| Hidden in a tiny cottage away from the ordinary existence of Cerulean’s citizens, Aural lived a simple life with her father in Sabean Woods. When he is struck by a serious illness, that ordinary life suddenly became extraordinary. In search of a physician, Aural breaks her promise never to leave the woods. When her path crosses with a Mystic, the manipulative Duchess, and the Prince of Cerulean, Aural realizes something beyond her simple quest to help her dying father has mapped out her journey. An ancient legend about a brotherly rivalry that resulted in tragedy stirs up the Fates guarding Cerulean. If the Cerulean Rose doesn’t bloom again, the kingdom is destined to perish. A wild path filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue shapes Aural’s heart in ways she could not have imagined as she gets sucked into the legend. Would it be enough to restore the foundation of true love that established the kingdom of Cerulean hundreds of years ago? Could a simple girl satisfy the Fates, capture a prince’s heart, overcome a king’s prejudice, and save Cerulean’s Rose? Genre: Romantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling Release Date: January 20, 2026 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with D.M.
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Cinderella, one of my favorite childhood fairy tales, inspired Cerulean Rose. I always enjoyed that romantic tale, but felt the poor prince was a little flat. His character was so underdeveloped that I wanted to give him another layer. What if he didn’t start out charming? What if he was arrogant and bossy? Could he recognize true love if he saw it in one he deemed below him? With those questions swirling in my mind, The Fates Trilogy was born.
Cinderella, one of my favorite childhood fairy tales, inspired Cerulean Rose. I always enjoyed that romantic tale, but felt the poor prince was a little flat. His character was so underdeveloped that I wanted to give him another layer. What if he didn’t start out charming? What if he was arrogant and bossy? Could he recognize true love if he saw it in one he deemed below him? With those questions swirling in my mind, The Fates Trilogy was born.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Cerulean Rose took a little over a month to write. I originally envisioned it as a standalone novel, but after weaving in a subtle faith element and reaching an unforeseen conclusion, I realized it was destined to become a trilogy. Part of the fantasy world setting for this novel includes two kingdoms that have a fractured view of God, reducing His divine power into attributes instead of seeing Him as a whole being. I wondered what it would be like if people related to God only through certain traits like love or justice or hope, never connecting them. Then what if God’s messengers went to war because people lost sight of Him as a being and only thought of His attributes as a way of life? Those ideas span the three novels, bringing a conclusion that links the fairy tales and scripture.
Cerulean Rose took a little over a month to write. I originally envisioned it as a standalone novel, but after weaving in a subtle faith element and reaching an unforeseen conclusion, I realized it was destined to become a trilogy. Part of the fantasy world setting for this novel includes two kingdoms that have a fractured view of God, reducing His divine power into attributes instead of seeing Him as a whole being. I wondered what it would be like if people related to God only through certain traits like love or justice or hope, never connecting them. Then what if God’s messengers went to war because people lost sight of Him as a being and only thought of His attributes as a way of life? Those ideas span the three novels, bringing a conclusion that links the fairy tales and scripture.
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
After delving into a multitude of books in this particular literary style, I couldn't resist feeling a surge of creative energy. Fairy tales have always held a special place in my heart. After spending years writing an epic fantasy series—without a doubt, the most difficult project I've tackled so far—I was looking forward to something less complicated. This trilogy, while different from my epic fantasy, still boasts a wealth of complex plot developments and a creative backstory that completely absorbed me in its narratives. I had a blast writing it.
After delving into a multitude of books in this particular literary style, I couldn't resist feeling a surge of creative energy. Fairy tales have always held a special place in my heart. After spending years writing an epic fantasy series—without a doubt, the most difficult project I've tackled so far—I was looking forward to something less complicated. This trilogy, while different from my epic fantasy, still boasts a wealth of complex plot developments and a creative backstory that completely absorbed me in its narratives. I had a blast writing it.
#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
While I don’t like picking favorites… I have to say that Enris, a side-character with a lot of charm, truly stole my heart. He was quite unexpected. So much so that he gets his own story in Scarlet Oak. But, I can’t say too much about him without giving spoilers, so you will just have to trust me that he is complicated and charming. His story arc over the three books was my favorite. Shh—don’t tell the others.
