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The Lost Visionist
Not yet published
Expected 26 Oct 26A mind is a dangerous thing to wake—especially the one he hunts.
In the First Age, Princess Aurelia Volossik—forgotten and unheard—becomes the most unlikely of champions to Brakadir. The godlike warrior is the forced opponent in a monstrous cosmic game for Helios quadrant. He can only hope the abilities he infused her with are enough to turn the tide of the war.
The board is set, the pieces are moving, and the odds are stacked against them.
An age away, Theseus Helstaar hunts visionists—delvers—who violate the sacred territory of the mind. When he abandons a mission to save his fragile sister, he is charged with a secret undertaking for the Imperial House: find the Lost Visionist, the most powerful delver to have ever existed. Worse, bring this delver back—alive—or everything Theseus loves will be destroyed.
The catch? No record of such a delver remains. The only clue leads Theseus to visionists whose minds are so fractured they are locked away in a refuge. Somewhere amid their riddles and resistance lie the keys to the Lost Visionist’s identity. But each encounter makes it clearer that his ties to everything he believes may get severed on the shards of their broken minds.
As timelines and truths collide, Theseus must determine what is real and what isn’t. And how much he’ll sacrifice to do what’s right.
In the First Age, Princess Aurelia Volossik—forgotten and unheard—becomes the most unlikely of champions to Brakadir. The godlike warrior is the forced opponent in a monstrous cosmic game for Helios quadrant. He can only hope the abilities he infused her with are enough to turn the tide of the war.
The board is set, the pieces are moving, and the odds are stacked against them.
An age away, Theseus Helstaar hunts visionists—delvers—who violate the sacred territory of the mind. When he abandons a mission to save his fragile sister, he is charged with a secret undertaking for the Imperial House: find the Lost Visionist, the most powerful delver to have ever existed. Worse, bring this delver back—alive—or everything Theseus loves will be destroyed.
The catch? No record of such a delver remains. The only clue leads Theseus to visionists whose minds are so fractured they are locked away in a refuge. Somewhere amid their riddles and resistance lie the keys to the Lost Visionist’s identity. But each encounter makes it clearer that his ties to everything he believes may get severed on the shards of their broken minds.
As timelines and truths collide, Theseus must determine what is real and what isn’t. And how much he’ll sacrifice to do what’s right.
Paperback
Expected publication October 26, 2026
About the author
Ronie Kendig
63 books1,284 followersRonie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over forty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint on the East Coast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.
Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, Realm Award, Alliance Award, back-to-back RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), Goodreads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).
Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, Realm Award, Alliance Award, back-to-back RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), Goodreads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).
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December 31, 2025This is a book of my heart, and I'm definitely making sure it gets counted among my READS for the year. I've worked on edits with this one three times this year ... and I still love it!
Since it won't release until Fall 2026, it won't let me rate it--but IMO, this is my best book yet. I hope readers agree and fall in love with these characters as much as I have!
Since it won't release until Fall 2026, it won't let me rate it--but IMO, this is my best book yet. I hope readers agree and fall in love with these characters as much as I have!
Review of advance copy received from Author
1,000,000/5 Stars
Oh. My. Goodness. I don't even know what to say. How do I EVEN process this? The amount of depth and intricate details in this story is incredible. I don't even know what to say without spoiling it. This book is amazing! It's like nothing I've ever read (or watched) before!!! The characters, the plot-this is a MASTERPIECE. I would be shocked, and insulted (on the author's behalf) if this story didn't become a Bestseller or get some great award, because it absolutely deserves it. It may be a long story, but Ronie Kendig is a master at pulling you in and not letting you go. I set aside work to finish this book. There are moments that make you want to laugh, and others that make you want to cry. I currently want to cry after finishing it. That ending is going to torture me until the next book comes out...like why? HOW? WHAT??? It is impossible for me to put into words how amazing this book is!
I received an early copy of this book from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh. My. Goodness. I don't even know what to say. How do I EVEN process this? The amount of depth and intricate details in this story is incredible. I don't even know what to say without spoiling it. This book is amazing! It's like nothing I've ever read (or watched) before!!! The characters, the plot-this is a MASTERPIECE. I would be shocked, and insulted (on the author's behalf) if this story didn't become a Bestseller or get some great award, because it absolutely deserves it. It may be a long story, but Ronie Kendig is a master at pulling you in and not letting you go. I set aside work to finish this book. There are moments that make you want to laugh, and others that make you want to cry. I currently want to cry after finishing it. That ending is going to torture me until the next book comes out...like why? HOW? WHAT??? It is impossible for me to put into words how amazing this book is!
I received an early copy of this book from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Few books have given me the book hangover that this one has.
The Lost Visionist is a tale of a hunter on a mission and a history of a war of epic proportions.
The characters from both time periods are so vivid in my mind right now. They are complexand flawed, raw and heroic.
This is a world of layers.
From the individuals who are caught in the middle to the forces that seek power, there is a depth and complexity that begs you to dive in and experience. I am hungry for the next installment (whatever that might bring 😬).
You just become so invested!
There are twists, there are turns, there are truths of epic proportions woven into the fabric of this tale.
I so appreciate the way the author built the world and set the stage for the series through the eyes of the characters who lived it.
This is not just a "book of the year" this is a book of a lifetime.
I won't give away much more....
Even if you don't normally read Science fiction, but you love fantastic worlds with deeply drawn, complex and raw characters. READ THIS BOOK!
The Lost Visionist is a tale of a hunter on a mission and a history of a war of epic proportions.
The characters from both time periods are so vivid in my mind right now. They are complexand flawed, raw and heroic.
This is a world of layers.
From the individuals who are caught in the middle to the forces that seek power, there is a depth and complexity that begs you to dive in and experience. I am hungry for the next installment (whatever that might bring 😬).
You just become so invested!
There are twists, there are turns, there are truths of epic proportions woven into the fabric of this tale.
I so appreciate the way the author built the world and set the stage for the series through the eyes of the characters who lived it.
This is not just a "book of the year" this is a book of a lifetime.
I won't give away much more....
Even if you don't normally read Science fiction, but you love fantastic worlds with deeply drawn, complex and raw characters. READ THIS BOOK!
Review of advance copy
I wish I could rate this book seventy million stars, and I'm not even kidding.
I discovered The Droseran Saga a few years back, and quickly ended up obsessed. When I heard that Ronie Kendig was coming out with another sci-fantasy series, I knew I was gonna have to read it. The Lost Visionist was my most anticipated new release of 2026. My expectations were sky-high.
Guys.
THEY WERE NOT HIGH ENOUGH.
Prior to reading this book, I had two other top reads that were fighting for the title of Best Book of 2026. But after reading the prologue of The Lost Visionist, I knew I was holding something special in my hands. Something that was fully capable of leaving my other top reads in the dust.
And boy did it.
Brakadir captured my heart in .02 seconds. Aurelia and Theseus took only marginally longer. You know that problem with reading dual POV or dual timeline--where you have one favorite POV, and get kind of annoyed when a different POV takes over?
This book didn't have that.
IT DIDN'T HAVE THAT.
This book is just... phenomenal. I don't know any other way to describe it.
The worldbuilding is incredible. It's real and lived-in, the kind of place that needs rereads in order to fully grasp (aka, the best kind XD).
The plot. OH MY WORD, THE PLOT. (You know that vine where the guy is reading battery letters like they're screams? "Ah. Aaaaahhh. AAAAAAAAHHHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGH." That about sums up the way the plot made me feel.) The plot twists made me question reality multiple times. Everything made NO sense and PERFECT sense at the exact same time, every reveal leaving me just as shell-shocked-but-convinced as Theseus. (And that last page? THAT WAS JUST CRUEL. NOW I HAVE TO QUESTION EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I KNEW ABOUT THIS STORY FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR BEFORE I GET ANY ANSWERS.)
The characters did not waste any time in stealing my heart. (Brakadir, Aurelia, and Theseus are now my children. Xuli is the GOAT. Anyone who hurts these people or the dog will answer to me. Hear that, Ul? You've been warned.)
I could keep listing all the reasons you should read this story. But I won't, because then this review would be as long as the book itself. Suffice to say that this is a tale you can sink your teeth into. It'll break your heart, stitch it back together again, then break it YET AGAIN for good measure. But even then, it ends on a note of hope.
Hope that good can and will prevail.
Hope that healing is possible.
Hope that no matter what comes next, the bad guys will get EXACTLY what they deserve.
I can't even begin to describe how important that is.
I discovered The Droseran Saga a few years back, and quickly ended up obsessed. When I heard that Ronie Kendig was coming out with another sci-fantasy series, I knew I was gonna have to read it. The Lost Visionist was my most anticipated new release of 2026. My expectations were sky-high.
Guys.
THEY WERE NOT HIGH ENOUGH.
Prior to reading this book, I had two other top reads that were fighting for the title of Best Book of 2026. But after reading the prologue of The Lost Visionist, I knew I was holding something special in my hands. Something that was fully capable of leaving my other top reads in the dust.
And boy did it.
Brakadir captured my heart in .02 seconds. Aurelia and Theseus took only marginally longer. You know that problem with reading dual POV or dual timeline--where you have one favorite POV, and get kind of annoyed when a different POV takes over?
This book didn't have that.
IT DIDN'T HAVE THAT.
This book is just... phenomenal. I don't know any other way to describe it.
The worldbuilding is incredible. It's real and lived-in, the kind of place that needs rereads in order to fully grasp (aka, the best kind XD).
The plot. OH MY WORD, THE PLOT. (You know that vine where the guy is reading battery letters like they're screams? "Ah. Aaaaahhh. AAAAAAAAHHHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGH." That about sums up the way the plot made me feel.) The plot twists made me question reality multiple times. Everything made NO sense and PERFECT sense at the exact same time, every reveal leaving me just as shell-shocked-but-convinced as Theseus. (And that last page? THAT WAS JUST CRUEL. NOW I HAVE TO QUESTION EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I KNEW ABOUT THIS STORY FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR BEFORE I GET ANY ANSWERS.)
The characters did not waste any time in stealing my heart. (Brakadir, Aurelia, and Theseus are now my children. Xuli is the GOAT. Anyone who hurts these people or the dog will answer to me. Hear that, Ul? You've been warned.)
I could keep listing all the reasons you should read this story. But I won't, because then this review would be as long as the book itself. Suffice to say that this is a tale you can sink your teeth into. It'll break your heart, stitch it back together again, then break it YET AGAIN for good measure. But even then, it ends on a note of hope.
Hope that good can and will prevail.
Hope that healing is possible.
Hope that no matter what comes next, the bad guys will get EXACTLY what they deserve.
I can't even begin to describe how important that is.
August 30, 2026
Normally I will read 2-3 books at the same time, and all quite quickly, but I really wanted (and needed) to take my time with this one and I’m so happy I did.
I feel like I have a million thoughts but my mind is also so blown away it’s hard to describe how this book made me feel.
It was my first sci-fi read which was SO fun. And my first book from the author. I adored her writing and can’t wait to read more of her work. The Lost Visionist had so much depth and world building to the point I’m not sure Ronie isn’t from a different planet herself and just telling a story that she grew up hearing, because how can a human being be so creative? 😭 I was blown away.
The romance. WOW. Brakadir and Aurelia. Are you kidding me?
The characters? I loved them. The dog companion? So sweet. The twists and turns? Had me screaming. And the ending???? WHAT. I’m so happy this is a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes because I know it’s going to be epic as this one was.
I feel like I have a million thoughts but my mind is also so blown away it’s hard to describe how this book made me feel.
It was my first sci-fi read which was SO fun. And my first book from the author. I adored her writing and can’t wait to read more of her work. The Lost Visionist had so much depth and world building to the point I’m not sure Ronie isn’t from a different planet herself and just telling a story that she grew up hearing, because how can a human being be so creative? 😭 I was blown away.
The romance. WOW. Brakadir and Aurelia. Are you kidding me?
The characters? I loved them. The dog companion? So sweet. The twists and turns? Had me screaming. And the ending???? WHAT. I’m so happy this is a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes because I know it’s going to be epic as this one was.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OH. MY. WORD. What did I just read?!?!?!?! 🤯🤯🤯
- my reaction when I finished this book.
I literally finished the book and then sat there in shell shock for a good 45 minutes (at least) trying to process what I had just read. Actually, it’s been two weeks since I finished it now and I’m STILL processing!
I’m finding it very difficult to say anything about this book because: 1. It’s so hard to talk about it and avoid spoilers, but also (and more importantly) 2. it’s so hard to find any words that will actually do it any justice…
But maybe this will do…
This is definitely the best book Ronie Kendig has ever written!! (Ronie fans, take note! Yes, it’s even better than Marco!!!)
And, in all honesty, it’s not just the best book she’s ever written, it might actually be the best book I’ve ever read!!!
And yes, that’s not just best book I’ve read this year, but Best. Book. Ever!!!
