Here’s a look at some of the progress made on Crystals of Ulstra in October 2026.


It’s very gratifying that every month, I get to share an even bigger progress update.

Well, this is by far the biggest one yet.

The edits for Crystals of Ulstra are completely finished. It makes me so happy to say that. There were times during the editing process where it became hard to see the finish line, but I’m certainly glad I persevered even when it was difficult. Now, the book is edited!

After completing the edits, I sent early ARC copies to my street team. It is surreal to know that my little book is already out in the world with its most ardent supporters and fans!

The full, official ARC distribution is coming up on November 4, when I’ll be welcoming even more readers into the world of Ulstra. And the general release is still December 4.

Currently, most of my time is going toward preparing the paperback edition, which is currently underway. I am also diligently proofreading the book multiple times. While I know some typos will be inevitable, I want to fix as many of them as I possibly can!

I’ve also turned some of my focus toward finishing a short story from the world of Ulstra, featuring the POV character Lazuro. I’m excited to share more about that with you soon!

By the way, if you’re ready for a taste of Ulstra now, sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get instant access to my short story “Guardians of the Grove,” a prequel to the novel.


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The book cover for Crystals of Ulstra, a queer epic fantasy novel by Bradley Bowen. It features an illustration of the main character Koralo over a backdrop of a eucalypt forest.

Crystals of Ulstra

An epic fantasy tale with a queer-normative sensibility, Crystals of Ulstra is the first book in the Ulstra trilogy.

Meet the Author

Bradley Bowen is a Colorado-based writer, digital fundraiser, and author of the queer fantasy epic Crystals of Ulstra.