Veil of Deception

by S.J. Reid

After committing treason, Ophelia is declared a traitor to the crown of Eldoria and vanishes into the Whispering Woods—a forest infamous for its illusions, shifting paths, and the voices of the dead.

While evading the Royal Guard, she finds an unlikely a raven with silver-ringed eyes and unclear intentions. It knows more than it should—about the trees, the shift of the woods—about her.

Yet, the forest is only the beginning.

Beyond Eldoria lies a world long hidden. A world where magic, exiled for centuries, still thrives. There, she meets those she can trust in Drakonia—and one she may not be able to.

The proclaimed evil Fae King of Ashka. Feared. Powerful. Tempting. Ophelia doesn't trust him, but the more she spends with him, the more blurred the line between hatred and something deeper becomes.

As Ophelia learns of a prophecy of a girl destined with the power to unmake the realms or restore them, it becomes clearer.

She's not just connected to this world. She may be the key to saving it.

Or destroying it.

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

About the author

S.J Reid is a Canadian Indie Author who seeks creativity in all aspects of life. When she isn't writing, she's working full-time in the Violence Against Women field or at home with her children.
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After years of not reading a single-book besides for school, she finally got back into reading in 2020 when the pandemic hit.
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She was captivated into worlds that allowed her to escape this one, and it brought her so much joy. As it does for many readers. she's a lover for all kinds of books: romantasy, thriller, mystery, horror, rom-com, etc!
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She decision to start writing a book was originally only for herself, and it started off with a dream she had. The dream was so vivid it felt real. After starting her book in 2022, she has finally finished three complete drafts of her debut novel coming in October 2025.
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Making the decision to publish it wasn't an easy one, but as a mother of three she decided to do something for herself that she enjoyed. And now you're here to witness all the ups and downs of her writing and she is so excited to share her stories with the world.

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich, fast paced, captivating dark fantasy that will have you gasping and feeling the chills of the whispering woods that seeks beyond. Waiting for that next heart thumping moment to come.

This debut felt like an escape, entering a different realm of creatures with magic and while feeling how passionate and powerful the world building felt.

The writing style was beautifully written and easy to follow. It was both lyrical and some poetic which is something I look forward to in dark fantasy reads. I felt the journey between these characters and the emotions alongside with the plot twist coming like crashing waves was a thrill and that ending!? Diabolical! I’m grateful to have read this one in advance and very much look forward to reading book 2!

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, ok, so I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this book.
Let’s start from the beginning.

I was HOOKED from the very start. Instant action. And that’s what I look for mostly in a fantasy book.
I was right with my theory I had of the Raven from the beginning and that was the only thing I was right about. At no point in this story did I know where the amazing author of this book was going with the story.
There were parts of this story where I was sad, happy, laughing, and angryyyy omg!! I did in fact throw my kindle because you know, classic author putting soooo much in the last 100 pages and I couldn’t believe it. (But yet I can)

THE ENDING??!!!! THE ENDING??????? UGGGHH!!! I can’t stop thinking about this book. I literally can’t. I need answers and I’m left with soo many questions. 😂

I absolutely love LOVE the characters. Ophelia who is the FMC is BADASS! And has some attitude and I was living for it. August secured a special place in my heart from the beginning. Which made the ending hit me so hard I screamed!! (I’m mad btw) I missed some subtle foreshadowing throughout because it was just so well done in the way it was written. The plot twists were twisting that’s forsure!
This book was funny, addictive, mysterious, and was extremely easy to follow. The writing was very well done and this is also this authors debut novel. And it’s fantastic!
I highly, highly recommend this book if you’re a lover of a good fantasy romance where you’ll become absolutely feral for (some) men in this book while also wishing you could fight others.
The fighting scenes were awesome and the scene where Mae and Lyra come out at the end was badass! And it’s probably one of my fav scenes from the book.

Another book that has officially made the reread list (and that’s not easy to do)

Now excuse me while I try to create theories of where this story is going while I impatiently wait for news of the release of book 2 😂
5 ⭐️!

