Mason Monteith, Author Blog

The Final Born Updates…

Not as much news for The Final Born as there was with the cover and release date reveals in February – but we’ve still had a few exciting things to share this month!

We have a playlist up on Spotify now to suit the mood of the story, I’ve been listening to it nonstop. It includes songs by Florence + the Machine, Lord Huron, and Of Monsters and Men. (My favorite song in the playlist is Rule # 4 – Fish in a Birdcage by Fish in a Birdcage!) Be sure to check it out here if you haven’t already!

Thank you so much to all the people who applied to be an ARC reader for my upcoming novel! I was really overjoyed by the number of people who signed up! For those of you on the ARC team reading this, thank you again for your support of my novel and I hope you have a lovely time reading it!

Finally, we had the reveal for what art is under the dustjacket of the hardcover edition! Art by @Okaykois on Instagram – she did a beautiful job showing the emotions of the characters. I love, love, LOVE having both a more typography based cover and character based cover all in one! The designs look gorgeous together and I cannot wait for it to release so you all can see how gorgeous both covers look in person! Regular dustjacket (bottom tear) and solid cover (top tear).

March 2024 In Books…

I’ll admit, I haven’t been reading as much as I’d like between work, college, and getting the gears turning on publishing The Final Born, but this month out of what all I had time to read, I wanted to share a few excellent stories that really stuck with me.

The Color of Magic by Terry Prachett

This is my start in Terry Prachett’s works! I have heard many great things about his writing in the Discworld series, so I was eager to be notified of this hold being ready at my local library.

While I haven’t finished reading it yet, I am so captivated by this story! It is absolutely magical! It’s just so fun and wild – Terry Prachett’s writing style is unique from the first pages alone. I can’t wait to continue reading this one.

Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey

Honestly, you don’t find fantasy books like this one anymore! I found quite a few Anne McCaffrey books at an antique store and grabbed them all for under $5 – WHAT A FIND! I actually already owned the first book Dragonsong from a thrift shop in Idaho, but that copy was tattered and the cover was half torn so it’s nice to have both versions.

This story has such a beautiful writing style, and the first book is quite short. For me that was a plus when trying to get back into reading. This may sound a little odd, but the way it is written is so saturated – it felt colorful as I read through the book and the world described was vibrantly alluring despite being quite down in some areas. If you’re looking for a classy fantasy with an enchanting feeling look no further than Dragonsong.

Fixing Hanover by Jeff Vandermeer

Fixing Hanover is a short story by Jeff Vandermeer found in Extraordinary Engines: The Definitive Steampunk Anthology. I have yet to read other short stories from the collection, as I read this one for a short story writing course at my university – but by this story alone I’d want to read more in this collection and by Jeff Vandermeer!

It is profoundly steampunk, but reads like more literary fiction. It was quite the captivating read, and if you enjoyed Dune for the political intrigue and setting – this short story gives a similar yet eerie feeling. It is a story I’ve read over and over since it was assigned, and I’m not usually a big steampunk reader! I recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a short but mighty read.

In Other News…

In some other news, there are two books now available for preorder that I am HYPED for that I wanted to share below.

A Flowers Fatale Thorn by Jordan Dugdale

Jordan Dugdale is the author of the Whispered Tales series, a D&D rpg inspired series that is just an absolute delight! Well, she now is working on a fae romance duology that will be coming out starting with A Flower’s Fatal Thorn and I can tell you I cannot wait to read this one! Be sure to check it out here on Goodreads!

When Shadows Seek Light by Sarah C. Davies

When Shadows Seek Light is another fae romance – but this one is by a debut author Sarah C. Davies! It has enemies to lovers, found family, and royalty! By the blurb alone it sounds like a charmer for sure – but also just look at that cover! Be sure to check it out here on Goodreads!

Unworthy by J.A. Vodvarka

Unworthy is a debut novel by J.A. Vodvarka that is now available for preorder. I found it online and immediately I was intrigued by the blurb alone. The story is an epic fantasy with pirates, assassins, and undead horrors as a magicless warrior is given a seemingly impossible task.. Also, can we appreciate that cover art?! Be sure to check this one out here as well!

Always be sure to support indie/self-published authors whenever you can, and definitely consider looking into the authors mentioned above!

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That’s a wrap for March! Just April left before May publication month! I cannot wait for The Final Born’s release day to arrive. As always thank you for supporting my writing journey!

I hope you have a wonderful April!

Cheers,

Mason Monteith