Huzzah! Ross Douthat’s YA fantasy novel is moving from Substack to bookshelves!

Ross Douthat, a well-known conservative writer and former op-ed columnist for the New York Times, is releasing his first young adult (YA) fantasy novel, The Falcon’s Children, in print format in 2027. Previously, the novel was available exclusively as a serialized work on his Substack newsletter. The book will be published by Luminor, a Catholic literary imprint under the Word on Fire Institute. The story is the first in a planned trilogy and is described by Douthat as speculative historical fiction, blending imaginative world-building with elements of history and fantasy. The novel introduces readers to a richly detailed fictional universe, including locations like the Emperors of Narsil, the Mandoran Invasion of Brethony, and the Skalbard Coast, as well as historical documents such as Pharazel Maheris’s Lives of the Great Viceroys.

Ross Douthat is a prominent conservative intellectual who has contributed to prestigious publications such as the New York Times and The Atlantic. Known for his analyses of political and cultural trends, including topics like spiritual malaise and populism after Trumpism, Douthat left his position at the New York Times in 2026 to work with Bari Weiss at The Free Press, a media outlet that has been critical of progressive social policies. The article humorously compares his transition to a shift from a lofty tower to a more humble role, though it does not specify the exact nature of his new position. Douthat’s interest in fantasy writing is framed as an unexpected but long-nurtured side project, with a 2010 Mother Jones profile noting that his conservative vision has been described as utopian and Tolkien-like, suggesting an imaginative approach to political and social ideals.

The fantasy elements of The Falcon’s Children are extensive and include a hand-drawn map of the fictional Narsil Empire, detailed world-building documents, and references to mythical figures such as archangels. The novel’s setting is inspired by historical and religious motifs, blending speculative fiction with theological themes. However, early reviews have been mixed. In 2023, Slate’s book critic Laura Miller reviewed the opening chapter and criticized its dense prose, stating that if the rest of the novel is like Chapter 1, it needs to be rewritten from top to bottom. Despite this, the article does not provide further details on the overall reception of the book or its subsequent chapters. The inclusion of supplemental materials, such as historical notes and maps, is presented as a hallmark of traditional fantasy writing, though the article does not assess their quality or impact on the story.

The article speculates about the potential audience for The Falcon’s Children, suggesting it might appeal to conservative families, such as those associated with think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, who may seek fantasy literature for their children that aligns with their values. However, the article dismisses the idea that the book is groundbreaking in its Catholic or Christian themes, instead urging readers to explore established works by authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis before considering Douthat’s novel. It recommends the Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le Guin as a superior alternative in the fantasy genre. For readers interested in thoughtful Christian writing, the article suggests exploring the works of Christian Wiman, a poet and essayist whose books My Bright Abyss and Zero at the Bone are praised for their exploration of faith and humanity.