Ronie Kendig's Blog

COVER REVEAL!!

YEAHHH! At long last, I’m THRILLED to share the stunning cover for THE LOST VISIONIST, Book 1 of the Helios Requiem trilogy. Isn’t she gorgeous? With so many twists & turns in this space fantasy, it was hard to find a cover direction that avoided spoilers. But uber-talented illustrator @jescole.art KILLED it!!

Rogue One meets Inception Feral BanterFurry SidekickHeartrending Romance

The Lost Visionist will make its interstellar debut on Kickstarter w/ a Deluxe Limited Edition that has all the bells & whistles. Please FOLLOW the campaign now by signing into Kickstarter (you need an account—it’s free), then select “Notify me on launch” next to my campaign header (Ronie’s Kickstarter Campaign). When the campaign starts, Kickstarter will notify you it’s live! A plain version of TLV will hit retailers late 2026.

ABOUT THE LOST VISIONIST:
His hunt could unlock a power that will save the world—or destroy it.

Theseus Helstaar kills rogue visionists—those who violate the sacred territory of the mind by reading and manipulating memories. When he abandons a mission to save his fragile sister, he lands in the mercy of the Imperial Syndicate, which forces him to find the Lost Visionist—the most powerful delver to have ever existed—or everything he loves will be destroyed.

The hunt starts in an abbey tower where Theseus meets the Five Singularities, fractured delvers who alone harbor the identity of the Lost Visionist. They’re as maddening as they are terrifying. Vital clues from them point to the malevolent Ikons two hundred years in the past.

In the First Age, Princess Aurelia Volossik becomes the unlikely champion and true love of Brakadir, a godlike warrior fighting the evil immortals razing her planet. Unbelievably, her imbued power turns the tide of the war. But that very success makes her a target—of those who want her power and those who want her dead.

As timelines and truths collide, Theseus must determine what is real—and what isn’t.

#roniekendig #tinyliteraryvisits #thelostvisionist #heliosrequiem #indieauthor #indiebook #spaceopera #spacefantasy #sciencefantasy #romanticadventure #portalfantasyadjacent #brakadirandaurelia #theseushelstaar

ART REVEAL!!

In anticipation of the cover reveal of THE LOST VISIONIST this Wednesday (Eeep!), I will be sharing art reveals today and tomorrow. Today’s piece was commissioned last year from the incomparable Jenelle Hovde, who also did another piece for me, but I am holding that in reserve because it’s a bit spoilery. Whoops.

Theseus & Xuli

Meet Theseus Helstaar and his Féirhound, Xuli, with whom he has a blood-bond. Theseus belongs to a clade known as Commorants, of which he is a Coimedaí—a hunter of visionists. They believe what visionists do–memory delving—is a heinous breach of sacred territory—the mind.

Xuli is as fierce as she is beautiful. She protects Theseus and hunts with him. Fun fact: When Xuli is closing in on quarry, her blood has a strange chemical reaction that seems like her skin glow is glowing and her fur is ebony fur is afire. Centuries past, Féirhounds, who have an unnaturally long life, were bred for Helstaar forebears to rout shrews from the lands of Bijurn. The hounds possess incredible speed and agility—and are quite temperamental.

To avoid spoilers, I won’t say much more about this image other than to note that the room in which Theseus sits actually has five doors (in addition to the main, heavily armored door).

Also, THIS is the scene I saw in my dreams more than two years ago that spawned this story. I cannot believe how accurately Jenelle captured this image. What do you think?

#roniekendig #thelostvisionist #tinyliteraryvisits #theseushelstaar #theseusandxul #spaceopera #spacefantasy #sciencefantasy #heliosrequiemtrilogy #indieauthor #indiebook

TITLE REVEAL!!

It is an insane thrill to finally get to share more about this story that has absolutely stolen my heart. I have not been this excited about a series and its characters since BRAND OF LIGHT. So, here we go . . . you ready for this??

Recall that I’ve been sharing my Tiny Literary Visits . . . Tiny . . . Literary . . . Visits . . .? T. L. V. It was a first hint, but you don’t have to wait any longer.

HERE WE GOOOOOOO!!

The mind is a terrible thing to wake.
Especially the one he hunts . . .

THE LOST VISIONIST!!!

This it, friends—the story that came to me in a dream over two years ago—The Lost Visionist is Book 1 of the Helios Requiem trilogy! Rogue One meets Inception in this space fantasy that has all the action, adventure, and heartrending romance you’ve come to expect from me. Okay, maybe a little more because, y’all—this one about broke my mind.

I have so much to share with you, but I’ll do most of that with later this month. For now, check out the tropes:

Forced Proximity
Portal Adjacent Fantasy
Soulmates
Immortals
Reluctant Allies
Furry Sidekick
Heartrending Romance
Feral Banter

OH. MY. GOSH—y’all, wait till you see THE COVER!!! I just got the final and HOLY. WOW!! You are not even ready for this. It slaps! Just like the story, IMNSHO.

I’m about in tears watching this baby find her literary wings and take flight. Cover reveal happens the 22nd. If you’ve signed up to help with that—first, 100,000 Thank Yous, but I’ll be sending out the content soon now that I have the final cover.
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#roniekendig #thelostvisionist #heliosrequiem #tinyliteraryvisits #spaceopera #spacefantasy #sciencefantasy #indieauthor #sciencefiction #rapidfirefiction #rogueonemeetsinception #indiebook

 

 

 

IT. IS. TIME!!!!

I have teased you long enough! Today, I’m beyond excited to finally share that my next series will be an epic-scale (really, did you expect anything else from me?) space fantasy!! This three-book series will be in your happy grabby hands in 2026. I’m absolutely smitten with this story and its characters. I cannot wait for you to meet them!!

Also, I’ve made the tough (for me) decision to #goindie with this series. Not gonna lie—I’m nervous about doing that with an epic space opera series, especially since it’s the most complex story I’ve ever written. And those who’ve read my books, know that’s saying something! Despite the nerves and feeling super overwhelmed, I am at complete peace.

Not because of me or my abilities. But because of Him—God.

If you’ve been around here a while, you probably remember me sharing that a story came to me in a dream. A vivid, massively complex story that had me gasping, declaring, “that’s my next story!” But it also brought a deep, sharp awareness that this was waaaay beyond anything I could ever write … unless I had God’s help.

THIS IS THAT STORY!!

Y’all, we’re talking immortals, mind-delvers, alpha heroes, a massive hound, a forgotten princess, dual-timelines (this about melted my brain), a powerful and heart-rending love story! *le sigh* It’s been a very intricate and incredible wild ride! Also … I’ve already seen the grayscales of the cover and HOLY WOW IS IT EPIC!!

There is so much I want to share BUT FIRST—I NEED YOUR HELP!! For many reasons, which I will explain later, I am taking this story live via a Kickstarter campaign. So there is a lot to do and I’m *begging for enthusiastic #bookstagrammers to sign up as a Paladin (you’ll meet them in the story) to help me spread the word about this book and its release. The link is in my bio! Sign-ups available until Oct 7th.

What do you think? Anything you most anticipate with my new series?
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#roniekendig #goindie #indieauthor #newseries #spacefantasy #spaceopera #sciencefiction #sciencefantasy #dualtimelines

(Art fragments from larger works gloriously illustrated by the inimitable @jenellehovdeauthor — full reveals to come.)

COVER REVEAL!! HERE IT IS, the cover of ACHILLES, Book 3 of the Discarded Heroes: Scions series by yours truly! This epic conclusion to the series will release May 2026 from Sunrise Publishing and will be available in e-book, paperback, and audiobook.

ICYMI – Discarded Heroes: Scions takes a twenty-year jump from the OG Nightshade team’s adventure. DILLON (son of Sydney & Max Jacobs from NIGHTSHADE) is determined to find out what happened to his dad. From glittering Parisian galas to heart-pounding escapes through ancient tunnels, this is a story of two people who discover that the greatest battles—and the deepest love—require absolute trust.

ABOUT ACHILLES:

She needs his skills to survive. He needs her secrets to uncover the truth.

For two years, Dillon Jacobs has refused to accept his father’s death. He’s chased every lead across multiple continents—burning bridges and risking everything to prove Max Jacobs is still alive.

Cove Galtieri is fighting her own impossible battle. Desperate to clear her father’s name of corruption charges that threaten to destroy their family legacy, she’s gathering evidence to prove the man who raised her isn’t the monster the world claims.

After Dillon’s hunt intersects their paths in Paris, their worlds soon collide again in gunfire and chaos at the Galtieri estate in Italy. But that collision becomes a revelation: Dillon’s missing father and Cove’s accused father were photographed together in Yemen. The evidence Cove has been gathering contains clues Dillon desperately needs.

Two quests. One conspiracy. A partnership forged in fire.

Every ally could be an enemy. Every clue could be a trap. Racing across international borders—from Italian vineyards to Greek islands to the dangerous ports of Yemen—Dillon and Cove must navigate a deadly game where trust is a luxury they can’t afford and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Achilles-Discarded-Heroes-Scions-Book-ebook/dp/B0FMBP31HB
Sunrise: https://sunrisepublishing.com/books-discarded-heroes-scions/
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#roniekendig #rapidfirefiction #discardedheroesscions #achillesnovel #romanticsuspense #paramilitarysuspense #nightshade #wolfsbane #firethorn #digitalis #sunrisebooks

COVER REVEAL!! HERE IT IS, the cover of APOLLO, Book 2 of the Discarded Heroes: Scions series by yours truly! DO YOU SEE IT? My elephant-loving heart was thrilled to see a pachyderm on it!! This second installment in the series will release March 2026 from @sunrisemediagroup and will be available in e-book, paperback, and audiobook.

When Love Becomes the Ultimate Mission

ICYMI – Discarded Heroes: Scions takes a twenty-year jump from the OG Nightshade team’s adventure. OWEN (son of Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe from Christy-Award winning WOLFSBANE) is set to protect the daughter of the mercenary who saved his father’s life, but a 12-day safari makes things pretty interesting between Owen and Leighton . . . and Ronie’s love for elephants will shine in this story!

ABOUT APOLLO:

Owen Metcalfe thought his military career was over—two failed attempts at becoming an elite operator leave him questioning everything he believes about himself. When a desperate mercenary seeks help to rescue his daughter—a kidnapped princess—from the most dangerous royal family in the world, Owen discovers his true calling isn’t about earning a beret or proving his worth to the Army.

It’s about saving her.

Leighton Kingslake has spent her entire life guarding a deadly secret far from the Saudi princess who gave birth to her and the brutal king they fled. She’s lived in the shadows, knowing one wrong move could end not just her life, but her mother’s as well. When she’s violently torn from her safe world and imprisoned halfway around the globe, survival becomes her only goal.

Until a blue-eyed warrior crashes into her world and threatens everything.

This isn’t just a rescue mission—it’s a collision of two hearts that will either save them both or destroy them completely.

When Owen infiltrates the palace as Leighton’s bodyguard sparks fly! She doesn’t want him ruining her plan, and he holds fast to his promise to bring her safely home. But with a vengeful king, murderous princes, and a deadly enemy closing in, they’re forced to set differences aside. Soon, begrudging respect breeds something far more powerful that becomes both their greatest strength and their most dangerous weakness.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FMBV5F6C
Sunrise Shop: https://sunrisepublishing.com/books-discarded-heroes-scions/

COVER REVEAL!! Here it is, y’all—ATLAS, Book 1 of the Discarded Heroes: Scions. Dante and McKenna will be in your hands in January in eBook, paperback, and audiobook! Isn’t this cover awesome? I’ve loved writing these stories and diving once more into the Discarded Heroes. It’s been so fun—and fascinating—to consider what the OG Nightshade team’s kids might be like.

ICYMI – Discarded Heroes: Scions takes a twenty-year jump from the OG Nightshade team’s adventure. Dante (son of Griffin/Legend from FIRETHORN) and McKenna (daughter of Colton/Cowboy from DIGITALIS) star in this story set in Armenia and featuring the hard-hitting Omen Tactical Group!

ABOUT ATLAS:

McKenna Neeley is a Scion—one of twelve children from the infamous Nightshade team—and an Olympic sharpshooter, following in the steps of her Dad, Nightshade’s team sniper. Working as a junior Consular Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, McKenna has many responsibilities, including handling both emergency and non-emergency matters related to American citizens in country, as well as hosting government officials who visit. One such dinner party lands her squarely in the path of long-time crush, Dante Riddell, who is there on a VIP Protection detail with Omen Tactical Group.

Dante is the oldest Scion of the Nightshade team and has never felt like he fit in due to the age gap. Wrestling with his identity since his dad never claimed him as “son,” he is fighting his way through life, trying to prove to Omen and himself that he’s good enough. When a VIP protective op plants the sweet, intelligent McKenna Neeley in the middle of danger, he feels the tenuous strands of control slipping through his fingers. His plan is to keep her alive and get out before things get complicated or dangerous.

But like they say, no battle plan survives the first five minutes of combat, and that proves true when the embassy comes under attack.

PREORDER NOW:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMC5LM6L
Sunrise Shop:  Sunrise Shop: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/products/ebook-discarded-heroes-scions-book-1

 

 

 

LADY OF BASILIKAS EARNSDOUBLE HONORABLE MENTION

“Close, but no cigar.”

“Almost, but not quite.”

“Close only counts in horseshoes and hand gren@des.”

The sentiment of those phrases nearly kept me from posting about this. Too, I did not want to detract from the winner (Congrats, Cathy McCrumb—thrilled for you, friend!!). However, the past year has been (as a dear friend said to me yesterday) “crushingly hard” for my family. We’ve been living in the Shadow of Almost for eighteen months, a season where we get close but never quite meet success. So, this weekend //could// have been discouraging. But it was not!

On the contrary, I’m celebrating!! God has been GOOD. I’ve seen Him in the little things. Has He answered our most pressing prayer requests? To answer that, I first consider Psalm 116:1 – “I love the Lord, because he heard my voice. He heard my cry for his help.” So, while we have not yet seen the proof of those prayers being answered, I know He’s got it worked out . . . His word also states, “The LORD is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (Deu 31:8) So, I’m excited to see what He has lined up!

This is also why I’m //celebrating// that LADY OF BASILIKAS received “Most Honorable Mention” (1st runner up) not only in Science Fiction category of the Realm Awards but it also (somehow) snuck into Book of the Year category, curated from the overall top five scores, and earned another Honorable Mention!

HOLY WHAT?? I was CONVINCED the contest had made a mistake by having LADY as a finalist, that they were showing the wrong screen. But then I noticed my writing hero and dear friend Kathy Tyers, sitting next to me and grinning like a banshee because LADY /had/ made it into the Book of the Year category! THAT made this “almost” a complete and utter “win” for me, getting to share the moment with my husband (dressed as Captain Malcolm Reynolds) and the inimitable Kathy Tyers. I will NEVER forget that night!! And I am savoring how far this little book (that almost wasn’t) made it! And how epically cool is it that Science Fiction (both from Enclave Publishing!!) took the top two spots in overall contest?????

Are you battling a lot of ALMOSTS, too? Let’s pray for each other!

TITLE REVEAL!!Let’s gooooo!! The Title for Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 2 is APOLLO! This story features Owen Metcalfe—son of beloved combat medic and swoony hero Canyon Metcalfe from the Christy-Award winning WOLFSBANE—who’s known among the Scions as Apollo. His adventure is with Leighton, a princess with a dangerous secret and a deadly family. APOLLO will be in your hot hands March 2026 from yours truly and @sunrisemediagroup

What do you think?

ICYMI: Discarded Heroes: Scions features the children of the OG Nightshade team from books NIGHTSHADE, DIGITALIS, WOLFSBANE, FIRETHORN, and LYGOS. These are all available on Kindle Unlimited for your reading pleasure! In the SCIONS series there will are fun cameo appearances of the beloved OG team along with some classic Ronie Rapid-Fire Fiction and heart-stopping romance! I’ve had so much fun writing these stories!

Watch later this week for the reveal of book 3. We’re rolling them out fast because—I’m so excited—cover reveals are happening next month for all three books! HOOAH!!

TITLE REVEAL!!!

I am thrilled to announce the title of Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 1 is: ATLAS!! 

ATLAS centers around Dante “Atlas” Riddell–son of Griffin “Legend” Riddell (Firethorn) and McKenna Neeley, daughter of Colton “Cowboy” Neeley (Digitalis). For now, I won’t say much more and will save those details for the cover reveal. However, I will say that I HAD SO MUCH FUN writing these two!! Dante has a burr under his saddle and Mickey, who has had a lifelong crush on him, isn’t taking what he’s dishing. Haha I think you’re going to love it!

ATLAS releases this January 2026 from Sunrise Publishing, with the next two books swiftly on its heels.

This week, I’m finishing up the second book, and I am smitten with a particular scene in this story. Okay, maybe several scenes in this story. I’ll explain more later . . . But as soon as I wrap that up, I’ll be diving headlong into book 3. There are some great surprises in these stories with fun cameos from the original Nightshade team, that I think you’re going to love! *swoon*

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#roniekendig #discardedheroesscions #discardedheroes #rapidfirefiction #romanticsuspense #paramilitaryromance #danteandmckenna #suspense #sunrisepublishing #nightshadeteam