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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I've had a few 5 Star reviews since Relic Reborn, my Epic Dark Fantasy was released and thought I would share some of them with you. #RelicReborn #5StarReviews #EpicDarkFantasy #IainRalston #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A reader sent me these pics of Relic Reborn in a shop, & on his bookshelf amongst some very good company If you fancy a copy it’s available here: www.iainralston.com/category/books Or the ebook: www.amazon.co.uk/Relic-Reborn... Or pop into your local bookshop. #RelicReborn #IainRalston #DarkFantasy

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

My Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn is published. And it's straight back to editing Deadly Shadows. Need the edits finished so it can go back to my editor for another pass. Still aiming for March 27 release. #EpicDarkFantasy #IainRalston #RelicReborn #IndieAuthor #Authorlife

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Relic Reborn is available from my website. www.iainralston.com/category/books Also from amazon & all good bookshops. Available in paperback hardback, hardback & dust jacket & ebook.Welcome to Azangrail! #RelicReborn #IainRalston #EpicDarkFantasy #Azangrail

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Relic Reborn Book Launch. Some photos from the launch of my Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn. It's out now and available from all good bookshops, online and via my website. Welcome to Azangrail. #RelicReborn #IainRalston #EpicDarkFantasy #IndieAuthor #Azangrail

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

A great night for my book launch alongside my good friend @drewwagar.bsky.social who launched his new book too. A great night was had by all...

Two authors beside their respective roller banners

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Book Launch of my Epic Dark Fantasy Relic Reborn was a huge success. Thank you to Orb's Bookshop's Dawn and Flora for organising the event. Thank you to everyone that attended to support the launch of my debut novel and for making it a huge success. #RelicReborn #IainRalston #Booklaunch #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Relic Reborn is released tomorrow, 15th September and the Book Launch Event for Relic Reborn, is at Orb's Bookshop, Huntly, 6.30pm. Can't wait to meet you there... #RelicReborn #IainRalston #Booklaunch #EpicDarkFantasy

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Relic Reborn releases 15 September. Welcome to Azangrail. Bring a blade, a prayer, and the nerve for something grim, grand, and gloriously unforgiving. www.amazon.co.uk/Relic-Reborn...

amazon.co.uk

Relic Reborn: Book I The Prophecy Series eBook : Ralston, Iain: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Come and meet me at Orb's Bookshop in Huntly on Tuesday, 15th September at 6.30pm, for the launch of my Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn. I hope to see you there. #IainRalston #EpicDarkFantasy #Booklaunch #RelicReborn

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

On the train to Edinburgh seeing a specialist tomorrow. Took the opportunity to write. Finished Ch10 and it's about 45k words scheduled for March 2028 release. And pics of the Scott Monument and the Castle. #IainRalston #EpicDarkFantasy #Edinburgh #EdinburghCastle #ScottMonument

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

My Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn releases on the 15th September, and I'm so excited and nervous all at the same time 😊 #EpicDarkFantasy #RelicReborn #IainRalston

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

What awoke Charok, from her centuries of slumber? Find out in Relic Reborn, released 15th September. #RelicReborn #EpicDarkFantasy #IainRalston #FantasyBookTok #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Epic Dark Fantasy Relic Reborn awarded 4.5 Stars by Self-Publishing Review. "An explosive, action-filled first installment of a new high-fantasy series. Putting a premium on character development and story-crafting" #RelicReborn #IainRalston #BookReview #EpicDarkFantasy #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

My Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn was reviewed and received 4.5 Stars. Snippets from the review. "An immersive and enthralling adventure from the very first page." "A savagely strong new fantasy saga." #EpicDarkFantasy #RelicReborn #Review #IainRalston #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Relic Reborn my new Epic Dark Fantasy novel is set for release. It's time to start working on the edits of my epic dark fantasy origins novel Deadly Shadows, due in March27. But whose Origins novel will it be? #IainRalston #RelicReborn #EpicDarkFantasy #FantasyBookTok #Authorlife

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Answers to questions received about my Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn. There will be four available. Paperback @ 625pages, & two Hardback options, one is 545pages the other is 625pages & with a dust jacket. Of course the ebook. #RelicReborn #EpicDarkFantasy #IainRalston

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn Now available for pre order iainralston.com/category/books Welcome to Azangrail #RelicReborn #IainRalston #EpicDarkFantasy #IndieAuthor #Azangrail

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Epic Dark Fantasy fans join me at Orb's Bookshop in Huntly for the launch of Relic Reborn, Tues 15 Sept at 6.30pm. My good friend @drewwagar will be launching his sci-fi novel Mobilis too. Don't miss a great night and let Orbs know if you’re coming! #EpicDarkFantasy #RelicReborn

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I visited Leakey's what a place. Scotland's largest 2nd hand bookshop & in a stunning 18th century church. I know what the Kanast library in Bk3 of The Prophecy Series will be like now. Need to get Relic Reborn released first but for now enjoy Leakey's. #LeakeysBookshop #RelicReborn

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Visited Nessieland great place to go. And bonus met Mark from Extreme Ghost Hunters. Chatted books and his latest due for release in September same as Relic Reborn. Thanks for the chat Mark and all the best with the book launch! #Nessieland #ExtremeGhostHunters #MarquisHK #IainRalston #RelicReborn

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Take time away from writing to clear my head. Meal arrives and I say to my friends... Kerr and Markus don't eat like this in Relic Reborn I just cant get away from my characters and novel. Are an author, is it the same for you? #iainralston #authorlife #relicreborn #indieauthor #epidarkfantasy

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Three words. One returning God. And a demon prince who knows it's too soon. Enter the darkness of Relic Reborn #RelicReborn #EpicDarkFantasy #DarkFantasyBooks #IndieAuthor #IainRalston

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn Now available for pre-order via my website. Iainralston.com/category/bookshop And you can also subscribe to be kept up to date. #RelicReborn #EpicDarkFantasy #DarkFantasy #IainRalston #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Epic Dark Fantasy Relic Reborn will be released on Tuesday 15th September 2026...in paperback, hardback, hardback with jacket and ebook...I can't wait... #IainRalston #RelicReborn #EpicDarkFantasy #indieauthor #cantwait

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn is scheduled for release on Tuesday 15th September. Have a wonderful weekend. #EpicFantasy #DarkFantasy #RelicReborn #Releasedate #IainRalston

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Reposted by Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy

Dawn McLachlan @deemclachlan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Something from my latest poetry book (see pinned post). I wrote this last year when I was working on a series of poems about women in historical storytelling. Giving Penelope’s view. #odyssey #poetry #poets #poetrycommunity #classics #PoemAltText #penelope

Penelope's Web
By Dawn Mclachlan

I am wrung out by fading hope and the cruel deceptions of Time
Shall my husband live forever in the tapestry of sailors' rhyme?
When the salted sails of rumour blow and the wind whispers his name
As the lonely night falls like the rain I will dress my weeping hands again

If he returns he'll find me aged Frayed by grief, unlaced by want bent and branch-like at the loom Shrouded by memories that haunt In the long and tangled hours
Fingers oakum raw, bloodied and in pain
As the lonely night falls like the rain I will dress my weeping hands again

Safe here in our olive-boughed bed
In the sweet blue blanket of eve
Unthreading warp and pulling weft praying for a homecoming breeze I am slowly turning back this clock returning cloth to skein
And when lonely night falls like the rain I will dress my weeping hands again

© Dawn McLachlan

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

What would you do if you woke up in the morning in your own fairytale world...or worse you woke up the epic dark fantasy world of Azangrail...would your morals survive? #RelicReborn #Fairytale #Azangrail #EpicDarkFantasy #IainRalston

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Exciting news on my new Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn. Orbs Bookshop has invited me to a joint meet the author event to coincide with the launch of Relic Reborn. More later...absolutely buzzing. #RelicReborn #EpicDarkFantasy #IainRalston #indieauthor #indiebookshop

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

If you love Epic Dark Fantasy I haveyour next obsession. Relic Reborn an Epic Dark Fantasy. If you like your fantasy dark, world grim and characters morally grey then Relic Reborn is for you. Released in September. #relicreborn #epicfantasy #epidarkfantasy #iainralston

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Reposted by Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy

Dawn McLachlan @deemclachlan.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

A #fridaypoem for the @thebrokenspine.co.uk #poetryprompt of #exitwounds I strongly advise folk to look at the #Exitwounds tag today because this prompt is very powerful and the work coming from it is extraordinary. Anyway, here’s mine. It’s okay. #PoemAltText #UseAltText #AltText

Exit Wounds
by Dawn Mclachlan

I expected more in the days after
I expected the wound to feel
raw and torn
fire and brimstone
I expected
the pain to vice my heart
with fear and loss
I expected the horrific void
to swallow me whole
but in the numbness
as I took my place
settling in the rising tide of anticipated grief
there was just a deep blue breath of cooling melancholia
I expected more
in the newness of the injury
but there was just the light
and i walked into it

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Reposted by Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy

Dawn McLachlan @deemclachlan.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

A #haibun for @jenthorne.bsky.social and the #poetsofdoom prompt #happyplace - thanks for hosting! I absolutely love writing #haibuns and this is one from my new poetry collection - June Somewhere. #poetrycommunity #poetsofbluesky #AltText #PoemAltText #poems

Blossom
a haibun
By Dawn Mclachlan

We walked up the last hill. I knew the old man would say that it wasn't fair horses had to risk slipping pulling that weight just for him. He need not worry, they were steady and true, tossing their plumes with admirable grace and elegance. He always loved walking that road. The stubby trees garlanding the kerb with petals in late spring. He'd sing - "cherry pink and apple blossom white, the poets say..." as we ran and whirled around him beneath the windblown cascade at imaginary future weddings.
The trees were heavy with their confetti that final day. It seemed fitting we should pass beneath them on our way. I wanted to stop and dance again, but it was far too late.

The sky seemed too blue
On a day that called for rain
Petals in black manes

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

A question at my writing group made me stop and think. Why I veer to morally grey characters. Can readers love heroes who are not innocent? Can they understand villains without forgiving them? New blog: Heroes Are Rarely Innocent. www.iainralston.com/post/heroes-are-rarely-innocent #RelicReborn

iainralston.com

Morally Grey Characters in Dark Fantasy | Heroes Are Rarely Innocent

Why do readers care about morally grey characters? Iain Ralston reflects on dark fantasy, flawed heroes, understandable villains, consequence, and the questions behind Relic Reborn.

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

My Epic Dark Fantasy novel Relic Reborn inspired my good friends over at ARLO ORIGINAL to create some merch. They only went and made some and gave some goodies. What a great surprise this was, thank you so much. #relicreborn #darkfantasy #hoodie #Azangrail #iainralston

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Epic Dark Fantasy merch for Relic Reborn is here thanks to my friends at ARLO ORIGINAL Thanks to both of you Relic Reborn merch is available at iainralston.com Have a look and subscribe to be kept upto date #epicfantasy #hoodies #relicreborn #darkfantasy #iainralston

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Hyrax offers one bargain. One chance. One opportunity for revenge. But the innocent will pay the price. Do you accept? Relic Reborn | Adult Epic Dark Fantasy | September 2026 #RelicReborn #DarkFantasy #EpicFantasy #FantasyBooks

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Coffee poured. Paperback proof ready. Now the process of checking Relic Reborn begins. Holding the proof is a strange feeling. And scary when every page of the 600+ pages, needs checked. Relic Reborn releases September 2026. #RelicReborn #EpicFantasy #DarkFantasy #FantasyBooks #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Darius Reiver. Grand Master. Husband. Broken man. Some choices can be understood. That does not mean they can be forgiven. Relic Reborn | September 2026 #RelicReborn #DarkFantasy #EpicFantasy #FantasyBooks

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

While I wait for the Relic Reborn proofs to arrive, it's straight back into edits. Forgotten One, the second novel in The Prophecy Series, has returned covered in editor comments and track changes. Time to make it better. #RelicReborn #FantasyBooks #FantasyAuthor #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

☕ Monday morning. Another coffee. Another typo. Back to it. September is getting closer! #RelicReborn #AmWriting #FantasyBooks

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Today I'm finally revealing the cover for Relic Reborn. Book I of The Prophecy Series. A huge thank you to illustrator Saira Iqbal for creating such an incredible piece of artwork. Coming September 2026. What do you think? #RelicReborn #DarkFantasy #EpicFantasy

Official cover reveal for Relic Reborn showing a knight standing against a colossal horned demon in a dark fantasy setting.

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Tomorrow I'll finally be revealing the cover for Relic Reborn. Book I of The Prophecy Series. Looking forward to sharing it with everyone. #RelicReborn #DarkFantasy #EpicFantasy

Dark fantasy cover reveal announcement featuring the Relic Reborn title and the words Cover Reveal Tomorrow.

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Some worlds are built by heroes. Some are broken by them. Welcome to Azangrail. The Relic Reborn cover reveal is this Saturday. #RelicReborn #EpicFantasy #DarkFantasy

A red-cloaked knight stands on a cliff overlooking a dark fantasy valley beneath stormy skies. Gold lettering welcomes readers to Azangrail.

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

The gods have a plan. Unfortunately, that has a habit of getting people killed. In Azangrail, ancient powers are stirring, faith is being tested, and the future may be far worse than anyone expects. Relic Reborn Adult Epic Dark Fantasy #RelicReborn #Azangrail #DarkFantasy #EpicFantasy #FantasyBooks

Dark fantasy promotional image with the text "The Gods Have a Plan" in gold lettering on a dark atmospheric background. Designed to evoke prophecy, faith and ancient gods within the world of Azangrail.

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Iain Ralston Author Epic Dark Fantasy @iainralston-author.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Should I trust the gods? Wrong question. In Azangrail, faith built kingdoms, started wars and nearly destroyed the world. Relic Reborn September 2026. #RelicReborn #DarkFantasy #EpicFantasy #FantasyBooks #FantasyReader #IndieAuthor

A lone knight wearing a red cloak stands before a vast dark valley beneath storm-filled skies. Gold text reads: "Should I Trust The Gods? Wrong Question."

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