Books & Projects
Memory and Flame
She must learn — not only to save her loved ones, but to become a flame of hope for a world filled with conflict and loss.
Fia is part human and part dustborn — a race that came into existence after the legendary Starfounder appeared in Haivin and threw his stars to the sky, essentially stealing the purpose of the fairies. The three races have been at odds for ages. Struggling with the loss of her mother who was murdered by human zealots and trying to cope with the reality of having mixed blood, Fia is kidnapped by a man she's never met and informed that the elusive dark fairy, Jeya, has it out for her. Apparently Jeya, having adopted a dark magic that thrives in shadows instead of light, believes that Fia is the one spoken of in an old prophecy. Fueled by bitterness over past wounds and seeking a twisted sort of redemption, Jeya seeks to destroy Fia and steal the girl's destiny. But Fia doesn't yet understand the magnitude and significance of her own capabilities. So she must learn, not only to save her loved ones threatened by the dark fairy but to become a flame of hope for a world filled with conflict and loss.
Memory and Flame is a story about confronting and learning from one's past and the history of one's society and forging a new way forward. It's a tale about light and hope, purpose and identity, and learning to embrace and champion the differences in others.
Themes
Character art by Hannah Rogers
Marked
In a world that has outlawed Marks, one girl dares to seek the truth behind them.
In the land of Jobendell, the king has been dead for forty years. During the war that ended the kings' line, the sorcerer Dragan gave magical abilities called Marks to the people in order to sow chaos. Eighteen-year-old Journey Baye desperately wishes for the undoing of the now ruling Council with their restrictive laws and banning of magic. Knowing them for liars, she seeks to understand the true source of Marks. But her memories of the brutal punishments she's witnessed haunt her, keeping her silent. Journey's beloved older brother begins acting strange and urges her to flee to the forbidden forest, where malicious beasts devoured her parents when she was only an infant. She stumbles upon a secret camp of rebels who believe the king still lives and that the Marks originated from his family line. When Journey learns the truth about her own family and their involvement in exposing the Council, she faces an impossible choice between saving her brother and going in search of this elusive king who may be the people's only hope. But either choice will incur dire consequences.
The idea for these books was sparked after attending Re:write Ragged Edge writer's conference in February 2015, where one of the authors discussed identity and the power of our beliefs — a subject that had a profound impact on me and became a prevalent theme in the novels.
Marked
Book one of the duology. Journey's world is upended when she discovers the truth about the Marks — and about her own family's role in a rebellion that could change everything.
Crowned
The sequel to Marked. The rebellion rises, and Journey must decide how far she's willing to go for the truth.
Short Stories & Poetry
Alongside her novels, Denica has contributed short stories and poetry to a number of curated multi-author anthologies. Each piece is a window into a different world — some dark, some luminous, all deeply felt.
What Darkness Fears
Features three of Denica's poems with the theme of light overcoming darkness, alongside short stories and poems by other incredible authors.
Tales of Many
The first children's anthology by Twenty Hills Publishing, featuring one of Denica's own stories.
Wither and Bloom
A diverse collection of flash fiction, short stories, and poetry exploring the choice to love through trials and storms in all seasons of life. Features six of Denica's poems.
Here Lies Wanderland
A collection of poetry from a variety of writers exploring reality through a creative lens. Features twelve of Denica's poems. 'Wanderland isn't a home of happiness. It's the place we venture through for hope, unaware we'll be given hurt.'
The Stars Weep Too
The stars weep too as they watch us lose ourselves in the fast flow of life. This collection is a return to the original muse of all our art: humanity and nature and the points where they cross.
These Ties We Forge
Stories and poems about resilience, love, and the power of making connections even in the midst of loneliness and detachment. Denica's story "Phoenix" features two girls abandoned by their village because of their unique powers — but their story doesn't end there.
Sailing Magic
Ten exciting stories of fantastical journeys to lands you've never seen before. Denica's story "Outcasts of the Addan" is set in the world of her work-in-progress fantasy trilogy.
LORE Anthology
An anthology celebrating the rich tapestry of Scotland's heritage and the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Denica's story "When the Trees Speak" is featured in this collection.
Though We Bleed
Freedom comes with a price. This collection depicts the struggle between the desire for comfort and the willingness to sacrifice. Denica's poetry is featured in this collection.
The House Built Between the Branches
Dives into the world we find deep within the woods. What mystical, or terrifying, things do we stumble across as we tiptoe over branches and dried leaves?
Want to Follow the Journey?
Novels are currently in process. Follow along on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the occasional celebration, as well as a peek into life as an editor.
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