What do you think?
Rate this book
Pathfinder Tales #29
Beyond the Pool of Stars
Terror in the Deep!
Mirian Raas comes from a long line of salvagers—adventurers who use magic to dive for sunken ships off the coast of tropical Sargava. With her father dead and her family in debt, Mirian has no choice but to take over his last job: a dangerous expedition into deep jungle pools, helping a tribe of lizardfolk reclaim the lost treasures of their people. Yet this isn’t any ordinary dive, as the same colonial government that looks down on Mirian for her half-native heritage has an interest in the treasure, and the survival of the entire nation may depend on the outcome.
From critically acclaimed author Howard Andrew Jones comes an adventure of sunken cities and jungle exploration, set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
Mirian Raas comes from a long line of salvagers—adventurers who use magic to dive for sunken ships off the coast of tropical Sargava. With her father dead and her family in debt, Mirian has no choice but to take over his last job: a dangerous expedition into deep jungle pools, helping a tribe of lizardfolk reclaim the lost treasures of their people. Yet this isn’t any ordinary dive, as the same colonial government that looks down on Mirian for her half-native heritage has an interest in the treasure, and the survival of the entire nation may depend on the outcome.
From critically acclaimed author Howard Andrew Jones comes an adventure of sunken cities and jungle exploration, set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
12 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Howard Andrew Jones
68 books370 followersHoward Andrew Jones was an American speculative fiction and fantasy author and editor, known for The Chronicles of Hanuvar series, The Chronicles of Sword and Sand series and The Ring-Sworn trilogy. He had also written Pathfinder Tales, tie-in fiction novels in the world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, published by Paizo. He was the editor of Tales from the Magician's Skull and had served as a Managing Editor at Black Gate since 2004. He assembled and edited a series of eight volumes of the short fiction of Harold Lamb for publication by Bison Books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 29, 2017
Back in 2015 I read Jones' Arabian sword & sorcery The Desert of Souls, which I loved. On eBay I encountered this book, and although I don't usually read much tie in novels, I decided to buy it. (The Warhammer 40K Gaunt's Ghosts books already proved to me that even tie ins to settings I don't know much about can be great fun). Well, no regrets here!
This is great pulpy goodness: tracking through jungles looking for treasures in lost cities, adding some nice character and group building. It's less serious than Jones' creator-owned stuff, but it is action packed, while still having a not completely predictable plot.
There are some nitpicks: If you wouldn't know that this is a Roleplaying Game setting tie in, you could still guess that pretty quickly. It's obvious which classes characters have, and D&D staples like healing potions and magic wands figure heavily in the story. You could even read the story as a RPG party origin story. This made the story a bit more high fantasy than I usually like my sword & sorcery, but the action filled plot and characters make up for that in a big way.
After finishing this book, I immediately ordered some more of Jones' books. Great stuff.
This is great pulpy goodness: tracking through jungles looking for treasures in lost cities, adding some nice character and group building. It's less serious than Jones' creator-owned stuff, but it is action packed, while still having a not completely predictable plot.
There are some nitpicks: If you wouldn't know that this is a Roleplaying Game setting tie in, you could still guess that pretty quickly. It's obvious which classes characters have, and D&D staples like healing potions and magic wands figure heavily in the story. You could even read the story as a RPG party origin story. This made the story a bit more high fantasy than I usually like my sword & sorcery, but the action filled plot and characters make up for that in a big way.
After finishing this book, I immediately ordered some more of Jones' books. Great stuff.
April 8, 2025
With the untimely passing of author Howard Andrew Jones I decided to explore the one area of his writing I had not. His Pathfinder novels.
This is his third foray into the TTRPG’s world. Like all of HAJ’s works it has a way of being greater than the sum of its parts. His prose is brisk and minimalist which gives the book a very pulpy and digestible quality. This particular novel leans into a lot of inspiration from classic adventure and pirate fiction.
I’m impressed with HAJ ability to make Pathfinder, a derivative of a derivative, compelling. The setting of Sargava is well portrayed. Think of Latin America’s post-colonial society and you’ll get a good idea of the societal backdrop and conflicts. Normally I find anything remotely political in books off-putting, regardless of if I agree with the themes or not. However, I found this setting and some of the class, racial and personal conflict really engaging.
The characters are enjoyable. And the first half of the story is just fantastic both in its setup and adventure.
I did find that the second half felt a bit rushed and for once I actually wished a book was a little longer. I also thought for a heroic fantasy author some of the death’s felt underwhelming or grimdark levels of callous.
Ivrian is a bit self-indulgent as he is a character who wants to be a writer and write about their adventure but as much as he initially annoyed me his arc is compelling and his journey is worthwhile.
Overall, I thought this was a good book. I do wish the second half felt as strong as the first half but it didn’t feel like a let down just rushed.
If you’re a fan of HAJ’s work, I’d say you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s a good popcorn read, but also has a bit of Star Trek wholesomeness to some of its themes of acceptance.
