Kai Zeal's Monthly Newsletter: August 2025
Aug 15, 2025 2:06 pm
Welcome to either the first of the fall or the end of the it's-hot-make-it-end summer newsletters of 2025! (The pepper is either fall colors or too-hot-outside, whichever you prefer)
Updates
Riyati
Riyati Ripple is getting super close to its finishing stages-- I should be implementing beta feedback within the next week! Right now, I'm expecting Riyati Ripple to release mid-November or mid-December, so keep an eye out next month for a more definitive release date 👀
In the meantime, I've more information about books both future and released! Both Riyati Rebirth and Riyati Rivals had minor typo corrections (are they finally all gone now???). and I've completed pass 1 of book 4 -- Riyati Recollection --'s outline. My current plan is to write Riyati Recollection's first draft during September (and maybe a bit of October), and I'm super looking forward to jumping into it!
If you'd like to get updates throughout the month instead of just through this newsletter, keep in mind there's now an official Riyati discord server, and you're welcome to join -- whether it's to lurk or hang out!
As well, if you haven't already, newsletter subscribers are welcome to download Riyati Origins, a Riyati prequel novella that shows the downfall of the original Riyati kingdom.
Long before Kylie Rae ran into the forest that fateful day, there lived another woman — Kisate Riyati, crowned princess to the Royal Kingdom of Riyati. This is her story, of how kingdoms fall and dreams are dashed.
Just before Kisate’s twenty-second birthday, she received word that the man she’d secretly loved for many years was now arranged to be her eventual husband, Takite Tanoti. Yet this news sets in motion a series of events that would not just be life changing, but ultimately instigates the destruction of the kingdom she was to rule. What was meant as a kindness to Asuza Nuueti, her primary servant and a man that long since had unrequited feelings toward her, will both save her and damn her.
Explore the beginnings of the Riyati universe, back when the Ancient Kingdom of Riyati still thrived — and see Kisate, Takite, and Asuza as they once were, long before the events of Riyati Rebirth.
Personal
We actually had a cool(ish) week last week, but it won't hold alas-- the temps are already getting back up to 90F. I can't wait for the actual cooldown to start because whew, these 95% humidity, 95F temps are not fun!
In happier news, I finished up my summer semester, and am happy to report that during one of my finals, Krishna plopped beside me and offered emotional support the entire exam. It's completely because of him I got a perfect score, I'm convinced. It's nice when the fluffs are good boyes (and grill) sometimes, though they've been getting in their own mischief this month too (3am zoomies have happened more than once, despite the humans' pleas otherwise).
In gaming news, I'm on disk 4 of my Final Fantasy 9 Alternate Fantasy playthrough and have still been having a blast. The past few days have been dedicated to FF14 though-- new gear to craft and pvp glamours to get! (I don't even like pvp, I just like the glamours. This game truly is fashion fantasy...)
Promos
Start a New Adventure (itch.io bundle)
Ends today!
Get 31 books across a variety of genres for only $31! All books are the first in their respective series and DRM-free, so don't wait on this great offer!
Narratess Indie Book Sale
Runs August 23 - 25
While it doesn't start for just over another week, mark your calendar for the Indie Book Sale! This sale runs for just 3 days but will feature over 300 books from SFFH authors-- all books will be $1.99 or less, with many free, so this is one to set a reminder for!
FREE Fantasy Adventure
Ends August 19
If you're looking for some free fantasy titles to binge, check out FREE Fantasy Adventure, which is a promo running nothing free fantasy titles!
Saved by Fae (Layla K. Wood)
Lottie bought a house in the woods, not knowing that danger lurked around the corner.
Errol, a Seelie Fae, follows a scent to discover Lottie being attacked by a strange Unseelie.
After being rescued by Errol, Lottie discovers the existence of Fae in her world. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Unseelie who attacked Lottie could come after her again and Errol is determined to protect her.
As Errol and Lottie seek answers, they discover that Lottie is secretly the daughter of the Unseelie queen and has had her memories magically repressed. Breaking Lottie’s spell could mean disaster.
Errol must save Lottie and the rest of the world. To do so, he needs to defeat the Unseelie queen before it’s too late.
Saved by Fae is a clean fantasy romance with more action than intimacy and a happily ever after.
Closing
That's all for this month's newsletter-- I'll be back next month with even more updates, so keep an eye out and see everyone then!