We Need to Talk About How Power Protects Itself

You know that sinking feeling when you realize the people who were supposed to protect you are actually protecting each other?

Yeah. Let’s sit with that for a second.

Maybe a few more seconds.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately—how institutions that claim to stand for justice are often riddled with people covering for each other. Not because they believe in each other. But because if one falls, they all might.

It’s why I can’t stop thinking about Yugen.

Brantley and Cardew: A Story That Hits Too Close to Home

In Devin Vandriel’s (That’s me 🤣, that’s my pen name) dark fantasy novel, there’s this gut-wrenching dynamic between Master Brantley—a mentor, a father figure—and Cardew, a predator hiding behind rank and authority.

Brantley knows. He knows. But he doesn’t stop Cardew. Instead, he manipulates his own apprentice Vian for years, tanking the kid’s career to serve his own escape plan. Cardew gets to keep hurting people because exposing him would unravel the whole ugly web Brantley’s tangled up in.

Sound familiar?

This Is the Part That Breaks My Heart

Vian does everything right. He’s talented, he’s loyal, he’s desperate to belong. And the system chews him up anyway—not because he failed, but because he saw too much. Because he refused to stay quiet.

He ends up condemned. Sentenced to death. Not for being wrong, but for being inconvenient.

And honestly? That’s the most realistic part of this fantasy novel.

Why This Story Matters

We’ve all seen some version of this play out. The whistleblower who gets fired. The survivor who isn’t believed. The “good” people who stay silent because speaking up costs too much.

Yugen doesn’t flinch from any of it. But here’s the thing—it also doesn’t leave you hopeless. Vian finds his people. He finds justice, even if it looks nothing like he imagined. He finds a way to keep going.

And maybe that’s what we all need right now. A story that says: yes, the system is broken. And yes, you can survive it anyway.

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📗 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.

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