Praise

I had the privilege of reading Son of Osirius as an ARC, and it completely pulled me in. The world feels expansive and alive, with vivid detail that never bogs down the story. The characters are complex and emotionally grounded, which makes the stakes hit even harder. And the flying cats? Majestic is the only word for them.

I’ve always been a huge fan of dystopian sci-fi and movies like James Cameron’s Avatar, so when I heard that Cathryn DeVries’ Son of Osivirius fit the bill, I had to see for myself. Sure enough, the book comes packed to the brim with gorgeously imagined locales, spirited characters, and a healthy dose of evil governments in need of overthrowing.

I absolutely loved this story! It’s full of adventure, loveable characters, and giant flying cats! But what I loved most was how this story gently challenges readers to see the world through different eyes, and the arc is simply beautiful! I highly recommend!

Cathryn deVries’s Son of Osivirius left me unexpectedly hopeful for our own world. In this sci-fi-fantasy-dystopian story, a group of rebels breaks away from the main population to learn how to heal the land ravaged by relentless mining and exploitation. As they learn to live in harmony with the earth, the dominant civilization continues its destructive path—until the rebels can no longer remain hidden. They must rise and fight for the world they call home.

DeVries’s characters are vibrant and authentic, and the world-building is both beautiful and immersive. My favourite YA trope—enemies to friends—is wonderfully realized through Flint, who sets off this transformation from the very first moment he discovers an enemy trespassing on their hidden sanctuary. I hope deVries continues writing in this world, because I’m completely hooked on the story, and curious about what comes next for Flint, Nettle, Jayden, and the huge flying cats. :)

Son of Osivirius stands out as a thoughtful piece of science fantasy that values character agency and ideas just as much as adventure. Cathryn deVries creates a setting that feels carefully considered, with themes of responsibility, connection to the natural world, and chosen family woven naturally into the narrative fabric. The characters feel purposeful and emotionally grounded, making their decisions and relationships engaging. What works especially well is the balance between introspection and forward momentum. The story invites reflection while still offering tension, discovery, and moments of wonder, giving readers space to connect with both the world and the people who inhabit it. There is a sincerity to the writing that feels earned, and the compassion running through the book gives it a distinctive voice within the genre. Son of Osivirius is an immersive and rewarding read for fans of science fantasy who appreciate rich worldbuilding, thoughtful themes, and characters who feel genuinely invested in the world they are trying to protect.

This was such a great novella! It was fast paced with short chapters. We get POVs from Jayden, a colonist, and Nettle, a rebel. I loved getting both of their perspectives. There is a romance subplot, and the development of that relationship felt organic.

There's some political power struggle, the balance of nature versus technology, and - perhaps my favorite - trying to find harmony and symbiosis with the apex predator species of the planet humanity is attempting to colonize. So much was packed deftly into this novella. Definitely recommend this for my sci-fi and fantasy friends. If romance is a deterrent for you, don't let it keep you from reading this. It's YA and there's zero spice.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I wasn't sure when I first started it. But as I read on, I couldn't put it down. I did like the writing style and the story. Loved the giant flying cats. I would love to see this on TV. The special effects would be amazing. I loved Jayden and Nettle. The chemistry between them. Wow. The action. I was surprised. I do hope there is more to come.

Wow this was incredible!

Right from the start we are swept into this wonderful world Osivirius. Cathryn deVries is magnificent and on point with the world building in this. I have a very vivid picture in my mind.

When Jayden a pilot for the Colony crashes near the Rebel out post he is not sure what they will do with him. Flint his saviour is adamant to heal him while his sister Nettle wishes for his death. We go on his healing journey with him and it is both sweet and endearing. I loved to learn of all the different foods and animals. Along with this was a deeper journey for Nettle of forgiveness and acceptance and for Jayden of understanding and belonging.

About halfway things started speeding up and I was feverishly trying to keep up, I couldn't put this down, hoping the whole way that they could salvage a relationship with the Colony. You will have to read the book to see what happens!

This was a great science fiction fantasy and would do amazing for any fans of the genre! Fast paced and full of meaning and trust me you will want to have your own Masu after this is done!

This was a really interesting read! For being a short book/novella, there was so much world building in it. The story really came alive for me. I would love to read another book set in this world!

Intense story with a great worldbuilding and may I say how much I love the Masu?? These wondrous creatures are just awesome and also the two main characters Jayden and Nettle.
Read it, you will not be disappointed.

Science Fiction is the genre I read the least of. Yet, I raced through this novella in only a couple of sittings and immediately looked up the author’s other books. This clearly shows how gripping this story is and also how fantastic the writing is.

I think I enjoyed this sci-fi story because it also had a touch of dystopian, fantasy and romance. The book begins with Jayden, on a mission from the colony, crash landing into the rebel’s camp. The story begins and continues to be action fuelled. The pace was kept fast, especially as time was moving on swiftly. The longer Jayden spent in the camp the more friendships he formed. There was a particularly sweet romance blossoming between Jayden and Nettle as well as a bromance with her brother Flint.

It was a high stakes, intense read. I was gripped by the storyline and I loved the descriptive writing. I could imagine this futuristic world and what a strange sight the Masu, giant flying cats, must be.

I absolutely enjoyed this book from start to finish. The plot, the stakes, the world building... Everything was exquisite.

This was a fun book to read. It had it all: adventure, romance, giant cats. Really enjoyed escaping into this story, and I'm always a sucker for romance. Not too long or too short. Love, love, love it. 10/10. Looking forward to the next thing the authors write.