The day’s finally here. After four books, a journey across an entire continent, and more close calls than I can remember, Adan Testa’s story is finally complete. It’s a strange and bittersweet feeling to be writing these words, knowing that the final installment, Founder’s Reign, is ready. For those of you who’ve been with us since Adan was just a thatch rat from the Lowers, you have my profound thanks. This conclusion is as much for you as it is for me.
It’s one thing to plot out a four-book series, but it’s another thing entirely to put fingers to keyboard and walk that road. The experience of writing this series has changed me, just as Adan’s journey has changed him. My goal from the beginning was to write the books I wanted to see in the world. Queernormative, inclusive science fiction, full of feelings and great characters, that never skimped on the action, thrills, and intrigue. Seeing that through to the end has been the journey of a lifetime.
This is the book where Adan’s journey finally comes full circle, pointing him back to Bolvar, a place he’d always hoped he’d never see again. But circumstances are what they are, forcing Adan to make the perilous journey back across the Osbaks and over the wall. He returns to a city on the brink, shaken by his disastrous escape from the Pinch. He’s never felt welcome in the Union. But now, he’s definitely not. I really leaned into the spy-thriller vibe with this book, with a lot of intelligence gathering, subterfuge, and quietly (and sometimes, not so quietly) sneaking past checkpoints and into high security facilities. Trust is in short supply in this new version of Bolvar, meaning Adan’s always looking over his shoulder. And, of course, we finally see the return of the great Commander Cristina Sala. I can promise you her plans are far more terrifying than simply capturing one boy.
I absolutely could not have finished this series alone. A massive, heartfelt thank you goes out to Robert, José, Eric, KT, and the entire team at Jetspace Studio for their tireless support and belief in this story. And most of all, to every single one of you who has read these books, shared them, and talked about these characters, thank you. Your enthusiasm has been the fuel for this whole endeavor.
I truly hope you love where we’ve arrived.