Unseen Eye

by Nikole Sekula

Prophecy haunts her. Power hunts her. Fate won’t let her run.

Eva has a storyteller’s heart, spinning her dreams into tales that weave together her boundless imagination and the legends of the Aetherian gods. However, when a captivating stranger rescues her from creatures born of hell itself, those dreams become a terrifying reality.

Drawn into a realm where five gates tether the world to different levels of the abyss, Eva soon realizes she’s being hunted. On the verge of death, a chilling prophecy sets her on a perilous path—one where every step uncovers flames of truth and shadows of darkness, twisting her journey in ways she never imagined.

Thrust into a dangerous new reality, she learns the answers to her powers may lie within long-buried secrets about her past, and the mother she never knew. To wield her newfound gift, she’ll have to explore the mysterious connection she feels with Callon, the dangerously handsome savior whose intentions she questions as much as her growing feelings for him.

With betrayal lurking in every shadow, and time running out, Eva must master the power hidden within her or risk everything she loves—including her heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fiction, He Falls First, Enemies To Lovers, Magic

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Bethanys_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was a non stop thrill ride . It was an adventure that ended with a great story start for the next book . I know I can’t wait to find out more about Kora and Dante , and why the distraction and omg . There’s so much to unpack in this story between the epic world building and the magic - Aether (love that btw) I love unique magic systems . Eva is one strong woman and I love my characters old enough to drink 😅😉 but cal and Eva are one hell of a team with Izzy and Theo . I loved the whole premise and will be continuing this series when more are released.

[Mady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure which part swept me up more: the magic system, the prophecy, or Cal’s perfect one liners👀 If you’re looking for your next read after Fourth Wing/ACOTAR/ Bloodwing Acadamy, I’d highly recommend adding Unseen Eye to your shelf!

[Quartz Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the NerdFam and Author for this ARC!!
I felt like this book was a decent fantasy read, but it just didn’t hit as hard as I was hoping it would.

The initial world building and revelations feel so clunky and lacks solid direction, which sets the book up to have an unstable foundation.

Eva the FMC, is unbearable and unfortunately that sentiment did not change for me, her character doesn’t really grow apart from finding her powers,

A lot of the scene set up, descriptions or even dialogue feels repetitive within the same chapter or chapter to chapter.

I despise the micro trope of - MC is left in the care of someone that isn’t their parent because they have been orphaned for reasons unknown to them, but the Guardian knows more than they share with the MC, only then for said Guardian to be unalived before being able to divulge any valuable information. And it’s like FOR WHAT REASON?!

The first 50% felt a bit slow, unremarkable & at times bit boring, I skim read a lot of it.

The last 50% takes a turn and it’s getting interesting but I’m coming to find that might just be because it has plot lines that are very similar to other very popular Romantasy stories out there right now.
Some moments and even events feel far too familiar to be an original thought.

All in all I didn’t hate this book and it was a good read but I would love to see it develop further and in a new exciting way in the next book. (If there is one!)

[Krista Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a little of everything you could want out of a romantasy, a powerful brooding male with a dark streak, a badass FMC with rare gifts, hidden identities and secrets, a cast of fun side characters and of course some training sequences as the FMC learns to control her powers. I really enjoyed this book and the cast of characters (Theo you have my heart) and adventure into unraveling the truth behind Eva’s past and why it seems like her dreams aren’t really dreams but instead piece of history from the magical kingdom she had no idea existed. There were lots of twists and betrayals by many of the men in her life but I think Eva was overall pretty resilient through all of it even if she did start out a bit sheltered. I enjoyed the tension as well between Eva and Cal and seeing their undeniable urge to be together throughout. After some of the secrets were revealed even more questions were raised and with that ending I need to know what happens with this case of characters next! Overall my rating 4.3/5!

Thank you to both the author and the nerd fam for the gifted arc of this book, all opinions given are my own!

[Cait Ireen | caitireenreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

It took one night for Eva’s entire world to change. With her mentor and friends gone, she’s forced into a world she didn’t know existed, as well as forced to relearn the truth about herself.

I thought this book was good and had some solid structure for the world-building, relationship building and general plot. I was fascinated but the backstory of the gods and the different levels of the abyss they created, and the various affinities that resulted from these splits. I liked that our FMC Eva had been trained in the past by her mentor, so she wasn’t some helpful female but instead of physically strong. Garet was so slap-able and Cal was dreamy, making them the perfect yin and yang in terms of our love interests. I also loved the found family of the story, and the reveals near the end had me at the edge of my seat!

What I Loved About This Story:
✨Enemies-to-lovers
✨Stabby and strong FMC
✨Quasi-love triangle action going on
✨Hidden past & uncertain future

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Jennifer Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the Nerdfam and the author for the gift of this ARC.
The Unseen Eye by Nikole Sekula is a fast-paced slow burn romantasy set in a world of warring gods. The cast of characters are likable, and I found myself quickly attached to them. Most of the book kept me on my toes wondering what was coming next. The magic system was unique, and we follow Eva who her entire life as been lied to about her magic abilities and who her family is. A prophecy is told, and Eva is the key. Everyone around her already knows this and she is used and lied to by people she loves. When she meets our FMC Callon, everything changes and she steps into her power. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one as it ends on a cliff hanger. I wish the magic system and world building was explained better but the characters and story arc made up for it. If you enjoy adventure, slow burn romance, found family, female rage, this book could be for you. I am looking forward to book 2!

[Leanne Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I liked this book, first in the Aetherian Chronicles series. The plot and storyline was good, the chaarcters are likeable but I just had small issues here and there throughout. The love story, whilst being cute enough never had me grinning at the pages like others have, or screaming at the book for them to be together and the banter between the two MC’s, aswell as others didn’t always land for me, it sometimes came across a bit too cringy. Also, this book definitely need another proof read. There were so many mistakes - paragraph breaks when the sentence literally carries on into the next, one long sentence was used word for word to describe a kiss less than a page apart and just words missing/added that didn’t make sense in the sentence. Also there were times where something was described but part of that setting had been missed which was really confusing

[Sam’s Sagas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the beginning of the book was kind of slow moving. I was having a bit of a hard time falling into the story and how it was going to continue. Then, it just seemed like one thing after the other kept happening and Eva was just hit left and right..emotionally, mentally, and physically. There’s a lot of questions that don’t get answered but maybe in the next book it will seeing as this left off with a cliff hanger. I wanted more from Leigh though, her character seemed promising, but she just fell off somewhere. Theo and Izzy are hilarious and I love their sibling banter. This book definitely leaves you hanging on so many aspects but I was still completely sucked in and want to know what happens next! Thank you to TheNerdFam for the eARC!

[Jeanette Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this! I really enjoyed the unique magic system and twists and turns it took. It had me wanting to read more. I had a hard time putting this one down. It’s a great slow burn romantasy and I’m definitely looking forward to book 2. This was a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars for me, I rounded up. I do wish there was a little more world building in it. Overall a great read! Thanks to the author and The NerdFam for this gifted ARC!

[Aramis Lackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy it and the very the author was so descriptive. I enjoy the magic system, plot, and word building in this story. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @thenerdfam for this gifted ARC #unseeneye #thenerdfam

I really loved this book. The MC and the MMC are evenly matched. The worldbuilding is great, with portals, a prophecy, visions, evil dark creatures, deception. It was quite easy to read and had a nice pace to it.

It also has a lot of great adventures and well writren battle / fighting scenes. Would recommend!

[Chanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review — thank you Nikole Sekura & @thenerdfam for the gifted eARC.
Book: Unseen Eye
Series: Aetherian Chronicles (#1)
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.5⭐

4/5 Relationships
3/5 Characters
3/5 Plot
2🌶

*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆

This book started off so strong—so, so strong—but as things went on, it just kind of fizzled out for me. Honestly, if it had maintained its momentum throughout, it would’ve been a solid 4.5 for me. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened.

The beginning pulled me in right away with the introduction of our FMC, her guardian, the world they live in, her daily routine, and her circle of friends. The lore was introduced within the first 2–3 chapters, which is impressive on its own since I usually struggle with the beginnings of fantasy series. The worldbuilding unfolded at a steady pace, with information delivered gradually, so it never felt like an overwhelming info dump—which I always appreciate.

The plot thickened early, which was both intriguing and captivating. It felt like the ball was rolling quickly, and that kept me hooked for at least half the book. However, around the halfway point, things slowed down considerably. The story dragged without introducing much new information for longer than I usually like. Unfortunately, it never really picked up again. There were a few captivating moments and bits of useful information sprinkled throughout the second half, but I don’t think the story needed that many pages for what it ultimately delivered.

The relationships were another aspect that fell a little flat. We’re introduced to several characters early on—people with whom the FMC has or builds relationships—but many of them fade quickly from focus. At one point, I wasn’t sure which characters I should be paying attention to, since some who seemed important early on barely appeared later. I assume these characters will matter more in future installments, but it still felt like too many details about people who didn’t end up being relevant to this story.

On the other hand, the romantic relationship was handled much better. It developed at a relatively normal pace for fantasy, with enough depth to keep me invested while still leaving room for growth in future books. That said, I felt the “slow burn” was more of a stop-and-go situation—quick build-up, then a halt, then quick build-up again—rather than a true slow, steady progression.

As for the characters, the FMC was relatable for the most part, though her conflicting thoughts and actions did get a little frustrating at times. For example, she would say she didn’t trust or want to deal with someone, only to act the opposite way the next time they interacted—especially early on with the love interest. That inconsistency was confusing.
The love interest, however, was very likeable. Their character unfolded gradually in a way that kept me intrigued and eager to know more. The side characters worked well as comic relief, though they lacked depth—which I didn’t mind too much since this is the first installment.

The pacing overall was fairly consistent. I never felt confused about how much time had passed or where we were in the timeline. The writing style was clear and easy to follow, which I appreciated.

The dialogue, though, sometimes leaned a little too hard into tropes. I actually enjoy tropes, but I don’t love when lines feel copied from other fantasy romances. Since I read a lot in this genre, I could pinpoint books that seemed to inspire certain scenes or conversations, which made it hard not to compare.
The ending does leave off on a cliffhanger, though not the kind that kept me up at night. Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with devastating cliffhangers, so I actually appreciated that this one wasn’t too intense. It left me interested without leaving me emotionally drained.

Overall, I’d rate this book around 3.5 stars. It’s not one I’d recommend to everyone. For readers who have already read a lot of fantasy romance—especially some of the books that seem to have heavily influenced this one—the similarities might be distracting. But for readers who are newer to the genre, I think this could be an enjoyable read without constant comparisons. I liked it, but I don’t see myself rereading it unless I need a refresher before the sequel. That alone keeps it from being a four-star read for me. Still, I’ll definitely pick up the next installment, because one weaker book doesn’t mean the rest of the series won’t deliver.

[Sian Atherton · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC of Unseen Eye by Nikole Sekula.

Dreams that inspire her stories, Eva lives as an outcast in her village, her violet eyes set her apart, but she escapes in writing her stories. Living with her guardian in the middle of the woods, Eva trains in combat and is pushed to her limits but with no explanation. When her village is attacked by shadows, Eva finds herself in a magical world where a complicated past and warring Gods have shaped the kingdoms, and her dreams and stories might hold the key in defending the world.

Unseen Eye started with so much promise I was fascinated by the world; but very quickly, I found like our FMC, I needed coffee to get me through. One there were too many echoes of a very well-known romantasy novel. Two so many interesting plot points just seemed to be brushed over, and some were concluded with such finality that it basically denied you an answer. Third, I understood Eva acted on emotion and impulse, but when it borders on idiotic and irrational action, it was annoying, and I couldn't emphasise with her.

I would also say this book leans more into YA Romantasy, and I would say it's more an allies to lovers rather than enemies to lovers. Apart from the more heated arguments between Eva and Cal, it's more in misunderstanding or Eva not knowing where she stands.

I think there was so much potential for this book to make its mark as a romantasy novel. The world-building was unique and it's history was fascinating, and the magic system was brilliant. it's just a shame that some of these points just felt rushed. It also took me a while to get my bearings in the setting as too many modernisms entered a medieval setting and didn't provide enough grounding early on the narrative to orientate myself.

I did love the found family trope, though. The relationship that formed between Eva, Cal, Izzy, and Theo was supportive and patient.
____________________
Favourite Quotes:

“You’ll find that reality is often stranger than fiction here."

“A story needs heart. It needs to feel real to the listener. When I tell a tale, I don’t just recount events; I try to make them come alive. By painting pictures with words, infusing emotions into every line, and sometimes… I add a touch of my own experiences.”
I ponder his words, feeling a new appreciation for his stories. “So, you mix truth with fiction?”
“Precisely,” he says with a nod. “And the best stories are those where the line between the two blurs so much… that even the storyteller can’t quite tell where one ends and the other begins.”

Perfect for those who like their nightmares served with a side of existential dread.

“Evil little thing!"
____________________
🌶🌶🌶/5

[Chaarliie_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #UnseenEye #TheNerdFam

Book 1 Unseen Eye - Aetherian Chronicles

Strong FMC ✅
Slow Burn ✅
Unique Magic System ✅
Incredible World Building ✅
He Falls First ✅
Enemies to Lovers ✅
Found Family ✅

The imagery used in the world-building of this story is truly incredible. The descriptive details paint such a vivid, immersive picture that you can easily lose yourself in the setting. That said, the first four chapters are packed with so much detail and backstory centered around the cottage, the bookshop, and the storybook-like daily life that I momentarily forgot this was supposed to be a romantasy. It read more like a cozy tale about a female main character who loves writing and running her charming bookshop. The transition into the fantasy and romance elements does eventually come, but it felt a bit abrupt after such an extended, gentle buildup.

Our FMC, Eva, really grew on me. At first, she seemed naive and somewhat oblivious having wild dreams and visions yet brushing them off as imagination. But she evolves. She begins to question things, makes thoughtful decisions, and owns her mistakes, learning and growing from them. That development made her feel relatable and real.

Then there’s our MMC, Cal 🖤 everything you want in a romantasy love interest. The tension and chemistry between him and Eva is palpable. He’s dark, broody, and intense. Lines like, “You look at me, and all I can think about are those gorgeous violet eyes, those lush lips moaning my name, wanting me.” Yes. Please.

The twists and turns in the plot definitely keep the pages turning. While the beginning felt a bit slow, the story picks up and quickly draws you in, making it hard to put down. And of course, in true fantasy fashion, the cliffhanger guarantees I’ll be coming back for book two.

I’m really looking forward to the release so I can grab a physical copy!

[Linsey Baumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so overall I give Unseen Eye a true ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Full Disclosure: I was in quite the reading slump when I started this book...

It had/has a lot of potential; giving trilogy or series vibes. Especially now that the story and the romance can maybe pick up some more speed since we're IN the thick of the story by the end. It definitely starts off a bit slow and leaves you with alot of unknowns leading me to believe this is a long haul book, that is likely building something big but I will keep my speculations to myself🫣😏

Kendry is an interestingly mysterious character from the start and the guardianship/relationship between him and Eva keeps you wanting to know more. Questions like "who is he?" and really, "who is Eva?" ringing like crazy. It was a little too much world building all of a sudden at times; and the lack of any kind of map made that even harder for me.

I'd say the romance was a slow burn (which i stand behind everytime) but it didn't pack the intensity I really wanted; though I did truly believed their love story and can appreciate how it came together later.

Overall, I enjoyed getting to know Eva in the beginning and by the ending, the things you find out really pulled the rating up for me. You can look back and see how the author laid things out intentionally. As a first book in what seems like a larger series, for a first time author, I did enjoy reading this book. I did like the main characters. I was satisfied with the romance that developed by the end. I just wish there were a few less loose ends along the way, a bit more yearning to up the romance (which may be coming after the reveal at the end👀) and less repetition in the writing. Regardless, I would definitely be interested in seeing where this series goes and where this hunt for Eva is stemming from? 🤔

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #unseeneye #thenerdfam

[Jaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹."
"𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴."
"𝙨𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙮"

Oh. So it's like that?
This MAN.

Unseen Eye is the first in a series set within a richly complex fantasy world. There is quite a bit of heavy lore/world building in the beginning of the book, however I was so intrigued and entertained by the diverse cast of characters that it kept me engaged in the story. Once the story picked up, I started to really love it! The side characters you meet later on in the book were so funny and charming, and the male main character was a little bit of a surprise- I was expecting him to be the same kind of brooding, grumpy man that is so hyper present in fantasy now, but he turned out to be funny and caring and his MOUTH. OH MY LORD. The banter between everyone was honestly great.

The king was a good villain, because I absolutely hated him LOL. The author also sets up a 'this might not be what it looks like' situation with the prince that has me very interested in book two. 👀👀
I loved the unique magic system/ruling system in this world and the prophecy was really cool! honorable mention for a scene later where she finds out what his prophecy was- I was screaming.

the only issues I had reading the arc copy of this book, was that the female main character was so self deprecating at times and I wanted to scream at her to have some self confidence 😭😭 and that there was quite a bit of repeated language along the lines of "I know this is a lot" and "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" which I found started to take me out of the story because of the frequency.

"𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪"

That being said, I really loved the relationship between the two main characters. I loved that Cal [mmc] never made Eva [fmc] feel stupid or less-than for not knowing things about their world or about their magic. he was so patient and provided her space to grow and be excited about learning their history and magic.

huge thanks to The Nerd Fam for providing me with the arc copy!

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to thank the nerdfam for the gifted eARC! Now onto my spoiler free review!

The Unseen Eye definitely took me by surprise! What starts off as a simple village town read turned into such an amazing fantasy adventure that had me engaged the entire book! Nikole Sekula really knows how to do world building properly. Each scene was described in so much intricate detail that I felt like I was a part of the story. It made imagining the world of this book so much easier and really helped make the fantasy world come to life.

I really adored our FMC, Eva, as she was head strong and had a curious mindset. Even when so many things were happening around her, including her dreams…she still did her best to try and find answers. I loved how she was willing to fight and not be known as an “inexperienced victim” during the tense battle scenes in this book. I love how she stood up for herself and didn’t allow for anyone to make her a prisoner. Our MMC, Cal, was the epitome of the touch her and die persona. Even being portrayed as the villain, he was one of the few people who didn’t want Eva in the dark. He gave her freedom and showed her who she was and the powers that she had hidden inside of her all of this time.

I also really loved the different source of magic and affinities. Learning what each one could do and how they channeled that source of power really made the book so immersive for me as a reader. The twists and turns, the lies, the betrayals, the battles..it all was wrapped up nicely inside of this book that left me wanting more! That cliffhanger of an ending set up the course for book two nicely and I really want to see how it all plays out in the next one!

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment Eva set foot in Aetheria, the world-building truly came alive. What started as a steady build exploded into a thrilling ride—layer by layer, I loved learning about the gods, the hidden histories and the magic system something about Aethers and runes always grab my attention. It’s the kind of world where every new discovery makes you hungry for the next.

Eva is an absolute force. Strong, confident, and able to hold her own, but what really struck me was watching her growth. The more sure she became of herself, the more she accepted who she truly was. And then there’s the way she found her place with this group, forming bonds that turned into something deeper, a chosen family, a safe place she could finally belong to.

Cal, of course, is our deliciously broody “touch-her-and-die” kind of man and the pull to each other was palpable. Theo and Izzy? Perfection - all of their friendships/family banter and light-hearted moments gave such a needed break from all the danger and tension. Theo in particular had me laughing so much, this is exactly how you write side characters that shine without overshadowing the main plot.

The story’s connections between past and present were brilliantly done, in a way that kept me hooked. The suspense was unreal! So many questions needing answers, and when they finally came, they just opened the door to even more questions. And I loved every second of it.

Kora is someone I cannot wait to learn more about, and Dante has me seriously intrigued. Add in the betrayals, the bonds, this is an immersive, twist-filled read, and a great start to a series. Book 2 can’t come fast enough!

[Amanda Price (LifeWithAmandaP) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️���️
2/5🌶️🌶️

What to Expect:
👁️Enemies to Lovers
💜STRONG FMC
👁️Female Rage
💜Magic
👁️Age Gap
💜Slow Burn
👁️Found Family
💜He Falls First

Right off the bat, I will say that the beginning of this story took me a sec to settle into—the pacing felt slower than I am used to and the world-building at times was a bit heavy, but once the secrets began to surface, BAMMMMM… I found myself completely sucked in. Eva starts off feeling naive and uncertain, yet I appreciated how her journey slowly revealed her strength and determination, especially as her past and her powers began to unfold across the pages. The guardianship dynamic and hidden truths added layers of complexity, and while some of the tropes were definitely familiar, they still managed to hook me once the stakes began to rise.

By the second half, I was much more invested. The chemistry between Eva and Cal carried a tension that kept me turning the pages for their next moment together, while the betrayals and shifting alliances kept me on my toes and completely guessing!!! I really enjoyed the way pieces of her past began tying into the present, leaving just enough unanswered to spark excitement for the future. It felt like a solid start to a series, and with that ending, I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see where Eva’s story goes!!!

A HUGE thank you to Nerd Fam and Nikole Sekula for sending this one over! I’ve been a bit behind due to moving into a new house and school starting for my kiddos, but we’re back on it!! I am sooo grateful to have had a chance to dive into this series. I cannot wait for more.

[Kerrigan Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Congratulations on your book releasing soon!

I’ll start with the positives of the book. Possible spoilers ahead: I absolutely love the beginning, the dream throws you straight into the book and you feel the darkness lurking around the corner. Kendry is an interesting character and I can understand why he’s kept important events hidden from our main fc. I do think the premise of the story is good! Cal isn’t such a bad character. The details of explaining structures and the world the book is based in was done well, I felt like I could imagine it. The ending does leave you wanting to see what’s next. The plot twist at the end where *spoiler* the invasion being a distraction was interesting!

Constructive criticism: There are some editing issues I found as I was reading. Sentences not completed with a period, and I do believe Kendry’s name was used quite too frequently, especially in the first chapter - in places where “He” could’ve been swapped in instead. Female MC who doesn’t know who she is finding out she’s the daughter of someone heavily important to the plot. It honestly gave me vibes of an Rapunzel Re-telling. If you like the re-tellings, or something similar to it - this is for you.

All in all, the typos can 100% be fixed. The writer is a good writer and with time I see this turning into a very well know book series, and - I’m sure the story will pickup more as we continue into number 2! First books are never perfect and that’s okay! 🫶🏻 She built a world, props to the author Nikole Sekula.

[Nicole Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unseen Eye by Nikole Sekula
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

I hate that I can’t do partial stars in Goodreads… This is more than a 4 start book.

What can I say for this book...... WOW!!! That is the one word that covers where I am after finishing this book. I want to start by saying thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. This was well worth the read and I WANT BOOK 2!

Everything Eva believes suddenly changes with a dream. Eva lives a rather mundane life loving where its headed. Great friends, wonderful job (at a book store), and writing stories made up of her dreams. Her routines are normal, except small feelings of dread behind Kendra's (her care taker) secretcy surrounding her family and how they died.

This book had a little bit of everything... Small amounts of romance, sarcasm, suspense, mystery, betrayal, and tragedy... Im sure I'm missing a few... There was great world building and character growth. The book had a few slow moments throughout where things seemed to linger but other than that this was an amazing story... The shock factor throughout...WOW.... some you could see coming and some that came out of left feild. I have so many questions still left unanswered when I got to the end of the book. This was advertised as enimies to lovers where for me it was more fated mates. They are never enimies. I loved the magic aspect of this book. I have read a lot of fantasy/romantasy books and some just feel over done.. that is NOT the case here. #unseeneye #thenerdfam

[Elisabeth Stup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the NerdFam, the publishers and the author for the gifted e-ARC.

3.5 stars rounded up!

This was a really fun read. The story starts with Eva, a human in the human realm. Or so she thinks. Her parents died when she was young and has been raised by a family friend. She's always had a knack for telling stories based off her vivid dreams. After a particularly vivid dream where she ends up awake and goes to where her dream had taken her, she discovers nothing is as it seems.

She's actually magic, there's hellhounds, 5 magical kingdoms, gods and goddesses, kings and queens. The man she thought she was falling for is actually a prince in one of these realms and Eva may be the key to saving all the kingdoms.

But it's not as simple as that, Eva quickly finds out that Garet isn't the stand up prince he portrays himself to be and after being forced into a betrothal, she ends up going with a prince of another kingdom. There she finds herself, her love and so much more of her history.

I would have rated this a lot higher but it was as if the story followed the formula of several popular romantasy authors. There were so many similarities to ACOTAR/ACOMAF and even small things like the FMC escaping off to a cottage after finding out news she doesn't know how to handle. I just feel like a few small tweaks and this wouldn't have followed the same story and would have really shined on its own. I'll still definitely read the next book because I need to know what happens!!

[wildandwitchyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the debut novel from Nikole Sekula and let me tell you, she is an author to watch! This book had me on the edge of my seat and left me longing for more. The story revolves around our main character, Eva. She lives in a small village with her caretaker and works at the local bookstore. She experiences vivid dreams that she then turns into stories. She goes into the woods early in the morning after one of these dreams and meets a mysterious man with gorgeous eyes who protects her from that which tries to attack her. Shortly after this, her village is attacked and she is taken away by one of her closest friends...only everything is not as she once believed. Her whole world is turned upside-down and it just keeps getting more interesting as the story continues. I won't spoil too much for you, but there is a romance in the book and I love these two characters together! Their banter is so sweet. I fell in love with the side characters as well. The whole story seems well thought out and was executed perfectly. Of course we end on a cliffhanger, so I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed ACOTAR, Lady of Darkness, or Fourth Wing. If you pick it up, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Release date is August 19, 2025.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #unseeneye #thenerdfam @thenerdfam.

[Riniya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty decent read and I'm happy that I was able to be an ARC reader. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for gifting me this ARC.

I will be honest, it took me a bit to get into the story. I wasn't quite invested until the threat of an forced marriage came into play. Suddenly, I was hooked and couldn't put the book down, because what do you MEAN?

I thought the author did a good job at building up the story from that point. Every moment mattered and I had so many questions that I couldn't wait to get the answer to!.

Our FMC, Eva is a unlike a character I have read before. She makes mistakes but holds herself accountable when those mistakes cause consequences. She isn't just relying on her "chosen one" role and actively tries to better herself. She is so headstrong and the way she fell into her found family really tugged on my heartstrings.

Our MMC, Cal... What could I honestly say about him? He is the classic brooding main character but if you give him a chance, you will see the subtle things he does that show his true feelings and character. He cares for Eva and truly wants to protect her, even when she is the one rushing headfirst into battle and not needing it. The way they fight together is so ... just chef's kiss.

That ending though?! I mean what am I meant to do... wait for the next book? Please. .. No seriously, please don't make me wait.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

(If I could give six stars, I would)

From the very first chapter, Unseen Eye completely pulled me in. I picked it up thinking I would read a few chapters before starting the day, but I ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting. Five straight hours, no breaks, and no regrets. Chores? Ignored. Life? Paused. This book had my full attention, and I couldn’t stop until I reached the last page.

The story follows Evangeline, who has a rare gift. She has very vivid dreams while sleeping, she doesn’t understand what they mean. As she searches for answers about who she is and what her visions mean, shocking truths about her identity begin to surface. Along the way, she is drawn into a world full of secrets, romance, magic and danger. Just when you think you know where it’s going, a twist comes out of nowhere and completely changes everything and/or rips your heart out.

Nicole Sekula’s writing is immersive and descriptive. Every room, every landscape, every single detail was so vivid that I felt like I was living inside the book rather than just reading it. It has that addictive slow-burn energy paired with sharp, witty banter that reminded me of The Mortal Instruments series. If you loved The Mortal Instruments, or if you enjoyed the ACOTAR series but wished it had a faster pace, this book is absolutely for you. There’s no slow build-up, you just dive straight into the story and get swept away.

I loved the blend of mystery, romance, and fantasy. The character dynamics and secrets kept me hooked, and the plot twists genuinely shocked me. The mysteries in this book kept me guessing till the very end, and after… Because then came the cliffhanger, emotional destruction in the best way possible. I finished the book feeling both satisfied and desperate for more. Book two cannot come fast enough.

Unseen Eye is already one of my top three favorite reads, and it’s definitely going to stay with me for a long time. I went in with an open mind and came out loving it with every piece of my heart. If you want a story that will completely absorb you from beggining till end, this is it.

[Summer Munroe {sum.mun.reads} · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5⭐️

Oh man, what a great start to a series!!
If you liked ACOTAR and The Road of Bones then I think you’ll love this book!! I really enjoyed the banter and friendship and character growth! One of my favorite things in books are side characters to fall in love with and this book delivers 🤗
The plot is good and the ending leaves you ready for more!!
There’s open door spice but not a ton. I would rate it 🌶️🌶️ 2/5 chili peppers. I feel like it’s best to go in without a full list of tropes because it may give away things that you just need to read to find out 😅
Great book!! I’m excited to continue this series!

Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book.

Side character to love quote-
- I rest my head against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence settle into me. “Thanks for this. “You really are the best.” “Of course I am.” He chuckles softly, then adds, “Did you get what you needed?”

Quote for feels!
- “I have become stronger than I ever realized. Not just from fighting, not just from surviving, but from letting myself feel—from letting someone in and trusting them to see the broken pieces and still choose to stay.”

[Manasa HR · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 star

Unseen Eye by Nikola Sekula is Book 1 in "Aetherian Chronicles" series. I read it in 1 sitting majorly because it was gripping towards the 2nd half of the book. Loved the Gods and their Kingdoms backstory. There is rich world building, Magic, Battles and Trainings. The Adventures, Field trips and Secret huntings were the best.

Eva's world just turned upside down and the way she copes up and emerges strong is amazing. Her journey shines through. Cal is a true mate incarnate. Swoon worthy, show-off, badass, powerful and makes your heart skip a beat! So many characters are just introduced, yet they play some major roles in how the book takes shape. Izzy and Theo are great and they shine through in every way.

I am keeping the 1.25 stars because I felt some of the spaces were repetitive and I did skim through initially due to over detailing(Is that even possible? I dont know...). Few times I felt that I have already read these types and kinda know what happens next.

But overall i enjoyed reading this book and definitely rooting for the upcoming ones.
Thank You Nikole and NerdFam for this ARC. Would love to continue this journey and uncover so many secrets that I already will be a blast!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

This book was nothing short of amazing. I legit cannot think of anything wrong with it. I'm so glad I was gifted this an arc read, but now I'm absolutely DYING to have the next one.

The way the characters were made, were made with sincere and complete thought. Eva is a character I haven't met before. She's a strong and powerful FMC, but she's also completely her own person. She puts thought into everything she does - she doesn't just fall to hands of someone like a helpless girl. She actually acknowledges her faults and tries to be better.

Callon is a moody and broody MMC, but the way he fights says otherwise. He does so with passion and heart. Is he one of my favorite MMC's? Absolutely.

And the world building?! Stop it. I have never read a book like this before. I swear almost every fantasy out there is the same, but this is different. The hellhounds, the shadow fiends, the way the magic works in this book? And the different places that seem so magical you just want to dive in the book like blues clues and live there?! Sign. Me. Up.

Give me the next book right now.

[Priya | fablesandstarlight]

DNF at 50%

I found it a bit hard to be engaged in the book at the beginning. The FMC Eva comes across as a bit too immature and sarcastic and I couldn’t really relate to or understand her reactions to certain events that transpire (though I completely understand the cards she’s been dealt are unfortunate and she’s learning to cope with others making decisions for her). The story got more interesting for me once we were introduced to more of the cast around the 30% mark. I did appreciate the magic system - I was always found myself curious about the characters’ abilities. I read a lot of romantasy and the Unseen Eye leverages a lot of classic tropes and plot points seen in the genre. For me, I found a lot of it predictable and the writing was a bit repetitive at times. For me, I have a very long TBR and this story nor its characters were holding my interest enough to stick it out. However, for folks who normally don’t read romantasy, I think this could be an enjoyable read.

Tropes:
- Ancient Prophecy
- Enemies to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Found Family
- Hidden Identity

Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ Unseen Eye by Nikole Sekula
⭐️4/5 | 🌶️2/5

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!

This book has everything I crave in a romantasy— a brooding, powerful male with a dark streak, a badass FMC with rare gifts, secrets and hidden identities, fun side characters (Theo, you have my heart), and even those training sequences I love where the heroine learns to control her power.

I was immediately pulled into Eva’s journey—her sheltered upbringing, the unraveling of her dreams that weren’t dreams at all, and the way she faced betrayals from nearly every man in her life. Through it all, she was resilient, determined, and full of fire. The tension between Eva and Callon had me hooked, their undeniable pull toward each other impossible to ignore.

The world of Unseen Eye is fast-paced and full of twists. Betrayals, prophecies, warring gods, and a unique magic system (that I do wish was explained a bit more) kept me turning the pages late into the night. And that ending? A cliffhanger that left me desperate for book two.

✨ Reading Mood: unputdownable, full of tension, betrayal, and just the right amount of slow-burn angst.