This is his third foray into the TTRPG’s world. Like all of HAJ’s works it has a way of being greater than the sum of its parts. His prose is brisk and minimalist which gives the book a very pulpy and digestible quality. This particular novel leans into a lot of inspiration from classic adventure and pirate fiction.
I’m impressed with HAJ ability to make Pathfinder, a derivative of a derivative, compelling. The setting of Sargava is well portrayed. Think of Latin America’s post-colonial society and you’ll get a good idea of the societal backdrop and conflicts. Normally I find anything remotely political in books off-putting, regardless of if I agree with the themes or not. However, I found this setting and some of the class, racial and personal conflict really engaging.
The characters are enjoyable. And the first half of the story is just fantastic both in its setup and adventure.
I did find that the second half felt a bit rushed and for once I actually wished a book was a little longer. I also thought for a heroic fantasy author some of the death’s felt underwhelming or grimdark levels of callous.
Ivrian is a bit self-indulgent as he is a character who wants to be a writer and write about their adventure but as much as he initially annoyed me his arc is compelling and his journey is worthwhile.
Overall, I thought this was a good book. I do wish the second half felt as strong as the first half but it didn’t feel like a let down just rushed.
If you’re a fan of HAJ’s work, I’d say you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s a good popcorn read, but also has a bit of Star Trek wholesomeness to some of its themes of acceptance.
August 31, 2016
A solid pulpy fantasy adventure, set in the Pathfinder world of Golarion. Beyond the pool of stars focuses on the now independent colony of Sargava, caught between their former mother country of Cheliax, which would like nothing more than to return the rebel colony to its empire, and dangerous jungles and pirate lords. Into this delicate balancing act, Mirian Raas returns home upon news her father has passed. Before even setting foot on shore, she's dragged into underwater adventure rescuing a ship from pirates. After showing her prowess under and above the waves, using her inherited magic items from her family of salvagers, she discovers that she's rescued her family's own ship, and gotten involved in a desperate attempt of the former colony to raise funds to pay the annual tribute to pirates to keep their naval borders safe.
She insists that she's not in the salvaging business anymore, but between seeing her family's financial peril, loyalty to her mother and brother, and a sense of exploration and adventure she has nurtured in the Pathfinder Society, she winds up accepting just one more job. This is a trickier job than merely diving to a sunken ship for its lost treasures, she needs to follow up on a job her father was arranging before he died. Things get complicated when she needs to recruit lizardfolk guides, who don't trust humans and are treated in kind, a Chellish spy, and the dangers of a lost jungle city (flooded of course, where her skill and experience with underwater slavaging come into play.)
And that's just the dangers she faces getting to the treasure. Getting home with it alive push her skills to their limits, and the cost is more than the value of a kingdom's ransom.
Another fun romp of an adventure from Howard Andrew Jones, which adds a bit of variety to the setting and challenges of the Pathfinder Tales book line.
She insists that she's not in the salvaging business anymore, but between seeing her family's financial peril, loyalty to her mother and brother, and a sense of exploration and adventure she has nurtured in the Pathfinder Society, she winds up accepting just one more job. This is a trickier job than merely diving to a sunken ship for its lost treasures, she needs to follow up on a job her father was arranging before he died. Things get complicated when she needs to recruit lizardfolk guides, who don't trust humans and are treated in kind, a Chellish spy, and the dangers of a lost jungle city (flooded of course, where her skill and experience with underwater slavaging come into play.)
And that's just the dangers she faces getting to the treasure. Getting home with it alive push her skills to their limits, and the cost is more than the value of a kingdom's ransom.
Another fun romp of an adventure from Howard Andrew Jones, which adds a bit of variety to the setting and challenges of the Pathfinder Tales book line.
March 30, 2020
I didn’t know what to expect coming into this as I’ve not read a Pathfinder book before. Honestly, after working through the Harpers saga last year I wasn’t too optimistic, but this book was so much fun! It had engaging characters who actually had growth. The plot wasn’t formulaic but also had a clear direction and the writing was smart and quick. I’m anxious awaiting the next book in this series.
December 21, 2017
I absolutely loved every minute of this read. Each character had their own story and struggle to deal with. I’m all about some strong females and this book is full of them. Mirian is headstrong, caring, stubborn, loyal, and loveable all at once. Alderra is bossy and strong willed. Kalina is kind and accepting even of those that fail to accept her. I also adored sweet Ivrian and loyal Jekka. Their journey to help their family and their government is worth every minute spent reading it. Learning about the lizard folk culture was a wonderful aspect of the story too. I can’t say enough good things about the story! I sure hope to see more of this wonderful group of characters.
January 25, 2018
This is quite possibly my favorite of all the Pathfinder Tales I've read this far. It reminded me a bit in places of some of my favorite of the Forgotten Realms novels. The character development was strong and the interactions between the characters was memorable. I had to go pick up the next book by this author to continue the story already.
May 6, 2018
A nice story set in Sagrava so it has some themes of racism and colonial treatment mixed with the treasure hunt that was promised by the blurb. The story, tone and execution made this feel like a well executed RPG campaign. I really liked this. And I am looking forward to read about these characters again.
September 8, 2018
4.5/5 ⭐️! What can I say?! This book is really good and mind blowing! I never thought I would enjoy this book but I did! I love the fantasy, the magic that puts together in it, and Mirian’s character is unbelievable! The writing style is unique and the imagination is extraordinary!
May 29, 2018
This was a fun adventure story set in an indiana jones fantasy setting.
I really enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed it!
April 8, 2019
actually 2.5
June 9, 2019
Good one-off. Nice characterization and solid treasure-hunt story.
November 14, 2020
One of the best Pathfinder books. It's a fun pirate adventure. It's also great for inspiration if you play the table top game.
January 26, 2021
Just okay. PC issues didn’t fit into the story
July 26, 2023
This one was really enjoyable and had some twists I saw coming but they did well and some twists I did not see and really enjoyed.
July 23, 2025
A well written and engrossing book which I thoroughly enjoyed!
January 11, 2019
Previously published at TheQwillery.com
Howard Andrew Jones is an inventive and talented author that has created sea and land-based fantasy adventures. Beyond the Pool of Stars and Through the Gate in the Sea are two stand-alone novels that share the same cast of characters. If you’d like to read them in order start with the Beyond the Pool of Stars, but truly you can read either book in any order.
Mirian Raas is the protagonist for both books. Mirian grew up in a family of underwater ship scavengers. With her inherited magical items that give her some awesome powers, she leads a life of adventure fighting off pirates and monsters with her crew on the ship Daughter of the Mist.
In Beyond the Pool of Stars, Mirian’s father dies, leaving her to finish his last job reclaiming a treasure that has the potential to leave two group of civilizations at war. This one kept me on my toes through the entire read. It’s full of adventure and exotic locations. I have to say that I’ve never read a book with underwater treasure hunting before and I really enjoyed experiencing something new. It’s rare these day to be surprised by stories.
Jones continues to expand on the adventures stories in Through the Gate in the Sea. This time, Mirian Raas picks up a new Lizardfolk crew member and helps him seek out the long lost homeland that has captured the attention of an undead ruler.
The best thing about Jones’s style is that it reminds me of a modern-day pulp writer, which for me is the highest of compliments. I love the quick pace of the story, the nonstop action, and imaginative cast of characters and storyline. I never got bored and I was left wanting just a few more chapters. I’d recommend either book to any fantasy reader. There is nothing in the content of either story that would keep me from recommending it to Teens to Adults.
Howard Andrew Jones is an inventive and talented author that has created sea and land-based fantasy adventures. Beyond the Pool of Stars and Through the Gate in the Sea are two stand-alone novels that share the same cast of characters. If you’d like to read them in order start with the Beyond the Pool of Stars, but truly you can read either book in any order.
Mirian Raas is the protagonist for both books. Mirian grew up in a family of underwater ship scavengers. With her inherited magical items that give her some awesome powers, she leads a life of adventure fighting off pirates and monsters with her crew on the ship Daughter of the Mist.
In Beyond the Pool of Stars, Mirian’s father dies, leaving her to finish his last job reclaiming a treasure that has the potential to leave two group of civilizations at war. This one kept me on my toes through the entire read. It’s full of adventure and exotic locations. I have to say that I’ve never read a book with underwater treasure hunting before and I really enjoyed experiencing something new. It’s rare these day to be surprised by stories.
Jones continues to expand on the adventures stories in Through the Gate in the Sea. This time, Mirian Raas picks up a new Lizardfolk crew member and helps him seek out the long lost homeland that has captured the attention of an undead ruler.
The best thing about Jones’s style is that it reminds me of a modern-day pulp writer, which for me is the highest of compliments. I love the quick pace of the story, the nonstop action, and imaginative cast of characters and storyline. I never got bored and I was left wanting just a few more chapters. I’d recommend either book to any fantasy reader. There is nothing in the content of either story that would keep me from recommending it to Teens to Adults.
April 30, 2016
An easy, entertaining read with lots of adventure. Being based on the Pathfinder Roleplaying game, this book was a bit of a stretch in regards to my normal proclivities. The description was interesting enough to make me overlook the game ties and give it a shot, I'm glad I did. The characters are engaging, the settings unique, the creatures fantastical, the spells magical, and the story line easily draws you in. Pick up a copy and step into a world of magic, pirates, treachery and adventure!
September 26, 2015
Another decent Pathfinder story
February 14, 2016
Winner of a First Reads giveaway.
I rather enjoyed this. Quick little adventure.
I rather enjoyed this. Quick little adventure.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews