Artificial Selection

Daemon Progeny #1

by Danielle Kaheaku

She was supposed to save her kingdom. Instead, she uncovered a key that could end the world... again.

Disguised as a knight to escape a doomed throne, Nadia was raised to believe in crowns, honor, and sacrifice.

But beneath the rituals of a feudal kingdom lies the rot of an old world—genetic engineering, weaponized bloodlines, and demons born not of myth, but design. The monsters that stalk the land are not curses from the gods. They are the remnants of a civilization that learned how to reshape life… and lost control of what it created.

As Nadia is pulled deeper into the truth of what her world was built on, she becomes entangled with two men whose loyalty comes at a dangerous a king whose claim is as suffocating as it is seductive, and a devoted monster whose devotion could burn the world to ash for her sake.

Hunted by those desperate to preserve the illusion of order, Nadia must decide whether to uphold a broken system—or tear it down completely.

Artificial Selection is a grimdark dystopian fantasy of engineered demons, corrupt power, and a heroine who refuses to wear the mask she was born into—even when choosing herself means setting the world on fire.

516 pages, ebook

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Danielle Kaheaku also writes as Erin Durante


An award-winning author and editor, Danielle Kaheaku has worked in the entertainment industry for the past twelve years. She has active memberships in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, the international Horror Writers Association, and the Romance Writers Association Published Author Network. She teaches creative writing and screenwriting at San Diego State University and Southern New Hampshire University.

She has advanced degrees in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction and has published multiple short stories, four anthologies, nine novels, and several produced screenplays. Her projects have won multiple screen and literary awards including two Foreword Book of the Years (2009, 2008), Gold at the International Independent Film Awards (2018), Gold at the California Film Awards (2017), Silver in the International Independent Film Awards (2016), Award of Merit at the New Renaissance Film Festival in London (2016), Hollywood Screenings Film Festival Semi-Finalist (2016), and Best Experimental Short at the Chandler International Film Festival (2016).

Follow her online:
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Reviews

[Jess Mangus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! The world was very unique, and I always love a good love triangle where you don’t know which man she will be with. Also didn’t know which one I was rooting for! Both MMC are different but also a good choice. She couldn’t even decide which one she wanted to be with. This book had a good romance and smut, with also a good plot that kept you interested in finding out what happens.

[Sally · Rating 1 out of 5]

Every positive thought I had about this story was entirely linked to the setting and the world. The blend of a fantasy story set in a post-scifi world with vestiges of technology becoming folklore and magic because of the loss of knowledge was so well-crafted.

The rest of the story was a miserable slog to get through. Blunt, but regrettably accurate. The FMC Nadia is entirely frustrating to read as she claims to be this competent and mature demon slayer and spends the entire story tripping over her own feet and waiting for a man to save her. She’s irksome, unaware of any consequences of her actions, and entirely incompetent at every turn.

For the romance, it’s questionable when there’s the issue of potential grooming introduced that’s squabbled over and then breezed past. There’s a moment of attempted empowerment when Nadia, after flipping between the two men the entire time, declared that she belongs to neither of them and the impact is entirely lost because of her past actions and then, immediately, her future actions. The plot is a heroic quest that’s lost amidst the macho posturing and Nadia’s damp concerns over her future and it Ruins the wonderful setting and worldbuilding.

This would have flourished as a dark fantasy with a severe cut to the attention focused entirely on the romance and instead it drags its feet for entirely too long.

Also important not addressed question: Is Vestro spending 75% of this story cock out as he’s nude and it’s just not mentioned?

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC.

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about an emotional rollercoaster… I’m still recovering from Artificial Selection (in the best way).

This dark fantasy, layered with hints of horror and romance, is a chunky book, yet I breezed right through it.

What truly stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. No one felt like they were simply written in for the sake of the story. Each character had a unique backstory and a distinct worldview. At times, I felt angry and frustrated with the main character; at others, I completely broke alongside her.

There are a few spicy scenes that are easy to skip without missing any key plot points. Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s comfortable with heavy themes and ready to fall in love—only to have their heart torn wide open.

[Candace's_Book_Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the writing in the book. I also love the characters on an individual level. Nadia is who I would be if I were a princess. She owns who she is and she doesn't care who doesn't like it. If she wants to hunt demons, she's going to do it. And she does! The love triangle aspect of this took away from the story for me. The prince wasnt right for her and neither was her friend/protector. I could have done without that, but I still enjoyed it. and by the cliffhanger, I know there is a second book to come that I will enjoy reading as well.

[Katherine Trawinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller coaster! Just when you think you’ve figured it out new information pops up! Great adventure, great story line. FMC caught between two great loves, trying to figure out what’s best for her and her kingdom. Lots of twists and turns throughout that keeps you reading and on your toes. Definitely reading and ready for book 2!

[Fae&Lattes (Chelle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artificial Selection completely surprised me in the best possible way. This is a dark dystopian romantasy with strong sci fi elements that feels truly unique. I honestly have not read anything quite like it. The story blends demons, shifters, forbidden romance, political corruption, and epic world building with a fascinating setting where advanced technology is mistaken for magic. Watching the characters slowly uncover these discoveries made the reading experience immersive and incredibly fun. The FMC is strong, fierce, and believable. Her decision to disguise herself as a knight adds tension, danger, and emotional depth while highlighting her resilience and strength. What stood out most was the emotional pull of the romance. The love triangle is beautifully written. Instead of immediately choosing a side, I genuinely felt torn the entire time. The yearning, emotional stakes, and impossible choices made this heartbreaking in the best way. If you enjoy dark dystopian fantasy romance, forbidden romance, strong female leads, demons and shifters, and layered world building, this is absolutely worth picking up. A true hidden gem that deserves more readers.

[Missfit · Rating 2 out of 5]

UPDATE :

Reposting this since someone apparently reported my review to Goodreads. Surprise, I’ll keep reposting it, Hon 😘

DNF @ 22%
‎
‎The mmc and fmc first met when she was NINE. Eleven years later, we’re shown that they’re extremely comfortable with each other, to the point where she mentions he often slipped into her bed, they bathe together, and she has no issue being naked around him. But when I reached out to the author/PA for clarification about how long this level of intimacy had been happening, and whether anything inappropriate occurred while she was a minor, their response was :
‎
‎"She wanted me to let you know there are accusations from one character at one point in the story, but nothing confirmed or explained."
‎
‎All I needed was a simple no.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. A perfectly spiced love triangle that confusingly makes you want for the main character Nadia to end up with both of them. I loved the world building and how technology is seen as a myth. The plot carries you along quickly, and the writing immerses you in a strange and scary world. You have so many questions at the end! I loved the characters! Cannot wait for the next one!!!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book helped further my desire to continue reading dystopian books! The worldbuilding alone had me hooked. It’s this dark dystopian romantasy where remnants of advanced technology have basically turned into folklore and “magic,” and it feels so unique and immersive. I personally haven’t read anything quite like it.

What really stood out to me was how layered everything felt with the demons, shifters, political aspects, and a romance that keeps you constantly torn. The complex love triangle had me uncertain on who to root for half the time. The emotional pull, the yearning, the impossible choices were all there.

The FMC (Nadia) is strong and determined, though she doesn’t have as much character growth in this book (it’s confirmed in book 2 we get to read more of her character growth). She’s navigating a brutal world, complicated feelings, and major world ending decisions.

Then the 2 MMC’s, Vestro (demon and longtime protector of Nadia) and Andrew (prince and longtime friend of Nadia). Vestro is the dark while Andrew is the light. Both want to love and protect Nadia, and neither are chosen yet as there will be 2 more books (a trilogy)!

I will say the pacing drags a bit in some areas, and there were moments in the romance and character decisions that could’ve been handled with a little more depth or clarity. But honestly, the uniqueness of the world made up for it.

Tropes:
Touch her and 💀
Forced proximity
Complicated love triangle
One horse
Forbidden love

The ending is so good. Everything starts clicking into place and leaves you wanting more.

If you love dark dystopian fantasy romance with forbidden love, morally gray dynamics, and immersive worldbuilding, this is definitely worth picking up. I’ll 100% be continuing this series.

[Myranda Herald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark fantasy is one of my favorite read so far I can’t believe how in depth this world building is amazing and it’s not your typical princess book she’s has a lot to go through on different levels

[Deonna Balentyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start by saying "WOW," This book is amazing. It is one of the most intense stories I have read. The world building is insane and truly draws you in. I felt a little confused between the prologue and the first couple chapters about the time periods, it makes sense after a bit of description. I have to say I love how that was written and it makes sense and feels it could be like that some day. I love the main characters and their relationships. My heart truly aches for what they all go through. Nadia is so strong and brave and Vestro sticking by her as he does is heartfelt. I love his character and soul. Andrew is such an interesting and accurate character. The push and pull between the three is intense and drove me crazy. I wanted to shake them all and Yell in their faces at times. This is a really well written plot and The people and creatures are well described and it feels like you are there. This is not a tale for the weak of heart and stomach. A great deal of loss takes place and it is a book with war and battles with demons and beasts against humans so there is a fair bit to handle. Please read the trigger warnings. This is only book one of a trilogy so be aware that it is not over at the end.

Throughout this book you will want to cry, yell, smile and cheer. I felt a wide variety emotions reading this book. So much happens and it is only the beginning. My nerves are shot but in the best of ways. I am pacing waiting for Book 2 to come out. I highly recommend this series, the author gives me goosebumps. It is fantastic.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reads by Kae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited about this book, but hooboy, that beginning almost broke me. Definitely dark and difficult to read. I’ll be honest—I almost DNFed. I pushed through and I’m glad I did. It was an interesting story with characters that made me question myself (in the best way) for cheering for.

[Mandie DeVito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! I could not put it down. Parts of it had me yelling at the characters because I wanted something else to happen but it all worked out in the end. That ending did have me raging a bit and needing book two ASAP!!! All in all this book had the perfect amount of fantasy with enough yearning to make the slow burn worth it while wishing for her to end up with the right one by the end of the book.

[Beckreadz25 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was a refreshing change of pace. I enjoyed reading about Nadia, the FMC, who was piwerful, strong, and more than capable of taking care of herself on a quest to save her kingdom. The why choose with the MMCs, Vestro and Andrew, was at times immature and infuriating. The miscommunication made me want to pull my hair out, and I wanted to wring their necks a few times because they were more concerned about measuring themselves than taking care of their duties.

Overall the journey was exciting and suspenseful. The danger was real, and Nadia learned that things and people are not always as they seem. My heart skipped a beat at the ending. The twist and cliffhanger left my jaw dropped. I can promise you I will definitely be waiting for book 2 because I need to know what comes next!

[K.B. Mallows · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good dark dystopian romance, so when I saw the enticing description for this book, coupled with the polished writing style of the sample excerpt, I just knew this would be a 5⭐️ read for me. What I got is a story that has left me a bit conflicted about my feelings.

Artificial Selection is a tale set within the backdrop of a feudal kingdom that was born from the ashes of a fallen once modern society. Relics of the modern time period can still be found but so much time has passed that this new society has either forgotten their history or have been led to believe it was myth. The writer has created a fascinating world where the knights of old are present alongside strange genetically engineered beings and living monster machines. The cast of characters introduced embark on a quest to save the world as they know it, and it's one filled with heart-pounding, page-turning trials across dangerous landscapes that seem to have also been engineered.

I loved these trials and this world, and I couldn't read through these scenes fast enough. They were multi-layered and described in such lush detail, they painted a picture in my head as I read.

However, I felt starved for these scenes. Almost 60% of this book seemed dedicated to the complicated love triangle the FMC Nadia got herself entangled in between the young, troubled king Andrew and her guardian shifter friend Vestro (a bio engineered being her society has dubbed a "demon"). Nadia (whose POV is the only one we get in this book) is clearly a flawed character (which I typically enjoy) but she's made so many bad, self-serving decisions by 50% into this book, that there is zero room for her to redeem herself to me. She is quite literally my least favorite FMC of all time, and she is completely to blame for the conflict that unravels between her and her two love interests (despite her blaming them later). They both genuinely seem to love her while her love for them seems surface level and fickle, and she plays to their feelings and weaknesses to get what she wants. By 30% into this book she had initiated poorly timed intimate scenes with both men despite being conflicted about herself and what she wanted from either of them.

But what really disgusted me with this FMC was how she viewed and treated Vestro, her supposed best friend from the time she was nine. She saw him as an object for her use because he was "not really human." I believe her first intimate scene with him was supposed to make the reader feel some kind of female empowerment but it just felt dirty and wrong to me because she took from him knowing he wouldn't refuse her. This was likely the underlying purpose of the author as apparent by later realizations Nadia has, but how quickly Nadia tried to "fix" these wrongdoings after said realizations felt insincere (though certainly in-character for her).

With less than 10 chapters left to go, we're reminded of the actual plot (and Nadia suddenly is too, despite having seemed to have forgotten about her true purpose beyond the two men she's attracted to for most of the book). The ending of this book was solid and many things were revealed that I didn't anticipate.

Despite my dislike of Nadia, I can't deny that this is a well written book with a unique storyline that has real potential for future books in this series. While this style of "romance first with a side of plot" is probably not for me, I wholly recognize that this book will be enjoyed by many other readers just as it is. To have given 5⭐️'s to this book, I would have had to have seen a better balance between the main plot and the romance.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with a free ARC of this book; this review is my honest opinion.

[Katey Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keywords for those who scan read looking for their next 5 star read: Dystopian, Forbidden Romance, Grim Dark, Bio Dark, Corrupt Power, Chosen One, Love Triangle, Engineered Demons, Seduction vs Devotion, Self Discovery, Gritty, Rebellion, Dark Magic, for fans of Dark Romantasy and Dystopian Worlds

If you are looking for forbidden romance, dystopian, dark romantasy......read this book right now. The action is non stop, legit, from the start of chapter 5, you are off on an adventure that does not fail to keep you on the edge of your feet. You will not put the book down, something is happening every single page and you need to find out what is really happening so bad that you will sacrifice sleep.

Our FMC is a court princess who doesnt feel like she fits in and at night with her 'horse' Vestro, she hunts and kills the engineered demons that pollute the world. Living in a feudalistic world with Kings and Kingdoms, something happens and the demons attack and she has to go. Instead of seeking somewhere safe, she joins the group heading to stop the demon attacks. Blessed with magic armor, she pretends to be a male when she joins and from here the action begins.

While traveling the kingdoms to the spot to take a magical item that will change everything, she learns who she is and learns how to decide what she wants. We go on this journey with her. And along the journey she finds herself in a love triangle with a forbidden love and a love chosen for her when she was little. The tension here is enough to require a saw instead of a knife. The spice is perfection, its a story where spice moves the plot along instead of the other way.

When you get to the end of the journey, be prepared for your heart to be ABSOLUTLEY CRUSHED. Literally wiping the tears while reading with my heart pounding in my chest as many times as Nadia does in the story. Be prepared for a devastating ending that leaves you on the cliff. It is the type of ending that leaves you breathless, you wouldn't guess ever!

HIGHLY RECCOMEND this book, with book two releasing this year in 2026. Infinite 5 star read.

[Nikolett Berkiné Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay… this book is wow. The world-building and the story are absolutely unique. The whole book is an emotional rollercoaster, and I was gladly on that ride. This is a dark dystopian romantasy with sci-fi elements, and if you’re a gamer, the one that immediately came to my mind was Horizon Zero Dawn. I absolutely loved it.

Let’s talk characters first. What we have here is a love triangle, and let me tell you the tension? Chef’s damn kiss. We have our princess Nadia, who is strong and brave, but also has a vulnerability that I really love in a FMC. Then we have our two MMCs. Vestro… oh, that man has my whole heart. He’s mysterious and always there for our girl. And then there’s Andrew. I liked him too, even though I’m still Team Ves (sorry, not sorry). He’s a prince with an ego, but he also clearly feels deeply for Nadia.
Honestly, the tension and push-and-pull between the characters is intense and had me going crazy. The whole story feels very layered.

Now let’s talk about the writing. It really shines here, it’s intense, high-stakes, and the plot has so many layers. The pacing was great as well. I constantly wanted to know what happens next, but at the same time I wanted to slow down and savour the story.

But that ending… oh my freaking God. That ending almost killed me. I need book two yesterday, please and thank you.

Overall, I absolutely loved this one.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I wasn't sure at first what world I was stepping into when I started reading this but OMG I enjoyed the ride of finding out. This world was so cool and yes I said cool I mean I saw glimpses of what was to come and what I thought I knew but I didnt fully grasp it until the end such a great suspenseful twist there in the end I loved it.
Now on to these characters there was a little bit of everything from love triangle, to forbidden love that maybe wasn't so forbidden, to political reasons for love it was so intertwined it kept me reading and I couldn't put it down. There was such a great story behind everything going on and so many mysteries to u fold it made the story easy to get lost in. I really enjoyed this, it was a whole new idea I have read a lot and have not ever really touched on anything quiet like this and it was amazing thank you so mucb for the ARC, I will be ready to devour anything else you write.

[Shana kay Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your favorite trope is ‘he would burn the world for her,’ read Artificial Selection immediately.. I just completed this book and this was a 5 star read for me

The worldbuilding in this is unlike any other that I’ve read — it’s ancient technology mistaken for magic, it’s bioengineered monsters “demons” that are actually failed experiments, it’s psychological trauma, and men so morally gray they need prison time?

I thought it was gonna be a cute romantasy but instead I got emotional destruction, tension that made me feral, betrayal after betrayal, a heroine slowly unraveling, toxic yearning and emotional damage

This book has a love triangle, one man who would destroy kingdoms for her. The other would burn himself alive just to keep her safe

So if you like
• enemies to lovers
• touch her and die energy
• morally gray men who make terrible decisions respectfully

I finished it and I need book two immediately.

[TiaJade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book. The dystopian setting, biological modifications, romance are all top tier for me. Unfortunately, I feel the book fell a little bit short.

I really enjoyed the world building. I found it to be excellent, with plenty of information to really understand things and to truly paint a picture of the world. Despite there being a lot of information, it never felt overwhelming or confusing. I also found it fun and refreshing for one of the MMCs to be a kelpie shifter. It’s something I haven’t really seen before and felt it was an interesting choice.

My issues are with the characters. The FMC was obnoxious and childish the majority of the time. I was hoping for some character development but there was none. She felt very flat and like her only personality trait was how to be petulant and always need rescuing.

[C Me Read Write Now · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I love a good forbidden romance, for starters! I don’t think I’ve been so happy and frustrated in the same page length before, ha ha!! The push pull between the characters was believable and emotionally satisfying while draining you at the same time! The world building is great! Her character development is top tier! It definitely keeps your interest and leaves you wanting more! I love that the princess wants to be a warrior and wants to be taken seriously like a man, so she goes undercover in a sense! And I love that the prince wants to help, but he’s thrust into other obligations taking him away from her. I can definitely see why she’s a best selling author because her writing is impeccable!!! You forget that you’re in a book. You feel like it’s your life, and you’re on the journey as well! I’d love to see this turned into a movie!! It’s fantastic!

[Autumn Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately I been feeling like I have been reading the same romantasy over and over again and honestly thought for sure I was going to hit a reading slump! By gosh darn it, when I started this book, that feeling went away. Artifical Selection is NOT, and I seriously mean it is not your typical romantasy! It is biology, scientific with fantasy, a love triangle, one bed and oh my I could go on and on about the tropes. The writing and the world building was so immersive that anytime I would go back to reading, I would pick up my remote because I thought it was a TV show I was watching. The ending had me sitting and staring at the wall, like oh my goodness (in a good way).

[Magnus Iskander Reim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice atmosphere and plot but sadly pacing was a bit inconsistent. I also felt a bit lot by some of the characters' reactions.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Callis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Fun take on things. I do think the author was extremely repetitive with their writing, but overall, I enjoyed the story.

[Shannon Heck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nadia is a princess. Her best friend and protector is a demon shifter, and her biggest problem is avoiding a proposal from the prince of the neighboring kingdom. However, her life changes dramatically when demons and a group called the Holy attack, and Nadia hides her identity to escape and join Prince Andrew's group on their mission to save the world.

There is a lot to unpack in Artificial Selection, so I'll do my best without spoilers. To start, the book is being republished under this new title. The blurb for the original book actually provides much more information about the plot. However, it appears this new version is longer. I recommend checking the trigger warnings and not reading this book if you have concerns. It's dark, and Nadia has an emotionally devastating moment when she questions her childhood memories, but this part passes quickly. There is a true love triangle, but I'm not really sure I would want to see Nadia with either of her options. So, unfortunately, if you're looking for an epic romance, this isn't it. However, the plot is interesting and unique. It's a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure. There's a lot going on, and it's never dull. I think the writing is good, so I rate it 4 stars, but I didn't love the characters or the romance. That’s why it's not a five-star book. The series has a lot of potential, many unanswered questions, and a big cliffhanger!

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artificial Selection offers a unique, action-packed plot, but the romance is weak and the character relationships can feel uncomfortable—especially since the MMC met Nadia at nine and they later share very intimate familiarity. Good writing, intriguing world, but not a romance-heavy read.