The Floating Gardens of Taiyual

The Floating Gardens of Taiyual bloom only once every thousand years, and they’re Jinna Sersi’s only hope. As an exile, Jinna is banned from the cities of Stellaris, left to fend for herself in the dangerous wilds of the Rift. Her sister has died, and without her protection, Jinna won’t survive on her own. She hardly knows how to use her fern soulseed’s magic, and she’s never been alone before.  Signing up for the Hunt—the Emperor’s contest to find the Floating Gardens—is Jinna’s last, desperate chance to shed her exile status and fulfill her sister’s last wish. To win, she’ll have to venture deep into the Rift, beat the strongest mages in the nation, and find the entrance to a place half of Stellaris thinks is a legend. With a mercenary-turned-thief and a lazy court diviner by her side, though, she might have a chance.  ★ What to expect: atmospheric/slowburn fantasy, a unique plant-based magic system, lots of worldbuilding, and a good heaping of banter. Releases weekly on Tuesdays for September.  [winner of the October 2025 Royal Road Writathon challenge]