Lies of the Mind
The most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves…
A mind reader must stop a child kidnapper without revealing her full powers. This fantasy novella is perfect for fans of:
- Twisty mysteries in the vein of Knives Out
- Social deduction games like Mafia, Among Us, or One Night Werewolf
- Medieval aesthetics with a superhero upgrade
“Lies of the Mind is a tight story of earnest characters struggling with different interpretations of “best for all,” something that resonates with today's reader. A fun entry to the upcoming series!”
Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Award-winning author of The Shard of Elan
About This Fantasy Mystery
When the gods gave her mind-sight, Sian believed she could use it to help others. She wasn’t prepared for how many friends she’d lose once they realized what she knew about them.
So she hid it.
For a year now, she has walked carefully among the legendary order of Heralds. She keeps her head down. Follows the Code. Pretends she could only read minds through touch.
Then orphans begin disappearing. And Sian discovers a terrifying truth: Someone inside the Heralds is kidnapping them.
When the ruling council refuses to act, Sian hunts for the truth in secret. But the deeper she searches, the more she risks exposing her secret and losing all the relationships she’s worked to build.
Featuring Interior Illustrations…
…because unique fantasy worlds deserve to be visually brought to life
Explore the Dilemmas of Medieval Superheroes
Mind reading may seem to make investigations easy. But sometimes, knowing the truth isn’t enough to fix the problem.
Especially when you don’t have the power you need to protect people yourself.
- When you see injustice, but authorities are afraid of who might be incriminated…what are your options?
- Is it ever acceptable to push ethical boundaries to stop someone dangerous?
These stories were written for anyone who’s tried to act with integrity in a broken world. For the times when doing the right thing isn’t as easy as punching a bad guy or blowing up a magical skybeam.
Preorder Bonus: Order Direct from Josiah to Also Get a Mini Manila Folder with Sian’s Case Files
Immerse yourself in the story world with…
- A suspect reference sheet
- Evidence files
- Sian’s private case notes
All packaged in a classy mini folder and available to anyone who purchases direct from the author!
Discover Which Medieval Superhero is Hiding a Double Life
“Sian is the kind of hero I love–flawed and vulnerable while still possessing inner strength and the determination to do what’s right. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing, and the vivid setting added its own delightful layer of tension to the story. Superhero fans, don’t miss Lies of the Mind!”
Kim Vandel
Author of Into the Fire
About the Author
Josiah DeGraaf taught high school English for four years in the small North Carolina town that inspired the Andy Griffith show. After helping high schoolers enjoy Homer and Austen, he moved to small town Pennsylvania, where he currently resides as a writer and writing teacher. He is the Program Director of The Young Writer’s Workshop.
Outside of work and writing, he enjoys engaging in lively intellectual discussions, playing board games, hiking to gorgeous overlooks, and hanging out with his eight younger siblings.
Praise for the Chronicles of Morshan
“When you give all-too-real characters staggering powers, what do you get? You get Visions of Grandeur and a sweaty reader on the edge of their seat.”
Daeus Lamb
Author of The Songkiller’s Symphony
“This collection journeys through the labyrinth of human nature, and raises better questions than are initially asked. For seekers of adventure and truth, the world of Morshan is for you.”
Katherine Briggs
Author of The Eternity Gate
Additional Book Resources
Technical Publishing Details
Title: A Study of Shattered Spells
ISBNs:
- ISBN: 978-1-966510-06-2 (special edition)
- ISBN: 978-1-966510-05-5 (paperback)
- ISBN: 978-1-966510-07-9 (ebook)
Publisher: Andreia Press (Ambridge, PA)
Publication Date: November 17, 2026
BISAC Subject Codes:
- FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
- FICTION / Christian / Fantasy
- FICTION / Fantasy / General
- FICTION / Fantasy / Epic
- MYSTERY / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
