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Greenville author Stephanie Dean has delved into the fantasy genre with her latest novel, “The Mystic Vial.” Dean’s recent release is a gripping fantasy tale about Chloe, a young woman who must reverse a powerful hex before her family’s fate is sealed.

Dean, who began writing as a teenager, is best known for her children’s books and murder mysteries but now ventures into the realm of fantasy.

“I never thought I would write a fantasy book,” Dean said. “I never even read fantasy books, but once I started, I fell in love with it. It was just so much fun to write… every person and creature in my life was an inspiration. Even my cat.”

A recent media release describes how the novel begins when Chloe receives a mysterious vial from her grandmother. The vial accidentally releases a curse, and Chloe’s family is transformed as danger lurks within their own home. She must undo the spell before her uncle and his husband act on their deadly plan to claim her grandmother’s fortune.

The novel, Dean says, draws from her own personal experiences and observations.

“It was actually inspired by some family drama that went on,” she explained. “One of my family members was, like, ‘You should write a book about it.’ Then one day, I was looking at a perfume bottle my grandmother had given me. It was absolutely beautiful but I could not open it.”

Originally from Willard, New Mexico, Dean now resides in Greenville, where her husband settled after retiring from the military. Her earlier works include “Abby and the Fabulous Clubhouse” and “Buster’s Braces,” both inspired by Greenville life.

While “The Mystic Vial” is primarily aimed at adult readers, Dean notes it’s also suitable for young adults and older teenagers. The book is the first in a planned trilogy, with a prequel and sequel currently in development.

Readers can find “The Mystic Vial” at bookstores nationwide or online through the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play and Barnes & Noble.