Description
Six months after saving her city from destruction, Deyeri Renn is outrunning leadership she doesn’t trust herself to take on. Mavrin Leed chases secret knowledge beyond the business of a mere street magician, wondering where his friend Eyasu Temergon has gone, and how much his devotion to the god-like Aspects endangers him this time. All while the Raw wait to be freed from their prison—the extent of their patience unknown.
And as the Highest Voices work to silence the gods who keep Aelda safe, dangerous truths at the edge of the world still find their way to light.
Castoff is the thrilling follow-up to Catalyst and the conclusion of the Aspects of Aelda duology, by award-winning author Brandon Crilly.
Cover Art by Olajide Ajayi – LA Draws
Interviews:
- John Scalzi’s The Big Idea
- Jennifer Brozek’s Tell Me
- Coffin in Space Podcast
- Functional Nerds Podcast
Accolades for Catalyst:
Winner – 2023 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Bronze Medal for Fantasy
Reviews:
“Imaginative worldbuilding at its finest. Crilly manages to not glaze over, while still infusing every character with deep humanity. Catalyst is a buffet for epic fantasy readers!” – Hugo winner Brent Lambert, author of A Necessary Chaos
“A vastly imaginative novel, filled with meticulous detail and fascinating worldbuilding.” – Nebula and Aurora winner Premee Mohamed, author of The Annual Migration of Clouds
“Brandon Crilly’s debut novel is a beaut. A fast-paced, character-rich, highly entertaining romp that soars on the wind over a shattered realm with more wonder in each paragraph than most books give you in a chapter. Bravo! Highly recommended.” – CSFFA Hall of Fame inductee Julie E. Czerneda, author of The Gossamer Mage
“Catalyst is a breath of fresh air for the fantasy genre. Set in a creative, immersive world filled with post-apocalyptic imagery, mysterious gods, and true magic, Brandon Crilly’s debut novel subverts tropes and upends expectations while still delivering the excitement and wonder that fantasy readers demand. His heroes span different ages, genders, backgrounds, and experiences, but all feel grounded and distinct, and while they face horrific challenges, even the darkest moments are tempered by light and human empathy. This is an author truly engaging their chosen genre, thoughtfully exploring the established cannon while also forging their own unique voice.” – Dan Stout, author of The Carter Archives
“Epic worldbuilding meets layered characters in this not-to-be-missed debut novel. Hopeful and with lots of heart, pick this up if you love an engrossing read. Can’t wait for the next one!” – Marie Bilodeau, bestselling author of the Heirs of a Broken Land series
“Well-crafted characters and deep worldbuilding make Catalyst a memorable and moving tale of magic, power, and impossible choices.” – Alex Livingston, author of The Knave of Secrets
“Brandon Crilly’s debut novel, Catalyst, introduces a finely detailed world with an innovative magic system and compelling characters. I enjoyed the novel very much.” – Violette Malan, author of the Dhulyn and Parno series
“Layered world-building and taut, troubled relationships are the heart of Catalyst, but genre-bending fantasy is its soul. This intriguing novel is one part magic, one part post-apocalypse, one part Getting the Band Back Together, and all of Brandon Crilly’s creative spark.” – Tracy Townsend, author of The Nine
“Pack your bags: you’re going on an adventure. Catalyst is an exciting journey into a world of marvels. This book stole my heart.” – Aurora winner Kate Heartfield, author of The Embroidered Book
