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Discordia University #1
Veiled Flame
One letter.
That was all it took to change the course of my life forever.
Typing too quickly in the application program cost me my dreams of finally being accepted for who I am and now I'm stuck here.
Discordia University's acceptance made everything I knew go up in a puff of sulfur.
Demons are real and they just admitted me into their elite boys' school.
Unfortunately, my name is Kat, not Kit, and I'm a girl.
My caseworker was right; I was born under a bad sign.
***
Veiled Flame is book one in the series Discordia University. Discordia University is a multi-book series where the main character does not have to choose as she navigates the mysteries and adventure in her tale. Fans of Zodiac Academy, Demon Reform Academy, Lexi C. Foss, and Jen Thorn will love this exciting series that is part of the Legends of the Ouroboros universe.
That was all it took to change the course of my life forever.
Typing too quickly in the application program cost me my dreams of finally being accepted for who I am and now I'm stuck here.
Discordia University's acceptance made everything I knew go up in a puff of sulfur.
Demons are real and they just admitted me into their elite boys' school.
Unfortunately, my name is Kat, not Kit, and I'm a girl.
My caseworker was right; I was born under a bad sign.
***
Veiled Flame is book one in the series Discordia University. Discordia University is a multi-book series where the main character does not have to choose as she navigates the mysteries and adventure in her tale. Fans of Zodiac Academy, Demon Reform Academy, Lexi C. Foss, and Jen Thorn will love this exciting series that is part of the Legends of the Ouroboros universe.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published September 2, 2025
637 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Featherstone
62 books1,101 followersCassandra Featherstone has channeled her lifelong passion for writing into a flourishing career, a journey that started when she first grasped a pencil as a gifted child with ADHD.
Her debut novel, born during the solitude of COVID lockdown in March 2020, draws on a tapestry of personal encounters and insights that resonate deeply with her readers.
An international bestseller, Cassandra has topped Amazon charts in categories such as LGBT Anthologies, LGBTQ+ Mystery, and Bisexual Romance, among others. Her works navigate the complexities of bullying, PTSD, body dysmorphia, mental health struggles, personal reinvention, and the empowerment of claiming one's own space. Importantly, Cassandra offers a thoughtful and respectful portrayal of LGBTQIA+ relationships, subtly reflecting her own connection with the community through her narratives.
Her literary repertoire spans sci-fi fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, and comedic genres in academy whychoose settings, with a strong commitment to portraying consensual, safe, and accurately depicted BDSM and kink lifestyles. Her books are an invitation to explore transformative stories that are both inclusive and engaging.
Often affectionately called ‘The Muppet’ for her wacky theater kid personality, she resides in the Midwest with her tech-savvy husband, their creatively inclined college student, a literary-minded dog, and four scheming cats.
Her debut novel, born during the solitude of COVID lockdown in March 2020, draws on a tapestry of personal encounters and insights that resonate deeply with her readers.
An international bestseller, Cassandra has topped Amazon charts in categories such as LGBT Anthologies, LGBTQ+ Mystery, and Bisexual Romance, among others. Her works navigate the complexities of bullying, PTSD, body dysmorphia, mental health struggles, personal reinvention, and the empowerment of claiming one's own space. Importantly, Cassandra offers a thoughtful and respectful portrayal of LGBTQIA+ relationships, subtly reflecting her own connection with the community through her narratives.
Her literary repertoire spans sci-fi fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, and comedic genres in academy whychoose settings, with a strong commitment to portraying consensual, safe, and accurately depicted BDSM and kink lifestyles. Her books are an invitation to explore transformative stories that are both inclusive and engaging.
Often affectionately called ‘The Muppet’ for her wacky theater kid personality, she resides in the Midwest with her tech-savvy husband, their creatively inclined college student, a literary-minded dog, and four scheming cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
September 15, 2024
Good World Building, Weak Characters & Romance
Spoilers - so my main issue was the fact she’s in disguise doesn’t get addressed at all. I’ve read other books where someone was hiding their gender and none of the normal hurdles or challenges came up. It was a total non-issue even sharing a room with a guy. Nothing about almost being caught, sharing a locker room, suspicion about voice, how walks, nothing. Given the fact the demons have animal senses, it also makes no sense none of them would tell based on pheromones or smell. The males aren’t even met until 30% in, so way too long of a pre-Academy build up, and then they were so precious with Kit. Kit also had no reaction to coming to terms with being a demon or demons existing which was very unrealistic. Kit is so self-righteous and precious about consent and boundaries - I would appreciate this in real life, but the fact it gets brought up in every single interaction with guys who for the most part are really respectful was distracting and annoying. I’m not reading a reverse harem book set in a demon academy for constant conversations about respect. I don’t remember other books by this author being so exhausting in their repetitive discourse on sensitivities, so it was a surprise and disappointing, and took away from enjoying the story. The setting was interesting and the character had potential in her pre-academy development, but she was so coddled and self-righteous about expecting to be coddled, I just couldn’t get into it.
Spoilers - so my main issue was the fact she’s in disguise doesn’t get addressed at all. I’ve read other books where someone was hiding their gender and none of the normal hurdles or challenges came up. It was a total non-issue even sharing a room with a guy. Nothing about almost being caught, sharing a locker room, suspicion about voice, how walks, nothing. Given the fact the demons have animal senses, it also makes no sense none of them would tell based on pheromones or smell. The males aren’t even met until 30% in, so way too long of a pre-Academy build up, and then they were so precious with Kit. Kit also had no reaction to coming to terms with being a demon or demons existing which was very unrealistic. Kit is so self-righteous and precious about consent and boundaries - I would appreciate this in real life, but the fact it gets brought up in every single interaction with guys who for the most part are really respectful was distracting and annoying. I’m not reading a reverse harem book set in a demon academy for constant conversations about respect. I don’t remember other books by this author being so exhausting in their repetitive discourse on sensitivities, so it was a surprise and disappointing, and took away from enjoying the story. The setting was interesting and the character had potential in her pre-academy development, but she was so coddled and self-righteous about expecting to be coddled, I just couldn’t get into it.
November 12, 2024
DNF 30%
I wanted to like this book, I really did. It just fell so incredibly flat for me.
First of all, we spend the first 20% of the book going through Kat's day to day life of being bullied.
Then the other characters start getting introduced, starting with Lucien. He is supposed to be a very old, very powerful demon, one who has been running the school since before the Crusades, yet he loses his temper and loses control over his powers over the smallest frustrations. He's basically throwing a tantrum and then trying to maliciously find ways to torture a child.
Fuck this guy.
Then we move on to the other guys POV, namely Jasper. He's another asshole for the sake of being an asshole.
There's literally no deeper thoughts here. Every single character in his book that's not Kat is some kind of narcissistic bully. It's pretty one dimensional and boring as hell.
We also got introduced to X, who is a 'they/them ' . If that was a thing that was allowed/accepted in this book then why not just go that route for Kat?
She spent soooo much time planning for her deception of being a guy at this school.
So much anxiety about what is could mean if she was discovered. Why couldn't she just be a 'they/them ' from the start and just forgo sexes all together?
Probably because double standards are absolutely rampant in this book. On repeat and in excess.
Frankly, this book is ridiculously written and it really took away from the world building and the idea that the author had for it IMO.
Bummer
I wanted to like this book, I really did. It just fell so incredibly flat for me.
First of all, we spend the first 20% of the book going through Kat's day to day life of being bullied.
Then the other characters start getting introduced, starting with Lucien. He is supposed to be a very old, very powerful demon, one who has been running the school since before the Crusades, yet he loses his temper and loses control over his powers over the smallest frustrations. He's basically throwing a tantrum and then trying to maliciously find ways to torture a child.
Fuck this guy.
Then we move on to the other guys POV, namely Jasper. He's another asshole for the sake of being an asshole.
There's literally no deeper thoughts here. Every single character in his book that's not Kat is some kind of narcissistic bully. It's pretty one dimensional and boring as hell.
We also got introduced to X, who is a 'they/them ' . If that was a thing that was allowed/accepted in this book then why not just go that route for Kat?
She spent soooo much time planning for her deception of being a guy at this school.
So much anxiety about what is could mean if she was discovered. Why couldn't she just be a 'they/them ' from the start and just forgo sexes all together?
