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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Defiance of the Fall #13 – J. F. Brink

War has arrived to Zecia.

Zac returns from the Perennial Vastness, finding Earth already embroiled in war. The Kan’Tanu Cult is pouring into the sector, determined to make it theirs. The System is fanning the flames with treasures and opportunities, using the conflict to choose candidates for its trial.

A strong arm and a sharp axe isn’t enough to keep Earth safe. Zac has to secure the resources and alliances necessary for his empire, all while dealing with the fallout of Leandra’s schemes.

But who can he trust? The appearance of the Ultom Courts has set the Multiverse astir. Powerful outsiders are flocking to Zecia in search of fortune, where the local Sealbearers are prey. One wrong move and it’s over.

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The Fabricator’s Mask (The Queen’s Blade #6) – D. K. Holmberg

A strange land brings deadly new dangers. 

Surrounded by the power of fabrications, Zaren must protect Prince Dorian as he finalizes the trade agreement with Ardem.

When his apprentice is attacked, and Zaren finds a strange fabrication, he starts to question the real reason behind the trade.

All is not as it seems. Zaren may be the key to ensuring the success of the delegation—and saving all of Ardem.

But can they trust the Queen’s Blade?

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Farthest Reaches – Brandon Ellis and Max Wolfe

Earth’s only chance for survival rests in the hands of one ship…

…None of its crew are prepared for what is to come.

Space Force’s first interstellar mission, Captain Scott Moore is set to lead the first starship to venture outside our solar system, the U.S.S Atlanta. Despite years of preparation, an unintended explosion takes Moore’s ship across the galaxy with no hope of returning.

Stranded in the void, Moore and his crew must discover a way home. But out amongst the stars, we are not alone.

When attempts to communicate with an alien race fail, a war begins… one that will spell the end of humanity.

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Iconic (The Outer Reaches #1) – A. J. Gordon and Peter J. Aldin

1700 years after the war, the Imperium is a shadow of its former self. Along the galaxy’s Outer Reaches, frontier factions and vicious gangs nip at the empire’s heels and jostle for dominance.

In the year 5122, Alexis Nales wakes from stasis to find her crew long dead and herself the property of slavers. To survive in the lawless outer region, Alexis must transform a ragtag group of escaped slaves into a tightknit crew who’ll fight for freedom and a better future.

Elsewhere, an ancient warrior—captured at the civil war’s conclusion—awakens from his own stasis. Expected to lead a team of fellow captives, Jabari Mbaye soon discovers the assignment is off-the-books… and the imperial officer commanding it has gone rogue.

When both of their paths converge, Alexis and Jabari must face two questions. Can the other be trusted? And do they have what it takes to win?

Losing this battle could result in the deaths of both their teams… and ultimately in the destruction of all human civilization!

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Magic Kingdom at War #2 – Tao Wong

For Matt, joining Earth’s last line of defense was exactly the purpose he had been seeking. Having to save the world after being reincarnated in a magical realm might be enjoyable, in a soul-crushing responsibility kind of way.

But trading his office cubicle for the battlefield chaos of a 4x game world wasn’t what he had in mind. The world map is made out of hexagrams, the units are semi-sentient and his opponents have a head start. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s no instruction manual for this nightmare.

Another Day, Another Gold Piece, Another Unit Destroyed

Matt’s encountered his first opponent and is getting a hang of being lord of all he surveys. Of course, that’s only a few hexes away from his fort, but it’s the thought that counts. Now that he has an objective, he’s going to need ramp up unit production, balance gold production and the egos of his two Heroes.

Just another day when your Magic Kingdom is at War.

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The Other Fellow – a Kickstarter campaign from William Hastings

THE WORLD’S GREATEST SPY IS DEAD.

. . . BUT SOMEONE’S GOT TO FINISH HIS MISSION.

A homeless drifter stumbles upon secret agent Eton Smythe, mortally wounded on the streets of London. Seeking redemption for past sins, the drifter makes the suicidal choice to assume his spy’s identity and finish his mission. Eton Smythe’s arch rival is threatening to unleash a weapon that will change the course of the Cold War and the clock is ticking. But can this man, a killer, a mercenary, and a criminal, truly fill the shoes of the world’s greatest spy?

This Kickstarter campaign will be open through 2 July, 2024.