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Veilmarch
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26To stray from the Veil is treason. To desire Death is a sin.
In the theocratic kingdom of Annon, the Veilwalker serves both the divine and the crown, chosen as executioner and guide of souls. Since childhood, Ilys has been raised for this fate, trained to kneel without hesitation and spill blood without doubt. She believes her obedience holy, until Death himself takes too much. When his reach extends beyond the sacred, Ilys vows to ruin the god who made her.
Forced into a journey at Death's side, she expects a figure beyond mortal grasp. Instead, she finds a man, fragile, fading, and dangerously human. What begins in resentment twists into curiosity, and soon into a desire as ruinous as it is undeniable.
As the kingdom fractures, Ilys is forced to confront her purpose and her power, but the answers demand sacrifice. To claim choice for herself, she may have to bring Annon to its knees.
Veilmarch is a gothic coming-of-age romantasy about devotion, first love, and the terrifying freedom of choosing who you are, perfect for readers of Katherine Arden and Leigh Bardugo.
In the theocratic kingdom of Annon, the Veilwalker serves both the divine and the crown, chosen as executioner and guide of souls. Since childhood, Ilys has been raised for this fate, trained to kneel without hesitation and spill blood without doubt. She believes her obedience holy, until Death himself takes too much. When his reach extends beyond the sacred, Ilys vows to ruin the god who made her.
Forced into a journey at Death's side, she expects a figure beyond mortal grasp. Instead, she finds a man, fragile, fading, and dangerously human. What begins in resentment twists into curiosity, and soon into a desire as ruinous as it is undeniable.
As the kingdom fractures, Ilys is forced to confront her purpose and her power, but the answers demand sacrifice. To claim choice for herself, she may have to bring Annon to its knees.
Veilmarch is a gothic coming-of-age romantasy about devotion, first love, and the terrifying freedom of choosing who you are, perfect for readers of Katherine Arden and Leigh Bardugo.
- GenresFantasy
329 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 10, 2026
103 people want to read
About the author
Hallie Pursel
1 book13 followersHallie Pursel is a fantasy author with a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in communication. Her debut novel, Veilmarch, combines gothic worldbuilding, lyrical prose, and themes of faith, mortality, and forbidden love. Her academic work informs the layered mythology and emotional depth woven through her stories.
Hallie lives in Utah with her husband, her beloved pets, and an ever-growing library, writing most days with a cup of matcha by her side.
Hallie lives in Utah with her husband, her beloved pets, and an ever-growing library, writing most days with a cup of matcha by her side.
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December 17, 2025Read now available on NetGalley!!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Cariad Publishing House and the author, Hallie Pursei for sending me this eARC.
Publication date: February 10, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Cariad Publishing House and the author, Hallie Pursei for sending me this eARC.
Publication date: February 10, 2026
January 4, 2026
Thank you to the publisher Cariad Publishing House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book was a very haunting gothic tale and there was a certain part that made me sob my heart out, Ilys’s journey from a young girl in training to be the Veilwalker to a fully grown adult who is the Veilwalker is the main part plot of the story and the romance I would describe as a side plot. I enjoyed reading this book, it was very dark but it’s one of those stories that although it is hard to read it stays with you long after you’ve read the last page. I liked Ilys, I loved her bonds with Baron and Grim, they were like her found family. Poor Baron and Grim my heart broke for them, they both deserved better. I enjoyed the romance between Death and Ilys, it was bittersweet like two tortured souls being drawn together. Overall a really good book.
This book was a very haunting gothic tale and there was a certain part that made me sob my heart out, Ilys’s journey from a young girl in training to be the Veilwalker to a fully grown adult who is the Veilwalker is the main part plot of the story and the romance I would describe as a side plot. I enjoyed reading this book, it was very dark but it’s one of those stories that although it is hard to read it stays with you long after you’ve read the last page. I liked Ilys, I loved her bonds with Baron and Grim, they were like her found family. Poor Baron and Grim my heart broke for them, they both deserved better. I enjoyed the romance between Death and Ilys, it was bittersweet like two tortured souls being drawn together. Overall a really good book.
December 20, 2025
✨Veilmarch✨
This wasn’t just a story. It was a walk through the life of a character brought so viscerally to life that I felt it in my heart and bones. It wasn’t a high stakes, action packed thriller… no, it was an aching trek through a heart full of feminine rage and empathy for justice, life, and love. It was an existence where love and connection were forbidden and replaced with duty, death, and blood.
Hallie takes us through the life of Ilys, our rising Veilwalker, as she is raised and trained to be the hand of death where the god cannot be. Allowing the god of death to remain a collector, Veilwalkers take the lives of those who have unnaturally extended their own, while it also keeps the king alive and his kingdom protected from plagues and other causes of death. But, of course, this goodness oozes easily into corruption… and it is here we begin Ilys’ journey.
Using beautiful, poetic prose and imagery to spin a tale that walks you INSIDE the pages not just alongside, Hallie makes you feel every moment, emotion, and grievance. The first 30% is living Ilys’ life with her as she is raised by her mentor, Grim, and other father figure, Baron. Ilys experiences much hardship and hard won joy within this time that makes her who she is when she finally takes over and endures the Veilmarch with Death. And once we meet Death… that’s when our delicious slow burn truly begins.
The time we spend with Ilys and Death was so magnetic even in its simplicity and gentility. They relate in ways that spur Ilys’ hatred for what he has made her do but they also slowly become the “more” they’ve been yearning for as true death bears down on them. I cried so many times throughout this book, feeling that love and loss, and I equally felt a mourning peace and joy at the end. (That ending got me. So. Precious.)
Tropes you may find in Veilmarch are one bed, enemies to lovers vibes, gothic setting, morally grey characters, feminine rage, necromancers and meddling fates, chosen family, slow burn to low spice (lightly descriptive), forced proximity, comfort & wound tending, and low but HEART WRENCHING stakes.
Thank you, Hallie, Netgalley, and Cariad Pub, for this gifted arc. It was devastatingly lovely.
This wasn’t just a story. It was a walk through the life of a character brought so viscerally to life that I felt it in my heart and bones. It wasn’t a high stakes, action packed thriller… no, it was an aching trek through a heart full of feminine rage and empathy for justice, life, and love. It was an existence where love and connection were forbidden and replaced with duty, death, and blood.
Hallie takes us through the life of Ilys, our rising Veilwalker, as she is raised and trained to be the hand of death where the god cannot be. Allowing the god of death to remain a collector, Veilwalkers take the lives of those who have unnaturally extended their own, while it also keeps the king alive and his kingdom protected from plagues and other causes of death. But, of course, this goodness oozes easily into corruption… and it is here we begin Ilys’ journey.
Using beautiful, poetic prose and imagery to spin a tale that walks you INSIDE the pages not just alongside, Hallie makes you feel every moment, emotion, and grievance. The first 30% is living Ilys’ life with her as she is raised by her mentor, Grim, and other father figure, Baron. Ilys experiences much hardship and hard won joy within this time that makes her who she is when she finally takes over and endures the Veilmarch with Death. And once we meet Death… that’s when our delicious slow burn truly begins.
The time we spend with Ilys and Death was so magnetic even in its simplicity and gentility. They relate in ways that spur Ilys’ hatred for what he has made her do but they also slowly become the “more” they’ve been yearning for as true death bears down on them. I cried so many times throughout this book, feeling that love and loss, and I equally felt a mourning peace and joy at the end. (That ending got me. So. Precious.)
Tropes you may find in Veilmarch are one bed, enemies to lovers vibes, gothic setting, morally grey characters, feminine rage, necromancers and meddling fates, chosen family, slow burn to low spice (lightly descriptive), forced proximity, comfort & wound tending, and low but HEART WRENCHING stakes.
Thank you, Hallie, Netgalley, and Cariad Pub, for this gifted arc. It was devastatingly lovely.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc!!
Veilmarch had a very gripping and addictive start. We follow Ilys from a young age, at the start of her tutelage with Grim to become Death’s executioner. The fact that we follow her from a young age really gives you insight on her character.
The writing was compelling and flowed easily. My favourite part of this book was the first 30% because the world building was uniquely interesting.
I will admit the stakes felt higher in the first 40% of the book and then quickly waned, to a point I wondered what the actual plot was. I had an inkling as to where it was going and was proven right, but I think the direction it went in took too long to be shown. The plot is lost between 40-80% because the romance takes the spotlight… and that’s where my interest waned. I got whiplash from how fast it went from hatred to being married for love… I went back a few pages because I felt like I had skipped entire chapters of romance - but it wasn’t the case. Veilmarch definitely could’ve went without romance.
The pacing was slow and there’s a lot of travelling here and there. With the spotlight on the romance for the longest time, it left little place for the plot and thus made the ending very rushed.
Overall, I think this was a decent debut and I do recommend it. I think it has very unique aspects and I’m intrigued to see what the author writes next.
Veilmarch had a very gripping and addictive start. We follow Ilys from a young age, at the start of her tutelage with Grim to become Death’s executioner. The fact that we follow her from a young age really gives you insight on her character.
The writing was compelling and flowed easily. My favourite part of this book was the first 30% because the world building was uniquely interesting.
I will admit the stakes felt higher in the first 40% of the book and then quickly waned, to a point I wondered what the actual plot was. I had an inkling as to where it was going and was proven right, but I think the direction it went in took too long to be shown. The plot is lost between 40-80% because the romance takes the spotlight… and that’s where my interest waned. I got whiplash from how fast it went from hatred to being married for love… I went back a few pages because I felt like I had skipped entire chapters of romance - but it wasn’t the case. Veilmarch definitely could’ve went without romance.
The pacing was slow and there’s a lot of travelling here and there. With the spotlight on the romance for the longest time, it left little place for the plot and thus made the ending very rushed.
Overall, I think this was a decent debut and I do recommend it. I think it has very unique aspects and I’m intrigued to see what the author writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book wrecked me, and all I can say is thank you 😭 💕
It’s not a super fast-paced or flashy story, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it takes its time, filled with duty, grief, and love, and somehow that makes everything hit harder
The story moves with intention, especially when it comes to the relationships. Nothing feels instant or forced. The connection between Ilys and Death builds slowly, starting with tension, resentment, and obligation, and evolving into something softer, deeper, and genuinely meaningful. It felt earned every step of the way
The pacing does speed up near the end, especially compared to the slower, more deliberate build earlier in the book. But it genuinely fit the story! And the ending itself isn’t a traditional HEA, but it’s exactly the ending this story needed. It felt complete, bittersweet, and oddly peaceful
I finished the book feeling heartbroken yet satisfied, and I can assure you this story has been ingrained in my soul forever 💕 it made me cry, made me anxious, made me smile through tears, and I will absolutely be recommending it to anyone who enjoys poetic, emotional stories that aren’t afraid to hurt you a little (or a lot 😭)
Thank you so very much to Netgelly for the opportunity to read this ARC!! 💕
It’s not a super fast-paced or flashy story, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it takes its time, filled with duty, grief, and love, and somehow that makes everything hit harder
The story moves with intention, especially when it comes to the relationships. Nothing feels instant or forced. The connection between Ilys and Death builds slowly, starting with tension, resentment, and obligation, and evolving into something softer, deeper, and genuinely meaningful. It felt earned every step of the way
The pacing does speed up near the end, especially compared to the slower, more deliberate build earlier in the book. But it genuinely fit the story! And the ending itself isn’t a traditional HEA, but it’s exactly the ending this story needed. It felt complete, bittersweet, and oddly peaceful
I finished the book feeling heartbroken yet satisfied, and I can assure you this story has been ingrained in my soul forever 💕 it made me cry, made me anxious, made me smile through tears, and I will absolutely be recommending it to anyone who enjoys poetic, emotional stories that aren’t afraid to hurt you a little (or a lot 😭)
Thank you so very much to Netgelly for the opportunity to read this ARC!! 💕
December 21, 2025
I loved this story so much. It is a thoughtfully paced story that takes its time to unfold the emotional journey that explores duty, love, loss, and identity. The writing is beautiful and immersive, with a gripping plot and characters I became emotionally invested in.
Following Ilys as she grows into her role as a Veilwalker was powerful and heartbreaking, and the relationships she forms along the way add so much depth to the story. The slow burn connection with Death was especially well done—quiet, aching, and incredibly moving.
I often found myself rereading lines and moments I loved, just to sit with them a little longer. The ending was tender and meaningful, and it stayed with me long after I finished the book. A beautiful, thoughtful story I truly loved.
Following Ilys as she grows into her role as a Veilwalker was powerful and heartbreaking, and the relationships she forms along the way add so much depth to the story. The slow burn connection with Death was especially well done—quiet, aching, and incredibly moving.
I often found myself rereading lines and moments I loved, just to sit with them a little longer. The ending was tender and meaningful, and it stayed with me long after I finished the book. A beautiful, thoughtful story I truly loved.
January 14, 2026
4,5 ⭐
Poetic and atmospheric. Gut wrenching and hopeful at the same time. Haunting.
Full of love where love shouldn’t be.
Don’t expect this book to be a romance book, it is not - but it has such a beautiful and well thought love story in it that will stay with you for a long time.
This is a character driven story with a slower pace that depicts the life of our main character, Ilys, from childhood when she is training to become a Veilewalker to her adulthood when she is performing her duties alongside Death.
Ilys’s life story is full of opposites. Love and loneliness. Compliance and rage. Grief and hopefulness.
Even though she shouldn’t form any relations due to the nature of her role as a Veilwalker, Ilys, even though lonely, she manages to form such beautiful relationships throughout her life and I think, for me, this was the best part of it and it brought me so much joy to see that even in the darkest situations one can find itself in, friendship, trust and pure love can still exists.
Even though slow paced, I was really enthralled with this story, its characters and the evolution of Ilys.
The ending was so bittersweet but at the same time very suited for Ilys’s character. I really loved so much how the story wrapped up and I feel it will be sticking with me for a very long time.
Strong debut for Hallie Pursell. I can’t wait to read her next works.
Favourite quotes:
✨“They don’t want people thinking beyond the bounds. Books make things louder. Questions. Doubt. Desire.”
✨“Let us both abandon these cloaks of obedience. Let us play at being men, loud, sure, untouchable. Let us ravage the world and call it ambition. Let our desire be a shield, wrapping us like a woolen quilt against cold expectations. Let us make our own names feared so none may speak over us, none may say what we are or what we must become.”
✨“Perhaps the struggle of a woman would always be too quiet.”
✨“The stars made no sound, yet he listened still, for even in silence there is song.”
✨“I love how age hardens you and softens you in the same breath. I love your appetite for whimsy and your refusal to stomach injustice. I love your laugh when you forget to guard it and your smile when you choose to be merciful with it.”
✨“Horses did not raze villages to prove dominion. They did not invent cruelty and call it order.”
✨“The men who preached from gilded pulpits, who raised their hands as if the Fates themselves spoke through them, they were not divine. They were fallible.”
Thank you Cariad Publishing House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Poetic and atmospheric. Gut wrenching and hopeful at the same time. Haunting.
Full of love where love shouldn’t be.
Don’t expect this book to be a romance book, it is not - but it has such a beautiful and well thought love story in it that will stay with you for a long time.
This is a character driven story with a slower pace that depicts the life of our main character, Ilys, from childhood when she is training to become a Veilewalker to her adulthood when she is performing her duties alongside Death.
Ilys’s life story is full of opposites. Love and loneliness. Compliance and rage. Grief and hopefulness.
Even though she shouldn’t form any relations due to the nature of her role as a Veilwalker, Ilys, even though lonely, she manages to form such beautiful relationships throughout her life and I think, for me, this was the best part of it and it brought me so much joy to see that even in the darkest situations one can find itself in, friendship, trust and pure love can still exists.
Even though slow paced, I was really enthralled with this story, its characters and the evolution of Ilys.
The ending was so bittersweet but at the same time very suited for Ilys’s character. I really loved so much how the story wrapped up and I feel it will be sticking with me for a very long time.
Strong debut for Hallie Pursell. I can’t wait to read her next works.
Favourite quotes:
✨“They don’t want people thinking beyond the bounds. Books make things louder. Questions. Doubt. Desire.”
✨“Let us both abandon these cloaks of obedience. Let us play at being men, loud, sure, untouchable. Let us ravage the world and call it ambition. Let our desire be a shield, wrapping us like a woolen quilt against cold expectations. Let us make our own names feared so none may speak over us, none may say what we are or what we must become.”
✨“Perhaps the struggle of a woman would always be too quiet.”
✨“The stars made no sound, yet he listened still, for even in silence there is song.”
✨“I love how age hardens you and softens you in the same breath. I love your appetite for whimsy and your refusal to stomach injustice. I love your laugh when you forget to guard it and your smile when you choose to be merciful with it.”
✨“Horses did not raze villages to prove dominion. They did not invent cruelty and call it order.”
✨“The men who preached from gilded pulpits, who raised their hands as if the Fates themselves spoke through them, they were not divine. They were fallible.”
Thank you Cariad Publishing House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Cariad Publishing House, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!
“You are no woman. You are the Veilwalker - a gift from Annon to Death, a blessed sacrifice”
“No one sought the aid of a Veilwalker. she only brought more Death”
I’m left speechless by the intensity and beauty of this story. A young woman raised to become the one whom walks beside Death in the Veil between life and death. The one whom walks beside brings forward Death’s inevitability and his fate. A life of abuse and constrictions. A fate of suffering and bringing pain. But also an enemies to lovers, forced proximity and inevitable doom after sharing one bed with Death romance. Ilys’ story was amazing. Beautiful. Painful. Exciting. Obsessive. Addicting. I loved every second of reading it. It was amazing. Every chapter a new exciting part of her journey. Every page a newfound discovery of her strength and fear and bond with him. And an incredible love story that goes beyond the line of life into the world of the souls. It’s perfect for fans of the Belladonna series but way more adult and bit for fans of From Blood and Ash !!! I cannot wait to read more from this author !!
“I hate you”
“I know … But now you must learn to use me”
“And while this body weakens and my hold on the world thins, I watch you and I learn the shape of purpose”
“You are no woman. You are the Veilwalker - a gift from Annon to Death, a blessed sacrifice”
“No one sought the aid of a Veilwalker. she only brought more Death”
I’m left speechless by the intensity and beauty of this story. A young woman raised to become the one whom walks beside Death in the Veil between life and death. The one whom walks beside brings forward Death’s inevitability and his fate. A life of abuse and constrictions. A fate of suffering and bringing pain. But also an enemies to lovers, forced proximity and inevitable doom after sharing one bed with Death romance. Ilys’ story was amazing. Beautiful. Painful. Exciting. Obsessive. Addicting. I loved every second of reading it. It was amazing. Every chapter a new exciting part of her journey. Every page a newfound discovery of her strength and fear and bond with him. And an incredible love story that goes beyond the line of life into the world of the souls. It’s perfect for fans of the Belladonna series but way more adult and bit for fans of From Blood and Ash !!! I cannot wait to read more from this author !!
“I hate you”
“I know … But now you must learn to use me”
“And while this body weakens and my hold on the world thins, I watch you and I learn the shape of purpose”
January 12, 2026
Rating: 4 stars
“I am a Veilwalker. I have loved Death well, and I do not fear him.”
Follow the life of Ilys of the Veil, a girl chosen to become a Veilwalker, servant and companion of Death. Raised in her faith, Ilys was taught to have no bonds, to kill without hesitation. Yet, when she meets with Death to partake in the Veilmarch her world is tipped on its head.
This is a rich, gothic novel full of vivid imagery and emotion. Rather than a fast paced, action packed story, it is a life with moments that are exciting, peaceful, violent, loving, and even tragic.
It’s such an interesting concept, that Death looks away as long as the veilwalker kills people who magically try to defy the natural order. There wasn’t a TON of worldbuilding outside of the vague religious aspect, but that in itself made the story super interesting.
I really felt for the characters and their journeys. There were even points where I teared up during certain interactions. Ilys, to me, really just wanted to be seen—seen as Ilys, not the Veilwalker—and that’s what drove the familial, platonic, and romantic relationships we see. There were a handful of times another person’s thoughts would show up in the narrative for about a paragraph which felt really out of place for me as the narrative belongs 99% to Ilys.
It can seem slow at points, but knowing this is a life and not a glimpse makes me appreciate the slow moments whereas in other novels I might not. In the beginning I did think it would’ve served the audience better to see snippets of her growing up interspersed throughout the story, but after having read the whole I am not sure that would’ve been best. It does take ⅓ of the book to begin the premise in the blurb which is a bit long to wait.
Overall, I think this is a solid debut for Hallie Pursel. She has a lot of potential with her stylistic prose and deep connections to characters. I look forward to seeing more from her!
tiktok | instagram
“I am a Veilwalker. I have loved Death well, and I do not fear him.”
Follow the life of Ilys of the Veil, a girl chosen to become a Veilwalker, servant and companion of Death. Raised in her faith, Ilys was taught to have no bonds, to kill without hesitation. Yet, when she meets with Death to partake in the Veilmarch her world is tipped on its head.
This is a rich, gothic novel full of vivid imagery and emotion. Rather than a fast paced, action packed story, it is a life with moments that are exciting, peaceful, violent, loving, and even tragic.
It’s such an interesting concept, that Death looks away as long as the veilwalker kills people who magically try to defy the natural order. There wasn’t a TON of worldbuilding outside of the vague religious aspect, but that in itself made the story super interesting.
I really felt for the characters and their journeys. There were even points where I teared up during certain interactions. Ilys, to me, really just wanted to be seen—seen as Ilys, not the Veilwalker—and that’s what drove the familial, platonic, and romantic relationships we see. There were a handful of times another person’s thoughts would show up in the narrative for about a paragraph which felt really out of place for me as the narrative belongs 99% to Ilys.
It can seem slow at points, but knowing this is a life and not a glimpse makes me appreciate the slow moments whereas in other novels I might not. In the beginning I did think it would’ve served the audience better to see snippets of her growing up interspersed throughout the story, but after having read the whole I am not sure that would’ve been best. It does take ⅓ of the book to begin the premise in the blurb which is a bit long to wait.
Overall, I think this is a solid debut for Hallie Pursel. She has a lot of potential with her stylistic prose and deep connections to characters. I look forward to seeing more from her!
tiktok | instagram
January 6, 2026
written with delicate, almost lyrical prose, this novel unfolds like poetry in motion. the world is painted quietly, patiently, blooming in the periphery while our attention is held fast by its heart: ilys. a child raised to become a veilwalker, one of the solemn faithful tasked with guiding souls past their due and into death, through the veil beyond, as part of an ancient bargain. ritual is not window dressing here. it is lived, embodied, and inseparable from identity, woven tightly into deep and careful character work.
from child to woman, we ghost ilys’s journey. her life is one of devotion and duty, her faith both anchor and shackle. fragments of childhood glimmer through the darkness that comes to define her path, lingering like light caught behind her physical veil. that veil becomes more than cloth. it is symbol, burden, protection, and distance, mirroring the way she moves through the world unseen, unquestioned, and yet profoundly shaped. ⚔️
we grow alongside her as the story unfurls into a meditation on fate and freedom. it explores how the lives prepared for us, especially those framed as sacred or inevitable, can become cages we ache to escape, often without even realising we were confined at all. the ache of that realisation is handled with such care, never rushed, never sensationalised.
a medieval fantasy world that sits back and blooms behind our fmc, rich without ever overwhelming 🏰
a heady, unusual romance that simmers beneath the surface, never distracting from the true journey, the sacrifices demanded, or the slow process of self-discovery ♟️
dark deeds of ritual, faith, and consequence, with higher powers tugging at the threads and reminding us that bargains are never clean 🪡
this is a truly stunning debut. measured, haunting, and quietly devastating in places. i cannot wait to see how hallie’s work spreads from here. thank you so much for the immaculate arc, i absolutely devoured it.
vasha 🤍
from child to woman, we ghost ilys’s journey. her life is one of devotion and duty, her faith both anchor and shackle. fragments of childhood glimmer through the darkness that comes to define her path, lingering like light caught behind her physical veil. that veil becomes more than cloth. it is symbol, burden, protection, and distance, mirroring the way she moves through the world unseen, unquestioned, and yet profoundly shaped. ⚔️
we grow alongside her as the story unfurls into a meditation on fate and freedom. it explores how the lives prepared for us, especially those framed as sacred or inevitable, can become cages we ache to escape, often without even realising we were confined at all. the ache of that realisation is handled with such care, never rushed, never sensationalised.
a medieval fantasy world that sits back and blooms behind our fmc, rich without ever overwhelming 🏰
a heady, unusual romance that simmers beneath the surface, never distracting from the true journey, the sacrifices demanded, or the slow process of self-discovery ♟️
dark deeds of ritual, faith, and consequence, with higher powers tugging at the threads and reminding us that bargains are never clean 🪡
this is a truly stunning debut. measured, haunting, and quietly devastating in places. i cannot wait to see how hallie’s work spreads from here. thank you so much for the immaculate arc, i absolutely devoured it.
vasha 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC provided by NetGalley and Cariad Publishing House in exchange for honest review.
Veilmarch is a deliciously gothic, dark tale with a gentle romantic twist. It is the story of Ilys, chosen at 9 years old to be a the successional Veilwalker to Grim - a tool of Death to sever life threads of people who have unnaturally extended their lives. When she ascends to her role, it is with bitterness and resentment, after she is forced to eliminate one of the most important people in her life. But when she encounters Death himself, she is surprised to find him not only mortal, but a dying man. Her desire to end his life becomes less as she travels at his side, until a revelation changes everything. She now has someone firmly set in her sights for their ending - but just who is the one she will make pay? And what does it mean for Ilys, and her chosen successor Hanna?
Ilys is raised from an infant knowing she will be the hand of Death - his servant in ending the lives of those deemed so. Grim is her tutor, her father figure, and he sees that she is brought up devout and dedicated to the cause. But when god Death orders her to end the life of Baron, someone both she and Grim adore, Grim chooses to end his stint as Veilwalker, leaving a vengeful Ilys determined to end the life of Death. When he escorts her to her first Veilmarch, she discovers he is not only now mortal, but also dying - leaving her with the choice of ending him herself, or letting nature take its course. What she doesn't except is to develop feelings for him (enemies-to-lovers and one bed tropes are key to this arc). Their relationship is slow burn, with just a touch of spice, but it leaves you with an everlasting impression of how gentle love can be. An overly spicy on page relationship wouldn't fit the story that had gone before, and I think Pursel has read the room well there.
The twist of Grim's whereabouts being revealed sucked the air from my lungs, despite me acknowledging that he would not have willingly just abandoned Ilys, despite how she felt about it. This spurs Ilys into making her final decision, and her preparation, knowing she likely won't return, is bittersweet, particularly the scenes with Rowenna and Leif, where she asks them to care for Hanna out of sight of her enemies.
The world building in this book has me utterly torn between feeling like it was wonderful, and feeling like it was nowhere near enough. We see Ilys' early life, her training commencing with Grim, her love for Baron, her only real friendship with Rowenna and how it endures. It is the shaping of her childhood, and then the subsequent destruction of it with her order to kill Baron, and Grim's disappearance. I don't feel like we see enough of the King, and his wickedness, as a counterpoint to Ilys' formative years, nor do we know enough about Death before his appearance in his mortal form. This enigmatic figure appears and his affection for Ilys is quite apparent - yet she is hellbent on destroying him. The pacing of the next third of the novel is slow, focused purely on the developing feelings between Ilys and Death as they journey on to the Veilmarch. Then the truth about Grim sets the next events in motion at breakneck pace, and it just feels a bit jarring - almost rushed. I think a bit more pacing consistency, and some additional content on two big players in the story would elevate the story firmly into the 4⭐ ratings bracket.
Overall, Veilmarch is a solid debut by Hallie Pursel. Ilys is a likeable, fierce character who is devout in her duty until forced into something she cannot reconcile as anything other than wicked. Her feminine rage is plotted against one figure, whom she finds herself falling for, despite her assumptions of his guilt. When it comes to her final showdown, Ilys is prepared to bring everything around her to its knees - believing wholly in herself that she will enact a better future for Rowenna and her children, and for Hanna, her chosen one. The finale is hauntingly beautiful. I'm excited to see where Pursel's future takes her!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Veilmarch is a deliciously gothic, dark tale with a gentle romantic twist. It is the story of Ilys, chosen at 9 years old to be a the successional Veilwalker to Grim - a tool of Death to sever life threads of people who have unnaturally extended their lives. When she ascends to her role, it is with bitterness and resentment, after she is forced to eliminate one of the most important people in her life. But when she encounters Death himself, she is surprised to find him not only mortal, but a dying man. Her desire to end his life becomes less as she travels at his side, until a revelation changes everything. She now has someone firmly set in her sights for their ending - but just who is the one she will make pay? And what does it mean for Ilys, and her chosen successor Hanna?
Ilys is raised from an infant knowing she will be the hand of Death - his servant in ending the lives of those deemed so. Grim is her tutor, her father figure, and he sees that she is brought up devout and dedicated to the cause. But when god Death orders her to end the life of Baron, someone both she and Grim adore, Grim chooses to end his stint as Veilwalker, leaving a vengeful Ilys determined to end the life of Death. When he escorts her to her first Veilmarch, she discovers he is not only now mortal, but also dying - leaving her with the choice of ending him herself, or letting nature take its course. What she doesn't except is to develop feelings for him (enemies-to-lovers and one bed tropes are key to this arc). Their relationship is slow burn, with just a touch of spice, but it leaves you with an everlasting impression of how gentle love can be. An overly spicy on page relationship wouldn't fit the story that had gone before, and I think Pursel has read the room well there.
The twist of Grim's whereabouts being revealed sucked the air from my lungs, despite me acknowledging that he would not have willingly just abandoned Ilys, despite how she felt about it. This spurs Ilys into making her final decision, and her preparation, knowing she likely won't return, is bittersweet, particularly the scenes with Rowenna and Leif, where she asks them to care for Hanna out of sight of her enemies.
The world building in this book has me utterly torn between feeling like it was wonderful, and feeling like it was nowhere near enough. We see Ilys' early life, her training commencing with Grim, her love for Baron, her only real friendship with Rowenna and how it endures. It is the shaping of her childhood, and then the subsequent destruction of it with her order to kill Baron, and Grim's disappearance. I don't feel like we see enough of the King, and his wickedness, as a counterpoint to Ilys' formative years, nor do we know enough about Death before his appearance in his mortal form. This enigmatic figure appears and his affection for Ilys is quite apparent - yet she is hellbent on destroying him. The pacing of the next third of the novel is slow, focused purely on the developing feelings between Ilys and Death as they journey on to the Veilmarch. Then the truth about Grim sets the next events in motion at breakneck pace, and it just feels a bit jarring - almost rushed. I think a bit more pacing consistency, and some additional content on two big players in the story would elevate the story firmly into the 4⭐ ratings bracket.
Overall, Veilmarch is a solid debut by Hallie Pursel. Ilys is a likeable, fierce character who is devout in her duty until forced into something she cannot reconcile as anything other than wicked. Her feminine rage is plotted against one figure, whom she finds herself falling for, despite her assumptions of his guilt. When it comes to her final showdown, Ilys is prepared to bring everything around her to its knees - believing wholly in herself that she will enact a better future for Rowenna and her children, and for Hanna, her chosen one. The finale is hauntingly beautiful. I'm excited to see where Pursel's future takes her!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Hallie Pursel’s Veilmarch is a gothic fantasy romance that transcends simple genre labels. It is a story about survival, identity, and the heavy price of truth, and it left me completely captivated by its protagonist, Ilys.
From the very first chapter, I found myself feeling so many things for Ilys—sympathy, frustration, and ultimately, an immense sense of pride. Ilys is not your typical "invincible" fantasy heroine; she is a woman who has been shaped by hardship and the weight of her own history.
What makes her journey so compelling is the way her character shifts as she uncovers the dark realities of her world. As Ilys learns more about the long-standing bargain between the King and Death, her entire perspective on her life begins to fracture. She is forced to reconcile not only with the things she has been made to do but with the realization of who she truly is in the wake of those choices. This knowledge changes her "endgame" entirely. Without spoiling the conclusion, seeing Ilys move from a position of being a pawn to a woman fiercely determined to see things through to her own envisioned end was incredibly empowering. Her growth is a slow-burn transformation that feels earned and deeply personal.
The brilliance of Veilmarch lies in how Ilys is defined and challenged by the people surrounding her. The secondary characters are the architects of her transformation, each representing a different facet of her struggle:
Grim: One of the most touching elements of the book is the relationship between Ilys and Grim. Grim serves as a vital father figure for Ilys. In a world that is cold and often unforgiving, his presence provides a necessary sense of protection and guidance. Their bond is a beautiful reminder that family isn’t always blood, but those who stand by you in the dark even though he wasn't necessarily the warmest person.
Hanna: In a world filled with secrets and hidden agendas, Hanna serves as a necessary tether to Ilys’s humanity. Her relationship with Ilys provides moments of warmth and genuine connection that contrast beautifully with the darker, more clinical elements of the plot. She was a reminder of the future and gave her someone to connect to when everyone else was gone.
Baron and Rowenna: These two figures represent the friendships and love that Ilys developed while living at the Sanctum. They both defy the rules and show Ilys that there is more to her life than what she is being raised for.
The true romantic tension of the book lies in the relationship between Ilys and Death. Pursel utilizes the enemies-to-lovers trope with masterful precision. This isn't a simple "star-crossed" attraction; it is a complex, slow-burn evolution.
The concept of a romance with Death himself fits the gothic tone perfectly. Their dynamic is built on high stakes and mutual wariness. Seeing Ilys navigate her anger towards him while slowly uncovering the layers of his character was one of my favorite parts of the reading experience. It is an electric connection that keeps the pages turning, especially as the lines between "enemy" and "lover" begin to blur.
As a debut, Veilmarch is exceptionally polished. The prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the "gothic" essence without ever feeling overwrought. It is rare to find a fantasy romance that balances the "high-stakes" plot with such a heavy emphasis on emotional resonance. I found myself tearing up at points, not because of the external dangers, but because of the personal moments Ilys experiences.
Hallie Pursel has set a very high bar for herself. I will definitely be picking up more from this author in the future, as she has a gift for creating characters that feel like real people lost in extraordinary, dark circumstances. If you want a book that will make you feel every emotion on the spectrum while losing yourself in a magical, shadowed world, Veilmarch should be at the top of your list.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hallie Pursel’s Veilmarch is a gothic fantasy romance that transcends simple genre labels. It is a story about survival, identity, and the heavy price of truth, and it left me completely captivated by its protagonist, Ilys.
From the very first chapter, I found myself feeling so many things for Ilys—sympathy, frustration, and ultimately, an immense sense of pride. Ilys is not your typical "invincible" fantasy heroine; she is a woman who has been shaped by hardship and the weight of her own history.
What makes her journey so compelling is the way her character shifts as she uncovers the dark realities of her world. As Ilys learns more about the long-standing bargain between the King and Death, her entire perspective on her life begins to fracture. She is forced to reconcile not only with the things she has been made to do but with the realization of who she truly is in the wake of those choices. This knowledge changes her "endgame" entirely. Without spoiling the conclusion, seeing Ilys move from a position of being a pawn to a woman fiercely determined to see things through to her own envisioned end was incredibly empowering. Her growth is a slow-burn transformation that feels earned and deeply personal.
The brilliance of Veilmarch lies in how Ilys is defined and challenged by the people surrounding her. The secondary characters are the architects of her transformation, each representing a different facet of her struggle:
Grim: One of the most touching elements of the book is the relationship between Ilys and Grim. Grim serves as a vital father figure for Ilys. In a world that is cold and often unforgiving, his presence provides a necessary sense of protection and guidance. Their bond is a beautiful reminder that family isn’t always blood, but those who stand by you in the dark even though he wasn't necessarily the warmest person.
Hanna: In a world filled with secrets and hidden agendas, Hanna serves as a necessary tether to Ilys’s humanity. Her relationship with Ilys provides moments of warmth and genuine connection that contrast beautifully with the darker, more clinical elements of the plot. She was a reminder of the future and gave her someone to connect to when everyone else was gone.
Baron and Rowenna: These two figures represent the friendships and love that Ilys developed while living at the Sanctum. They both defy the rules and show Ilys that there is more to her life than what she is being raised for.
The true romantic tension of the book lies in the relationship between Ilys and Death. Pursel utilizes the enemies-to-lovers trope with masterful precision. This isn't a simple "star-crossed" attraction; it is a complex, slow-burn evolution.
The concept of a romance with Death himself fits the gothic tone perfectly. Their dynamic is built on high stakes and mutual wariness. Seeing Ilys navigate her anger towards him while slowly uncovering the layers of his character was one of my favorite parts of the reading experience. It is an electric connection that keeps the pages turning, especially as the lines between "enemy" and "lover" begin to blur.
As a debut, Veilmarch is exceptionally polished. The prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the "gothic" essence without ever feeling overwrought. It is rare to find a fantasy romance that balances the "high-stakes" plot with such a heavy emphasis on emotional resonance. I found myself tearing up at points, not because of the external dangers, but because of the personal moments Ilys experiences.
Hallie Pursel has set a very high bar for herself. I will definitely be picking up more from this author in the future, as she has a gift for creating characters that feel like real people lost in extraordinary, dark circumstances. If you want a book that will make you feel every emotion on the spectrum while losing yourself in a magical, shadowed world, Veilmarch should be at the top of your list.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"And it was spoken that the Veilwalker is bound by three duties: to sever, to serve, and to walk the path unseen."
fantasy/romance | spice scale: 1.5-2
what to expect:
✧ a divinity-driven kingdom
✧ a trained, executioner FMC
✧ coming-of-age journey
✧ (soft) enemies-to-lovers
quick synopsis:
Ilys is the Veilwalker, the chosen executioner to carry-out Death's will as duty demands by her kingdom. Ilys’ role upholds an ancient contract that maintains the threads of all life. As the Veilwalker, she lives in dutiful, relative solitude, severing lives as called upon. When duty fractures Ilys’ view of her role, she sets out to destroy Death, which brings on a chain of events that leads her down a path she'd never expect.
spoiler-free review:
This book shines in its overarching themes and delicate, fluid writing. It ached to watch Illys grasp for a sense of belonging, that yearning for connection; Pursel brings about vivid emotion where you can really feel the isolation of Ilys’ reality. Further, the experience of womanhood was all too familiar; it felt, at times, like a mirror was being held to life where our choices are but made by the powers that be, where we're forced into boxes that could never contain our shape. One quote stuck with me, that both drives home this theme and gives example to Pursel's writing:
"Run, her thoughts whispered silently. Let us both abandon these cloaks of obedience. Let us play at being men, loud, sure, untouchable. Let us ravage the world and call it ambition. Let our desire be a shield, wrapping us like a woolen quilt against cold expectations. Let us make our own names feared so none may speak over us, none may say what we are or what we must become."
The premise of this book as a whole was quite enticing. A mortal character who directly influences the weaving of fates, who goes on to challenge the very system they previously upheld? I'm sold. However, the pacing and world-building plagued its execution for me. The story begins with a meandering pace and quickly loses stamina in the first 30%. While Part I provides helpful background on our character, their relationships, and the pious kingdom, I think these aspects could have been realized as the main plot began unfolding come Part II. As for world-building, it was pretty vague for me — the story's physical settings, religion, and magic lacked defined boundaries or distinctive qualities, or both.
Finally, the romance (sub-plot turned main plot?? I'm undecided). All I'll say is that it was a bit jarring, considering it wasn't really alluded to until well into the story. I think this story could have held its own, and perhaps thrived, without it.
Overall, this book was a pretty solid debut and I think Hallie Pursel has a lot of potential (see quote above!!!). I'd definitely pick up one of her books again.
Much thanks to Cariad Publishing and Net Galley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review ◡̈
3 stars
fantasy/romance | spice scale: 1.5-2
what to expect:
✧ a divinity-driven kingdom
✧ a trained, executioner FMC
✧ coming-of-age journey
✧ (soft) enemies-to-lovers
quick synopsis:
Ilys is the Veilwalker, the chosen executioner to carry-out Death's will as duty demands by her kingdom. Ilys’ role upholds an ancient contract that maintains the threads of all life. As the Veilwalker, she lives in dutiful, relative solitude, severing lives as called upon. When duty fractures Ilys’ view of her role, she sets out to destroy Death, which brings on a chain of events that leads her down a path she'd never expect.
spoiler-free review:
This book shines in its overarching themes and delicate, fluid writing. It ached to watch Illys grasp for a sense of belonging, that yearning for connection; Pursel brings about vivid emotion where you can really feel the isolation of Ilys’ reality. Further, the experience of womanhood was all too familiar; it felt, at times, like a mirror was being held to life where our choices are but made by the powers that be, where we're forced into boxes that could never contain our shape. One quote stuck with me, that both drives home this theme and gives example to Pursel's writing:
"Run, her thoughts whispered silently. Let us both abandon these cloaks of obedience. Let us play at being men, loud, sure, untouchable. Let us ravage the world and call it ambition. Let our desire be a shield, wrapping us like a woolen quilt against cold expectations. Let us make our own names feared so none may speak over us, none may say what we are or what we must become."
The premise of this book as a whole was quite enticing. A mortal character who directly influences the weaving of fates, who goes on to challenge the very system they previously upheld? I'm sold. However, the pacing and world-building plagued its execution for me. The story begins with a meandering pace and quickly loses stamina in the first 30%. While Part I provides helpful background on our character, their relationships, and the pious kingdom, I think these aspects could have been realized as the main plot began unfolding come Part II. As for world-building, it was pretty vague for me — the story's physical settings, religion, and magic lacked defined boundaries or distinctive qualities, or both.
Finally, the romance (sub-plot turned main plot?? I'm undecided). All I'll say is that it was a bit jarring, considering it wasn't really alluded to until well into the story. I think this story could have held its own, and perhaps thrived, without it.
Overall, this book was a pretty solid debut and I think Hallie Pursel has a lot of potential (see quote above!!!). I'd definitely pick up one of her books again.
Much thanks to Cariad Publishing and Net Galley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review ◡̈
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been burned out on the same-old-same-old, barely thought out dark romantasy tropes riddled with static characters, poor world-building, and a plot driven entirely by sexual tension or smut.
Pursel has sparked hope in me that my Kindle Unlimited subscription has been dousing through the removal of all oxygen from the publishing houses and poorly cobbled together stories that read like the literature equivalent of fast fashion.
I have never highlighted so many sentences in a book as I have this one. The ache of humanity bled through each page. Words strung together painted a portrait of the raw grief that pools when identity becomes more important than self.
This book hurt.
Of note:
"'A woman is a mother, a wife, a daughter.'
Ilys frowned, the words catching strangely in her throat.
'I am not any of those things.' The realization arrived strangled and hushed.
Mother Inrith's hands remained folded neatly in her lap. 'You are a daughter of faith.'
'I have no mother. No father. To whom am I daughter?'"
"And Death answers: 'The world cannot bear such weight. Grain withers when the field is overgrown. Rivers choke when they are dammed. So too does creation rot when no soul is gathered in its time. If I do not come, the burden breaks all.'"
He stiffened at the contact, but after a moment dropped his hand for a brief, awkward pat on her head, where it lingered before sliding to her fingers and squeezing. Once. Twice. Three times. Their code. Their language. It meant he would come back. Ilus liked to think it meant 'I love you'".
"Not a warning, not pity, but an apology trying to take shape. 'Because love makes cowards of gods. And Death cannot stand to be afraid'".
"'The boy, nameless and known by none, passed beneath the pale sky. The stars made no sound, yet he listened still, for even in silence there is song'".
"'I'm not what I was,' she said, barely audible.
Rowenna didn't move. 'No,' she replied, 'you're not'. They sat like that until the fire died, and the walls no longer held any heat."
"'I wish,' Rowenna said, her voice cracking, 'that I had known you in a different time and place. As just girls. Before veils and blades and wedding cloth'".
"They stayed like that a moment longer, two girls who had grown too fast, still searching for softness in a world that had carved them into shapes they never asked for".
"The child yawned, soft and sudden, and the room seemed to still, as if even the world had paused to witness this very small, very loud person begin to stretch into his many names".
"but grief distorted everything. It stitched old wounds onto new faces".
I could go on and on sharing sentences or excerpts that punched me in the gut. Overall, I hope this book gets the credit that it deserves (and more). I hope it becomes so mainstream it becomes a cliche 'kindle girly' book to be over-recommended ad infinitum.
Pursel has sparked hope in me that my Kindle Unlimited subscription has been dousing through the removal of all oxygen from the publishing houses and poorly cobbled together stories that read like the literature equivalent of fast fashion.
I have never highlighted so many sentences in a book as I have this one. The ache of humanity bled through each page. Words strung together painted a portrait of the raw grief that pools when identity becomes more important than self.
This book hurt.
Of note:
"'A woman is a mother, a wife, a daughter.'
Ilys frowned, the words catching strangely in her throat.
'I am not any of those things.' The realization arrived strangled and hushed.
Mother Inrith's hands remained folded neatly in her lap. 'You are a daughter of faith.'
'I have no mother. No father. To whom am I daughter?'"
"And Death answers: 'The world cannot bear such weight. Grain withers when the field is overgrown. Rivers choke when they are dammed. So too does creation rot when no soul is gathered in its time. If I do not come, the burden breaks all.'"
He stiffened at the contact, but after a moment dropped his hand for a brief, awkward pat on her head, where it lingered before sliding to her fingers and squeezing. Once. Twice. Three times. Their code. Their language. It meant he would come back. Ilus liked to think it meant 'I love you'".
"Not a warning, not pity, but an apology trying to take shape. 'Because love makes cowards of gods. And Death cannot stand to be afraid'".
"'The boy, nameless and known by none, passed beneath the pale sky. The stars made no sound, yet he listened still, for even in silence there is song'".
"'I'm not what I was,' she said, barely audible.
Rowenna didn't move. 'No,' she replied, 'you're not'. They sat like that until the fire died, and the walls no longer held any heat."
"'I wish,' Rowenna said, her voice cracking, 'that I had known you in a different time and place. As just girls. Before veils and blades and wedding cloth'".
"They stayed like that a moment longer, two girls who had grown too fast, still searching for softness in a world that had carved them into shapes they never asked for".
"The child yawned, soft and sudden, and the room seemed to still, as if even the world had paused to witness this very small, very loud person begin to stretch into his many names".
"but grief distorted everything. It stitched old wounds onto new faces".
I could go on and on sharing sentences or excerpts that punched me in the gut. Overall, I hope this book gets the credit that it deserves (and more). I hope it becomes so mainstream it becomes a cliche 'kindle girly' book to be over-recommended ad infinitum.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is my new roman empire I would give it 10 stars if I could. I have never been so thoroughly gutted by a story as I was by this one. The book is beautifully written. There were many times I looked words up I had never heard before which was a delight because in the genres I read I'm not normally challenged by vocabulary. The pace is slow but thoughtful. I don't think anything could've been shortened up because all the things that happen make you really understand the main character and her struggles. It all felt purposeful and important to me. Someone else pointed out that the FMC is truly the main character and the MMC is a supporting role and I agree with that, It's a nice change of pace from the current trend. The world building is great. I would consider this story an epic fantasy bordering on grimdark fantasy with a hint of romance (just enough to wreck my life.)
Overview of the story and it's pacing (no spoilers):
The story follows Ilys who is a girl chosen to follow the duty to her king and the duty to the god of death. The first third of the story follows Ilys' training and really captures her thoughts and feelings about her duty and her life as she grows up. While she is not supposed to have any meaningful connections you can feel both the love she has for others and also her soul deep loneliness.
The second third of the book Ilys is grown and is fully doing her duties. Again you see her struggles as she is now thinking for herself and learning some hard truths about her place and the people she thought she knew. She begins her first veilmarch this is when a budding romance take place, trust me the wait is worth it.
The last third of the book Ilys has to make some hard choices about her life and the lives of the people she cares about. The ending is bitter-sweet. I cried pretty much the entirety of the last third of this book. I will be buying it for my collection and reading it again.
Trigger warnings: Blood and gore, loss of a loved one, Suicidal ideation, necromancy, torture
Tropes in this book include one bed, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, light spice (very light, penetration is not described).
Thank you to Hallie Pursel, NetGalley, and Cariad Publishing House for the eARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐
2.5-3🌶️ (romance with explicit scenes but milder language)
"They don't want people thinking beyond the bounds. Books make things louder. Questions. Doubt. Desire."
I found the premise of this book extremely interesting. I love a gothic fantasy, and I also enjoyed that this is standalone book, so I don't have to commit to a multi-book series. The first 40% or so is spent on world-building. While that normally bores me, I did find it interesting to follow Ilys from childhood until the end of the book. Hallie does a really good job at reflecting her relationships with those around her and how important those bonds are to her.
By the time we get to the romance portion of the book (60-70%), I was not sure where the plot was actually going. I could not tell what the goal of the book was, and for awhile, I thought we just might be following Ilys through her life. The romance portion felt a bit a rushed and flimsy. I wish there had been more time building that relationship between Ilys and Death.
I was surprised that the end of the book wrapped up so nicely because at 90% through I still was not sure where the plot was heading.
The book is mostly written in third person limited, but I did find some random sentences here and there that seemed more like omniscient third person which threw me off a bit. There is a chapter directly from Grim's POV in third person, but this is not what I'm talking about. In addition, there was an inconsistency regarding Baron and Death that didn't make sense, and I have addressed that directly within my feedback through NetGalley.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gothic fantasy with some mild romance. I think this is a great debut novel for Hallie Pursel, and I enjoyed the writing style.
Thank you Cariad Publishing House, NetGalley, and Hallie Pursel for providing this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
2.5-3🌶️ (romance with explicit scenes but milder language)
"They don't want people thinking beyond the bounds. Books make things louder. Questions. Doubt. Desire."
I found the premise of this book extremely interesting. I love a gothic fantasy, and I also enjoyed that this is standalone book, so I don't have to commit to a multi-book series. The first 40% or so is spent on world-building. While that normally bores me, I did find it interesting to follow Ilys from childhood until the end of the book. Hallie does a really good job at reflecting her relationships with those around her and how important those bonds are to her.
By the time we get to the romance portion of the book (60-70%), I was not sure where the plot was actually going. I could not tell what the goal of the book was, and for awhile, I thought we just might be following Ilys through her life. The romance portion felt a bit a rushed and flimsy. I wish there had been more time building that relationship between Ilys and Death.
I was surprised that the end of the book wrapped up so nicely because at 90% through I still was not sure where the plot was heading.
The book is mostly written in third person limited, but I did find some random sentences here and there that seemed more like omniscient third person which threw me off a bit. There is a chapter directly from Grim's POV in third person, but this is not what I'm talking about. In addition, there was an inconsistency regarding Baron and Death that didn't make sense, and I have addressed that directly within my feedback through NetGalley.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gothic fantasy with some mild romance. I think this is a great debut novel for Hallie Pursel, and I enjoyed the writing style.
Thank you Cariad Publishing House, NetGalley, and Hallie Pursel for providing this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2026
3.5 stars 🌟🖤
Veilmarch by Hallie Pursel is a beautifully written fantasy novel with themes of corrupt politics, romance and, most of all, death. We follow Ilys throughout her life as a Veilwalker (a role that involves devoting one’s life to executing those who cheat death) as she falls in love with Death himself.
This story had great potential: a promising plot with an imaginative world. However, this book’s biggest weakness was its pacing. Although I appreciated the unhurried world-building and brilliant writing, the first half of the novel had little else to offer. Our main character and the male love interest barely interact in the first half of the book. As well as this, the plot moves basically nowhere during this part of the novel. Then, all of a sudden (at around the 50% - 85% mark) the story shifts to being almost entirely focused on the love story between the characters. And then, the majority of the plot is squeezed into the last 15% of the book.
The slow start to the novel had me wanting to put the book down (and I nearly gave up at the 25% mark). However, once it does pick up, it truly is a grasping story — just in need of some further refinement when it comes to pacing.
I would have liked to see a better blend of the plot with the love story, instead of one being neglected and then the other. I think that the first half of the book could have been significantly shorter or with more plot points instead of just world/character building.
Something that I absolutely loved was the ending of the story — very interesting! I do love an author who isn’t scared to kill their characters!
Overall, Veilmarch is an impressively written, compelling story with a strong heroine. Unfortunately, the poor pacing significantly dulled the reading experience.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the copy of this book!🥰
(All opinions are my own and are intended for the purpose of respectful constructive criticism!💕)
Veilmarch by Hallie Pursel is a beautifully written fantasy novel with themes of corrupt politics, romance and, most of all, death. We follow Ilys throughout her life as a Veilwalker (a role that involves devoting one’s life to executing those who cheat death) as she falls in love with Death himself.
This story had great potential: a promising plot with an imaginative world. However, this book’s biggest weakness was its pacing. Although I appreciated the unhurried world-building and brilliant writing, the first half of the novel had little else to offer. Our main character and the male love interest barely interact in the first half of the book. As well as this, the plot moves basically nowhere during this part of the novel. Then, all of a sudden (at around the 50% - 85% mark) the story shifts to being almost entirely focused on the love story between the characters. And then, the majority of the plot is squeezed into the last 15% of the book.
The slow start to the novel had me wanting to put the book down (and I nearly gave up at the 25% mark). However, once it does pick up, it truly is a grasping story — just in need of some further refinement when it comes to pacing.
I would have liked to see a better blend of the plot with the love story, instead of one being neglected and then the other. I think that the first half of the book could have been significantly shorter or with more plot points instead of just world/character building.
Something that I absolutely loved was the ending of the story — very interesting! I do love an author who isn’t scared to kill their characters!
Overall, Veilmarch is an impressively written, compelling story with a strong heroine. Unfortunately, the poor pacing significantly dulled the reading experience.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the copy of this book!🥰
(All opinions are my own and are intended for the purpose of respectful constructive criticism!💕)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Her path had been set long ago, her place carved out of duty and shadow.”
Plot overview:
Ilys is a veilwalker. She was fated to walk alongside the Death himself to help him execute faithless and collect the souls of the dead. The story starts when Ilys is 9 y.o. and she’s being trained by her predecessor Grim. Grim is also a father figure to her but he refuses to be called that.
Review:
This book has dark gothic atmosphere that made me enjoy every single page. The writing is beautiful. The book has no excessive world building, thus it’s very easy to get into reading.
I got the vibes similar to Anathema by Keri Lake and Jane Eyre. And I would say this book is mostly vibes and character-driven rather than plot-driven. The pacing is slow, the characters and their relationships and personalities are interesting.
I love how Ilys desperately tries to make a trace of her existence, claiming memories and feelings to be only hers to possess. I admire her resistance, her strength and her character growth.
I enjoyed her friendship with Rowena. They were so different but supportive. It was touching to read the scene when Rowenna and Ilys shared their tragedy of obedience behind their veils.
I didn’t very much enjoy some romance tropes, they felt inept without necessary tension being built. The love line started in the second half of the book, thus I had a hard time connecting with the male character.
I would love to read novella about Grim’s backstory. I think there was so much unsaid about his story as a veilwalker. And I would also enjoy to get to know about his relationship with Baron.
Couple of times this book made me shed tears. And in general I would say Ilys’s story is tragic. It’s not a typical romantasy with hea.
I enjoyed this book! Thanks to Hallie for writing such a beautiful story.
Plot overview:
Ilys is a veilwalker. She was fated to walk alongside the Death himself to help him execute faithless and collect the souls of the dead. The story starts when Ilys is 9 y.o. and she’s being trained by her predecessor Grim. Grim is also a father figure to her but he refuses to be called that.
Review:
This book has dark gothic atmosphere that made me enjoy every single page. The writing is beautiful. The book has no excessive world building, thus it’s very easy to get into reading.
I got the vibes similar to Anathema by Keri Lake and Jane Eyre. And I would say this book is mostly vibes and character-driven rather than plot-driven. The pacing is slow, the characters and their relationships and personalities are interesting.
I love how Ilys desperately tries to make a trace of her existence, claiming memories and feelings to be only hers to possess. I admire her resistance, her strength and her character growth.
I enjoyed her friendship with Rowena. They were so different but supportive. It was touching to read the scene when Rowenna and Ilys shared their tragedy of obedience behind their veils.
I didn’t very much enjoy some romance tropes, they felt inept without necessary tension being built. The love line started in the second half of the book, thus I had a hard time connecting with the male character.
I would love to read novella about Grim’s backstory. I think there was so much unsaid about his story as a veilwalker. And I would also enjoy to get to know about his relationship with Baron.
Couple of times this book made me shed tears. And in general I would say Ilys’s story is tragic. It’s not a typical romantasy with hea.
I enjoyed this book! Thanks to Hallie for writing such a beautiful story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Veilmarch by Hallie Pursel is a gothic romantasy about Ilys, who, from a young age is trained as a Veilwalker to walk beside Death guiding souls beyond the Veil. Veilwalkers are also executioners, serving both their holy order and the King.
This is a beautiful and original story. Ilys’s character arc was well earned. I really enjoy a strong FMC, and Ilys was definitely just that. I really enjoyed the romance that developed. And the ending? Just stunning! With themes of love, death, feminine rage, I also found it to be a commentary on the harm blind faith can have on both the devout and society.
I did struggle with the pacing and the prose. The dialogue felt inconsistent, and there were moments when the story dragged with filler that slowed things down and did nothing to advance the story. I was not hooked until about 30% through. Veilmarch is a very character driven story, and the side characters are a huge part of Ilys arc, but it was hard to connect with them due to lack of character development. Early on I would have liked to know more about Grim, Baron, and Rowenna, but they seemed to just exist. I typically enjoy a gothic writing style, however, I feel like the prose as well as the character dialogue would go back and forth from very formal, almost poetic, to casual in tone. The dialogue for 70% of the book also never truly felt natural or conversational. All of this made it difficult for me to be immersed in this world.
Despite these issues, I still found Veilmarch to be a lovely read. It’s dark, emotional, original, and thought provoking. I would recommend it.
Thank you to Hallie Pursel, NetGalley, and Cariad Publishing House for the eARC for my honest review.
This is a beautiful and original story. Ilys’s character arc was well earned. I really enjoy a strong FMC, and Ilys was definitely just that. I really enjoyed the romance that developed. And the ending? Just stunning! With themes of love, death, feminine rage, I also found it to be a commentary on the harm blind faith can have on both the devout and society.
I did struggle with the pacing and the prose. The dialogue felt inconsistent, and there were moments when the story dragged with filler that slowed things down and did nothing to advance the story. I was not hooked until about 30% through. Veilmarch is a very character driven story, and the side characters are a huge part of Ilys arc, but it was hard to connect with them due to lack of character development. Early on I would have liked to know more about Grim, Baron, and Rowenna, but they seemed to just exist. I typically enjoy a gothic writing style, however, I feel like the prose as well as the character dialogue would go back and forth from very formal, almost poetic, to casual in tone. The dialogue for 70% of the book also never truly felt natural or conversational. All of this made it difficult for me to be immersed in this world.
Despite these issues, I still found Veilmarch to be a lovely read. It’s dark, emotional, original, and thought provoking. I would recommend it.
Thank you to Hallie Pursel, NetGalley, and Cariad Publishing House for the eARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow. What an experience reading Veilmarch was. If I could give this book six stars, I would.
We follow the journey of Ilys (who now happens to be one of my favourite FMC’s ever), who has been brought up since childhood to be a Veilwalker—Death’s very own assistant, if you will. Her story tackles themes such as power and faith, as well as freedom and resistance against everything she has ever known. Ilys goes through such a transformation, from a dutiful girl to a strong, somewhat stubborn woman.
Hallie Pursel’s prose was divine. I found myself highlighting so many snippets of writing, in awe of how beautifully poetic Ilys’s story was written. The pacing was perfect, I never once found myself bored or struggling to continue reading—in fact, I was so sad once it came to an end, I felt like I flew through it so quickly.
The other characters I grew to deeply admire—Grim and Baron need their own novella, I could read about them for an eternity. We really watch Death’s shroud unravel as he shows both us and Ilys who he truly is. The slow-burn was filled with yearning, and it constantly made me hungry for more scenes between Ilys and Death.
There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat, unable to stop immersing myself in this incredibly unique world. This book had me sobbing, laughing, smiling and, through it all, feeling hopeful for Ily’s journey. It was everything I could ever want in a book—slow-burn romance, yearning, gothic ambience, female rage, an extraordinary world.
What an amazing read to finish off the year for me—Hallie Pursel, I would read her shopping list, I am that in awe of her writing. Any book she writes will be an instant read for me.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
We follow the journey of Ilys (who now happens to be one of my favourite FMC’s ever), who has been brought up since childhood to be a Veilwalker—Death’s very own assistant, if you will. Her story tackles themes such as power and faith, as well as freedom and resistance against everything she has ever known. Ilys goes through such a transformation, from a dutiful girl to a strong, somewhat stubborn woman.
Hallie Pursel’s prose was divine. I found myself highlighting so many snippets of writing, in awe of how beautifully poetic Ilys’s story was written. The pacing was perfect, I never once found myself bored or struggling to continue reading—in fact, I was so sad once it came to an end, I felt like I flew through it so quickly.
The other characters I grew to deeply admire—Grim and Baron need their own novella, I could read about them for an eternity. We really watch Death’s shroud unravel as he shows both us and Ilys who he truly is. The slow-burn was filled with yearning, and it constantly made me hungry for more scenes between Ilys and Death.
There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat, unable to stop immersing myself in this incredibly unique world. This book had me sobbing, laughing, smiling and, through it all, feeling hopeful for Ily’s journey. It was everything I could ever want in a book—slow-burn romance, yearning, gothic ambience, female rage, an extraordinary world.
What an amazing read to finish off the year for me—Hallie Pursel, I would read her shopping list, I am that in awe of her writing. Any book she writes will be an instant read for me.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you SO MUCH to Hallie Pursel, Cariad Publishing House, and NetGalley for the ARC of Veilwalker.
This was like nothing I have ever read before. I am truly blown away by this book. The story was incredibly unique. The writing is absolutely beautiful. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head as I read this and it was effortless to picture. That's how perfectly the scenes were described. I'm still in awe at the uniqueness of this story.
This wasn't simply a romance or fantasy, this was a life story unfolding on the pages from a girl wanting to feel anything to a woman who felt everything. Ilys grew into her own after a life of being complacent. At just 7 years old she was tasked with making her first mark as a veilwalker. She didnt choose this life, and yet she followed every command given to her.
Ilys stayed dutiful until Death requested the unreasonable act. She begins to resent what she was conditioned to do. -Why is this what I was made for- A question that I felt deep in my heart.
When Ilys starts to learn more and more, about Death. About the king. About the lies she has been told all of her life. Everything unravels. Her emotions change (which I was rooting for since she first met the love interest!! I just knew it, and rooted for it). Ilys turns her back on everything she once knew and takes her "life" back in a very epic way.
I am avoiding spoilers in this review because I am really hoping people read it for themselves and going in relatively blind is the best way (imo). I look forward to reading more from Hallie Pursel. This was a phenomenal read that I will never forget.
This was like nothing I have ever read before. I am truly blown away by this book. The story was incredibly unique. The writing is absolutely beautiful. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head as I read this and it was effortless to picture. That's how perfectly the scenes were described. I'm still in awe at the uniqueness of this story.
This wasn't simply a romance or fantasy, this was a life story unfolding on the pages from a girl wanting to feel anything to a woman who felt everything. Ilys grew into her own after a life of being complacent. At just 7 years old she was tasked with making her first mark as a veilwalker. She didnt choose this life, and yet she followed every command given to her.
Ilys stayed dutiful until Death requested the unreasonable act. She begins to resent what she was conditioned to do. -Why is this what I was made for- A question that I felt deep in my heart.
When Ilys starts to learn more and more, about Death. About the king. About the lies she has been told all of her life. Everything unravels. Her emotions change (which I was rooting for since she first met the love interest!! I just knew it, and rooted for it). Ilys turns her back on everything she once knew and takes her "life" back in a very epic way.
I am avoiding spoilers in this review because I am really hoping people read it for themselves and going in relatively blind is the best way (imo). I look forward to reading more from Hallie Pursel. This was a phenomenal read that I will never forget.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book WRECKED me. I cannot even begin to explain the deep grief I'm feeling right now. This isnt a happy story at all but does end... bittersweet, with a sense of peace, and where it should. I think I'm going to go cry about this in the shower after this review in complete honesty. Now I bet youre wondering why, if a story left me this moved, would I give it four stars instead of five. Well. The first 30% I felt like I was being told a story.. there was a veil of sorts giving me a feeling of disconnection with this world and I dont know if thats by design or what but I almost DNFed this one because of it. It wasnt until a pivotal moment that my heart was violently pierced and I felt a burning agony for Ilys and was connected ever since. I also want to note that this is honest to God the first time I read a story where the FMC truly stays the main character and the MMC really is just there to support her. It was a wild experience because normally they meet and then boom its their story.. not here. And my GAWD the love story here. The up hill battle, the true enemies to lovers, they went through hell to find their happiness and Jesus H Christ was their love story AGONY but so freaking beautiful. This one is going to haunt me and I'm going to think of it often because it was so sad but also so funny. It makes me think of the sandman meets deaths obsession and I cant begin to explain how much I love both of those stories..
Thank you Netgalley for the arc
Thank you Netgalley for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A character focused, beautifully written, standalone novel that takes you through the life of a Veilwalker, Ilys.
Ilys is such a wonderful fmc who feels so wonderfully human: craving to fly when young, distraught at doing the difficult thing, and crude for a laugh all her own. Her craving and love for her relationships is so well done and while I understand why she does not get many, I love every time you get to see them. She has a backbone while still being soft at times which is so refreshing to read. Her shifting relationship with Death is well written and is slow to grow until the straw breaks the camel’s back which I always love.
With this being a character focused piece, the book moves at changing rates. The first part jumps years each chapter while later parts of the book go from day to day. The overall flow of the story is slow and takes its time, which allows you to get a deep understanding of Ilys.
This is written from a third point of view, which works well with the writing style to really bring to life the setting and grittiness of the story. All but one chapter is from the point of view of our fmc. There is some graphic violence and torture done to Ilys as well as some spice.
Overall, if you like strong fmc and story pushed by a character focus with a darker style and setting, you should give this book a try!
This book was given to me as an ARC from Netgalley.
Ilys is such a wonderful fmc who feels so wonderfully human: craving to fly when young, distraught at doing the difficult thing, and crude for a laugh all her own. Her craving and love for her relationships is so well done and while I understand why she does not get many, I love every time you get to see them. She has a backbone while still being soft at times which is so refreshing to read. Her shifting relationship with Death is well written and is slow to grow until the straw breaks the camel’s back which I always love.
With this being a character focused piece, the book moves at changing rates. The first part jumps years each chapter while later parts of the book go from day to day. The overall flow of the story is slow and takes its time, which allows you to get a deep understanding of Ilys.
This is written from a third point of view, which works well with the writing style to really bring to life the setting and grittiness of the story. All but one chapter is from the point of view of our fmc. There is some graphic violence and torture done to Ilys as well as some spice.
Overall, if you like strong fmc and story pushed by a character focus with a darker style and setting, you should give this book a try!
This book was given to me as an ARC from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I genuinely loved this book—far more than I expected going in.
Veilmarch is a gothic fantasy steeped in devotion, death, and quiet devastation. While the pacing does slow a bit in the middle for a handful of chapters, the overall story is so intriguing and emotionally resonant that I still couldn’t put it down. This book hurt in the best way—it nearly made me cry multiple times.
I went in expecting more traditional fantasy elements: more action, more adventure, maybe even a stronger revenge-driven arc. Instead, the story surprised me by leaning heavily into character, introspection, and emotional intimacy.
At its core, this book is about self-discovery, faith, autonomy, and the cost of love. Ilys’s journey—from unquestioning obedience to claiming her own will—is beautifully done. She is an absolutely lovable FMC: tough, strong, independent, and deeply human in her doubts and devotion. Watching her struggle, grow, and choose herself was incredibly compelling.
I can absolutely see the potential in this story, and while I personally hoped for more—more world exploration, more plot momentum—the emotional weight more than made up for it. This is a book that lingers with you.
If you love gothic fantasy, morally complex heroines, and emotionally charged stories about faith and love, this one is worth picking up. And if you’re a fan of Katherine Arden or Leigh Bardugo, this should definitely be on your radar.
Veilmarch is a gothic fantasy steeped in devotion, death, and quiet devastation. While the pacing does slow a bit in the middle for a handful of chapters, the overall story is so intriguing and emotionally resonant that I still couldn’t put it down. This book hurt in the best way—it nearly made me cry multiple times.
I went in expecting more traditional fantasy elements: more action, more adventure, maybe even a stronger revenge-driven arc. Instead, the story surprised me by leaning heavily into character, introspection, and emotional intimacy.
At its core, this book is about self-discovery, faith, autonomy, and the cost of love. Ilys’s journey—from unquestioning obedience to claiming her own will—is beautifully done. She is an absolutely lovable FMC: tough, strong, independent, and deeply human in her doubts and devotion. Watching her struggle, grow, and choose herself was incredibly compelling.
I can absolutely see the potential in this story, and while I personally hoped for more—more world exploration, more plot momentum—the emotional weight more than made up for it. This is a book that lingers with you.
If you love gothic fantasy, morally complex heroines, and emotionally charged stories about faith and love, this one is worth picking up. And if you’re a fan of Katherine Arden or Leigh Bardugo, this should definitely be on your radar.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fantasy, sort of knights tale, with a gothic feel.
Ilys is the main character. We see her life from childhood to adulthood, as she is trained to be a Veilwalker.
A life role she accepts, but as the story opens out we find she has feelings and demons that make this difficult.
A road to ruin. But there are those around her that have lessons to learn from.
Ilys is judge and executioner for her King, fulfiller of a pact with a God - Death, that keeps a Kingdom safe sending those that deserve through the veil.
When she takes up her role as Veilwalker on the Veilmarch with Death her human failings are an issue. She should be strong, but comes across as unsettling weak. She has doubts, where none should be. She has real wishes, where she should have none but one purpose.
But she is ready to kill without doubts at all when she has worked out who really deserves her blade of retribution.
The author chooses to skip over much that would explain how Death comes to stalk this land with a Veilwalker as a companion. This I found a bit frustrating, but ultimately accepted because I was enjoying the feel of the narrative.
Thank you to Cariad Publishing House and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Ilys is the main character. We see her life from childhood to adulthood, as she is trained to be a Veilwalker.
A life role she accepts, but as the story opens out we find she has feelings and demons that make this difficult.
A road to ruin. But there are those around her that have lessons to learn from.
Ilys is judge and executioner for her King, fulfiller of a pact with a God - Death, that keeps a Kingdom safe sending those that deserve through the veil.
When she takes up her role as Veilwalker on the Veilmarch with Death her human failings are an issue. She should be strong, but comes across as unsettling weak. She has doubts, where none should be. She has real wishes, where she should have none but one purpose.
But she is ready to kill without doubts at all when she has worked out who really deserves her blade of retribution.
The author chooses to skip over much that would explain how Death comes to stalk this land with a Veilwalker as a companion. This I found a bit frustrating, but ultimately accepted because I was enjoying the feel of the narrative.
Thank you to Cariad Publishing House and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Veilmarch for how quietly powerful it is. This isn’t a loud, action-heavy fantasy — it’s a story that settles into you slowly and lets the world speak through stillness. The setting feels subdued, almost hushed, and that calm atmosphere is what makes it so compelling. There’s a sense that the world functions on silence, ritual, and acceptance, and that quiet becomes a strength rather than a weakness.
What stood out most to me was how the book embraces restraint. The emotions, the relationships, and even the conflicts unfold in a measured way that feels intentional and immersive. Instead of constant spectacle, the story focuses on inner change and the weight of belief, which made everything feel more meaningful. The writing has a reflective quality that made me want to slow down while reading and really sit with each moment.
If you’re looking for a fantasy that values mood, atmosphere, and the beauty of a quiet world over nonstop action, Veilmarch is definitely worth picking up. It’s thoughtful, eerie in a subtle way, and memorable because of how gently it tells its story.
What stood out most to me was how the book embraces restraint. The emotions, the relationships, and even the conflicts unfold in a measured way that feels intentional and immersive. Instead of constant spectacle, the story focuses on inner change and the weight of belief, which made everything feel more meaningful. The writing has a reflective quality that made me want to slow down while reading and really sit with each moment.
If you’re looking for a fantasy that values mood, atmosphere, and the beauty of a quiet world over nonstop action, Veilmarch is definitely worth picking up. It’s thoughtful, eerie in a subtle way, and memorable because of how gently it tells its story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF @ 22% Chapter 10
Veilmarch is a gothic romantasy that follows Ilys who has been trained her entire life to be a Veilwalker which is sort of like a reaper esque character, revered as both divine servant and royal tool.
The blurb sounded interesting….
The plot didn’t grip me as well as how I felt when I read the blurb and the pacing felt super slow. The prose was not for me, the writing felt so dry and monotonous. I was having a difficult time staying focused and interested. The FMC was flat and uninteresting.
Sometimes a book doesn’t quite land, but it still has something, a trope, a character, SOMETHING, that flips the switch and I can at least have fun with a full-on hate read. Unfortunately, this one didn’t even manage that.
I wasn’t invested to a single character in the story. I didn’t enjoy the plot or the writing.
I hate to DNF and especially when I’m lucky enough to get an ARC but I just couldn’t continue with this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Opinions are my own.
Veilmarch is a gothic romantasy that follows Ilys who has been trained her entire life to be a Veilwalker which is sort of like a reaper esque character, revered as both divine servant and royal tool.
The blurb sounded interesting….
The plot didn’t grip me as well as how I felt when I read the blurb and the pacing felt super slow. The prose was not for me, the writing felt so dry and monotonous. I was having a difficult time staying focused and interested. The FMC was flat and uninteresting.
Sometimes a book doesn’t quite land, but it still has something, a trope, a character, SOMETHING, that flips the switch and I can at least have fun with a full-on hate read. Unfortunately, this one didn’t even manage that.
I wasn’t invested to a single character in the story. I didn’t enjoy the plot or the writing.
I hate to DNF and especially when I’m lucky enough to get an ARC but I just couldn’t continue with this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First thank you Netgalley and Cariad Publishing House for this Advanced Reader Copy of Veilmarch by Hallie Pursel out February 10th, 2026
I normally fill my reviews with a lot of information and notes I've taken when I review advance copy novels. But I have to do this one differently to give it justice. This wasn't just a fantasy about an orphan trained killer manipulated into a life of subservience. This was a master class in the quiet inner battles and resilience that we all have. Hallie Pursel captures so much emotion from every character written into this story you truly feel for every single one of them. Her writing style is extremely similar to V.E. Schwab in that way.
I found myself shedding tears multiple times through this story for Ilys, Grim, Baron and even Death as the story unfolded. At the end of the day this was a story of the many different types of love and how it can overcome any battle. I highly recommend going into this blind if you do pick it up it is well worth it. Solid 5 star read!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I normally fill my reviews with a lot of information and notes I've taken when I review advance copy novels. But I have to do this one differently to give it justice. This wasn't just a fantasy about an orphan trained killer manipulated into a life of subservience. This was a master class in the quiet inner battles and resilience that we all have. Hallie Pursel captures so much emotion from every character written into this story you truly feel for every single one of them. Her writing style is extremely similar to V.E. Schwab in that way.
I found myself shedding tears multiple times through this story for Ilys, Grim, Baron and even Death as the story unfolded. At the end of the day this was a story of the many different types of love and how it can overcome any battle. I highly recommend going into this blind if you do pick it up it is well worth it. Solid 5 star read!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Veilmarch is Hallie Pursel's debut novel, and what a novel it was.
The book follows Illys, a young girl thrust into a world of politics, betrayal and murder. Ilys is expected, from a very young age, to smite down naysayers and criminals in a bid to protect a thousands year old bargain made by the king and the death itself. What Ilys discovers is that things are not always as they appear to be,
I found the love story between Ilys and Death very sweet as the two learned to trust each other and to understand their roles in each others lives. After she's forced to choose an heir, Ilys begins to question even more why fate chooses children to take on the mantle of veilwalker, after her successor is a young girl of 8, only a few years younger than herself when she was chosen. This definitely felt like a standalone but I wouldn't be opposed to a second novel following Hanna.
Hallie also tore out my heart. I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil anything, but all I'll say is it's always the good ones.
The book follows Illys, a young girl thrust into a world of politics, betrayal and murder. Ilys is expected, from a very young age, to smite down naysayers and criminals in a bid to protect a thousands year old bargain made by the king and the death itself. What Ilys discovers is that things are not always as they appear to be,
I found the love story between Ilys and Death very sweet as the two learned to trust each other and to understand their roles in each others lives. After she's forced to choose an heir, Ilys begins to question even more why fate chooses children to take on the mantle of veilwalker, after her successor is a young girl of 8, only a few years younger than herself when she was chosen. This definitely felt like a standalone but I wouldn't be opposed to a second novel following Hanna.
Hallie also tore out my heart. I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil anything, but all I'll say is it's always the good ones.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all, a big thank you to Cariad Publishing House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I genuinely enjoyed Veilmarch overall, especially its dark, gothic atmosphere and the strength of its main character. The world feels beautifully oppressive and heavy, perfectly capturing the themes of devotion, control, and rebellion. I really appreciated how much effort is put into developing Ilys as a well-rounded character, shaped—and sometimes scarred—by her faith and her role. My only small gripe is the romance: while I loved the concept, the relationship felt a bit rushed and didn’t quite convince me, especially compared to the detailed character work elsewhere. That said, I think the story clearly values character development over plot, which I appreciated. The central ideas kept me engaged from start to finish. Overall, this is a solid, moody fantasy that will resonate with readers who enjoy introspective protagonists and morally complex worlds.
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