The Forgotten are chosen. The trials decide who survives.
Veya and The Arcane Trials
Book One of the Rise of the Forgotten Series
Junalyn Nicdao
Enter the Trials
About the book:
Veya and the Arcane Trials is the first in the Rise of the Forgotten series — a dark fantasy about power, survival, found family, and the dangerous bonds formed when the forgotten are forced into a magical academy where only the strongest survive.
This is only the beginning.
More from Mistara is coming soon.
And you’ll always see it first.
Until then… stay close.
— Junalyn Nicdao
Author, Rise of the Forgotten
In a world where only the forgotten are taken, survival is the first test.
Veya never expected to be chosen.
Neither did the storm-bound boy who refuses to break.
Or the academy that was never meant to be safe.
Power is earned.
Loyalty is tested.
And not everyone leaves the trials alive.
Welcome to Lumora.
About the Author
Hello, I’m Junalyn Nicdao, a Filipino dark fantasy author and creator of the world of Mistara, where power is earned, survival is never guaranteed, and the forgotten refuse to stay unseen.
I’ve loved fantasy for as long as I can remember. To me, stories have always been more than escape, they are a way to make readers see, feel, hear, and live inside another world. As a fourth-grade teacher, I’ve spent years encouraging my students to write boldly and bring their imaginations fully to life. What began as a quiet side project of my own slowly grew into something more when I shared my story with them. Their excitement and belief in my world became the spark that pushed me to finally make this story real.
My debut novel, Veya and the Arcane Trials, begins the Rise of the Forgotten series. A brutal, magic-laced journey through trials of power, identity, survival, and found family. I’m drawn to stories that explore the struggles many of us experience but rarely speak about, being overlooked, fighting to belong, discovering strength, and rising even when the world expects you to stay small.
I write for readers who have ever felt unseen and for those ready to realize they never were.
I’m a night writer fueled by coffee, tea, and a little chaos. Most of my worlds are built in the quiet hours while the rest of the world sleeps. When I’m not writing into the early morning, I’m balancing life as a full-time teacher, mother of two, fantasy reader, and storyteller. Many nights are spent in shared “creative time” beside my partner as he creates music and I build new realms.
At the heart of everything I write is one belief:
Those who feel forgotten are often the ones destined to rise.
You’re early to this world and early readers are never forgotten.
Forgotten E-mail List
Join the Forgotten
Circle
This story was born for the ones who feel a little out of place in the ordinary world.
The ones who know they’re meant for more.
The ones who refuse to stay forgotten.
And now… you’re part of it.
✨ By being here, you’ll get:
• Early cover reveals
• Character art + world secrets
• Sneak peeks before anyone else
• Release news and ARC opportunities
• Private updates I won’t post anywhere else
You’re not just a subscriber.
You’re one of my early readers — the founding circle before this world fully opens.
Join the VIP pre-order list and you’ll receive the private link to purchase Veya and the Arcane Trials before it releases anywhere else.
Before the public.
Before the announcements.
Before the world opens.
You’ll be first.
Readers are already asking when the book releases.
Join the private list for preorder access, cover reveals, and exclusive scenes.
Become a Founding
Reader of Mistara
Join the Forgotten Circle
Readers are already asking when the book releases.
Join the private list for preorder access, cover reveals, and exclusive scenes.