It’s easily in my all time top 3 at the very, very least… 😍😍😍
Any book that can make you just sit there stunned at the end trying to process what in the world just happened, and what the story means is, the best kind of book in my opinion. And The Lost Visionist did that to me in the best way! Oh, and in addition to the stunning plot, the characters are so good, and in classic Ronie style, so complex and complicated in all the best ways.
This book is utterly compelling, and an absolute rollercoaster of both fast-paced action and emotion. It’s also a complete masterpiece, and I can NOT recommend it enough!!!!
- my reaction when I finished this book.
I literally finished the book and then sat there in shell shock for a good 45 minutes (at least) trying to process what I had just read. Actually, it’s been two weeks since I finished it now and I’m STILL processing!
I’m finding it very difficult to say anything about this book because: 1. It’s so hard to talk about it and avoid spoilers, but also (and more importantly) 2. it’s so hard to find any words that will actually do it any justice…
But maybe this will do…
This is definitely the best book Ronie Kendig has ever written!! (Ronie fans, take note! Yes, it’s even better than Marco!!!)
And, in all honesty, it’s not just the best book she’s ever written, it might actually be the best book I’ve ever read!!!
And yes, that’s not just best book I’ve read this year, but Best. Book. Ever!!!
It’s easily in my all time top 3 at the very, very least… 😍😍😍
Any book that can make you just sit there stunned at the end trying to process what in the world just happened, and what the story means is, the best kind of book in my opinion. And The Lost Visionist did that to me in the best way! Oh, and in addition to the stunning plot, the characters are so good, and in classic Ronie style, so complex and complicated in all the best ways.
This book is utterly compelling, and an absolute rollercoaster of both fast-paced action and emotion. It’s also a complete masterpiece, and I can NOT recommend it enough!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW! Just . . . wow. What a piece of mastercraft. My brain was exploding, reading this, and even after taking a minute come off that climactic gobsmacker of an ending, I'm still reeling. There is SO MUCH going on in this book, deeper even than the story beats, and so intricately woven that I'm amazed and honestly a little terrified by the sheer level of work and dedication that went into writing this.
The worldbuiling is vast and grand in scale and scope, giving it an authentic feel that's immersive and accessible without being heavy handed, and I'm delighted by the diversity of the cultures, factions, peoples, and characters that populate this first volume. And being space opera, straddling the line between hard core science fiction and epic fantasy, I enjoyed the ancient powers, castles, and swords that were so intrinsically enmeshed with battle cruisers, futuristic AI tech, and aliens.
If you're looking for bio-punk, romance, animal companions, exploring old ruins, political intrigue, mind bending mysteries, altered history, challenged convictions, emotional rollercoasters, thematic poignance, comradery, snark, or dynamic characters, this has all of that and more. Truly, this is not so much a power fantasy as it is a reckoning.
It also has pastries, and I can't walk away from that without getting sugar on my fingers.
The worldbuiling is vast and grand in scale and scope, giving it an authentic feel that's immersive and accessible without being heavy handed, and I'm delighted by the diversity of the cultures, factions, peoples, and characters that populate this first volume. And being space opera, straddling the line between hard core science fiction and epic fantasy, I enjoyed the ancient powers, castles, and swords that were so intrinsically enmeshed with battle cruisers, futuristic AI tech, and aliens.
If you're looking for bio-punk, romance, animal companions, exploring old ruins, political intrigue, mind bending mysteries, altered history, challenged convictions, emotional rollercoasters, thematic poignance, comradery, snark, or dynamic characters, this has all of that and more. Truly, this is not so much a power fantasy as it is a reckoning.
It also has pastries, and I can't walk away from that without getting sugar on my fingers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lost Visionist is an imaginative, action-packed, twisty, character AND story-driven space fantasy with major elements of romance and themes of legacy and darkness vs light. Reading this story was an *experience* in itself highlighting Ronie Kendig's expert ability to build story worlds and characters. The search for The Lost Visionist sends key players on a trajectory within the boundaries of Kendig's story world then ABSOLUTELY shatters the paradigm and predictions in my mind concerning where the story was going. If I may get a little deeper in my analysis, this is a story that makes the reader consider psychological implications of actions and thoughts, loyalties and the people we place our trust in. For pure entertainment purposes, this story is a wild ride and will sate fans of fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and innovative action stories alike. If the blurb sounds interesting to you, go add it to your TBR!
I am ravenous for book 2.
My thanks to the author for the advance ebook copy via Kickstarter. This is my honest review.
I am ravenous for book 2.
My thanks to the author for the advance ebook copy via Kickstarter. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In true Ronie Kendig style, The Lost Visionist captures a world beyond my reckoning and plasters it in vivid color across my brain. These characters and the plight of Helios will inevitably live rent-free in my head and linger long past when I've finally read the second book (I think I shall cry endless tears while I wait and wonder for that time to come).
Do I recommend THE LOST VISIONIST? To adults and older, mature teens, yes. If you've read & enjoyed The Droseran Saga, you'll love the familiar cadence and hints of a connected universe yet very different vibes of Helios Requiem!
The Lost Visionist will have to face a foe beyond reckoning with faith and courage. Can it be done? You'll have to read to find out, and then we can geek out about it together.
I received an early edition through a Kickstarter campaign and do not regret it!
Do I recommend THE LOST VISIONIST? To adults and older, mature teens, yes. If you've read & enjoyed The Droseran Saga, you'll love the familiar cadence and hints of a connected universe yet very different vibes of Helios Requiem!
The Lost Visionist will have to face a foe beyond reckoning with faith and courage. Can it be done? You'll have to read to find out, and then we can geek out about it together.
I received an early edition through a Kickstarter campaign and do not regret it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was a fabulous read. So hard to put down that I didn't mind that it took me longer to read than usual. I was really sucked in. In order to save his sister, Theseus must find a lost person with powers that he usually neutralizes and bring them back to those in-charge, with the power/talents completely intact. Because of the ability, it's hard to know sometimes, what is real & what isn't. So worth the read
I received an early ebook copy through backing the book project in Kickstarter
I received an early ebook copy through backing the book project in Kickstarter
September 23, 2026
Mind. Blown. She kept the secret until the very last page. I’m still processing, so I may have to return to this review later, but this book just shot to the top of my favorites. If I could give more than five stars, I would. The world building was incredible, the characters leapt off the page, and the plot left me reeling. The only negative - book two isn’t finished yet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished The Lost Visionist by Ronie Kendig, and I'm utterly blown away by the brilliance of this breathtaking, captivating, engrossing, gorgeous space opera. If you love fantasy, science fiction, romance, impossible odds, fiery action sequences, heartbreak, and hope (always hope!), read. This. Book.
The wide release is slated for the end of October, but I had the absolute privilege of backing this project on Kendig's Kickstarter, and thus received an early copy. And I'm so glad I did! I mean I am completely unwell & undone by this ending, and have no idea how I'm supposed to leave this world until the sequel (constant re-reads are in my future!), but this journey was worth it.
The world (system?) building is stunning: this world unspooled in Technicolor brilliance on my mind's eye as I lost myself in the Viscount's mission to find the Lost Visionist & save his sister. But the deeper he delves (iykyk) into this quest against all logic, all reason, secrets emerge & challenge everything he holds true.
And the characters - the heroes are larger than life, but achingly fallible. The humanity of these characters & what they witness & endure, it tore my heart to shreds. But the storytelling behind it, the glimmer of hope & love injected throughout - inject it in my veins. This kind of courageous, breathtaking storytelling is creativity & craft of the highest caliber. This is a prime example of storycraft that has fueled my lifelong love affair with the written word.
This is a book that deserves to be experienced, savored, revisited, and I am so excited for what's next.
The wide release is slated for the end of October, but I had the absolute privilege of backing this project on Kendig's Kickstarter, and thus received an early copy. And I'm so glad I did! I mean I am completely unwell & undone by this ending, and have no idea how I'm supposed to leave this world until the sequel (constant re-reads are in my future!), but this journey was worth it.
The world (system?) building is stunning: this world unspooled in Technicolor brilliance on my mind's eye as I lost myself in the Viscount's mission to find the Lost Visionist & save his sister. But the deeper he delves (iykyk) into this quest against all logic, all reason, secrets emerge & challenge everything he holds true.
And the characters - the heroes are larger than life, but achingly fallible. The humanity of these characters & what they witness & endure, it tore my heart to shreds. But the storytelling behind it, the glimmer of hope & love injected throughout - inject it in my veins. This kind of courageous, breathtaking storytelling is creativity & craft of the highest caliber. This is a prime example of storycraft that has fueled my lifelong love affair with the written word.
This is a book that deserves to be experienced, savored, revisited, and I am so excited for what's next.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews