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Lovely, Dark and Deep
To the kingdom of Arastya, Quinn is no more than a monster.
As the last of the fabled Forest Druids, she wields magic as wild and untamed as the woods that once sheltered her kind. When she is thrust into a deadly competition for the title of High Queen, Quinn’s only goal is to uncover what happened to her father when he vanished years ago-- and why the High King is wearing his necklace.
But the High King’s past is as dark as his magic, and his secrets run deeper than Quinn anticipated. When she is attacked and other competitors fall victim to mysterious threats, it becomes clear someone in the castle is willing to kill to keep the truth hidden. What begins as a quest for her father’s fate unravels into a deadly conspiracy of betrayal and corruption, one that threatens to destroy not only Quinn, but the entire kingdom.
To survive, Quinn must embrace the untamed magic that marks her as a monster-- even if it means standing against the gods themselves. In this treacherous competition for the crown, the cost of uncovering the truth may be higher than she ever imagined.
***
Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas' Throne of Glass series, Leigh Bardugo's Shadow & Bone, and RF Kuang's The Poppy War-- this slow burn dark fantasy depicts rich Celtic lore in a setting of elemental magic and ancient gods, a cast of powerful female characters, a swoon-worthy dark king, all with a villain as the main character.
As the last of the fabled Forest Druids, she wields magic as wild and untamed as the woods that once sheltered her kind. When she is thrust into a deadly competition for the title of High Queen, Quinn’s only goal is to uncover what happened to her father when he vanished years ago-- and why the High King is wearing his necklace.
But the High King’s past is as dark as his magic, and his secrets run deeper than Quinn anticipated. When she is attacked and other competitors fall victim to mysterious threats, it becomes clear someone in the castle is willing to kill to keep the truth hidden. What begins as a quest for her father’s fate unravels into a deadly conspiracy of betrayal and corruption, one that threatens to destroy not only Quinn, but the entire kingdom.
To survive, Quinn must embrace the untamed magic that marks her as a monster-- even if it means standing against the gods themselves. In this treacherous competition for the crown, the cost of uncovering the truth may be higher than she ever imagined.
***
Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas' Throne of Glass series, Leigh Bardugo's Shadow & Bone, and RF Kuang's The Poppy War-- this slow burn dark fantasy depicts rich Celtic lore in a setting of elemental magic and ancient gods, a cast of powerful female characters, a swoon-worthy dark king, all with a villain as the main character.
- GenresFantasy
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
About the author
T.J. Tristan
2 books12 followersTJ Tristan is a debut fantasy author, and Lovely, Dark and Deep is her first published work. Writing under a pseudonym, she weaves stories that blend mythology, magic, and the untamed beauty of nature.
Beyond her passion for storytelling, TJ Tristan is a dedicated medical student with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University. Born in the Pacific Northwest and raised in the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, she has always felt a deep and abiding connection to nature.
Beyond her passion for storytelling, TJ Tristan is a dedicated medical student with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University. Born in the Pacific Northwest and raised in the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, she has always felt a deep and abiding connection to nature.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 10, 2025
An Outstanding Debut: LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP
Received an ARC and LOVE this new author!
TJ Tristan bursts onto the fantasy scene with Lovely, Dark, and Deep, an absolutely outstanding debut that will grip you from the very first page.
We meet Quinn, the last of the fabled Forest Druids, forced into a treacherous competition for the title of High Queen. But the political stakes quickly become intensely personal: Quinn’s only goal is to uncover the truth of her father’s disappearance and confront the dark High King who wears her father's stolen necklace.
Tristan masterfully weaves together wild magic, dangerous castle intrigue, and a devastating conspiracy. As Quinn's quest for answers turns into a fight for survival, she must embrace the untamed power within her—the very thing that marks her as a monster. The book is a whirlwind of dark secrets, high-stakes betrayal, and a mystery with consequences that threaten the entire kingdom and the gods themselves.
It’s impossible to put down and mark the arrival of a phenomenal storyteller. TJ Tristan is a major new voice in fantasy, and we are eagerly anticipating whatever she writes next. This is a must-read for fans of dark, political fantasy!
Received an ARC and LOVE this new author!
TJ Tristan bursts onto the fantasy scene with Lovely, Dark, and Deep, an absolutely outstanding debut that will grip you from the very first page.
We meet Quinn, the last of the fabled Forest Druids, forced into a treacherous competition for the title of High Queen. But the political stakes quickly become intensely personal: Quinn’s only goal is to uncover the truth of her father’s disappearance and confront the dark High King who wears her father's stolen necklace.
Tristan masterfully weaves together wild magic, dangerous castle intrigue, and a devastating conspiracy. As Quinn's quest for answers turns into a fight for survival, she must embrace the untamed power within her—the very thing that marks her as a monster. The book is a whirlwind of dark secrets, high-stakes betrayal, and a mystery with consequences that threaten the entire kingdom and the gods themselves.
It’s impossible to put down and mark the arrival of a phenomenal storyteller. TJ Tristan is a major new voice in fantasy, and we are eagerly anticipating whatever she writes next. This is a must-read for fans of dark, political fantasy!
April 22, 2026
This book takes place in many different regions inspired by Celtic mythology. At first this book seemed to follow the typical romantasy trope of ladies having to compete for the kings hand, and of course, we have our main character who detests this idea. Despite following a well known format, I was pleasantly surprised by just how different this book felt. I was whisked away by the world building. It was just the right mix of exposition and discovery through our main character’s eyes. As the book continues, it becomes very obvious how multifaceted each of these characters are. I was happily surprised when characters didn’t follow the typical patterns of betrayal, and having to truly think to discover motives was an excellent change of pace. This book ended with tremendous growth from all characters, and I can’t wait to continue reading about their journey.
There were a few flashback chapters in the book, which at first was distracting, but as we got deeper in the story I found myself looking forward to these moments of backstory that helped piece together character motivations. It allowed me to piece together what I was seeing with actual reasoning. This provided me the opportunity to connect more with the characters and understand motivations in a way I haven’t been able to in most books I’ve read recently.
All of the above combined made me fall in love with this story, not to mention the magic system! It felt very grounded in the lore of the story, and I was never questioning why exactly something was allowed. The only thing I can think of that would make this book better is if book two was already released! Although this is the author’s debut novel, I already find myself wanting more, and I can not wait to see how her talent continues to grow.
There were a few flashback chapters in the book, which at first was distracting, but as we got deeper in the story I found myself looking forward to these moments of backstory that helped piece together character motivations. It allowed me to piece together what I was seeing with actual reasoning. This provided me the opportunity to connect more with the characters and understand motivations in a way I haven’t been able to in most books I’ve read recently.
All of the above combined made me fall in love with this story, not to mention the magic system! It felt very grounded in the lore of the story, and I was never questioning why exactly something was allowed. The only thing I can think of that would make this book better is if book two was already released! Although this is the author’s debut novel, I already find myself wanting more, and I can not wait to see how her talent continues to grow.
January 26, 2026
Buckle Up
I was asked to be an ARC reader for this book. I may be late to the game, but holy goodness this book is a roller coaster!!!!
Our FMC Quinn is a badass, plan and simple!!! Being a Forest Druid and she is trying to find her father! Her story is given throughout this book with the flash backs and you get an understanding of who she is and what she has faced! And let me tell ya she is a badass! She is a protector, a fighter, a friend, and underestimated at every turn!
Our MMC Salem. He is the Dark Druid. His story is told but later in the book. But it builds soooooooooo much throughout the book.
The battles, the history and the Celtic mythology is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
I NEED THE SECOND BOOK LIKE YESTERDAYS!!!!
Great plot
Great story
Great history
A must read for fantasy as well as mythology!
I was asked to be an ARC reader for this book. I may be late to the game, but holy goodness this book is a roller coaster!!!!
Our FMC Quinn is a badass, plan and simple!!! Being a Forest Druid and she is trying to find her father! Her story is given throughout this book with the flash backs and you get an understanding of who she is and what she has faced! And let me tell ya she is a badass! She is a protector, a fighter, a friend, and underestimated at every turn!
Our MMC Salem. He is the Dark Druid. His story is told but later in the book. But it builds soooooooooo much throughout the book.
The battles, the history and the Celtic mythology is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
I NEED THE SECOND BOOK LIKE YESTERDAYS!!!!
Great plot
Great story
Great history
A must read for fantasy as well as mythology!
December 7, 2025
This is a fantastic merging of celtic lore, elemental magic, and ancient gods with some badass female characters and a shadow daddy. Tropes are: sloooowwww burn, forced proximity, enemies to lovers.
As potentially the last Forest Druid alive, Quinn is thrown against her will into a competition to become the High Queen of Arastya. When she sees a necklace that belonged to her father being worn by the High King, she decides to play along to try and get answers. When the competition turns deadly, what began as a quest for truth turns into her teaming up with the High King to uncover the conspiracy.
The world and character building in this story are amazing, and the magic and lore are woven into the story beautifully.
As potentially the last Forest Druid alive, Quinn is thrown against her will into a competition to become the High Queen of Arastya. When she sees a necklace that belonged to her father being worn by the High King, she decides to play along to try and get answers. When the competition turns deadly, what began as a quest for truth turns into her teaming up with the High King to uncover the conspiracy.
The world and character building in this story are amazing, and the magic and lore are woven into the story beautifully.
February 19, 2026
I genuinely thought I was a goner with this one. From the first few pages, Lovely Dark and Deep had its claws in me and refused to let go. The tension builds so perfectly that you don’t even realise how deep you’ve fallen until you’re completely consumed.
Every chapter tightens the grip. The atmosphere is thick, the stakes feel real, and the emotional pull is relentless. I kept telling myself I’d stop after “just one more chapter”… and suddenly it was the middle of the night.
That ending? I’m still not okay.
I need book two immediately. Not want. Need.
Every chapter tightens the grip. The atmosphere is thick, the stakes feel real, and the emotional pull is relentless. I kept telling myself I’d stop after “just one more chapter”… and suddenly it was the middle of the night.
That ending? I’m still not okay.
I need book two immediately. Not want. Need.
December 3, 2025
Unexpectedly powerful
What a great debut by this new author. A lively mix of ancient folklore, wit, remembrance and connections across a backdrop of political struggles to gain or maintain the power of a kingdom. Sharply drawn characters, and the promise of much more to come. A compelling and resonating page-turner that is hard to put down. Loved it and can't wait for the next one!
What a great debut by this new author. A lively mix of ancient folklore, wit, remembrance and connections across a backdrop of political struggles to gain or maintain the power of a kingdom. Sharply drawn characters, and the promise of much more to come. A compelling and resonating page-turner that is hard to put down. Loved it and can't wait for the next one!
January 2, 2026
This is an AMAZING book!! Not only is it very well written and interesting from cover to cover, but it’s very clear that the author put in a lot of time and effort incorporating Celtic mythology into this story. As someone who is a very slow reader, I also really appreciated the manageable chapter lengths. If you’re looking for a fantasy book you won’t be able to put down, THIS IS IT!
January 6, 2026
Loved this! As a devoted reader of some of the newer (smuttier) fantasy fiction this was a return to classic fantasy fiction steeped in mythology, heroic female led story lines and galloping tension that keeps you turning the page. Reminded me of first reading Kate Forsyth or Juliette Marillier. Cannot wait for the sequel! And oh my goodness... that ending!
April 27, 2026
Far exceeded expectations
Decided to download it after seeing a recommendation on Facebook. I knew it would be good, but I must say it was genuinely excellent. The story was compelling and I couldn't put it down at all (gave myself a fat lip when I fell asleep reading it). I hope the next one arrives swiftly
Decided to download it after seeing a recommendation on Facebook. I knew it would be good, but I must say it was genuinely excellent. The story was compelling and I couldn't put it down at all (gave myself a fat lip when I fell asleep reading it). I hope the next one arrives swiftly
February 21, 2026
Lovely Dark & Deep by T.J. Tristan — a stunning debut.
Dark magic, mystery, monsters, and a plot that grabbed me and didn’t let go.
And that ending? Definitely felt like the door cracked open for a sequel…
I’ll be waiting. 📖✨
Dark magic, mystery, monsters, and a plot that grabbed me and didn’t let go.
And that ending? Definitely felt like the door cracked open for a sequel…
I’ll be waiting. 📖✨
April 21, 2026
best book ive read this year!
I adore the characters in this book they are so vibrant and well written, the story at first seemed cliche but ooo the plot twists i can not wait to read more.
I adore the characters in this book they are so vibrant and well written, the story at first seemed cliche but ooo the plot twists i can not wait to read more.
May 14, 2026
What a fantastic read! I was captured pretty early on and found myself unable to put this book down. Went in thinking this would be similar to some of the other books I had read but was completely surprised by all the twists and turns. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
December 16, 2025
Loved
I need the rest if the story immediately. This was so good I barely put it down. So so good.
I need the rest if the story immediately. This was so good I barely put it down. So so good.
January 1, 2026
Really enjoyed this book! Enjoyed the Celtic references and story!
January 3, 2026
Beautifully woven story of the strength and power of a woman well raised! Can’t wait for the next in the series!
January 24, 2026
I loved this book so much! I can’t wait for the next one!
February 19, 2026
this is the best book i have ever read
April 13, 2026
This was such a good read! I got through it so quickly and I can hardly believe this was their first book! I’m excited for the next one!
April 14, 2026
i don't exactly know what to write. i loved this book, specifically for the world building. i love the celtic influences. the characters are also good ofc sorry this is such a bad review ok bye!!!!
April 26, 2026
Perfection, so hyped for book two!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews