Kaylena Radcliff's Blog, page 2

A new adventure is beginning...

I’m excited to announce that a new world will be coming to your bookshelves this summer: the fantasy world of Alluvion, the setting for my upcoming novel, The Tower of Cortico.

Map by @TristaShaye- Follow her on SubstackThe Tower of Cortico: A High-Seas Adventure Fantasy

Stalling a world war isn’t a job for everyone, but when duty calls, Captain Thaddeus Norcross answers. Even so, when he catches the suspected provocateurs, a mysterious woman and her nonhuman companions, he gets more than he bargained for. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for Princess Katarine. Racing against a rogue faction of mages and for a magical weapon of unprecedented power, she must recover that which is most precious to her or risk losing her home and family forever. The question is: will the meddling captain be a hindrance or a help?

The Tower of Cortico, expected to release summer 2025, is aimed at adults but can be enjoyed by teens as well. Battle situations, romantic elements, innuendo, and a few crass words in the story would probably place content in the PG arena; but overall the atmosphere of this novel is a lot lighter than that of The Elmnas Chronicles series.

Subscribe now

Over the next few months, I’ll share fun facts about the peoples of Alluvion, magic system, and history. Here’s the first: an excerpt from A Brief Introduction to the Peoples of Alluvion by historian Meythillian Glask, found in the appendix:

Scholars have categorized the peoples of Alluvion in the following manner: “Big Folk,” which can be broken down into five races—Dwarvenkind, Elvenkind, Goblinkind, Humankind, and Orcishkind —and “Little Folk,” which encompasses all of Faekind and its various races; that is, faeries, gnomes, kobolds, pixies, trolls, and more. The customs and cultures of Little Folk remain poorly documented and understood, and so will not be described here.

Meythillian Glask, scholar of Alluvion world history in the modern era, crushing it with those glassesHow YOU can get involved NOW

If this is up your alley, consider joining my ARC team. ARC readers get the fun perk of receiving a free e-version of the book ahead of official publication. To learn more and to get on the ARC team list, click the link below!

Sign up for an ARC here!

What I'm reading Wednesday- February edition

And we’re back with February’s edition of What I’m reading Wednesday! Here’s a few good reads (and listens) you might want to check out yourself.

FictionThat Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis

Continuing our adventure in the conclusion of the Ransom Trilogy and it’s all coming together. I’ve been reading this as part of a book club- plenty to discuss at our first meeting about THS! As we’re all busy homeschooling moms, we’re taking our time and will be in this for the next few months.

Share

“A Time to Die” by Robert Mullin (from A Time for Everything: A Speculative Fiction Anthology Based on Ecclesiastes 3)

Robert Mullin’s “A Time to Die” is a story set in his The Wells of the Worlds series. I’ve just started the story, but it’s intriguing and its portal travel/mix of high fantasy and advanced sci fi tech puts me in mind of The Song of the Worlds series by Brandon Barr. I’d recommend checking it out! Mullin has made this story free on Kindle here.

Thanks for reading Kaylena Radcliff- Author! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Nonfiction/DevotionalDeeper Heaven by Christiana Hale

This is a commentary on the Ransom Trilogy and provides a lot of helpful summary, context, and explanation of Lewis’s allusions, symbols, and themes. Admittedly I’m sort of just leafing through this, but I’d recommend to anyone who wants an accessible yet academic commentary on the trilogy (and don’t let the foreword by Douglas Wilson scare you out of giving it a shot).

Heart Aflame by John Calvin

I’m returning to this devotional after a multi-year break (turns out my post-partum brain couldn’t really handle much Calvin at the time). Heart Aflame is styled as devotional daily readings through the Psalms, but each section is lifted from Calvin’s commentary. As expected, it’s pretty cerebral, but I love how Christ-focused it is. If you pick this up, be sure to clear a mental and spiritual space as you read!

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

This is, once again, a devotional I’m returning to after many years. I started my re-read while working on our latest issue of Christian History (coming soon!). I’ve found it much more poignant now than I did in my teens, and the Modern Classic Edition is easy to understand and enjoy. However, if you grew up in Christian circles, you probably have it on your bookshelf already! Give it another try. I bet it’ll hit differently this time around.

Subscribe now

Audio Adventures The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois

I’ve been on the hunt for good stories to enjoy with my kids, so I turned to some classic lists for help. We discovered this endearing story of a hot air balloonist who, in his attempt to spend a year ballooning around the world to escape from people, found himself on a much briefer and more dangerous adventure instead. I was surprised the kids enjoyed the story as much as they did since it defies much of current conventional wisdom on storytelling. But I do think children don’t come at stories with a lot of the modern biases we have and don’t care when authors use a lot of past tense or long, technical descriptions. At any rate, this has inspired in me a desire to finally read some Jules Verne!

