Set in a mythical world where humans are a small subset pocket in the middle of vast forest lands of powerful and intelligent creatures bound by wild brutal laws, “Blood of the Forest” is a fantasy novel that focuses on both Sin, a young human child who is simply trying to keep her family together, and Bazu, a young ruling nymph who doesn’t understand what humanity means. Bazu’s lack of empathy and remorse tied with his manipulative behavior and impulses leads him to isolate himself from all the creatures in his domain, but it’s his loneliness and curiosity that can’t keep his eyes off Sin and her brother’s precarious suvival. Unable to understand his obsession with this girl born in his territory, his sense of ownership gets complicated when outsiders threaten her life. Struggling against his own fear of being hurt again, he pretends that it’s his curiosity that lets them proceed unhindered, but when she’s abducted, he has to seek help to reach places he’s never been before, never expecting that she’d reach into his life in return.

This story explores themes of isolation, apathy, obsession, and family bonds. Content Warning: This story contains adult themes, violence, thoughts of suicide, and adult language that may be triggering for some audiences.