[A Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is honestly one of the best fantacies I've read in a while . From the get-go, the book has you wondering what's going to happen next. I give you so much but still leaves room shock factor like from the get go with the raven from the description you could tell that it was either a person is disguise of or someone's familiar what I didn't see is the bird being the king of Ashka. Don't even get me started on Ophelia. She radiates bad ass fmc from the get-go, and I seriously need more of her. I like to ship her with Weylin,August, and Cyrus hard. Grim was a major red flag from the start, and I wanted to kick Roshan off a cliff uh. yeah this book is full of surprises, cute moments and pretty good spicy scenes or well as good as an demisexual person can imagine but none the less super good arc read besides a little typos it's extremely good I look forward to reading more of your work and possibly doing more arc reads for your work in the future.

[Dark Bedroom Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love is more powerful than darkness.”

Dark Fantasy Romance ∙ Slow Burn ∙ Enemies to Lovers ∙ Human/Fae/Phoenix & Other Creatures ∙ Prophecy ∙ Found Family ∙ 1st Person, Multi POV ∙ 18+/TW

Debut book lovers, here’s one for your list!
First of all, this book surprised me in the best way - it’s truly unpredictable. I kept trying to guess what would happen next, and every single time, I was wrong. 🪄

The world is beautiful, layered, and full of mystery. The writing flows so easily that it made the book a fast, immersive read. So yes - it’s great!
The plot twists and turns had me hooked from the first page, and the prophecy kept pulling me deeper, not letting me relax until the very last word and even after that.🎢

Is there an epic love story hidden in these pages? Ohhh, yes.🖤🖤🖤
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely!⚡️

I loved following the relationship and banter between the FMC and MMC. If I had to describe it in one phrase, it would be: “Not everything is as it seems.” There’s depth, there’s pain, lust, and definitely some ache.
And the spicy parts? Perfect - every word and every action made me smile and blush.🔥
“..if you don’t take my clothes off right f*king now, I will leave and take care of myself without you.”🥵

Now, for me as a detail digger, the story moved a little too fast at times.

But! This is just the first book in the series, and with that ending, I’m excited for the next one. This universe has me hooked, and I need to know what happens next.✨️

So thank you for having me on the ARC team - I’m so glad I got to experience this story!💎

🌶2/5
⭐️4/5

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exiled magic, hidden kingdoms and prophecies. This book had me hooked from the start. Full of action, mystery and intrigue, it was paced well with some awesome twists thrown in.
I loved the descriptive world building and felt able to clearly visualise the Whispering Woods and the kingdoms. The different magical creatures were brilliant as well.

Told from multiple pov, which I always enjoy in fantasy books. Ophelia is a strong, resilient FMC and I enjoyed her enemies to lovers romance. I loved the growing bond she develops with the people she meets on her journey too who become her found family.

Overall I rate this 4⭐️ and 3🌶️. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a slow burn, dark fantasy with an enemies to lovers romance and an emotional, shocking ending.

[Hannah . F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting, Addictive, and Utterly Spellbinding
Review of A Veil of Deception by S.J. Reid

There are books you enjoy, and then there are books that grab you by the heart, tear you through tangled forests, toss you between fate and free will, and leave you breathless on the final page. A Veil of Deception is very much the latter.

From the opening line, S.J. Reid drops you into a world that feels both vividly real and dangerously unreal. This is no ordinary realm, and Ophelia is no ordinary heroine. Branded a traitor, hunted by the Royal Guard, and haunted by her past, Ophelia flees into the Whispering Woods; a living labyrinth full of shifting paths, ancient secrets, and a raven with silver-ringed eyes that might be watching over her… or guiding her toward something much bigger than herself. From the moment it appears, the air hums with the sense that nothing is coincidence and everything is connected.

What begins as a flight for survival quickly unfurls into a tale of long-buried magic, lost kingdoms, and a prophecy that could remake or destroy everything. Ophelia is swept into a forgotten Fae realm steeped in sorrow and power, and tasked with a purpose she never asked for. Along the way, Ophelia is met with unexpected twists and a found family that will absolutely melt your heart.

