Sarah K. Balstrup
@skbalstrup.bsky.social
Dark Fantasy Author | #SPFBO9 semi-finalist | 📖 THE WAY OF UNITY (2023), BLACK STREAM (2025) | Religious Studies | https://sarahkbalstrup.bigcartel.com/about-the-author | Here occasionally, also on X & Goodreads.
Pinned
I stumbled on The Way of Unity a few years ago completely by chance and did not expect it to become one of my favourite fantasy novels ever. Absolutely thrilled to have signed copies of the reissue and its sequel. Get them ordered and on those TBRs!
A stellar endorsement from Richard Swan 🖤
Speechless!
Speechless!
Reposted by Sarah K. Balstrup
Wrapping up my year-end recap:
Best fantasy novel: The Wingspan of Treason by
@inknest.bsky.social
Best short story: Our Last Evening in a Moon-Struck City by
@madeehahwrites.bsky.social
Best dark fantasy: The Way of Unity by
@skbalstrup.bsky.social
Best fantasy novel: The Wingspan of Treason by
@inknest.bsky.social
Best short story: Our Last Evening in a Moon-Struck City by
@madeehahwrites.bsky.social
Best dark fantasy: The Way of Unity by
@skbalstrup.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Wrapping up my year-end recap:
Best fantasy novel: The Wingspan of Treason by
@inknest.bsky.social
Best short story: Our Last Evening in a Moon-Struck City by
@madeehahwrites.bsky.social
Best dark fantasy: The Way of Unity by
@skbalstrup.bsky.social
Best fantasy novel: The Wingspan of Treason by
@inknest.bsky.social
Best short story: Our Last Evening in a Moon-Struck City by
@madeehahwrites.bsky.social
Best dark fantasy: The Way of Unity by
@skbalstrup.bsky.social
Reposted by Sarah K. Balstrup
Thrilled to share the next batch of Empire of the Wolf / Great Silence collectible tarot cards, art by the brilliantly talented @doomedsarcoma.bsky.social. These will be available for sale in the coming weeks!
October 15, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Thrilled to share the next batch of Empire of the Wolf / Great Silence collectible tarot cards, art by the brilliantly talented @doomedsarcoma.bsky.social. These will be available for sale in the coming weeks!
Hello my friends! By some stroke of fortune, I have been nominated for a Ditmar 😀
The Ditmar Awards are Australia's oldest science fiction, fantasy, and horror awards (est. 1969).
If you attended Conflux, Continuum or Natcon between 2022-2025 you are eligible to vote! Link 🔽
The Ditmar Awards are Australia's oldest science fiction, fantasy, and horror awards (est. 1969).
If you attended Conflux, Continuum or Natcon between 2022-2025 you are eligible to vote! Link 🔽
September 3, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Hello my friends! By some stroke of fortune, I have been nominated for a Ditmar 😀
The Ditmar Awards are Australia's oldest science fiction, fantasy, and horror awards (est. 1969).
If you attended Conflux, Continuum or Natcon between 2022-2025 you are eligible to vote! Link 🔽
The Ditmar Awards are Australia's oldest science fiction, fantasy, and horror awards (est. 1969).
If you attended Conflux, Continuum or Natcon between 2022-2025 you are eligible to vote! Link 🔽
Reposted by Sarah K. Balstrup
Found book 1 and 2 The way of unity by @skbalstrup.bsky.social in the freebies section at worldcon. I nabbed a copy of book 2 cuse I have book 1 in digital and convinced a guy to nab the series saying the book was an spfbo semifinalist.
August 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Found book 1 and 2 The way of unity by @skbalstrup.bsky.social in the freebies section at worldcon. I nabbed a copy of book 2 cuse I have book 1 in digital and convinced a guy to nab the series saying the book was an spfbo semifinalist.
Hi @kdsbooks.bsky.social
I finished Shadow of the Torturer!
I picked up a lot more this time, on my second read.
*review contains spoilers*
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I finished Shadow of the Torturer!
I picked up a lot more this time, on my second read.
*review contains spoilers*
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Sarah Balstrup's review of The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun, #1)
*This review contains spoilers* Second Read: JUL 2025 (Audiobook + Kindle) Why I Read This (Again): Many people who share my taste in existential/spiritual/religious themes recommend this book and I...
www.goodreads.com
July 14, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Hi @kdsbooks.bsky.social
I finished Shadow of the Torturer!
I picked up a lot more this time, on my second read.
*review contains spoilers*
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I finished Shadow of the Torturer!
I picked up a lot more this time, on my second read.
*review contains spoilers*
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Way of Unity out in the wild!
Touring a few bookstores, landed in an indie bookshop and found none other than THE WAY OF UNITY by @skbalstrup.bsky.social ! It's on my TBR for this year, and can't wait to get into it!
May 31, 2025 at 6:29 AM
The Way of Unity out in the wild!
I had a dream that all the people who left twitter for bsky had actually just gone on a camping trip. They said it wasn’t that great and they were glad to be home.
We had a big party and everyone was happy again.
I miss having the whole gang in one place! 😭
We had a big party and everyone was happy again.
I miss having the whole gang in one place! 😭
a man and a woman singing into microphones with the words reunited and it feels so good
ALT: a man and a woman singing into microphones with the words reunited and it feels so good
media.tenor.com
May 14, 2025 at 4:59 AM
I had a dream that all the people who left twitter for bsky had actually just gone on a camping trip. They said it wasn’t that great and they were glad to be home.
We had a big party and everyone was happy again.
I miss having the whole gang in one place! 😭
We had a big party and everyone was happy again.
I miss having the whole gang in one place! 😭
Sometimes reviewers put it best!
My second 5-star review for Black Stream 🖤
My second 5-star review for Black Stream 🖤
May 12, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Sometimes reviewers put it best!
My second 5-star review for Black Stream 🖤
My second 5-star review for Black Stream 🖤
This amazing review from Autumn has absolutely made my day 😊
Read the full review here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Read the full review here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
April 17, 2025 at 10:46 AM
This amazing review from Autumn has absolutely made my day 😊
Read the full review here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Read the full review here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Last chance to pick up a free copy of BLACK STREAM at the Indie Book Sale! Sequel to #SPFBO9 semi-finalist THE WAY OF UNITY 🖤
Discover some indie gems here:
indiebook.sale
Discover some indie gems here:
indiebook.sale
April 7, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Last chance to pick up a free copy of BLACK STREAM at the Indie Book Sale! Sequel to #SPFBO9 semi-finalist THE WAY OF UNITY 🖤
Discover some indie gems here:
indiebook.sale
Discover some indie gems here:
indiebook.sale
A small piece of my heart/soul is available for FREE this weekend as a part of the #indiebooksale
Treat it well.
indiebook.sale
Treat it well.
indiebook.sale
April 6, 2025 at 12:20 AM
A small piece of my heart/soul is available for FREE this weekend as a part of the #indiebooksale
Treat it well.
indiebook.sale
Treat it well.
indiebook.sale
Hey, hey, its the Indie Book Sale!
Pick up my latest, BLACK STREAM, for free!
This weekend only.
indiebook.sale
Pick up my latest, BLACK STREAM, for free!
This weekend only.
indiebook.sale
April 5, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Hey, hey, its the Indie Book Sale!
Pick up my latest, BLACK STREAM, for free!
This weekend only.
indiebook.sale
Pick up my latest, BLACK STREAM, for free!
This weekend only.
indiebook.sale
A stellar endorsement from Richard Swan 🖤
Speechless!
Speechless!
I stumbled on The Way of Unity a few years ago completely by chance and did not expect it to become one of my favourite fantasy novels ever. Absolutely thrilled to have signed copies of the reissue and its sequel. Get them ordered and on those TBRs!
April 4, 2025 at 7:24 AM
A stellar endorsement from Richard Swan 🖤
Speechless!
Speechless!
BLACK STREAM has its first review!
Five stars from C. H. Pearce 💜
Check it out ⬇️
Five stars from C. H. Pearce 💜
Check it out ⬇️
Loved BLACK STREAM by @skbalstrup.bsky.social, book two in the Velspar Elegies series. Like Peake’s Gormenghast, we return to a dark fantasy world steeped in religion and ritual, with a focus on character, political machinations, and family. Also that cover! 🖤 🤩
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
March 28, 2025 at 7:40 AM
BLACK STREAM has its first review!
Five stars from C. H. Pearce 💜
Check it out ⬇️
Five stars from C. H. Pearce 💜
Check it out ⬇️
Hi guys!
Check out this interview where P. L. Stuart and I discuss the themes in my dark fantasy debut, THE WAY OF UNITY, and my latest book BLACK STREAM.
www.youtube.com/live/hKCZlCA...
Check out this interview where P. L. Stuart and I discuss the themes in my dark fantasy debut, THE WAY OF UNITY, and my latest book BLACK STREAM.
www.youtube.com/live/hKCZlCA...
SIX ELEMENTALS INTERVIEW #32 with SARAH K. BALSTRUP
YouTube video by P.L. Stuart - The Drowned Kingdom Saga
www.youtube.com
March 25, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Hi guys!
Check out this interview where P. L. Stuart and I discuss the themes in my dark fantasy debut, THE WAY OF UNITY, and my latest book BLACK STREAM.
www.youtube.com/live/hKCZlCA...
Check out this interview where P. L. Stuart and I discuss the themes in my dark fantasy debut, THE WAY OF UNITY, and my latest book BLACK STREAM.
www.youtube.com/live/hKCZlCA...
@stevewestenra.bsky.social
I just finished watching The Last Unicorn (1982). Have you seen it? I know you recommended the book a million years ago when I added it to my TBR. I really want to read it now!
I just finished watching The Last Unicorn (1982). Have you seen it? I know you recommended the book a million years ago when I added it to my TBR. I really want to read it now!
March 11, 2025 at 12:58 AM
@stevewestenra.bsky.social
I just finished watching The Last Unicorn (1982). Have you seen it? I know you recommended the book a million years ago when I added it to my TBR. I really want to read it now!
I just finished watching The Last Unicorn (1982). Have you seen it? I know you recommended the book a million years ago when I added it to my TBR. I really want to read it now!
Dearest people who entered my Velspar Elegies competition. Winners have been contacted and if you have not heard from me, then it was not you this time.
Thank you all so much for your interest in my books and for entering in the first place 😊
Next time!
Thank you all so much for your interest in my books and for entering in the first place 😊
Next time!
March 5, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Dearest people who entered my Velspar Elegies competition. Winners have been contacted and if you have not heard from me, then it was not you this time.
Thank you all so much for your interest in my books and for entering in the first place 😊
Next time!
Thank you all so much for your interest in my books and for entering in the first place 😊
Next time!
Reposted by Sarah K. Balstrup
For the evening crowd--you won't want to miss @skbalstrup.bsky.social 's Black Stream, the sequel to her marvellous dark fantasy, The Way of Unity!
Don't take my word for it--TWoU was a #SPFBO semi-finalist, and Black Stream's already collecting marvellous reviews!
Black Stream: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
Don't take my word for it--TWoU was a #SPFBO semi-finalist, and Black Stream's already collecting marvellous reviews!
Black Stream: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
March 4, 2025 at 9:36 PM
For the evening crowd--you won't want to miss @skbalstrup.bsky.social 's Black Stream, the sequel to her marvellous dark fantasy, The Way of Unity!
Don't take my word for it--TWoU was a #SPFBO semi-finalist, and Black Stream's already collecting marvellous reviews!
Black Stream: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
Don't take my word for it--TWoU was a #SPFBO semi-finalist, and Black Stream's already collecting marvellous reviews!
Black Stream: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
Thanks Steve!
Check it out guys ⬇️
Check it out guys ⬇️
Happy release day to @skbalstrup.bsky.social 's Black Stream, the sequel to her much-lauded SPFBO semifinalist, The Way of Unity!
