Before the Ghost Sea

by R.D. Pires

A state of upheaval grips the realms.

Returning to her homeland, Queen Yiscel finds herself surrounded not by a triumphant celebration, but deadly disease. Amid a desperate search for a cure, a rising tide of discontent threatens her regime.

Meanwhile, harrowing circumstances on either side of the Endless Ocean vie for Emperor Kaori's attention. An unforeseen shadow surfaces in Nokara, endangering his seat on the Golden Throne. Yet, leaving Faron without unraveling the symbols left behind by Fogosombre could have dire consequences for the known world.

Thus unfolds the most expansive entry in The Tides That Reign. Amid sweeping treks to snow-capped peaks and harrowing nights in the darkest of storms is a tale about sailing the surge of passion, surviving the tide of consequence, and wading through a sea of ghosts.

770 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 12, 2026

About the author

RD Pires has found there's always a story to tell, and so he spends his time writing them down. A writing project is always on his mind, even when there aren't enough hours in a day to work on them.

Author of many genres, he has a special place in his heart for queer fiction. His latest works have been part of The Tides That Reign series with book 1, Design of Darkness out last summer, and book 2, Sparrows Sing of Dying just released!

He lives in California with his husband and their daughter.

Reviews

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you R.D. Pires for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

In the third book of this epic fantasy series, there is a state of upheaval across the world. As Queen Yiscel deals with the deadly contagion, a political foe starts to raise discontent. She sends other familiar characters to identify and bring a cure to the contagion of her people, but will it be enough? Meanwhile, Emperor Kaori’s time is cut short across the ocean, and he must rush home before a threat occurs in his own kingdom. New revelations come to light, forcing many characters to grapple with their own life-altering decisions.

I’m realizing it’s so hard to write a review about a third book in the series without giving away much of what happens in the first two books, so you’re just going to have to trust me: this one is so good! It’s definitely the longest book in the series so far, but there’s so much complexity, so many characters, and so many interwoven storylines that there could truly be nothing to trim. And let’s be honest: I wouldn’t want to miss out on anything! In true nail-biting fashion, R.D. Pires keeps the reader so engrossed in the mystery and allure that you can’t help but to keep turning the page, nor can you stop thinking about the characters between chapters. There’s so much tension in this installment, and I truly cannot wait for it all to POP OFF in the fourth and final book!

Reviewed as part of an #ARC directly from the author.

Read this book if you:
🏔️ have ever fantasized about climbing a mountain (or just reading about it from under the warmth of your own bed)
🗡️ swoon for morally gray heroes
🎲 can’t get enough from high-stakes fantasy politics

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[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, oh my! The third installment is nothing short of an adventure. Pires really put out his best work of the series thus far in the penultimate book of The Tides That Reign series. That ending has set the stage beautifully for the final battle. Each of the characters has had such an amazing arc and creation. It will be really satisfying to see characters reunite in the end. Oh, and the deaths we did get? Absolutely heartbreaking. I know the last book will utterly destroy me.

Thank you to RD Pires for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Before the Ghost Sea by RD Pires release June 12, 2026! Or now out if you supported the Kickstarter campaign!