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Venture Below
The king of Hollow is dead. When the news of his murder is spread to his kingdom, no one knows why he was killed. For decades King Dravin ruled with wisdom, kindness and peace. A death this brutal was seemingly unprovoked. Queen Seraphina, his wife, now sits on the throne. With someone so sinister and evil ruling the kingdom, the only chance of finding the truth is in the hands of their 22 year-old daughter, Princess Adelaide.
Facing anything it takes to find the truth, Adelaide must overcome torture, betrayal, and the potential demise of those she loves most. When it seems as if she has finally found an answer, she loses all of her memories. Leo, a strange man that found her in the forest, is her only hope of discovering not only who she is, but what her mission was in the first place.
Will Adelaide find the truth? Or will she die trying?
Facing anything it takes to find the truth, Adelaide must overcome torture, betrayal, and the potential demise of those she loves most. When it seems as if she has finally found an answer, she loses all of her memories. Leo, a strange man that found her in the forest, is her only hope of discovering not only who she is, but what her mission was in the first place.
Will Adelaide find the truth? Or will she die trying?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
9 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Ann Wright
2 books401 followersTaylor Ann Wright is an author who weaves engaging stories filled with adventure and emotional depth. When she isn’t writing, she draws inspiration from her travels and diverse experiences, seeking new perspectives and stories along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It is definitely one to read in a single sitting because it is fast paced and a super quick read!
March 16, 2024
Wright is a BookTuber who I watch regularly and one day she mentioned authoring her own book. I found Venture Below on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited.
The story is out of my comfort zone -- usual reads. I'm not certain as to the genre: Adventure? Fantasy? A combination?
With all that said, I liked the book; not the ending (not unusual). I wanted everything in order, tied up with a bow and ready for the next installment. I have to wait. The story is not complicated or farfetched. It reads like middle grade to me; however there are a few kisses and several I love you's that leans me towards late teen possibly early young adult.
In a nut shell, the castle is disrupted. The Queen and her daughter, the Princess, have a falling out. The Queen fights with everyone and the Princess is not readily trusted. She runs away and the adventures commence. I didn't have a favorite character and went back and forth between liking and not all the characters. I did get teary-eyed a couple of times. It really is a fast read.
I would recommend and gift this.
The story is out of my comfort zone -- usual reads. I'm not certain as to the genre: Adventure? Fantasy? A combination?
With all that said, I liked the book; not the ending (not unusual). I wanted everything in order, tied up with a bow and ready for the next installment. I have to wait. The story is not complicated or farfetched. It reads like middle grade to me; however there are a few kisses and several I love you's that leans me towards late teen possibly early young adult.
In a nut shell, the castle is disrupted. The Queen and her daughter, the Princess, have a falling out. The Queen fights with everyone and the Princess is not readily trusted. She runs away and the adventures commence. I didn't have a favorite character and went back and forth between liking and not all the characters. I did get teary-eyed a couple of times. It really is a fast read.
I would recommend and gift this.
November 2, 2024
At first I was not a reader at all, but stories like this made me start reading books, and I had forgotten how much I liked it. From the beginning it is very adventurous and you can't put it down. This book is written quickly and not a slowburn which I love. There is always something happening. The book is full of pirates, an evil queen and a good plot twist. The magic system is easy to understand. You know that feeling when you watch a movie with magic but it just all makes sense? This is that kind of book.
I found out about this book through her youtube channel where she talks about books and writing. When I saw that you can buy the book in the Netherlands I was so surprised. You don't know how happy I was lol. I spoke to the author on instagram and she is so nice and enthusiastic. I think she is such a sweet person.
When my best friend came up to me she picked up the book and pointed out how cute the cover is. And it is, omg
While reading, you couldn't predict how the story would go. It is beautifully written but easy to follow for a non-English native speaker. And the ending! Insane!! I am so looking forward to the next book. Taylor, you are so talented, you can do it!
I found out about this book through her youtube channel where she talks about books and writing. When I saw that you can buy the book in the Netherlands I was so surprised. You don't know how happy I was lol. I spoke to the author on instagram and she is so nice and enthusiastic. I think she is such a sweet person.
When my best friend came up to me she picked up the book and pointed out how cute the cover is. And it is, omg
While reading, you couldn't predict how the story would go. It is beautifully written but easy to follow for a non-English native speaker. And the ending! Insane!! I am so looking forward to the next book. Taylor, you are so talented, you can do it!
September 30, 2022
love this book so much!!! the characters, the quick pace, the plot twists...such a fun read :)
March 5, 2024
Venture Below is an exhilarating debut novel! ❤️🔥
When I feel that a book deserves five stars, IT DESERVES FIVE STARS!! 📢📢⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing in this book is phenomenal. The plot is very fast-paced and action-packed, and I devoured every page. I love reading books that totally transport me into their world and this one did that for me.
I mean…
Castles 🏰
Spies 👀
Assassins 🗡️
Ships ⚓️
An Evil Queen 👑
A Fugitive Princess 👸🏻
A mysterious love interest 🩷
A mysterious plant 🪷
So many secrets 😳
So many plot twists ‼️
It felt like every chapter of this book was filled with surprises and twists. I genuinely didn’t know what would come next. 👀
I loved Blue and Leo. Their dynamic was giving a bit of enemies to lovers, morally grey, touch her and I’ll ☠️ you vibes, and so much more. Yeah. I was all for it. 😍 Also, The Rain scene?! IYKYK 😭🫶🏽
I would have liked to learn more about the side characters and everyone in general, but I’m hoping to get more from the next books in the series! 📚
The world building was very simple to understand, I would have loved to have a visual map of the kingdom and the different territories that were mentioned throughout the story, but I also liked using my imagination to visualize it. 🗺️
I absolutely loved every aspect of this story, and can’t wait to read the next book in the series! That ending was insane and I have soooo many questions! Because What. The. Hell. 😱
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed, high-stakes young adult fantasy with a bit of romance in it ✨, then this is the right book to pick!! 📖🏰🪷👑💕
When I feel that a book deserves five stars, IT DESERVES FIVE STARS!! 📢📢⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing in this book is phenomenal. The plot is very fast-paced and action-packed, and I devoured every page. I love reading books that totally transport me into their world and this one did that for me.
I mean…
Castles 🏰
Spies 👀
Assassins 🗡️
Ships ⚓️
An Evil Queen 👑
A Fugitive Princess 👸🏻
A mysterious love interest 🩷
A mysterious plant 🪷
So many secrets 😳
So many plot twists ‼️
It felt like every chapter of this book was filled with surprises and twists. I genuinely didn’t know what would come next. 👀
I loved Blue and Leo. Their dynamic was giving a bit of enemies to lovers, morally grey, touch her and I’ll ☠️ you vibes, and so much more. Yeah. I was all for it. 😍 Also, The Rain scene?! IYKYK 😭🫶🏽
I would have liked to learn more about the side characters and everyone in general, but I’m hoping to get more from the next books in the series! 📚
The world building was very simple to understand, I would have loved to have a visual map of the kingdom and the different territories that were mentioned throughout the story, but I also liked using my imagination to visualize it. 🗺️
I absolutely loved every aspect of this story, and can’t wait to read the next book in the series! That ending was insane and I have soooo many questions! Because What. The. Hell. 😱
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed, high-stakes young adult fantasy with a bit of romance in it ✨, then this is the right book to pick!! 📖🏰🪷👑💕
January 28, 2024
Great, quick read!
I found this author via YouTube due to my love for little free libraries and when I found out they had written a book, I just had to give it a whirl. I'm SO glad that I did! My attention span has been all over the place lately so I have a terrible time getting into books AND finishing them. Venture Below had my attention from n the start so much so that I finished it in 24 hours. Probably a new record for myself. Anyhoo, it was quick, fast paced and I just couldn't put it down. The ending (without giving spoilers) was such a surprise, totally unexpected.
My reason for 4 stars was I felt that something was missing with both of the love interests with the main character. I feel like the reader was left out a bit as to why she loved them both so much... Both relationships could have had a bit more character building.
Overall this was a fantastic read and I sincerely hope to be able to read more from this new author!
I found this author via YouTube due to my love for little free libraries and when I found out they had written a book, I just had to give it a whirl. I'm SO glad that I did! My attention span has been all over the place lately so I have a terrible time getting into books AND finishing them. Venture Below had my attention from n the start so much so that I finished it in 24 hours. Probably a new record for myself. Anyhoo, it was quick, fast paced and I just couldn't put it down. The ending (without giving spoilers) was such a surprise, totally unexpected.
My reason for 4 stars was I felt that something was missing with both of the love interests with the main character. I feel like the reader was left out a bit as to why she loved them both so much... Both relationships could have had a bit more character building.
Overall this was a fantastic read and I sincerely hope to be able to read more from this new author!
November 11, 2025
I just finished reading this , and let me say I was engulfed into this book the whole time! The characters, the world building was absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to read the next book, if you're thinking about reading this DO IT!
January 13, 2024
Loved this book! Such an easy and fun read. Cant wait until the second book!
September 20, 2024
4.1
Adventure, fantasy, mystery, kind of all rolled into one
I'm not in any way a fantasy reader, but this flowed super fast and was not as overly-fantasy as some I've slogged through
Adventure, fantasy, mystery, kind of all rolled into one
I'm not in any way a fantasy reader, but this flowed super fast and was not as overly-fantasy as some I've slogged through
October 19, 2021
Venture Below is a strong debut novel from this author. The story has a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing and does a great job balancing the use of common tropes as well as subverting them. The pacing is very well executed with some scenes giving the story room to breath without stagnating it.
There are a few things here and there that were overlooked in the editing process and while the characters are interesting and well established, I do look forward to seeing more depth brought to them in the continuation of this series.
There are a few things here and there that were overlooked in the editing process and while the characters are interesting and well established, I do look forward to seeing more depth brought to them in the continuation of this series.
May 1, 2025
Disney's Snow White meets a fantasy version of Tron in this young adult thriller about older teens entering adulthood and how they fight for their future.
Princess Adelaide struggles to navigate her sense of self amidst the senseless cruelty of her mother Queen Seraphina in a classic fairy-tale-esque vibe. I wont spoil it, but you'll understand the "fantasy Tron" connection once you reach Riley's part of the story.
Interestingly enough, the romance part of this book feels most central to the narrative in Leo's POV whereas in Adelaide's POV it's more about a personal quest where romance is part of it but not the goal itself. As you learn more about what each of these character's lack (their needs) you find out why Wright chose to write this the way she did.
While I think the book could benefit from giving us the name of the narrator at the start of each chapter as the POV changes, there are enough context clues to figure it out regardless. I also wished we would've seen more alternation in the POV's as Leo's POV is necessary at times but others felt like it should've been told in Adel's POV. On her YouTube channel, Wright has mentioned republishing Below with some clean-ups to get it up-to-date with her current skill level, so I'm curious to see if this is a change she ends up making. It's worth purchasing the new version in the future to compare the two, as Beyond does show improvement in Wright's craftsmanship.
Ventureverse is packed with action, drama, and mature themes explored through the lens of youth that has to leave childhood behind and "grow up" in their own way. There is no "spice", but plenty of maturity involved. It's the perfect series for anyone making that transition from young adult to new adult.
Princess Adelaide struggles to navigate her sense of self amidst the senseless cruelty of her mother Queen Seraphina in a classic fairy-tale-esque vibe. I wont spoil it, but you'll understand the "fantasy Tron" connection once you reach Riley's part of the story.
Interestingly enough, the romance part of this book feels most central to the narrative in Leo's POV whereas in Adelaide's POV it's more about a personal quest where romance is part of it but not the goal itself. As you learn more about what each of these character's lack (their needs) you find out why Wright chose to write this the way she did.
While I think the book could benefit from giving us the name of the narrator at the start of each chapter as the POV changes, there are enough context clues to figure it out regardless. I also wished we would've seen more alternation in the POV's as Leo's POV is necessary at times but others felt like it should've been told in Adel's POV. On her YouTube channel, Wright has mentioned republishing Below with some clean-ups to get it up-to-date with her current skill level, so I'm curious to see if this is a change she ends up making. It's worth purchasing the new version in the future to compare the two, as Beyond does show improvement in Wright's craftsmanship.
Ventureverse is packed with action, drama, and mature themes explored through the lens of youth that has to leave childhood behind and "grow up" in their own way. There is no "spice", but plenty of maturity involved. It's the perfect series for anyone making that transition from young adult to new adult.
January 22, 2025
I first heard about Venture Below by watching Taylor Ann Wright on YouTube. She's become one of my favorite BookTubers! 📖 She is so passionate about reading and writing, and it shows in her content. (Her Little Free Library videos are my favorite.)
Venture Below is a great introduction for people who want to get into fantasy. It tells the story of Princess Adelaide seeking to find answers about her father's death years after it happened, while living with Queen Seraphina, her mother and reviled leader of their kingdom. I enjoyed following Adelaide's adventures - the story took a number of directions I wasn't expecting. (I also loved that the leading man's name was Leo because that's my boyfriend's name. 😊)
My one note about the book is that there are a few grammatical errors, although I attribute this to the absence of high-polished editing resources in the self-publishing process. There aren't too many so it doesn't ruin the story. In fact, I give Taylor major props for taking a story she had in mind since she was young and turning it into a book. There are so many people who have a similar dream but do not follow through with it. I'm excited to read Venture Beyond!
Venture Below is a great introduction for people who want to get into fantasy. It tells the story of Princess Adelaide seeking to find answers about her father's death years after it happened, while living with Queen Seraphina, her mother and reviled leader of their kingdom. I enjoyed following Adelaide's adventures - the story took a number of directions I wasn't expecting. (I also loved that the leading man's name was Leo because that's my boyfriend's name. 😊)
My one note about the book is that there are a few grammatical errors, although I attribute this to the absence of high-polished editing resources in the self-publishing process. There aren't too many so it doesn't ruin the story. In fact, I give Taylor major props for taking a story she had in mind since she was young and turning it into a book. There are so many people who have a similar dream but do not follow through with it. I'm excited to read Venture Beyond!
August 18, 2024
I had to DNF this one, because the writing is very amateur, and it's not about the target audience, either, because I love other books targeted for a younger audience, though I don't read many of them. I am comparing this writing to the intelligence of books likeThe Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables or The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Another point of contention is that VB contained about 4 cliches within the first 2 pages. No thanks. And the final point of contention, for me, is that for a while I followed this you tuber, until she spoke very highly of her own book in comparison to other books, which in her opinion are over filled with too much detail. Yet her writing is very underdeveloped. Even then, that bragging undertone was very displeasing to hear. Try to sell your own books, but not while throwing other authors under the bus, please. That's just in bad taste. Bad taste all around. No stars if I could.
January 27, 2025
I picked this book up because I enjoy watching Taylor on YouTube. And figured since the sequel just came out, I'd finally give this a shot.
The writing style felt a bit off at times. Especially with a tell, and not necessarily show much. Which I personally really noticed with the love interest. I felt I was told more that it was happening over actually getting to see it.
The overall premise seemed really interesting. I'll be reading the sequel at some point out of curiosity.
The writing style felt a bit off at times. Especially with a tell, and not necessarily show much. Which I personally really noticed with the love interest. I felt I was told more that it was happening over actually getting to see it.
The overall premise seemed really interesting. I'll be reading the sequel at some point out of curiosity.
November 3, 2024
As a long time fan of Taylor (and a Goodreads friend of hers) I was SO excited to read her book, and it did not disappoint! The writing was so easy to read and I fell right into the world, it was twisty and turny but not so much that I got lost. I CANNOT wait to read the next one and see where this story goes!
Read
December 30, 2024DNFing; the plot line is intriguing but im having a hard time with the writing style, i think this is meant to be YA book which i don’t like in general, don’t get me wrong, I think the author has tremendous potential and if it was written with an adult audience in mind I would have enjoyed it more.
Dnf at 30%
Dnf at 30%
March 21, 2024
3.75🌟 the story line kept my interest throughout the entirety of the book. With the ending turning out the way it did, I'm super curious to see how the next book is going to be!!! Loved the ties between the different worlds 🌎 and I am interested to see how she plays on them in the sequel.
May 24, 2024
Loved it
Author gifted a copy of this book to my husband and I knew immediately this was my book! I binged it in 2 days, loved the story, great scene and character building. Such a cliffhanger can't wait for the next book!! GO BLUE!!!!
Author gifted a copy of this book to my husband and I knew immediately this was my book! I binged it in 2 days, loved the story, great scene and character building. Such a cliffhanger can't wait for the next book!! GO BLUE!!!!
December 16, 2024
This is a charming, whimsical read for a YA audience. It's nostalgic, has all of the elements of a fantasy adventure (with a unique twist at the end.)
It's unusual (in a good way) and Taylor Wright is on her way to becoming the new best thing for YA. Highly suggest checking out her work!
It's unusual (in a good way) and Taylor Wright is on her way to becoming the new best thing for YA. Highly suggest checking out her work!
March 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I think this was very well paced, with lots of action. The characters were likeable and touching. But unfortunately Im not a big fan of portal fantasy :( so I was a bit disappointed with the ending
But I really wanna read the rest of this series because Taylor is just the best !
I think this was very well paced, with lots of action. The characters were likeable and touching. But unfortunately Im not a big fan of portal fantasy :( so I was a bit disappointed with the ending
But I really wanna read the rest of this series because Taylor is just the best !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
Dying, waiting for the next book!!!! Very well written and I love how she unfolds the storyline. Keeps the reader intrigued!
September 2, 2024
This book was addictive I could not stop reading it. It was a fun read. It ended on a cliffhanger and now I'm looking forward to the 2nd book.
November 20, 2024
Incredibly fast paced and has you on the edge of your seat until the very last page!
August 25, 2025
I loved this book! Can't wait to read what happens next. The main 2 characters and the world building are perfection!
September 5, 2025
loved this much. great work, Taylor. I'm looking forward to reading the second (i need the physical copies). I've been such a big fan of you for a while, and this did not disappoint
Read
February 26, 2025Ahhhhh I wanted to like this book so badly because I love this YouTuber, but I DNFed on like page 66. I just really was not vibing with the writing style at all, it felt really choppy and “tell not show,” which can sometimes work in novels aimed at younger audiences, but personally really drew me out of the story. It also felt like everything was just kind of happening all at once with no rhyme or reason or explanation to the audience, which just left me more confused than anything else.
However, I will say that this is a Young Adult fantasy, and I am a 20-year-old woman, so that could also play a factor based on the fact that maybe I'm just not the target audience for this kind of stuff anymore. But I've also read a lot of YA in recent years that I have loved even though I've technically "outgrown" the genre, so I'm not sure.
Either way, I just wasn't a fan unfortunately. However, I could see how it might be someone else's cup of tea, so I didn't wanna just give it one star.
However, I will say that this is a Young Adult fantasy, and I am a 20-year-old woman, so that could also play a factor based on the fact that maybe I'm just not the target audience for this kind of stuff anymore. But I've also read a lot of YA in recent years that I have loved even though I've technically "outgrown" the genre, so I'm not sure.
Either way, I just wasn't a fan unfortunately. However, I could see how it might be someone else's cup of tea, so I didn't wanna just give it one star.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews