What do you think?
Rate this book
Severed Echoes
In the idyllic mountain town of Ventane, a portal to Hell swirls beneath the steam of a hotel hot tub.
Meg, a woman whose mind harbors secrets even she's unaware of, has left her home behind for a lucrative career opportunity. Both breadwinner and burden for her family, she's propelled forward by her desire to pay back a debt she's owed since childhood - but she finds her life abruptly yanked off-course by Soren, a man haunted by a legacy of family misdeeds.
Centuries ago, Soren's ancestors found a way to harness otherworldly power, and in doing so trapped an entire town in a cycle of perpetual violence. An outsider in his own twisted kingdom, Soren has finally found a way to free himself and his people from the sins of his family, and he's prepared to do anything to make things right - even if it means sacrificing one last, innocent life.
Vaelgor was judge, jury, and executioner in his home dimension, an alien realm where karma and consequence are physical forces. In our world, he is driven to punish and reward the people whose deeds he calculates like equations. But he hasn't quite mastered the enigmatic ethics of humans, who are still so foreign to him after all his centuries among them - until he meets Meg, who changes everything.
As Meg is drawn into a cosmic dance where logic is inseparable from magic, she grapples with a tug-of-war within her own psyche and finds herself at odds with the very physics of the universe - her own, and others. "Severed Echoes" is the first volume in The Veil Duet, a gothic nightmare of romance and suspense, where absolution and guilt are two sides of the same coin - a coin that has the power to purchase anything...
...If you can bring yourself to sacrifice everything.
Meg, a woman whose mind harbors secrets even she's unaware of, has left her home behind for a lucrative career opportunity. Both breadwinner and burden for her family, she's propelled forward by her desire to pay back a debt she's owed since childhood - but she finds her life abruptly yanked off-course by Soren, a man haunted by a legacy of family misdeeds.
Centuries ago, Soren's ancestors found a way to harness otherworldly power, and in doing so trapped an entire town in a cycle of perpetual violence. An outsider in his own twisted kingdom, Soren has finally found a way to free himself and his people from the sins of his family, and he's prepared to do anything to make things right - even if it means sacrificing one last, innocent life.
Vaelgor was judge, jury, and executioner in his home dimension, an alien realm where karma and consequence are physical forces. In our world, he is driven to punish and reward the people whose deeds he calculates like equations. But he hasn't quite mastered the enigmatic ethics of humans, who are still so foreign to him after all his centuries among them - until he meets Meg, who changes everything.
As Meg is drawn into a cosmic dance where logic is inseparable from magic, she grapples with a tug-of-war within her own psyche and finds herself at odds with the very physics of the universe - her own, and others. "Severed Echoes" is the first volume in The Veil Duet, a gothic nightmare of romance and suspense, where absolution and guilt are two sides of the same coin - a coin that has the power to purchase anything...
...If you can bring yourself to sacrifice everything.
- GenresFantasy
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2024
6 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 19, 2024
4.5
Anya Dylan's debut is a sharp thing, couching cunning questions of consciousness in what on the outset seems like any modern kidnapping/bad boy romance, but quickly jettisons that to look at the situation more intelligently and surreally. The back and forth between the multiple perspectives makes this excellent dynamic of influence, intention, perception and lies all the more engaging. The writing is well balanced, concise when it needs to be, but Dylan allows it to flourish into these resplendent vistas when needed, leading to some awesome gnarly imagery, and some of the best passages of the work.
Only a couple of fairly small and pretty subjective things stand in my way. The arc of the plot is a patterned and repetitive one - at least until the shit hits the fan - with characters taking the same actions again and again. A little hard to avoid with the way the plot's set up, so not a big one. Moreover in order to keep things snappy and moving, Dylan's very smartly done away with a lot of exposition and scene setting, letting you gather things by context and letting trivia and lore be a silly shrug to what is. To my taste though, I could've used more of the intra-scene description - particularly of character. The character's actions and mentalities are well formulated and complex, but I don't have anywhere near the same sense of their physicality - what do they look like, how do they move. One important character, a main antagonistic force is just a total blank to me, when they should loom much larger over proceedings.
Lastly though, I just wanted more - not a complaint at all, and I view the 'the veil duet book 1' subtitle very greedily. The book evolves into this complex horror thriller that by the end has laid so many fascinating cards on the table that it's a shame we don't get to see them played out- the most interesting character and dynamic in the book only gets a few short chapters before the thing is over, and there's just so much more here to explore.
If a weird blend of romance/horror/thriller sounds like your thing, this is highly recommended. Read it and then join me in nagging the author for the sequel, quick!
Anya Dylan's debut is a sharp thing, couching cunning questions of consciousness in what on the outset seems like any modern kidnapping/bad boy romance, but quickly jettisons that to look at the situation more intelligently and surreally. The back and forth between the multiple perspectives makes this excellent dynamic of influence, intention, perception and lies all the more engaging. The writing is well balanced, concise when it needs to be, but Dylan allows it to flourish into these resplendent vistas when needed, leading to some awesome gnarly imagery, and some of the best passages of the work.
Only a couple of fairly small and pretty subjective things stand in my way. The arc of the plot is a patterned and repetitive one - at least until the shit hits the fan - with characters taking the same actions again and again. A little hard to avoid with the way the plot's set up, so not a big one. Moreover in order to keep things snappy and moving, Dylan's very smartly done away with a lot of exposition and scene setting, letting you gather things by context and letting trivia and lore be a silly shrug to what is. To my taste though, I could've used more of the intra-scene description - particularly of character. The character's actions and mentalities are well formulated and complex, but I don't have anywhere near the same sense of their physicality - what do they look like, how do they move. One important character, a main antagonistic force is just a total blank to me, when they should loom much larger over proceedings.
Lastly though, I just wanted more - not a complaint at all, and I view the 'the veil duet book 1' subtitle very greedily. The book evolves into this complex horror thriller that by the end has laid so many fascinating cards on the table that it's a shame we don't get to see them played out- the most interesting character and dynamic in the book only gets a few short chapters before the thing is over, and there's just so much more here to explore.
If a weird blend of romance/horror/thriller sounds like your thing, this is highly recommended. Read it and then join me in nagging the author for the sequel, quick!
July 5, 2024
This was great. Engaging, creative, atmospheric, creepy, layered, but also just really fun to read. It took me by surprise more than once, and I found myself conflicted about who I could or should be rooting for.
The characters are never quite who you imagine they’ll be, and neither is the book a as whole. A delicious genre blend of stuff that I enjoy.
Can’t wait to see where this goes in book 2.
The characters are never quite who you imagine they’ll be, and neither is the book a as whole. A delicious genre blend of stuff that I enjoy.
Can’t wait to see where this goes in book 2.
January 4, 2025
This was an unexpected delight. So dark and brutal and poignant. About our own inner turmoil and regrets and how we characterize others through the prism of our own self image. And inter-dimensional portals in hotel hot tubs. Well-written and atmospheric and just plain weird! Interested to see how the second installment goes and where it takes the story.
June 30, 2024
4.5
This book was really awesome. A satisfying blend of portal fantasy, horror, thriller, and maybe some science fiction? The story is paced extremely well and slowly picks up steam throughout. It is very tightly plotted. The characters are super intriguing and were never quite what I expected them to be. The exploration and dynamics of captivity, abduction, and agency were what stole the show for me. The layers added to the themes were awesome it extends from seemingly one character to way more than you would expect. This book was tense, strange, and unique. I am pumped to see the follow up.
This book was really awesome. A satisfying blend of portal fantasy, horror, thriller, and maybe some science fiction? The story is paced extremely well and slowly picks up steam throughout. It is very tightly plotted. The characters are super intriguing and were never quite what I expected them to be. The exploration and dynamics of captivity, abduction, and agency were what stole the show for me. The layers added to the themes were awesome it extends from seemingly one character to way more than you would expect. This book was tense, strange, and unique. I am pumped to see the follow up.
September 10, 2025
Thriller, horror, fantasy, cognitive science fiction, trolley problem, free will, normative ethics, humor, experimental writing, fast pace, I basically read this in one day once I got in the groove. If you listen to music while you read I recommend the Westworld soundtrack even though this book approaches some of the stuff Westworld plays with (and plenty that it doesn't) with much more of a biological basis and general care and authenticity. It's not just the ideas that got me hyped, I was in the perfect intersection of emotional investment and having no idea what to root for. Usually it takes a bigger scope or cast to get 5 stars from me but the highly personal focus of the book is very important to making it work.
Please read this!!
Please read this!!
June 10, 2024
I think this was great. It started well, momentum gradually grew and from the halfway point it’s a twisted, thoughtful ride. The writing just got better and better as the story came together, thematic parallels became evident and the characters’ inner workings were revealed. The prose becomes more descriptive and creative as the book goes on and it only ever complements the scene. Most especially though, and this is to my taste, it’s a fun, surprising story with no filler that manages to not feel rushed. Pretty hard to pull off I imagine but tends to result in addictive pacing and that was the case here. The aspects that seemed similar to things i’ve read before tended to go in very unexpected directions but never in the signposted “look ma, i’m subverting tropes!” way that some books seem to go for. It all builds to a satisfying conclusion with plenty of broccoli on the stalk for the second entry.
July 6, 2024
I had a great time with this debut novel, and for a debut I was very impressed by the vividness of the prose in many sections of the book, thematic depth, and overall distinct vibes. I felt Anya Dylan really thought out the motivations for all the characters on a very in depth level that made me at least feel empathetic towards very flawed characters even if I didn’t agree with their actions. On a personal note, I also appreciated a lot of accounting references too!
I can’t really think of too many downsides other than maybe it got a little repetitious in the middle with a lot of exposition at times. I would say if you love shows like American Horror Story or dark romance vibes and even books that just challenge your way of thinking and perspective on the world for sure check this book out!
I can’t really think of too many downsides other than maybe it got a little repetitious in the middle with a lot of exposition at times. I would say if you love shows like American Horror Story or dark romance vibes and even books that just challenge your way of thinking and perspective on the world for sure check this book out!
September 23, 2025
88/100
Paranormal thriller dark romance portal fantasy sci-fi horror. Primed for a booktok blowup. Need I say more. Read it or you’re a loser
Paranormal thriller dark romance portal fantasy sci-fi horror. Primed for a booktok blowup. Need I say more. Read it or you’re a loser
July 8, 2024
Amazing.
I have not been this entranced by a book in a long time. I felt an internal longing anytime I had to put it down; which was not often, as I devoured this story quite swiftly.
The plotting and pacing of this book was done at a very high level. This story grips you quickly and does not let go. My anxiety spiked multiple times in the first 30 pages and I questioned my body's ability sustain this anxious feeling without something internal busting or rupturing from the strees.
Luckily, the story progressed and no longer was my heartbeat quickened. Fear gave birth to intrigue. A new emotion had me flipping pages with reckless abandon. This book is so easily digestible. I want more. I crave more.
I can think of no greater praise/compliment to give the author than this - you wrote a book that I could not put down and left me wanting more. Thank you for this gift.
I have not been this entranced by a book in a long time. I felt an internal longing anytime I had to put it down; which was not often, as I devoured this story quite swiftly.
The plotting and pacing of this book was done at a very high level. This story grips you quickly and does not let go. My anxiety spiked multiple times in the first 30 pages and I questioned my body's ability sustain this anxious feeling without something internal busting or rupturing from the strees.
Luckily, the story progressed and no longer was my heartbeat quickened. Fear gave birth to intrigue. A new emotion had me flipping pages with reckless abandon. This book is so easily digestible. I want more. I crave more.
I can think of no greater praise/compliment to give the author than this - you wrote a book that I could not put down and left me wanting more. Thank you for this gift.
March 17, 2025
I thought this is a solid 4 star book, and for her first book, Anya Dylan did a fantastic job. I was hooked by the end of the first couple chapters and it held my interest the whole time. I did not know any of the premise of this book before reading and due to the quick pace and length, I think it works.
The good: Prose was easily comprehended and easy to read quickly. Plot did have some twists and turns and kept it interesting. Also, a couple of times I audibly gasped or blurted out "what is happening right now?!?!". Pace was also quick, with shorter chapters that allowed for the "one more chapter" kind of moments as I was reading. For me, that's a good book.
The iffy: If you want super deep character or world building like in a lot of epic fantasy, this won't scratch that itch. To be clear, the lore and characters are absolutely not bad, but in a book this length, there's not enough pages to really go bonkers in either of these areas. You spend your time mainly with 2 POVs and learn just enough to understand what is happening and why. Again, fitting for this book.
The bad: Nothing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Other: I was not sure how the book was going to end, and it surprised me that this was going to be part of a series, appears to be a duet based on Goodreads. Up until the literal last couple of pages, I thought it was going to be a standalone.
Last thought: I encourage people to pick this up, it's quick and no nonsense and I wager most people will enjoy it or at least think it's worthwhile. I hope Dylan keeps writing as I'll definitely get her next book. Thank you Anya Dylan!!
If you want more recommends or ideas, I heard of Severed Echoes via Jimmy Nutts (https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasynu...) on Booktube, and I'm very glad it was noted and recommended. I'd also say, take a look at his content for a lot of other books that may or may not be in your wheelhouse.
The good: Prose was easily comprehended and easy to read quickly. Plot did have some twists and turns and kept it interesting. Also, a couple of times I audibly gasped or blurted out "what is happening right now?!?!". Pace was also quick, with shorter chapters that allowed for the "one more chapter" kind of moments as I was reading. For me, that's a good book.
The iffy: If you want super deep character or world building like in a lot of epic fantasy, this won't scratch that itch. To be clear, the lore and characters are absolutely not bad, but in a book this length, there's not enough pages to really go bonkers in either of these areas. You spend your time mainly with 2 POVs and learn just enough to understand what is happening and why. Again, fitting for this book.
The bad: Nothing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Other: I was not sure how the book was going to end, and it surprised me that this was going to be part of a series, appears to be a duet based on Goodreads. Up until the literal last couple of pages, I thought it was going to be a standalone.
Last thought: I encourage people to pick this up, it's quick and no nonsense and I wager most people will enjoy it or at least think it's worthwhile. I hope Dylan keeps writing as I'll definitely get her next book. Thank you Anya Dylan!!
If you want more recommends or ideas, I heard of Severed Echoes via Jimmy Nutts (https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasynu...) on Booktube, and I'm very glad it was noted and recommended. I'd also say, take a look at his content for a lot of other books that may or may not be in your wheelhouse.
November 21, 2024
Severed Echos is Anya Dylan's solid debut novel. It grabbed my attention from the first chapter. I knew that this was a story in the weird fiction genre, but based on some of the author's reading preferences in this style, I was surprised that it most closely reminded me of Clive Barker.
Though I enjoyed my time with the story some things held it back for me. I didn't always find how Meg's seeming Stockholm syndrome was portrayed, and I also wish that another aspect of Meg's psychology was fleshed out more. Another thing I think the author could have done to flesh out the book and add more flavor and world-building would have been either the addition of vignettes depicting some of the history of Soren's sinister family tree or selections of the journal entries Meg read on the family. Providing the reader with more on Soren's family history and the influence they wielded would have given the story a bit more character and pushed the book to another level for me.
That being said, Severed Echoes was a fast-paced read that grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it to the end.
Though I enjoyed my time with the story some things held it back for me. I didn't always find how Meg's seeming Stockholm syndrome was portrayed, and I also wish that another aspect of Meg's psychology was fleshed out more. Another thing I think the author could have done to flesh out the book and add more flavor and world-building would have been either the addition of vignettes depicting some of the history of Soren's sinister family tree or selections of the journal entries Meg read on the family. Providing the reader with more on Soren's family history and the influence they wielded would have given the story a bit more character and pushed the book to another level for me.
That being said, Severed Echoes was a fast-paced read that grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it to the end.
October 8, 2025
Wow! What a fantastic read. From word go my interest was peaked. I haven't read a book for such a long time that I couldn't put down. Such a wonderful blend of love story, fantasy, murder and thriller that stole my imagination. Anya's descriptive powers had me visualizing every scene like a movie reel in my head. Can't wait for the second book to see how the story continues.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews