Sebastien de Castell

I write swashbuckling fantasy novels in hopes that will make me a swashbuckler. Latest book: THE MALEVOLENT EIGHT. Posts appear with extra content on Bluesky.

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

Early French fencing foils were lightweight training tools with flexible, blunt tips. They helped students practice thrust techniques safely before facing real duels. 🗡️ #SwordFact #Fencing #MartialArts

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

If you love breathtaking duels, diabolical villains and heroes tested to breaking point, then don’t wait – step into the ring with Our Lady of Blades.
—Katja Kaine
Author of Blood of Gods & Girls
#feedback #author #ourladyofblades

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

This is an excellent opportunity for writers to see inside the workings of a debut novel. It helps that @KatjaLKaine’s storytelling is excellent! Exclusive webinar, lifetime license giveaway and more when you pre-order Blood of Gods and Girls https://t.co/EIz8cvb7yo

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

It’s always strange re-reading one of your own books –especially your debut novel. But as I’m going to be embarking on a new Greatcoats novel in the fall, I figured it was time to spend some time with my benighted order of swashbuckling magistrates.
#currentlyreading #fantasy

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

It took me 7 years to master the craft for "Our Lady of Blades." Now, I can weave character secrets into a story that flows naturally while keeping twists surprising! 📚✨ #BookTalk #AmWriting

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

Home Duchy: Orison. ⚔️
Weapon: Longsword
Symbol: Domino mask with a winking eye
Philosophy: When the law fails, improvise!

Meet Cunien, the Greatcoat who made roguery respectable. No regrets... (maybe a few). 😏
#BookTalk #Fantasy

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

Fun Castle Fact: Houska Castle
All defenses face inward. It was built to "seal" a hole in the ground that locals believed was a gateway to Hell.
Location: Blatce, Czech Republic
Renaissance Reno: 1584
Size: Compact stone fortress
#castlefact #historyfact

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

Thanks to @paulsemel for the chat! We dove into The Malevolent Eight, dangerous magic, and those tough decisions that change everything. My characters show that power and wisdom rarely go hand in hand.
Read the interview here: https://t.co/nwCQLzyDLc

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

I am absolutely loving the hardcore emphasis on form and precision in this style of foil fencing. Now, I just need to get good at it . . .
#foilfencing #mondayupdate

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

King’s Magistrate Estevar Borros prefers investigating supernatural crimes to overseeing mundane trials, but when an inexplicable fight breaks out in his courtroom, he’s forced to duel a spirit viler than he’s ever known.
https://t.co/B3uSVUxxli
#shortstory #booktalk

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

“You’re wondering if you could take me in a fight.
You’d last four moves.”
~Kest
https://t.co/3zT4Jt6bLq
#fantasy #bookquote #bookchat

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

The 18th-century Indian katar features an H-shaped handle & a straight blade, perfect for close combat. Worn by Rajput nobles or Mughal warriors, it was deadly in grappling! ⚔️ #History #IndianWeapons #MartialArts

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

Few interviewers are as sharp as the books they champion. A genuine pleasure talking Our Lady of Blades with @TriciaC_Author on the Finding the Magic Book Podcast. Two sisters, one destiny, and far too many sharp objects. 🗡️
https://t.co/CJAsegW6Df
#OurLadyOfBlades #FantasyBooks

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

@mikeshackle Fabulous illustrations, Mike. Thanks so much for bringing the characters of Our Lady of Blades to life!

[Mike Shackle @mikeshackle]

The full set of character illustrations I did for Our Lady Of Blades by @decastell. It's an incredible book of swashbuckling fantasy at its best. Go grab it today.

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

They gave her a new name when they took everything else.
She decided to keep it.
Lady Consequence. 🗡️
Our Lady of Blades — out now.
https://t.co/qFKQOQvkX0

@mikeshackle @BenGalleyAuthor

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

My favourite style of Latin dance these days is the Cha Cha. There’s a move called the “Chase” where at one point my wife is facing away from me where I then pretend to be a vampire stalking her.
#latindancing #vampire #storyteller

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

Who is Vicendi???
Worn shoes. Frayed cloak. Patched hose.
Not a single person in the room who believed he could win.
He stood up anyway.
Vicendi. 🗡️
Our Lady of Blades — out now
https://t.co/qFKQOQvkX0

@mikeshackle (portrait artist)
@BenGalley (animator)

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

Who is Spada??
She's everything they wanted to become.
She's everything they should fear.
Sometimes the most dangerous blade is the one you admire.
Our Lady of Blades — out now.
https://t.co/qFKQOQvkX0

@mikeshackle (portrait artist)
@BenGalley (animator)

[Sebastien de Castell @decastell]

⚔️ Meet Castilis.
He didn't need a blade.
He had something far more dangerous.
A smile, a lesser house, and absolutely no conscience.
https://t.co/qFKQOQvkX0

@mikeshackle(portrait artist)
@bengalley (animator)

#OurLadyOfBlades #SebastienDeCastell #FantasyBooks