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Veilbound: The Shadow and Starlight Archives
She was sent to steal a myth. What she found was a curse.
Elayne is a thief. Quick with a blade and quicker with a lie, she survives the crumbling city of Renshall under the protection of the Silver Talons—until a debt owed to a crime lord forces her underground. His price? Retrieve an artifact no mortal has ever laid eyes the Veiled Mirror.
Said to be hidden beyond the Shadow Road—where the fae rule and humans vanish—it’s a death sentence in disguise.
But Elayne finds it. And when she touches it, something touches back.
Now marked by an ancient power she doesn’t understand, Elayne is dragged into the glittering, treacherous realm of Ildraleth. There, she is captured by a masked fae prince with secrets darker than his shadows, hunted by a fanatical cult that worships her, and bound to a fae king who sees her as the key to his own rise.
Everyone wants something from her.
No one will tell her why.
As the Mirror begins to whisper and her own body betrays her with power that shouldn’t exist, Elayne must navigate a court of hidden agendas, forbidden magic, and a prince whose silence hides too many truths.
In a world where nothing is what it seems, Elayne must unravel the mystery of what she’s become—before it unravels her.
Elayne is a thief. Quick with a blade and quicker with a lie, she survives the crumbling city of Renshall under the protection of the Silver Talons—until a debt owed to a crime lord forces her underground. His price? Retrieve an artifact no mortal has ever laid eyes the Veiled Mirror.
Said to be hidden beyond the Shadow Road—where the fae rule and humans vanish—it’s a death sentence in disguise.
But Elayne finds it. And when she touches it, something touches back.
Now marked by an ancient power she doesn’t understand, Elayne is dragged into the glittering, treacherous realm of Ildraleth. There, she is captured by a masked fae prince with secrets darker than his shadows, hunted by a fanatical cult that worships her, and bound to a fae king who sees her as the key to his own rise.
Everyone wants something from her.
No one will tell her why.
As the Mirror begins to whisper and her own body betrays her with power that shouldn’t exist, Elayne must navigate a court of hidden agendas, forbidden magic, and a prince whose silence hides too many truths.
In a world where nothing is what it seems, Elayne must unravel the mystery of what she’s become—before it unravels her.
652 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 16, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy of this book! I was obsessed! The world she created pulled me in and the FMC and MMC relationship kept me on my toes!
I cannot wait for the next book! It definitely sets you up for more answers and excitement for the rest of their story! My favorite character is probably Draven. I can’t wait to see more from him!!!
I cannot wait for the next book! It definitely sets you up for more answers and excitement for the rest of their story! My favorite character is probably Draven. I can’t wait to see more from him!!!
November 1, 2025
The authors attention to detail when it comes to the characters and world building was amazing. I felt as if I was transported into the world and experiencing everything the characters were experiencing. I felt the sorrow, happiness and frustration as if it was my own. The feelings of love, and loss and then love again had me on the edge of my seat and having a hard time putting the book down.
I am very eager to read the next book in The Shadow and Starlight Archives!
I am very eager to read the next book in The Shadow and Starlight Archives!
June 8, 2025
I had the opportunity to be an Arc reader and this is my review for Veilbound. First off I am so happy I found this book! I was in a bit of a reading slump for a bit and this got me out of it so much so I even made some fan art. I can’t wait to get a physical copy but also for whenever the second book comes out, I am def continuing this series! Eve is a great writer and I cannot thank her enough for creating such a beautiful world.
November 3, 2025
Amazing story.
I am speechless and still recovering over this story. Woven in a world that is divided and bleak. There shines the FMC made of stars and the broody MMC who would burn the world to protect her. Part two I was at the edge of my seat wondering who is betraying who. Cannot wait for book 2.
I am speechless and still recovering over this story. Woven in a world that is divided and bleak. There shines the FMC made of stars and the broody MMC who would burn the world to protect her. Part two I was at the edge of my seat wondering who is betraying who. Cannot wait for book 2.
June 8, 2025
4⭐️
1🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book!
She’s the only one who can save them, but didn’t want the assignment in the first place.
