Award-Winning Epic Fantasy New Blood Saga Expanding from Eight to Nine Books

West Jordan, Uta. — W.D. Kilpack III announced today that his internationally acclaimed epic fantasy series, The New Blood Saga, is officially expanding from eight planned books to nine, reflecting significant structural and narrative developments during the editing of the later volumes.

Kilpack said, “In writing the series straight through, I knew there were areas that would be fleshed out as I went through doing rewrites and edits. I was writing to get the story down while the river was flowing. Then they started getting so thick that the cost of a paperback would be more than a hardcover. I didn’t want that to make them cost-prohibitive. So three chapters from book 3 were pushed into book 4. Four chapters were pushed from book 4 into book 5. And so on. So, as I’ve gotten close to finishing the edit on book 7, I realized that I was going to pull a Tad Williams, whose Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy has four books. But, where he had book 3 be Part 1 and Part 2, I decided to add another title as book 8 and leave the ending title the same: Guardian: Book Nine of New Blood. The new title is Vizier: Book Eight of New Blood.”

The New Blood Saga — already celebrated for its emotional intensity, mythic depth, and award-winning world building — continues to grow in scope as Kilpack refines the final arc of the series. The addition of Vizier ensures that the concluding volumes maintain their narrative power without compromising pacing, clarity, or production quality..

In 2026, the New Blood Saga was listed at no. 6 of the Top 10 Favorite Books/Series of All Time by Usman, SFF Insiders/host of Bards & Books YouTube Channel: "Epic fantasy of the highest order. Fantastic writing and incredible concepts. I would put this series above Wheel of Time.”

Clay Vermulm of the Sinister Soup podcast praised Kilpack’s craftsmanship: “Kilpack delivers a stunning blow to the belief that Indie Fantasy is worth any less than its salt.”

Praise for Usurper’s Might

“I can’t help but draw comparisons to The Wheel of Time. However, at the risk of igniting controversy, I would argue that the New Blood Saga is more refined in terms of intrigue and pacing. It’s remarkable just how much foresight has been poured into this massive undertaking, which includes secret alliances, high-stakes politics, and the unexpected development of key characters. These elements and more have had a tremendous impact on my investment and overall enjoyment of the series. Much of my appreciation for this series revolves around deeply moving emotional beats, as well as uniquely incorporated magical realism.” — Usman, SFF Insiders/host of Bards & Books YouTube (British Columbia, CAN)

“Throughout his books, Kilpack has created a wonderfully detailed world and given each of his characters a life and personality of their own. As a reader, I have come to know many of them so well that I feel as though I have welcomed them into my home library as familiar guests. Kilpack does not merely describe his world; he gives it history, personality, and a sense that there is always something more waiting on the next page. That is one of the greatest compliments I can give Usurper’s Might: by this stage of the series, I am not simply reading about these characters. I know them. I have traveled with them, worried about them, laughed with them, and occasionally wondered what on earth they were going to do next.” — Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, AUS)

Praise for Vengeance Borne

“One of the most tense, heartbreaking, and emotionally riveting scenes in the series. I was so immersed ... that the physical book completely disappeared. I was there, and I think I stopped breathing. Now that’s some great writing!" — D. Wallace Peach, author of The Shattered Sea Duology

Praise for Rilari

“For those who enjoy epic stories about good versus evil, this book is a keeper. For those who want to read about fairies and butterflies, look away. There were bits of research in the story that demonstrated the author’s attention to detail. The fact that it’s challenging to draw a sword sheathed on one’s back is one such fact (unlike in the movies). Recommended to readers of dark fantasy along the lines of George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones.” — D. Wallace Peach, author of The Shattered Sea Duology

Praise for Demon Seed

“Demon Seed is a fantastic and sweeping novel, and it goes from strength to strength in this incredibly ambitious series. Natharr is unique from other classically sighted characters in the genre in that his memory is not recalled; it is inflicted.” — Asher Syad for Reader’s Favorite

Praise for Order of Light

“The more I read, the more I realize that no other epic fantasy story has procured my full investment like the New Blood Saga! The world-building expands [in Order of Light], new characters are introduced and the scope of things to come is greatly built upon with extra heaps of shocks and twists. At this rate, Kilpack is well on his way to writing one of the greatest epic fantasy tales of all time!” — Usman, host of Bards and Books YouTube channel (British Columbia, CAN)

Praise for Crown Prince

Crown Prince is “one of the most brilliant fantasy novels that I have ever had the pleasure of reading!” — RedHeadedBookLover.com

Crown Prince “is one of the best fantasies I’ve read ... loaded with rich world-building and steeped in magic.” — D. Wallace Peach, author of The Shattered Sea Duology

About Kilpack

Kilpack is an award-winning author specializing in epic fantasy and military science fiction, renowned for emotionally intense storytelling and richly detailed mythic worlds. His New Blood Saga, Native American sci-fi novella Pale Face, and Battle Calm Cycle trilogy have earned 69 international awards, including honors such as Book of the Year and International Impact Book Award. Kilpack’s writing features vivid world-building, complex characters, and explorations of duty, fate, and sacrifice. His work blends mythic depth with military sci-fi action, appealing to readers who crave emotional resonance and thrilling narratives. His professional background as a college professor, writing coach, and editor enriches his storytelling. His background in journalism, philosophy, and communication, as well as experience in screenwriting and professional media, contributes to the cinematic quality of his work. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westminster University, where he double-majored in communication and philosophy while completing the Honors Program. He later earned a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. As a high-performing athlete, he qualified to represent the USA in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and helped raise five children and five step-children. For more information go to www.Kilpack.net.