Shianan Becknam is a renowned but outcast soldier, and his only friend is trapped across an inter-dimensional rift in the magical war waged all his life. He can bring her home only if he sacrifices the people he swore to protect.

Four books, 479 chapters, 2,338 pages, half a million words of highly-starred epic fantasy...now in stunning new special editions that will look spectacular on your shelf.

The Shard of Elan series follows four central characters in a war already waged for generations, taking on the enemies among their own peoples to wring peace from the endless conflict.

King’s bastard Shianan Becknam buries himself in his military career to avoid the dangers of drawing political attention. When the artifact intended to end an inter-dimensional war is damaged, a mage is trapped on the other side of the rift with her servant—only the cheery young boy is really one of the monstrous enemy, disguised as a human. Shianan is desperate to rescue Ariana, but to do so requires committing treason and betraying his people to attack.

State mage Ariana struggles to survive as a prisoner of war in a world of deadly magic and unfamiliar customs. Her only ally is her former servant, a once-revered warrior who gave up battle and now again caught in political machinations. To survive, he’ll have to renew the fight against Ariana’s world.

As their people’s wasted armies prepare for fresh battle, bastard, mage, and monster must set aside prejudices and rivalries to find an end to centuries of conflict, before they die as traitors.

Four key characters take us on this journey:

Shianan has won a high rank in the army, a leader against the magical Ryuven raids, but he's shackled by his bastard status. He knows no one will believe the truth of Ariana's abduction into the hostile Ryuven world. Worse, Shianan knows the cheery young boy swept away with Ariana is really one of the monstrous enemy, disguised as a human.

State mage Ariana struggles as a prisoner of war in a world of unfamiliar customs and deadly magic. Her only ally is her former servant Tamaryl, once again a renowned warrior caught up in political machinations. To survive, he must renew the fight against Ariana’s world.

Luca, enslaved to a cult leader, is given a glimpse of hope for the first time in years, only to discover his savior is far from secure and only a slave can rescue all.

As their people’s wasted armies brace for fresh battle, bastard, mage, slave, and monster must set aside prejudices and rivalries to find an end to centuries of conflict, before they die as traitors.

The books have been described by readers as similar to the style of Brandon Sanderson or Patrick Rothfuss. The series is known particularly for so-real-you-know-them characters, expressive and flawed and trying their best in the only society they've ever known. If you like character-driven story and all the feels, this is for you.

These special editions are gorgeous!

To start, custom full color end papers line front and back. The front of each book has a celestial theme and includes a special ex libris inset featuring motifs from the cover:

You'll also receive four wet-signed and personalized book plates to adhere in place, adding more color and texture to your books.

The new cut-paper art for each book's back end papers spread was hand-drawn and composited, without any use of generative AI.

The original landscape, from which each book's back end paper scene was taken, is one long art scroll, ready for your wall.

The landscape art appears again in the sprayed edges!  And let's not forget the other edges, featuring full-color motifs from each cover...

Then we add a ribbon bookmark, head/tail bands, creme paper, and brilliant new woodblock cover art in gold foil.

Inside, find single and double-spread chapter openings and an open, easy-to-read text that makes these practical as well as pretty.

Each tier also includes a complete set of ebooks -- not just the four novels, but an additional five side stories, most not available from retailers.

Finally, complete the gorgeous hardback set with a custom paperboard slipcase featuring new art, or add our amazing custom engraved wood with inlaid color-shifting acrylic slipcase bearing a shining Shard of Elan itself.

Or pick up the series in its original covers in paperback, ebook, or audio.

A sneak preview of the new special editions. This first test run has a few errors, the most visible of which is the misaligned Ex Libris plate in the front end papers. These will be corrected in the final print run, but you can see how pretty they are! 

This project is meant to move very quickly.

The books are already written, edited, and loved.  The new custom artwork is done. The printing is in progress. I want everything ready to go after campaign's end. 

My goal is to have these available for Christmas and holiday gifting. It's of course possible that something could happen, but I hope to ship in late November for those who complete their surveys by October 20. (Note: This does not apply for backers who choose Pay Over Time, as installment payments add four months to the fulfillment process.)

All physical books will ship from the USA with tracking, and in recyclable packaging as I usually do. These are fat epic fantasy books :) and tracked shipping is currently estimated at between $15 and $25 within the United States for the boxed set. Estimates may change as we approach holiday shipping surcharges or if shipping is further affected by world events; regardless, I always base shipping on actual costs and do not plan profit. 

International shipping can be more complicated. The change in EU import policy in 2026 means pricing can be quite individual, and for most backers, VAT (possibly reduced, depending on destination) and handling fee will be charged at delivery. Outside of the EU, VAT and other fees may apply. Please be aware of these fees for your location before pledging. 

If you'd like a estimated quote for international shipping before pledging, please provide an address with your request.

You have two ways to back this project and get cool books.

First is the typical pledge, payment, and reward. If the project reaches the minimum funding goal, then at campaign's end, your credit card is charged. After approximately two weeks (to allow for card processing and funds transfer), you will receive a survey for reward preferences (books formats, extra rewards, shipping options and payment). You will pay the entire amount due and, for this project, rewards will begin shipping the following month.

We are also offering a Pay Over Time feature, with the option to split pledges over $150 USD into 4 equal monthly installments, interest-free. This is a convenient way to balance pledges at no additional cost to you.

If you select Pay Over Time, please note:

Early Bird Backers who pledge within the first 48 hours of the campaign and Returning Backers who have backed any of my projects before will receive an extra sticker! This is a sturdy indoor/outdoor vinyl sticker in the design of a token for the famous and luxurious Kalen Baths. Keep it handy for when you need to relax, recover, reward a helper, or hide. Valid for all physical reward levels.

Those who reserved their pledge from the preview page before the campaign went live will also receive a collection of digital wallpapers. Valid for all physical reward levels.

Once again I'm partnering with author Amey Zeigler to bring you more literary bonuses!

The Tale of Barathea and the Great Hunter is a collection of prequel novellas and is another beautiful and chonky fantasy book. Back both projects at a physical level to receive two custom burnout bookmarks to track your places.

Back both projects and receive an exclusive textured burnout bookmark for each.

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