Elayne has been fighting to survive her whole life. Taking sketchy jobs from dark people but always confident in her abilities to succeed in each job. After completing one last job to pay off her debt to the seediest of men, she thinks she’s free of him, but he has other plans for her. He needs something. He wants her to get it for him. Elayne has to travel across the shadow road to acquire the Veiled mirror and it won’t be easy.
The moment she touches the mirror though, everything changes. It calls to her but shouldn’t. After returning it back to who commissioned her though, he chains her up because while the mirror lets her touch it, he can’t, and he wants to know why. And will torture her to get it. She’s only saved by a mysterious figure and swept away to the Blood Court, the last place she wants to be. He’s bound her to himself so she can’t run away, not understanding what that truly means. Caelum is infuriating but beautiful, she can’t keep her eyes off him and his shadows are obsessed with her. But by bounding her to himself, she just made herself a bigger target at the Blood Court because that mark was meant for someone else.
On top of everything, the King keeps calling her the Starling and destined to break the blood curse on them all. The Blood Court is a dangerous place. Blood oaths to the king gives him complete control, even over Caelum, no matter how much Elayne wishes it didn’t. He distances himself from her but the King has big plans for her and hopes to have her use the mirror and become his forever. Every step she makes, Elayne has to think through first. She doesn’t know who she can truly trust or how to get herself out.
It took a little bit for me to get into this, and there are aspects that are a bit confusing or hard to keep straight but overall it was a good read. An interesting story with all the various feels while reading. I definitely was crying at one point. And we meet some characters along the way that help make the story for sure. I love Draven so much ❤️
The spice 🌶️ was alllllmost there. This is definitely a SLOW BURN story and when we’re finally going to get to the good stuff…I was ready to throw my kindle 😂 lol. It fits the story and everything and i get that but it slowly stabbed me in the heart 😩 mostly because they finally stop fighting what’s between them just to be interrupted.
This ends on a cliffhanger and I’m curious to see where the story will go next. I know there’s a lot more lore to this story but I hope it doesn’t jump too far into that where it becomes too confusing to keep up. I’m all about world building but have to do it subtly.
1🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book!
She’s the only one who can save them, but didn’t want the assignment in the first place.
Elayne has been fighting to survive her whole life. Taking sketchy jobs from dark people but always confident in her abilities to succeed in each job. After completing one last job to pay off her debt to the seediest of men, she thinks she’s free of him, but he has other plans for her. He needs something. He wants her to get it for him. Elayne has to travel across the shadow road to acquire the Veiled mirror and it won’t be easy.
The moment she touches the mirror though, everything changes. It calls to her but shouldn’t. After returning it back to who commissioned her though, he chains her up because while the mirror lets her touch it, he can’t, and he wants to know why. And will torture her to get it. She’s only saved by a mysterious figure and swept away to the Blood Court, the last place she wants to be. He’s bound her to himself so she can’t run away, not understanding what that truly means. Caelum is infuriating but beautiful, she can’t keep her eyes off him and his shadows are obsessed with her. But by bounding her to himself, she just made herself a bigger target at the Blood Court because that mark was meant for someone else.
On top of everything, the King keeps calling her the Starling and destined to break the blood curse on them all. The Blood Court is a dangerous place. Blood oaths to the king gives him complete control, even over Caelum, no matter how much Elayne wishes it didn’t. He distances himself from her but the King has big plans for her and hopes to have her use the mirror and become his forever. Every step she makes, Elayne has to think through first. She doesn’t know who she can truly trust or how to get herself out.
It took a little bit for me to get into this, and there are aspects that are a bit confusing or hard to keep straight but overall it was a good read. An interesting story with all the various feels while reading. I definitely was crying at one point. And we meet some characters along the way that help make the story for sure. I love Draven so much ❤️
The spice 🌶️ was alllllmost there. This is definitely a SLOW BURN story and when we’re finally going to get to the good stuff…I was ready to throw my kindle 😂 lol. It fits the story and everything and i get that but it slowly stabbed me in the heart 😩 mostly because they finally stop fighting what’s between them just to be interrupted.
This ends on a cliffhanger and I’m curious to see where the story will go next. I know there’s a lot more lore to this story but I hope it doesn’t jump too far into that where it becomes too confusing to keep up. I’m all about world building but have to do it subtly.
June 18, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 Stars (& I would give more if I could)
WOW WOW WOW!!! This book easily earned a 5 star rating from me because WOW! I was an ARC reader for Veilbound and I had seen some posts on Tiktok about it, not knowing what the story was about, I applied. What I didn't expect was to absolutely fall in love with these characters, this story, the whole thing has easily become one of my favorite book series and I truly cannot wait for book 2!
Veilbound is the perfect dark romantasy series that I personally feel could be the next viral series. Elayne is a thief who is sent to find an artifact to gain her freedom, little does she know with a twist of fate, she will be captured by the prince of shadows, a fae. I literally can't say anything more so I don't spoil it, but please do yourself a favor and read it!!! I couldn't put my kindle down for days on end.
The chokehold these characters have on me is unreal. I loved the development of both the FMC & MMC and felt like this book set up the perfect sequel for book 2. I loved the darkness of this story, I also loved how strong the FMC was with everything she experienced (no spoilers). Elayne & Caelum are easily two of my new favorite characters.
You have your classic tropes of..
- Enemies to lovers
- A unique world of Gods, Fae & Humans
- Touch her and ☠️
- Fated Mates (but make it a curse)
- Morally Grey MMC who is a prince (and only soft for her)
- Forced Proximity
- Overprotective/possessive love 🔥
- Strong FMC that you love to cheer for
- Slowest of slow burns🔥
-" You're Mine"
- The Spice is SOOO GOOD 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Veilbound comes out October 31st! Add this to your TBR because you are NOT going to want to miss out!
5 Stars (& I would give more if I could)
WOW WOW WOW!!! This book easily earned a 5 star rating from me because WOW! I was an ARC reader for Veilbound and I had seen some posts on Tiktok about it, not knowing what the story was about, I applied. What I didn't expect was to absolutely fall in love with these characters, this story, the whole thing has easily become one of my favorite book series and I truly cannot wait for book 2!
Veilbound is the perfect dark romantasy series that I personally feel could be the next viral series. Elayne is a thief who is sent to find an artifact to gain her freedom, little does she know with a twist of fate, she will be captured by the prince of shadows, a fae. I literally can't say anything more so I don't spoil it, but please do yourself a favor and read it!!! I couldn't put my kindle down for days on end.
The chokehold these characters have on me is unreal. I loved the development of both the FMC & MMC and felt like this book set up the perfect sequel for book 2. I loved the darkness of this story, I also loved how strong the FMC was with everything she experienced (no spoilers). Elayne & Caelum are easily two of my new favorite characters.
You have your classic tropes of..
- Enemies to lovers
- A unique world of Gods, Fae & Humans
- Touch her and ☠️
- Fated Mates (but make it a curse)
- Morally Grey MMC who is a prince (and only soft for her)
- Forced Proximity
- Overprotective/possessive love 🔥
- Strong FMC that you love to cheer for
- Slowest of slow burns🔥
-" You're Mine"
- The Spice is SOOO GOOD 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Veilbound comes out October 31st! Add this to your TBR because you are NOT going to want to miss out!
June 8, 2025
Such a cool fantasy read!
So happy I was an arc reader!!!!!
Veilbound is full of action, magic, and mystery. Elayne is a tough, clever main character who ends up in way over her head—but in the best way. Between the creepy magic mirror, the fae world, and a prince with too many secrets, there’s never a dull moment.
The story pulled me in right away, and I loved how the world felt dark and magical at the same time. It has twists, danger, and just enough romance to keep things interesting.
This is a need to read!!!!!
So happy I was an arc reader!!!!!
Veilbound is full of action, magic, and mystery. Elayne is a tough, clever main character who ends up in way over her head—but in the best way. Between the creepy magic mirror, the fae world, and a prince with too many secrets, there’s never a dull moment.
The story pulled me in right away, and I loved how the world felt dark and magical at the same time. It has twists, danger, and just enough romance to keep things interesting.
This is a need to read!!!!!
June 12, 2025
I’m so happy I got to read an ARC of this book! I was in the middle of a pretty bad reading slump, and this story managed to pull me right out of it. A magical realm? And a cool adventure? What’s not to love!
I really liked Elayne!! She was such a fun character, and I found myself really rooting for her. It was defenitely a slow burn tho but honestly i really did not mind it at all!
This is defenitely a must read!!
I can’t wait for book 2 🫶🏻
I really liked Elayne!! She was such a fun character, and I found myself really rooting for her. It was defenitely a slow burn tho but honestly i really did not mind it at all!
This is defenitely a must read!!
I can’t wait for book 2 🫶🏻
June 13, 2025
I absolutely loved the world Eve created in Veilbound. The way she describes scenery makes the story come to life. I love when I feel like I’m there inside the pages of the book. I’m usually not a romantasy reader but I enjoyed this book because it had a beautifully dark magical world, great characters, and an interesting plot right from the beginning. Elayne is a cool fmc and I can’t wait to see what is next in her journey.
September 25, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the arc copy of this book! This was an easy 5 star rating for me. I have to say it's been my favorite read of the year! This book contains a badass female lead! It has slow burn romance with the male lead. A good book is one that transport you into it and this book did this easily! The ending sets it up for more books to come and I can't wait for the rest of this series!
August 14, 2025
Veilbound is a lush, atmospheric dark romantasy that pulls you in with its intrigue, slow-burn tension, and morally gray characters. Eve Arielle’s writing feels immersive and lyrical, with just enough danger and romance to keep you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of brooding worlds, forbidden attraction, and heroines who refuse to play by the rules.
June 15, 2025
I was an ARC reader, and can genuinely say the book has a lot of potential. The story is good! However, I just wish we had a little more world building in the beginning, and that I had more background on Elayne. I believe knowing more of her life before the book started would make her more of a complete character, and give her the motivation to endure the situations she encounters (trying to be spoiler free). Other than that, a great story, and I look forward to its publication!
July 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! I had to put it down because I didn't want to get to the end!! They chaos of Elayne and Caelum was top notch! The magic, vampires, gods...it has it all!! And Draven is a side character that needs his own book!!!!
June 8, 2025
Really good book has some similarities as far as having different realms, but has uniqueness as well. I’m grateful for getting to read this lovely book early. Can’t wait to see more from this author.
June 8, 2025
this book is an amazing read id you love the realms and fantasy camt wait to read more
June 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The ongoing of what is going to happen next kept me,e on my toes. I can’t wait for book two!! Definitely need to read this if you love enemies to lovers romance!
February 22, 2026
I had such high hopes for this book, but it was a bit of a disappointment. However, I might stay on the look out for book two.
The concept was great, and I loved the overall storyline. However, it was so repetitive? It felt like every other chapter was just the same inner monologue of "I don't have a choice" and this constant what are we with the MMC. Now don't get me wrong, the FMC's options are terrible. She is truly stuck trading one horrid cage for the next, but I just felt like there should have been more going on?
And there was a constant "can't tell you what's really going on" by some of the characters. Now, yes, the concepts of blood oaths exist here but it just felt like everyone knew what was going on, and would dangle it in front of her enough for her to get angry and ask questions only to excuse it away as to why they couldn't elaborate. And that became a bit frustrating because you're not leaving clues to help her figure it out, so what's the point of bringing it up?
The concept was great, and I loved the overall storyline. However, it was so repetitive? It felt like every other chapter was just the same inner monologue of "I don't have a choice" and this constant what are we with the MMC. Now don't get me wrong, the FMC's options are terrible. She is truly stuck trading one horrid cage for the next, but I just felt like there should have been more going on?
And there was a constant "can't tell you what's really going on" by some of the characters. Now, yes, the concepts of blood oaths exist here but it just felt like everyone knew what was going on, and would dangle it in front of her enough for her to get angry and ask questions only to excuse it away as to why they couldn't elaborate. And that became a bit frustrating because you're not leaving clues to help her figure it out, so what's the point of bringing it up?
December 3, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Veilbound was everything and more. The world is so vivid and atmospheric that it feels like stepping straight into the shadows and starlight yourself. It’s gripping, emotional, and honestly heartbreaking in the best way — the kind of story that hits hard and lingers long after you close the book. This has easily become one of my top reads of the year.
One of my favorite parts was watching the dynamic between Draven and Elayne unfold. Their growing friendship feels genuine and earned — full of subtle moments and that quiet trust that sneaks up on you. I adored every scene between them.
And the evolution of Caelum and Elayne is beautifully done — subtle, patient, and completely captivating. Nothing forced, nothing rushed, just a steady build that feels honest and deeply satisfying.
This book manages to be atmospheric, emotional, thrilling, and tender all at once. I absolutely need more from this world and these characters.
Veilbound was everything and more. The world is so vivid and atmospheric that it feels like stepping straight into the shadows and starlight yourself. It’s gripping, emotional, and honestly heartbreaking in the best way — the kind of story that hits hard and lingers long after you close the book. This has easily become one of my top reads of the year.
One of my favorite parts was watching the dynamic between Draven and Elayne unfold. Their growing friendship feels genuine and earned — full of subtle moments and that quiet trust that sneaks up on you. I adored every scene between them.
And the evolution of Caelum and Elayne is beautifully done — subtle, patient, and completely captivating. Nothing forced, nothing rushed, just a steady build that feels honest and deeply satisfying.
This book manages to be atmospheric, emotional, thrilling, and tender all at once. I absolutely need more from this world and these characters.
August 7, 2025
Thank you so much to the author Eve Arielle for sending me an ARC copy of this. I am so grateful and thank you, thank you!!
This is a 6 star read for me.
It gave me all the ACOTAR feels and vibes, I got the first time I read that.
I could not put it down and this is my new obsession.
The yearning in this book, wow!! Not complicated world building, really enjoyable, fantastic writing that carries you through.
I don't want to give anything away or spoil anything. So im just gonna say if you are an ACOTAR obsessed girlie, you will devour this book up and give you all the feet stamp and giggle moments.
I'm already desperate to re-read it!
Best Book I've read since ACOTAR for sure!! Love this so much!! I need book 2 as soon as possible please!!
This is a 6 star read for me.
It gave me all the ACOTAR feels and vibes, I got the first time I read that.
I could not put it down and this is my new obsession.
The yearning in this book, wow!! Not complicated world building, really enjoyable, fantastic writing that carries you through.
I don't want to give anything away or spoil anything. So im just gonna say if you are an ACOTAR obsessed girlie, you will devour this book up and give you all the feet stamp and giggle moments.
I'm already desperate to re-read it!
Best Book I've read since ACOTAR for sure!! Love this so much!! I need book 2 as soon as possible please!!
June 10, 2025
This book had me absolutely hooked. A street-smart thief, a cursed mirror, and a fae realm full of secrets—I couldn’t read fast enough. Elayne is fierce, flawed, and impossible not to root for as she’s dragged into a world of magic, masks, and terrifying power. The tension simmers, the worldbuilding is stunning, and nothing is ever quite what it seems. If you love fantasy with bite, mystery, danger, secrets, and a whole lot of slow-burn, this one’s a must-read.
June 15, 2025
This was my first ARC read and I'm so glad it was!! If you love a good slow burn that captures you from the start, read this!! Elayne is a awesome FMC! This book has all you need, romantasy, details, drama, twists and turns, etc! I can't wait for book 2! Thank you Eve for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader! Beautifully written!
July 7, 2025
Book was very captivating from start to finish. Loved that the author slowly laid out the fantasy world and magic system instead of throwing it at the reader all at once. He fell first with forbidden mates was perfectly done. Loved all the characters in the book including the ones we hated to love. Can't wait to read the 2nd book
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January 22, 2026Dnf. Idk I think im the problem because I was bored the whole time
April 26, 2026
TikTok influenced me: "He was trapped within himself forced to watch his own hands, the ones that protected and held her, now used against her- his mate.."
This book was amazing.
This book was amazing.
May 17, 2026
DNF cause I got bored😪 def a me prob nothing really note worthy wrong about this book
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews