Step into the enchanting world of Songs of the Amaranthine, where Japanese mythology, fantasy, and anime-inspired magic weave tales of wonder and belonging! This captivating sub-series by the pseudonymous author Forthright, an offshoot of the Amaranthine Saga, invites readers into a universe where the supernatural brushes against the everyday. With its standalone novellas, Songs of the Amaranthine offers a fresh, immersive journey for fans of heartfelt storytelling and vibrant world-building.
Unlike traditional series, these short stories span centuries and continents, each a gem that explores the Amaranthine—mythical beings who are neither fully human nor animal. Whether you’re new to Forthright’s universe or a devoted fan, Songs of the Amaranthine promises a magical escape that lingers long after the final page.
How Songs of the Amaranthine Began
Rooted in Forthright’s love for anime and Japanese folklore, Songs of the Amaranthine emerged as a companion to the Amaranthine Saga, a seven-book epic about a supernatural race revealing themselves to humanity. Before publishing her original works, Forthright honed her craft in fandom spaces, writing Inuyasha fanfiction and engaging with fans through events like NaNoWriMo and Inktober. Her debut, Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (2018), laid the foundation for the Saga, and Songs of the Amaranthine followed in 2018, offering standalone tales set before this pivotal “Emergence.” These stories, initially released digitally, reflect Forthright’s knack for blending mythic wonder with emotional depth.
The Heart of Songs of the Amaranthine
The Songs of the Amaranthine series comprises short stories, each a window into the Amaranthine universe. Marked by Stars (2018) introduces a lone wolf and a boy forging a new clan, setting a tone of found family and resilience. Followed by Thunder (2019) follows sisters Fira and Lufu, rescued by a Horse Clan during a storm, as they uncover their mythic powers and find love. Dragged Through Hedgerows (2019) centers on Daroo-fen, a lawyer protecting woodlands, whose duty leads to an unexpected human connection. Governed by Whimsy (2020) pairs a traveling actor, Ambrose, with a reaver escort, Greta, in a tale of trust and romance.
These novellas shine with themes of identity, belonging, and interspecies harmony, set in a lush world where Amaranthine like wolves, horses, and foxes coexist with humans. Forthright’s anime-inspired style—vivid imagery, emotional stakes, and subtle humor—creates a tapestry of adventure and heart. The series’ standalone format makes it accessible, while its ties to the Saga reward dedicated readers with deeper lore.
The setting, often rural or mythic landscapes, feels alive with enchanted forests, stormy moors, and hidden enclaves. Fans praise the series for its diverse characters, from crossers (human-Amaranthine hybrids) to reavers with magical abilities, all navigating prejudice and connection in a pre-Emergence world.
Why Songs of the Amaranthine Resonates
Songs of the Amaranthine has carved a niche among fantasy and anime fans, its novellas earning praise for their emotional depth and unique world-building. With an average Goodreads rating of 4.21 across Forthright’s works, readers cherish the series’ ability to blend cozy, heartfelt moments with epic mythology. Its influence extends to fan art, Patreon support, and audio editions narrated by Travis Baldree, bringing the stories to life. For a lesser-known series, its devoted community and print anthology, Governed by Whimsy (2020), highlight its growing legacy.
The series’ universal themes—finding one’s place, bridging differences, and embracing the extraordinary—resonate in a world craving connection. Its niche status only adds to its charm, offering a hidden treasure for readers seeking something fresh yet timeless.
- First Book: Marked by Stars (2018)
- Number of Books: 9 (as of 2025)
- Author: Forthright (pseudonym)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Anime-Inspired
Ready to explore a world where myths come alive? Grab Marked by Stars and dive into Songs of the Amaranthine’s spellbinding fantasy today!