Vespera

The Bladed Crest Saga #1

by E.B. Haverly

Life is simple for Vespera.Despite her family being forced into seclusion for her safety, she is thankful for the peace. If only her lifelong, debilitating headaches weren't getting worse. The last thing she wants for her twentieth birthday is to be even more of a burden on her family.When her headaches finally do begin to subside, her eerie pale eyes, blood red hair, and too pale skin are no longer the only things that make Vespera strange. Her reflexes are sharper, her vision and hearing are heightened, and her strength increases tenfold. Vespera doesn't know anything about magic. Besides, magic is illegal.Vespera is used to hiding, though, and with the two kingdoms of Devtera at peace and her headaches are gone,Vespera finally begins to look forward to the future.Hope is always dangerous. When the Prince of Rokellia tries to arrest her, a matching, glowing brand appears on each of their arms, further implicating her guilt. Before the prince can put her in chains, the city is attacked and they are separated. The flames destroy everything of the life Vespera once knew.Full of grief and rage, Vespera vows to avenge her family by whatever means necessary.First, the fanatical militia, the Bloodied Men.And then the entracing Prince Aleron.

Genres: Fantasy

406 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2023

Reviews

[Bre Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the realm of twilight's grace,
Where magic dances, shadows chase,
E.B. Haverly crafts a tale,
Of Vespera, whose heart won’t fail.

A journey swift, impossible to cease,
With every page, my soul found peace,
Through action, adventure, she dares to roam,
In a world after she loses her home.

From doubt's embrace, she starts to rise,
An empowered spirit, fierce and wise,
Through battles faced, her strength shines bright,
Transforming darkness into light.

A love triangle adds to the thrill,
Emotions tangled, hearts that feel
Yet through it all, she finds her way,
Claiming her name at the end of day.

Oh, Vespera, a beacon bold,
With every chapter, your story unfolds,
A tapestry woven with magic and might,
An unforgettable journey into the night.

For those who seek a tale profound,
In Haverly’s words, adventure is found,
With laughter and tears, it sweeps you away,
A tale of empowerment you should get today

[✨ The Autacity ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, this book sweeps you into a whirlwind of action, seamlessly blending moments of high-stakes adventure with rich world-building. The vivid descriptions make the kingdom of Devtera feel alive, with each scene unfolding naturally through Vespera’s eyes. It’s a captivating start to a story that only gets better as it progresses.

While the tragedy of Vespera losing her family and hometown doesn’t hit immediately, it creates an intriguing emotional tension as you journey alongside her. The slow burn of her realization makes the weight of her loss even more profound, especially as she grapples with newfound powers that make her a weapon in her own right.

One element I loved was the mystery surrounding the tea. It adds this subtle, back-of-the-mind intrigue throughout the story, hinting at deeper layers of who Vespera truly is. Though you don’t get all the answers by the end, the anticipation of what’s to come creates an exciting sense of mystery that keeps you hooked.

What really stands out is how well the book balances action and introspection. Vespera’s internal battles with her powers—and the darkness within—are compelling. Watching her grow more confident and independent while struggling to accept herself is both relatable and empowering. Her relationships with other characters, especially the romantic tension with Silas, are beautifully layered. The book explores the dangers of toxic attraction in a raw and real way, while also showing how a healthy relationship is built on stability, safety, and trust.

While the pacing slows in places, the story makes up for it with bursts of intense action and emotional depth that keep you hooked. And if you’re an audiobook fan like me, the narration really shines here, making even the slower sections thoroughly engaging.

The world-building is nothing short of incredible. The environments and magic system are woven in with care, giving you a clear sense of the world without ever feeling bogged down by exposition. The writing is accessible yet immersive, making this book a must-read for fantasy lovers of all kinds.

The plot twist near the end is a perfect setup for book two, and I’m excited to see where Vespera’s journey with the Prince will take her next. This is one fantasy series you’ll want to keep an eye on!

💚⚡️💙

[Heather Veteto · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

First fantasy book I’ve truly enjoyed!

The story line was everything and more!

I’m speechless. Just read it okay, PLEASE 🙏🏻

[Kathleen R. Cuyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vespera by E.B. Haverly is a captivating journey into a fantasy world that feels both magical and incredibly real. The female main character, Vespera, is immensely relatable—the kind of girl many fantasy readers wish they could be. Her family, with their tough love and concern, wins you over from the start. But on Dark Day, everything is about to change, plunging us into an adventure filled with intrigue and danger.

Haverly masterfully allows us to feel and see the world through the green eyes of Vespera. We are tempted by the enigmatic, silver-haired Devium and intrigued by the handsome prince. Yet, it is the little details that make this world so vivid—the scent of herbs, the ocean breeze, the swirl of fabric, and the clash of swords. These sensory details immerse you completely in Vespera's journey.

Thank goodness we have a Book 2 to look forward to. I can't wait to see what Vestiges has in store for us next!

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounding up to 5. Vespera has it all. Magical powers, fantasy, love, hate, a badass FMC and so much more. An amazing debut novel that you will not be able to put down. Vespera is trying to figure out herself and her powers, all while trying to figure out who she can trust. Go grab this book you will not be sorry!!!

[Erytheia Ryn📚🍁 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imma be honest! I read a lot of books and deal with a lot of emotions but normal I can control them better, but this book just literally had me on the edge of my damn seat. Don’t know how many times my gasping or startled sounds made my mom come in asking if I was ok 😂. Kinda wish I had recorded all of my reactions before starting it so you could see just how much this affected me. Towards the end so many turns and plot twist, some I guessed like Silas but some I didn’t like the king Korrelai!! That surprised the hell outa me!! Totally did not see that one coming out left field nor the little secrets about Princely. Now to answer a common question asked since the books been released For now I’m not choosing just yet but I love princely and my heart still like Silas even though I know his a d**k! Vespera is so amazing written, beautiful crafted, down to the character description to the flow of the genuine story line!! In absolute love and awe over this book. E.B. you are a damn good writer and I can’t wait for you to carry me into the next book (still working on getting fn but will let you know 😉)

[Hopeful Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vespera is a unique YA fantasy adventure story. I loved getting to see the main character, Vespera, go through an exciting transformation from who she thought she was, to discover who she truly is. Vespera goes from being a character who doesn't trust herself and looks to others for direction, to someone who is empowered to make her own decisions and claim her destiny. This book has something for everyone. There’s action, adventure, magic, mystery, and a love triangle! In a world where it’s hard to get teenagers to put down their phones and pick up a book, this is the kind of story that will captivate readers and leave them wanting more.

[Cierra Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vespera is a unique YA fantasy adventure story. I like getting to see the main character, Vespera, go through an exciting transformation from who she thought she was, to discover who she truly is. Vespera goes from being a character who is timid, weak, doesn't trust herself and looks to others for direction, to someone who is empowered to make her own decisions and claim her destiny. This book has something for everyone. There’s action, adventure, magic, mystery, and a love triangle 🤔. This is the kind of story that will captivate young readers and leave them wanting more.

[A.K. Trapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book. The story, the lands, the characters, and the twists. It was really hard to put down! I just wanted to keep reading and reading. A few editing things, but what book doesn’t have some of those even traditionally published! Cant wait for book two. A really good fantasy read.
Met this author personally and she was so kind! Really inspired me to work on finishing my first fantasy book!

[Kristin Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read psychological thrillers but I had the pleasure of meeting the author and I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! I was hooked from the first chapter. Vespera is a badass young woman who is trying to figure out who she really is while also dealing with some devastating loses. She has to learn who to trust and find that trust in herself. The characters are very relatable and you often find yourself thinking that this book could easily be set in "today's" world.

[Courtney Deggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING ALL AROUND

Vespera is unique and a fresh breath of air after reading the popular published hits! Indie author E.B. Haverly's writing is smooth as velvet.

Her characters are all amazing and I want to get to know them all!

I can't rave enough about the world building, magic system and really just everything.

Definitely my favorite read of the year, if not more.

[Jaxie Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next! The FMC is quite relatable, I’d say to a lot of women. Wanting to be stronger, wanting to be able to express and be herself. The mystery surrounding the magic in the world is very good. The tension between the characters is so well written it will have you kicking your feet.

[Stephani Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! It sucks you right in & you can't stop. I cannot wait for the next one! I loved Vespera & how she was such a bad*ss. I read it in just over a day. The details painted such a good image to the whole story too I could see everything in my mind so easy. Read it asap!

[Kyra Renee Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like fantasy and don’t want something over the top with language that is hard to understand. This is a good book to read. It kept my interest and I didn’t feel like I was trying to learn another language. The ensuing definitely left me wanting more! I’m so glad book two comes out in a month!

[Emily Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some of the best world building I have ever read!! The writing is excellent and the story is interesting! It is a really fun read and I think if you are just starting to read fantasy this book would be a great start!! 10000% recommend adding this to your TBR!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from page 1. The author does a great job of drawing you into to the characters and their world.

[Tiffany Gadberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait for the next one!!

[Breanna Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I cannot wait for the sequel!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazong book so ready for book 2