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

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Beginnings (Lost Town #4) – Nathan Hystad

Cause and effect are a universal truth.

Most of Carmichael’s population made it home, but not everyone wants to return. Both parties must start again, and life as they knew it has changed forever.

Caesar and Ameila are recruited by Harrison to bridge the gap between Arcadia and Earth, while Anders is hired to rescue John and Lillian from whatever distant planet they now occupy.

The journey begins at Wayward, the renamed town that Milton had once tyrannized. Milton may be a distant threat, but Duffy, wounded and outraged, still lurks in the shadows.

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The Black Ships – G. P. Hudson

The Union is the most powerful civilization in the galaxy. But its greatest threat is yet to come—and only one man can stop it.

Captain Max Knight thought his mission was simple: eliminate an arms dealer and head home.

No big deal.

But when unknown forces put all of humanity at risk, he’s forced into a desperate quest beyond known space in search of a legend that may not even exist.

Can Max succeed in his mission? Or will humanity face annihilation?

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Blightwood (The Celestial Path #3) – D. K. Holmberg

In a city of hidden powers and ancient relics, can Roran master his growing abilities before war engulfs Blightwood?

Deep within Blightwood, where celestial relics fuel the ambitions of powerful faction leaders, Roran Los seeks guidance from the enigmatic Curator. But his unique voidheart ability is evolving, granting him an unprecedented connection to falling celestial relics that even his mentor can’t explain.

As the mysterious Veland gang grows bolder and ancient powers stir, Roran must navigate the delicate balance between the city’s warring sections. His newfound ability to call down relics from the sky makes him a valuable asset—and a dangerous target.

With the High Lord’s attention turning toward the Curator’s secret domain and the Astralin’s schemes unfolding in the shadows, Roran’s choices could either preserve the fragile peace or ignite a war that will consume them all.

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Cirsova Magazine #22: Spring 2025 – edited by P. Alexander

11 tales of thrilling adventure and daring suspense, including:

The Wild Stars hope to find some sign of their distant cousins beyond the Milky Way, humanoid races descended from other extragalactics! Rather than friends or allies, however, an ancient enemy lies in wait at the scene of a long-ago bloodbath!

After her family is killed by merfolk, Aelia, a young diver, seeks out a legendary sunken treasure that is said to have the power to restore both emperor and empire!

Things may not be all they seem on a routine escort gig when a mysterious woman approaches Galactic Enforcer Stone with a glowing gem and an offer of a side job!

Mickey Vance is due for a tune-up on his illegal military-grade wetware, but his doctor is dead! Can he and his doctor’s assistant evade a bounty hunter on his trail?

…and more!

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Gaining the Edge (Symbiote Wars #3) – Chris Kennedy

The Sutton siblings have pulled off the unthinkable—they defeated a Cowlee force led by one of the princes and returned with more forces than Terra previously had at its disposal.

But the Cowlee fleet remains in the Sirius system, unsuspecting, waiting for the return of a prince who will never be back, and the Suttons have an idea on how to make the fleet their own. With very little to lose and everything to gain, the general authorizes their plan, hoping to gain an edge they desperately need over the alien Cowlees.

But the enemy gets a vote in any plan, and when the enemy fleet does the unexpected, will the Suttons gain the edge that Terra needs or will all—including their lives—be lost?

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The Return of Patrick Midnight – Arbogast

In The Return of Patrick Midnight, neo-pulp author and Bizarchives stalwart Arbogast returns with brand new stories of horror, action, adventure, and mystery.

Patrick Midnight, the chief special agent for the Society of Gentleman Geographers, and Reverend Blackstone, the two-fisted Puritan ghost of the 17th century, once again join forces to battle demons, Bolsheviks, ghosts, and much more.

In tales such as “Terror on Plum Island” and “The Transylvania Incident,” our heroes take on worldly evils like organized crime and mad professors.

In “The Doom That Came to Mortlake Hall” and “The Case of Churchill Haunting,” otherworldly entities attempt to kill off the special agent and his ancestral shade.

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Seven Days ‘Til Mayhem (Echoes of the Just #1) – Austin Chambers

When a worldwide cyber-attack releases every prisoner at once, everything changes.

Kevin Richardson wrestles with the choice to help in this global crisis far beyond his training as a volunteer state guard. After he chases down and subdues a desperate murderer, however, he realizes that courage in this new chaotic world is needed now more than ever.

But as the hackers escalate their unimaginable plans, Kevin teams with other first responders who slowly realize the truth. The danger is less about the criminals—and more about the swift collapse of law and order at every level.

Kevin’s inner demons emerge as the outer world unravels.

Will he find redemption in confronting them? Or will the mayhem consume him first?

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Sword of the Fallen (Hearts of Dragons #1) – G. J. Ogden

Sir Torin Cadwell, Knight-Captain of the Watch and the tyrant king’s illegitimate son, has spent his life torn between loyalty to his father and the pull of destiny. For generations, his bloodline has been cursed by a bitter feud with Kyhrax, the Flame of Zarag-Gul – the most feared dragon in Westskyr.

The city of Dun Morlaig survives only because of the Breath – a magical barrier fueled by the crystallized heart of Astreya, the Great Mother dragon. Once a benevolent guardian, Astreya was slain by Torin’s ancestor, leaving Kyhrax consumed by grief and burning for revenge.

When Astreya’s Lament – the sword that holds the Great Mother’s heart – is stolen, the Breath falters. Chaos erupts as Koblyn monsters and dragon-worshiping cultists lay siege to the city, and Kyhrax prepares to unleash his long-awaited vengeance.

Defying the king’s command, Torin allies with Ruxandra Elyr, a ranger of the Order of the Green Bow, to recover the stolen sword. But Kyhrax’s wrath will not stop at Dun Morlaig. If the Flame of Zarag-Gul is not stopped, his fury will consume all seven realms and usher in the age of dragons.