Daughter of Water

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Book 1 of The Verdélian Chronicles
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Pub Date Nov 15 2024 | Archive Date Aug 31 2025

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Description

Twenty years ago, the land of Verdélys was plunged into war when a group of insurrectionist imps rose up to slay the newly born Firstborn, four Verdélian children destined to take up the mantle of the Verdélian royalty.

From her home far to the East in the human village of Hull, such things are unknown to Heidi, a young woman who lives with her parents on the outskirts of town. In Hull, the Verdélia are a myth, a tale of unnatural creatures and witchcraft. A myth, that is, until a peculiar stranger appears at Heidi’s cottage home and coaxes a secret from her father Remi: Heidi is a Verdélian, brought as a child to Hull under desperate circumstances twenty years prior.

Guided by fate, Heidi—who discovers she is one of four members of Verdélian royalty—travels to the magical city of Verdélys, capital of the fabled Verdélia. There she meets the other Firstborn: the outgoing and sociable Gaëtan, the reserved and duty-driven Loïc, and Margot, a young woman born as an imp, but a Firstborn all the same.

Caught up in her new world, Heidi must learn quickly if she is to fulfill her role among the Verdélia. But she soon finds she may be up against more than learning the customs and culture of the Verdélia, for the same forces that orphaned Heidi as a baby are on the move once more…

Twenty years ago, the land of Verdélys was plunged into war when a group of insurrectionist imps rose up to slay the newly born Firstborn, four Verdélian children destined to take up the mantle of...


A Note From the Publisher

Thank you for checking out "Daughter of Water"! This novel is the first in a four-book fantasy series, featuring an immersive world, a compelling slow-burn romance, and a battle of good vs. evil. This has been a passion project for my husband and me (Samuel and Alina), and we're so excited to share it with you. Reviews and feedback are incredibly appreciated as we launch this book into the world. Happy reading!

Thank you for checking out "Daughter of Water"! This novel is the first in a four-book fantasy series, featuring an immersive world, a compelling slow-burn romance, and a battle of good vs. evil...


Advance Praise

"We enjoyed the plot and the many different and complex characters. The heroine, Heidi, is smart and brave, a great role model for girls of all ages. She learns about her true origins and her past, including her heritage as a leader of her people. This book is lots of fun to read out loud together. My husband read it to me before bed each night and we loved it! I appreciated that it was clean and family appropriate. Looking forward to a sequel!"

“A literary achievement in world-building.”

“A dynamic writing style and an epic story that has the potential to excel within the fantasy genre.”

“I read the prologue, and now I’m invested.”

“A very well-conceived and developed plot that included fantastical elements that added to the story effectively.”

“A very well-written fantasy, with an intriguing emphasis on a woman, who is already attuned to some great power, finding herself connected to a mystical race of beings.”

“A.S. Dampt has a unique ability to frame a cast of characters that builds and sustains Heidi’s story.”

“The metropolis of Verdélys was its own character, a city of endless nooks, crannies, and details for the reader to fully become absorbed by.”

“Daughter of Water is a most attractive and immersive fantasy story.”

“It’s got unique ideas! It’s a great read, and I’m looking forward to Book 2 already!”

"We enjoyed the plot and the many different and complex characters. The heroine, Heidi, is smart and brave, a great role model for girls of all ages. She learns about her true origins and her past...


Marketing Plan

50% savings on the ebook, and 30% savings on the paperback... available through direct sales on the author's website. This lasts through February and March of  2025.

50% savings on the ebook, and 30% savings on the paperback... available through direct sales on the author's website. This lasts through February and March of  2025.


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9798991862905
PRICE $23.99 (USD)

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Average rating from 4 members


Featured Reviews

Daughter of Water by A.S. Dampt is a mesmerising fantasy novel that excels in its intricate world-building and immersive storytelling. Set in a richly imagined world where elemental magic and ancient traditions shape the lives of its inhabitants, the novel follows the journey of a young protagonist who discovers her extraordinary connection to the element of water. Dampt crafts a vivid and expansive universe that feels both magical and grounded, drawing readers into a realm where every detail is meticulously thought out.

The world-building in Daughter of Water is nothing short of exceptional. Dampt creates a tapestry of cultures, histories, and landscapes that feel alive and dynamic. From the shimmering, water-filled cities to the rugged, elemental temples, each setting is described with such clarity and depth that it’s easy to lose yourself in the story. The magic system, rooted in the four elements, is both innovative and well-integrated into the world, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The author’s attention to detail extends to the societal structures, myths, and rituals, making the world feel cohesive and fully realised.

The protagonist’s journey is compelling, as she navigates the challenges of her newfound powers and the responsibilities they entail. Her growth is intertwined with the world around her, and Dampt does an excellent job of showing how the environment and culture shape her character. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character contributing to the richness of the story and the world they inhabit.

While the novel’s pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully absorb the intricacies of the world, it never feels sluggish. The plot is driven by a mix of personal discovery, political intrigue, and elemental conflict, keeping the stakes high and the tension palpable. Themes of identity, belonging, and the balance between humanity and nature are explored with nuance, adding depth to the narrative.

In summary, Daughter of Water is a stunning debut that showcases A.S. Dampt’s talent for world-building and storytelling. Fans of epic fantasy and elemental magic will find much to love in this beautifully crafted tale. It’s a book that invites you to dive in and explore its depths, leaving you eager for more from this promising new voice in the genre.

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