Blog - H.B. Reneau - Authoring, Doctoring, and Cavaliering

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.

Meet the Cast – The Remnant Edition

Step into the world of The Remnant, where submerged cities, political intrigue, and impossible choices shape the fate of the Cross-Sea Lands. As Basha struggles to escape her sister’s shadow, Dai plays a dangerous game of ambition, Chiko wrestles with betrayal, and Sara’s secrets linger long after her death. Who will rise, and who will drown beneath the weight of their choices? Discover exclusive character insights, untold backstories, and the motivations driving the cast of The Remnant. If you love complex characters, high-stakes drama, and richly woven fantasy worlds, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for.

When the World Fights Back: Environmental Collapse in Fantasy Fiction

Explore how The Remnant, The Stormlight Archive, The Broken Earth Trilogy, and The Earthsea Cycle use environmental collapse as a driving force in fantasy. From rising seas to vengeful landscapes, these stories reveal how civilizations adapt—or fall—when nature turns against them. Read more on the battle between humanity and the environment in epic fantasy!

Exclusive First Look: Cover Reveal for The Remnant

Discover the breathtaking cover for The Remnant, the newest companion novella in H.B. Reneau's Legion of Pneumos series. This captivating design showcases the Cross-Sea Lands, a world of towering cities and rising tides, where Inaba Bashira must navigate political intrigue, forbidden romance, and ancient magic. Learn about the creative process behind the cover, its intricate details, and the themes it represents. The Remnant releases widely on May 20th, 2025, with a special edition Kickstarter coming soon. Perfect for fans of YA fantasy, Leigh Bardugo, and Victoria Aveyard, this cover reveal is your first step into an unforgettable adventure. Read the full story behind the design on the blog today!

Behind the Mask: Villains Who Shape the Legion of Pneumos World

Discover the compelling villains of the Legion of Pneumos series and the deep complexities that shape their motives. From the ambitious Lady Junia, driven by her fight for power and equality, to Neval Brennan, a rebel leader torn between justice and destruction, and the calculating Imperator Lanus, each antagonist challenges the heroes in profound ways. Explore how these characters blur the lines between good and evil, revealing the cost of power, the weight of ambition, and the sacrifices demanded by rebellion. Dive into the world of Pneumos and uncover the stories that make these villains unforgettable.

Kickstarter 101 for Book Lovers: How Crowdfunding Fuels the Fantasy

What’s in a Name: The Remnant Edition

The Remnant: Sneak Peek

Found Families and Fractured Bonds: Exploring Family Dynamics Through Fantasy

The Cross-Sea Lands: A Rich Fantasy World of Layered Cities & Clashing Cultures

The Art of the Underworld: Writing Dark, Immersive Worlds That Transform Your Characters

Meet the Cast – The Remnant Edition

When the World Fights Back: Environmental Collapse in Fantasy Fiction

Exclusive First Look: Cover Reveal for The Remnant

Behind the Mask: Villains Who Shape the Legion of Pneumos World

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