The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Riddle of Ages by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society series is really fantastic— great stories that both children and adults can enjoy with solid, engaging plots and four distinct, interesting children as protagonists. In this 4th book, the children, now almost adults, come together for one final mission and threat. So far, the story has retained a lot of what made the first 3 books fun and exciting while also dealing with themes of change and growth as the characters face the next chapters of their lives.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

I’ve really only ever explored 1960s sci fi through short stories, so I think it’s high time I read (heard) the novels that have shaped the genre. I think the audio version I found is only called Blade Runner because it came out when one of the movies did— as far as I can tell it’s PKD’s original text (the audiobook says “unabridged”). The story takes place in 2021, after nuclear war decimates Earth’s population. Most of those who survived the radiation intact and without mental and physical defects/deformities (called “regulars”) have left earth for space colonies elsewhere. Those unable to pass the mental and physical health tests remain on earth as “specials", although a few regulars, like bounty hunter Rick Deckard, remain. His job is to hunt rogue androids who’ve murdered their masters in the colonies and have come to earth to hide among the remaining humans. There’s a lot to unpack in this story already. So good!

Thanks for reading Kaylena Radcliff- Author! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Share

Podcasts

I used to really struggle with podcasts because I had the mistaken belief that you had to listen to every episode before you could understand what was going on in the episode you’re actually interested in. Turns out there’s no rules and you don’t get any points or accolades for being a podcast completionist, so now I do whatever I want. That includes cherry picking episodes from the 1000 Hours Outside podcast. My most recent listen was “When You Stop Moving, You Start Dying”, which was about the benefits of walking over constant running. This was fascinating and helpful as someone who has depended on HIIT cardio to keep in shape, but with aging, has experienced diminishing results.

Another podcast episode I listened to came from The Theology Pugcast, recommended by a friend. The episode, called “Magic [Systems?] in Fantasy Literature” is a response to I think this Screen Rant article about Lewis’s world-building and magic system (or lack thereof) in Narnia. I didn’t really agree with all their conclusions, perhaps because the podcast hosts are primarily theologians and not necessarily well-read on current fantasy literature, but I thought it was worth a listen and provided a lot to engage with.

Thanks again for joining me for What I’m reading Wednesday! Any recommendations or thoughts? Let me know!

Leave a comment

By the way, if you like sci fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction, I’ve probably written something you’ll like reading! Check them out here:

Stories by me!

What I'm reading Wednesday

Who fell woefully short of their Goodreads goal this year?

“Yes, it’s me, the problem.” Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

I’d love to say that this year will be better. I’d love to read 50+ books in 2025. Sadly, that would be wildly unrealistic. (And as a spec fantasy author, I know all a

bout wildly unlikely happenings!)

However, that doesn’t mean I’m not planning to read! Who made the rule that reading only counts if you’ve finished a 400 page novel and added it to your Goodreads, anyway? WHY can’t all the other things you’re reading— and sometimes hearing read aloud— count?

Subscribe now

If you’re like me and live in a lot of different books, articles, and audio stories throughout the year, Goodreads isn’t always a great representation of our reading habits. Why not honor what I do get to read and highlight what I’m enjoying? And so, without further ado, welcome to What I’m Reading Wednesday— a genre and media-spanning adventure!

FictionThat Hideous Strength- C.S. Lewis

Last year I joined a book club so I would finally read the Ransom Trilogy (formerly known as the Space Trilogy— don’t let the REAL Lewis enthusiasts catch you saying that, though!) I just started That Hideous Strength, which breaks a lot of fiction rules right off the bat to the point of unintelligibility. You have to dig through a hard POV shift and Lewis’ turbo-meta commentary on English academia to get located, but after that, it’s a lot easier to follow.

While I’m looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy, I'll be interested to see where this ranks in terms of story quality. Don’t get me wrong, I love Lewis— his writing is one of the foremost influences on my writing journey— but being a genius doesn’t give you a pass on making your work accessible. (Feel free to fight out your own opinions below!)

Leave a comment

A Time for Everything - “A Time to Be Born” by Parker J. Cole

A Time for Everything is a time-travel themed anthology based on Ecclesiastes 3. I’m working through the stories, and they are brilliant. The first is “A Time to Be Born” by Parker J. Cole— an intriguing story of a dangerously ambitious scientist who believes he can change the very foundations of civilization; his antagonist, a nun and gifted scientist in her own right, joins him on the journey, though her faith, calling, and convictions are challenged. I really enjoyed this story. Cole is an excellent author and has a gift for getting you invested in the characters immediately.

