What an astonishing journey we’ve taken together: from the launch of my first novel to the Hugos, from Larry Correia’s BOOK BOMB! to the Dragon Awards, it’s been an honor to ride this out-of-control rocket car with you!
The genesis of the Soul Cycle goes back sixteen years. I had four complete stories outlined before ever thinking of self-publishing the first book. But did all the market research I could and kept a close eye on the rapidly unfolding developments that would shake the book industry.
Choosing to self-publish was the best decision I’ve made in my entire life. And you, my beloved readers, are the reason why.
Here, at the first turning of the path, I want to pause and thank you all for staking your hard-earned money, your precious leisure time, and your loyalty on an unknown author publishing his first book. They call it “self-publishing”, but no author succeeds alone. Sincere thanks also to those of my fellow authors who have given generously of their time and wisdom.
Frankly, I’m still bewildered by the critical and commercial response to the Soul Cycle. When I first launched Nethereal, I ‘d have considered the book a success if it broke even and at least 51% of readers didn’t hate it. You have seen fit to reward my initial investment with extravagance beyond my imaginings. Thanks to you, Nethereal garnered me a Campbell nomination. Souldancer became the first indie novel to win a Dragon Award, and The Secret Kings was deemed worthy of standing beside giants of trad and indie publishing as a Dragon Award finalist.
The journey’s first leg is almost over. The end of the beginning draws near. But before we move on to what’s next, I have one last tale of the Soul Cycle for you–and judging by the reviews, I’ve saved the best for last.
Dragon Award winner Brian Niemeier’s groundbreaking Soul Cycle reaches its startling conclusion in The Ophian Rising, the highly anticipated sequel to The Secret Kings.
The Zadokim healed the cosmos from the ravages of the Cataclysm, and the survivors made them kings. Now the Ophians, a ruthless insurgent movement, wage a vicious uprising against their immortal rulers’ two hundred year reign.
Xander and Astlin have transformed the desert world of Tharis into the hub of a flourishing trade empire. Their Nesshin subjects spread a new faith promising true freedom in another universe. But when Astlin seeks forbidden knowledge to resurrect her long-dead family, sinister forces exact a terrible price from those she loves.
With the Ophian threat engulfing the spheres and a primeval terror rising from its prison, Astlin must turn to a shiftless gambler, the outlaw squire of a fallen knight, and a mismatched pair of smugglers to escape the ghosts of her past and save all souls from eternal death. But can mortals succeed where even gods have failed?
Bonus: The spark that started the fire, Nethereal, Soul Cycle Book I, is only $0.99 for a limited time!
Extra bonus: The Unexpected Enlightenment of Rachel Griffin, book one of the magical YA series by my lovely and talented editor L. Jagi Lamplighter Wright is free today!
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