I received a free Advanced Reader's Copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Edge of the Veil is sexy, romantic, suspenseful and has one thing that stories with that combination often overlook.
A heart.
That might sound silly since romance stories should have a heart. But this story has the heart that I need to enjoy a romance. I need more than just two sexy people who are thrown together by a supernatural force. I need characters that aren’t just one-dimensional. I need to believe in their relationship if I’m going to root for it. And this story more than delivers.
The plot has some familiar qualities. Ordinary waitress meets a sexy, mysterious man who is absolutely enchanted to her. But this story is more than just that kind of fantasy. For one thing, it gives just as much attention to the male character as the female character. Lexie and Declan are given equal amounts of time and respect. Declan is NOT just a guy who exists to sweep Lexie off her feet. Although he’s certainly good at that kind of thing! But he has a past and a life that didn’t just involve Lexie. I also like that things don’t just instantly work out for the characters, but not in a way that is just for false drama. Lexie doesn’t do dangerous things for no reason. I think that’s another reason it helps that the story is split between Lexie and Declan. Lexie doesn’t have to be thrown into every dangerous situation just because she’s the POV. And the story wouldn’t work the same way without Declan’s perspective.
Declan is the son of the king of demons. He is also the son of a Nephilim. That gives him the unique combination of being part demon, part angel and part human. There is an eternal war inside of him, but it doesn’t make him mopey or bitter. He doesn’t love being that way, but it doesn’t turn him into a Byronic wannabe. And things change for the better as soon as he meets Lexie.
Lexie is an ordinary eighteen-year-old woman with no experience. Edge of the Veil actually gives a reason for her lack of experience. I believe she would have fallen for Declan even without the supernatural connection. They have sparks from the moment that they meet and things only grow more intense over time. There’s one part that I particularly like where Lexie acknowledges her youth, but makes a convincing case on why that shouldn’t minimize her feelings. I find that part so genuine. Some people know more at eighteen than at eighty and Lexie is one of those people.
I also want to make clear that Declan shows Lexie nothing but respect in this story. He has the power to control her and consume her, but always makes certain that he has her consent for things. Even before he met Lexie, it’s clear that he’s always respected women.
Because of Declan’s unique life, the two of them have more than their fair share of trouble. And his very nature causes a very creative barrier between the two of them. Because of their feelings and Lexie’s determination, they do their best to get around that barrier. I really like that Declan doesn’t push Lexie away ‘for her own good’. Yes, her life is in danger with him as a boyfriend. Yes, intimacy is incredibly risky for them. But my favorite part of this story is their mutual struggle to make it worse.
But this story isn’t just the Lexie and Declan Show. This story has an excellent supporting cast who don’t just exist for the sake of Lexie and Declan’s story. I am happy to say that this isn’t one of those stories where every male character falls for Lexie. She gets Declan and that’s more than enough.
Instead, her friend Gia get the attention of more guys. For ONCE the vivacious, loyal friend is given the attention that she deserved. Gia is a standout character. She brings even more life to the story. She is completely loyal to Lexie and always has her best interest at heart. It’s also fun to have a strong, sexual woman in the story who isn’t there to make the main character look more pure. They compliment each other so well. Some of Gia’s dialogue made me laugh far too loudly.
Other supporting characters include Lexie’s brother Caleb and Declan’s friend Ezra. Ezra is an ‘imp’, but has deep loyalty to Declan. He’s another standout character.
I have a personal love for Lexie’s brother. Caleb starts out as a typical ‘overprotective’ brother. But like Lexie’s inexperience, there’s a reason for Caleb’s behavior. He grows into a supportive, strong character. It’s nice to read a supernatural story that shows respect to the human characters.
It’s also nice that this story shows the importance of family. There is more than just sexy love in this story. There is the love of friends and the love of family. That’s what I meant when I said that Edge of the Veil has a heart.
This story also has amazing worldbuilding and rich lore. It has a very dramatic and action-packed ending. And it isn’t all swept up perfectly.
Somehow this story managed to have a powerful, sexy romance, interesting supporting characters, looming suspense, an exciting finale and still manage to fly along. But nothing feels rushed. Edge of the Veil is one of those rare stories that accomplished the perfect balance. Lexie and Declan’s story was concluded in a satisfying way by the end. So even though it’s hard to say goodbye to the characters, it’s amazing to read such an epic story that ISN’T one thousand pages.
If people love sexy, romantic supernatural stories, they should read this book. If people are more wary of the genre, they should read it. This isn’t my preferred genre, but I’m so glad that I read it.