For August 2026’s Fellowship selection, we wanted a story that showcases everything we love about the genre at its most ambitious: sweeping political intrigue, unforgettable characters, rich world-building, and the kind of novel that feels destined to become a modern classic of the genre.
The Castle and the Cloister by Laura E. Weymouth is exactly that kind of novel.
Set in a kingdom still haunted by the violent silencing of its goddesses two centuries earlier, The Castle and the Cloister unfolds against a backdrop of fragile peace and mounting tension. As old wounds begin to reopen and the threat of war looms once more, three lives become intertwined in ways that will shape the future of an entire realm: a young mother seeking sanctuary within the last cloister of the sun goddess, a queen struggling to balance duty with her hopes for a better future, and a blinded priest waiting patiently in the shadows beneath the mountain. Together, they stand at the centre of a story about faith, power, sacrifice, and the choices that define history.
What makes The Castle and the Cloister especially compelling is its emotional depth. Whilst delivering all the political manoeuvring, betrayals, and high stakes fantasy lovers could hope for, Laura E. Weymouth never loses sight of the deeply human stories at the heart of the novel.
The author has crafted a world that feels both vast and intimate; one shaped by ancient faiths, complicated loyalties, and generations of conflict. Every corner of the kingdom feels alive with history, while our main characters are rendered with extraordinary care and nuance. The result is a novel that balances epic scope with deeply personal storytelling, creating a reading experience that is as moving as it is immersive.
With The Castle and the Cloister, Laura E. Weymouth delivers a stunning opening to what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy duology; one that deserves a place alongside the very best modern epic fantasy.
For Fellowship members, we’re delighted to show you the stunning edition we have created and confirm that our edition will have the following features:
- Signed and numbered by the author
- Beautiful case foil on the front boards
- Exclusive endpaper artwork
- Digitally sprayed edges
- A truly special reversible dust jacket - the internal design will showcase the standard jacket artwork, while the external side features a bespoke night-time version created exclusively for Goldsboro Books.
Join the Fellowship
The Fellowship is Goldsboro Books’ monthly fantasy and science fiction subscription, created for readers who want to discover the very best in speculative fiction while building a beautiful collection of exclusive editions.
For £24.99 per month (plus shipping), Fellowship members receive:
-
An exclusive signed first edition fantasy or science fiction title every month
-
Unique edition features designed exclusively for subscribers
-
Signed and numbered editions produced in limited quantities
-
Early and exclusive access to additional SFF releases
-
Special content and features from authors
-
15% off other purchases at Goldsboro Books
Every title is carefully selected by our in-house SFF specialists, with a focus on standout new releases and unforgettable storytelling. Whether it’s epic fantasy, dark folklore, sweeping science fiction, or genre-defying adventures, Fellowship is designed to celebrate the very best speculative fiction has to offer.
With only 2,000 memberships available, Fellowship has become a close-knit community of readers who share a passion for imaginative storytelling and extraordinary books. If you love discovering exceptional fantasy before everyone else and want your shelves filled with exclusive editions you won’t find anywhere else, there’s never been a better time to join.
Step into the Fellowship and discover where your next great adventure begins.
