"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep..."

— Robert Frost

Lovely Dark & Deep

by TJ Tristan

A Tale of Wild Magic, Forbidden Love, and Deadly Secrets

More than a Monster
Lovely Dark & Deep Cover

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To the Kingdom of Arastya, Quinn is No More Than a Monster

The Last Forest Druid

As the last of the fabled Forest Druids, Quinn wields magic as wild and untamed as the woods that once sheltered her kind. When she is thrust into a deadly competition for the title of High Queen, Quinn's only goal is to uncover what happened to her father when he vanished years ago—and why the High King is wearing his necklace.

A Deadly Competition

But the High King's past is as dark as his magic, and his secrets run deeper than Quinn anticipated. When she is attacked and other competitors fall victim to mysterious threats, it becomes clear someone in the castle is willing to kill to keep the truth hidden.

Untamed Magic

To survive, Quinn must embrace the untamed magic that marks her as a monster—even if it means standing against the gods themselves. In this treacherous competition for the crown, the cost of uncovering the truth may be higher than she ever imagined.

Celtic Fantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Fierce Heroine
Political Intrigue

Enter the Kingdom of Arastya

Where Celtic magic shapes destiny and ancient powers clash

Map of the Kingdom of Arastya

The Forest Primeval

Whispering in languages older than gods, the Forest guards its secrets beneath ancient canopies and silver mist. Here, the air hums with wild magic, monsters and beasts haunt the groves, and the shadows know your name. It is both sanctuary and snare — the last refuge of the Forest Druids, and the border with the Mortal Lands.

Druidic Magic

A world inspired by Celtic mythology where Druids wield elemental magic gifted by patron deities. Water, Fire, Air, Light, Dark, and the now near-extinct Earth magic shapes the realm.

Castle Kalys

Built atop a granite butte in the Northern Territories, the fortress looms over a kingdom shrouded in mystery, political intrigue, and ancient secrets.

Wild Creatures

Born of ancient magic—these creatures are beautiful, feral, and utterly untamed. Some guard the forest; others hunt within it. They are echoes of the old gods and remnants of forgotten curses, walking the line between wonder and terror. To meet one is to glimpse the raw, living power of a world that refuses to be tamed.

Discover Your Druidic Calling

In the ancient kingdom of Arastya, Druids are chosen by the gods themselves—each bound to an element, a purpose, and a truth of the soul. The bond is not given at birth, but earned through trial and revelation. When your time comes, which god would answer your call?

Take the test below to discover your Druidic affinity—Fire, Water, Air, Light, Dark, or the rarest of all, Earth.

About the Author

TJ Tristan is a debut fantasy author who weaves stories that blend mythology, magic, and the untamed beauty of nature. Writing under a pseudonym, she creates worlds inspired by Celtic lore where ancient traditions flourish and magic is as wild as the forests themselves.

Lovely Dark & Deep is her first published work, born from a journey of healing and reconnection with Celtic heritage. Through Quinn's story, she explores themes of identity, power, and the courage to embrace what makes us different.

Claim Your Crown

Join Quinn in her quest for truth and survival

ISBN: 979-8-9934969-0-0

Published by Silver Branch Publishing LLC

Cover art by Catrina Barquist