While I don’t like picking favorites… I have to say that Enris, a side-character with a lot of charm, truly stole my heart. He was quite unexpected. So much so that he gets his own story in Scarlet Oak. But, I can’t say too much about him without giving spoilers, so you will just have to trust me that he is complicated and charming. His story arc over the three books was my favorite. Shh—don’t tell the others.
#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
One of the things I hope readers will take away when reading this book is the power of true love. A love that is blessed by the divine. The anchor verse for Cerulean Rose comes from Song of Solomon 2:1-3. But the takeaway I hope readers get from immersing themselves in this story comes from 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
One of the things I hope readers will take away when reading this book is the power of true love. A love that is blessed by the divine. The anchor verse for Cerulean Rose comes from Song of Solomon 2:1-3. But the takeaway I hope readers get from immersing themselves in this story comes from 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done
away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease.
Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know
in part and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete
has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.
More from D.M.
The inspiration behind The Fates Trilogy came after I spent a few years crafting an epic fantasy series called The Illumination Chronicles. I wanted to write something light-hearted and less involved. What began as a simple idea for a single story quickly escalated into a trilogy—all because of the final scene in the first book. Though it isn’t a cliffhanger, my author’s mind grabbed onto the possibilities, and the second book invaded my dreams at night. Then the third. The combination of romance and fantasy was too much fun to stop at writing one book.
The royalty element is what I enjoy most about the stories in this series. Exploring the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, and the unspoken bond of brotherhood, added depth to the otherwise light-hearted stories. In this trilogy, the Christian influence is less pronounced than in my other novels, but the overarching themes of unity and sacrifice reach their peak in the final book.
The characters in The Fates Trilogy struggle with issues that echo Christian values. Some of the issues include the sting of prejudice, the challenge of forgiveness, and the ache of feeling forsaken. Each book dives deeper into those ideas until they culminate in the epic climax in the last story.
However, my main goal in the first book was to ensure that the narrative centered on the theme of love. Fairy tales swirled in my mind during my childhood, weaving vibrant worlds in my imagination. Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales, so it comes as no surprise that those vibes worked their way into this story. Yet, putting my own spin on it, I added depth, intrigue, and instead of glass slippers… a blue rose.
While the vibes of that classic story have found their way into Cerulean Rose, it pulses with its own heartbeat. The faint imprint of a quest for true love feels familiar … but there is so… much…. more.
The royalty element is what I enjoy most about the stories in this series. Exploring the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, and the unspoken bond of brotherhood, added depth to the otherwise light-hearted stories. In this trilogy, the Christian influence is less pronounced than in my other novels, but the overarching themes of unity and sacrifice reach their peak in the final book.
The characters in The Fates Trilogy struggle with issues that echo Christian values. Some of the issues include the sting of prejudice, the challenge of forgiveness, and the ache of feeling forsaken. Each book dives deeper into those ideas until they culminate in the epic climax in the last story.
However, my main goal in the first book was to ensure that the narrative centered on the theme of love. Fairy tales swirled in my mind during my childhood, weaving vibrant worlds in my imagination. Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales, so it comes as no surprise that those vibes worked their way into this story. Yet, putting my own spin on it, I added depth, intrigue, and instead of glass slippers… a blue rose.
While the vibes of that classic story have found their way into Cerulean Rose, it pulses with its own heartbeat. The faint imprint of a quest for true love feels familiar … but there is so… much…. more.
 Demi Griffin | Demi (also D.M. Griffin) Griffin is the author of several novels and has won multiple literary awards. Her novels in The Encounter Series won various Independent Author awards in the category of Religious Fiction. She writes Christian Fantasy, Biblical, and Historical Fiction. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband of over thirty years. She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Demi is giving away the grand prize of
a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Book Looks by Lisa, April 10
Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, April 11
Lily’s Corner, April 12
Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14
Guild Master, April 15 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, April 16
Fiction Book Lover, April 17 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 18
For the Love of Literature, April 19 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, April 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, April 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 22
Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, April 11
Lily’s Corner, April 12
Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14
Guild Master, April 15 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, April 16
Fiction Book Lover, April 17 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 18
For the Love of Literature, April 19 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, April 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, April 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 22
Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)
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