Elrich E-Readers August 2026
So much news and so little time to share it...
Dear Reader,
It’s hard to convey exactly how I feel right now. I am preparing for the new school year (I’m a teacher), and I am waiting for the beta reader’s feedback. It’s a mixture of anticipation and excitement, and there’s so many good things to share with you I hardly know where to start.
Updated Covers!
When I reached out to my designer, Laura Hollingsworth, she asked me if I would like to update the typography on my trilogy in addition to creating the new cover for my next book, Lavanna’s Journey. At first, I was hesitant (I liked the old typography). But after she gave me some options and I realized I wanted to put the book number and series title on the spine, I agreed. They turned out beautifully, and the paperbacks should be available soon, but for now, it’s e-book only.
Lavanna’s Journey Cover Reveal
Blurb:
A second generation must rise to save their legendary parents…
Lavanna, the daughter of the famed Vexli Etania, has always been restless. Bored with her life of pranks and competing with her best friend, Garel, she longs to start her own adventure. When shadowy enemies kidnap the Lehrlings, Lavanna and her allies pursue them in a race against time before they’re sacrificed in a dark ceremony. Yet, Lavanna’s impulsiveness follows her everywhere. Her mistakes could sabotage their mission and cost the Lehrlings their lives.
Garel has long lived in his father, Cephas’s shadow. Although he serves Cephas as a political aide, his failure to manifest his Lehrling powers leaves him feeling like he never measures up. Once his father is kidnapped, Garel knows he must join the rescuers, but feels inadequate for the task. With Lavanna by his side, he learns to lean on Melchizedek for confidence.
Lavanna, Garel, and their allies must find the kidnappers and rescue their parents before they enact their dastardly sacrifice. As they voyage across the sea, facing one setback after another, they wonder if Melchizedek is truly helping them or hampering them. Faith in Melchizedek is their only option, but how can they trust Him when everything goes wrong?
Find out in this Christian Fantasy book packed with a seafaring adventure, sweet romance, and a message of having faith in the storm.
Tropes:
Sirens
Deaf Representation
Ninja Nuns
Voyage of the Dawn Treader Vibes
Kickbutt Female Main Character and Male Main Character
Sea Voyage
Forbidden Ceremony
Sweet Romance
The tentative release date for Lavanna’s Journey is November 1st! You do not have to read the first three books in order to read this one, but if you have, I think it makes the story more enjoyable. I can’t wait until all of you can read it.
Free E-Book (But only if you’ve read Etania’s Destiny)
When I finished writing Etania’s Destiny, I was editing “Sibling’s Sorrow,” a short story collection that is no longer available because I decided to include it in other stories, including this one! This one includes “Keyel’s Apprenticeship” because it pertains to the story.
So what is the story? It follows Zaden after the events of Etania’s Destiny and how he completes a quest that Keyel couldn’t. It contains massive spoilers so please do not read this e-book until you are completely finished with the first three novels. This is also a newsletter exclusive so please don’t share it either.
Finally, I am going LIVE on Substack tomorrow to discuss the background of Etania’s Calling and Etania’s Destiny. Tune in at 1 PM PST if you want to hear some fun facts!
Book of the Month
My Review:
A compelling story because of the moral dilemma it presents…
This story asks the question: if you could bring your loved one back to life, would you?
It’s told from the first person, which makes this even more personal. Lynn is the main character, and she is hired by a rich man to make a “simulcran” or semi-sentient hologram of his dead wife.
Considering how people are now engaging in relationships with AI’s, I definitely felt this story was timely because of the premise.
Anyway, Lynn sympathizes with her client’s request because she has also lost someone. Her sorrow makes her a character that you can root for from the beginning.
The author does a great job of structuring this debate naturally throughout the story and keeping me glued to the pages as they encounter obstacles.
The setting is fascinating because it presents a futuristic world where one group of people stayed in a Victorian type of era and another group of people embraced the AI/technology side. It reminded me of Brave New World for that reason, but cleaner and better. It is somewhat dystopian in this way.
Although it was short, I really felt the main conflict: should she build a replica of his dead wife? was answered.
Content Warnings: PG-level danger and suspense. Themes of grief, sorrow, and loss.
Thank you for reading this email to the very end. Please ask any questions you have about Lavanna’s Journey or express your excitement by replying to this email or commenting below!
Until Next Time,
M.H. Elrich