It's new release time!

Montclair, officially releases 07.31.26, just one week shy of the year anniversary of Thorns, Feathers & Bones!  Can you believe it? 

I cannot.

About Montclair from an author perspective:

The world of Thorns is a massive one, filled with unique stories and perspectives that could not possibly be contained in four books (even Sanderson sized ones). The easily solution, would be to expand the main series into more books, however, I feel doing so would water down the main arc and make it harder for new readers to approach the world. 

The worst thing any story can do, is not know when to take the curtain call.

And so... the idea for the novella's were born. 

Currently I have four planned, bringing the series to eight books in total once completed. The first two will be approached as standalone but ending in a collision course with the main series, the last two will explore themes/concepts/characters introduced in BWAS,MTC (Montclair) & Novella 2. Each novella will carry a different genre or theme that bleeds into epic/high fantasy. Doing so will keep the storytelling experience fresh, while allowing me to stretch my wings as an author without getting distracted by an unrelated project or becoming creatively bored (Not that any of these characters would allow that to happen).

What's next?

Novella 1 (MTC): July 31st 2026

Novella 2: Spring 2027

Book 2 (BWAS): Winter 2027

Novella 3: Spring 2028

That is as far as I'm comfortable in committing to for now... but you can essentially count on an annual AWF release. Currently I am of the understanding that book 4 will have the longest gap, if only because I want to stick the landing. I wouldn't mind focusing on nothing but book four (likely the largest in the series) for a solid year, with the goal to have the series done by 2030.

Where do we go after Book 4 of the main series?

Without spoiling anything. Anywhere and everywhere.... for the characters who survive it. ;)

As of writing this, my first inclination is to write more Montclair. The characters demand it, and I am but their humble servant :D But already the characters of Novella 2 intrigue me...and because of certain things...it opens up a world of possibility separate from the main series (you'll see).

But don't worry, there will always be Thorns if I have anything to say about it. The novella experience was really amazing...easy to execute...focused..directed...no balancing issues to worry about...etc..etc. so perhaps Thorns lives in the novella realm until a cast screams loud enough for their own new 3 book series or something? idk...There are so many options its hard to pick...let alone at this stage.

Elarion's age allows for amazing pre-TFAB material, but I fear Elven culture has been beaten into mediocrity and is so oversaturated, that they do not carry the wonder we once held for them.

There is one story line/concept I would LOVE to do...but I need to work it out more. Novella3 + Book 3 would be the natural jumping point for it ....hmmmm

You're rambling, what about MTC?

Right...here is the official story blurb:

As the noble houses of Vyrune gather beneath the shadow of ancient rites, two young women find their lives drawn toward the same dark center.

Sabine Delamere serves as Factor to Marquis Damien de Montclair, a man as revered as he is feared. As the past he buried begins to surface, her loyalty is tested by revelations that threaten everything she believes about the man she serves.

Elsewhere, Winifred, a quiet baker's daughter who often sees what others cannot, is chosen for a fate she does not fully understand. As the veil concealing Vyrune's oldest secrets begins to fray, she is forced to confront the horrors hidden beneath the kingdom's beauty and tradition.

But behind velvet courts, sacred ceremonies, and whispered politics, something ancient stirs within Vyrune... and history itself may not be as dead as the kingdom pretends. A gothic standalone entry into the world of Thorns, Feathers & Bones, Montclair blends the regal decadence of Anne Rice with the atmospheric fantasy of Patrick Rothfuss. Steeped in old blood, dangerous loyalties, and histories too terrible to die, it is a dark fantasy where beauty and ruin walk hand in hand, and where the past refuses to remain buried. 

What the hell does this have to do with TFAB?

:) you'll see.

This story is written with a more focused lens then the breathy atmospheric TFAB. I compare it to going to your cousins house. Things are a placed a little differently, but you still feel at home there. It was so refreshing to write, stepping out of the minds of the grief and regret laden characters of book one, but there is light at the end of the tunnel for (some of) them, which makes me more anxious and excited to continue writing BWAS.

But first, I have to write Novella 2, which have already mapped out and started writing (I took a break to write this blog update actually).

Anyway....I'm excited for the reactions and feedback to MTC! Hopefully, be the end of the third prologue (sorry about those lol) , I will have maintained your trust and exceeded your expectations. 

Let's make this update thing a regular sunday arrangement? Yea?

-AWF