The next chapter in the Dire Skies universe is a prequel novella that tells the tale of Tern, aka Elinor Crowe Boyden, called “Tern’s Tale, the Coven of Goshaleg Island.”

Tern first appeared in “The Sky That Spilled the Stars,” Book Three of “The Dire Skies Trilogy,” though she was mentioned in the earlier books. As her many admirable qualities emerged, I realized she had her own story to tell. Through all her trials, she remained determined to return to the world she had lost. Her inner strength and loyalty to her friends inspired me to tell her tale in her own words.

I’m particularly excited about the cover art, as it is by my old friend, the renowned new regional artist Bryan Haynes. The painting is called “In Search of Honey” and depicts a folk practice that lent itself well to the story; I had my characters search for honey that way to tie it to the story. The main figure is based on Bryan’s daughter Demi, and she is a perfect stand-in for Tern.

Here is the blurb and rear cover text:

Elinor “Tern” Boyden was once a trusted court wizard, a wife, and the mother of a young son. Then the Bureau of Special Practices came for her in the night. Her order was destroyed, her friends were murdered, and her name was erased. Spared for reasons she doesn’t understand, Tern is shipped to remote Goshaleg Island with other surviving women of the magical caste. There, in a crumbling house surrounded by sea and stone, the prisoners are expected to suffer quietly and forget who they were.

Instead, they become a coven.

With the crown watching and sorcery punishable by death, Tern and the others begin plotting the impossible: escape. But the island holds secrets, and the government that imprisoned them may have plans far darker than exile.

For Tern, survival is no longer enough. She must find a way back to her family before the crown turns what remains of Sthearan magic into a weapon of its own.

“Tern’s Tale” will be available on Amazon and free to read with Kindle Unlimited. The tentative launch date is July 1, 2026.

Posted on: June 16, 2026, by : T.C.