The Velador's Feather

by Karen Hendry

A mountain home that feels like a prison.
A father who blames her.
A sorceress hell bent on revenge.

Zannell was always told that humans were dangerous and that there is no place for her kind in their world. Then she is captured by a human sorceress, who wants one of her feathers for a powerful spell.

Rescued by her brother, Zannell is forced to flee her mountain home, leaving him behind to face the wrath of their father and the sorceress. Worse, she needs the help of humans to save him and fulfill the destiny of her people.

Along the way, Zannell discovers that family comes in many forms, you do everything for the ones you love, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices that tear you apart.

447 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2025

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new genre for me and I've never read a series before, so not having a resolution at the end was a bit unsettling. But I really like the story and enjoyed the writing. I will definitely read the next in the series!

[rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this novel (and debut to a series) by local author, Karen Hendry. I have craved another avian shapeshifter series since reading the Kiesha’ra series by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. My only critique is that sometimes pacing of the story was off and character building seemed rushed at times. That said, it could be my own speed reading. I simply couldn’t put the book down; I had to know what was going to happen. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!

[Katlyn D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start 2026! I’m hooked, give me more! Karen’s writing is phenomenal and keeps you guessing. It was easy to understand but fully whimsical without the world building being too complex or confusing. I found myself not able to put this book down and wondering where the story was going to venture next whenever I did. The ending was enough to keep me on my toes and very excited to read the complete series as it comes out!

[Kayla Kosterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a really intriguing, creative story! I couldn't put the book down! I can't wait for the next books in the series!
There were a lot of little errors in the writing of this book but the storyline was amazing!

[Chloe Sproat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I deeply enjoyed this book! 4.25 stars seems fitting for it. I enjoyed the story and the level of detail that was thrust into the novel to make you feel like you’re experiencing it alongside the MC. My only complaint was how rushed some of the scenes were. While some were slow and filled to the brim with detail, it would switch up and become very fast with little detail. Awesome book!!

[Jamie Abel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t bad. Great work for a first time author. But I felt there was too much talk about eating and falling asleep. Especially at the end how Zannell managed to fall asleep twice in the fortress at the end without being caught didn’t make much sense.

[Rachel Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Pam Podzorski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storey and characters, can’t wait for the next book!!!!

[Alex Arch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shapeshifters, romance, messy family, and dark politics. What more do you want?

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world and magic were so interesting!

Zannell is captured by a sorceress who wants something from her. Instead she escapes and takes something away from the sorceress.

When she returns home, all is not as safe as it appears, and Zannell is forced to flee and rely on humans.

The sorceress is hell bent on revenge and will take everything she can.

At times it was brutal, other times magical, and other times just real.

I enjoyed the growth in relationships, the realisation of how using others to forget their own worries hurts.

(ARC provided by NetGalley)

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided that I wanted to read this book after the description mentioned a sorceress looking for revenge - revenge is one of those themes that always draws me into a book.

I did enjoy the vengeful sorceress, but I ended up enjoying the "found family" trope throughout the book even more. The pacing in "The Velador’s Feather" was another element that worked really well for me.

"The Velador’s Feather" should definitely be added to your TBR and I look forward to future novels from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Karen Hendry, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[KatieTruscio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Karen is amazing at building this beautiful world and I found myself totally submerged and transfixed by the story. I really enjoyed following the characters and watching them grow and develop. I can’t wait for the next instalment!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one to come out.