but to kill.

Monsters roam the shadowy alleyways of the city searching for those they might devour, and corrupt guardsmen wield their blades against those they are meant to protect.

The wanderer has found new allies, ruthless criminals, a famous swordmaster, and a wizard of great power, yet even they may not be enough to face what comes.

Assassin is dead but another, perhaps even greater threat has taken her place. An enemy who kills not with a sharpened blade but with a smile, with a whisper.

Against such weapons, even the loyalty of those closest to the wanderer will be tested. Against such weapons, even the great may fall.

Death comes to Celes…

The only question…is whose? Read More