Ferrishyn

by Ivy Lewis

Earth has declared war on Eamhain.

Raised by the peaceful Fenodyree as one of their own after her parents' deaths, Lucile Taylor is trying to navigate a life torn apart by invasion.

Commander Jacob Reid is a USUK soldier, raised in the bunkers on Earth and ordered to exterminate the Fens without question.

Dragged away from her quiet life by Jacob's unit, Lucile's unique ability to command the magic of Eamhain puts her and those she loves in danger.

As Lucile and Jacob grow closer in their shared trauma, she learns that the corruption of Earth runs much deeper than she realised. Now she must fight to keep the secrets of the Ferrishyn at all costs, or risk the entire future of Eamhain...

'Ferrishyn' is a genre-bending blend of sci-fi, folklore and romantasy.

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia

450 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2024

About the author

"Lewis delivers a hard-hitting blend of folklore and military grit." Richard Moriarty - The Sun

"Lewis weaves a gripping tale of love and war, crafting characters as vivid and complex as the world they inhabit." RR Haywood - Washington Post, Wall St Journal, Amazon & Audible multimillion selling author

"A rising star in fantasy literature." Chris Riches - Daily Express

"Lewis has crafted a tale that expresses a vital truth: that everything, every place and everyone is interconnected..." Kevin Del Principe - Author of I Animal

Educated at University College London (UCL), Ivy has a BA in Ancient World Studies and an MA in Medieval Studies. Her specialist area of interest is folklore and demonology, with a focus on manuscript studies.

Ivy previously worked as an artist and spent a bit of time in the military. She's also a 200hr RYT and EYT (yin yoga, yoga nidra and teen yoga).

Ivy's writing blends genres. Her work is a mix of sci-fi, romance and dystopian fantasy, with a heavy folkloric influence.

When Ivy's not writing, you'll find her in the forest!

Reviews

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thus is a dytopian military romance but it has elements of multiple genres like fantasy and scifi! ✨ I feel like it’s perfect for fans of Avatar.

We follow a magical fairy realm, Eamhain, that has abundant resources and magical beings, and becomes torn by warn due to a human invasion. Lucille is a human who has lived alongside the Fenodyree since childhood. She must fight against the invasion so save Eamhain and their magical secrets...👀

The story explores dark themes due to the harsh realities of conflict. It portrays heavy military grit as well as the intense journey of survival, alongside some romance. Prepare yourselves for tons of plot twists!

What you can expect
✨enemies to lovers
✨Avatar vibes
✨love triangle
✨military grit
✨genre blend
✨folklore
✨adult themes
✨spice!

[Cassandra Tuten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferrishyn takes place in a future world where the resources of earth are used up and the planet is dying. Earth has declared war on Eamhain which is abundant in resources and the peaceful beings known as Fenodyree. Lucille has grown up among the Fenodyree since her parent’s death. Forced out of her quiet life, Lucille fights back against this military invasion to persevere her home and keep its secrets safe.

This story is absolutely breathtaking. It beautifully blends the elements of Science Fiction with Fantasy in such a creative way. The story is gripping, and that element of a ticking clock is always present, really setting how high the stakes are.

The commentary on War, and an Aggressive Military Invasion is very poignant and heartbreaking.

I loved how the romance blossomed in this story, it felt very genuine and passionate.

And without giving too much more away, there was one character that stood out the most to me and I really hope he gets a redemption arc 😭

I 100% recommend you read this though. Again, the blended elements of science fiction and fantasy are just so incredible. This book is a wonderful journey.

Thank you so much to the author for my gifted copy.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ - I loved it

Ferrishyn is a very unique story with a combination of sci-fi and fantasy. I loved the original world that was created. The writing is very descriptive which fully emerges you into the world of Ferrishyn. I just loved the main character Lucile and everything she had to go through. The romance was blooming and oh my that cliffhanger..
Can’t wait for part 2!

[Alfred Nobile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

When genres you love come together.

Ferrishyn is the first book in genre-blending series that sees dystopian and fantasy romance coming together. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where human kind destroyed Earth and have invaded the land of Eamhain. Lucile is a human who was raised in Emhain by the magical folk, called Fenodyree, after her parents’ deaths. She’s stayed out of the conflict, until a unit of soldiers invade her farm and take her prisoner. Now Lucile must keep the secrets of Emhain safe, but there is the commander who should be an enemy but might actually be an unexpected ally…

What I’m enjoying most about this book is the blend between the genres. There’s all the elements of a great Dystopian—corrupt government, rebellions, political tension—but with the magic and romantic tension of Romantasy. I’m enjoying Lucile’s character a lot and I find her very relatable. She’s someone who wants to live a quiet life and avoids conflict, but once she is dragged into the thick of it by the soldiers, she finds strength and takes action despite her fear.

While this book definitely focuses the romantic attention on Jacob and Lucile, I wouldn't completely write Vox out of the equation yet. Jacob takes a leap and immerses himself into Lucile's world, and I absolutely love the respect between them and his protectiveness over her. Vox, on the other hand, continues to present himself as a villain in Lucile's story, but I'm curious to dive deeper into his motivations in the next book and see if the connection he and Lucile share will lead to a change in him. If that happens, I won't deny that it could make me reconsider my love interest preference!

Here are some tropes!
🧚 Celtic folklore
🌏 Dystopian x Romantasy
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
💞 Love triangle
🪖 Military MMCs
🔥 Open door spice
🧠 Mental health rep

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really terrific first book! A fast paced gripping page turner with not a dull moment! The world building is completely immersive, and like the characters, whether human/ engineered or completely otherworldly, all are totally believable and most importantly interesting! The lead characters Lucile, Jacob and Vox loom large and very real in my imagination as does the electricity between them which leaps off the page. I put this down to the authors gift, which is maybe understated, because like many modern authors, she does not indulge in hefty word weavings and elaborate descriptions; but her skill is deft so her writing is direct, and goes straight to the heart, and my goodness, its vivid. There is a rare cinematic quality to Ferrishyn that gets right inside your head and plays like a movie, and by the last page, other readers, like myself, may be left feeling “that was all very real”
Ferrishyn Book One is not a fluffy read thank goodness, and it leaves you on a hell of a cliff hanger! There is loads of light Fae-fi fantsy elements, there is a deeply touching romance, there are enchanting and very loveable faery races and there are otherworldly magical wonders to meet and discover in this first book. There are lead characters you feel like you know or want to get to know! But the connections between people, place and “home” in Ferrishyn are forged in a similar fire to the one being experienced by most of us in the world today. An undercurrent of ecocide, genocide, mental health, psychic trauma, families torn, boundaries that should be “sacred”, crossed underpins and gives weight and terrible urgency to the narrative. The plot is inspiring. Under pressure,the main characters begin to evolve rapidly, as they awaken to their potential to Change the Narrative, they wrestle alone with serving their own desires and self survival against something more expansive and ultimately more desirable, Thriving. Together. They discover that despite the great odds against them, they do have innate power and could influence better outcomes not just for themselves but for others. How will they use their power and the time they find themselves in? I want to find out! The Ferrishyn motto “In unity there is nothing to dread”
Can't wait for Book Two in this series, well done to the author!

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an original story combining fantasy, Celtic folklore and sci-fi, in a high action plot with vivid worldbuilding and complex characters.
It follows Lucile, a lonely surviving warrior who strives for peace in her homeland, and protecting the resident species and their magical secrets from the enemy.
When soldiers invade she's captured and thrown into a deadly game, and in the hands of the enemy she has to protect her identity and secrets at all costs, including her unique magic.
Lucile battles with so much rage, uncertainty and trauma, but holds a great power that could save or destroy.
This is an intense journey of survival where Lucile has to team up with the enemy to help expose corruption and prevent war and genocide.
Jacob is an equally complex character, he's an obedient soldier and commander, but his captive has him questioning his choices and wavering his loyalty and desires. Meanwhile Vox, his second in command is also out of sorts with the arrival of Lucile.
Throughout I kept thinking there might be some character redemption, but it keeps you guessing with lots of twists and hidden agendas.
I loved the chemistry and romance building, and the character transformations amongst the dark and gritty themes of injustice, brutality, betrayal and corruption.
This definitely has those despicable characters you will love to hate, and that ending?!! I still have chills.
Can't wait for the next book.

If you're looking for something with Avatar vibes, that's high action in a brutal dystopian world, mixing magic, science and folklore, definitely check this out.

*The story explores dark themes including torture, manipulation, control, invasion, violence, assault, death, psychic trauma, disassociation.

🌿 "Rage and vengeance. The emotions storming inside her make her reckless"

🌿"He's a man who thrives on chaos and uncertainty. He's the tip of the spear, used to being pointed in the direction of danger. Their plan is reckless, but he likes the risk"

🌿"I've wanted to do that since the moment I first laid eyes on you"
"When I threw a knife at you, you mean?"

🌿"She has to control the narrative. She's got to fight with words before she fights with flames"

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook copy. Opinions are my own.

This is a must read for dystopian romance readers!

Ferrishyn is the first book in a genre-blending series where the corrupted politics of dystopians meet magic and folklore. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have destroyed Earth and now have invaded the magical land of Eamhain. The protagonist, Lucile, is a human who was raised in Eamhain by the Fenodyree (magical folk) after her parents' deaths, and has thus far tried to remain out of the conflict. That is, until a unit of soldiers invade her farm and take Lucile as a prisoner. Now, Lucile must do all she can to keep the secrets of Eamhain safe while also navigating her growing feelings for the commander who took her.

This is one of those books that starts slowly and suddenly sucks you into the pages. Lucile's quiet life is quickly upended with the arrival of Jacob's unit, and the story is a crescendo of plot twists from there. I loved how the author blended the political tensions of corrupt governments and rebellions typical of dystopians with the whimsy and magic of fantasy. The plot keeps you guessing, mostly thanks to the complexity of the characters, particularly Vox and Jacob, who start off as "villains" in Lucile's story but quickly reveal they may have an agenda of their own. This complexity is especially intriguing as the romantic plot unfolds!

So far in the story, I really enjoyed the complicity between Jacob and Lucile and how he really took a deep dive into Lucile's world, which also allows readers to explore the enchanting world of the Fenodyree. Vox, however, remains my fixation. He's definitely written for the morally gray, red flag loving girlies, and I'm really curious to see what the author has in store for his character. I have a feeling the romance storyline still has many surprises in store for the future!

Here are some tropes:
- Celtic folklore elements
- Enemies to lovers
- Love triangle
- Military MMCs
- Mental health rep
- Open door spice

[Kimberly Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferrishyn is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel which is set in Just got invited by an author to review the rest of her series the future where humans have tried to invade a new plan, Eahmain, due to Earth no longer being able to sustain life. Through the resulting conflict our main characters, Lucile, Jacob and Vox, meet.

I loved that we were quickly into the action of the story and the author introduced the lore of the Ferrishyn throughout the story so we could learn as the story unfolded. I felt a real Celtic influence to the folklore and was grateful to the glossary at the back to help me with pronouncing some of the more unfamiliar terms which were used. The story also changes from narrator to different character pop without warning and this took a chapter or two to get used to but then I was able to read the book without any issue.

The story is really engaging and the characters were believable and interesting. There was strong language used throughout which seemed appropriate to the content and situation that the characters were in. There was also a bit of spice between some of the characters. I will also say that I found the end chapters quite a challenging read due to the content of them. The content was entirely appropriate to the story but I did find the scenes of physical and psychological torture quite uncomfortable to read, as they should be. There is also attempted forced sexual assault, which again is appropriate to the story but this is definetily an adult book which deals with adult themes and the brutal reality of the impact conflict has on the main characters.

The story leaves us on a real cliff hanger and I am really invested in finding out what will happen next for our characters. If you love the lore of fantasy but want some futuristic sci-fi aspect and a story that doesn’t hold back the punches then I highly recommend Ferrishyn, just be prepared to be desperate for the sequel to resolve that cliffhanger!

[what.rincy.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I have read sci-fi but this is just something else. Ferrishyn is the Manx word for fairies. But this is just not about fairies. It's a beautiful blend of magic and sci-fi and some romance.
Earth is destroyed and there's only some humans living in the bunkers underground, but they are running out of juice and the vicious President Nolan who started the war with the Fen people now wants to capture Eamhain.
#A Lucille is a human girl living on Eamhain since she was a child. Her parents cane from earth to study this plane and understand the powers of the crystal that sustains it. An orphan, she has been taking care of herself and living with the Fenodyree, getting trained in their magic. She finds herself more Ferrishyn than human. The continous destruction and attempts of invasion by the humans brings Jacob and Lucille together in ways she couldn't have imagined. Though at first look she saw Jacob as an enemy too, but she realizes that they were brought together for a bigger plan. She needs to save Eamhain. The shift between Earth and Eamhain has to be closed. Only she can do it.
But will her magic and her plans work. Or will she be betrayed by the one man she has ever known? will her magic be enough. Or will she end up dying without having made any change.
A Loved the twist at the end and Vox's real role in all of this. The dark secrets that were always hidden from lucille were such a shock to me as well. The world building was just chef's kiss. The way the Fen villages and the temple of the High Fae were described just blew my mind.
The only thing was that it was a bit slow paced, but it kept me intrigued the whole time. The book is 500 pages which again was a bit long for me, I am out of habit from reading longer books. So that's on me. But I am so excited to read the next book and I bet it will be as amazing as this. Loved it, thoroughly enjoyed it, will keep thinking about it.

[organisedchaosbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferrishyn is a captivating dystopian adult fantasy novel that masterfully blends elements of science fiction, action, and romance. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined world, meeting three compelling main characters and exploring a realm filled with unique beings and a deeply creative storyline.

Set in the aftermath of World War III, the narrative reveals the devastating impact on Earth and the desperate measures humans are taking to survive. Simultaneously, it delves into the mysterious and intriguing world of Ferrishyn, offering a dual perspective that keeps readers engaged and curious.

The characters in Ferrishyn are exceptionally well-developed, each with distinct motives, preferences, and backgrounds. Their growth and evolution throughout the story add depth and complexity, making them relatable and memorable. The author skillfully portrays their transformations, ensuring that readers are invested in their journeys.

This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The cliffhanger ending is particularly brutal, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the release of the second book in the series. Ferrishyn is a must-read for fans of dystopian fantasy and those who appreciate a well-crafted, imaginative tale.

[Stephanie Davy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an immersive, magical book with a world you want to get lost in and characters you'd love to chat to in real life. And this is what Ferrishyn did for me. From the very first page, I was swept away by the detailed descriptions and immersive storytelling.

While this is a romantasy, I loved that there was also folklore and dystopian feels, as the book paints a picture of a dystopian earth, full of people with the same mindset that led Earth to its fate, seeking to escape while bringing that same mindset with them... themes of war, conflict, and existential threats are explored with the same attention to detail as the love story, which by the way, was a breath of fresh air. The dynamic between Lucile and Jacob is pure magic. Their chemistry is everything, and their connection feels both fated and earned. Jacob is a rugged, strong, loyal man with a cinnamon roll heart. And then there's Vox...

There is plenty of action, high stakes, shady pasts to unravel and an engrossing plot with a satisfying ending. Bravo to the author for creating such a fantastic debut!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

💭 #Qotd If you found a new world, with no technology, a good community and everyone is kind. Would you live there?

🩷🐈‍⬛️🫶🏻🖤🌷

Title: Ferrishyn
Author: Ivy Lewis
Pages: 522
Available Now.
Independently Published
(Synopsis added to comments)

Ferrishyn is the first book of a trilogy of the genre blending series where dystopia, fantasy want military come together. And they come together well.

Earth has declared war on Eamhain. Enter Lucille a human living on Eamhain and Jacob a USUK commander.

The world building for this story was incredible. The descriptions, the magic, the grit on the military bases it was all there. All making me want more. The hate towards a corrupt government. It was just so well written. I had guessed the cliffhanger but I did not see anything else happening! We were taken on an adventure of a lifetime. The romance was gentle and protective. The relationship encouraging and fierce.

I am team Vox. "But Daddy, I love him!" The Good news is book 2 is out now, so you don't have to wait long to read what happens next.

I've never read a genre blend so flawless. It read smooth, kept my interest and I'm very excited for the whole of the series!

🩷🐈‍⬛️🫰🏻🌷🖤

You'll love this book if you like books that include;
🩷 Romantasy
🌶 Open door spice
💀 touch her and d!e
🌎 Genre blending - sci fi/fantasy/dystopian military
💞 Love triangle
🪖 Military grit
🧚‍♀️ Folklore
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
📖 Books over 500 pages

🩷🐈‍⬛️🫰🏻🌷🖤

Has this book made it's way to your tbr? Do you know anyone who would love this read? Let me know in the comments.

👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

[Leigh's Little Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into to this blind. I am so glad I opted to be involved in the instabooktours campaign on instagram.

The story has dytopian/sci fi and fantasy themes and I had feelings of Avatar and Fern Gully!

I really liked the characters and the story. I can sorta see where its going with Lucille and Reid and Vox and im looking forward to it!

I enjoyed the world and the intricacies behind the shifts and the magic system.

There is a big political theme and how we as a species are just selfish. The human race taking what it wants not caring about the ones losing out, dying or being displaced.

I am hoping the next book shows more of Vox because he is a deeper character than he's appearing to be. I love Reid and think he was just what Lucille needed to know and understand that not all Earthlings are bad.

The next book is already on my kindle!

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferrishyn is a dystopian Fantasy/ Romantasy, with a great dash of Sci-fi and is just a really great first book in the series.

It's a fast paced read, packed to the brim with interesting, well developed characters with decent depth.

The world building is rich and immersive and has that impressive quality in that you can imagine the people and places world in your mind clearly, which is a must for me.

At just under 500 pages, it's quite a hefty tome, but for me, it really didn't feel that long, and I flew through this read in three sittings.

I look forward to the next in the series.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Ferrishyn had lots of great elements to it and I think if you’re a big lover of dystopian and sci-fi elements that blend with fantasy and the real world you’ll really like this one.

It just wasn’t for me I’m afraid - I’m not a huge sci-fi reader, I mostly stick to fantasy or romance and though it was blended with both I just struggled to get into it properly. I also read fantasy for escapism and the links to our own world just kept throwing me out of it. A personal preference mostly in that I prefer new worlds not related to our own generally.

[Candice Willman · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for your next dystopian sci-fi fantasy read, look no further. This one packs a punch. We have military romance and mental health rep. Lucile is a wonderful FMC and her story I am enjoying. The development is wonderful. She has a hidden magic and is a surviving warrior that is forced into a deadly game when her land is invaded. This is a love triangle and enemies to lovers. I enjoyed the world building and there’s lots of twists and turns. If you are wanting a binge read here you go.

[Paul W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling story line taking in war, romance, underhand government and racism in a world that doesn't deserve to be oppressed by the human race.
Once into the first chapter it became a real page turner culminating in a jaw dropping finally. A real desire to read the next book in the series.

[Scott Gardner · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started off well , then descends into farce when the love interest comes in , waste of a good storyline , missed the boat there Ms Lewis

Teens may like it , but serious fantasy readers won't

[Hebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me hooked from beginning to end. I was totally immersed in the world, the pacing was great and the romance was perfection. Absolutely loved it, highly recommend! I can't wait for the next installment, especially with the brutal cliffhanger!

[Lesley Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Includes fantasy, romance, myth, legend, warfare and military humour. As one of a privileged few who has read draft copies of the complete series I can say Ivy Lewis deserves to be read. She rolls all the genres in together making something for everyone.

[Lorraine Waymont · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I've read this type of book. Found it a real page turner, will definitely be ready to read the next book.

[Carla Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - I’m sorry, I really really wanted to like this book but I just can’t get past the writing style and how it’s written in present tense. This style is just not for me :(

[Silvia LD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg - what a unique world!! I absolutely loved the post nuclear apocalypse, multi reality world!!!!

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely pulled me out of my comfort zone. To be honest, Sci-Fi isn't usually something I'm interested in. However, I'm so glad I gave it a chance, because this book was really good. It was much more than just science fiction; the story featured a beautiful enemies to lovers' character journey, intricate politics, a touch of magic, and a full-scale war between two distinct worlds.
This was such a fast and engaging read.

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferrishyn surprised me in the best way. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and quietly powerful. This is the kind of story that unfolds slowly but hits deep once you’re fully immersed. Set in a world fractured by war between Earth and the magical land of Eamhain, this book blends folklore, sci-fi, and human cost in a way that feels raw and meaningful.

Lucile, raised by the Fenodyree, carries such a strong sense of compassion and loss, while Jacob, a military commander, is weighed down by duty and moral conflict. Watching their paths cross and their connection form amid violence and uncertainty was heartbreaking and hopeful all at once. This isn’t a flashy romance; it’s slow and built through experiences, understanding, and moments of quiet humanity.

The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and the emotional stakes linger long after the final page. Ferrishyn feels like a story about survival, of people, cultures, and love. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters, morally gray has my heart and this one had lots of that!

Tropes:
🌿 Folklore-inspired fantasy
⚔️ War-torn world
🔥 Slow-burn connection
🤍 Found family
🪖 Morally conflicted soldier
✨ Hope amid destruction

Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.