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“Sipping at Happiness” is the latest in a series of Amaranthine Outtakes: moments that fit in and around or soon after the more official moments in the Saga & Songs … and Interludes. This scene is a moment between the Smythe Brothers, written as a companion to the recently revealed artwork by Mart Lett. It’s pretty short, just 10 minutes, but it has been narrated by Travis Baldree. ::starry eyes::

The story snippet drops on November 1. You can purchase it in my shop on Patreon and queue up for the fancy countdown to release on Saturday. More information here >>

Wednesday, July 9 at 8 a.m. (Pacific), the next Amaranthine Outtake will drop over on my Patreon. That’s tomorrow! This is a Patreon event, but anyone can get in on the excitement. Just head over to my shop.

Their unlikely attachment would establish a dynasty.
He’s a reaver boy, raised by the fox whose captivity is a family secret. She’s a reaver girl whose line is both favored by and feared by dragonkind. The ward rising through the ranks meets the battler with a healer’s touch. They have little in common, or so they thought. Because trust can be shared, and friendship can belong to two. [An Amaranthine Saga prequel that offers glimpses of Michael and Sansa during their Ingress Academy days.]

This short story has been narrated by Travis Baldree. As a reminder, I’ve set up a drop over on Patreon, where you’ll find a countdown to its debut on Wednesday, July 9 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific). Leading up to its release (or anytime after), you’ll be able to purchase Once & Well in my shop.

© copyright by forthright, 2025
narrated by Travis Baldree
10k words | 1 hour, 5 minutes

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)

Assembly Line. I’ve been working through my pile, stamping & inscribing books. If you’re interested in securing one of these copies, you can check out the particulars on the Signed Books page, then email me!

always.forthright at gmail

Book 7. If you’ve been waiting for the final book in the Amaranthine Saga to drop, it’s here. Travis Baldree’s narration of Rhomiko and the Confirmed Bachelor is live on Audible! Enjoy!