H.B. Reneau is an author of YA and adult fantasy. Author, ER doctor, and proud dog mom, H.B. Reneau is best known for her character-driven, genre-crossing fiction that draws on her experiences in both medicine and the military. When not writing or at the hospital, she can be found hiking, drinking coffee to excess, and getting lost in new cities with her spaniel Rory.
Like most writers, I was always the kid that loved books, staying up late into the night to finish the latest Harry Potter or Tamora Piece novel. It wasn’t long before I began writing my own stories and sharing them with anyone who would listen. Fast forward 15 years and a pandemic later and I finally got up the courage to put those stories out into the world. Now I'm the author of an entire series of YA Fantasy novels and novellas with no end in sight.
Unlike most authors, I also have a passion for science, medicine, and my time in the military - all of which have inspired my unique perspective on the world. While maybe not the most typical of journeys to authorship, mine is one that has inspired me to dream big, always keep learning, and try to see the world in a whole new light.
Curious? To learn more about me, check out my books, blog, and fun extras from the menu above. Or reach out directly!
Finally, neither writer nor globe trotting adventurer is complete without their trusty sidekick. For me, that is undoubtedly Rory, my adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who has been with me every step of the way…Authoring, Doctoring, and of course Cavaliering.
So even if you don’t like my writing, follow me for the puppy pics! 😋🐶
Kickstarter 101 for Book Lovers: How Crowdfunding Fuels the Fantasy
From exclusive foil-stamped hardcovers to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, Kickstarter has become the go-to platform for indie authors and passionate readers to join forces and build something magical. If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite books get made—or how you can help shape them—this one’s for you. Let’s break down the basics of Kickstarter and how it’s fueling projects like The Remnant (and why it’s so much more than just a donation).
What’s in a Name: The Remnant Edition
In The Remnant, names are more than words—they are destiny, duty, and the weight of a world unspoken. Bashira carries a name that means joy, yet her path is anything but easy. Sara, noble in name and spirit, haunts the story even in death. Chiko, the loyal shadow, is bound by a promise he may not be able to keep. And Dai, born to greatness, must decide what that truly means. But beyond personal names lie the family legacies—Inaba, Nanuyo, Akimona—each shaping lives in ways seen and unseen. What’s in a name? In Arathet, everything.
The Remnant: Sneak Peek
“The sea was eating their city again, one street at a time.” 🌊
Basha Inaba has spent her life slipping through the cracks of Arathet, skirting duty, defying expectations. But rebellion is rising, and the past refuses to stay buried.
Secrets. Magic. Betrayal. The Remnant is coming.
🔥 Get an exclusive sneak peek—download the first three chapters for free! 🔥
Found Families and Fractured Bonds: Exploring Family Dynamics Through Fantasy
Family shapes us, whether through love, loss, or the ties we struggle to break. Fantasy stories have long delved into these relationships, using magic and epic stakes to explore themes of belonging, duty, and identity. In The Legion of Pneumos series, Keira, Neval, and Basha each grapple with the weight of family—whether it’s Keira’s struggle with her mother’s instability, Neval’s rebellion against a father who failed him, or Basha’s grief over the sister she both loved and resented.
The Cross-Sea Lands: A Rich Fantasy World of Layered Cities & Clashing Cultures
Rising tides swallowed the old world, but from the wreckage, the Cross-Sea Lands emerged—an archipelago of towering cities, warring clans, and tangled traditions. Here, merchants haggle in six dialects, smugglers vanish into sunken ruins, and old grudges resurface with every tide.
In this post, I’ll take you deep into this world—where diplomacy is as deadly as steel, and festivals bring uneasy truces between rival factions. No spoilers, just a taste of the layered cultures, hidden markets, and storm-lashed cities that shape The Remnant.
The Art of the Underworld: Writing Dark, Immersive Worlds That Transform Your Characters
Want to craft an unforgettable underworld for your story? Whether it’s an ancient labyrinth, a criminal hideout, or a forgotten city buried beneath the surface, a great underworld is more than just a dark setting—it’s a transformative experience for your characters. In this post, we’ll explore how to design an immersive, dangerous, and thematically rich underworld that shapes both your world and your protagonist. Using The Remnant as a case study, we’ll break down the layers of world-building, the role of danger, and the metaphorical weight of descending into the dark. Ready to build an underworld your readers won’t forget? Let’s dive in.
