Wave-Touched

by Nikki McCormack

For Veyl, coming home should be a joyous occasion, but the circumstances of her return cast a shadow over her reunions. With military conflict threatening her country on multiple fronts, and the man she loves facing execution, she has plenty to keep her busy.

Secrets she’s keeping and her role in political negotiations are pushing away her family and friends, leaving her isolated and ill-equipped to handle a devastating betrayal from someone she thought she could trust with her life.

With her power wildly out of control and her world crumbling around her, Veyl will have to dig deep within for the cunning and courage to save herself and the people she cares about. If it’s even possible to do both.

This series takes place many years after the events of the Warden’s Son series. It can be read on its own, but contains some spoilers for the Warden’s Son series.

For those who want them, content warnings can be found on the book page on my website, elysiumpalace.com, and in the back of the book.

451 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2025

About the author

Outside of her career as an author, Nikki is a professional technical and creative writer, spider wrangler, animal lover, and devoted cat mom. Writing fantasy and science fiction stories has been a lifelong passion for her. She loves to draw upon her myriad life experiences doing everything from wild cave exploration and competitive horseback endurance riding to practicing iaido and archery. She invites you to join her for some fantastic adventures.

Grand Prize Winner of the Dante Rossetti Award for Young Adult Fiction for The Girl and the Clockwork Cat

Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for The Keeper

Finalist in the Cygnus Award for Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction for Dissident

Writers of the Future finalist with the short story In Silence Waiting.

NOTE: No generative artificial intelligence (A.I.) or predictive language software has been or will be used in any part of the creation of my books.

Reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was compelling, tragic, dark, and so emotional. Veyl changed so much during the events in book 1, but this story takes a darker turn and shows power and obsession can change a friend to an enemy and lead to the ultimate betrayals.
Veyl tries so hard to fight for everyone, she's negotiating peace talks, fighting her growing feelings, and trying to protect her friends and allies. It's like she can't catch a break though as new enemies descend, her magic turns chaotic, and it's hard to know what's real anymore.
I loved the action and tension, the growing passion, and the unexpected twists and darkness. Another mesmerising chapter in this series, can't wait to see what happens next.

[André · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wave-Touched is the second installment of the second Vanris-series Daughter of Vanris. The story picks up where we left at the end of book 1 and Nikki McCormack keeps the tension high in this book as well, I'd say the story picks up quite a bit of speed, too. Especially main character Veyl hardly gets a chance to breath and digest everything that is happening. In this book she returns home to Vanris, to her family, after her captivity on Thaelis, but she returns as an ambassador for the Thaelian people and needs to negotiate terms with her parents who are rulers of Vanris. This alone would be enough for anyone to be at least slightly confused about where to stand. But for Veyl, there is even more: a budding romance, shifting friendships, her new powers that she cannot control,…it just keeps piling up for her.

There is a lot going on, like I already mentioned above, the pacing in Wave-Touched is very fast and Veyl is right in the middle of it: politics, fights, emotions, LOTS of emotions. Personally, the focus is a little too much on the budding romance for my taste, but still, the story works very well to keep me entertained. There are quite a lot of twists and some surprising character-developments here, that I really enjoyed. We also learn a little bit more about the world Veyl lives in.
But be warned: Wave-Touched is decidedly darker than the first book in the series.

[C.B. Matson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wave-Touched - Daughter of Vanris: Book 2 is an exciting continuation of Wave Dancer, first book in the series. If you love Epic Fantasy with a modest, but not overwhelming touch of Romance, then this series is for you. As you can see from the cover, the main character, Veyl, faces new struggles and physical challenges far beyond those she encountered in Book 1. Her entire world has turned on itself, and only her iron will, fierce loyalty, and fighting spirit can stave off what may become a catastrophic war. Risking all that she loves, Veyl must chance an unknown alliance to free her beloved and protect her family.
If you enjoyed Book 1, then Wave-Touched is the adventure you have been waiting for…and if you haven’t read Book 1, then jump in there now, pick up a copy of Wave Dancer, and start your journey.
This is an honest review based on an advance copy. Wave-Touched is not my usual genre, but I enjoyed reading it.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki McCormack has become one of my favorite authors, and Wave-Touched demonstrates why. The characters, the world, and compelling storytelling deliver a book that I couldn't put down, pulling me in and trapping in this intricate world. Even though I have finished the book, I keep coming back to the world for its alluring magic system, companions, and characters that I couldn't help but root for. This is a fast paced, action packed addition to the world, and I can't wait to read the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beyond fantastic—it's the kind of epic fantasy that sets a new standard for the genre.

The brilliance of this novel lies in its relentless pacing and non-stop action. The tension holds tight like a taut wire stretched across this breathtaking narrative.

This isn't just mindless excitement; every chapter is meaningful, pushing the characters and the plot forward with the force of a tidal wave.

[Melissa Widmaier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly invested in these characters! The story gets darker and more dangerous with every turn and I'm on the edge of my seat. I love how loyal and raw the supporting characters are too. I need more!