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jessmjduncan's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I'll give this a one-star rating because I think the concept of a hidden city is interesting and with more development, this book could have been good. The sex scenes honestly felt like there was a lot of dubious consent and then the final scene includes revenge sex that the FMC isn't aware is revenge sex which is tbh super rape-y and IMO would read this as sexual assault, personally and I felt like it needed a trigger warning. I didn't like the MMC or the FMC or their relationship and was just generally disappointed considering how 3 separate booktokers raved about it. Also there was like zero reason for them to be fae like they could have just been humans with powers and it honestly would have been the same book. Also for a fantasy book, she's wearing a literal crop top at one point and it threw me out of the entire book entirely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
mzquirk's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, Death, Child death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Blood
Minor: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, War, Torture, and Sexual harassment
ashboutiette's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Murder, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Toxic relationship
paperbacksandsnacks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I finished this book, immediately tried to download and start reading the second and got my heartbroken when I realised it’s not out until July. Excuse me, miss Holly Renee but I cannot simply wait. That cliffhanger?! I am screamingggg.
Dacre and his dirty talk deserve an award. I was blushing. I need to look up some fanart of this man when I’m done writing this review (no, I won’t take questions as to why at this time) and frankly I hope it’s everything I’m dreaming of. The jealousy, the possession? Run and read it right now.
The world building was subtle, and therefore not overwhelming which is kind of refreshing for a fantasy read. I am intrigued to see where the story itself goes especially with how it ended. But the characters were sublime. Pacing was fast. I read this book in one sitting it was so addictive! The hype for this didn’t let me down.
I have a lot of questions and can’t wait to see how they’re answered. I’m already buzzing to see where the next book goes and be reunited with all these characters.
Dacre and his dirty talk deserve an award. I was blushing. I need to look up some fanart of this man when I’m done writing this review (no, I won’t take questions as to why at this time) and frankly I hope it’s everything I’m dreaming of. The jealousy, the possession? Run and read it right now.
The world building was subtle, and therefore not overwhelming which is kind of refreshing for a fantasy read. I am intrigued to see where the story itself goes especially with how it ended. But the characters were sublime. Pacing was fast. I read this book in one sitting it was so addictive! The hype for this didn’t let me down.
I have a lot of questions and can’t wait to see how they’re answered. I’m already buzzing to see where the next book goes and be reunited with all these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Confinement, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol and War
readinginvelaris's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Minor: Violence
dearhaleynicole's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN... If Holly Renee has a million fans, I am one of them. If Holly has ten fans, I am one of them. If Holly has only one fan, it's me. If Holly has no fans, that means I have been unalived.
Holly knows how to write the best spice out there, people. At least I think so. I have now read a handful of books from various series by her and I can confidently say she is an auto-buy author for me!
It's hard for any Holly Renee-written couple to top Evren & Adara in my heart, but let me tell you Dacre & Nyra got me feeling some type of way ✨🗡️ I loved their banter so much. It turned out to be a little bit more of a slow burn to me than Kingdom of Stars & Shadows Book 1 was for me and I wasn't upset one bit by that! Excited to see where things lead from here now for our MCs, so I guess I'll just have to read more...*wink wink*
This new The Veiled Kingdom series already has me in a chokehold 👀 The world, the magic, the characters, the plot twists, the nicknames ("little traitor," hehe), THE 🍷 SCENE !! Everything about this book was fantastic for me. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book (thank goodness it comes out middle of this year because I would not be able to wait much longer than that 🖤)
Side note: If you are a Xaden Riorson girlie, read this book! Dacre was giving MAJOR Wingleader vibes imo
Holly knows how to write the best spice out there, people. At least I think so. I have now read a handful of books from various series by her and I can confidently say she is an auto-buy author for me!
It's hard for any Holly Renee-written couple to top Evren & Adara in my heart, but let me tell you Dacre & Nyra got me feeling some type of way ✨🗡️ I loved their banter so much. It turned out to be a little bit more of a slow burn to me than Kingdom of Stars & Shadows Book 1 was for me and I wasn't upset one bit by that! Excited to see where things lead from here now for our MCs, so I guess I'll just have to read more...*wink wink*
This new The Veiled Kingdom series already has me in a chokehold 👀 The world, the magic, the characters, the plot twists, the nicknames ("little traitor," hehe), THE 🍷 SCENE !! Everything about this book was fantastic for me. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book (thank goodness it comes out middle of this year because I would not be able to wait much longer than that 🖤)
Side note: If you are a Xaden Riorson girlie, read this book! Dacre was giving MAJOR Wingleader vibes imo
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Child death
pauinha6's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
I had higher expectations i guess, after having read the Kingdom of Stars and Shadows series.
In comparison this felt rushed, less developed characters.
I love me a gray af mmc but Dacre was not it for me.
All their interactions felt very…… cohersed. And yes, she wanted it. But she also didn’t. She was conflicted and he was in a position of power and I am a firm believer in enthusiatic consent!
Yes, i know, it’s fiction. And we ignore the red flags because it’s safe when it’s not real. But it just felt wrong with Dacre 🤷🏻♀️ sorry.
Evren will always have my heart but that last chapter only made me feel like i was right all along.
I will read book 2, i think. But i had high expectations and was let down.
In comparison this felt rushed, less developed characters.
I love me a gray af mmc but Dacre was not it for me.
All their interactions felt very…… cohersed. And yes, she wanted it. But she also didn’t. She was conflicted and he was in a position of power and I am a firm believer in enthusiatic consent!
Yes, i know, it’s fiction. And we ignore the red flags because it’s safe when it’s not real. But it just felt wrong with Dacre 🤷🏻♀️ sorry.
Evren will always have my heart but that last chapter only made me feel like i was right all along.
I will read book 2, i think. But i had high expectations and was let down.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child death, Infertility, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Bullying, Confinement, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
sienasummerrreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
"I have been starved, Nyra. Until you.”
This follows Nyra who is on the run from the wicked king and cruelty she was handed in the palace in Marmoris Kingdom. After managing to escape she is now in the firing line of the rebels who live in the Hidden City that the King can not find. It's either be killed by the rebels or hide among the shadows to protect herself at all costs but everything changes when she meets the ruthless commander's son named Dacre.
This was a fantastic start to a series. The characters and world were easy to follow and understand. The enemies-to-lovers element was delicious as the tension and challenging each other was so much fun. Dacre is tough, fearless and dominant as a leader, as one would have to be in his position. Under all the hard layers you can see a little light but it didn't crack in this book. I can't wait to see his development in the next book. Love Nyra she may be weak but I find her a strong and brave force who is just trying to live. Even the side characters and storylines I loved.
With a side character, I love I have a pressing question that has been on my mind who did Wren take to their room?! Who is Wren seeing?! I'm nosy I need answers. 😂 Did I miss this?!
Overall fantastic start to a new series looking forward to the next book in July!
If you love:
🔹Adult Fantasy Romance
🔹Enemies To Lovers
🔹Forbidden
🔹One Bed
🔹Secret Identity
🔹Fantastic Tension and Spice
Genre/Type: Fantasy Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 283
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶
Series or Stand Alone: First Book In The Veiled Kingdom Series
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Forbidden, One Bed, Secret Identity, Found Family, Slow Burn, Magic System, Princess, Healers, Possessive MMC, Jealousy, Lies, Tension, Angst, Scars, Who Did That To You, Mine, Cliffhanger, Alcohol, Violence, Cursing, Sexual Content, Praise and Dirty Talk
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This follows Nyra who is on the run from the wicked king and cruelty she was handed in the palace in Marmoris Kingdom. After managing to escape she is now in the firing line of the rebels who live in the Hidden City that the King can not find. It's either be killed by the rebels or hide among the shadows to protect herself at all costs but everything changes when she meets the ruthless commander's son named Dacre.
This was a fantastic start to a series. The characters and world were easy to follow and understand. The enemies-to-lovers element was delicious as the tension and challenging each other was so much fun. Dacre is tough, fearless and dominant as a leader, as one would have to be in his position. Under all the hard layers you can see a little light but it didn't crack in this book. I can't wait to see his development in the next book. Love Nyra she may be weak but I find her a strong and brave force who is just trying to live. Even the side characters and storylines I loved.
With a side character, I love I have a pressing question that has been on my mind who did Wren take to their room?! Who is Wren seeing?! I'm nosy I need answers. 😂 Did I miss this?!
Overall fantastic start to a new series looking forward to the next book in July!
If you love:
🔹Adult Fantasy Romance
🔹Enemies To Lovers
🔹Forbidden
🔹One Bed
🔹Secret Identity
🔹Fantastic Tension and Spice
Genre/Type: Fantasy Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 283
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶
Series or Stand Alone: First Book In The Veiled Kingdom Series
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Forbidden, One Bed, Secret Identity, Found Family, Slow Burn, Magic System, Princess, Healers, Possessive MMC, Jealousy, Lies, Tension, Angst, Scars, Who Did That To You, Mine, Cliffhanger, Alcohol, Violence, Cursing, Sexual Content, Praise and Dirty Talk
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Alcohol, Violence, and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent
bookheathens's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I'd give it more if could)
Pure Romantasy Magic!
Diving into Holly Renee's latest release felt like coming home to a world where enchantment thrives, and excitement awaits at every turn. Surrounded by friends who, like me, are avid fans of Holly’s writing and storytelling, I dove STRAIGHT into this new world.
Right from the start, I was hooked on the characters, their struggles, and the intricate plot, which seamlessly blended fantasy and romance into a spellbinding tale.
Narrated through the eyes of Nyra and Dacre, the story unfolds with a magnetic pull, drawing readers into a realm where a runaway princess without magic and a morally complex rebel collide in a whirlwind of intrigue and passion.
Nyra embodies everything I adore in a fantasy heroine – resilient, flawed, and unapologetically herself. Her journey from sheltered royalty to a formidable warrior navigating the complexities of her newfound reality had me rooting for her every step of the way.
And Dacre... oh, Dacre! 😮💨😮💨 With his irresistible charm and mysterious demeanor, he effortlessly stole every scene he graced. His internal conflicts and unwavering convictions added depth to his character, making each interaction with Nyra an electrifying exchange of wit and desire.
The banter between Nyra and Dacre crackled with tension, leaving me DYING for them to admit their undeniable chemistry. (Slow burns, amirite?)
BUT THE ENDING?! My mouth was agape. I wanted to cry?! In true Holly Renee fashion, she wrote one hell of a cliffhanger.
In summary, Holly Renee's latest masterpiece flawlessly weaves together tropes like enemies-to-lovers, royal intrigue, and hidden identities, delivering a captivating tale that will leave readers spellbound and desperate for more.
Huge thanks to Holly Renee and Valentine PR for providing an ARC in exchange for this review. My love for Renee's storytelling knows no bounds, and I can't wait to embark on the next adventure in this enchanting series.
Pure Romantasy Magic!
Diving into Holly Renee's latest release felt like coming home to a world where enchantment thrives, and excitement awaits at every turn. Surrounded by friends who, like me, are avid fans of Holly’s writing and storytelling, I dove STRAIGHT into this new world.
Right from the start, I was hooked on the characters, their struggles, and the intricate plot, which seamlessly blended fantasy and romance into a spellbinding tale.
Narrated through the eyes of Nyra and Dacre, the story unfolds with a magnetic pull, drawing readers into a realm where a runaway princess without magic and a morally complex rebel collide in a whirlwind of intrigue and passion.
Nyra embodies everything I adore in a fantasy heroine – resilient, flawed, and unapologetically herself. Her journey from sheltered royalty to a formidable warrior navigating the complexities of her newfound reality had me rooting for her every step of the way.
And Dacre... oh, Dacre! 😮💨😮💨 With his irresistible charm and mysterious demeanor, he effortlessly stole every scene he graced. His internal conflicts and unwavering convictions added depth to his character, making each interaction with Nyra an electrifying exchange of wit and desire.
The banter between Nyra and Dacre crackled with tension, leaving me DYING for them to admit their undeniable chemistry. (Slow burns, amirite?)
BUT THE ENDING?! My mouth was agape. I wanted to cry?! In true Holly Renee fashion, she wrote one hell of a cliffhanger.
In summary, Holly Renee's latest masterpiece flawlessly weaves together tropes like enemies-to-lovers, royal intrigue, and hidden identities, delivering a captivating tale that will leave readers spellbound and desperate for more.
Huge thanks to Holly Renee and Valentine PR for providing an ARC in exchange for this review. My love for Renee's storytelling knows no bounds, and I can't wait to embark on the next adventure in this enchanting series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent
jlove731's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Child death