If you like thoughtful, mature fantasy with stellar writing that explores religious themes in a historically-textured world, take a look!
Black Stream: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
If you like thoughtful, mature fantasy with stellar writing that explores religious themes in a historically-textured world, take a look!
Black Stream: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
March 4, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Thanks Steve!
Check it out guys ⬇️
Check it out guys ⬇️
Last chance guys!
You have until midnight March 4 to enter. ⌛️
Winner receives:
🔹Signed copy of Bk 1: THE WAY OF UNITY
🔹Signed copy of Bk 2: BLACK STREAM
🔹Eye of Velspar mug
To enter:
1. Retweet
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
You have until midnight March 4 to enter. ⌛️
Winner receives:
🔹Signed copy of Bk 1: THE WAY OF UNITY
🔹Signed copy of Bk 2: BLACK STREAM
🔹Eye of Velspar mug
To enter:
1. Retweet
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
March 3, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Last chance guys!
You have until midnight March 4 to enter. ⌛️
Winner receives:
🔹Signed copy of Bk 1: THE WAY OF UNITY
🔹Signed copy of Bk 2: BLACK STREAM
🔹Eye of Velspar mug
To enter:
1. Retweet
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
You have until midnight March 4 to enter. ⌛️
Winner receives:
🔹Signed copy of Bk 1: THE WAY OF UNITY
🔹Signed copy of Bk 2: BLACK STREAM
🔹Eye of Velspar mug
To enter:
1. Retweet
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
ICYMI ⬇️
BLACK STREAM is out in 7 days!
To celebrate, I'm running a comp where you have a chance to win:
💠 A signed copy of THE WAY OF UNITY
💠 A signed copy of BLACK STREAM
💠 A Velspar Elegies mug
To enter:
1. Re-post
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
Closes March 4
To celebrate, I'm running a comp where you have a chance to win:
💠 A signed copy of THE WAY OF UNITY
💠 A signed copy of BLACK STREAM
💠 A Velspar Elegies mug
To enter:
1. Re-post
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
Closes March 4
February 26, 2025 at 1:46 AM
ICYMI ⬇️
BLACK STREAM is out in 7 days!
To celebrate, I'm running a comp where you have a chance to win:
💠 A signed copy of THE WAY OF UNITY
💠 A signed copy of BLACK STREAM
💠 A Velspar Elegies mug
To enter:
1. Re-post
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
Closes March 4
To celebrate, I'm running a comp where you have a chance to win:
💠 A signed copy of THE WAY OF UNITY
💠 A signed copy of BLACK STREAM
💠 A Velspar Elegies mug
To enter:
1. Re-post
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
Closes March 4
February 25, 2025 at 12:02 AM
BLACK STREAM is out in 7 days!
To celebrate, I'm running a comp where you have a chance to win:
💠 A signed copy of THE WAY OF UNITY
💠 A signed copy of BLACK STREAM
💠 A Velspar Elegies mug
To enter:
1. Re-post
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
Closes March 4
To celebrate, I'm running a comp where you have a chance to win:
💠 A signed copy of THE WAY OF UNITY
💠 A signed copy of BLACK STREAM
💠 A Velspar Elegies mug
To enter:
1. Re-post
2. Fill out: shorturl.at/72u1U
Closes March 4
Resurrecting some sadly dishevelled classics with Japanese paper.
#secondhandbooks
#secondhandbooks
February 24, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Resurrecting some sadly dishevelled classics with Japanese paper.
#secondhandbooks
#secondhandbooks
Nine days until BLACK STREAM!
Curious?
Add to your Goodreads TBR: www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...
Or, pre-order now: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
Curious?
Add to your Goodreads TBR: www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...
Or, pre-order now: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
February 22, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Nine days until BLACK STREAM!
Curious?
Add to your Goodreads TBR: www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...
Or, pre-order now: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
Curious?
Add to your Goodreads TBR: www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...
Or, pre-order now: mybook.to/RpzPTJ
Quote with four indie books you recommend:
February 22, 2025 at 6:07 AM
Quote with four indie books you recommend: