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
Hi, I’m Junalyn, author of Veya and the Arcane Trials and creator of the world of Mistara.
I write dark fantasy for those who have ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or forgotten. My stories explore power forged through survival, the cost of becoming, and the dangerous beauty of bonds formed under pressure.
As a Filipino author, I’m drawn to themes of legacy, resilience, and identity — weaving cultural depth and emotional intensity into worlds where strength is never handed out freely. In my books, magic is not a gift. It is earned. And survival always demands transformation.
My debut novel, Veya and the Arcane Trials, begins the Rise of the Forgotten series — a story set within a ruthless academy where the unseen are taken, tested, and broken before they are rebuilt into something more. It is a tale of brutal trials, dangerous magic, and the fierce determination to be seen in a world that tried to erase you.
Mistara was built for readers who crave:
• Found family forged in fire
• Slow-burn tension and dangerous loyalty
• High-stakes trials where power comes at a cost
• Characters who refuse to remain small
This is only the beginning.
You found your way here… which means you were meant to.
The forgotten are rising.
— Junalyn Nicdao
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.