Probably because double standards are absolutely rampant in this book. On repeat and in excess.
Frankly, this book is ridiculously written and it really took away from the world building and the idea that the author had for it IMO.
Bummer
August 25, 2024
Cass has most definitely pulled me out of my comfort zone with Veiled Flames. Not only do I normally stay away from bully romances (this wasn't so bad) but this is also my first hidden gender romance as well, my nerves can't take it. However, if Cass writes it then I'll read it and I'm so glad I did Veiled Flames was fantastic!
Oh, I liked Kit so much. She went from being a foster kid who didn't want to rock the boat to being a ball buster, the names she comes up with for a certain dragon are the best. She defends others and herself on occasion, with a snarky attitude and fantastic jokes and she does all this with crippling anxiety. Still, she finds her way through, and that is admirable.
The guys start off as jerks, but a lot is going on under the surface. There was some deeper stuff not to mention all the political implications of their family lines. Thank goodness it didn't take long for Kit to win them over well except for Jasper, he's just an twatwaffle. I found it hilarious that Kit just rolled on in basically being herself and had most of the guys are questioning everything, haha!
Gods, Kit has to deal with a lot of BS, between her lack of knowledge, pretending to be a different gender, the guys and their antics, her less-than-helpful professors, the other students, and her anxiety, it was a lot. But that means there was always something interesting happening. I'm just waiting on the moment when the guys find out she's a, well, she. Like I can feel the tension building and even though I only like a few (Oriel is my favorite) I'm nervous as all heck.
Cass continues to build upon this massive universe, where most of her books are connected and I'm loving it. It tickled me to find the little easter eggs she has hidden and if you've read a few of her series then you get it. That's not all there is to love, Cass's humor is sprinkled throughout the pages, she had me dying with a few of those, and her famous pop culture references abound.
I made it through and with most of my nerves intact too. Veiled Flames is just the start of Kit's time at Discordia University and with the way things ended, I know it won't be boring. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Oh, I liked Kit so much. She went from being a foster kid who didn't want to rock the boat to being a ball buster, the names she comes up with for a certain dragon are the best. She defends others and herself on occasion, with a snarky attitude and fantastic jokes and she does all this with crippling anxiety. Still, she finds her way through, and that is admirable.
The guys start off as jerks, but a lot is going on under the surface. There was some deeper stuff not to mention all the political implications of their family lines. Thank goodness it didn't take long for Kit to win them over well except for Jasper, he's just an twatwaffle. I found it hilarious that Kit just rolled on in basically being herself and had most of the guys are questioning everything, haha!
Gods, Kit has to deal with a lot of BS, between her lack of knowledge, pretending to be a different gender, the guys and their antics, her less-than-helpful professors, the other students, and her anxiety, it was a lot. But that means there was always something interesting happening. I'm just waiting on the moment when the guys find out she's a, well, she. Like I can feel the tension building and even though I only like a few (Oriel is my favorite) I'm nervous as all heck.
Cass continues to build upon this massive universe, where most of her books are connected and I'm loving it. It tickled me to find the little easter eggs she has hidden and if you've read a few of her series then you get it. That's not all there is to love, Cass's humor is sprinkled throughout the pages, she had me dying with a few of those, and her famous pop culture references abound.
I made it through and with most of my nerves intact too. Veiled Flames is just the start of Kit's time at Discordia University and with the way things ended, I know it won't be boring. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 9, 2025
Horrible main character
The book was so full of cliche victimizing and chip on a shoulder attitude that I couldn't begin to like the FMC. Get out of politics and ethics lessons in your book and concentrate on entertainment.
The book was so full of cliche victimizing and chip on a shoulder attitude that I couldn't begin to like the FMC. Get out of politics and ethics lessons in your book and concentrate on entertainment.
September 19, 2025
dnf 21%
This book is SO boring. However, I was pushing through until I met the headmaster who has decided to bully her for no apparent reason. If I wasn't already slogging through this book I might have continued, but it's just the death nail for me at this point.
This book is SO boring. However, I was pushing through until I met the headmaster who has decided to bully her for no apparent reason. If I wasn't already slogging through this book I might have continued, but it's just the death nail for me at this point.
February 27, 2025
Gotta love a girl disguised as boy fantasy RH. It was really good and I can't wait for the next book
August 31, 2024
Glad to have received an ARC for this book 📖
Rating this a 4 🌟
When I read the description for this book, instantly I NEEDED to read it. I love a dark academia so I was immediately drawn. I loved the MC, a strong independent Foster Child who had dealt with a life of neglect and trauma. - I loved her back story and it made me feel connected to her.
After not getting into any Colleges she had applied for she receives a scholarship for Discordia University and does not refuse as she would do anything to get away from her foster family. 🙂↔️ BUT it’s a boys university so does she succeed at pretending to be a boy to fit in?
This book was not spicy at all. (If that’s something you prefer) and the storyline was so good. Big potential.
I feel as if this book was more so on the foundations, perhaps setting up for more action-based writing in next stories. BUT I did feel it was lacking some world building - I have so many unanswered questions and feel as though I couldn’t properly picture their world and that’s not a struggle for me normally.
I loved the LGBTQ representation and the characters personalities but I also think their characters could have been a tiny bit developed more?
I loved the ending of this story though, and it does make me want to read the next book, I hope it’s filled with more action & world building though!! 📖🩵✨
🔮 What makes this book special:
🏫 Elite supernatural academy setting
🎭 Female MC disguised as a male student
😈 Seven swoon-worthy demon love interests
🐉 Shifters with wings, fur, tails, and scales
💖 Poly romance (Why Choose)
🔥 Tantalizing slow burn
🖤 Dark academia atmosphere
🌟 Strong, resilient heroine
Big thanks to @literaryinspired for organizing this ARC read. If you love paranormal romance with complex world-building and characters that leap off the page, you need "Veiled Flame" in your life! Releasing September 12th - pre-order now
Rating this a 4 🌟
When I read the description for this book, instantly I NEEDED to read it. I love a dark academia so I was immediately drawn. I loved the MC, a strong independent Foster Child who had dealt with a life of neglect and trauma. - I loved her back story and it made me feel connected to her.
After not getting into any Colleges she had applied for she receives a scholarship for Discordia University and does not refuse as she would do anything to get away from her foster family. 🙂↔️ BUT it’s a boys university so does she succeed at pretending to be a boy to fit in?
This book was not spicy at all. (If that’s something you prefer) and the storyline was so good. Big potential.
I feel as if this book was more so on the foundations, perhaps setting up for more action-based writing in next stories. BUT I did feel it was lacking some world building - I have so many unanswered questions and feel as though I couldn’t properly picture their world and that’s not a struggle for me normally.
I loved the LGBTQ representation and the characters personalities but I also think their characters could have been a tiny bit developed more?
I loved the ending of this story though, and it does make me want to read the next book, I hope it’s filled with more action & world building though!! 📖🩵✨
🔮 What makes this book special:
🏫 Elite supernatural academy setting
🎭 Female MC disguised as a male student
😈 Seven swoon-worthy demon love interests
🐉 Shifters with wings, fur, tails, and scales
💖 Poly romance (Why Choose)
🔥 Tantalizing slow burn
🖤 Dark academia atmosphere
🌟 Strong, resilient heroine
Big thanks to @literaryinspired for organizing this ARC read. If you love paranormal romance with complex world-building and characters that leap off the page, you need "Veiled Flame" in your life! Releasing September 12th - pre-order now
January 24, 2025
3.75 ⭐️/0 🌶️—I really almost gave up on this one about 30% in but I’m glad I didn’t. The first part of the book was rough. The pacing was weird and dragged and the characterization was spotty. After hitting that third way mark, however, the book picked up and things got interesting. I thought the FMC was funny and the characterization of the MMCs was diverse. I’ll continue with the next in the series.
December 29, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this jaw dropping book
i have to admit to wondering what have i just read... i was captivated and not released until i had finished it... and that damn ending...omg why do you have to end it there.....
kats life has been horrendous going through foster family after foster family never being accepted she just studies real hard so that one day she can escape her life and get to where she feels will be better....
though her lates foster family are not good but she gets an offer of a placement with full scholarship who could refuse that..... but there is something weird going on.......
it was the strangest book i have ever read but man am i hooked and now i cant wait for the next book in this series...
bring it on i say
i have to admit to wondering what have i just read... i was captivated and not released until i had finished it... and that damn ending...omg why do you have to end it there.....
kats life has been horrendous going through foster family after foster family never being accepted she just studies real hard so that one day she can escape her life and get to where she feels will be better....
though her lates foster family are not good but she gets an offer of a placement with full scholarship who could refuse that..... but there is something weird going on.......
it was the strangest book i have ever read but man am i hooked and now i cant wait for the next book in this series...
bring it on i say
January 27, 2025
This has potential but needs lots of help with the editing (kind of awful). Story wise really good. Great world building and I’m looking forward to continuing, hopefully the next book is cleaned up better by the editors.
Read
February 24, 2025DNF at 52%.
If there had not been a lengthy note from the author at the beginning of the book about how much this book had been edited and reviewed, etc., I may not have noticed the inconsistencies so much, but they were riddled throughout the book.
Then there's the FMC's character. She's constantly referencing her mental health, but not in a realistic way. She's also so preachy and holier than thou. The quote that finished the book for me, though, was
I also just don't buy the guys' characters. They are supposed to be these big bad guys, but many of them can sense that "Kit" has had a hard life and just don't want to add on to it? Overall, the plot, the writing, the character development, none of it really worked for me.
If there had not been a lengthy note from the author at the beginning of the book about how much this book had been edited and reviewed, etc., I may not have noticed the inconsistencies so much, but they were riddled throughout the book.
Then there's the FMC's character. She's constantly referencing her mental health, but not in a realistic way. She's also so preachy and holier than thou. The quote that finished the book for me, though, was
I also just don't buy the guys' characters. They are supposed to be these big bad guys, but many of them can sense that "Kit" has had a hard life and just don't want to add on to it? Overall, the plot, the writing, the character development, none of it really worked for me.
August 26, 2025
one star but….
This was extremely hard to get through. This was poorly edited- misspellings, incorrectly used phrases that wouldn’t make sense even if they were “stylistic choices”, slip ups of the fmc’s gender by the group who isn’t aware yet. The bantering was terrible. Rehashings of the same thoughts, phrases and ideas. .
I can read nearly anything but the constant swearing from the Fmc made her sound like an immature child. It took away her credibility and any street cred she had. The beginning of the book she started off quietly reserved then page by page turned into absolute trash with her constant verbal diarrhea. The constant swearing was making it so difficult to get through. She just sounds like such an uneducated trashy being. This book doesn’t feel thought out.
The beginning of the book didn’t really do any favors. Saying to your reader that you shouldn’t assume things are wrong because you had “ two arc teams, alpha, beta, and several proofers” go through your book so you know it’s basically right, doesn’t mean accidents happen and things fall through the cracks. No body is perfect, the fact is that I still found issues.
This is a one star book, but I gave it two because I do want to know what ends up happening during this dumpster fire series that apparently will span 5 books.
This was extremely hard to get through. This was poorly edited- misspellings, incorrectly used phrases that wouldn’t make sense even if they were “stylistic choices”, slip ups of the fmc’s gender by the group who isn’t aware yet. The bantering was terrible. Rehashings of the same thoughts, phrases and ideas. .
I can read nearly anything but the constant swearing from the Fmc made her sound like an immature child. It took away her credibility and any street cred she had. The beginning of the book she started off quietly reserved then page by page turned into absolute trash with her constant verbal diarrhea. The constant swearing was making it so difficult to get through. She just sounds like such an uneducated trashy being. This book doesn’t feel thought out.
The beginning of the book didn’t really do any favors. Saying to your reader that you shouldn’t assume things are wrong because you had “ two arc teams, alpha, beta, and several proofers” go through your book so you know it’s basically right, doesn’t mean accidents happen and things fall through the cracks. No body is perfect, the fact is that I still found issues.
This is a one star book, but I gave it two because I do want to know what ends up happening during this dumpster fire series that apparently will span 5 books.
May 7, 2025
I read books one and two but the whole time I was feeling like “why am I doing this?” - well it’s because the author tells us the heroine is on a journey and to have patience and stick with it. By the end of book two the character has had what I believe the author thinks is growth, but as a reader I felt like I was still frustrated. The author tells us that FMC’s experiences are authentic to someone with trauma, which I assume is the author or someone close to them. I respect that - but as a reader who hasn’t had *that exact experience in that exact same way* I’m not finding the writing very compelling. It reads like an individual’s fantasy of how trauma healing would be received, but some editing would have greatly helped. There was waaaayyyy to much *telling us* about the extra character ‘anxiety’ that could have just been *shown to us* in the FMC’s reactions to much greater effect.
Recommend giving it a whirl if you like fantasy academy rh, but just know if you don’t like the style at the beginning, it does not change.
Recommend giving it a whirl if you like fantasy academy rh, but just know if you don’t like the style at the beginning, it does not change.
February 10, 2025
Immature & Cringeworthy
It may be a great read for someone else, but not me. All the slang writing and immature dialogue kept me from enjoying the story. I just couldn’t get into the plot when I kept cringing at all the childish parts. I gave up not even a quarter of the way through.
It may be a great read for someone else, but not me. All the slang writing and immature dialogue kept me from enjoying the story. I just couldn’t get into the plot when I kept cringing at all the childish parts. I gave up not even a quarter of the way through.
April 14, 2025
I had to force myself to finish reading
I had really high hopes for this book, but the inner monologue of the FMC was exhausting. This wasn’t so much a sci-fi fantasy but a story of a girl who has not over come her sexual trauma, and she thought going to an all boys college was a good idea? Seriously?
I had really high hopes for this book, but the inner monologue of the FMC was exhausting. This wasn’t so much a sci-fi fantasy but a story of a girl who has not over come her sexual trauma, and she thought going to an all boys college was a good idea? Seriously?
February 25, 2025
mixed review
I get it she’s traumatized, we don’t have to be told every 5 seconds. I like the storyline but some things can be inferred not explained to death. The love interests are fantastic I just wish there wasn’t so much “my life has been traumatic, pity me” stuff.
I get it she’s traumatized, we don’t have to be told every 5 seconds. I like the storyline but some things can be inferred not explained to death. The love interests are fantastic I just wish there wasn’t so much “my life has been traumatic, pity me” stuff.
April 23, 2025
This is such a good book, so so good. Well written and fun. Slow burn and some mild bullying but the FMC pushes back. Really enjoyed it.
March 15, 2025
An impulse read I only kept reading for the animal familiar, this one had me rolling my eyes to the point of pain.
I'm going to keep going because I am genuinely curious how this series is going to unfold, but it really does sit a bit off to me with the fmc's choices and narration.
Also, the Panda shifter is my favourite by a LONG shot.
I'm going to keep going because I am genuinely curious how this series is going to unfold, but it really does sit a bit off to me with the fmc's choices and narration.
Also, the Panda shifter is my favourite by a LONG shot.
December 5, 2024
DNF
Quando ieri ho chiuso questo libro non ero sicura se mollarlo o meno, ma visto che oggi all'idea di riprenderlo mi è venuto in mente che sarebbe stato più divertente pulire la lettiera del gatto, ho deciso che per me finisce quì.
Quindi la mia recensione riguarderà solo il 55/60%.
Cosa non è andato bene in questo libro? Tante cose, ma mi limiterò a quelle più eclatanti ed evidenti.
- Fino al 27% è noiosissimo, la protagonista ci mette almeno 4 capitoli ad aprire la lettera di accettazione all'università, nel frattempo ci immergiamo nella sua quotidianità fatta di genitori adottivi anaffettivi e fratelli adottivi bulli.
1/4 di libro dedicato a questa famiglia che molto probabilmente non verrà più nominata per tutta la serie.
- L'argomento principale di questa libro, o almeno, è il motivo per cui ho deciso di leggerlo, è il fatto che la protagonista per frequentare questa accademia doveva travestirsi da ragazzo.
Mi aspettavo situazioni in cui Kat sarebbe stata in difficoltà, come quando va a fare la doccia o usa lo spogliatoio.
Niente di tutto questo! Kat si taglia i capelli e il gioco è fatto, non viene mai fatta neanche menzione se camuffa un pò la voce o se cambia un pò la sua camminata.
Il travestimento è solo un escamotage per far si che la protagonista frequenti questa scuola maschile, dopodichè ci si dimentica della cosa.
- Kat soffre di PTSD, di attacchi d'ansia, episodi di distacco dalla realtà, ecc... dovuti al suo passato in affidamento da una famiglia all'altra e a una violenza che ha subito, ma di cui ancora non sono stati chiariti i dettagli fin dove ho letto io.
Ci sta quindi che abbia dei traumi, ma non si può parlare quasi esclusivamente di quello.
La protagonista non ha una caratterizzazione al di fuori del suo trauma, la protagonista è il suo trauma!
Ad un certo punto racconta qualcosa al suo compagno di stanza ma dice che non ne vuole parlare nel dettaglio e che non vuole più affrontare il discorso.
Peccato che è lei ad ogni conversazione che tira fuori il fatto che è traumatizzata e che ha subito abusi, ogni cazzo di volta tira fuori questo discorso, addirittura si appropria dei traumi altrui parlando di ragazzi in affido che soffrono la fame come se ci fosse passata pure lei, peccato che a lei non è mai capitato perché all'inizio del libro ci dice che le sue famiglie affidatarie non sono mai state violente, non hanno mai abusato di lei e le hanno garantito cibo, una casa e la possibilità di studiare e fare dei lavoretti per risparmiare.
Quando Kat non parla del suo trauma, pochissime volte, ci frantuma le palle con infiniti monologhi sul consenso, e non solo per quanto riguarda il sesso, ma, per qualsiasi aspetto della vita Kat ci deve infilare la sua bella lezioncina progressista.
-Se c'è una cosa più ridicola di una donna che si traveste da uomo per frequentare una scuola di demoni ubicata all'inferno che fa lezioncine sul consenso, sono i demoni cattivissimi che si apprestano a fare un colpo di stato per prendere il trono dell'inferno, che ascoltano queste lezioncine con gli occhi a cuoricino e che si dichiarano totalmente d'accordo con lei.
- I protagonisti maschili sono tremendi, sfigatissimi, degli idioti che non riescono a partorire un solo pensiero critico.
Sono ben 7 tra l'altro, perché non c' è niente di meglio immagino per una che è traumatizzata da una passata violenza di una bella terapia d'urto in cui vieni presa da 7 demoni contemporaneamente.
- L'ultima cosa che voglio dire, e poi basta, perché ho già dedicato troppo tempo a questo libro, è questa:
Se Kat è così sensibile alla privacy, agli spazi personali, ai limiti, perché non pensa che sia abbietto da parte sua ingannare questi ragazzi infilandosi nelle loro vite, nel loro dormitorio, nel loro bagno.
Quando si eccita vedendoli camminare in mutande nell'intimità della loro camera, ignari del fatto che lei sia una ragazza, non è anche quella una forma di abuso?
Quando raccoglie le loro confidenze facendosi passare per Kit, non è una violenza psicologica?
Ho trovato il doppiopesismo e l'ipocrisia di questo libro insopportabile.
Quando ieri ho chiuso questo libro non ero sicura se mollarlo o meno, ma visto che oggi all'idea di riprenderlo mi è venuto in mente che sarebbe stato più divertente pulire la lettiera del gatto, ho deciso che per me finisce quì.
Quindi la mia recensione riguarderà solo il 55/60%.
Cosa non è andato bene in questo libro? Tante cose, ma mi limiterò a quelle più eclatanti ed evidenti.
- Fino al 27% è noiosissimo, la protagonista ci mette almeno 4 capitoli ad aprire la lettera di accettazione all'università, nel frattempo ci immergiamo nella sua quotidianità fatta di genitori adottivi anaffettivi e fratelli adottivi bulli.
1/4 di libro dedicato a questa famiglia che molto probabilmente non verrà più nominata per tutta la serie.
- L'argomento principale di questa libro, o almeno, è il motivo per cui ho deciso di leggerlo, è il fatto che la protagonista per frequentare questa accademia doveva travestirsi da ragazzo.
Mi aspettavo situazioni in cui Kat sarebbe stata in difficoltà, come quando va a fare la doccia o usa lo spogliatoio.
Niente di tutto questo! Kat si taglia i capelli e il gioco è fatto, non viene mai fatta neanche menzione se camuffa un pò la voce o se cambia un pò la sua camminata.
Il travestimento è solo un escamotage per far si che la protagonista frequenti questa scuola maschile, dopodichè ci si dimentica della cosa.
- Kat soffre di PTSD, di attacchi d'ansia, episodi di distacco dalla realtà, ecc... dovuti al suo passato in affidamento da una famiglia all'altra e a una violenza che ha subito, ma di cui ancora non sono stati chiariti i dettagli fin dove ho letto io.
Ci sta quindi che abbia dei traumi, ma non si può parlare quasi esclusivamente di quello.
La protagonista non ha una caratterizzazione al di fuori del suo trauma, la protagonista è il suo trauma!
Ad un certo punto racconta qualcosa al suo compagno di stanza ma dice che non ne vuole parlare nel dettaglio e che non vuole più affrontare il discorso.
Peccato che è lei ad ogni conversazione che tira fuori il fatto che è traumatizzata e che ha subito abusi, ogni cazzo di volta tira fuori questo discorso, addirittura si appropria dei traumi altrui parlando di ragazzi in affido che soffrono la fame come se ci fosse passata pure lei, peccato che a lei non è mai capitato perché all'inizio del libro ci dice che le sue famiglie affidatarie non sono mai state violente, non hanno mai abusato di lei e le hanno garantito cibo, una casa e la possibilità di studiare e fare dei lavoretti per risparmiare.
Quando Kat non parla del suo trauma, pochissime volte, ci frantuma le palle con infiniti monologhi sul consenso, e non solo per quanto riguarda il sesso, ma, per qualsiasi aspetto della vita Kat ci deve infilare la sua bella lezioncina progressista.
-Se c'è una cosa più ridicola di una donna che si traveste da uomo per frequentare una scuola di demoni ubicata all'inferno che fa lezioncine sul consenso, sono i demoni cattivissimi che si apprestano a fare un colpo di stato per prendere il trono dell'inferno, che ascoltano queste lezioncine con gli occhi a cuoricino e che si dichiarano totalmente d'accordo con lei.
- I protagonisti maschili sono tremendi, sfigatissimi, degli idioti che non riescono a partorire un solo pensiero critico.
Sono ben 7 tra l'altro, perché non c' è niente di meglio immagino per una che è traumatizzata da una passata violenza di una bella terapia d'urto in cui vieni presa da 7 demoni contemporaneamente.
- L'ultima cosa che voglio dire, e poi basta, perché ho già dedicato troppo tempo a questo libro, è questa:
Se Kat è così sensibile alla privacy, agli spazi personali, ai limiti, perché non pensa che sia abbietto da parte sua ingannare questi ragazzi infilandosi nelle loro vite, nel loro dormitorio, nel loro bagno.
Quando si eccita vedendoli camminare in mutande nell'intimità della loro camera, ignari del fatto che lei sia una ragazza, non è anche quella una forma di abuso?
Quando raccoglie le loro confidenze facendosi passare per Kit, non è una violenza psicologica?
Ho trovato il doppiopesismo e l'ipocrisia di questo libro insopportabile.
March 5, 2025
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book, the story telling was top notch. We got to read every main character’s point of view, heavily focused on Kat. To everyone else she was “Kit”. Reading about her (several) panic attacks, made it easy to connect with her as I also have panic attacks and use the same tips to come out of them. We got to learn how crappy it was living with her last foster parents, how her twin foster brothers were the apple of the parents she, thinking they would elevate their position in the community. How the twins would treat her, threatening to hurt her if she ever tried to one up them. Kat was super smart and could easily brag she’s smarter than them but she never speaks up. She just takes their emotional and mental abuse. Then she gets a mysterious package, with an acceptance letter to some unknown academy. By accident she signs the letter saying she accepts, well now it should be said that He accepts because it was addressed to Kit Camponella. She’s already found her familiar, a kinkajou, she named her Dottie, and she is hilarious. She understands what Kit says even reacts accordingly. She meets the guys when she’s been moved to their Caliphate Royal dorm. Jasper is a prince, the son of the current ruler of Hell. He doesent take kindly to his presence in their group when all his brothers all seem to be falling for Kit. Jasper is violent with his words, his actions no better. In combat class basically puts a target on Kits back since he mocked her opponent for letting Kit beat him in their spar. It’s one thing after another and Jasper refuses to back down even after Kit explains about his past in the foster system. None of the guys including their Tech guy (I can’t remember the name, he’s one of the caliphate) can find anything on Kit. Olsen and Salem had been witness to kits panic attacks but no one else seen them first hand so Kit tries to explain it without getting into to much detail about her triggers and that she was attacked at one point in freshman year. Jasper isn’t convinced and after a brutal academy wide meeting that announced they were all going to participate in the battle games, basically accused Kit of spying, and would rather him gone or dead. No one else he’s a she yet. I can’t beleive she got to keep her secret after her induction into the group. The strength of the magic that was released forced all the guys to shift and her to float in the air before the ceiling fell on her. None of the guys found out her secret but it’s possible Dr D, aka Dank could know but we never got a chance to see him after Kit woke up 2 days later. Dank was also her driver to the school, he picked her up at her foster parents. He seemed to be very kind to her. I look forward to reading the part when the guys find out about he is actually a she. They deserve to feel contrite, and it will make them realize that she might be their mate since they feel a weird connection to her. It was tough for Kit being there as human with no prior knowledge of the supernatural world, learning about the world in the eyes of a supernatural. It was all described like all the emotions flowed like water to what was going on and nothing felt forced or missing. I’m sad it was on my TBR pile for so long. I also loved how the world was described without going overboard. Seriously great book!
I really enjoyed this book, the story telling was top notch. We got to read every main character’s point of view, heavily focused on Kat. To everyone else she was “Kit”. Reading about her (several) panic attacks, made it easy to connect with her as I also have panic attacks and use the same tips to come out of them. We got to learn how crappy it was living with her last foster parents, how her twin foster brothers were the apple of the parents she, thinking they would elevate their position in the community. How the twins would treat her, threatening to hurt her if she ever tried to one up them. Kat was super smart and could easily brag she’s smarter than them but she never speaks up. She just takes their emotional and mental abuse. Then she gets a mysterious package, with an acceptance letter to some unknown academy. By accident she signs the letter saying she accepts, well now it should be said that He accepts because it was addressed to Kit Camponella. She’s already found her familiar, a kinkajou, she named her Dottie, and she is hilarious. She understands what Kit says even reacts accordingly. She meets the guys when she’s been moved to their Caliphate Royal dorm. Jasper is a prince, the son of the current ruler of Hell. He doesent take kindly to his presence in their group when all his brothers all seem to be falling for Kit. Jasper is violent with his words, his actions no better. In combat class basically puts a target on Kits back since he mocked her opponent for letting Kit beat him in their spar. It’s one thing after another and Jasper refuses to back down even after Kit explains about his past in the foster system. None of the guys including their Tech guy (I can’t remember the name, he’s one of the caliphate) can find anything on Kit. Olsen and Salem had been witness to kits panic attacks but no one else seen them first hand so Kit tries to explain it without getting into to much detail about her triggers and that she was attacked at one point in freshman year. Jasper isn’t convinced and after a brutal academy wide meeting that announced they were all going to participate in the battle games, basically accused Kit of spying, and would rather him gone or dead. No one else he’s a she yet. I can’t beleive she got to keep her secret after her induction into the group. The strength of the magic that was released forced all the guys to shift and her to float in the air before the ceiling fell on her. None of the guys found out her secret but it’s possible Dr D, aka Dank could know but we never got a chance to see him after Kit woke up 2 days later. Dank was also her driver to the school, he picked her up at her foster parents. He seemed to be very kind to her. I look forward to reading the part when the guys find out about he is actually a she. They deserve to feel contrite, and it will make them realize that she might be their mate since they feel a weird connection to her. It was tough for Kit being there as human with no prior knowledge of the supernatural world, learning about the world in the eyes of a supernatural. It was all described like all the emotions flowed like water to what was going on and nothing felt forced or missing. I’m sad it was on my TBR pile for so long. I also loved how the world was described without going overboard. Seriously great book!
October 4, 2025
So I know technically I’m supposed to go to another book in this universe before starting book 2 in the series, but I’m too impatient and wanna know what happens next.
I read Hell on Wheels by the same author earlier this year and I absolutely loved that. Honestly, I don’t understand why I waited so long to pick up this book.
I will say a few things before I get into my full review. The book is a bit slow going if that makes sense? It’s not at all bad it just moves at a glacial pace for me, which isn’t necessarily bad.
Number two from being on her page on Facebook I know that this is very very slow burn compared to the other series that are in this world. From what I’ve read from the synopsis’ of the other books in the series, the harem doesn’t start evolving till the end of book 2 maybe book 3 and that only starts with our main character dating one person. For reference on how slow burn this is.
Now for the actual review: Kat our FMC is a foster child. She hasn’t necessarily been in extremely bad homes where they’ve hurt her in anyway, but she’s been at homes where they’ve neglected her or berated her for being different. Her final foster home before her life literally changes is definitely full of neglect and people who care more about image than they do about her. Her foster parents care more that they’re adopted sons are gonna go to the NFL possibly one day and elevate them in their small town and give them money and take care of them then they do about someone who is academically advanced in how smart she is and how good she is at school.
Typical small town bullshit to be honest. Her foster brothers are absolute assholes. They bully her with their friends at school. Her foster dad follows his wife’s every command and they’re just not great people.
She gets an invitation to a college that she spends days researching and realises there’s absolutely no mention of this college anywhere. Not only that but it’s not addressed to Kat, it’s addressed to Kit. So she’s trying to figure out what exactly is going on.
A bunch of things happen she realises that she got accepted to basically an all boys academy and so she has to don the persona of a man in order to go to school here so she goes to the mall gets a whole new wardrobe and cut her hair short enough to make it look like she’s gender fluid Without looking completely boyish.
Let’s just say her life flipped upside down topsy-turvy style very simply after that. Little did she know Hell was an actual place and Demons were real. So she gets mildly bullied by three out of the seven MMC‘s for most of the book. By the end, it’s really only one of them bullying her.
But they don’t know her biggest secret and that’s that she’s a female. They still don’t even know what type of supernatural Demon she is.
I don’t really wanna say much else because I don’t wanna ruin the book for you, but it’s great.
I honestly can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series specifically and the rest of the universe.
Hell on Wheels was definitely a very fun and funny read to me and this one was up there as the same.
But again compared to this one HOW definitely moves faster as far as the harem is concerned and the spice because in that book she’s basically with every single one of her guys by the end and when I say basically, I’m pretty sure she is. Where as I said for this book, she’s not with any of them until the end of book 2 possibly book 3 based off the synopsis.
Yeah, seriously cannot wait to finish the books in the series as well as the rest of the universe
I read Hell on Wheels by the same author earlier this year and I absolutely loved that. Honestly, I don’t understand why I waited so long to pick up this book.
I will say a few things before I get into my full review. The book is a bit slow going if that makes sense? It’s not at all bad it just moves at a glacial pace for me, which isn’t necessarily bad.
Number two from being on her page on Facebook I know that this is very very slow burn compared to the other series that are in this world. From what I’ve read from the synopsis’ of the other books in the series, the harem doesn’t start evolving till the end of book 2 maybe book 3 and that only starts with our main character dating one person. For reference on how slow burn this is.
Now for the actual review: Kat our FMC is a foster child. She hasn’t necessarily been in extremely bad homes where they’ve hurt her in anyway, but she’s been at homes where they’ve neglected her or berated her for being different. Her final foster home before her life literally changes is definitely full of neglect and people who care more about image than they do about her. Her foster parents care more that they’re adopted sons are gonna go to the NFL possibly one day and elevate them in their small town and give them money and take care of them then they do about someone who is academically advanced in how smart she is and how good she is at school.
Typical small town bullshit to be honest. Her foster brothers are absolute assholes. They bully her with their friends at school. Her foster dad follows his wife’s every command and they’re just not great people.
She gets an invitation to a college that she spends days researching and realises there’s absolutely no mention of this college anywhere. Not only that but it’s not addressed to Kat, it’s addressed to Kit. So she’s trying to figure out what exactly is going on.
A bunch of things happen she realises that she got accepted to basically an all boys academy and so she has to don the persona of a man in order to go to school here so she goes to the mall gets a whole new wardrobe and cut her hair short enough to make it look like she’s gender fluid Without looking completely boyish.
Let’s just say her life flipped upside down topsy-turvy style very simply after that. Little did she know Hell was an actual place and Demons were real. So she gets mildly bullied by three out of the seven MMC‘s for most of the book. By the end, it’s really only one of them bullying her.
But they don’t know her biggest secret and that’s that she’s a female. They still don’t even know what type of supernatural Demon she is.
I don’t really wanna say much else because I don’t wanna ruin the book for you, but it’s great.
I honestly can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series specifically and the rest of the universe.
Hell on Wheels was definitely a very fun and funny read to me and this one was up there as the same.
But again compared to this one HOW definitely moves faster as far as the harem is concerned and the spice because in that book she’s basically with every single one of her guys by the end and when I say basically, I’m pretty sure she is. Where as I said for this book, she’s not with any of them until the end of book 2 possibly book 3 based off the synopsis.
Yeah, seriously cannot wait to finish the books in the series as well as the rest of the universe
December 15, 2025
Frustrating Scavenger Hunt
Do not try to read this series unless you are looking for a scavenger hunt to get the actual full story. I have no idea why the author thought it wise to cut the story up into incomplete chunks, make you subscribe to a newsletter in order to not miss out on vital information, and then make you start to read other series in order to find out what is missing in between books.
Yep, you read that right. Usually an author gives you a bonus scene that is unrelated to the plot in order to make you subscribe to their newsletter. Meaning you’re not missing out on critical information if you opt not to. Such as another point of view that was already described in the book, or a fun little interlude, or perhaps an epilogue describing how their future panned out. But in this series it seems if you skip them you miss vital information related to the story itself. Things that should have been in the main story, not offered as a bonus. And for every one of these books there is a “bonus”. That means more integral information not included in the main story.
Add to that the fact that if you want to figure out what happens between books you have to read two other books from different series to find out what’s missing. I get that the author may want to overlap series that take place in the same “world”, but this is done on the wrong manner. It makes more sense that if you have characters from Series A and Series B experience the same incident, then you write it twice. One from Series A’s viewpoint and how they deal with it and how it affects their group, then the exact same from Series B exploring theirs. You don’t just skip over vital parts of Series A altogether in order to promote Series B. If anything it’s a major turn off.
This whole reading experience makes me want to not read anything else by this author. If the other two series in this world are the exact same you’ll have to read other “bonus content” and more somewhat unrelated books in order to finish a single series.
It’s really a shame. I would have rated this book higher, but having to track down things, etc. ruined it. If this was an actual completed storyline I would have continued to read the entire series. Instead, no matter how intriguing a storyline may be, or how good the writing is, I am not finishing it.
If the goal of the author was to sell more books, they failed. It’s a shame. If these were complete I would have finished the series and most likely would have started another. Instead they have driven me (and probably others) away from this headache inducing nonsense.
Read at your own risk.
Do not try to read this series unless you are looking for a scavenger hunt to get the actual full story. I have no idea why the author thought it wise to cut the story up into incomplete chunks, make you subscribe to a newsletter in order to not miss out on vital information, and then make you start to read other series in order to find out what is missing in between books.
Yep, you read that right. Usually an author gives you a bonus scene that is unrelated to the plot in order to make you subscribe to their newsletter. Meaning you’re not missing out on critical information if you opt not to. Such as another point of view that was already described in the book, or a fun little interlude, or perhaps an epilogue describing how their future panned out. But in this series it seems if you skip them you miss vital information related to the story itself. Things that should have been in the main story, not offered as a bonus. And for every one of these books there is a “bonus”. That means more integral information not included in the main story.
Add to that the fact that if you want to figure out what happens between books you have to read two other books from different series to find out what’s missing. I get that the author may want to overlap series that take place in the same “world”, but this is done on the wrong manner. It makes more sense that if you have characters from Series A and Series B experience the same incident, then you write it twice. One from Series A’s viewpoint and how they deal with it and how it affects their group, then the exact same from Series B exploring theirs. You don’t just skip over vital parts of Series A altogether in order to promote Series B. If anything it’s a major turn off.
This whole reading experience makes me want to not read anything else by this author. If the other two series in this world are the exact same you’ll have to read other “bonus content” and more somewhat unrelated books in order to finish a single series.
It’s really a shame. I would have rated this book higher, but having to track down things, etc. ruined it. If this was an actual completed storyline I would have continued to read the entire series. Instead, no matter how intriguing a storyline may be, or how good the writing is, I am not finishing it.
If the goal of the author was to sell more books, they failed. It’s a shame. If these were complete I would have finished the series and most likely would have started another. Instead they have driven me (and probably others) away from this headache inducing nonsense.
Read at your own risk.
February 17, 2025
Cassandra Featherstone’s Veiled Flame is an engaging entry into the world of dark academia and fantasy, blending mystery, slow-burn romance, and an undercurrent of danger. Kat, a foster kid with a traumatic past, is mistakenly accepted into Discordia University—an elite, all-male school for demons and hybrids. Desperate for a fresh start, she disguises herself as a boy, only to find herself entangled in a world far more complicated than she anticipated.
Featherstone’s world-building is one of the book’s biggest strengths, painting a vivid picture of a school filled with powerful beings, dangerous secrets, and an undercurrent of hidden alliances. Kat is a strong and compelling protagonist, navigating both her own trauma and the challenge of keeping her true identity a secret. Her resilience and snarky attitude make her easy to root for, and her interactions with the seven MMCs bring humor, tension, and intrigue to the story.
However, while Veiled Flame sets up an exciting premise, it does suffer from pacing issues. The slow reveal of Kat’s secret, while understandable given her past trauma, drags out the progression of relationships and the overall plot. The fact that none of the demons—who supposedly have heightened senses—have picked up on her true identity feels a bit implausible, making it difficult to fully suspend disbelief. Additionally, given Kat’s unresolved PTSD and deep-seated trust issues, the idea of her embracing a romantic connection with seven love interests in a reasonable timeframe seems like a potential hurdle for future books.
That said, the novel does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork for what’s to come. The relationships, while slow to develop, have strong potential, and the cliffhanger leaves readers eager for book two. If you enjoy slow-burn reverse harems, hidden identity tropes, and dark academia settings, Veiled Flame is worth picking up—just be prepared for a gradual buildup rather than immediate romance. A promising start with strong characters and world-building, but the pacing may test your patience. Looking forward to seeing how book two unfolds!
🖤Length: 442 Pages
🖤Genre: Paranormal Romance
🖤Spice: Slow Burn
🖤Violence: 🔥🔥
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: Discordia University
🖤Ending: Cliffhanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Featherstone’s world-building is one of the book’s biggest strengths, painting a vivid picture of a school filled with powerful beings, dangerous secrets, and an undercurrent of hidden alliances. Kat is a strong and compelling protagonist, navigating both her own trauma and the challenge of keeping her true identity a secret. Her resilience and snarky attitude make her easy to root for, and her interactions with the seven MMCs bring humor, tension, and intrigue to the story.
However, while Veiled Flame sets up an exciting premise, it does suffer from pacing issues. The slow reveal of Kat’s secret, while understandable given her past trauma, drags out the progression of relationships and the overall plot. The fact that none of the demons—who supposedly have heightened senses—have picked up on her true identity feels a bit implausible, making it difficult to fully suspend disbelief. Additionally, given Kat’s unresolved PTSD and deep-seated trust issues, the idea of her embracing a romantic connection with seven love interests in a reasonable timeframe seems like a potential hurdle for future books.
That said, the novel does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork for what’s to come. The relationships, while slow to develop, have strong potential, and the cliffhanger leaves readers eager for book two. If you enjoy slow-burn reverse harems, hidden identity tropes, and dark academia settings, Veiled Flame is worth picking up—just be prepared for a gradual buildup rather than immediate romance. A promising start with strong characters and world-building, but the pacing may test your patience. Looking forward to seeing how book two unfolds!
🖤Length: 442 Pages
🖤Genre: Paranormal Romance
🖤Spice: Slow Burn
🖤Violence: 🔥🔥
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: Discordia University
🖤Ending: Cliffhanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
September 16, 2024
I started reading this on Vella and it immediately piqued my interest. Secret girl books are so entertaining and fun to me. I love the idea of the fmc being hidden in plain sight and the mmcs being completely shocked by the realization of her being female the whole time. It's even better when they start out attempting to bully the fmc and come to realize how terrible they were to this person when they would never do some of that stuff to a female..one of those “I would have never if I had known” moments. I think Jasper especially will be having some guilt about his treatment of Kit. Kit, however, has an amazingly huge backbone and stood her ground for the majority of this book. She was such a wonderful fmc. Her snark and retorts were top notch. She seemed to have a witty response to everything negative that was said to her to move it into her favor and although she was in a completely unknown situation to her, she rolled with the punches, not letting too much affect her. Her background in foster care certainly helped her out to be able to breeze right through Hell, or at least seem like she is.
This book was indeed a slow burn. Let's say glacial at this point and for good reasons! Due to some past trauma, Kit is not likely to have any sexual relations with any of the guys anytime soon. Not to mention her hidden girl status that she is keeping under wraps. The guys have been incredibly respectful of her boundaries for the most part, once they are aware of the situation and I don't see them pushing her in any way unless their animals force their way to the surface because of something dealing with a mating bond. If you want something fast burn, this is not the book for you. I honestly think something like cuddling might be something we see in the future with a select few of the guys that she feels the best connection with. It's gonna be all about baby steps for Kit and whatever she feels most comfortable doing and whoever she is the most comfortable with.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and for when Kit finally reveals herself to everyone. There's got to be a reason why she was brought to this boys only academy. Mistakes don't often happen when fate is involved.
This book was indeed a slow burn. Let's say glacial at this point and for good reasons! Due to some past trauma, Kit is not likely to have any sexual relations with any of the guys anytime soon. Not to mention her hidden girl status that she is keeping under wraps. The guys have been incredibly respectful of her boundaries for the most part, once they are aware of the situation and I don't see them pushing her in any way unless their animals force their way to the surface because of something dealing with a mating bond. If you want something fast burn, this is not the book for you. I honestly think something like cuddling might be something we see in the future with a select few of the guys that she feels the best connection with. It's gonna be all about baby steps for Kit and whatever she feels most comfortable doing and whoever she is the most comfortable with.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and for when Kit finally reveals herself to everyone. There's got to be a reason why she was brought to this boys only academy. Mistakes don't often happen when fate is involved.
August 31, 2024
You know those books that give you the impression that you're really going to enjoy it as soon as you start digging in?
THIS is one of those books. Cassandra was a new to me author, but I was completely sucked it on the first page and I couldn't get enough of this book.
When you first meet Kat, she's just trying to survive -- get through each day without any added stress. Whether it comes from her foster brothers or her foster parents. You know right from the start with how that family functions that it's ALL about the brothers and Kat doesn't get the same treatment. You also get hints and clues why Kat carries herself like she does, thanks to her past and being shuffled around so much.
I gotta say...her foster family legit drove me nuts. I was rooting for Kat the moment a mysterious letter showed up for her. As much as she wanted to take the fresh start and get away from this family, I was eager to see that she got it.
But my God did that change come with one heck of a twist!! (Okay, quite a few!)
Everything changes for Kat. So much so that KAT becomes KIT in order to fit in at this new school and now she's got to protect her secret from a group that doesn't seem eager to accept her.
Watching how each character grew to understand what made Kat/Kit tick and accept her for who she was (or rather, the male version) was amazing. It was nice to see each one find a way to connect with her.
Jasper, on the other hand, was true to his frustrating nature.
Slow burns usually frustrate me (I LOVE insta-love, I won't lie about that LOL), but the amount of plot put into this book really balanced that out. I found myself enjoying the story's progress. So much so that I am already planning on getting a paperback copy of this book. It will DEFINITELY be one that I'll reread again and again -- and lend to a friend so they can ALSO become addicted to Cassandra's books. ;)
FANTASTIC job, Cassandra! I can't wait for book 2 and I'm super excited to dive into your other written worlds!!!
THIS is one of those books. Cassandra was a new to me author, but I was completely sucked it on the first page and I couldn't get enough of this book.
When you first meet Kat, she's just trying to survive -- get through each day without any added stress. Whether it comes from her foster brothers or her foster parents. You know right from the start with how that family functions that it's ALL about the brothers and Kat doesn't get the same treatment. You also get hints and clues why Kat carries herself like she does, thanks to her past and being shuffled around so much.
I gotta say...her foster family legit drove me nuts. I was rooting for Kat the moment a mysterious letter showed up for her. As much as she wanted to take the fresh start and get away from this family, I was eager to see that she got it.
But my God did that change come with one heck of a twist!! (Okay, quite a few!)
Everything changes for Kat. So much so that KAT becomes KIT in order to fit in at this new school and now she's got to protect her secret from a group that doesn't seem eager to accept her.
Watching how each character grew to understand what made Kat/Kit tick and accept her for who she was (or rather, the male version) was amazing. It was nice to see each one find a way to connect with her.
Jasper, on the other hand, was true to his frustrating nature.
Slow burns usually frustrate me (I LOVE insta-love, I won't lie about that LOL), but the amount of plot put into this book really balanced that out. I found myself enjoying the story's progress. So much so that I am already planning on getting a paperback copy of this book. It will DEFINITELY be one that I'll reread again and again -- and lend to a friend so they can ALSO become addicted to Cassandra's books. ;)
FANTASTIC job, Cassandra! I can't wait for book 2 and I'm super excited to dive into your other written worlds!!!
August 29, 2024
Veiled Flame follows the story of Kat Camponella, a foster child just shy of graduating high school. After a lifetime of abuse and neglect in the foster care system, Kat mysteriously receives an academic scholarship to Discordia University — an exclusive ALL BOYS school… in HELL. Welcome to the stage: Kit Camponella, Kat’s emo boy alter ego!
Ultimately, the series will be a why choose/RH situation, this first book is very much tame in regards to anything super spicy. Conversations or exerts eluding to conquests — all very mild. This first book really lays the foundation, providing you with partial backstories, as well as an introduction of what to come. Although it is not usually in my wheelhouse, I was surprised to find that I wound up enjoying the storyline. In fact, I was disappointed when I made it to the end — a cliffhanger of monumental proportions! Or perhaps I am being over dramatic.
I only have a few “complaints”. (1.) I feel like the first portion of this book was drawn out a little bit more than it needed to be. I understand laying a foundation, providing or eluding to the FMC’s backstory for the reader, but I feel that there were several instances within the first 35% of the book that could have been removed because the point had already been laid out several times in the beginning. It was like beating a dead horse, so to speak. (2.) There were a few times where actions or the character in question doesn’t line up with the following paragraph or so. Or the character voicing the chapter will refer to Kit as an her when they all still believe her to be an he.
I found enjoyable aspects to each of the MMC’s. Oriel is by far my favorite, but I find that they all have a quirky characteristic to them, making the each unique to the group. I also liked the LGBTQ representation within the group dynamics.
All in all, I found it a fun and refreshing read! I look forward to book 2 in the series. I give it 4 out of 5 stars — I do enjoy a good backstory.
Ultimately, the series will be a why choose/RH situation, this first book is very much tame in regards to anything super spicy. Conversations or exerts eluding to conquests — all very mild. This first book really lays the foundation, providing you with partial backstories, as well as an introduction of what to come. Although it is not usually in my wheelhouse, I was surprised to find that I wound up enjoying the storyline. In fact, I was disappointed when I made it to the end — a cliffhanger of monumental proportions! Or perhaps I am being over dramatic.
I only have a few “complaints”. (1.) I feel like the first portion of this book was drawn out a little bit more than it needed to be. I understand laying a foundation, providing or eluding to the FMC’s backstory for the reader, but I feel that there were several instances within the first 35% of the book that could have been removed because the point had already been laid out several times in the beginning. It was like beating a dead horse, so to speak. (2.) There were a few times where actions or the character in question doesn’t line up with the following paragraph or so. Or the character voicing the chapter will refer to Kit as an her when they all still believe her to be an he.
I found enjoyable aspects to each of the MMC’s. Oriel is by far my favorite, but I find that they all have a quirky characteristic to them, making the each unique to the group. I also liked the LGBTQ representation within the group dynamics.
All in all, I found it a fun and refreshing read! I look forward to book 2 in the series. I give it 4 out of 5 stars — I do enjoy a good backstory.
August 25, 2024
Multi-pov
Poly
Badass characters
Demon academy
Fast paced
Slow burn
Veiled Flame did not feel like a 500 page book.
The pacing was so incredibly well done that the book felt shorter than it was.
I loved the characters and I loved that everyone gave as good as they got. The beginnings of the romance blooming was wonderful to read. There is so much tension between these characters.
This is a no spice book and a slow burn, so I have high hopes for how the relationships will further develop in the next book.
The plot is pretty basic. Kat is a kid in the foster systems she receives this magical invitation to come to this school no one knows anything about.
Kat doesn’t have many choices as far as her future is concerned to she accepts only to realize shortly after arriving at university that it’s for demons and an all boys school.
So she disguises herself as a boy and gets put in a dorm area where everyone hates her.
The only complaints I have are for the slight cliches that popped up every now and again. Kat or Kit as she’s known by at school, is a little too “I’m super edgy and emo” sometimes.
But I can overlook it.
And the last complaint is that the name Kit Camponella is said literally a thousand times. Like, come on guys, just call her Kit and be done with it.
But otherwise I loved this book and there were so many fun moments and quotes. I’ll share a few at the end of the review.
Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The angry voice startles me and I jump about fifty feet in the air, shrieking in a much too girly way. “Back off! I have a knife!”
The shark shifter gives me an annoyed look as he wipes his dripping face off with a towel. “Yeah, well, my teeth are knives, but you don’t see me screaming like a little princess about it. Don’t make me repeat myself, human.”
“Don’t ruin this or I swear I’ll…”
“What? You’ll what? Refuse to let me in the ‘Ancient Society of No Homers’? Be fucking for real,” Kit says”
“He’s such a fucking douche,” my closest friend grumbles. “My father acts like he started the fires in the pits, but we all know he’s the reason Hell is a disorganized mess.”
Poly
Badass characters
Demon academy
Fast paced
Slow burn
Veiled Flame did not feel like a 500 page book.
The pacing was so incredibly well done that the book felt shorter than it was.
I loved the characters and I loved that everyone gave as good as they got. The beginnings of the romance blooming was wonderful to read. There is so much tension between these characters.
This is a no spice book and a slow burn, so I have high hopes for how the relationships will further develop in the next book.
The plot is pretty basic. Kat is a kid in the foster systems she receives this magical invitation to come to this school no one knows anything about.
Kat doesn’t have many choices as far as her future is concerned to she accepts only to realize shortly after arriving at university that it’s for demons and an all boys school.
So she disguises herself as a boy and gets put in a dorm area where everyone hates her.
The only complaints I have are for the slight cliches that popped up every now and again. Kat or Kit as she’s known by at school, is a little too “I’m super edgy and emo” sometimes.
But I can overlook it.
And the last complaint is that the name Kit Camponella is said literally a thousand times. Like, come on guys, just call her Kit and be done with it.
But otherwise I loved this book and there were so many fun moments and quotes. I’ll share a few at the end of the review.
Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The angry voice startles me and I jump about fifty feet in the air, shrieking in a much too girly way. “Back off! I have a knife!”
The shark shifter gives me an annoyed look as he wipes his dripping face off with a towel. “Yeah, well, my teeth are knives, but you don’t see me screaming like a little princess about it. Don’t make me repeat myself, human.”
“Don’t ruin this or I swear I’ll…”
“What? You’ll what? Refuse to let me in the ‘Ancient Society of No Homers’? Be fucking for real,” Kit says”
“He’s such a fucking douche,” my closest friend grumbles. “My father acts like he started the fires in the pits, but we all know he’s the reason Hell is a disorganized mess.”
November 24, 2024
Veiled Flame: A Paranormal Shifter Demon Academy Romance (Discordia University Book 1 ) is a thrilling academy paranormal why-choose by Cassandra Featherstone. Kats's ambitions of escaping her foster family to attend an Ivy League school have vanished. Her only shot now is Discordia University, a private boys' school she’s never heard of. What she doesn’t realize is that this institution is a hidden realm for demons and hybrids located in Hell. Will she carve out a place among the royal heirs of hell, or will she be crushed as the Dean of Discordia intends?
I absolutely adored this story! The characters are impeccably crafted. Kat/Kit is not only strong and brave but also clever and determined. After enduring years of abuse in the foster system, she’s adaptable, observant, and exceptionally equipped to tackle the new school environment, biased teachers, and the bullying from her roommates. Each character brings something unique to the table, showcasing their shifter heritage in fascinating ways. Featherstone's incorporation of a diverse range of shifters like a dragon, shark, kitsune, snake, peacock, crow, and panda is nothing short of brilliant. The world-building is absolutely phenomenal!
This slow-burn narrative serves as an outstanding introduction to a diverse cast, various realms, and the complex politics at play. While the book includes some G-rated attraction, I have no doubt that as the series unfolds, readers will be treated to the signature, off-the-charts heat that Featherstone is renowned for. Her plots are rich, filled with intricate worlds and deep characters.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn paranormal why-choose academy romances that explore themes of bullying, past abuse, trauma, identity struggles, and the complexities of found family, then Veiled Flame is not just a recommendation—it’s an absolute must-read!
I absolutely adored this story! The characters are impeccably crafted. Kat/Kit is not only strong and brave but also clever and determined. After enduring years of abuse in the foster system, she’s adaptable, observant, and exceptionally equipped to tackle the new school environment, biased teachers, and the bullying from her roommates. Each character brings something unique to the table, showcasing their shifter heritage in fascinating ways. Featherstone's incorporation of a diverse range of shifters like a dragon, shark, kitsune, snake, peacock, crow, and panda is nothing short of brilliant. The world-building is absolutely phenomenal!
This slow-burn narrative serves as an outstanding introduction to a diverse cast, various realms, and the complex politics at play. While the book includes some G-rated attraction, I have no doubt that as the series unfolds, readers will be treated to the signature, off-the-charts heat that Featherstone is renowned for. Her plots are rich, filled with intricate worlds and deep characters.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn paranormal why-choose academy romances that explore themes of bullying, past abuse, trauma, identity struggles, and the complexities of found family, then Veiled Flame is not just a recommendation—it’s an absolute must-read!
November 24, 2025
I enjoyed this overall and the performances made this an easy listen with Ada Sinclair keeping me engaged as she flipped between the Kat and Kit personas. The male narrator was also good but I found it a little difficult to differentiate between some of the various MMCs in certain chapters. The pre-Discordia section of the book dragged a little to start and there were a few plot threads mentioned which didn't really go anywhere. I'm interested to see if any of that period is revisited as it felt like there was some unfinished business between Kat and her foster family.
Once we arrived at Discordia though things pick up with the Headmaster immediately using Kat for his own agenda (I initially thought he was going to be a love interest as he had his own POV chapter). There is plenty of mystery surrounding what and who Kat is, the mention of a prophecy, and the tension of Kat masquerading as Kit in a school full of demonic males. I did find it strange that none of the demons have an inkling about her big secret but it isn't really as prevalent as I thought it would be and I could see the story working just as well if Kat had been the first female student. The focus is more on Kat's mental health which the MMCs are surprisingly sympathetic of considering their leader is trying to get rid of her. There is a lot of scene setting and it felt like things were about to change gear towards the end of the book. I'm invested though and I feel like Jasper's grovel is going to be fun to witness.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Once we arrived at Discordia though things pick up with the Headmaster immediately using Kat for his own agenda (I initially thought he was going to be a love interest as he had his own POV chapter). There is plenty of mystery surrounding what and who Kat is, the mention of a prophecy, and the tension of Kat masquerading as Kit in a school full of demonic males. I did find it strange that none of the demons have an inkling about her big secret but it isn't really as prevalent as I thought it would be and I could see the story working just as well if Kat had been the first female student. The focus is more on Kat's mental health which the MMCs are surprisingly sympathetic of considering their leader is trying to get rid of her. There is a lot of scene setting and it felt like things were about to change gear towards the end of the book. I'm invested though and I feel like Jasper's grovel is going to be fun to witness.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
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