Title to be Revealed

A father. A daughter. And the love that divides them.

In Astariel’s world, everything has a musical Essence, from which magic springs, and it is her dream to attain mastery. But her father will neither let her train nor inherit his title unless she swears to remain single. But a newfound soulmate, uncooperative magic demanding love, and an unexpected prophecy make that promise impossible to keep.

Driven by a selfless protagonist who grapples with inadvertently doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons, this book will have you alternately swooning and screaming in frustration. With complex and complementary paternal and romantic arcs, as well as intricate world-building, it delivers the star-crossed devotion of Tress of the Emerald Sea, the gut punch of The Empire Strikes Back, and the tempo and musicality of Psykhe. Part Tangled, part Moana, and reminiscent of The Princess Bride, it's perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson, JRR Tolkien, Avatar, Janny Wurts and CS Lewis.

• Low/no spice fantasy romance
• Star-crossed lovers
• Strong female protagonist
• Swoony male lead
• Daddy issues
• Music as magic
• Elves, gnomes and lizard people
• Integrated world with the vibe of Pandora and Middle Earth combined
• Fictional languages
• Secrets and betrayal
• Lyrical prose

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Reader's Favourite

[Project: Red Flower], the first book in The [redacted] Trilogy by Cathryn deVries, is a romance fantasy set in a world where magic is woven into the very essence of life. Astariel, gifted with the ability to connect with the mystical Weave, dreams of mastering her bardic talents. However, her father, Lord Acheron, binds her with an oath to remain single, hoping to keep her focused on her duties. Her resolve is challenged when she meets the charming Eärhys. As a dark force threatens their world, Astariel must choose between love, duty, and her path. Cathryn deVries has crafted a totally immersive and really enjoyable romantic fantasy that offers everything fans of the genre could want. 

I was hooked immediately by the concept of the Weave, where all magic is connected to living musical essences, and this original idea provides an immersive magical system that enhances both the emotional and mystical aspects of the story with credibility and logic. It’s clear that this is an author who knows their world in intricate detail, and this depth of development is also extended to the characters. The relationship between Astariel and her father is richly explored, and plenty of nuance and high-stakes drama in the tension between duty and personal freedom expands Astariel’s character all the more. I also really enjoyed the romance between Astariel and Eärhys as their gradually building love story felt realistic and integral to the story’s magical elements through some very telling and emotionally deep dialogue exchanges. Cathryn deVries skillfully intertwines themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and independence, making Astariel’s journey as much about personal growth as it is about fighting external forces. Overall, [Project: Red Flower] is a brilliant opening novel to what promises to be a highly exciting new series, and I can’t wait for more.