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The Veil of Hollow Gods
A dark fantasy romance for readers who crave stories that don’t just seduce, but devour…
The Hades and Persephone retelling that rewrites the myth entirely—gothic, sensual, and devastating…
To be the Spring Maiden is to die.
Some say she will bring down the Frozen King and end the winter that strangles the world.
Others whisper she must die to awaken the true power in the one she loves.
But prophecy is just another way to dress up a grave.
And every girl taken in the name of the Spring Maiden ends the same way.
When Amara’s sister is caught tending a snow-kissed garden, Amara steps forward.
She claims the garden.
She claims the punishment.
And is claimed in turn—by the King of Shadows.
He is a weapon in the shape of a man, forged for war and worship alike.
And he is determined to carve the Maiden from her—through pain, through pleasure, through something far more dangerous.
Brutal trials. Sensual ruin. A descent into myth, madness, and something older than gods.
He believes she is fate-bound to break.
She intends to break fate itself.
You don’t read this story.
You survive it.
You’ve been warned.
The Hades and Persephone retelling that rewrites the myth entirely—gothic, sensual, and devastating…
To be the Spring Maiden is to die.
Some say she will bring down the Frozen King and end the winter that strangles the world.
Others whisper she must die to awaken the true power in the one she loves.
But prophecy is just another way to dress up a grave.
And every girl taken in the name of the Spring Maiden ends the same way.
When Amara’s sister is caught tending a snow-kissed garden, Amara steps forward.
She claims the garden.
She claims the punishment.
And is claimed in turn—by the King of Shadows.
He is a weapon in the shape of a man, forged for war and worship alike.
And he is determined to carve the Maiden from her—through pain, through pleasure, through something far more dangerous.
Brutal trials. Sensual ruin. A descent into myth, madness, and something older than gods.
He believes she is fate-bound to break.
She intends to break fate itself.
You don’t read this story.
You survive it.
You’ve been warned.
- GenresDark RomanceRomantasy
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
2 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 19, 2025
I was given an ARC to review.
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING and destroyed me in the best way. I honestly cannot express how in love with this book I am. Amara is an incredible character. The growth and development of her over the course of the book is nothing short of stunning. Tyr and all the mysteries that surround him are so well written and keep you begging for more information.
Everything about the Maiden Trials is engaging and it just keeps you wanting more. The side characters all have distinct personalities, and aren't just cardboard cutouts of one another. In fact, there are a couple of them I'd love to learn more about.
It's a really solid Hades and Persephone retelling, with definite undertones (some times not at all subtle) of women reclaiming their power. No spoilers, but the end had me legit crying, which is uncommon for a book to do.
I can't help but hope for more books in this world that Jewel has built, but even if we never get them, I know with certaincy that I will happily read anything else that Jewel puts out!
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING and destroyed me in the best way. I honestly cannot express how in love with this book I am. Amara is an incredible character. The growth and development of her over the course of the book is nothing short of stunning. Tyr and all the mysteries that surround him are so well written and keep you begging for more information.
Everything about the Maiden Trials is engaging and it just keeps you wanting more. The side characters all have distinct personalities, and aren't just cardboard cutouts of one another. In fact, there are a couple of them I'd love to learn more about.
It's a really solid Hades and Persephone retelling, with definite undertones (some times not at all subtle) of women reclaiming their power. No spoilers, but the end had me legit crying, which is uncommon for a book to do.
I can't help but hope for more books in this world that Jewel has built, but even if we never get them, I know with certaincy that I will happily read anything else that Jewel puts out!
July 25, 2025
Cursed to have a fleeting moment every cycle.
This book is the epitome of "the winners get to tell history" and I love it. Without spoiling anything, I will say there's a rich history hidden behind false truths and forgotten rhymes. You're meant to not know anything, and if that feels slow for you, that's fair. I found it intriguing, a stubborn part of me just wanting to find out what in the world they've been hiding. The ending, I feel, says more than enough for an imaginative mind.
Worth a try!
This book is the epitome of "the winners get to tell history" and I love it. Without spoiling anything, I will say there's a rich history hidden behind false truths and forgotten rhymes. You're meant to not know anything, and if that feels slow for you, that's fair. I found it intriguing, a stubborn part of me just wanting to find out what in the world they've been hiding. The ending, I feel, says more than enough for an imaginative mind.
Worth a try!
August 3, 2025
Amara lives in a world of ice and snow. Ruled by the Frost King and demons. She tries to keep her sister hidden because if you're a female who gets noticed, you're killed by a red blade. All the trying comes to an end when they are noticed and Amara gets taken. She thought she was going to die but found out the truth of what happens to the females when they are cut by the red dagger. Amara gets a lot more than she bargained for.
I love Amara and how cocky she is. The kings are a mystery because every time Amara asks a question she never gets an answer also the fact that they can change their appearance doesn't help. Although Ty does explain why and makes up for it. The plot is easy to follow but it always just leaves you guessing. The only downfall for me was the ending. A lot of things get explained but the last chapter left me hanging. I honestly didn't like it. I needed a little more or is there going to be another book? I guess I understand a little why the author did it that but it just left me with a feeling of it being unfinished. Overall great read.
I love Amara and how cocky she is. The kings are a mystery because every time Amara asks a question she never gets an answer also the fact that they can change their appearance doesn't help. Although Ty does explain why and makes up for it. The plot is easy to follow but it always just leaves you guessing. The only downfall for me was the ending. A lot of things get explained but the last chapter left me hanging. I honestly didn't like it. I needed a little more or is there going to be another book? I guess I understand a little why the author did it that but it just left me with a feeling of it being unfinished. Overall great read.
July 21, 2025
I was gifted a ARC and dang am I glad I got to read this book early.
This new myth destroyed me. Throughout I was often confused, but so was Amara..I feel like that’s the way it is supposed to be, because in the end it all becomes clear. And that is when the tears flowed. This is a new myth of women power, and I am here for it.
This new myth destroyed me. Throughout I was often confused, but so was Amara..I feel like that’s the way it is supposed to be, because in the end it all becomes clear. And that is when the tears flowed. This is a new myth of women power, and I am here for it.
July 21, 2025
I was privileged this ARC
First, I need to say that this book is set in a world I never imagined, and it changes your perspective. The world-building and characters are interesting and unique. Amara is a strong FMC, and I enjoyed following her growth and her story. Her brain worked in interesting ways and her reactions were strong-willed. She is just a girl trying to make it through. Tyr is a great character to follow. Learning who he is and the role he plays is a game for sure. I was torn on whether to like him or not. But to find out what he had to endure and then the things that Amara had to endure. I felt shellshocked by their backgrounds. The Trials were strange in this tale of a myth. I was not sure how it created the Maiden or what her position meant.
This myth seems to have grown and changed over the seasons and the humans do not even touch on the truths of the gods. There are plot twists throughout that will leave you reeling. I am in awe of the plotting needed to create this story. It feels like so much was happening behind the scenes.
I struggled a little throughout the story when there would be these sudden changes in what was happening around them and then time shifts. I do not mean by time jumping forward but this weird sense I missed something or many somethings. I think it is part of the lure of the story and keeping you interested. It worked on me, that is true. I had no idea how to feel throughout the story. It has a dark edge to it but not like your general dark romances. This felt ancient and overshadowing. I felt happiness for the characters when certain things happen, and my heart would break when others happened. I ended the book not sure what to think or feel. But do not be confused and think I did not enjoy this book, it is a good read, and I would recommend it to all who enjoy myths and lore, mysteries and magic. This is slightly different writing style than I am used to.
First, I need to say that this book is set in a world I never imagined, and it changes your perspective. The world-building and characters are interesting and unique. Amara is a strong FMC, and I enjoyed following her growth and her story. Her brain worked in interesting ways and her reactions were strong-willed. She is just a girl trying to make it through. Tyr is a great character to follow. Learning who he is and the role he plays is a game for sure. I was torn on whether to like him or not. But to find out what he had to endure and then the things that Amara had to endure. I felt shellshocked by their backgrounds. The Trials were strange in this tale of a myth. I was not sure how it created the Maiden or what her position meant.
This myth seems to have grown and changed over the seasons and the humans do not even touch on the truths of the gods. There are plot twists throughout that will leave you reeling. I am in awe of the plotting needed to create this story. It feels like so much was happening behind the scenes.
I struggled a little throughout the story when there would be these sudden changes in what was happening around them and then time shifts. I do not mean by time jumping forward but this weird sense I missed something or many somethings. I think it is part of the lure of the story and keeping you interested. It worked on me, that is true. I had no idea how to feel throughout the story. It has a dark edge to it but not like your general dark romances. This felt ancient and overshadowing. I felt happiness for the characters when certain things happen, and my heart would break when others happened. I ended the book not sure what to think or feel. But do not be confused and think I did not enjoy this book, it is a good read, and I would recommend it to all who enjoy myths and lore, mysteries and magic. This is slightly different writing style than I am used to.
July 23, 2025
While I did receive this as an ARC, all thoughts and opinions are honest.
This book was fantastic. I was a bit hesitant when it described itself as a new retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. How many times can this myth truly be retold? I was pleasantly surprised to find that while the dynamic of Hades and Persephone definitely inspired this story, it is nothing like other “traditional” retellings. Amara is a smart FMC who rarely holds her punches, she speaks what’s on her mind freely and without care of the consequences. She’s the product of a small, frozen, isolated village at the mercy of demon kings. When she ends up in The Maiden Trials, she’s not trying to win, to become the queen these Demons want her to be. She’s trying to survive and find a way to save all the other women in the trials with her. As the Trials progress, more and more is demanded of her, and by the last Trial she has nothing left to give. She expects death, but instead finds something she didn’t realize existed.
Memories of past lives and the dread of history repeating itself. The ending when she comes to term with who (what) she is was fantastic. Her realizing that the men made her lesser than them because they could not stomach a woman ruling over them. Could not stomach the fact that a woman could be more powerful than a man held so much feminine rage.
This book was fantastic. I was a bit hesitant when it described itself as a new retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. How many times can this myth truly be retold? I was pleasantly surprised to find that while the dynamic of Hades and Persephone definitely inspired this story, it is nothing like other “traditional” retellings. Amara is a smart FMC who rarely holds her punches, she speaks what’s on her mind freely and without care of the consequences. She’s the product of a small, frozen, isolated village at the mercy of demon kings. When she ends up in The Maiden Trials, she’s not trying to win, to become the queen these Demons want her to be. She’s trying to survive and find a way to save all the other women in the trials with her. As the Trials progress, more and more is demanded of her, and by the last Trial she has nothing left to give. She expects death, but instead finds something she didn’t realize existed.
Memories of past lives and the dread of history repeating itself. The ending when she comes to term with who (what) she is was fantastic. Her realizing that the men made her lesser than them because they could not stomach a woman ruling over them. Could not stomach the fact that a woman could be more powerful than a man held so much feminine rage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
I was gifted this book as an ARC.
The Veil of Hollow Gods is a dark, atmospheric tale that loosely draws inspiration from the myth of Hades and Persephone, but takes it in a bold and mysterious new direction. From the first page, you're thrown into a fog of uncertainty and secrets, just as lost as Amara, the protagonist, as she tries to make sense of the world around her.
The story begins in a frosty, isolated village, but it doesn't stay there for long. As Amara enters the Maiden Trials — a deadly, high-stakes competition where women are pitted against one another in cruel and dangerous ways — the world around her expands and becomes even more mystifying. Along the way, she meets Tyr, a powerful and alluring figure who feels strangely familiar, adding another layer of tension and intrigue.
What stands out most is how immersive and unpredictable this world is. The plot keeps you guessing, the tone is haunting, and the twists genuinely shocking. As the story unfolds, it grips you tighter, leading to an ending that leaves you reeling — unsure how to feel, but certain that you’ve just experienced something unforgettable.
The Veil of Hollow Gods is a dark, atmospheric tale that loosely draws inspiration from the myth of Hades and Persephone, but takes it in a bold and mysterious new direction. From the first page, you're thrown into a fog of uncertainty and secrets, just as lost as Amara, the protagonist, as she tries to make sense of the world around her.
The story begins in a frosty, isolated village, but it doesn't stay there for long. As Amara enters the Maiden Trials — a deadly, high-stakes competition where women are pitted against one another in cruel and dangerous ways — the world around her expands and becomes even more mystifying. Along the way, she meets Tyr, a powerful and alluring figure who feels strangely familiar, adding another layer of tension and intrigue.
What stands out most is how immersive and unpredictable this world is. The plot keeps you guessing, the tone is haunting, and the twists genuinely shocking. As the story unfolds, it grips you tighter, leading to an ending that leaves you reeling — unsure how to feel, but certain that you’ve just experienced something unforgettable.
July 27, 2025
ARC Review - I'll try and keep it spoiler free!
Holy sh*t.... As Hades and Persephone inspired retellings go, this one absolutely blew it out the park!
I wasn't just hooked, it sunk its claws into me and didn't let go!
Our FMC has a character arc that is beautifully written and tells a history in a series of gradual revelations.
Our MMC has a character that's based on steeped memory and silence.
We see court politics, magic, mystery, myth, and honestly, I just wanted the good to triumph over evil.
If you've ever felt the desire to tear down the world and rebuild it fairer, brighter, and more equal - read this book! 😍😍😍
💕✨ Xx
📖 - The Veil of Hollow Gods
🖋️ - Jewel Cillian
🌶️ - 4/5 - slow burn, tension, explosive, emotionally charged, well utilised without being the whole plot
⭐ - 5/5
🗓️ - Due July 31st
Holy sh*t.... As Hades and Persephone inspired retellings go, this one absolutely blew it out the park!
I wasn't just hooked, it sunk its claws into me and didn't let go!
Our FMC has a character arc that is beautifully written and tells a history in a series of gradual revelations.
Our MMC has a character that's based on steeped memory and silence.
We see court politics, magic, mystery, myth, and honestly, I just wanted the good to triumph over evil.
If you've ever felt the desire to tear down the world and rebuild it fairer, brighter, and more equal - read this book! 😍😍😍
💕✨ Xx
📖 - The Veil of Hollow Gods
🖋️ - Jewel Cillian
🌶️ - 4/5 - slow burn, tension, explosive, emotionally charged, well utilised without being the whole plot
⭐ - 5/5
🗓️ - Due July 31st
August 1, 2025
This was an immersive experience, diving you into such a complex new world that adds a beautiful rendition of Hades and Persephone.
We start off meeting Amara, in an isolated village but everything changes fast as she suddenly finds herself in the Maiden Trials. A brutal fight for survival of woman, as she now dodging dangerous trials, complete breath ragged in pulsing action. However, living in half shadow, a mysterious, unsettling, magnetic and slightly familiar man, Tyr, is going meet her along the way.
I was completely shocked and entrapped in this story as it's complexities of the myth and plot twists always had you guessing. The writing style was sheer genius in the way it felt like a dark romance yet so mythical, ancient and tangled in lore.
I absolutely recommend this for anyone wanted to travel into high fantasy with so much layer and complex love stories.
We start off meeting Amara, in an isolated village but everything changes fast as she suddenly finds herself in the Maiden Trials. A brutal fight for survival of woman, as she now dodging dangerous trials, complete breath ragged in pulsing action. However, living in half shadow, a mysterious, unsettling, magnetic and slightly familiar man, Tyr, is going meet her along the way.
I was completely shocked and entrapped in this story as it's complexities of the myth and plot twists always had you guessing. The writing style was sheer genius in the way it felt like a dark romance yet so mythical, ancient and tangled in lore.
I absolutely recommend this for anyone wanted to travel into high fantasy with so much layer and complex love stories.
July 24, 2025
This is absolutely one of those books that you need to read more than once. Now that I've hit the end with all the answers, I'm already piecing together certain moments with much more clarity - definitely need to re-read as soon as I can! There were parts that felt confusing to me, particularly around the myths and the maiden and the trials but, as you learn more, you figure out how intentional that is both to the FMC narration and the reader. This book contains a complicated world, made only more complicated as truths are revealed, but the writing draws you in with ease and keeps you in need of learning more.
Highly recommend reading The Veil of Hollow Gods if you're into multi-layered mythmaking, unreliable narration, women coming into their power, and complex love stories.
Highly recommend reading The Veil of Hollow Gods if you're into multi-layered mythmaking, unreliable narration, women coming into their power, and complex love stories.
July 30, 2025
The Veil of Hollow Gods is a dark, fantasy, Hades and Persephone retelling with prophecies, spice, myths, magic, trials, and more.
I loved the action, the twists and turns, and the message that this book represents. Amara is a terrific FMC. Her story drew me in from the very start and refused to let go. I also loved the chemistry and interactions between Amara and Tyr.
I really enjoyed this story and its characters. The writing, flow, and plot were awesome, as were the character development, relationship development, storytelling, and world building. I'd definitely recommend this book and I cannot wait for more from this fabulous author.
I loved the action, the twists and turns, and the message that this book represents. Amara is a terrific FMC. Her story drew me in from the very start and refused to let go. I also loved the chemistry and interactions between Amara and Tyr.
I really enjoyed this story and its characters. The writing, flow, and plot were awesome, as were the character development, relationship development, storytelling, and world building. I'd definitely recommend this book and I cannot wait for more from this fabulous author.
July 28, 2025
Don't let this book fool you. It starts out one way and by the end you will be staring at the last page trying to digest the chaos that ensues with the FMC. I don't want to say too much and spill any spoilers but the desperate oppression the FMC experiences just made me want to cry! The ending REALLY drives it all home! I'm so honored to have been invited to ARC read this book! This one is for all the women who have ever underestimated their power and influence!!! Thank you Jewel Cillian for this beautiful chaotic ride! Standing ovation!!!
August 10, 2025
A dark romance that is both intense and complex. The story is mostly told in Amara’s view. She lives in a world ruled by demons. She is forced to compete in a competition to become the Maiden. But why and what does it all mean? From the start she is out of her depth as she is purposely kept clueless at what is happening. Deceit and lies surround her and all she wants is the truth and to survive. The romance of the story builds very slowly. By the end you will be surprised by everything. What you thought is never what it seems.
August 1, 2025
Many thanks to the author for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
I don’t even know how to put my feelings for this into words… I was so engrossed at times I felt like I was Amara. It came to a point where I realized that this was not a romance novel. This is a message. A very important message. One that I took in and wholly agree with.
I’ve read many books in my 40 years that I’ve enjoyed immensely, but this one hits different. Thank you Jewel.
I don’t even know how to put my feelings for this into words… I was so engrossed at times I felt like I was Amara. It came to a point where I realized that this was not a romance novel. This is a message. A very important message. One that I took in and wholly agree with.
I’ve read many books in my 40 years that I’ve enjoyed immensely, but this one hits different. Thank you Jewel.
August 8, 2025
This book was an immersive, breathtaking take on Hades and Persephone, blending dark romance with rich, ancient lore. Amara’s journey from an isolated village to the brutal Maiden Trials is packed with danger, mystery, and pulse-pounding action, especially with the magnetic and enigmatic Tyr at her side. Twists, mythology, and stunning world-building kept me hooked from start to finish. A must read!!
August 1, 2025
I LOVE Jewel’s writing. Her descriptions are complex, detailed, and really paint the picture for you (which I appreciate since I’m a reader that visualizes in my head). There is world building and complexity to the story that I thoroughly enjoyed! Crossing my fingers for more of this universe in some capacity!
July 21, 2025
This was such a good read! I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t read the pages fast enough. The world building and character arcs, are amazing! This is my favourite Hades and Persephone retelling!! I really hope there is a continuation! I’m still thinking about this book and want more!
July 26, 2025
My mind is spinning right now! I loved this book so much! The layers to it, and the character development with the FMC was absolutely amazing. There are no words that would do this book justice. 10/10 hands down must read!
Amara and Tyr's love goes above and beyond.
Amara and Tyr's love goes above and beyond.
July 29, 2025
This book will take you for a ride. There are twist and turns all throughout the book and let’s not forget that huge cliffhanger at the end. Come ride along with Amara to find out who she is and maybe find some love along the way.
July 31, 2025
I enjoyed the book, its a different take on the Hades and Persphone myth. There are lots of twists and turns and layers to the story and everything comes together and is explained at the end.
I really liked Amara as a character.
I really liked Amara as a character.
August 15, 2025
It's confusing. In some ways it is supposed to be just that, but in others it needs more information more.. building.
But I did stay up really late to finish it, I was really curious about what was going on.
But I did stay up really late to finish it, I was really curious about what was going on.
July 30, 2025
Trying to come down from that ending.
Not sure what to make of it.
But overall loved the story between Amara and Tyr.
Lots to unravel in this romantasy.
Not sure what to make of it.
But overall loved the story between Amara and Tyr.
Lots to unravel in this romantasy.
August 2, 2025
I need more
I really hope there is another book. It's an epic love story and fantastic world building. There were so many twists, and the ending was just wow.
I really hope there is another book. It's an epic love story and fantastic world building. There were so many twists, and the ending was just wow.
August 13, 2025
Amazing!
This story is well crafted romansty, with everything you didn't know you needed! I savored this book and can't wait to read the next book.
This story is well crafted romansty, with everything you didn't know you needed! I savored this book and can't wait to read the next book.
August 20, 2025
This book was dark and I loved it! The premise of the Demon Kings taking over the world was so intriguing. Ive never read anything like it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews