📚 Author Update: Runes of Arcana Book II Progress + A Surprise Sequel Announcement

Salaena and the Starblade –– Runes of Arcana Book II Concept Art

Hey readers!

Huge thanks to everyone for the incredible support on Carnival Kills — it's been nearly one month since its launch and we're officially trending in the Top 10 Best Sellers for the Detective Young Adult genre! With such overwhelming success, one thing's clear: a sequel is coming, but what does this mean for Runes of Arcana Book II ?

Well, it is time for a much-needed update on Book II for the Runes of Arcana series –– tentatively titled Legacy of the Starblade (though that might still be up for debate). As many of you know, this book has gone through a lot of restructuring behind the scenes. I’ve been deep in the process of refining the story treatment.

The manuscript is massive. At one point, I even considered splitting the novel into two separate entries, one that follows Thaleron’s arc, and another that follows Salaena’s arc, with Caeden’s arc serving as the connective thread between the two, weaving in and out of both narratives. That idea still lingers… but I’ll be honest –– I’m not in love with that specific format (of leaving one of the characters out until the next book). Right now, the more likely plan is to keep Book II intact as a single novel, with the exception of Salaena’s arc getting split across Book II and Book III. This way, we keep the momentum tight and the arcs interconnected without breaking the flow.

But now — some announcements…

The overwhelming feedback I've received from Carnival Kills has truly blown me away. I never anticipated the kind of responses I’ve gotten and it’s lit a fire under me. As of this week, I’ve officially begun brainstorming and outlining the sequel. The story has been forming rapidly in my head. No longer just a few scattered ideas. It’s a full-fledged horror narrative that I believe I can write before Runes of Arcana Book II is finished.

That might sound wild, but I’m trusting the momentum. Writing horror is a different beast from epic fantasy. Much quicker in pace and more self-contained –– and this new Carnival Kills sequel feels like it’s ready to be born.

So what does that mean for the Runes series?

Nothing’s being shelved. Quite the opposite. This phase of heavy planning and restructuring is making Book II stronger. I just happen to be riding the creative high from Carnival Kills, and I’d be crazy not to channel it.

Thanks for sticking with me. Whether you came for dragons and epic adventures or serial killers and carnival horror fun.

There’s more to come, soon.

—C.D.