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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Opening Moves (Symbiote Wars #2) – Chris Kennedy

They have to shoot the messenger… or Earth is toast!

With war afoot, James Sutton and Will Johnson are tasked with chasing down the Cowlee stealth ship that has the coordinates to Earth. If the ship makes it back to the Cowlees’ home world, life as we know it will end.

Meanwhile, Holly Sutton is ready to attempt the jungle warfare school on Salchan. But when it doesn’t go as planned, she’ll be lucky to escape the swamps with her life.

And when the Cowlees send expeditions looking for more information on Earth, the first major confrontations between Cowlees and Terrans will result.

Will the Sutton siblings make it back to Earth on their own or as prisoners of a Cowlee fleet?

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Twinned Destinies – Adastra339

Shunned. Forgotten. Ruyi will do whatever it takes to gain the power to rise up.

Prophecy tells of a hero who shall slay the Lord of Demons—but this is not his story.

This is the story of his twin. Where he has a magical core of unparalleled talent, Ruyi has none at all.

Where he is celebrated, she is shunned.

Yet Ruyi refuses to accept her fate. She will prove herself, even if it means breaking a sacred taboo and eating the flesh of demons in order to start on her path to ascension.

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Wyverns Never Die (Honeymoon from Hell #3) – Declan Finn

Marco and Amanda have been hounded from Chicago to San Francisco by all the forces of Hell. Surely, Wyvern Con science fiction and fantasy convention in Atlanta would be safe? Who would dare attack a convention the size of a small city?

Everyone.

Before the newlyweds even arrive, they are nearly killed by Chinese assassins. The local vampire nest has turned on them. Cyber-zombies have been unleashed on the streets.

Somebody has been playing a game with Marco and Amanda. But this is one honeymoon couple that like to play chess. And now, it’s time for their gambit to commence.

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The Complete Mongoose and Meerkat – a Kickstarter campaign from Cirsova

He’s a brash young bravo, eager to prove his worth with a blade. She’s a mysterious rogue with a head for history and razor cunning. Together, they are the Mongoose and Meerkat!

Whether they’re looting haunted dungeons, fighting demons and necromancers, or just settling labor disputes, this swashbuckling duo is ready for anything! Mangos would love nothing more than to earn a name for himself and keep himself comfortably in coin. Kat, however, has more far-reaching plans for her wealth.

The City State of Alness has fallen to a band of mercenaries and brigands who have ravaged the north lands. Amidst the rumors that an Alnessi royal may have survived, the Mongoose and Meerkat must navigate all manner of intrigue and betrayal to win the fame and fortune necessary to restore the once-mighty city.

Originally serialized in 18 installments from 2017 through 2023 in Cirsova Magazine, Jim Breyfogle’s Mongoose and Meerkat became one of the iconic Sword & Sorcery teams of the Pulp Revolution. Now, you can have all of their adventures in a single gorgeous volume!