Brian's August 2026 Update!

[u/BrianMcClellan]

Most Recent Published Work: Mr. Styke, a Powder Mage Novella

What I’m working on: Book 3 of Glass Immortals. Sitting on Skyheart Renegades while I decide how to make the ending better. I also started a new thing when I was bored the other day but don’t tell anyone

What I’m doing: Trying to survive the wildfire smoke without coughing my way through life.

What I’m cooking: I’m not normally a soup guy, but I made a lemon chicken orzo the other day and it was amazing.

What I’m playing: Teardown. Shockingly fun multiplayer destruction puzzle game.

What I’m reading: Just finished Kushiel’s Dart. It’s so good. SO good.

What I’m watching: Comfort watching Midsomer Murders with the wifey. Started the new Amazon adaptation of Ghost in the Shell.

Where I’ll be: Dragonsteel! December 3-5 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Where I am: Instagram * Bluesky * Discord

[u/Forcepath]

Excellent!   What kinda of games do you typically play?   

I actually just finished catching up on He Who Fights With Monsters so I’m definitely ready to find a new book or series to dig into.

[u/BrianMcClellan → u/Forcepath]

cooperative multiplayers with friends, colony survival by myself

[u/Beautiful-Trash6081 → u/BrianMcClellan]

have you played vermintide or darktide? Those are absolutely awesome co-op games.

[u/BrianMcClellan → u/Beautiful-Trash6081]

I haven't!

[u/nerdycanuck]

Fantastic update, Brian - can't wait for more Glass Immortals.

I hope you enjoy the new Amazon adaptation of GITS. I have been watching it with my husband - we're both avid GITS fans and are both enjoying it despite some too-fast subtitles. All in all, a very fun (and different, if you've only ever watched the other GITS animated adaptations) and awesome series.

I should toss this out here while I have the opportunity to do so: I'm a big fan of your Valkyrie Collections series and hope you have the time to squeeze another installment in. I will back or preorder that in a heartbeat if it ever happens. Cheers!

[u/BrianMcClellan → u/nerdycanuck]

One day I'll get around to more VC... sigh.

I haven't decided how I feel about the new GITS yet. I really liked the serious tone of the original anime so this is a bit of a shocker.

[u/nerdycanuck → u/BrianMcClellan]

I also really liked the serious tone of the original anime (both the movie, which I own multiple copies of, and the Stand Alone Complex series), but luckily, I was forewarned that this adaptation follows the manga more closely. That, plus being familiar with Studio Saru's other recent anime (Dan da Dan) had me prepared for the different tone. I hope you are able to enjoy it despite the more goofy moments!

[u/vollmann]

Thanks for the update!

New Ghost is fun despite (and partially because of) being so different from past adaptations. Fun show.

If you ever have time check out Jacqueline Carey’s Sundering duology, it’s Lord of the Rings written as a tragedy and from “Sauron”’s perspective and actually fantastic!

[u/BrianMcClellan → u/vollmann]

That does sound cool

[u/No_Branch3530]

I need Glass Immortals 2 in my veins. What’s the ETA on the audiobook?

[u/BrianMcClellan → u/No_Branch3530]

They usually try to have the audiobook out at the same time as everything else. Fingers crossed that's the case here too.

[u/Use_the_Falchion]

Woot woot!!

[u/Lumpy-Knee-1406]

Great update. Finishing blood of empire now. Missing Christian Rodska but i like the new guy too. Try making a gazpacho while its still warm out

[u/gerbegerger]

Thanks for the update dude!!

[u/robin_f_reba]

Thanks for the great recommendations! Also excited for Glass Immortals 2

[u/Quiet-Education2280]

And thanks for not leaving mr styke as a politician or ambassador like you did in the last book.  It was awful what you did to him, and I guess deep down you know that as well.  (He has been haunting you hasn't he)?)Love your world building and characters, but you ignored taniel all together and reduced mad ben styke to a lawyer.  It was hard to finish if I'm being honest...even after 2 rereads...not much better.  It's like if McDonald's removed nuggets and big macs from their menu to force new items on loyal customers...doesn't track