Share

NonfictionRhythms of Grace - Mike Cosper

At the behest of my husband, I’m working through Rhythms of Grace. He didn’t agree with all the book’s conclusions (which, funnily enough, is what Bob Kauflin says in the foreword), but he insists everyone who’s involved in worship at their church should read it. Giving it a shot!

Christian History Magazine - all about Oswald Chambers!

Arguably the reason I don’t get a lot of reading done in my free time is because my work at Christian History requires a lot of it. CH strikes a difficult balance in making history accessible for the average reader while also retaining the academic quality of the stories we’re telling. Each issue I learn something new, and our current project on Oswald Chambers is no exception. I’m discovering detailed insight into the life of the man behind My Utmost for His Highest, an enduringly popular devotional for over 100 years. If you love biographical history, you won’t want to miss this one when it prints in February!

Audio Adventures

Last spring, I got my kids started on Redwall, which we rented as an audiobook from the library. We quickly followed with Mattimeo and now we’re on Mossflower. The Redwall series is a lot of fun— heroic and interesting characters, adventure, battles, and actually bad baddies who get their just deserts at the end. Mossflower is a prequel story, telling more of the tale of Martin the Warrior as well as a large cast of spin-off characters. While Redwall stories can get rather formulaic over time, it’s a perfect intro to epic fantasy for kids. And here’s why my son (6 at the time of this writing) enjoyed Redwall:

Thanks for joining me for What I’m Reading Wednesday! This will be a fairly regular feature, so if you have recommendations— audio, article, short story, book or more— share them!

Leave a comment

And if you’re looking for something to read, why not start here?

Books and short stories- by me!

NEW Gate Watchers prequel- free through Christmas Eve

Another Christmas, another fight. John “Jack” Frost has always done his duty as a Gate Watcher, holding back the demonic horrors eager to cross over to the physical plane. But with countless years behind him and joy long past, he begins to wonder how much longer he can do it. As night approaches, however, and an enigmatic stranger crosses his path, John realizes both peril and hope are closer than ever.

Join holiday heroes Jack Frost and the Belsnickel in a thrilling Christmas adventure in this short prequel in The Gate Watchers series, now FREE on Kindle until Christmas Eve.

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence- Free!

Thanks for your kind words!

Thanks to everyone who left a review for Grandpa Got Run Over By a Bane Deer. If you haven’t already, please leave a few words on Amazon or Goodreads. If you’re uncomfortable leaving a starred review (I feel that way sometimes!) Goodreads allows you to leave comments without a star rating. It’s my belief that reviews are for readers, not for the authors- so saying what you liked (and sometimes what you didn’t) gives other readers the opportunity to decide if it’s for them.

And if you didn’t read it, what are you waiting for? It’s still free on KU and only 99 cents otherwise. It’s Christmas, after all- get in the demon-slaying spirit!

Grandpa Got Run Over by a Bane Deer

Merry Christmas,

Kaylena Radcliff

The end of an era: thanks, WordPress!

A lot can change in a decade, and that’s especially true of the online world. 7 years ago, I started this WordPress blog as a way to connect with readers as I launched my first novel. I learned a lot from the process as I met and engaged with both authors and readers, and got a better handle for how things worked in the blogosphere. WordPress served me well on the journey.

Online writing spaces are a lot different now than when I started, but more crucially, I’m different. Keeping up with a blog here while prioritizing new stories AND trying to manage a newsletter, social media, and a website has been impossible.

So, for that reason, I’ll be shutting down this space in the next month, combining my blog updates and newsletter instead on Substack. You can keep up with The Elmnas Chronicles and other projects here:

Subscribe to my Substack!

All my books will continue to be available in the usual places, but my website, http://www.books.kaylenaradcliff.com, has everything in one convenient spot. You can browse there for any new releases you may have missed:

Get my books here

I am excited about current projects and stories in development: the last book of The Elmnas Chronicles, a new high seas adventure fantasy, and some other stories that are brewing but not quite on paper yet. I hope you’ll come along for the ride as you have here!

Redheaded Booklover Loves Mouse

New year, new review! Check out the latest buzz on Mouse and preview the first story of The Elmnas Chronicles with the review below!

Mouse, Kaylena Radcliff

Christmas in July: Grandpa Got Run Over by a Bane Deer!

Are you the sort of person who yearns for the Christmas season when the temperatures start to soar? Well, you’re not the only one. It’s Christmas in July, and in honor of the unofficial holiday, The Anarchist Bible Study is reviewing each of the stories found in Periapsis Christmas. This unique sci-fi and fantasy anthology is packed full of action, adventure, mystery, suspense, and, of course, Christmas!

Today featured my contribution, “Grandpa Got Run Over by a Bane Deer.” Here’s what it’s about:

Something strange is happening to Jake Jones. He’s seeing things. He’s…slipping. Somewhere he doesn’t belong. And while his best friend thinks it’s just the stress and sorrow of the holidays, Jake knows it’s more than that. Well, he’s pretty sure. He’s not crazy. Right?

The review gives a great rundown of the story and has a lot more to say about the story. Check it out below!

Why not get into the holiday spirit? Read “Grandpa Got Ran Over By a Bane Deer” on Kindle now!

Get Periapsis Christmas here

YA Dystopian Adventure Continues with LION

LION- Book III of The Elmnas Chronicles releases today! Embark on an exhilarating journey in the continuation of this epic fantasy series with both familiar characters and new ones. Unlikely heroes unite in a desperate quest to save their world from the ruthless Coalition, facing treacherous landscapes, shocking revelations, and personal battles along the way. Dive into this thrilling young adult fantasy series, where courage and friendship conquer even in the most dire of circumstances!

Get LION here!

I’m so excited to share the next book with you, but I have to admit, I’m running a little ragged! May is always a really busy time for our family. We homeschool, so these are our final few weeks of school. My daughter’s birthday is also this month, and she’s the kind of person for whom birthdays are always a big deal. And, I was looking back at release dates for previous books- guess when I originally released Mouse and my Corrie ten Boom biography?

You guessed it.

So, if the release of Lion snuck up on you, don’t worry- it snuck up on me a little too! Let’s catch up together with some author events over the summer, including potential giveaways and signings, aaaand if I get my life together, more stories coming your way!

And if you’ve read any of my stories and enjoyed them, would you consider leaving a review? Your recommendations help new readers connect with my work! Thank you! You can share your thoughts on:

GoodreadsAmazonBookbub

It’s here! Read FOX today!

Fox: The Elmnas Chronicles Book II is finally out! There is a lot to enjoy in the second installment of this YA dystopian fantasy series (you can read Mouse here.)

After a miraculous escape, Mouse and Toma continue their quest into Elmnas. As her gifts grow stronger and her memories return, Mouse struggles to reconcile the evils she has endured with the destiny thrust upon her. Even so, help comes from the most unlikely places. Meanwhile, Arctura Fox continues to hunt the escaped fugitives. But first, she must deliver another high-profile quarry into the hands of the vengeful Myergo. Between the dreaded crime lord, the ruthless Coalition, and the unwelcome echoes of her past, the bounty hunter must make a choice—and it could cost her everything.

Get FOX here!

Want to learn more about the series?

Check out this in-depth interview at Periapsis Press where I talk about the series, some of the themes you’ll find in it, and a little about me! Katie and I also had a great conversion on the live stream, which you’ll find here.

Hunger Games meets LOTR in The Elmnas Chronicles!

I’m excited to release the next installment of The Elmnas Chronicles, a dystopian fantasy series aimed at older teens and young adults. A book launch party will be held at The Village Library of Morgantown at 7 PM on Friday, March 31st, 2023.    

In Mouse, Book I of The Elmnas Chronicles, Mouse wakes not knowing who or where she is, only the searing pain of the number 146 being burned into her arm. A slave in Misty Summit’s Manufacturing Facility, she is alone until the discovery of a terrible truth launches her on a mission to Elmnas. When a farm boy and an ancient warrior join her, the ruling powers and a relentless bounty hunter attempt to track her down.

Fox continues the saga in Book II. After a miraculous escape, Mouse and Toma continue their quest into Elmnas. As her gifts grow stronger and her memories return, Mouse struggles to reconcile the evils she has endured with the destiny thrust upon her. Even so, help comes from the most unlikely places. Meanwhile, Arctura Fox continues to hunt the escaped fugitives. But first, she must deliver another high-profile quarry into the hands of the vengeful Myergo. Between the dreaded crime lord, the ruthless Coalition, and the unwelcome echoes of her past, the bounty hunter must make a choice—and it could cost her everything.

Mouse is available for purchase now on Amazon, but I’ll be selling both books in person at the book launch. You can find event details on Facebook here:  https://fb.me/e/fQj88Rc0n