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Destiny: The Gaul Forest
In a world divided by magic, one woman's Destiny could reshape the fate of three nations.
Clara Lildar lives in Raster, the rain-soaked capital of Ebony, where humans live under elven rule and no one has been chosen by Destiny in generations. But everything changes when a burning mark appears on her skin during the royal wedding of King Arisen, an elf once praised for keeping peace across the continent. Now marked by ancient magic, Clara becomes one of the Destined, bound to a man she barely knows by a force she never believed in.
But Destiny is no gift. It is a calling, one that demands Clara help preserve the fragile balance between three powerful
Pagos, a scorching, sunbaked land once rich in magic, now stripped bare by greed and ruled by the ruthless Queen Franes. Its people bear red eyes, a permanent reminder of their past mistakes.Ebony, a kingdom of rainfall and secrets, where magic favors the elves and the truth is buried beneath centuries of silence.Polent, a battle-hardened kingdom where basilisks are trained and strength is measured by loyalty and endurance. Its people are known for their discipline, resilience, and fierce devotion to protecting their land.As Clara is pulled into a web of politics, ancient magic, and dangerous alliances, she must navigate a world where humans are disposable, love is a liability, and betrayal lurks behind every oath. With a basilisk at her side and a child she'd give everything to protect, Clara must decide whether to embrace her Destiny, or fight against the fate the forest chose for her.
The Gaul Forest is a sweeping romantasy debut filled with slow-burn romance, magical creatures, rebellion, and one woman's fight to protect those she loves-even if it means rewriting the laws of magic itself.
Clara Lildar lives in Raster, the rain-soaked capital of Ebony, where humans live under elven rule and no one has been chosen by Destiny in generations. But everything changes when a burning mark appears on her skin during the royal wedding of King Arisen, an elf once praised for keeping peace across the continent. Now marked by ancient magic, Clara becomes one of the Destined, bound to a man she barely knows by a force she never believed in.
But Destiny is no gift. It is a calling, one that demands Clara help preserve the fragile balance between three powerful
Pagos, a scorching, sunbaked land once rich in magic, now stripped bare by greed and ruled by the ruthless Queen Franes. Its people bear red eyes, a permanent reminder of their past mistakes.Ebony, a kingdom of rainfall and secrets, where magic favors the elves and the truth is buried beneath centuries of silence.Polent, a battle-hardened kingdom where basilisks are trained and strength is measured by loyalty and endurance. Its people are known for their discipline, resilience, and fierce devotion to protecting their land.As Clara is pulled into a web of politics, ancient magic, and dangerous alliances, she must navigate a world where humans are disposable, love is a liability, and betrayal lurks behind every oath. With a basilisk at her side and a child she'd give everything to protect, Clara must decide whether to embrace her Destiny, or fight against the fate the forest chose for her.
The Gaul Forest is a sweeping romantasy debut filled with slow-burn romance, magical creatures, rebellion, and one woman's fight to protect those she loves-even if it means rewriting the laws of magic itself.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
11 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Mari
1 book2 followersVanessa Mari is a mom to an amazing 4-year-old and an unapologetic lover of all things romantasy. Originally from Puerto Rico, she brings her rich cultural roots and imagination into everything she writes. Vanessa has previously published academic research in education, but this marks her debut into the world of fiction. She's thrilled to share her first book with readers who believe in magic, love, and a little bit of destiny.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 30, 2026
I loved how natural some of the characters felt, like they could actually be real. It was so easy to connect with them from the start.
The story feels like you’re reading diaries or archived records, uncovering pieces of their lives little by little, which made it really immersive.
Even though the relationship is forced by circumstance, it never felt that way. It flows so naturally, including a love triangle that adds so much tension and keeps you hooked. There are moments that hit hard, especially when Destiny forces difficult choices, you really feel the weight of it.
Romantasy, slow burn, magic… I couldn’t put it down. This book is seriously underhyped.
The story feels like you’re reading diaries or archived records, uncovering pieces of their lives little by little, which made it really immersive.
Even though the relationship is forced by circumstance, it never felt that way. It flows so naturally, including a love triangle that adds so much tension and keeps you hooked. There are moments that hit hard, especially when Destiny forces difficult choices, you really feel the weight of it.
Romantasy, slow burn, magic… I couldn’t put it down. This book is seriously underhyped.
June 15, 2025
Couldn’t put this down! I quickly found my self drawn into the mysterious characters and world as the story unfolded at an intriguing pace with just the right amount of magic, romance and suspense! I loved the theme of magic and the world that Mari has created here. It was so fun to read and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read book 2!
May 30, 2025
Loved it!!! Can't wait for a second part...Please let there be a second part.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews