Crisped + Sere comes out today, and I am happy this two book arc is finally over.
A few reasons why.
First, cliffhangers suck. I know that. I took that into very serious consideration when making the decision to split this away from the previous book, Withered + Sere, making two novels, rather than one long one. So I am pleased that cliffhanger will be resolved.
Second, these books took a lot out of me to write. They are darker than I normally go, and show just how desperate humanity can become when backed into a corner. There is light, and hope, but it is a bleak world. The ending is a happy one, because I believe that people will stand up for what’s right, regardless of what they’ve done in the past.
Third, I am proud of this resolution, the way Crisped + Sere tells its story. Withered + Sere was a psychological novel, about the fractures of the mind. It was cerebral. Crisped + Sere is a novel of war and romance, of protecting those you love, no matter what it takes.
That being said, the first thing a reader needs to do is protect themselves, which is why I am going to give this warning: Crisped + Sere is not a horror novel. It’s not scary in the traditional sense. That being said, it is violent. I understand that this is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. I would rather you not be triggered than force yourself to read something you might not like.
But.
If you are adventurous, and want to see just how far Cavalo will go to protect Lucas, a man he can’t help but fall for, then I have a story to tell you. Remember, there is light in the dark. You just have to reach for it.
And hey, Withered + Sere just won the FAPA Gold medal for Science Fiction! I’m very happy that it was recognized as such. Thanks, FAPA!
Withered + Sere is available at:
Dreamspinner Press Publications
Crisped + Sere is now available at: