Son of Osivirius

A Clean Dystopian Romantic Science Fantasy Action Adventure

About

He wants to escape. She wants him dead. But the giant flying cats want something else entirely...

Fledgling pilot Jayden is one of the first generation to be born on the newly colonised planet of Osivirius. Now he’s determined to get his family out of ‘Wormsville’, the part of the colony where people are little more than numbers. So when Commander Tun offers a huge reward for finding the location of the rebel base, he jumps at the chance.

Nettle hates everything to do with the colony—especially the military arm—and is fiercely protective of the simple, grounded ways of the rebels. So when she and her brother Flint discover Jayden after he crash-lands, she’s ready to slit his throat without a second thought. But as Flint nurses him back to health, Nettle’s antipathy turns to empathy, and then an unwanted attraction.

Jayden, meanwhile, has made secret plans to escape on a Masu, one of the giant flying cats the rebels ride, but though his blood family still need him, the lure of the valley might just prove stronger.

In this award-winning, action-packed, and visionary novella, the mystical connection to nature of Avatar, the romantic tension of Outlander, the dystopian political struggle of The Hunger Games, and the character evolution of Ender’s Game all meet. It’s a perfect read for teens and adults who enjoy spiritual elements and clean enemies-to-lovers romance in a high-stakes futuristic setting.

BUY DIRECT FROM ME ON BOOKS.BY!!

Standard Paperback

Exclusive Illustrated Edition (not available at retailers)


4zgwl3fjox00tk98fb716jp2az5o 1.23 MB

Art by @alfibunneni


READ THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS HERE.

Meet the cast in this blog article.

Find out more about the Masu in this blog article.

Read my thoughts on the themes in this article and this article.

Find BOOK CLUB and EDUCATORS GUIDES here.


ENDORSEMENTS

“A lushly imagined, and hopeful serving of adventure filled with heart, humanity and flying cats. I loved it!” — Trent Jamieson, award-winning author of Stone Road, Day Boy, the Death Works Series, and the Nightbound Land Duology

“Delicious worldbuilding and characters that sparkle with agency. Son of Osivirius deftly highlights the importance of the natural world and humanity’s place within it. Cathryn DeVries weaves a brilliant tale.” — Pamela Jeffs, Aurealis Award winner and author of Wilder

“I adored this story from start to finish. A gripping plot, believable characters, and a richly immersive world that overflows with imagination and compassion.” –Kylie Chan, best-selling author of the Dark Heavens series and the Dragon Empire series.


EDITORIAL REVIEWS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Literary Titan.

Read the review

Praise for this book

This was an amazing science fantasy novella! From the first page I was sucked in and invested in Jayden's story. I enjoyed his growing camaraderie with Flint and how he integrated into the valley, even if it was for the wrong reasons at first. I loved how he kept trying to crack the wall that Nettle had built, and watching their no-spice romance slowly build. The Masu creatures were a great touch, bringing hope and balance to the people and the world they had settled on. The world-building was exquisite, with wonderful descriptions that brought the story to life.