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The Uroboros Saga: The Prince Beyond The Veil
Caught between two forces he cannot understand, the Prince from Beyond the Veil will die a thousand deaths, experience love as mad as he becomes, and make a choice to rewrite destiny while his enemies wield the most powerful weapon against him - Time.
“Old words, ancient as the sands of time, rang in the air. Archaic words echoed through ’s mind. The sun eclipsed in his eyes, the day became night, and for him, the trees grew so tall that their branches obscured the sky. The green giants fell with roots in the form of rotten fingers reaching out from the desolate ground, attempting to grasp what remained of their fleeting lives.
The blue roses and green grass withered to nothing, and the once bubbling stream dried. His castle crumbled to ruins, and stones marking his beloved were erected in the abandoned overgrown courtyard. Úlftýr’s eyes burned in blazing light. He opened his mouth, and the sound he let out resembled that of a tormented animal, a pitiful beast rather than the noble King he was.
Her horrible enchantment burrowed into his soul and came out, dragging away his essence. Through a veil of pulsating pain, his black eyes focused on his beloved, holding him while he lay in her arms, a frozen statue, begging to wake up.”
“Old words, ancient as the sands of time, rang in the air. Archaic words echoed through ’s mind. The sun eclipsed in his eyes, the day became night, and for him, the trees grew so tall that their branches obscured the sky. The green giants fell with roots in the form of rotten fingers reaching out from the desolate ground, attempting to grasp what remained of their fleeting lives.
The blue roses and green grass withered to nothing, and the once bubbling stream dried. His castle crumbled to ruins, and stones marking his beloved were erected in the abandoned overgrown courtyard. Úlftýr’s eyes burned in blazing light. He opened his mouth, and the sound he let out resembled that of a tormented animal, a pitiful beast rather than the noble King he was.
Her horrible enchantment burrowed into his soul and came out, dragging away his essence. Through a veil of pulsating pain, his black eyes focused on his beloved, holding him while he lay in her arms, a frozen statue, begging to wake up.”
- GenresFantasy
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
8 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 25, 2025
Okay, wow. This book came out swinging with rich worldbuilding, intense emotion. loved the norse mythology elements and the love
August 19, 2024
I loved the way this intertwined elements from Beauty and the Beast with Norse Mythology. The familiar people and places mixed with new experiences and magic made for a really great read!
July 20, 2024
Date Read and Reviewed: July 17, 20204
Ratings 4⭐️
°
Before I start, this book was kind of karma with me saying I want a death trope kind of a love story, and it really did bit me back 💀
This is heavily inspired by Norse Myth. The novel also threw some Greek mythology and other lores along the way to give more of the context with the tragic destiny of Uftyr and Elska (kind of).
Let me just say this couple had me stressing and stressing so much. I am both frustrated, saddened, and frustrated again, saddened again, by their arc AFTER THAT PART. You will know what part where everything goes chaos arc, and just be ready.
Anyway, the writing really did feel and read like a high fantasy. The pacing and the tone, especially in navigating the story. It gives off this sense of oldness, I usually feel whenever I watch Vikings TV show. I would say I did like the first half and the last, 20-ish% of the novel where it had me really invested. AND THAT OTHER 30% HAD ME STRESSING SO MUCH.
The tweaking and the making of the lore or the plot around the Norse Myth were also interesting. I was really intrigued and would dare say captivated, especially the last remaining chapters. I'm now MORE INTRIGUED AFTER BEING THROWN OF THAT ENDING.
The characters, on the other hand, have potential. I'm definitely looking forward to their growth in the 2nd novel. Especially Ulftyr, Balder, Ingrid, Elska, and the few that I can't spell out (they have a difficult name that I can't even pronounce 😆).
There were a few parts that threw me off, especially after Ulftyr's 'fall from grace', and those many character deaths, the Deirdara part which felt a little anticlimactic probably because of the fast pace of the novel and how many things are happening at once which might also felt a bit overwhelming at times.
With that being said, overall, I still did enjoy this one. I was really invested in the lore, and I would say I have high hopes and expectations for the 2nd instalment. I also forgot this was quite spicy 🌶🌶🌶 but I was just really much more invested in the plot 😂 I would really recommend this to those who love a plotty fantasy.
📍Things to note on this story 📍
➵ Mythology
➵ plot/ lore/ and world building
➵ magic and magical beasts
➵ crazy couple or main pairing relationship arc 💀
➵ battle scenes/ action fights
Thank you, author, for this review copy 🫶
Ratings 4⭐️
°
Before I start, this book was kind of karma with me saying I want a death trope kind of a love story, and it really did bit me back 💀
This is heavily inspired by Norse Myth. The novel also threw some Greek mythology and other lores along the way to give more of the context with the tragic destiny of Uftyr and Elska (kind of).
Let me just say this couple had me stressing and stressing so much. I am both frustrated, saddened, and frustrated again, saddened again, by their arc AFTER THAT PART. You will know what part where everything goes chaos arc, and just be ready.
Anyway, the writing really did feel and read like a high fantasy. The pacing and the tone, especially in navigating the story. It gives off this sense of oldness, I usually feel whenever I watch Vikings TV show. I would say I did like the first half and the last, 20-ish% of the novel where it had me really invested. AND THAT OTHER 30% HAD ME STRESSING SO MUCH.
The tweaking and the making of the lore or the plot around the Norse Myth were also interesting. I was really intrigued and would dare say captivated, especially the last remaining chapters. I'm now MORE INTRIGUED AFTER BEING THROWN OF THAT ENDING.
The characters, on the other hand, have potential. I'm definitely looking forward to their growth in the 2nd novel. Especially Ulftyr, Balder, Ingrid, Elska, and the few that I can't spell out (they have a difficult name that I can't even pronounce 😆).
There were a few parts that threw me off, especially after Ulftyr's 'fall from grace', and those many character deaths, the Deirdara part which felt a little anticlimactic probably because of the fast pace of the novel and how many things are happening at once which might also felt a bit overwhelming at times.
With that being said, overall, I still did enjoy this one. I was really invested in the lore, and I would say I have high hopes and expectations for the 2nd instalment. I also forgot this was quite spicy 🌶🌶🌶 but I was just really much more invested in the plot 😂 I would really recommend this to those who love a plotty fantasy.
📍Things to note on this story 📍
➵ Mythology
➵ plot/ lore/ and world building
➵ magic and magical beasts
➵ crazy couple or main pairing relationship arc 💀
➵ battle scenes/ action fights
Thank you, author, for this review copy 🫶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
An interesting Beauty and the Beast retelling set in Norse mythology.
Great mix of romance, fantasy, and Norse mythology, with high stakes and an emotional journey. Well-written, it kept me hooked from the first page to the end.
Can’t wait to read more!
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Great mix of romance, fantasy, and Norse mythology, with high stakes and an emotional journey. Well-written, it kept me hooked from the first page to the end.
Can’t wait to read more!
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
December 25, 2024
What's your favorite genre to read and why?
Mine would be fantasy, as I have started with it and I always love to dive into a well written story, full of adventures and magic.
"The prince beyond the veil" is the first book in the series "The Uroboros saga" and it's a romantasy (minus the spice, as I have opted for the "spice free" version of the book, and for me it was perfect that way), heavily inspired by Norse mythology, with a dash of "Vikings" vibes.
Although in the beginning I had some troubles in getting into the story, once I did and once I got used to the writing style, the story simply flowed and unfolded before my eyes. The world itself is very nicely built and the way the author chose to use descriptions, it made it very easy for me to picture the whole world of the Prince Beyond the veil.
The rhythm, though not equally paced, was actually really nice and it really made the pages fly one by one. The things that didn't quite work out for me were the mid-chapter time jumps, that sometimes happen, so it's all a bit confusing and also some time-line jumps, that tend to distract your attention from the story.
🌟I gave this book 4 stars.🌟
I actually changed my mind a lot while I've read it because, on the one hand I really loved the world the author has built, all the Norse mythology related parts of the story, the politics and intrigues, the plot twists and the vibes. On the other hand, sometimes I have found it hard to focus on the books (see the above paragraph) and I was slightly confused at times. So, I kind of had mixed feelings along the way, but I eventually managed to make up my mind 🤭.
However, if you are interested in the book, I encourage you to give it a chance. There's a chance this book might work really well for you and you might enjoy the story.
Many thanks to the author for sending me a free copy of the book, in exchange of an honest review. All words and thoughts on the book are my own.
Mine would be fantasy, as I have started with it and I always love to dive into a well written story, full of adventures and magic.
"The prince beyond the veil" is the first book in the series "The Uroboros saga" and it's a romantasy (minus the spice, as I have opted for the "spice free" version of the book, and for me it was perfect that way), heavily inspired by Norse mythology, with a dash of "Vikings" vibes.
Although in the beginning I had some troubles in getting into the story, once I did and once I got used to the writing style, the story simply flowed and unfolded before my eyes. The world itself is very nicely built and the way the author chose to use descriptions, it made it very easy for me to picture the whole world of the Prince Beyond the veil.
The rhythm, though not equally paced, was actually really nice and it really made the pages fly one by one. The things that didn't quite work out for me were the mid-chapter time jumps, that sometimes happen, so it's all a bit confusing and also some time-line jumps, that tend to distract your attention from the story.
🌟I gave this book 4 stars.🌟
I actually changed my mind a lot while I've read it because, on the one hand I really loved the world the author has built, all the Norse mythology related parts of the story, the politics and intrigues, the plot twists and the vibes. On the other hand, sometimes I have found it hard to focus on the books (see the above paragraph) and I was slightly confused at times. So, I kind of had mixed feelings along the way, but I eventually managed to make up my mind 🤭.
However, if you are interested in the book, I encourage you to give it a chance. There's a chance this book might work really well for you and you might enjoy the story.
Many thanks to the author for sending me a free copy of the book, in exchange of an honest review. All words and thoughts on the book are my own.
August 4, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you're like me and you can't get enough of anything Beauty and the Beast coded, then this book could be a great addition to your tbr! I promise, you probably haven't read anything like it before.
The Prince Beyond the Veil is the first book in a saga that has its roots deep within Norse Mythology, including appearances from the gods! It follows the protagonist, Úlftýr, as he grows from a young man to a leader to his people. The golden string tying everything together? His love for Elska!
The narration style is very similar to classic fantasy, which might take some getting used to (it was the case for me), but it could be easier to digest for readers who frequently read classic fantasy literature or are more familiar with storytelling like the one in God of War (the game), for example. The story moves along a long stretch of time, with many time jumps, and it focuses a lot on the plot and the action, which to me were the strengths of the book!
Now although the book is marketed as a fantasy romance, and the romance does play a fundamental part in Úlftýr's growth and his story, I wouldn't say that this is the primary aspect of the story. I loved the epicness of Úlftýr and Elska's story, but I would have wished for a bit more development for them in the early stages of their bond. As is, their romance is very much an insta-love, which might not appeal to all readers.
Very curious to see how the story progresses! The book ends on quite the fascinating cliffhanger 👀
If you're a reader who enjoys Beauty and the Beast, plot over romance and classic fantasy novels, this is the book for you!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
If you're like me and you can't get enough of anything Beauty and the Beast coded, then this book could be a great addition to your tbr! I promise, you probably haven't read anything like it before.
The Prince Beyond the Veil is the first book in a saga that has its roots deep within Norse Mythology, including appearances from the gods! It follows the protagonist, Úlftýr, as he grows from a young man to a leader to his people. The golden string tying everything together? His love for Elska!
The narration style is very similar to classic fantasy, which might take some getting used to (it was the case for me), but it could be easier to digest for readers who frequently read classic fantasy literature or are more familiar with storytelling like the one in God of War (the game), for example. The story moves along a long stretch of time, with many time jumps, and it focuses a lot on the plot and the action, which to me were the strengths of the book!
Now although the book is marketed as a fantasy romance, and the romance does play a fundamental part in Úlftýr's growth and his story, I wouldn't say that this is the primary aspect of the story. I loved the epicness of Úlftýr and Elska's story, but I would have wished for a bit more development for them in the early stages of their bond. As is, their romance is very much an insta-love, which might not appeal to all readers.
Very curious to see how the story progresses! The book ends on quite the fascinating cliffhanger 👀
If you're a reader who enjoys Beauty and the Beast, plot over romance and classic fantasy novels, this is the book for you!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
August 3, 2024
Reading THE PRINCE BEYOND THE VEIL was like stepping into a classic fantasy tale. This is a fantasy rich with Norse Mythology, complete with appearances from the Gods, that is a treat for fans who like this sort of story.
The story’s strongest elements are the mythology aspect, the storytelling that is reminiscent of the classic epic fantasy many of us grew up loving, and of course the characters. It has the classic structure of a coming of age and adventurous fantasy. Indeed, the protagonist, Úlftýr, undergoes quite the journey and growth from the adventurous youth he is at the beginning of the book to the leader he later becomes. The story is quite different, but I couldn’t help but compare the vibe of the story with things like God of War, which is a story I so enjoyed in a different medium. That’s the sort of epic story that you encounter with this book.
And then of course there is the romance storyline with Elksa, available in both a spicy and non-spicy version. While I read the spicy version of their story, the non-spicy version of the book is titled Beyond the Veil. Úlftýr and Elksa’s is a fated love that spans through lifetimes, and I really enjoyed this epic aspect of their love. Seeing as I was introduced to this book as a Fantasy Romance, I would have loved to see a little more of the romance storyline, which is overpowered by everything else. As things are now, I’d rather label this as Fantasy with a romance subplot.
I highly recommend this to fans of plot heavy books with themes of friendship, love, loss and betrayal.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own!
The story’s strongest elements are the mythology aspect, the storytelling that is reminiscent of the classic epic fantasy many of us grew up loving, and of course the characters. It has the classic structure of a coming of age and adventurous fantasy. Indeed, the protagonist, Úlftýr, undergoes quite the journey and growth from the adventurous youth he is at the beginning of the book to the leader he later becomes. The story is quite different, but I couldn’t help but compare the vibe of the story with things like God of War, which is a story I so enjoyed in a different medium. That’s the sort of epic story that you encounter with this book.
And then of course there is the romance storyline with Elksa, available in both a spicy and non-spicy version. While I read the spicy version of their story, the non-spicy version of the book is titled Beyond the Veil. Úlftýr and Elksa’s is a fated love that spans through lifetimes, and I really enjoyed this epic aspect of their love. Seeing as I was introduced to this book as a Fantasy Romance, I would have loved to see a little more of the romance storyline, which is overpowered by everything else. As things are now, I’d rather label this as Fantasy with a romance subplot.
I highly recommend this to fans of plot heavy books with themes of friendship, love, loss and betrayal.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own!
December 15, 2025
I’m going to start off by saying this book is not going to be for everyone. This is a “trust the process” high fantasy. The first 100 pages or so I struggled and was on the verge of DNFing bc the style of writing, the language and everything happening was overwhelming for me. But as I continued to push forward things started falling into place and I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next one. I can’t fully explain what this story is about bc I’m not sure I fully grasped it but I do know that I enjoyed the ride. There are a lot of time jumps that her hard to get a grasp of at times and I did feel lost a lot throughout the book but it all came together eventually. This would make an amazing movie or tv show!
I would recommend this book. Just be warned it’s a journey and very complex
I would recommend this book. Just be warned it’s a journey and very complex
July 30, 2024
The Prince Beyond the Veil is book 1 in the Uroboros Saga, featuring a Beauty and the Beast inspired storyline with Norse mythology elements throughout!! I found this story to be a refreshing, poignant, and epic tale of powerful love with a classic fantasy-adventure backdrop. The writing style was both captivating and compelling, with worldbuilding and folklore crafted and interwoven so lovingly that I feel like this was such a unique romantasy experience!!
What to Expect:
—🌶🌶🌶 /5
—Perfect Plot-to-Spice Ratio
—High Stakes Journey
—Magic and Magical Creatures
—Fated Love that Transcends Time
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
What to Expect:
—🌶🌶🌶 /5
—Perfect Plot-to-Spice Ratio
—High Stakes Journey
—Magic and Magical Creatures
—Fated Love that Transcends Time
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
June 12, 2025
A Norse-mythology infused Beauty and the Beast retelling that absolutely delivers on high fantasy, romance, and adventure. ⚔️🖤✨
I went into The Prince Beyond the Veil knowing only the basics of Norse mythology (hello, Thor and Loki 👋), and came out feeling like I’d taken a masterclass in ancient lore—woven seamlessly into a fantastical world that’s completely its own. It’s rich, immersive, and very much what I expect (and love) from a high fantasy novel.
The language and naming conventions can definitely be a challenge—there’s a lot of vocab that I couldn’t read or pronounce (classic fantasy move 😂), but that’s part of the fun for me! Thankfully, there’s a glossary at the front, which saved my life more than once 📖✨.
The story itself is full of adventure, magic, and twists that kept me turning pages 🔮🌲. I loved that it follows the characters from a young age and develops over time—it made the emotional payoff so much stronger. There are a few time jumps that felt a little abrupt (I had to double-check where we were now and then), but it didn’t take away from the experience overall.
Let’s talk romance 💕. This isn’t the typical trope I usually go for, but I ended up loving how it was written. It’s slow-building, emotional, and beautifully done. And if you're wondering—yes, there’s a spice option 🌶️ You can choose a version with or without it. I read the spicy version and thought it was really well-balanced and never over-the-top, which is something I really appreciate in fantasy reads.
📌 Note for newer fantasy readers: this book reads very high fantasy. If it’s your first dip into the genre, you might find the beginning a bit dense or slow while you get your bearings. My advice? Stick it out to around Chapter 19—you’ll be glad you did.
All in all, this was such a immersive, atmospheric, and well-crafted read. I’m so excited to see where the Uroboros Saga goes next! 🐍📚 Highly recommend to fantasy lovers who want depth, romance, mythology, and a little (optional) spice in their tales.
I went into The Prince Beyond the Veil knowing only the basics of Norse mythology (hello, Thor and Loki 👋), and came out feeling like I’d taken a masterclass in ancient lore—woven seamlessly into a fantastical world that’s completely its own. It’s rich, immersive, and very much what I expect (and love) from a high fantasy novel.
The language and naming conventions can definitely be a challenge—there’s a lot of vocab that I couldn’t read or pronounce (classic fantasy move 😂), but that’s part of the fun for me! Thankfully, there’s a glossary at the front, which saved my life more than once 📖✨.
The story itself is full of adventure, magic, and twists that kept me turning pages 🔮🌲. I loved that it follows the characters from a young age and develops over time—it made the emotional payoff so much stronger. There are a few time jumps that felt a little abrupt (I had to double-check where we were now and then), but it didn’t take away from the experience overall.
Let’s talk romance 💕. This isn’t the typical trope I usually go for, but I ended up loving how it was written. It’s slow-building, emotional, and beautifully done. And if you're wondering—yes, there’s a spice option 🌶️ You can choose a version with or without it. I read the spicy version and thought it was really well-balanced and never over-the-top, which is something I really appreciate in fantasy reads.
📌 Note for newer fantasy readers: this book reads very high fantasy. If it’s your first dip into the genre, you might find the beginning a bit dense or slow while you get your bearings. My advice? Stick it out to around Chapter 19—you’ll be glad you did.
All in all, this was such a immersive, atmospheric, and well-crafted read. I’m so excited to see where the Uroboros Saga goes next! 🐍📚 Highly recommend to fantasy lovers who want depth, romance, mythology, and a little (optional) spice in their tales.
October 4, 2024
As a lover of anything Beauty and the Beast coded, I couldn't pass on the chance to read this. The Prince Beyond the Veil is unlike all other B&B stories I've read, and I liked it even more for the fact. It is marketed as fantasy romance, however, this book reads more like classic fantasy with spice.
This book is rooted deep in Norse Mythology and feels antiquated, like we are experiencing the writing of an author who has long since taken their leave from this world. We even have mentions of Greek gods of old, as well as appearances from a few.
Úlftýr is our protagonist and we follow him from his time as a young elf until he finally inherits the kingdom he has been reluctant to rule. Forever by his side is Elska, his fated love. But all does not sit well in their kingdom and an evil has been plotting against Úlftýr.
The Prince Beyond the Veil spans over many millenia-there are vast time jumps, which may be confusing to some. So, when reading this, pay attention to the dates at the start of each chapter. Monsonego also doesn't pull punches when it comes to offing characters you become attached to, which, as infuriating as it was at times, all fits neatly into this epic tale.
In its essence, this is a story of love. True love that spans over years, the kind of love you would live a thousand lives for, just to be reincarnated and left searching for your soulmate again in the next one. I also loved how realistic the author wrote the relationship between Úlftýr and Elska. Elska reads like a real woman, and she has the same fears and dislikes I have seen in myself and many other women.
If this is something you would fancy reading, but prefer no spice in books, there is a non spicy version of this book available- Beyond the Veil.
I would recommend this to readers of classic fantasy and lovers of Norse Mythology.
🌹Thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy. It was a fantastically unique read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the saga.
This book is rooted deep in Norse Mythology and feels antiquated, like we are experiencing the writing of an author who has long since taken their leave from this world. We even have mentions of Greek gods of old, as well as appearances from a few.
Úlftýr is our protagonist and we follow him from his time as a young elf until he finally inherits the kingdom he has been reluctant to rule. Forever by his side is Elska, his fated love. But all does not sit well in their kingdom and an evil has been plotting against Úlftýr.
The Prince Beyond the Veil spans over many millenia-there are vast time jumps, which may be confusing to some. So, when reading this, pay attention to the dates at the start of each chapter. Monsonego also doesn't pull punches when it comes to offing characters you become attached to, which, as infuriating as it was at times, all fits neatly into this epic tale.
In its essence, this is a story of love. True love that spans over years, the kind of love you would live a thousand lives for, just to be reincarnated and left searching for your soulmate again in the next one. I also loved how realistic the author wrote the relationship between Úlftýr and Elska. Elska reads like a real woman, and she has the same fears and dislikes I have seen in myself and many other women.
If this is something you would fancy reading, but prefer no spice in books, there is a non spicy version of this book available- Beyond the Veil.
I would recommend this to readers of classic fantasy and lovers of Norse Mythology.
🌹Thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy. It was a fantastically unique read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the saga.
March 26, 2025
If you’re looking for viking/game of thrones/norse mythology vibes with very romantic, poetic, and also violent vibes, this is a real treat.
I enjoy Nordic mythology and read this book while playing Skyrim which lead to a very immersive experience. The writing in this felt very old timey but in a way they really leant to the story. I was super captivated and then thrown for a LOOP at chapter 19. I absolutely love being surprised, and did not see that coming.
This book doesn’t rely too much on the romance, which is totally fine, but more so an incredibly intricate story.
Although sometimes a bit overwhelming, I loved all the small stories and “visions” incorporated into the story. They were so well written and felt complete despite only being a few pages. They contributed to the cursed destiny vibes of the book. Weirdly, another thing I loved about this book was the violence. The gore that was described wasn’t over the top, but it put me in the mindset of war and battle.
The pacing was great, and really picked up at the end, I couldn’t put the book down. And that last sentence!!!!!
I recommend this book for nerds like me who love the old timey, romantic story telling, especially if you like Norse mythology.
I enjoy Nordic mythology and read this book while playing Skyrim which lead to a very immersive experience. The writing in this felt very old timey but in a way they really leant to the story. I was super captivated and then thrown for a LOOP at chapter 19. I absolutely love being surprised, and did not see that coming.
This book doesn’t rely too much on the romance, which is totally fine, but more so an incredibly intricate story.
Although sometimes a bit overwhelming, I loved all the small stories and “visions” incorporated into the story. They were so well written and felt complete despite only being a few pages. They contributed to the cursed destiny vibes of the book. Weirdly, another thing I loved about this book was the violence. The gore that was described wasn’t over the top, but it put me in the mindset of war and battle.
The pacing was great, and really picked up at the end, I couldn’t put the book down. And that last sentence!!!!!
I recommend this book for nerds like me who love the old timey, romantic story telling, especially if you like Norse mythology.
July 23, 2024
"The Uroboros Saga: Beyond The Veil" by Karina Novak Monsonego weaves a captivating tale of a prince trapped in an endless cycle of love, loss, and existential dilemmas. The author's poetic prose vividly brings to life a desolate yet magical realm, filled with rich, nuanced characters. This novel masterfully explores themes of fate, free will, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a profound and engaging read for fans of romance and fantasy. Monsonego's storytelling is both poignant and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
enjoy
I give this book 4 1/2⭐️ I really enjoyed it. This is a heavy plot storyline with Vikings , Norse mythology with a dash of beauty and the beast and different timelines or different lives multiple point of view and has a little bit of romance really enjoyed it.
I give this book 4 1/2⭐️ I really enjoyed it. This is a heavy plot storyline with Vikings , Norse mythology with a dash of beauty and the beast and different timelines or different lives multiple point of view and has a little bit of romance really enjoyed it.
June 23, 2024
This is a breathtaking and remarkable story that will undoubtedly stay with its audience. From the first to the last page, Monsonego's "The Uroboros Saga: The Prince Beyond The Veil" captivates with its superb blend of romance, fantasy, and existential study. I am so glad I read this one and would excitedly read other titles from this author as well!
September 16, 2024
The Prince Beyond The Veil, the first book in The Uroboros Saga, is a fast-paced norse mythology inspired fantasy packed with gods, battles, curses, deceptions, political intrigue and a subplot following a love spanning millennia. The protagonist Ulftyr, a reluctant prince, must grow into his responsibilities as he is forced to lead his people whilst a betrayal leaves Ulftyr’s family’s rule hanging in the balance.
At no point during this story did I have a clue what was coming around the corner next. It delivers an extremely fast paced plot brimming with shocking twists.
The dialogue between characters has a classic, old-world feel that instantly immerses you in the setting of an old fantasy epic.
Whilst this story could at times be a little confusing to follow given the frequent unannounced time jumps, I was kept engaged by the fast-paced plot and the way the author quickly has you invested in the characters and their fates.
Whilst the romantic storyline is not the driver for this plot, it was a welcome addition as Elska, Ulftyr’s love interest, is a compelling character exuding quiet strength and self worth. I would have preferred the early phase of their relationship to have been drawn out further, allowing the reader to enjoy the tension and longing. The ‘insta love’ the couple experiences delayed my attachment towards their relationship.
As the story progressed I started to feel a little detached from Ulftyr as he came across as arrogant and immature whilst frequently taking out his stress out on Elska. Their quarrels showed a misogenystic side to Ulftyr that I struggled to get behind.
The story includes an array of well-fleshed out side characters. Baldur and Ingrid were personal favourites of mine!
The pacing felt a bit rushed, especially in the final quarter where a lot of major events unfolded quickly. I believe the story could have benefited from being split into two books, allowing more time to build tension and fully explore the politics, magical lore, and mythological influences. This would have given readers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich world the author created.
Overall, I think this story has a lot of promise and I would recommend it to romantasy readers that want a fresh take on the genre and are prepared to be absolutely bamboozled by plot twists!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
At no point during this story did I have a clue what was coming around the corner next. It delivers an extremely fast paced plot brimming with shocking twists.
The dialogue between characters has a classic, old-world feel that instantly immerses you in the setting of an old fantasy epic.
Whilst this story could at times be a little confusing to follow given the frequent unannounced time jumps, I was kept engaged by the fast-paced plot and the way the author quickly has you invested in the characters and their fates.
Whilst the romantic storyline is not the driver for this plot, it was a welcome addition as Elska, Ulftyr’s love interest, is a compelling character exuding quiet strength and self worth. I would have preferred the early phase of their relationship to have been drawn out further, allowing the reader to enjoy the tension and longing. The ‘insta love’ the couple experiences delayed my attachment towards their relationship.
As the story progressed I started to feel a little detached from Ulftyr as he came across as arrogant and immature whilst frequently taking out his stress out on Elska. Their quarrels showed a misogenystic side to Ulftyr that I struggled to get behind.
The story includes an array of well-fleshed out side characters. Baldur and Ingrid were personal favourites of mine!
The pacing felt a bit rushed, especially in the final quarter where a lot of major events unfolded quickly. I believe the story could have benefited from being split into two books, allowing more time to build tension and fully explore the politics, magical lore, and mythological influences. This would have given readers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich world the author created.
Overall, I think this story has a lot of promise and I would recommend it to romantasy readers that want a fresh take on the genre and are prepared to be absolutely bamboozled by plot twists!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
September 8, 2024
3.5/5⭐️ Thank you so much Karina for sending me your book!!!
I found myself genuinely invested in this book from the start, quickly becoming attached to the characters, which is a testament to the author’s ability to craft engaging personalities. The world-building is imaginative, and I particularly enjoyed the use of Norse mythology, which added a unique and intriguing element to the story.
However, the book did have some drawbacks. There were moments when I felt quite confused about what was happening in the plot. While these moments usually cleared up after a few pages, the cycle of confusion followed by clarity became a bit frustrating at times.
I also found myself wishing there had been more of a buildup in the romance between Úlftýr and Elska. Their relationship felt a bit too “insta-love” for my taste, and I think the story would have benefited from a slower development and more depth to their connection.
Baldur was one of my favorite characters, but his presence faded too suddenly before his death, leaving me wanting more from his storyline. Similarly, the alternative incarnations of Úlftýr and Elska, while interesting, were initially quite confusing to follow. It took me a while to piece together who each character was within their different lives, although I did appreciate the Orpheus reference as a fan of Greek mythology.
The ending, in particular, left me puzzled. The events at the volcano, where the characters seemed to be possessed by different gods, were hard to follow, and I wished for a bit more clarity. But this may be due to my limited knowledge of Norse mythology!
Overall, while I did find the book engaging and enjoyed certain elements, it wasn’t without its challenges. The story is packed with information and creativity, but the pacing and clarity made it a bit difficult to fully appreciate. Still, it’s worth a read for anyone interested in mythological fantasy!!
I found myself genuinely invested in this book from the start, quickly becoming attached to the characters, which is a testament to the author’s ability to craft engaging personalities. The world-building is imaginative, and I particularly enjoyed the use of Norse mythology, which added a unique and intriguing element to the story.
However, the book did have some drawbacks. There were moments when I felt quite confused about what was happening in the plot. While these moments usually cleared up after a few pages, the cycle of confusion followed by clarity became a bit frustrating at times.
I also found myself wishing there had been more of a buildup in the romance between Úlftýr and Elska. Their relationship felt a bit too “insta-love” for my taste, and I think the story would have benefited from a slower development and more depth to their connection.
Baldur was one of my favorite characters, but his presence faded too suddenly before his death, leaving me wanting more from his storyline. Similarly, the alternative incarnations of Úlftýr and Elska, while interesting, were initially quite confusing to follow. It took me a while to piece together who each character was within their different lives, although I did appreciate the Orpheus reference as a fan of Greek mythology.
The ending, in particular, left me puzzled. The events at the volcano, where the characters seemed to be possessed by different gods, were hard to follow, and I wished for a bit more clarity. But this may be due to my limited knowledge of Norse mythology!
Overall, while I did find the book engaging and enjoyed certain elements, it wasn’t without its challenges. The story is packed with information and creativity, but the pacing and clarity made it a bit difficult to fully appreciate. Still, it’s worth a read for anyone interested in mythological fantasy!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
The Uroboros Saga
The Prince Beyond the Veil
By Karina Novak Monsonego
🐍 Young Adult Fantasy
🦁 Norse mythology
🐍 Elves
🦁 Magic of sorts
🐍 Curses
🦁 Family secrets/ultimate betrayal
Okay so I may have created my very own language trying to pronounce some of the words in this book (sorry Karina!)
But once I got through the first chapter I was hooked, though i did find a couple of parts throughout a little tricky to keep up with (but that may be my brain 🧠).
The Uroboros Saga follows the story of Úlftýr the prince of his land, who discovers part of his kingdom who had travelled to another part of the land had been attacked by mortals, mortals are Savage beasts. He decides he needs to find out what has happened when his father the king becomes very sick and the prince ends up being crowned king. This is where the newly crowned king starts being targeted, under attack by an unknown source as well as the mortals who keep popping up, Úlftýr ends up being cursed and f0rced to endure a thousand dëaths, becoming more and more like a mortal himself, while his beloved is determined to do whatever she can to save him, so the question is will she manage to do so? Or will time run out and he lose everything including his sanity and his beloved completely?
This book was a great read, once you get the hang of the names and the jumping back and forth between his lives? Or his thousand deaths? I am unsure how to explain that, but if you read it you will get what I mean 😊 I did really enjoy it though, Norse mythology has always sparked my interest 😀
The Uroboros Saga is available on Amazon and KU 😘🖤
The Prince Beyond the Veil
By Karina Novak Monsonego
🐍 Young Adult Fantasy
🦁 Norse mythology
🐍 Elves
🦁 Magic of sorts
🐍 Curses
🦁 Family secrets/ultimate betrayal
Okay so I may have created my very own language trying to pronounce some of the words in this book (sorry Karina!)
But once I got through the first chapter I was hooked, though i did find a couple of parts throughout a little tricky to keep up with (but that may be my brain 🧠).
The Uroboros Saga follows the story of Úlftýr the prince of his land, who discovers part of his kingdom who had travelled to another part of the land had been attacked by mortals, mortals are Savage beasts. He decides he needs to find out what has happened when his father the king becomes very sick and the prince ends up being crowned king. This is where the newly crowned king starts being targeted, under attack by an unknown source as well as the mortals who keep popping up, Úlftýr ends up being cursed and f0rced to endure a thousand dëaths, becoming more and more like a mortal himself, while his beloved is determined to do whatever she can to save him, so the question is will she manage to do so? Or will time run out and he lose everything including his sanity and his beloved completely?
This book was a great read, once you get the hang of the names and the jumping back and forth between his lives? Or his thousand deaths? I am unsure how to explain that, but if you read it you will get what I mean 😊 I did really enjoy it though, Norse mythology has always sparked my interest 😀
The Uroboros Saga is available on Amazon and KU 😘🖤
October 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Prince Beyond the Veil is everything I never knew I needed in a fantasy book! As a lover of Norse mythology, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of gods, curses, and epic battles, and this book delivers on every front.
Set in a beautifully constructed world, The Prince Beyond the Veil is the first book in the Uroboros Saga. It’s fast-paced and packed with everything a fantasy lover craves: deception, political intrigue, epic battles and a love story that spans lifetimes with serious Beauty and the Beast vibes.
The plot follows Ulftyr, who starts off as a young adventurer and grows into a powerful leader. His character development is superb (him coming in terms with his powers and duty) and his fated connection with Elska is a highlight of the book. Their love story is epic, intense, and had me screaming in every timeline!
The writing style immerses you in an old-world fantasy feel, and while the world-building is impressive, I’d recommend brushing up on Norse mythology to fully appreciate the depth of the story. The dialogue between characters feels authentic to the mythological setting, giving it that classic fantasy epic vibe.
Oh, and there’s a spicy and non-spicy version of the book—of course, I went for the spicy one! 😏
If you’re into plot-heavy, traditional fantasy with a Norse mythology twist, this one needs to go straight onto your TBR. I’m already excited for the next installment in the Uroboros Saga. Highly recommend it for fans of myth-inspired, epic fantasy!
The Prince Beyond the Veil is everything I never knew I needed in a fantasy book! As a lover of Norse mythology, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of gods, curses, and epic battles, and this book delivers on every front.
Set in a beautifully constructed world, The Prince Beyond the Veil is the first book in the Uroboros Saga. It’s fast-paced and packed with everything a fantasy lover craves: deception, political intrigue, epic battles and a love story that spans lifetimes with serious Beauty and the Beast vibes.
The plot follows Ulftyr, who starts off as a young adventurer and grows into a powerful leader. His character development is superb (him coming in terms with his powers and duty) and his fated connection with Elska is a highlight of the book. Their love story is epic, intense, and had me screaming in every timeline!
The writing style immerses you in an old-world fantasy feel, and while the world-building is impressive, I’d recommend brushing up on Norse mythology to fully appreciate the depth of the story. The dialogue between characters feels authentic to the mythological setting, giving it that classic fantasy epic vibe.
Oh, and there’s a spicy and non-spicy version of the book—of course, I went for the spicy one! 😏
If you’re into plot-heavy, traditional fantasy with a Norse mythology twist, this one needs to go straight onto your TBR. I’m already excited for the next installment in the Uroboros Saga. Highly recommend it for fans of myth-inspired, epic fantasy!
October 25, 2024
This beautiful fantasy has such great world-building, is heavy on the plot but also has the perfect amount of spice, and the chemistry between the MMC and FMC was oh-so-swoon-worthy. This stressed me out to the max! It’s so suspenseful, I never knew what was going to happen next. While everyone might’ve been happy in the first part of a chapter, by the end of it everything that could go wrong, goes wrong 😂Ulftyr was suffering so much, especially during that last half of the book😭 Every time there was POV or part with Deirdra in it, I knew I would be in for a ride within the next few chapters. The times Ulftyr was struggling and only Elska could bring him back were so emotional, and this happened a lot so prepare for heart-wrenching moments. Elska never blamed him for what he did when he wasn't in control of himself. She’d do whatever it took for him to get back to himself, even if that meant losing herself. I loved stepping into this world and discovering a new author. And that last line 👀 I’m excited to read more by Karina!
November 27, 2024
The Uroboros Saga: The Prince Beyond The Veil is an epic adult romantasy. I absolutely loved how this book wove a lot of Norse Mythology into the story. From Norse gods through to the culture, this was an immersive read.
The writing style does tend more to that of an epic fantasy, so it did take me a moment to adjust but I found it was extremely descriptive and enjoyable to read. The story is told over a span of time, which helps to build the world, events and history.
It is an action packed story, where you are immediately thrown into things but would we expect anything less from a Norse read? It is high stakes and an addictive journey.
Ultfyr and Elska develop their relationship fast…think insta-love but don’t let that detract from the epicness of their love story. The book balances the romance and plot extremely well and it all felt fundamental to the stories progression.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book (even with the cliffhanger) and look forward to the next instalment.
Thank your to Karina Novak Monsonego for gifting me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style does tend more to that of an epic fantasy, so it did take me a moment to adjust but I found it was extremely descriptive and enjoyable to read. The story is told over a span of time, which helps to build the world, events and history.
It is an action packed story, where you are immediately thrown into things but would we expect anything less from a Norse read? It is high stakes and an addictive journey.
Ultfyr and Elska develop their relationship fast…think insta-love but don’t let that detract from the epicness of their love story. The book balances the romance and plot extremely well and it all felt fundamental to the stories progression.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book (even with the cliffhanger) and look forward to the next instalment.
Thank your to Karina Novak Monsonego for gifting me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2025
Recently I had the pleasure of reading The Prince Beyond the Veil by Karina Novak Monsonego! ❤️
I have genuinely never read a book quite like this, the magic system and the concept was so unique and was VERY refreshing! I really connected with the characters and felt the emotion they were feeling, especially grief and rage!⭐️
I did sometimes find the magic system to be “limitless” and found we could have used a little more context as readers as to the constraints of the characters power⭐️
This book spans over a huge timeline as the characters are immortal. The book also swaps from the past to the present often and sometimes it can be confusing as to what’s real and what’s not - however I think the author did this on purpose so you as a reader would feel as confused as the main character!⭐️
I would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy with a great magic system and an a new concept⭐️
I have genuinely never read a book quite like this, the magic system and the concept was so unique and was VERY refreshing! I really connected with the characters and felt the emotion they were feeling, especially grief and rage!⭐️
I did sometimes find the magic system to be “limitless” and found we could have used a little more context as readers as to the constraints of the characters power⭐️
This book spans over a huge timeline as the characters are immortal. The book also swaps from the past to the present often and sometimes it can be confusing as to what’s real and what’s not - however I think the author did this on purpose so you as a reader would feel as confused as the main character!⭐️
I would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy with a great magic system and an a new concept⭐️
December 14, 2024
It was a a bit of a rollercoaster for me this book, I really really love the beginning and the premise of the book, and the first adventure into the ice lands was very promising but then I got a bit lost in the middle of the book when I got detached from the MMC, he frustrated me immensely! I didn’t get as much as beauty and the beast retelling as I thought I would but the various timelines and reincarnations flashbacks (and flash forwards) we are really interesting. The story picked up in the last fifth of the book and made me want to finish it. I struggled a little bit with language as it feels quite formal and very old school, and that’s a personal struggle of mine. I feel it could’ve used some more banter. Overall this book was a 3.5 stars for me, and I recommend it to people that really like Norse mythology and intricate plot lines.
September 13, 2024
A thrilling read
The Prince Beyond the Veil is a norse mythology based romantasy with Beauty and the Beast vibes. I am thrilled that Karina sent me a copy of this book and I loved it!
I feel like I need to begin my review talking about the writing. It’s so rich that it’s easily one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read, and it was the highlight of the story to me. It perfectly fit the vibe, since this is an epic fantasy, and reminded me a lot of Lord of the Rings.
The characters were so well written that I felt a connection to all of them. I loved seeing Elska and Úlftýr’s love story, I was able to see how deep rooted their love was, and the lengths they would go for one another made me so emotional🥹
After the main event, I was really interested, and the villain did things that made me shiver. I couldn’t hate a villain more🤮
I was introduced to norse mythology by this book and everything was easy to understand. This is a great book for readers who don’t know much about it.
I had a great time reading this story and recommend this book if you like the vibe💖
The Prince Beyond the Veil is a norse mythology based romantasy with Beauty and the Beast vibes. I am thrilled that Karina sent me a copy of this book and I loved it!
I feel like I need to begin my review talking about the writing. It’s so rich that it’s easily one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read, and it was the highlight of the story to me. It perfectly fit the vibe, since this is an epic fantasy, and reminded me a lot of Lord of the Rings.
The characters were so well written that I felt a connection to all of them. I loved seeing Elska and Úlftýr’s love story, I was able to see how deep rooted their love was, and the lengths they would go for one another made me so emotional🥹
After the main event, I was really interested, and the villain did things that made me shiver. I couldn’t hate a villain more🤮
I was introduced to norse mythology by this book and everything was easy to understand. This is a great book for readers who don’t know much about it.
I had a great time reading this story and recommend this book if you like the vibe💖
October 27, 2024
A beautiful beauty and the beast retelling set within Norse mythology. This was such an intriguing and well written fantasy book. I was captivated by page one, until the end. And that ending!! I want more asap! The journey Elska and Ulftyr had to take to save not only themselves, their people and their love was amazing.
The author gifted this book to me, so huge thank you to Karina but my opinion is my own completely and I am so glad I read this book. I am patiently waiting for the next one!
The author gifted this book to me, so huge thank you to Karina but my opinion is my own completely and I am so glad I read this book. I am patiently waiting for the next one!
November 17, 2024
The Uroboros Saga: The Prince Behind the Veil blends Norse mythology, Vikings, magic, and romance in an epic tale spanning years. Following the main characters through their complex journeys of duty and desire, it weaves intrigue, sacrifice, and the blurred line between hero and villain. Rich world-building and detailed storytelling make this a must-read for fans of deep, layered fantasy.
March 13, 2025
I loved this book. I was going to take a break from fantasy because everything is so repetitive. But this was so refreshing. I would definitely reread this and highly recommend. It is very plot heavy in all the best ways it is so detailed without being boring and very immersive without feeling overwhelming. I have whiplash from all the twist and turns. Amazing read I can’t wait for the next book!
March 29, 2025
This was such an interesting and enjoyable combination of a Beauty and the Beast retelling with Norse mythology. There’s also some Greek mythology as well. I enjoyed the Norse mythology element so much. Plus this was surprisingly spicier than I was expecting. My only complaint was that some characters f the dialogue felt stiff at times, but otherwise I found this to be well written.
May 10, 2025
Absolutely loved this! Took a while to adapt to the Norse mythology as it’s not something I’d usually read but once I understood and got into the story it was top tier!! Beautifully written, definitely would recommend
October 19, 2024
First of all, WOW!! If you are seeking a book filled adventure, fated lovers, beauty and the beast vibes, and norse mythology, this is seriously the book for you. This book will leave you wanting more in all the right ways! I will say, be prepared for the biggest cliff hanger ever!!!
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