Karen Lockridge's Fantasy Sequel 'Burden of Truth' Set for Pre-Christmas Release

Franklin Publishers has announced the upcoming release of Distant Lands: Book 2 – Burden of Truth, the highly anticipated sequel to Karen Lockridge's breakout fantasy novel Distant Lands: Dark Horizon. The new installment is scheduled for release before Christmas 2025 and continues the sweeping saga of courage, prophecy, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow that captivated readers in the first book.

The sequel expands the world of Distant Lands with new heroes, resurrected legacies, and an ancient evil awakening once more. The people of Exiled stand on the brink of final war, fighting for freedom and the survival of their world. Lockridge's storytelling delivers a tale rich in emotion and scale, exploring themes of loyalty, love, and the high cost of truth as the journey that began in Dark Horizon takes readers deeper into the heart of destiny itself.

This release matters to the publishing industry and fantasy readers because successful fantasy series drive significant revenue and reader engagement in the book market. The continuation of a breakout trilogy represents both commercial opportunity and cultural impact, as fantasy literature continues to be one of the most popular genres worldwide. For readers invested in the Distant Lands universe, this sequel provides resolution and expansion of the mythic foundation established in the first book.

Lockridge expressed excitement about the second book in the trilogy, stating, "I am so excited to welcome the second book in the trilogy DISTANT LANDS, BURDEN OF TRUTH. Follow me into the world of new heroes, and ancient evil destined to meet in a final battle. Meet the people in Exiled, dedicated to sacrifice everything for the freedom of their people. Stand with the men and women who fight for a new world, and mourn those lost in the fight."

Distant Lands: Book 2 – Burden of Truth will be available in paperback and eBook formats through major online retailers and the Franklin Publishers Bookstore. The timing of the pre-Christmas release positions the book for strong holiday sales performance, potentially making it a gift-giving favorite among fantasy enthusiasts. For the publishing industry, successful sequels like this demonstrate the enduring power of serialized fantasy storytelling and the economic viability of building expansive fictional universes that capture reader imagination across multiple volumes.