It Always Rains in Estaran

by Acar Murat Boyner

A nation in turmoil.
A people divided.
A revolution unfinished...

The great revolutionary leader, reformer, liberator, and, for some, oppressor, General Mateh Redes is dead. He leaves behind a newly formed, fragile republic crumbling under the weight of its own creation. With Estaran remade, its people struggle with the disorienting clash between past and present. Now rival factions clamor for power, and it is up to Sark Efni, the handpicked successor of Mateh Redes, to preserve the modern republic from the ashes of the old theocracy.

It Always Rains in Estaran explores the rise of a modern state and identity in an island nation torn between distinct cultural identities.

And only one can claim Estaran.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2025

About the author

Acar Murat Boyner is an author from Istanbul, Türkiye whose academic and creative roots are in political thought. He holds a BA in Government from Georgetown University, where he concentrated in political philosophy, a field that continues to shape his writing.

His writing often engages with themes of power and ideology.
His first novella, The Council (2022), a dramatic exploration of tyranny, was published by Assure Press.

His Turkish-language novella Neptün Müzakereleri (2022) (The Neptune Altercations), a work of philosophical science fiction, was published by İthaki, Türkiye's leading science fiction press.

His third and most ambitious work is:

It Always Rains in Estaran.

Reviews

[c · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very “tell not show” kinda book. It’s very directly written and the motive of what the author wants you to get out of it is painfully obvious. I was hoping for more of a story, but everything was just plainly written, taking away from the point of the story. It was hard to get through towards the end. I almost DNF because it could have just been written as non-fiction analysis which would have made more sense. Overall, mostly disappointed in this book.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway.

[Rane Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It Always Rains" by Murat is a evocative literary work that uses the persistent imagery of rain to explore the complexities of the human condition with profound sensitivity. The book’s atmospheric prose transforms ordinary, mundane moments into significant internal dramas, effectively making the weather a central character that mirrors the emotional shifts of its protagonists. Through a series of carefully crafted narratives, the collection blends diverse perspectives into a unified vision, balancing themes of loss and desperation with a resilient, quiet optimism. Each story functions like a poignant photograph, capturing fleeting realizations and the raw honesty of everyday life, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate character-driven and mood-rich storytelling. Ultimately, this collaborative effort stands as a moving testament to finding beauty and endurance within life’s constant drizzle.

[Esra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all political fiction lovers!

If you’ve read Prophet Song, The Handmaid’s Tale or any such political fiction, wishing you felt closer to the decision makers of these worlds - the presidents, party leaders, soldiers - this one’s for you.

It Always Rains In Estaran takes us through the tumultuous and passionate times of a government in formation. A love story in the background, nationalist, fervent idealists in the front - this political fiction novel is one you must not miss. You will definitely leave it curious for a Chapter 2 😌

(Available on Kindle only for now)