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Unclean: The Sanctwood Series, Book One
A hybrid boy. A forbidden love. A chance to change his future.
Kalen Halrowe is a hybrid. Half-fae, half-witch, and wholly unclean in the eyes of The Order.
But he doesn’t know that yet.
Raised in secret within the Sanctwood Forest, Kalen has been hidden from the brutal ruling force that executed his fae father for loving his mother, a witch. Because The Order enforces a strict covenant–bloodlines don’t mix and hybrids don’t belong.
Guided by his family crow, Kalen leaves home to seek refuge in an enchanted village where he must endure the Awakening–a magical rite of passage for hybrids to come into their full power.
When the Awakening is complete, Kalen returns to a world that forces him to look injustice in the face. The most logical thing he could do would be to stay safe and concealed, but he is tired of a life in the shadows.
Determined to make a difference, Kalen decides to infiltrate The Order. Forced to study the teachings of the very people who believe he shouldn’t exist, he begins to question everything–especially himself. But when he meets an Orderly who makes him feel wanted in a way he never has, he finds himself risking his life and his heart.
Unclean is the first book in The Sanctwood Series, a character-driven, coming-of-age fantasy that follows Kalen Halrowe in his fight for belonging in a world that doesn’t believe he should exist. It is perfect for readers who crave forbidden love, deep secrets, and keeping hope alive against seemingly impossible odds.
Kalen Halrowe is a hybrid. Half-fae, half-witch, and wholly unclean in the eyes of The Order.
But he doesn’t know that yet.
Raised in secret within the Sanctwood Forest, Kalen has been hidden from the brutal ruling force that executed his fae father for loving his mother, a witch. Because The Order enforces a strict covenant–bloodlines don’t mix and hybrids don’t belong.
Guided by his family crow, Kalen leaves home to seek refuge in an enchanted village where he must endure the Awakening–a magical rite of passage for hybrids to come into their full power.
When the Awakening is complete, Kalen returns to a world that forces him to look injustice in the face. The most logical thing he could do would be to stay safe and concealed, but he is tired of a life in the shadows.
Determined to make a difference, Kalen decides to infiltrate The Order. Forced to study the teachings of the very people who believe he shouldn’t exist, he begins to question everything–especially himself. But when he meets an Orderly who makes him feel wanted in a way he never has, he finds himself risking his life and his heart.
Unclean is the first book in The Sanctwood Series, a character-driven, coming-of-age fantasy that follows Kalen Halrowe in his fight for belonging in a world that doesn’t believe he should exist. It is perfect for readers who crave forbidden love, deep secrets, and keeping hope alive against seemingly impossible odds.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2025
9 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 31, 2025
What an amazing debut by a Kentucky author. The end has me excited for what’s to come!
The characters were such a genuine group who contributed characteristics that make them all feel relatable. (Well almost all…)
I appreciated the drive for love and justice and the message was perfect. The writing style was poetic at times and I really appreciated that. The content itself reads more YA fantasy but I see that as a plus, as it can reach an array of people and still be enjoyed. As a 36 year old woman I still love and appreciate this genre and think that appealing to such a range is hard to do—but it’s done well here. I would recommend this to my college aged students I teach, as well as my elders and that’s a really special thing. The message is important for ALL. Side note—I’m #teamTessan
Overall I give this a 4 star rating—possibly a 4.5 if good reads would let me do halvsies but they don’t. The only thing that I would have changed to be a five star read would have been the development of relationships in the beginning. The MMC is said to have been sheltered his whole childhood and I latched onto that. However I felt like when he arrived to meeting people/socializing, this did not match up for me. I expected more of a struggle with forming trust and relationships and this made those formed relationships seem abrupt to me. Maybe these are my own trust issues talking 😆Because of this, I struggled to catch up to the connectedness he felt with characters because there was little build up/growth into the trust/caring/connection. I think this caused the beginning to feel slower and less relatable but BOY did it pick up about 30% in. I formed those connection eventually too and that’s ultimately what’s important.
I hope this feedback is accepted as personal opinion to be considered as constructive and nothing more. I sincerely loved the book, was impressed by the writing, adore the message, and look forward to future works (I hope!) from this author.
Amazing job, Keller!
The characters were such a genuine group who contributed characteristics that make them all feel relatable. (Well almost all…)
I appreciated the drive for love and justice and the message was perfect. The writing style was poetic at times and I really appreciated that. The content itself reads more YA fantasy but I see that as a plus, as it can reach an array of people and still be enjoyed. As a 36 year old woman I still love and appreciate this genre and think that appealing to such a range is hard to do—but it’s done well here. I would recommend this to my college aged students I teach, as well as my elders and that’s a really special thing. The message is important for ALL. Side note—I’m #teamTessan
Overall I give this a 4 star rating—possibly a 4.5 if good reads would let me do halvsies but they don’t. The only thing that I would have changed to be a five star read would have been the development of relationships in the beginning. The MMC is said to have been sheltered his whole childhood and I latched onto that. However I felt like when he arrived to meeting people/socializing, this did not match up for me. I expected more of a struggle with forming trust and relationships and this made those formed relationships seem abrupt to me. Maybe these are my own trust issues talking 😆Because of this, I struggled to catch up to the connectedness he felt with characters because there was little build up/growth into the trust/caring/connection. I think this caused the beginning to feel slower and less relatable but BOY did it pick up about 30% in. I formed those connection eventually too and that’s ultimately what’s important.
I hope this feedback is accepted as personal opinion to be considered as constructive and nothing more. I sincerely loved the book, was impressed by the writing, adore the message, and look forward to future works (I hope!) from this author.
Amazing job, Keller!
November 14, 2025
This book is a must read. The story touches my heart so deeply. I am a big character girlie… if I’m not invested in the characters I will DNF. The characters in this book are so well crafted and you are truly rooting for them all along the way. I don’t really ever cry at books but this book had tears rolling down my cheeks. It beautifully showcases sacrificial love, bravery, self-acceptance, and the power of true love in all its forms. Cannot wait to see where the story goes from here - I’m all in.
October 16, 2025
This book is soooo good. it’s honestly hard to even put into words. The fact that this is Keller’s debut novel is wild, because it reads like the work of someone who’s been writing for decades and it’s actually mind blowing. If you’re into fantasy or stories about self-discovery, having a touch of romance and finding your place in a complicated world, this one’s for you. It’s beautifully written and such a powerful read about learning who you truly are when everything around you feels uncertain.. it’s just a really easy and interesting read.. the story is so cool. The magic is so cool. Everything… READ IT
December 21, 2025
Unclean is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read to date. Keller Hayden’s debut immediately pulls you in with haunting prose, rich atmosphere, and deeply emotional storytelling.
The novel opens with Ria Halrowe, a mother facing the unbearable truth that her son, Kalen, is nearing The Awakening, a rite of passage that will force him into a dangerous world ruled by The Order. The grief, fear, and love in these early chapters are written with stunning intensity. Ria’s memorywalking ability is especially compelling, allowing the past to bleed into the present in a way that feels both beautiful and tragic.
Even before Kalen fully steps into the story, his presence is powerful. His identity as a hybrid, the secrecy surrounding his life, and the weight of his destiny create an emotional pull that never lets go. Keller balances magical lore with character-driven depth, making the world feel alive and the stakes deeply personal.
Lyrical, immersive, and unforgettable, Unclean is a remarkable indie debut. Fans of emotionally rich fantasy, forbidden love, and high-stakes magic should absolutely add this book to their shelves
The novel opens with Ria Halrowe, a mother facing the unbearable truth that her son, Kalen, is nearing The Awakening, a rite of passage that will force him into a dangerous world ruled by The Order. The grief, fear, and love in these early chapters are written with stunning intensity. Ria’s memorywalking ability is especially compelling, allowing the past to bleed into the present in a way that feels both beautiful and tragic.
Even before Kalen fully steps into the story, his presence is powerful. His identity as a hybrid, the secrecy surrounding his life, and the weight of his destiny create an emotional pull that never lets go. Keller balances magical lore with character-driven depth, making the world feel alive and the stakes deeply personal.
Lyrical, immersive, and unforgettable, Unclean is a remarkable indie debut. Fans of emotionally rich fantasy, forbidden love, and high-stakes magic should absolutely add this book to their shelves
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
There aren't enough words to describe how much I loved this book.
Keller created a world that felt so real, and every moment felt like I was right there with the characters.
The connection I felt with each one of them was incredible. Every character is important, and the love shared between them is so beautifully written.
Kind.
Brave.
Gentle.
Simple words, that carry so much meaning.
There's love, heartbreak, hope, and a lot of time spent at the edge of your seat.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this story continues, and have no doubts the giant heart Keller has will come through in his future books.
Keller created a world that felt so real, and every moment felt like I was right there with the characters.
The connection I felt with each one of them was incredible. Every character is important, and the love shared between them is so beautifully written.
Kind.
Brave.
Gentle.
Simple words, that carry so much meaning.
There's love, heartbreak, hope, and a lot of time spent at the edge of your seat.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this story continues, and have no doubts the giant heart Keller has will come through in his future books.
November 19, 2025
Debut YA fantasy — the twists caught me off guard, and the story picks up as it goes. The last twist surprised me the most. I really like that, as I do not like predictable stories.
Not a romantic triad fan typically - loved Hunger Games but didn’t give a shit about Peeta and the other one 😂 (Gale?) so if you like that this has it! But I was able to keep on truckin’ even though that’s not my thing. Good work Keller Hayden!
Not a romantic triad fan typically - loved Hunger Games but didn’t give a shit about Peeta and the other one 😂 (Gale?) so if you like that this has it! But I was able to keep on truckin’ even though that’s not my thing. Good work Keller Hayden!
November 30, 2025
The plot and character development takes off right away making it really hard to put down. This was a refreshing take on a coming of age story with a couple clever twists.
Something really unique that I appreciated was the respect and understanding between characters, which provided insightful guidance for how we can be compassionate towards one another.
Can’t wait to see what is in store for our magical friends in the next book!
Something really unique that I appreciated was the respect and understanding between characters, which provided insightful guidance for how we can be compassionate towards one another.
Can’t wait to see what is in store for our magical friends in the next book!
December 5, 2025
This was gorgeeeee. One of the best indie pub books I've read recently (if ever). Some minor pacing problems, not really worth noting bc as if this is a debut?! so ya, nothing that alters my opinon of the succinct prose and well-crafted characters. Now, it might not be five stars in the way I'd write a five star review on... Idk, a book written by a multi-novel author. But certainly deserves five stars in the world of indie works for many reasons.
November 27, 2025
I’m so glad this story will continue in a series! I loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. The flow is quick yet descriptive and smart, making it easy to fall into the story. The relationships between characters are lovely, including certain character’s relationships to nature. The story is very relatable despite the fantastic world the author creates; can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews