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Behind the Veil
Short Synopsis:
Behind the Veil follows the story of a timid yet determined girl from the Outlayers as she competes to join the ruling elite of Nyine City, but whose strange and sudden visions lead her to uncover their secrets instead!
This YA Dystopian Fantasy combines all our favorite dystopian tropes, while exploring the concepts of blind loyalty to authority we don't understand, and the consequences of our actions.
Long Synopsis
Layden Prier, a timid yet determined girl from the Outlayers, has always believed in the Council’s mission.
To her, they are humanity’s lifeboat, and joining their ranks is her only chance at a life worth living. But to do so, she must survive the Generational Trials—a grueling competition where her mind is transferred into the body of a Host, and her goal, to prove her worth at any cost.
However, as strange visions haunt her, everything she thought she knew about the Council begins to unravel. Guided by her enigmatic Guardian and a quiet voice within, Layden must wrestle with truths she wasn’t prepared for, and make choices that affect those she loves, and the future of their world.
Layden's been gifted with vision, but when all is revealed, will she truly see?
Behind the Veil follows the story of a timid yet determined girl from the Outlayers as she competes to join the ruling elite of Nyine City, but whose strange and sudden visions lead her to uncover their secrets instead!
This YA Dystopian Fantasy combines all our favorite dystopian tropes, while exploring the concepts of blind loyalty to authority we don't understand, and the consequences of our actions.
Long Synopsis
Layden Prier, a timid yet determined girl from the Outlayers, has always believed in the Council’s mission.
To her, they are humanity’s lifeboat, and joining their ranks is her only chance at a life worth living. But to do so, she must survive the Generational Trials—a grueling competition where her mind is transferred into the body of a Host, and her goal, to prove her worth at any cost.
However, as strange visions haunt her, everything she thought she knew about the Council begins to unravel. Guided by her enigmatic Guardian and a quiet voice within, Layden must wrestle with truths she wasn’t prepared for, and make choices that affect those she loves, and the future of their world.
Layden's been gifted with vision, but when all is revealed, will she truly see?
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2025
About the author
Samantha Rae Ortiz
2 books9 followersSamantha is a writer of God-honoring Speculative Fiction for all ages. Her current novel, Behind the Veil is a YA Dystopian Fantasy and the beginning of series entitled Whispers of Eden.
She works as a freelance editor, contracted copy-writer with Mettle Marketing, and lead administrator for her local church.
She has two children and a husband and lives with them in Albuquerque, New Mexico where you can find her reading books, watching movies and admiring the beautiful skyline of NM!
She works as a freelance editor, contracted copy-writer with Mettle Marketing, and lead administrator for her local church.
She has two children and a husband and lives with them in Albuquerque, New Mexico where you can find her reading books, watching movies and admiring the beautiful skyline of NM!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 25, 2025
I received an ARC for this masterpiece and let me say that I was pleasantly surprised from the first chapter! It was a refreshing sci-fi dystopian that gave me all the feels of nostalgia as if I was reading Divergent and Hunger Games for the first time! I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't put it down! You will not be disappointed!
February 24, 2026
"But she had a hard time deciding if her allegiance to the Council had been her choice, or if it was something required of her. She didn’t like that she didn’t know the answer."
Layden Prier is a young woman who’s only ever wanted to join the prestigious Council, the noble leaders who held what was left of the flooded world together. After seasons of instruction at the Conservatory, Layden finally enters the Generational Trials. Here, her consciousness is Transferred to multiple Hosts as she faces various challenges meant to determine if she or her peers are wise enough (and more importantly, loyal enough) to join the Council. But with each new stage comes new questions. And questions? Well, those are dangerous.
Author Samantha Rae Ortiz expertly weaves this story together with prose as musical as water trickling over stones. Her voice is unique and poetic, both lovely and hard-hitting all at once. Here’s a sample from chapter one:
"The Grand Hall stood in a hush all around, with its golden dome soaring upward and light shining in through honey-colored windowpanes set in dark-stained walls. Row upon row of watchful eyes reminded Layden every second why she was there and that she could no longer turn back. Whatever awaited her behind that door was now as inevitable as the rains that flooded their world."
As I happily drowned in the author’s words, I found that Layden slowly felt as though she were drowning as well. The reader spends a great deal of time in Layden’s bright mind, working out the morality and mystery of her world (and her heart) right along with her, growing increasingly disturbed by the answers she finds.
What’s really fantastic about Layden is that, as a female protagonist in a YA book who is fittingly naive, she still maintains her agency. Heroines in YA stories are often dragged through their own stories, either reluctantly or blissfully unaware of what’s going on. This is not the case with Layden. Her decisions (including the poor ones) drive her story, and she is not blissfully unaware of what’s going on. In fact, she’s painfully aware of and bothered by how much she doesn’t know. By the end of the book, I was desperate to see how her character is going to handle what’s now in front of her in book two. She’s forever changed, but how that change will manifest in her spirit? That, I can’t wait to see.
Behind the Veil is a must-read for post-apocalyptic/dystopia fans who love a good mystery. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, The Giver, or Uglies where the protagonists face oppressive systems and the power of propaganda, Behind the Veil is for you.
July 26, 2025
While I enjoyed elements of this book, namely the creativity of the trials to determine creative thinking and group collaboration, many aspects felt lacking.
Laydens character development was lacking for me. She is entirely devoted to the council and incredibly naïve to many very questionable things that they do and perpetuate through their society. I never felt like I got a good reason for why she was so incredibly committed to the council until the end, when she admitted that it would be the only people to ever accept her. When she had manni for this all along?!
Additionally the chapter endings were such a clean wrap up, that it left me NOT wanting to read the next chapter. If the chapters had ended on an unresolved moment, this would have spurred me forward as a reader!
The world building was quite unfinished and there were MANY plot holes unaddressed. Why did the world flood? Are they living in a shallow sea because surely they’re putting on peers? This is not addressed. Are there other people living outside of this compound in the out layers? Why the defense mechanisms that Manni questioned? Why was Layden not repulsed that her ideas for selection would result in total reform in keeping all babies from their mothers until they could be returned for being unsuited or unworthy candidates?!? Is there chemistry between her and the guardian? What the heck is going on with her an Manni?
I wanted this book to be so much more. I wanted Layden to REALIZE her hosts were communicating to her. I wanted her to come to her senses and realize the council is a controlling evil dictatorship and seek a way out herself.
Instead, in the end, she was rescued by two MEN who never let her in on the plan.
What if they had TOLD HER & she could have had camaraderie through all the trials? A plan for her to rise above all the other candidates so she could be extracted like Katniss?
And what happened with the green book??? She never even read it?! I wanted there to be something there! Some information on faith or religion or just government that would make her question the system.
I think there was a lot of potential here that u fortunately fell flat for me.
However, this author shows promise with her extensive medical and scientific knowledge to make futuristic world’s thst are believable.
Laydens character development was lacking for me. She is entirely devoted to the council and incredibly naïve to many very questionable things that they do and perpetuate through their society. I never felt like I got a good reason for why she was so incredibly committed to the council until the end, when she admitted that it would be the only people to ever accept her. When she had manni for this all along?!
Additionally the chapter endings were such a clean wrap up, that it left me NOT wanting to read the next chapter. If the chapters had ended on an unresolved moment, this would have spurred me forward as a reader!
The world building was quite unfinished and there were MANY plot holes unaddressed. Why did the world flood? Are they living in a shallow sea because surely they’re putting on peers? This is not addressed. Are there other people living outside of this compound in the out layers? Why the defense mechanisms that Manni questioned? Why was Layden not repulsed that her ideas for selection would result in total reform in keeping all babies from their mothers until they could be returned for being unsuited or unworthy candidates?!? Is there chemistry between her and the guardian? What the heck is going on with her an Manni?
I wanted this book to be so much more. I wanted Layden to REALIZE her hosts were communicating to her. I wanted her to come to her senses and realize the council is a controlling evil dictatorship and seek a way out herself.
Instead, in the end, she was rescued by two MEN who never let her in on the plan.
What if they had TOLD HER & she could have had camaraderie through all the trials? A plan for her to rise above all the other candidates so she could be extracted like Katniss?
And what happened with the green book??? She never even read it?! I wanted there to be something there! Some information on faith or religion or just government that would make her question the system.
I think there was a lot of potential here that u fortunately fell flat for me.
However, this author shows promise with her extensive medical and scientific knowledge to make futuristic world’s thst are believable.
July 22, 2025
This book is exactly what YA dystopian science fiction should be! I was hooked right from the opening chapter, and I had to find out what was going to happen to Layden Prier.
Set in post apocalyptic Earth, humanity had been saved by an elite few who created Nyine City as all of Earth had been flooded after catastrophic events. The Council is now the governing body of the technologically advanced Nyine City and the Outlayers are where the working and lower class people live. Humanity was almost rendered extinct, but technological advancements made it possible for people to be self-sustaining with bio engineered food, shelter and reproductive assistance.
The Council holds the generational trials to select those people who show exceptional promise as leaders and contributors to society so that humanity can continue to flourish. Layden Prier was selected as a child and wants nothing more than to serve The Council and help to better Nyine City. Layden is chosen to begin a process of having her mind transferred to a human host through different age groups to glean knowledge from specific experiences in the hopes that she would become one of the next group of Councilors.
As Layden goes through the day to day life of her host, she discovers that mind transfer isn’t as easy as she thought it would be, and to top it off she has begun to have disturbing visions that come to her unexpectedly. These visions center her out by the members of The Council and Layden has to have a Guardian assigned to her to work with her and report back to the Grand Councilor on what she sees when the visions happen. As time goes on Layden works to continue to prove her worth to The Council, but she discovers the councilors are withholding information and have secrets that she isn’t sure she wants to discover.
Behind the Veil is a clean YA dystopian science fiction that is set in a water covered world, has advanced technology, enhanced human genetics, high stakes war games, friends that become family, and a fighting hope for the future. This book is the first in the series and I can’t wait for book two to come out!
I received a complimentary copy from Samantha Rae Ortiz. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Set in post apocalyptic Earth, humanity had been saved by an elite few who created Nyine City as all of Earth had been flooded after catastrophic events. The Council is now the governing body of the technologically advanced Nyine City and the Outlayers are where the working and lower class people live. Humanity was almost rendered extinct, but technological advancements made it possible for people to be self-sustaining with bio engineered food, shelter and reproductive assistance.
The Council holds the generational trials to select those people who show exceptional promise as leaders and contributors to society so that humanity can continue to flourish. Layden Prier was selected as a child and wants nothing more than to serve The Council and help to better Nyine City. Layden is chosen to begin a process of having her mind transferred to a human host through different age groups to glean knowledge from specific experiences in the hopes that she would become one of the next group of Councilors.
As Layden goes through the day to day life of her host, she discovers that mind transfer isn’t as easy as she thought it would be, and to top it off she has begun to have disturbing visions that come to her unexpectedly. These visions center her out by the members of The Council and Layden has to have a Guardian assigned to her to work with her and report back to the Grand Councilor on what she sees when the visions happen. As time goes on Layden works to continue to prove her worth to The Council, but she discovers the councilors are withholding information and have secrets that she isn’t sure she wants to discover.
Behind the Veil is a clean YA dystopian science fiction that is set in a water covered world, has advanced technology, enhanced human genetics, high stakes war games, friends that become family, and a fighting hope for the future. This book is the first in the series and I can’t wait for book two to come out!
I received a complimentary copy from Samantha Rae Ortiz. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
August 2, 2025
I could not put this down. So readable. Such excellent word-building and enough mystery to keep me intrigued without being confused. The only negative is that the second book in the series was not immediately in my hands upon finishing book one. Cannot wait to see what happens next and how Layden’s character continues to develop. Incredible.
September 10, 2025
This is not my normal style. But I was immediately sucked in to the story and the journey of Layden. I loved the character development and the changes along the way. If you like dystopian worlds I highly recommended this. If dystopian isn’t really your thing.. I will highly recommend this! I had fun, it took me on an adventure and I can’t wait for the next book!
January 16, 2026
I loved this book so much! I could not put it down! I’m just in awe at Samantha’s incredible imagination to have been able to create these characters, the world they live in and their adventures with such detail and uniqueness. It just blows my mind!! I cannot wait for more!! This is absolutely worth reading!!
July 21, 2025
Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian style books are definitely my favorite and I’m so glad I picked this one up! The story will suck you in the minute you start. I was desperate to know what happens next the whole way through! I’m impatiently waiting for book 2!
October 14, 2025
Truly enjoyed this story!! Each character has their own mysterious side to them....or is it truly them?! Hmm?! The unexpected twist to the ending has me hooked to watch diligently for the release of Part 2.
October 12, 2025
Loved this book!!!! Layden is such a great character. Can't wait for the next one. The ending was not what I expected. Well done Samantha on your first published novel.
February 17, 2026
3.5- enjoyed the storyline and look forward to more character development in the next books!
January 6, 2026
"Because that quiet whisper in the depth of her chest told her this knowledge wasn't wasted. Who knows, perhaps she could find some parallel, something that had been that could be again, only greater."
One of the most unique books I've read in 2025. If you love YA dystopian fiction like Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Scythe - Behind the Veil is for you. The concept behind the Generational Trials is wildly brilliant as it is brutal. To be considered for a position on the Council, Layden must allow her mind to be transported into three different hosts. The first is an elderly lady, the next is a solider-type/physically fit woman (around 30), and the last host, closer in age to Layden, has a body that's accustomed to intense skin care routines/hygiene. With each host, it's clear something's wrong with the whole process. While residing inside each host, Layden receives thoughts and urges far removed from her own. I loved the subtle way Samantha built the tension surrounding this aspect of the Trials.
There was a surprising sense of found family. I say surprising, because the Trails do not encourage team work. Each candidate tries his/her best to outshine the other, no matter the cost to one another. However, Layden struggles to see a way to successfully pass the Trials without the help of her fellow candidates. She grew up with some of these kids, but many she did not. Eventually, Layden finds herself surrounded by a close knit group of friends, which causes issues in the Council's eyes.
If you're a fan of the mentor/student relationship, you'll enjoy the one between Layden and her mentor. At first, he seems cold and set against Layden. One of my favourite parts of this book is the development between these two, and how their relationship allows Layden to question the very people she respects most. He pushes her to discover truth and what to do with that truth for herself, and I think there's something so powerful about these kind of mentors - the ones who allow and guide growth rather than hinder it through strict ideologies with no room for questions/differences of opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed Behind the Veil, and I cannot wait for book 2!!
One of the most unique books I've read in 2025. If you love YA dystopian fiction like Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Scythe - Behind the Veil is for you. The concept behind the Generational Trials is wildly brilliant as it is brutal. To be considered for a position on the Council, Layden must allow her mind to be transported into three different hosts. The first is an elderly lady, the next is a solider-type/physically fit woman (around 30), and the last host, closer in age to Layden, has a body that's accustomed to intense skin care routines/hygiene. With each host, it's clear something's wrong with the whole process. While residing inside each host, Layden receives thoughts and urges far removed from her own. I loved the subtle way Samantha built the tension surrounding this aspect of the Trials.
There was a surprising sense of found family. I say surprising, because the Trails do not encourage team work. Each candidate tries his/her best to outshine the other, no matter the cost to one another. However, Layden struggles to see a way to successfully pass the Trials without the help of her fellow candidates. She grew up with some of these kids, but many she did not. Eventually, Layden finds herself surrounded by a close knit group of friends, which causes issues in the Council's eyes.
If you're a fan of the mentor/student relationship, you'll enjoy the one between Layden and her mentor. At first, he seems cold and set against Layden. One of my favourite parts of this book is the development between these two, and how their relationship allows Layden to question the very people she respects most. He pushes her to discover truth and what to do with that truth for herself, and I think there's something so powerful about these kind of mentors - the ones who allow and guide growth rather than hinder it through strict ideologies with no room for questions/differences of opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed Behind the Veil, and I cannot wait for book 2!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews