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The Book of Astea #2.5
A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest
Four years before Riven Earth, the world is quieter, gentler.
Or so it seems.
Newlyweds Kaido and Jaswyn return home to find the Viceroy has already set their royal duties in motion.
Kaido must journey to the mountains with his father, drawn by the whispers of a forbidden faith. Jaswyn and Raia embark on the Oakington, the grandest ship ever built. Otto and Tilly plunge into the swamps of Tuno, hoping to rescue those left stranded by a flood.
Nothing goes to plan.
Open now the Book of Astea for one final sojourn in the Sunset Forest.
A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest is a companion novella to the Book of Astea duology. This story is best read after Riven Earth or even after Sundered Moon.
Or so it seems.
Newlyweds Kaido and Jaswyn return home to find the Viceroy has already set their royal duties in motion.
Kaido must journey to the mountains with his father, drawn by the whispers of a forbidden faith. Jaswyn and Raia embark on the Oakington, the grandest ship ever built. Otto and Tilly plunge into the swamps of Tuno, hoping to rescue those left stranded by a flood.
Nothing goes to plan.
Open now the Book of Astea for one final sojourn in the Sunset Forest.
A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest is a companion novella to the Book of Astea duology. This story is best read after Riven Earth or even after Sundered Moon.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2025
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 13, 2025
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
The final page of The Book of Astea has been turned, but now Zammar Ahmer returns to this darkly alluring world for one final farewell to these characters in A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest. Set roughly four years before the events of Riven Earth, this newsletter freebie companion prequel novella is an exciting little treat for fans of the series to soothe their soul after surviving the beautifully bittersweet ending of the duology.
Now, if you are familiar with Ahmer’s storytelling, then you should know that he is not afraid to go dark. But while that still holds true in A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest, this little adventure is remarkably more chill and light-hearted compared to the trauma, heartache and world-ending stakes that the main instalments in The Book of Astea duology deliver. Plus, the fact that the cockroach Maisades doesn’t make an appearance increases the cozy factor exponentially, so there is that.
Going back in time to see these characters in a happier state of mind before all went to utter hell was just an absolute joy, and I loved that we got to go on not one, not two, but three separate adventures with them as they all go off on their own little mission. Moreover, A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest features some characters who tragically died before the start of Riven Earth, and I really enjoyed seeing how they did (or maybe did not totally) live up to the legacy that they left behind in the main series.
For me, Otto and Tilly’s journey into the swamps was probably my favourite of the three storylines, but I was also captivated by Jaswyn and Raia’s nautical adventure and Kaido’s exhilarating expedition into the mountains. They are each faced with a lot more trials and tribulations than anyone could have anticipated (except for Uncle Galtus of course, just know that he called their idiocy, thank you very much), and seeing the profound character growth they all go through as they have to step up in unexpected ways to handle the conflicts in their way was so empowering and satisfying to experience.
Now, could you treat this prequel novella as your intro to the world of The Book of Astea? Technically yes, but realistically no. I mean, it doesn’t feature any spoilers and Ahmer’s immersive storytelling is undoubtedly strong enough to get you grounded and invested regardless, but I think this story really hits best if you already have a deeper connection to these characters from reading at least Riven Earth first.
For me, A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest was truly everything I didn’t know I needed from a prequel novella, and it is just beyond me how Ahmer managed to pack so much action, emotion, and intrigue into so few pages. Especially the sweet yet slightly heart wrenching epilogue had me completely in my feels with knowledge of what’s coming for these characters, while also giving me so much satisfying closure. If The Book of Astea wasn’t already one of my favourite series yet, then this companion novella absolutely solidified it; this is character-driven grimdark fantasy with heart at its very best.
The final page of The Book of Astea has been turned, but now Zammar Ahmer returns to this darkly alluring world for one final farewell to these characters in A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest. Set roughly four years before the events of Riven Earth, this newsletter freebie companion prequel novella is an exciting little treat for fans of the series to soothe their soul after surviving the beautifully bittersweet ending of the duology.
Now, if you are familiar with Ahmer’s storytelling, then you should know that he is not afraid to go dark. But while that still holds true in A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest, this little adventure is remarkably more chill and light-hearted compared to the trauma, heartache and world-ending stakes that the main instalments in The Book of Astea duology deliver. Plus, the fact that the cockroach Maisades doesn’t make an appearance increases the cozy factor exponentially, so there is that.
Going back in time to see these characters in a happier state of mind before all went to utter hell was just an absolute joy, and I loved that we got to go on not one, not two, but three separate adventures with them as they all go off on their own little mission. Moreover, A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest features some characters who tragically died before the start of Riven Earth, and I really enjoyed seeing how they did (or maybe did not totally) live up to the legacy that they left behind in the main series.
For me, Otto and Tilly’s journey into the swamps was probably my favourite of the three storylines, but I was also captivated by Jaswyn and Raia’s nautical adventure and Kaido’s exhilarating expedition into the mountains. They are each faced with a lot more trials and tribulations than anyone could have anticipated (except for Uncle Galtus of course, just know that he called their idiocy, thank you very much), and seeing the profound character growth they all go through as they have to step up in unexpected ways to handle the conflicts in their way was so empowering and satisfying to experience.
Now, could you treat this prequel novella as your intro to the world of The Book of Astea? Technically yes, but realistically no. I mean, it doesn’t feature any spoilers and Ahmer’s immersive storytelling is undoubtedly strong enough to get you grounded and invested regardless, but I think this story really hits best if you already have a deeper connection to these characters from reading at least Riven Earth first.
For me, A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest was truly everything I didn’t know I needed from a prequel novella, and it is just beyond me how Ahmer managed to pack so much action, emotion, and intrigue into so few pages. Especially the sweet yet slightly heart wrenching epilogue had me completely in my feels with knowledge of what’s coming for these characters, while also giving me so much satisfying closure. If The Book of Astea wasn’t already one of my favourite series yet, then this companion novella absolutely solidified it; this is character-driven grimdark fantasy with heart at its very best.
February 20, 2025
A Sojourn In The Sunset Forest is a beautifully crafted, heart-wrenching (if you read the duology) prequel to The Book of Astea. While it can technically be read first, I wouldn’t recommend it—because from the very first sentence, it hurts. Having the context of the duology makes its emotional weight land with devastating precision.
The novella weaves three separate yet deeply connected journeys, bringing back familiar faces for a story that carries both sadness and nostalgia, but also warmth, humor, and action. Ahmer excels at balancing heartbreak with moments of tenderness, making you fall even harder for these characters—while knowing full well they’ll break you.
Of the three stories, Jaswyn and Raia’s journey was my favorite, but a certain letter near the end absolutely wrecked me. Ahmer once again proves why this world and its people are worth every bit of the emotional torment.
And, as an added bonus? Maisades, that weasel of a man, is nowhere to be found. A true gift. I hate that asshole.
The novella weaves three separate yet deeply connected journeys, bringing back familiar faces for a story that carries both sadness and nostalgia, but also warmth, humor, and action. Ahmer excels at balancing heartbreak with moments of tenderness, making you fall even harder for these characters—while knowing full well they’ll break you.
Of the three stories, Jaswyn and Raia’s journey was my favorite, but a certain letter near the end absolutely wrecked me. Ahmer once again proves why this world and its people are worth every bit of the emotional torment.
And, as an added bonus? Maisades, that weasel of a man, is nowhere to be found. A true gift. I hate that asshole.
November 26, 2025
The Book of Astea duology was a rollercoaster of emotion, filled with both endearing and repulsive characters, harrowing events, and a uniquely grimdark world with an ecology steeped in badass aesthetic. Moments from both Riven Earth and Sundered Moon will stay with me for a long time, and I’ve often found myself craving more time in Astea.
That craving has been thoroughly satisfied with A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest.
Not only do we visit a time before the duology’s chaos, but Ahmer takes us on an adventurous excursion with characters we know and love—free from the relentless gut-punches and turmoil.
I cannot overstate how necessary this novella feels; it’s like a slow, steady loosening of tight, aching muscles. A proper unwinding after a long, hard day.
In one word: catharsis.
That craving has been thoroughly satisfied with A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest.
Not only do we visit a time before the duology’s chaos, but Ahmer takes us on an adventurous excursion with characters we know and love—free from the relentless gut-punches and turmoil.
I cannot overstate how necessary this novella feels; it’s like a slow, steady loosening of tight, aching muscles. A proper unwinding after a long, hard day.
In one word: catharsis.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews