Hey everyone,
I’m beyond excited to finally share something I’ve been working on for a long time. Probably too long. My debut novel, Yugen, is coming on 1 May 2026, and I wanted to give you a first look at what this story is all about.
So, what is Yugen?
At its heart, it’s the story of Vian—a young Guardian recruit who’s hiding a dangerous secret. He’s got forbidden magic that activates with just a glance, letting him see into people’s memories and thoughts. It’s a curse as much as it is a gift, and in a world where being different can get you executed, Vian’s been living on the edge of discovery his entire life.
But that’s just the beginning.
When the mentor he trusts most decides he’s not good enough, Vian’s carefully constructed world shatters. He’s walks into a brutal trial where he’s offered an impossible choice: a parallel universe where his twin brother is alive, and they’re the heroes he always dreamed they’d be. It’s everything he’s ever wanted—it’s real, but it doesn’t belong to him.
Forced back to a harsh reality, Vian finds himself trapped under a corrupt superior at a remote fortress, uncovering secrets that shake his faith in the very institution he swore to serve. As ancient enemies emerge and gods meddle in his fate, Vian has to decide: will he embrace his terrifying power, or be crushed by the system that was supposed to protect him?
What Yugen is Really About
This isn’t just a story about magic and battles (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about trauma and healing—about what it means to survive not just the fight, but the aftermath. It’s about betrayal and redemption, about finding your place when the world keeps telling you that you don’t belong. And it’s about found family—those people who see you at your worst and choose to stand by you anyway.
Vian’s journey is messy and painful, but it’s also deeply human. He’s not a chosen one who eagerly accepts his destiny. He’s someone who’s been broken by loss, manipulated by those he trusted, and forced to confront the darkest parts of himself. His path to justice is paved with sacrifice, and his transformation from outcast to something greater is hard-won.
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, if you’ve struggled with guilt or grief, or if you’ve questioned the institutions that were supposed to keep you safe—this story is for you.
What to Expect
Yugen is a dark fantasy with a somber, introspective tone. It’s character-driven, with a focus on Vian’s internal struggles as much as his external battles. There are parallel universes, divine bloodlines, secret brotherhoods, and a magic system that’s as much a curse as it is a power. It’s got LGBTQ+ themes, a protagonist who’s deeply flawed and deeply human, and a world where justice is never simple.
If you loved books like Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, Godkiller by Hannah Kaner, or The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang, I think you’ll find something to love in Yugen.
What Comes Next
This is just the beginning. Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more about the world of Yugen—the characters, the magic, the themes, and the journey that brought this story to life. I’ll be diving deep into what it means to write about trauma, betyral, the power of found family in fantasy, and the process of building a world where gods and mortals collide.
So if you’re interested in following along, stick around. There’s a lot more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Here’s What You Can Do Right Now
Want to be part of Vian’s journey from the very beginning? Here’s how you can help make Yugen a reality:
✨ Follow this blog – I’ll be posting regularly about Yugen until it’s published. You’ll get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, my thoughts on the themes the book explores, and updates on the road to publication.
📗 Pre-order your copy – Ready to dive into Vian’s world the moment it’s released? Pre-ordering Yugen not only guarantees you’ll have it on launch day, but it also sends a powerful signal to retailers and algorithms that this book matters. Every pre-order counts toward launch week sales, which can make or break a debut novel. Secure your copy now and be among the first to experience this dark, transformative journey. [Pre-order Yugen from Amazon here – Click Here]
📖 Sign up to be an ARC Reader – I get it—not everyone can afford to pre-order a book, and that’s totally okay! If you’d love to read Yugen but can’t swing the cost right now, I need YOU. I’m looking for ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) readers who’ll get the book completely free in exchange for leaving an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever you love to share your thoughts on books. Your reviews are pure gold and help other readers discover Yugen. Interested? [Apply to be an ARC reader here – Click Here]
💬 Spread the word – If Yugen sounds like something you or someone you know would love, share this post! Tag your fantasy-loving friends, share it in your book groups, or just tell someone about it. Word of mouth is everything for debut authors.
📚 Add it to your Goodreads TBR – Even though the book isn’t out yet, adding it to your “to-read” list helps build momentum and lets other readers discover it. [Add on Goodreads – Click Here]
🗨️ Let’s connect – Drop a comment below or reach out on social media. What themes resonate with you? What are you most excited to learn about? I’d love to hear from you.
Every follow, every share, every conversation matters more than you know. Indie authors like me rely on readers like you to help bring stories like Yugen into the world. So thank you—for being here, for reading this, and for being part of this journey.
Let’s make some magic happen together.
Join Me on This Journey
If Yugen sounds like your kind of story, I’d love for you to be part of this journey. Follow along here on the blog, connect with me on social media, and let’s talk about the stories that move us, the characters that stay with us, and the worlds we wish we could step into.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about—finding connection, even in the darkest places.
Thanks for being here. Let’s do this.
— Janessa
P.S. I’ll be referring to myself as Devin Vandriel. For reasons. That’s my pen name.
Janessa Keeling 
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