The Latest

Folk-Spelled (Immortal Holmes, No.1). My new series is a paranormal mystery set in an alternate history. Steampunk and gaslight leanings. Fantasy elements. Cozy suspense is a thing, right? And hey! Hopepunk also fits the bill. NOW AVAILABLE!

This gaslit Holmesian steampunk mystery from Forthright (author of the Amaranthine Saga) opens with a scene as cozily inventive as it is tantalizing …. A promising series-starter about a truth-seeking liar, a city cloaked in ancient magic, and a detective who distrusts his own mind.” —BookLife Reviews (Editor’s Pick)

An immersive read …. the author’s meticulous attention to detail makes the most commonplace scene memorable.” —BlueInk Review

Forthright immerses the cast in a rich environment with hints of a more familiar world beyond the steam-powered machines and the constant whirring of gears …. This delightful opening installment introduces an eccentric, magical world. —Kirkus Reviews

Varti shines as the unlikely protagonist, persevering despite (or perhaps because of?) his curse; while the supporting cast is varied, interesting, and just as crucial to the plot, helping to paint the picture of the quaint-turned-ominous Newcomb in the throes of a series of mysterious murders. —BookLife Prize

OTHER STUFF:

  • The Amaranthine Saga is complete in seven volumes, though it’s fair to say the story isn’t quite finished unfolding, thanks to various serials underway (see Amaranthine Interludes).
  • Songs of the Amaranthine is a collection of short stories that predate the Emergence. They encompass a variety of -ships: kinship, friendship, partnership, mentorship … and romances of every stripe. Crossovers, cameos, and saga-relevant details abound. There are currently 10 to choose from.
  • Amaranthine Interludes are stories that happen in the background of the main Saga or in the years soon after. Two are complete. Three are ongoing. More are planned. ::twinkle::
  • Kimiko and the Cycle of Moons – Readers have often asked for more of Kimiko Miyabe’s courtship of Eloquence Starmark. Their grand cycle is a tale I’ve been telling as a Patreon-exclusive serialization. Cozy Fantasy. Slice-of-Life. Family. Courtship.
  • Coop and the Elderbough Trackers – An ongoing serial that posts here on my blog. Cole Pfeiffer-Cooper, who prefers to be called Coop, became part of a pack way before the world found out about the Amaranthine. Begins here.
  • Boniface Smythe of the Stately House Smythes – a story in 100-word chapters that’s being serialized over on Patreon. Free to read for all members (even free members). Begins here.
  • Bard & Barbarian is a D&D-inspired action/adventure tale that posts exclusively to Patreon. Now with serialized narration! Become a patron to read along.

• • •

Want fanart? Try the Cast Portraits and Fanart tags.
Want MOAR to read? Try this highly recommended series >>
(spoiler: 4thy has other pennames)

Cover Reveal

Pocket Editions. I’ve finally gotten all the stars aligned for this first release of Songs of the Amaranthine print editions. This teensy book is off to the presses, and release day isn’t far off. Here’s all the important information:

  • Marked by Stars & A Song for Moon is a print-only release.
  • The paperback is just 4×6″
  • I totally changed up the color scheme. Starmark colors!
  • A Song for Moon is a brand new short story that got a little longer than intended. It almost doubled the size of the book! (MbS is 19k, and aSfM is 12k.)
  • You can pre-order the print book on Amazon.
  • You can add the pocket edition to your Goodreads shelves.
  • Yes, you’ll be able to request signed copies from me. I’ve ordered a box of books, and they might arrive by release day. Maybe. But I doubt it. It’s probably too tight to turn it around because…
  • Release Day is Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Lunar New Year).
  • Costs? It retails at $12.99 USD. Thanks to recent hikes in shipping costs (both from the printer & off again to you), I’m going to have to ask for $20 for signed books, which will cover shipping in the United States. International orders … we’ll have to chat in messages. The cost varies by country, but you can expect the price to double. If you want to pre-order an author signed copy from me, go ahead and email me at always.forthright@gmail.com. I can start taking names.

Navigating Newcomb

Bridge District. This section of the city is under the royal view, since the palace sits atop the center of the wall overlooking the James, its six bridges, and the gardens. Fun Fact: there’s a saying about letting things go: “water under the nine bridges.” That’s because there are three additional bridges (much less ornamental) downstream in the Academy District.

Posts like this, that dish details from behind the scenes in Folk-Spelled and the upcoming Else-Moored turn up at regular intervals over on my Patreon. I hope you’ll consider following me there!

forthrightly on Patreon >>