Newsletter July

Ahoy, !

This month brings something truly special: the launch of The Cursed Artifacts, a standalone middle-grade adventure that’s close to my heart, plus your first peek at Legacy of the Abyss (just two weeks away!), audiobook news, behind-the-scenes updates from the writing desk, a log entry from Marina Windsong herself, some analysis of the voyage so far from Corin Vell. Whether you’re new to the Starweaver world or a seasoned crew member, I’m thrilled to have you sailing with us.

New Release: The Cursed Artifacts

Just Launched: The Cursed Artifacts is now available on Amazon!

Backstory:
There are so many stories to tell in the Starweaver Academy world, but I have wanted to share with a middle school age audience for many reasons including personal. Crafted to delight readers ages 8–14 (and anyone who craves a thrilling quest), The Cursed Artifacts delivers heart-pounding adventure, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes about friendship, courage, and family. When Captain Millie Swiftwind and her crew of student smugglers accidentally acquire deadly magical artifacts, their secret business becomes a race against time to save a friend’s life. What starts as midnight trading runs transforms into an epic quest through uncharted waters, facing corrupted ships and ancient magic.

Perfect for readers who love Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, this maritime fantasy delivers heart-pounding adventure, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes about friendship, courage, and family. Set in the magical world of Starweaver Academy, it’s a complete standalone story that will have young readers begging for bedtime “just one more chapter.”

Clean, age-appropriate content with a cast of characters each bringing unique strengths to their crew. Ideal for family reading, classroom discussions, or any young reader ready for their next great adventure.

Captain Millie's adventure was launched just in time for another "important to me" Millie's Birthday. I hope she, young readers you care about, and even all of you enjoy the adventure.

Over to Marina Windsong for a closer look:

“Watching Captain Millie Swiftwind and our crew tackle each challenge fills me with awe. As the navigator of the Tidebreaker, I’ve read how Millie’s fearless spirit and the crew’s unwavering trust in one another transform every obstacle into an opportunity. They remind us that true leadership isn’t about standing above, it’s about standing beside your crew, lifting each other up through storms and calm seas alike. Believe in your captain, believe in your mates, and you’ll sail farther than you ever dreamed.”

—Marina Windsong, Navigator & Heart of the Tidebreaker Crew

Next Up: Legacy of the Abyss & Audio News

Legacy of the Abyss
Get ready: Legacy of the Abyss lands in 2 weeks, and early readers will discover secrets that could change everything. Finn and his Crew’s journey dives deeper into prophecy and sacrifice as he faces darker tides and tests only true courage and cohesive crews can weather. Mark your calendar, you won’t want to miss what comes next as the challenges are tougher to overcome than ever before.

The Shadow Trials
The audiobook for Book Two, The Shadow Trials, is currently in production. Narrators Joshua Story and Katherine Grant-Suttie are hard at work bringing those high-stakes trials to life. We’ll share release details and a sample clip as soon as they’re available.

Charting Our Success and Growth

As dawn’s first light glinted off the Tidebreaker’s hull, I couldn’t help but marvel at how far this little saga has come. Tidebreakers Call launched to a roar, earning 108 Amazon reviews at a 4.7-star average and 41 Goodreads ratings at 4.6 stars, and securing the #1 spot in its Fantasy category almost overnight. Listeners joined the voyage too: the audiobook has 28 reviews at 4.9 stars, with praise for its “cinematic narration” performed by the Amazing Joshua Story and Brilliant Katherine Grant-Suttie along with a perfect blend of “immersive world-building” and “exciting sea adventure.”

Not to be outdone, The Shadow Trials proved its mettle at #2 in its category, gathering 58 Amazon reviews (4.7 stars) and 24 Goodreads ratings (4.6 stars). Readers tell us they’re hooked by the book’s fast pace, mystery undercurrents, and the way friendships, both born and found, anchor every twist.

Beyond the charts and stars, our crew has grown; 1,000+ Facebook crew members and 4,000+ Instagram explorers have signed aboard since March, cheering every post and sharing fan art that brings the Expanse to life.

Over to Corin Vell for a closer look:

“These numbers tell a tale of momentum and connection. Hitting #1 and #2 so quickly signals strong category traction, while the high average ratings show your stories resonate deeply. Growth on social reflects genuine community building—fans aren’t just reading, they’re engaging. Keep spotlighting those reader voices; when people see peers raving, they’re more likely to climb aboard themselves.”

—Corin Vell, Strategic Analyst & Fellow Voyager

Not an Audible Member? No problem!

Even if you’re not yet an Audible subscriber, you can still join Millie’s adventures. Audible offers a 30‑day free trial, which gives you one free credit to use on any audiobook- including Tidebreakers Call. It’s a simple way to test the waters without any commitment. After your trial, you can choose to continue with a membership or cancel- either way, the book you’ve redeemed is yours to keep.

You can start your free trial and download Tidebreakers Call here: Listen on Audible

Happy listening, and welcome aboard!

If you’ve enjoyed the voyage so far, I’d love it if you’d leave a quick review or tell a fellow fantasy lover about the Starweaver crew. Every word helps us stay afloat.

Until our next voyage-
Keep your compass steady and your heart braver than the tides.

Shawn

Shawn@TaleWeaver.Ink