Frequently Asked Questions
About J.A. Raithe · Books · Universes
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick primer on who I am, what I write, and where to dive in if you want cosmic questions, haunted stations, and empires at war with something bigger than themselves.
Most of my stories orbit the same gravity well, what happens to people when something vast and indifferent forces them to change. The Shepherd’s test, Station 13’s paranoia, the wars of the Veiled Core, the hunger behind the Chronicles of Consumption, they are all different angles on the same question, what do you lose when you become something more.
How would you describe your writing and genre
I write science fiction that keeps circling the same big questions, what happens to people when something larger than them forces a change they cannot undo, and what they lose when they become more than human. The Shepherd Descends is first contact as an exam. Station 13 is deep space psychological horror. The Veiled Core Chronicles is epic science fantasy about empires, prophecy, and a board that treats whole worlds like pieces. The Chronicles of Consumption is a cursed companion artifact that shows what is really feeding on everyone.
Do I need to be a hardcore sci fi reader
No. I love big concepts, but I start with people, a commander trying to keep her crew alive, a scientist caught between his conscience and the fate of his species, soldiers who slowly realize they are pieces in a game they did not agree to play. The technology and cosmic strangeness are there to pressure the characters, not to turn the story into a manual. If you can follow fear, hope, faith, and bad decisions, you will be fine.
Where should I start reading
If you want a classic first contact story where humanity is being evaluated, start with The Shepherd Descends. If you want claustrophobic horror and unreliable narration, Station 13 is your entry point. If you are in the mood for a sprawling war with gods, boards, and sigils, begin with The Veiled Core Chronicles: The Fighting 57th and then pair it with The Chronicles of Consumption as the in universe scripture that twists everything you thought you understood. The Sporefall Saga and The Entropy Seed are in development and will tie into the same larger conversation about what it costs to evolve.
How often do new books come out
I am an independent author balancing several universes, so I focus on getting each book right rather than chasing a strict schedule. Right now The Shepherd Descends is available, Station 13 launches November 28, 2025 in Kindle, paperback, hardcover and Audible, and The Veiled Core Chronicles: The Fighting 57th is close behind with The Chronicles of Consumption releasing alongside it. Future Veiled Core entries, The Sporefall Saga, and The Entropy Seed are in the pipeline. The Books page on this site is always the most accurate snapshot.
Are there content warnings I should know about
Most of my stories deal with heavy themes, cosmic horror, war, mental health, faith, and the fear that the universe might not care what you become. Station 13 includes military trauma, isolation, and a deteriorating mental state. The Shepherd Descends wrestles with moral responsibility on a species wide scale. The Veiled Core Chronicles and The Chronicles of Consumption include battlefield violence, the dehumanization of soldiers, and unsettling metaphysical ideas. I do not write gore for shock, but I do walk into uncomfortable places. If you have questions about specific triggers, reach out and ask.
Can I contact you directly
Yes. There is a contact form on this site and an email listed at the bottom of most pages. I read every message. During heavy drafting or editing stretches it might take me a bit to respond, but hearing from readers is one of the things that keeps the whole universe running.
Will you be doing signings or appearances
Most of what I do right now is online, interviews, guest spots, and virtual book club drop ins. I am always open to in person or virtual appearances when schedules and travel make sense. If you are a librarian, teacher, book club organizer, or event host and you want to set something up, send me a note through the contact form with details so I can see what we can make work.
Do you have audiobooks
Audiobooks are rolling out. The Shepherd Descends, narrated by Maria Marquis, is scheduled for December 2025. Station 13 also has an Audible edition, narrated by Renee Robbins, planned for the same window. As those land and readers respond, I would love to bring more of the universe into audio. For the latest status, check the individual book pages, they will always have up to date links.