[3] In January of 2023, Brennan released a two-part short story sequel called "Tears Waiting to Be Diamonds" on The Sunday Morning Transport, set 10 years past the events of In Other Lands.

He decides to go to a military training school there after meeting Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle (also known as Serene,) a young elf girl who Elliot is immediately enamored with.

Elliot continues his schooling, becoming increasingly frustrated by the political processes that emphasize war over peace talks in conflicts.

[7] Kirkus referred to the novel as "stellar, if dense and lengthy,"[6] whereas Publishers Weekly called it "hilarious, irreverent, and multilayered.

"[7] Booklist's Cindy Welch highlighted how "Brennan turns stereotypes upside down" and noted that "this is a school story for older youth, with freewheeling (but not explicit) sexuality, a dedicated pacifist as a main character, and slightly cynical humor that masks great heart.