The atmosphere in this book is nothing short of cinematic. Fog-laced forests that whisper your name. Glowing realms buried beneath centuries of silence. Hidden symbols that respond to blood and memory. Reid writes with such lush, evocative prose that you don’t just read....you inhabit the story. You breathe it in. And it clings to you long after you close the book. The worldbuilding is rich without ever becoming overwhelming. The magic feels ancient and alive. The stakes are sky-high, yet grounded in emotional journey.

And the romance? Chef’s kiss. Banter that cuts like blades. Yearning that aches. Spice that is open-door, electric, and emotionally earned. The Fae King of Ashka; feared, untouchable, and laced with the most agonizing tenderness he tries (and fails) to hide. Every scene between him and Ophelia crackles with tension, yearning, and the best banter. Their dynamic walks the perfect line between suspicion and desire, trust and betrayal, with hidden nuances, sharp emotional undercurrents, and a breadcrumb trail of revelations. Their chemistry is a constant, simmering tension that spikes into heartbreak and heat at all the right moments. It’s so good you’ll find yourself rereading pages just to feel it again.

I especially appreciated how Ophelia’s trauma wasn’t brushed aside or romanticized. Reid doesn’t shy away from the darker elements of her past. The abuse, the betrayal, the emotional wreckage she drags behind her..... but she also gives her space to grow, rage, love, and choose. Ophelia is a fighter, but also deeply, achingly human.

And the ending? I was left clutching the book, sobbing, desperate for the next installment and utterly devastated it wasn’t out yet.

Final Thoughts:
This book is a masterclass in romantasy storytelling. It’s dark, dazzling, emotionally layered, and absolutely addicting. A Veil of Deception is an unforgettable, heart-wrenching ride through love, loss, prophecy, and power. If you’re looking for your next obsession, this is it. Im telling you, if you love books where ancient magic bleeds into broken hearts, where survival is resistance, and where a kiss can feel like both a betrayal and a salvation, you need A Veil of Deception in your life.

Read if you love:
↠ Slow-burn romance with enemies-to-lovers tension
↠ Haunted forests and secret realms
↠ Cursed fae kings
↠ MCs tragic pasts
↠ Fierce heroines who bite back
↠ Ancient, deeply personal magic

Highlights:
✧ The raven? ICONIC. Add mysterious animal companion to my new favorite tropes.
✧ Found family elements that bring softness to the harshness of survival.
✧ Themes of trauma, rage, and healing explored with raw honesty and care.
✧ The yearning? To die for.
✧ The open door spice? Obsessed.
✧ The Characters? Have taken permanent real estate in my brain.
✧ Weylin? This man OWNS my heart and is my new emotional support character. Do not touch.
✧ Twists that genuinely surprised me. I gasped, I cried, and then I yelled into the void.

✧ Series Potential: Off-the-charts.

✧ Book Hangover Level: Catastrophic.

[shadowarc13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” The Veil of Deception is a captivating and elegantly crafted fantasy novel that intertwines the fates of Ophelia, a phoenix haunted by the shadows of her past, and Weylin, a mysterious raven from the fae realm. Together, their journeys explore themes of trauma, redemption, and the fragile beauty of trust.
The narrative begins in the human realm of Eldoria, where Ophelia endures years of torment at the hands of her abusive father and his accomplice. Her desperate flight into the fae kingdom sets in motion a powerful tale of healing and discovery. There, she is saved by Weylin, a raven who becomes her steadfast protector and guide. Through her encounters with new allies and unexpected revelations including the shocking reunion with her brother, long believed dead Ophelia slowly learns to open her heart once more.
As the story unfolds, Ophelia comes to realise her destiny as the bridge between the worlds of fae and human. To fulfill this calling and restore balance between the realms, she must confront her deepest fears and embrace the profound bond she shares with Weylin a connection that may hold the power to save both their worlds.
Richly imagined and emotionally resonant, The Veil of Deception is a moving exploration of courage, love, and the enduring hope that can arise from even the darkest pasts. 💛

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would happen if you had only experienced torture and suffering in your life?

Ophelia does not know what she has done to deserve such hatred from her father, the King, but she has had to flee to the forest of whispers to find a less brutal place to live.
It is here that he meets Elora, Queen of Valenoria, the last survivor of a massacre never before seen or suffered in the centuries of magical creatures. She assigns him a difficult task: to find her son, who is the key to defeating the evil Calix, who wants to gain more power than anyone else and dominate the weak.

During her travels, Fia encounters peculiar creatures who help and advise her. However, time is running out, and her discoveries always seem to come at the worst possible moment. Just when Fia would have liked to live in peace, an arrogant new character appears and takes away her free will, putting her at his mercy.

The ending hints at a more complex but captivating scenario for a sequel, which I hope will arrive soon. I can only recommend reading it if you like fantasy stories with dark undertones and full of magical intrigue.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veil of Deception - S. J. Reid

I loved this book. I was hooked until the very end. I loved getting to meet Ophelia and then later Callum, Lyra, August, Cyrus, and Bram. There were a few twists that I wasn’t expecting especially with Weylin. I loved the banter and the chemistry between the characters. I loved the magic in the story and the world building. I’m looking forward to the second book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 399 pages

Release Date 🌟 10/30/25

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 The Tainted Throne, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ Romantasy, dark fantasy, soulmates, phoenix

Favorite Character ☀️ Ophelia

Favorite Line 🌟 “Even if you found a way out, I’m not coming with you. So, you can either kill me now, or leave me while you go back to your tainted throne.”

‘I’m a ghost of everything I’ve endured’

“In no way is force necessary.”

[Kylie Weigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOD.
The moment you pick this book up you are immediately transported to a realm with a fierce FMC whose only goal is to escape - survive and you experience it with her. You'll find your heart racing with each slice, each remark and act of defiance in the face of those meant to make her cower but rather empowers her to stand toe to toe, face to face with the enemy.
Being a prisoner to trauma herself - she's dumbfounded with the knowledge that magic is being used to harm innocent kingdoms, keeping them in a trance, in fear; that doesn't sit right with her causing her to put herself in a place she never wanted to be - in the spotlight. Allowing herself to be the puppet in this grand scheme for the sake of trying to save those under the control of someone - something more sinister. As she embarks on a series of quests with the said Devil himself Weylin, she quickly finds things aren't as they seem, the narrative she's been given has been carefully and falsely constructed to lead her to a fate of salvation or destruction, one she never wanted or asked for.
Navigating truth vs. lie, good vs. bad, and determining the intentions of others with only her trauma and observation skills as her only weapon next to her daggers - she is faced with a final challenge that leaves her with a finality of truth and it's unveiling, tears and a heart made whole, one she didn't realize was broken or missing it's other half - a love remembered. An eternal flame that has kept them connected through every single obstacle - always leading them back to each other.
The author easily throws twists and makes you question everything just as Ophelia, trying to figure out who is good, who is bad, what's the truth? Is Weylin the ruthless ruler he is rumoured to be? Or is there more to uncover? Only Ophelia can uncover it - only she can face the beast head on.
T R U L Y M A G N I F I C E N T

Thank you so much SJ Reid for this beautiful story - a love child of powerless x lightlark x quicksilver. I loved it beyond words.

[Serina’s Stories wolfganghollows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first 50% of this book, like sitting on the edge of my seat, couldn’t put down. Then the first intimate scene happened ( being a lesbian, I’m by all means not the authority on man and woman stuff) but I really thought the first scene was really out of the blue and rushed. I think it could have been built up a little, even kept until after Ophelia learns who she is and then that moment would have had a much bigger impact. When they entered the Whispering Woods the book did pick back up again and I really enjoyed it. And there is a shocker cliffhanger which was nicely done.

Amazing for a debut novel, roll on book 2.
I received and ARC from the author and this is my honest review

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Ophelia was 🔥- first off I want to say how I love when a FMC is strong willed, witty, and has a smart ass mouth. She knew how to kick ass and stand her ground.

I did enjoy the book, but with full transparency, I wish it was longer! The pacing was a bit quicker than I’m used to, so I felt like that took away from some of the story, I really wanted to know more about Mae, and the rest of the side characters! I will be looking forward to book two :)

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I didn’t like it, it took a little to get into but the second we met the raven I knew I had to push through and I’m so glad that I did.

I didn’t realise the clues we were getting Till the end but going back to reread, it was obvious. I’m so glad she found Callum again but I’m a little confused about his death.

Grim was an obvious red flag and I was surprised he was so trusted by the community. But there was something about Weylin that had me trusting him pretty quickly - if i was ever in that situation myself I’d sure die with how quick I fall/trust for them 😅but I’m so glad she found Elora’s son even if it was a confusing way. I can’t wait for book 2 to see how it all progresses

[Kat Carlile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can say as I debut, this book had me thinking and I loved the unique world and magic system. I enjoyed that all the FMC was not only strong and capable, but had to show why it was necessary. As a Romantasy it gave shadow daddy and his warrior queen and I loved every second. In a saturated market, it carved a nice little space for itself and I would definitely read it again.

[Heidi G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I so enjoyed reading this book, and I was intrigued on how the story would unfold. And the ending, I didn't see coming. Now I have to wait until November to read book 2, that's upsetting.

[Lanysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a part of the arc team for this book.

I love any book that includes a map!! Makes me feel more a part of the world!

Honestly I wanted to read the book cause the FMCs name is Ophelia and that’s just fabulous!!

I was really hooked by the first couple chapters! They just grabbed my attention.

I love the banter between the FMC and the MMC. It was hilarious. I did find it kinda dragged out as silly banter at times but still was overall good.

I love fantasy books where the “magic” world is a world within another world! I just love that concept (let’s be honest the obsession started with OUAT-I was and still am obsessed with the Enchanted forest).

[Sonderous Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ophelia is lost, tired, and angry. Her romp through the Whispering Woods was an unexpected but necessary detour in her escape from Eldoria. Now a traitor, she must survive the tricks and twists of the woods. With the help of a silver-eyed raven, Ophelia ends up in a part of the world where magic still exists, prophecies reign fates, and another dark king sits upon his throne. But just like the woods, nothing is as it seems, including Ophelia. As she stands at the precipitous of power, what choices will she make? And, what mistakes will be her undoing?


S.J. Reid’s “Veil of Deception” is her debut novel that explores autonomy, grief, regret, and rage. Ophelia has had few choices prior to the novel's start and spends the entire novel finding her footing and learning she has a say in her fate. Picking this up as an ARC read I didn't know what to expect. But I found myself delighted by the twists and turns in the plot mirrored that of the Whispering Woods. Sometimes, I'd be left with a mini-cliffhanger and spend a day waiting to dive back into the story. Other times I was up well past the witching hour seeking answers.


I highly recommend this novel to those that love darker fantasies with mysterious kings, prophecies, and fire. But beware, you might just manage to get as lost in the Fae Realm as Ophelia was. I eagerly await book two!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying I’m used to a chunkier book so I was both over and underwhelmed by the length and quickness of this story.

It works cause I’m very “ok, let’s get to the point” but there were times I felt it was a bit rushed. Then I saw why certain aspects were rushed, cause hello, mates.

It doesn’t work because now I’m so invested in the story and I’m impatient as all hell 😂

I’m loving the plot and I can’t wait for more of it to unfold.

SJ baby I need more! Please and thank you. Don’t hurt August!

[Michelle Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this book starts just throwing us into the middle of a fight we didn't get to see the start of. We have no idea what lead to this point and it did not feel confusing or that we were missing pieces. I liked how things were revealed as the characters got to know each other.
I did feel some interactions/feelings felt rushed or too quick but still wasn't unbelievable.
I wanted to strangle Ophelia when we got her thoughts and she admits to understanding certain things but still gets mad over them. But that makes her character feel more real.
The slow emotional growth her and Weylin go through together made it all the more sweeter.
The ending was like oh my goodness, when does book 2 come out?
Thank you to S.J. Reid for the arc and these thoughts are my own.

[WithTams · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 ARC Review – The Veil of Deception 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

The Veil of Deception is a beautifully written fantasy novel that follows the intertwined journeys of Ophelia, a phoenix escaping the horrors of her past, and Weylin, a mysterious raven from the fae realm.

Ophelia escapes the human realm of Eldoria , where she suffered years of abuse at the hands of her father and his equally cruel accomplice. Fleeing into the fae kingdom, she’s rescued by Weylin, a raven who becomes her protector and guide. Along the way, Ophelia meets new allies, slowly learns to trust again, and—perhaps most shockingly—reunites with her brother, long presumed dead but very much alive and thriving in the fae world.

As the story unfolds, Ophelia discovers she is the chosen one, destined to bridge the worlds of fae and human, and to bring peace between them. To do so, she must learn to trust not only herself but also the growing bond she shares with Weylin—a bond that may hold the key to saving both realms.

✨ What I Loved:
• Strong Female Protagonist: Ophelia is everything I love in a main character—resilient, passionate, powerful, and deeply compassionate despite her traumatic past. Her strength isn’t just magical—it’s emotional. She confronts her pain, heals, and emerges stronger.
• Complex Relationships: The dynamic between Ophelia and Weylin is rich and emotionally layered. Their bond develops gradually, rooted in trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect.
• Beautiful Writing: The prose is lyrical without being overwhelming. The author paints vivid images of both the fae and human realms, and the pacing keeps you engaged throughout.
• A Satisfying Plot: The twists made sense, the characters had depth, and nothing felt rushed or overly convenient (except, of course, Elias—whose audacity was outrageous and whose ending was well-deserved).

🔍 Themes Explored:
• Love – Not just romantic love, but also familial love, self-love, and the kind of love that heals.
• Betrayal – The trauma Ophelia carries is rooted in deep betrayal from those who should’ve protected her.
• Strength & Survival – The book portrays strength not just as physical or magical power, but emotional endurance and growth.
• Self-Discovery – Ophelia’s journey is ultimately one of reclaiming identity, power, and worth.
• Found Family – The fae realm introduces Ophelia to people who care for her deeply, proving that sometimes family is found, not born.
• Healing from Trauma – One of the most powerful elements of the story is how it portrays healing—not as a straight line, but as a process full of setbacks and triumphs.
• Destiny vs. Choice – While Ophelia is “the chosen one,” the novel explores how choice, not fate, ultimately defines her path.

If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with rich worldbuilding, strong emotional arcs, and themes of healing, trust, and transformation, I highly recommend The Veil of Deception. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Jessika S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dark, spellbinding, and beautifully written — I’m obsessed. ✨🖤

“Love is more powerful than darkness.” That line perfectly captures the heart of A Veil of Deception by S.J. Reid — a dark fantasy romance that’s as emotional as it is enchanting. This book completely swept me away. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the mystery, the worldbuilding, and the hauntingly beautiful writing. It’s lush, layered, and full of the kind of twists that make you gasp out loud. Every time I thought I knew what was coming, I was wrong — and I loved that.

Ophelia is such a fierce, complex heroine. Branded a traitor and hunted by the Royal Guard, she’s determined to survive — but her journey becomes something far deeper. Her strength, trauma, and stubborn heart make her incredibly real. Then there’s Weylin, the feared Fae King of Ashka — dark, dangerous, and achingly tender in ways he refuses to admit. Their dynamic is everything: enemies-to-lovers tension, banter sharp enough to cut, and a slow burn that builds into something powerful and devastating. The chemistry? Off the charts. The yearning? Painfully good. 🔥

Beyond the romance, the world of A Veil of Deception is breathtaking. Whispering forests, ancient prophecies, found family, and a living magic that feels alive in every scene — it’s pure cinematic fantasy. The writing is immersive without ever feeling heavy, and the pacing kept me glued to the pages until the very end (which, by the way, wrecked me).

This book has it all: heartbreak, healing, prophecy, power, and love that defies darkness. S.J. Reid’s debut is a masterclass in romantasy storytelling — bold, emotional, and unforgettable.

Read this if you love:
↠ Enemies-to-lovers with delicious tension
↠ Found family and fierce heroines
↠ Cursed fae kings and hidden magic
↠ Slow-burn romance with open-door spice
↠ Plot twists that leave you screaming at the last page

Final Thoughts:
A Veil of Deception is dark, dazzling, and deeply emotional — the kind of story that stays with you long after “The End.” I’m already counting down the days until book two. 🖤✨

[Johanna Ahonen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Veil of Deception was, in my honest opinion, a little unbalanced, if anything. The story begins with an action-packed scene in a mysterious forest, then moves into a mysterious fae realm our FMC Ophelia did not believe (or know) really existed.

So far, so good, but the middle part of the story, set in a village (I’m trying really hard not to have to mark this review as having spoilers, but I fear I may have to, in any case), seemed, somehow, almost detached from the rest of the story. We meet a bunch of characters who then are pretty much forgotten for the next part of the story, until they’re needed again, for the final plot twist.

Which, I admit, was great. All in all I’d say the final stretch of the story was the best bit. We got some heat, we got some answers and a true cliffhanger to keep us wanting more.

For some reason I couldn’t really get behind any of the characters, I didn’t get as drawn in as I wanted to. But that’s just me. You may well love this, because this had so many good ideas (here are the spoilers), like the whole phoenix thing and the past lives theme. They were really nice combination, a really cool way of telling a story about undying love, love that really carries on for several lifetimes.

All in all, I wanted to like this more, but it remained a bit lukewarm for my tastes. Thank you for the author for including me in the ARC team. I wish her all the best in continuing the series and I totally think this will be to the liking of many readers. It just wasn’t meant for me.

[Hope]

DNF

This book is marketed as being fast-paced, but fast pacing doesn’t have to come at the expense of depth. I struggled with the idea that the protagonist ends up in a new world and almost immediately forms deep bonds and relationships with people she’s only known for 24–48 hours.

I find it difficult to become immersed in a story when the relationships feel surface-level. Much of the plot felt predictable, and it seemed like the author pulled elements from popular fantasy stories without adding anything new to them. The “Fireheart” reference quite literally took me out. Why is the MFC getting called every nickname under the sun.

The situation with her father was also confusing. We’re expected to believe he’s some kind of monster, yet very little context is provided. It wasn’t even clear whether he was a king until she arrived in the other world. Then the story starts piling on twists—“the villains know who you are,” “your brother isn’t really your brother,” and so on. Instead of creating intrigue, it made the plot feel cluttered.

Overall, there was both too much and not enough happening at the same time. New revelations were constantly being introduced, but none of them were explored deeply enough for me to care. Unfortunately, this ended up being a DNF for me.

[FN · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if the life you thought you knew wasn’t the truth at all? Escaping capture and branded a traitor, the FMC finds herself in another realm after stumbling into the mysterious Whispering Woods, with the help of a mysterious raven. Strangely, everyone she meets seems to know more about her than she knows about herself, and every revelation only deepens the mystery. The author masterfully builds tension, revealing each secret piece by piece, and the slow burn of discovery is enticing! Received this as an ARC and grateful for it.

[Nimow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit lukewarm for me - The concept is really great but the delivery is lacking. So many unnecessary things were included - Please don't over explain every single thing I promise you we get it -

Also didn't connect with the characters & the romance wasn't impressive.

Everything makes sense towards the end of the book.

Will I be reading book two - Absolutely yes!