Blood and Secrets Unveiled

Vinna Aylin, a fierce underground fighter, has always known she's different—strange markings, bursts of power, and the ability to conjure weapons from thin air. She keeps her secrets close, trusting only Talon, her gruff protector. But when a fight draws the attention of supernatural forces, Vinna's carefully constructed world shatters. The appearance of a predatory stranger in the crowd and the sudden eruption of violence force her to confront the truth: she is not just different, she is hunted. The adrenaline of the ring is replaced by a deeper, more dangerous anticipation—one that will demand every ounce of her strength and cunning.

Monsters in the Shadows

After her victory in the ring, Vinna's world tilts further. She's stalked by red-eyed monsters—lamia, vampire-like beings who seem to want her for reasons she can't fathom. When she stumbles into a hidden battle between supernatural factions, her powers surge uncontrollably, and she's forced to use her conjured weapons to save strangers. The lines between predator and prey blur as Vinna realizes she's not the only one with secrets. Her actions draw the attention of a group of powerful men, and the monsters in the shadows are no longer just nightmares—they're her new reality.

Through the Hidden Veil

A shimmer in the air leads Vinna into a hidden world where magic is real and deadly. She intervenes in a supernatural skirmish, revealing her abilities to a group of paladin—elite magical warriors. The encounter is chaotic and violent, but Vinna's skills and mysterious runes set her apart. The paladin are both threatened and intrigued by her, questioning her origins and the source of her power. For the first time, Vinna is forced to confront the possibility that she is not human, and that her place in this world is more complicated—and dangerous—than she ever imagined.

Magic, Mayhem, and Mistrust

The paladin, led by the abrasive Lachlan, are suspicious of Vinna's ignorance about magic and her unique runes. Tensions flare as Vinna refuses to be intimidated or controlled, clashing with the group's rigid sense of order. Despite their mistrust, they recognize her strength and the threat she poses—to them and to their enemies. Vinna's past is dissected, her painful childhood and the loss of her family laid bare. The paladin's world is one of rules, power, and secrets, and Vinna is an anomaly they can't explain or ignore.

The Paladin Encounter

After a harrowing night, Vinna is swept into the paladin's world. They reveal she is a caster—a witch with rare and powerful magic. Her runes, which appeared on her sixteenth birthday, are unlike anything they've seen. The paladin insist she is underage by caster law and must be claimed by family or guardians until her awakening. Lachlan, revealed as her uncle, claims her, and Vinna is forced to leave her old life behind. She is not welcomed as family, but as a potential weapon or threat, and her journey to the hidden town of Solace begins.

Runes and Revelations

In Solace, Vinna undergoes a beacon spell to confirm her caster status and search for blood relatives. The spell reveals her connection to Lachlan and the paladin, but also that her origins are shrouded in mystery—her mother was not who she thought, and her father, Vaughn, vanished decades ago. The paladin are both relieved and unsettled by her power, and Vinna is left with more questions than answers. Her runes, which grant her weapons and abilities, are a source of fascination and fear. The spell also sends a signal to any living relatives, setting unknown forces in motion.

The Truth About Power

As Vinna settles into her new home, she is introduced to the complex world of casters, paladin, and shifters. She learns about the branches of magic—offensive, defensive, elemental, spell, and healing—and the rare nature of her abilities. The paladin's role as magical enforcers is explained, and Vinna is forced to confront the reality of her underage status and lack of agency. She is both a prize and a problem, her power coveted and feared. The paladin's suspicion and the looming threat of the lamia keep her on edge, and she struggles to find her place in a world that sees her as both asset and anomaly.

Unwanted and Unbound

Despite the paladin's attempts to claim and control her, Vinna refuses to be tamed. She clashes with Lachlan and the elders, asserting her independence and demanding respect. Her relationships with the paladin are fraught with tension, but also moments of connection and understanding. The sisters who manage the house offer her the affection and acceptance she's never known, and Vinna begins to lower her guard. Yet, the threat of the lamia and the paladin's mistrust keep her isolated, and she is haunted by the fear that she will never truly belong.

The Beacon Spell

The beacon spell not only confirms Vinna's magical heritage but also exposes her to new dangers. The spell's signal attracts the attention of enemies, and Vinna is forced to defend herself and her new allies from supernatural attacks. Her combat skills and magical arsenal are put to the test, and she proves herself a formidable warrior. The paladin, witnessing her power firsthand, are both awed and alarmed. The spell also reveals that Vinna's parents are missing, presumed dead or lost, and that she is the last of her line. The sense of being hunted intensifies, and Vinna realizes that her fate is tied to secrets she has yet to uncover.

Family Ties and Fangs

As Vinna delves deeper into her past, she learns that her father, Vaughn, was a paladin who vanished with his coven while hunting a nest of lamia. The lamia, vampire-like predators, have been pursuing Vinna for years, seeking her power for their own ends. The revelation that she is the product of a forbidden union—part of a breeding program to create a powerful weapon—shakes her to the core. Talon, her protector, is revealed to be a lamia who defied his kind to keep her safe. The lines between friend and foe blur, and Vinna is forced to confront the truth about her origins and the enemies who will stop at nothing to claim her.

Claimed and Cornered

The paladin's attempts to control Vinna reach a breaking point, and she is forced to choose between submission and rebellion. Her relationships with the boys of Solace—Bastien, Valen, Knox, Ryker, and Sabin—grow deeper, and she finds herself drawn to them in ways she can't explain. The magical connection between them intensifies, and Vinna discovers that her runes can mark others, binding them to her as Chosen. The paladin and elders see her as a weapon to be wielded or destroyed, but Vinna refuses to be anyone's pawn. She claims her power and her right to choose her own destiny.

The Boys of Solace

In the company of the boys—each with their own strengths, flaws, and secrets—Vinna experiences acceptance, affection, and desire for the first time. Their bond deepens as they train, fight, and laugh together, and Vinna's magic responds to their touch in unexpected ways. The rules of caster society, which allow for polyandrous bonds, offer her the possibility of a family she never imagined. Yet, the threat of the lamia and the paladin's suspicion loom over them, and Vinna must navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and power in a world that is both wondrous and perilous.

New Home, New Rules

As Vinna settles into her new home, she learns the rhythms and rules of Solace—a hidden town of casters and shifters, protected by powerful wards. She trains with the boys, explores her magic, and begins to build a life for herself. The sisters provide warmth and guidance, while the boys offer friendship, passion, and the promise of something more. Yet, danger is never far away. The lamia continue to hunt her, and the paladin's mistrust simmers beneath the surface. Vinna must balance her desire for belonging with the need to protect herself and those she cares about.

Training, Trust, and Touch

Training with the boys pushes Vinna to new limits, both physically and emotionally. Their touch awakens her magic, and the connection between them grows stronger. Each boy brings out a different side of her—Bastien's playfulness, Valen's intensity, Knox's humor, Ryker's gentleness, Sabin's guarded passion. Together, they form a coven unlike any other, bound by magic, trust, and desire. Yet, the threat of betrayal and the weight of Vinna's past hang over them, and she must learn to trust not only her Chosen, but herself.

The Chosen Connection

The magical bond between Vinna and the boys manifests physically—runes appear on their bodies, marking them as her Chosen. This connection grants them new powers and links their minds and emotions. The experience is both exhilarating and terrifying, as Vinna realizes the depth of her power and the responsibility it brings. The boys embrace their roles as her Chosen, but the paladin and elders see the bond as a threat. Vinna must navigate the challenges of love, loyalty, and leadership, forging a new path for herself and her coven.

The Sentinel's Awakening

A fateful reading by the legendary Reader Tearson uncovers the truth: Vinna is the last Sentinel, a lost line of magical royalty with the power to bestow her abilities on her Chosen. Her runes are not just marks of power, but the key to a legacy of protection and sacrifice. The revelation brings both awe and danger—Vinna is now the most coveted and hunted being in the magical world. The paladin and elders must decide whether to protect her or destroy her, and Vinna must embrace her destiny as both weapon and leader.

Betrayal and Bloodlines

The paladin's mistrust and the elders' machinations come to a head, and Vinna is forced to confront the reality that she may never be accepted for who she is. Betrayed by those she hoped would be family, she strikes out on her own, only to be captured by the lamia. In captivity, she discovers the truth about her parents, her origins, and the sacrifices made to keep her safe. Talon, her protector, is revealed to be a lamia who defied his kind for her sake, and his death leaves Vinna shattered. The lines between love and loyalty, power and vulnerability, are blurred forever.

The Lamia's Lair

Imprisoned by the lamia, Vinna must use every ounce of her strength, cunning, and magic to escape. She is forced to confront her deepest fears and the legacy of violence that haunts her bloodline. With the help of unexpected allies, she fights her way to freedom, exacting vengeance on those who sought to use her. The battle is brutal and costly, and Vinna is forever changed by the experience. The loss of Talon and the revelation of her true heritage leave her adrift, but also determined to forge her own path.

Ashes and Aftermath

In the aftermath of battle and loss, Vinna returns to Solace, forever changed. She mourns Talon, spreads his ashes with her sister's, and finds solace in the arms of her Chosen. The paladin and elders must reckon with the consequences of their actions, and Vinna must decide what kind of leader—and weapon—she will be. Surrounded by love, loss, and the promise of a new beginning, Vinna embraces her destiny as the last Sentinel, ready to face whatever comes next.

Characters

Vinna Aylin

Vinna is a young woman forged by trauma, abandonment, and the need to survive. Marked by mysterious runes and gifted with extraordinary magical abilities, she is both weapon and outcast. Her childhood was defined by neglect and abuse, leaving her fiercely independent and slow to trust. Vinna's journey is one of self-discovery—learning to accept her power, her need for connection, and her right to choose her own destiny. Her relationships with the boys of Solace awaken her capacity for love and vulnerability, while her battles with the paladin and lamia force her to confront the darkness within and without. As the last Sentinel, Vinna is both hunted and revered, destined to change the magical world forever.

Lachlan Aylin

Lachlan is Vinna's uncle and the head of the paladin coven. Haunted by the loss of his twin brother, Vaughn, and the disappearance of his coven, Lachlan is driven by duty, suspicion, and grief. He claims Vinna as family, but struggles to accept her power and the threat she represents. His need for control and adherence to tradition put him at odds with Vinna's independence, and their relationship is fraught with tension and misunderstanding. Lachlan's journey is one of learning to balance fear with love, and to see Vinna as more than a weapon or liability.

Bastien Fierro

Bastien is one half of the Fierro twins, known for his humor, warmth, and fierce loyalty. He is a skilled fighter with a deep sense of empathy, able to connect with Vinna on both a physical and emotional level. Bastien's playful exterior hides a core of strength and resilience, shaped by the loss of his parents and the burdens of leadership. As one of Vinna's Chosen, he embraces their bond wholeheartedly, offering her acceptance, affection, and unwavering support.

Valen Fierro

Valen, Bastien's twin, is the more intense and brooding of the pair. He is driven by a need to protect those he loves, and his connection with Vinna is immediate and powerful. Valen's passion and depth make him both a formidable ally and a challenging partner, as he struggles with jealousy, vulnerability, and the weight of expectation. His journey is one of learning to trust, to share, and to embrace the complexities of love and leadership.

Knox

Knox is the easygoing, quick-witted member of the group, known for his humor and ability to diffuse tension. As a spellcaster, he brings versatility and creativity to the coven, and his lighthearted approach helps Vinna find joy amidst chaos. Knox's loyalty and acceptance are unwavering, and he is quick to embrace the magical bond that ties him to Vinna and the others. His journey is one of learning to balance levity with responsibility, and to support his chosen family through both laughter and loss.

Ryker

Ryker is the group's healer, gifted with both magical and emotional sensitivity. He is introspective, artistic, and deeply compassionate, able to see beneath Vinna's defenses to the pain and hope within. Ryker's touch awakens Vinna's magic and her capacity for trust, and their bond is marked by tenderness and mutual healing. His journey is one of learning to assert himself, to claim his place in the coven, and to embrace the power of vulnerability.

Sabin

Sabin is the most reserved and conflicted of the boys, initially resistant to Vinna and the bond they share. His skepticism and need for control mask a deep well of passion and loyalty, and his journey is one of learning to let go of fear and embrace the unknown. Sabin's eventual acceptance of Vinna and their connection is hard-won, and his presence brings balance and depth to the coven.

Talon

Talon is Vinna's first and truest protector, a lamia who defied his kind to keep her safe. His gruff exterior hides a heart full of regret, love, and sacrifice. Talon's past is marked by violence and betrayal, but his devotion to Vinna is unwavering. His death is a profound loss, leaving Vinna both shattered and strengthened by his legacy of love and courage.

Silva

Silva is a member of the paladin coven, known for his defensive magic and strategic mind. He is often the mediator in conflicts, seeking balance between tradition and change. Silva's relationship with Vinna is complex—he is both wary of her power and sympathetic to her struggles. His journey is one of learning to trust, to adapt, and to support the new order Vinna represents.

Keegan

Keegan is the coven's spellcaster and scholar, providing knowledge, guidance, and a calming presence. He is open-minded and compassionate, often serving as a bridge between Vinna and the more rigid members of the paladin. Keegan's journey is one of embracing change, supporting Vinna's growth, and helping to forge a new path for their world.

Plot Devices

Magical Runes and Markings

The runes that appear on Vinna's body are the central plot device, symbolizing her power, heritage, and the mystery of her origins. They grant her weapons, abilities, and the means to mark her Chosen, binding them in a magical and emotional covenant. The runes are both a blessing and a curse, setting her apart and making her a target. Their appearance foreshadows Vinna's true identity as a Sentinel and the legacy she must embrace. The runes also serve as a narrative device for character development, intimacy, and the forging of new bonds.

Reverse Harem and Polyandrous Bonding

The story employs the reverse harem trope, allowing Vinna to form deep, magical bonds with multiple partners. This device explores themes of love, trust, jealousy, and the complexities of chosen family. The polyandrous structure is both a source of power and vulnerability, challenging traditional notions of romance and loyalty. The magical connection between Vinna and her Chosen is both literal and symbolic, representing the strength found in unity and diversity.

Hidden Heritage and Lost Lineage

Vinna's unknown parentage and the disappearance of her family are central mysteries that drive the plot. The search for answers propels her journey, shaping her relationships and her understanding of herself. The revelation that she is the last Sentinel—a lost line of magical royalty—raises the stakes and redefines her role in the magical world. This device allows for exploration of themes of belonging, legacy, and the burden of destiny.

Betrayal and Mistrust

The paladin's mistrust of Vinna, and the elders' fear of her power, create ongoing tension and conflict. Betrayal—both real and perceived—forces Vinna to confront her own worth and the meaning of family. The narrative structure uses these obstacles to test and ultimately strengthen the bonds between Vinna and her Chosen, as well as to critique systems of power and tradition.

Foreshadowing and Prophecy

The story is laced with foreshadowing—ominous warnings, mysterious enemies, and the sense that Vinna's journey is only beginning. The appearance of the lamia, the beacon spell, and the elders' interest in her reading all hint at larger forces at play. The prophecy of the Sentinel's return and the power to change the world set the stage for future conflicts and the evolution of Vinna's role as both weapon and leader.

Analysis

Ivy Asher's The Lost and the Chosen is a bold reimagining of the chosen-one narrative, blending urban fantasy, reverse harem romance, and coming-of-age themes into a story that is both emotionally raw and fiercely empowering. At its core, the novel is about the search for identity and belonging in a world that fears and covets difference. Vinna's journey—from abused outcast to the last Sentinel, surrounded by love and danger—mirrors the struggles of anyone who has felt lost, unwanted, or misunderstood. The magical runes that mark her body are both scars and gifts, symbolizing the ways trauma can shape and empower us. The polyandrous bonds she forms challenge traditional notions of love and family, offering a vision of connection built on choice, trust, and mutual strength. The story's exploration of power—who wields it, who fears it, and who is willing to fight for it—resonates in a world where difference is often met with suspicion. Ultimately, The Lost and the Chosen is a testament to resilience, the transformative power of chosen family, and the courage it takes to claim one's destiny, even when the world would rather see you as a weapon or a threat.

Last updated: September 26, 2025