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The Archives of Kintoira #1
Vespertine Veil
The academy's dark corridors promise knowledge and power. But the place that should shape her future may very well become her grave.
Kintoira Academy, a school that teaches both the light and the dark arts, was meant to train the next generation of soldiers. But nineteen-year-old Nori quickly discovers it’s a battlefield of rivalries, forbidden magic, and deadly secrets. For centuries, Veils and Noctryns have fought to keep the fragile balance. Light without shadow is blinding, and darkness without light is all-consuming.
Within the academy's gothic halls, the true war brews not only against corrupted magic stirring beyond the gates but also among the students themselves. And then there is him. The boy she grew up with, who is as dangerous as he is compelling. She must decide whether he will be her undoing... or the only ally she can trust in a place full of conspiracies and deception.
Nori is thrust into a world where every mistake could cost her life, and every secret has a consequence. When professors vanish without a trace, relics disappear into the shadows, and the passageways hum with ominous whispers, Nori discovers that survival comes at a heavy price. She must decide how far she's willing to go to protect those she loves, even if it means risking everything.
Some secrets are written in ink. Others are carved in blood.
Kintoira Academy, a school that teaches both the light and the dark arts, was meant to train the next generation of soldiers. But nineteen-year-old Nori quickly discovers it’s a battlefield of rivalries, forbidden magic, and deadly secrets. For centuries, Veils and Noctryns have fought to keep the fragile balance. Light without shadow is blinding, and darkness without light is all-consuming.
Within the academy's gothic halls, the true war brews not only against corrupted magic stirring beyond the gates but also among the students themselves. And then there is him. The boy she grew up with, who is as dangerous as he is compelling. She must decide whether he will be her undoing... or the only ally she can trust in a place full of conspiracies and deception.
Nori is thrust into a world where every mistake could cost her life, and every secret has a consequence. When professors vanish without a trace, relics disappear into the shadows, and the passageways hum with ominous whispers, Nori discovers that survival comes at a heavy price. She must decide how far she's willing to go to protect those she loves, even if it means risking everything.
Some secrets are written in ink. Others are carved in blood.
- GenresFantasy
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2025
72 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Alisha Korvane
1 book8 followersAlisha Korvane is a fantasy author who weaves tales of arcane peril, slow-burn romance and high-stakes steeped in betrayal and heavy with secrets. Her writing is for those who find comfort in candlelight and chaos, and who believe that beauty and ruin often walk hand in hand.
Her Debut novel, VESPERTINE VEIL, is a haunting blend of quiet rage and aching devotion, crafted for readers drawn to the melancholy halls of dark academia and the shimmer of forbidden magic. Alisha writes for those who never stopped believing in the beauty of the broken.
She lives in rural Kentucky on a small farm with her husband and three sons. When not building worlds or creating turmoil on the page, she can be found curled up with a good book, overanalyzing something, or starting new home projects that she’ll probably regret the next day.
TikTok
tiktok.com/@authorakorvane
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instagram.com/authoralishakorvane
Her Debut novel, VESPERTINE VEIL, is a haunting blend of quiet rage and aching devotion, crafted for readers drawn to the melancholy halls of dark academia and the shimmer of forbidden magic. Alisha writes for those who never stopped believing in the beauty of the broken.
She lives in rural Kentucky on a small farm with her husband and three sons. When not building worlds or creating turmoil on the page, she can be found curled up with a good book, overanalyzing something, or starting new home projects that she’ll probably regret the next day.
TikTok
tiktok.com/@authorakorvane
instagram.com/authoralishakorvane
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 20, 2025
I ARC read this for the author several months ago, and I have been impatiently waiting for it to release! It drops on 11/22. It truly was a 5 star read for me.
It’s wholly original in the romantasy realm. I’ve read nothing like it, and in the age of romantasy, that’s very hard to say. This is top tier writing quality. The author knows her syntax and grammar and I never once rolled my eyes- which- if you know me- is rare when I read new authors. This series is worth being traditionally published. I hope it blows up on TikTok and bookstagram and gets the attention it deserves.
There are some familiar romantasy themes woven throughout: it’s a dark academia with games and trials, shadow wielders, light and dark magic, it reminds me a bit of my the stylings of my OG favorite urban fantasy series, The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning, (specifically the relationship between the FMC and the MMC, the whole vibe…) which in my world, is the absolute highest compliment I can give an author.
This is the official blurb from the author:
The academy's dark corridors promise knowledge and power. But the place that should shape her future may very well become her grave.
Kintoira Academy, a school that teaches both the light and the dark arts, was meant to train the next generation of soldiers. But nineteen-year-old Nori quickly discovers it’s a battlefield of rivalries, forbidden magic, and deadly secrets. For centuries, Veils and Noctryns have fought to keep the fragile balance. Light without shadow is blinding, and darkness without light is all-consuming.
Within the academy's gothic halls, the true war brews not only against corrupted magic stirring beyond the gates but also among the students themselves. And then there is him. The boy she grew up with, who is as dangerous as he is compelling. She must decide whether he will be her undoing... or the only ally she can trust in a place full of conspiracies and deception.
Nori is thrust into a world where every mistake could cost her life, and every secret has a consequence. When professors vanish without a trace, relics disappear into the shadows, and the passageways hum with ominous whispers, Nori discovers that survival comes at a heavy price. She must decide how far she's willing to go to protect those she loves, even if it means risking everything
It’s wholly original in the romantasy realm. I’ve read nothing like it, and in the age of romantasy, that’s very hard to say. This is top tier writing quality. The author knows her syntax and grammar and I never once rolled my eyes- which- if you know me- is rare when I read new authors. This series is worth being traditionally published. I hope it blows up on TikTok and bookstagram and gets the attention it deserves.
There are some familiar romantasy themes woven throughout: it’s a dark academia with games and trials, shadow wielders, light and dark magic, it reminds me a bit of my the stylings of my OG favorite urban fantasy series, The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning, (specifically the relationship between the FMC and the MMC, the whole vibe…) which in my world, is the absolute highest compliment I can give an author.
This is the official blurb from the author:
The academy's dark corridors promise knowledge and power. But the place that should shape her future may very well become her grave.
Kintoira Academy, a school that teaches both the light and the dark arts, was meant to train the next generation of soldiers. But nineteen-year-old Nori quickly discovers it’s a battlefield of rivalries, forbidden magic, and deadly secrets. For centuries, Veils and Noctryns have fought to keep the fragile balance. Light without shadow is blinding, and darkness without light is all-consuming.
Within the academy's gothic halls, the true war brews not only against corrupted magic stirring beyond the gates but also among the students themselves. And then there is him. The boy she grew up with, who is as dangerous as he is compelling. She must decide whether he will be her undoing... or the only ally she can trust in a place full of conspiracies and deception.
Nori is thrust into a world where every mistake could cost her life, and every secret has a consequence. When professors vanish without a trace, relics disappear into the shadows, and the passageways hum with ominous whispers, Nori discovers that survival comes at a heavy price. She must decide how far she's willing to go to protect those she loves, even if it means risking everything
December 22, 2025
This has potential. The plot, characters and bit of world building we got was good, I enjoyed it. The story left me wanting to see how things unfold, there are characters I want to get to know more.
However, it was in desperate need of more editing. There were so many instances of repeating information as new information or even just random lines. There were inconsistencies in the story, the first couple of chapters act as if the FMC made an almost brash decision within the last year to join the academy, which would explain how completely unprepared she is but then the rest of the book, suddenly, she always knew she would join the academy since birth, her best friend and her mother also knew she would join the academy. The inconsistency of this opened up a ton of other issues for me in the story. The pacing was also god awful. I'm not against skipping things to get to the next part, but this was jarring and harsh and at times I didn't even know what was going on and very little information was given to fill in the gaps. The ending for example, a big fight occurs, she storms off. The next chapter she's sitting in a classroom hiding from said fighting partner and then halfway through the paragraph, oh you learn it's been several WEEKS since the fight, but it was so fast and out of no where, I had to read the paragraph several times just to put it all together. Everything felt like just a "checking off the boxes of things I want to happen so I can move to the next thing" instead of an organic flow.
Lastly, I felt this story relied very heavily on themes from other stories. Yaretta was just Amber from Fourth Wing. And there was several instances that I was like, oh okay Dain or sounds great Xaden, ohhh Corrine is Imogen, complete with strength training. Nothing felt organic or her own. We also have a weaver at the end from Discovery of Witches, which I understand it was the end of the book so I'm okay with not having all the information but what even was that?
Okay, I'm done ranting. Despite my issues, honestly, it wasn't that bad. I enjoyed it. I never wanted to put it down. I will be picking up the next one because I do really think this has potential.
However, it was in desperate need of more editing. There were so many instances of repeating information as new information or even just random lines. There were inconsistencies in the story, the first couple of chapters act as if the FMC made an almost brash decision within the last year to join the academy, which would explain how completely unprepared she is but then the rest of the book, suddenly, she always knew she would join the academy since birth, her best friend and her mother also knew she would join the academy. The inconsistency of this opened up a ton of other issues for me in the story. The pacing was also god awful. I'm not against skipping things to get to the next part, but this was jarring and harsh and at times I didn't even know what was going on and very little information was given to fill in the gaps. The ending for example, a big fight occurs, she storms off. The next chapter she's sitting in a classroom hiding from said fighting partner and then halfway through the paragraph, oh you learn it's been several WEEKS since the fight, but it was so fast and out of no where, I had to read the paragraph several times just to put it all together. Everything felt like just a "checking off the boxes of things I want to happen so I can move to the next thing" instead of an organic flow.
Lastly, I felt this story relied very heavily on themes from other stories. Yaretta was just Amber from Fourth Wing. And there was several instances that I was like, oh okay Dain or sounds great Xaden, ohhh Corrine is Imogen, complete with strength training. Nothing felt organic or her own. We also have a weaver at the end from Discovery of Witches, which I understand it was the end of the book so I'm okay with not having all the information but what even was that?
Okay, I'm done ranting. Despite my issues, honestly, it wasn't that bad. I enjoyed it. I never wanted to put it down. I will be picking up the next one because I do really think this has potential.
November 29, 2025
I wanted to rate this higher, but it had a couple of faults.
=============================================================
{Academy Fantasy Romance; tiny bit spicy; MMF; good mix of plot and romance}
“If it wasn’t blatantly obvious that this place doesn’t favor individualism by the way I’ve been treated since my test came back inconclusive, the student’s attire would be a dead giveaway.”
Nori spent years in her mother’s shadow, wishing to be just like her mom. Her mom is a respected Light Warrior, and so is her best friend, Ambrose. I love that Nori is not Superwoman even as she treks up a mountain to pass the entrance exams.
“Even when defeat is the clear result, you must never show them weakness,” she thinks. Lovely attitude.
The main story seems to dwell on a slow-burn love triangle while Nori attempts to become at least a mediocre warrior. Following her BFF leads to “I mean too much to him but not enough to set aside his ambitions and explore what we could grow into.” And one of the Noctryn is assigned to train her basically coddles her like a precious kitten.
Attending the academy is supposed to waken her powers, but they have yet to show. In the meantime, she learns a little about both sides of power coin: dark and light. The dark side is supposed to be the booby prize one takes when their powers are not useful in combat, while the light is the version she is supposed to inherit. Things don’t go as wished.
THE MAGIC SYSTEM:
Noctryns: dark side, really sorcerers without limits, can toss shadows around like batons.
Kingston
Makon
Veils: light side, with shifting or elemental powers (like fire).
Ambrose, her former best friend, the guy who got away
Banter:
“I’ve yet to see casting accomplished with one’s head on a desk, but I’m open to trying,”
BUT I quit near the end...and here is why:
⁃ Endless Monologuing (not just one evil f...k explaining their master plan)
⁃ No main character agency (I like a FMC who is not superhuman who somehow succeeds but never saw her express any leadership or way to meld her savior group together)
⁃ The FMC is supposed to figure out the mystery for monologuing to work
=============================================================
{Academy Fantasy Romance; tiny bit spicy; MMF; good mix of plot and romance}
“If it wasn’t blatantly obvious that this place doesn’t favor individualism by the way I’ve been treated since my test came back inconclusive, the student’s attire would be a dead giveaway.”
Nori spent years in her mother’s shadow, wishing to be just like her mom. Her mom is a respected Light Warrior, and so is her best friend, Ambrose. I love that Nori is not Superwoman even as she treks up a mountain to pass the entrance exams.
“Even when defeat is the clear result, you must never show them weakness,” she thinks. Lovely attitude.
The main story seems to dwell on a slow-burn love triangle while Nori attempts to become at least a mediocre warrior. Following her BFF leads to “I mean too much to him but not enough to set aside his ambitions and explore what we could grow into.” And one of the Noctryn is assigned to train her basically coddles her like a precious kitten.
Attending the academy is supposed to waken her powers, but they have yet to show. In the meantime, she learns a little about both sides of power coin: dark and light. The dark side is supposed to be the booby prize one takes when their powers are not useful in combat, while the light is the version she is supposed to inherit. Things don’t go as wished.
THE MAGIC SYSTEM:
Noctryns: dark side, really sorcerers without limits, can toss shadows around like batons.
Kingston
Makon
Veils: light side, with shifting or elemental powers (like fire).
Ambrose, her former best friend, the guy who got away
Banter:
“I’ve yet to see casting accomplished with one’s head on a desk, but I’m open to trying,”
BUT I quit near the end...and here is why:
⁃ Endless Monologuing (not just one evil f...k explaining their master plan)
⁃ No main character agency (I like a FMC who is not superhuman who somehow succeeds but never saw her express any leadership or way to meld her savior group together)
⁃ The FMC is supposed to figure out the mystery for monologuing to work
December 12, 2025
A Gripping Debut You Won’t Want to Put Down
**no spoilers**
This book completely took me by surprise in the best possible way. I had no idea what I was getting into when I first picked it up, but by the end, I was absolutely hooked. The plot is excellent. It’s layered, smart, and constantly moving forward. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were going, another twist would hit, keeping me glued to the page.
The writing is immersive, which is especially impressive given that this is the author’s debut novel. The pacing is strong, the dialogue feels natural, and the tone strikes that perfect balance between mystery, tension, and emotional depth. It’s one of those books that you fall into easily and don’t want to crawl back out of.
The characters are just as compelling as the plot. Their backstories are complex and intriguing, and you get the sense that there’s so much more beneath the surface just waiting to be revealed. The slow-burn romance is woven in beautifully, adding emotional stakes without taking over the story. I’m fully invested in these characters and their secrets.
I need book two like I need air. The way this one ended left me desperate for more. I love discovering new authors with this much promise, and I cannot wait to see what else they bring to the table.
If you love slow-burn fantasy romance with secrets, layered worldbuilding, crazy plot twists, and a plot that never stops evolving, Vespertine Veil is one you have to read. It’s epic, addictive, and a brilliant start to an awesome series.
**no spoilers**
This book completely took me by surprise in the best possible way. I had no idea what I was getting into when I first picked it up, but by the end, I was absolutely hooked. The plot is excellent. It’s layered, smart, and constantly moving forward. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were going, another twist would hit, keeping me glued to the page.
The writing is immersive, which is especially impressive given that this is the author’s debut novel. The pacing is strong, the dialogue feels natural, and the tone strikes that perfect balance between mystery, tension, and emotional depth. It’s one of those books that you fall into easily and don’t want to crawl back out of.
The characters are just as compelling as the plot. Their backstories are complex and intriguing, and you get the sense that there’s so much more beneath the surface just waiting to be revealed. The slow-burn romance is woven in beautifully, adding emotional stakes without taking over the story. I’m fully invested in these characters and their secrets.
I need book two like I need air. The way this one ended left me desperate for more. I love discovering new authors with this much promise, and I cannot wait to see what else they bring to the table.
If you love slow-burn fantasy romance with secrets, layered worldbuilding, crazy plot twists, and a plot that never stops evolving, Vespertine Veil is one you have to read. It’s epic, addictive, and a brilliant start to an awesome series.
November 11, 2025
I was fortunate enough to be able to read this as an ARC reader. I went in with zero expectations, as this is a debut novel and wasn't sure what to expect, but let me tell you, I was BLOWN away.
If you're looking for a Gothic fantasy/Dark Academia that's slow burn, high-stakes and has a thick plot, this one is for you!
The tension was **chef's kiss** and the MMC made me OBSESSED! But the thing I truly loved, was there was an actual plot in the background and one that made you become invested!
Nori, the FMC, enrolls at Kintoira University, an academy to become a future soldier of the realm. The academy teaches light and dark arts, but the two regiments certainly don't care for each other. They must face a series of tests to determine which regiment they belong but Nori is in for a surprise! All the while, she's trying to live up to her best friend, Ambrose's expectations and keep their childhood friendship alive, all while secretly falling in love with him. Of course, as any good book has, there are characters and plot twists that make her life treacherous at best. There's a corrupted magic at the gates and hidden enemies that want her gone.
The writing was top notch and the pacing kept me turning pages. I will definitely be re-reading this one!
If you're looking for a Gothic fantasy/Dark Academia that's slow burn, high-stakes and has a thick plot, this one is for you!
The tension was **chef's kiss** and the MMC made me OBSESSED! But the thing I truly loved, was there was an actual plot in the background and one that made you become invested!
Nori, the FMC, enrolls at Kintoira University, an academy to become a future soldier of the realm. The academy teaches light and dark arts, but the two regiments certainly don't care for each other. They must face a series of tests to determine which regiment they belong but Nori is in for a surprise! All the while, she's trying to live up to her best friend, Ambrose's expectations and keep their childhood friendship alive, all while secretly falling in love with him. Of course, as any good book has, there are characters and plot twists that make her life treacherous at best. There's a corrupted magic at the gates and hidden enemies that want her gone.
The writing was top notch and the pacing kept me turning pages. I will definitely be re-reading this one!
November 28, 2025
I was completely drawn in by the depth of the FMC’s character arc. Her internal struggle, the constant battle between who she thinks she should be and was raised to be and who she truly is, was written with such authenticity that it felt personal. And the betrayals… they hit with a rawness that I genuinely felt in my soul. Those moments weren’t just plot points; they were emotional punches that made her journey even more powerful.
The relationships shaped around all of this conflict, growth, and pain were portrayed beautifully and kept me fully invested from start to finish.
I’m already counting down to the next book and can’t wait to see how her story and these relationships continue to evolve. This series is quickly becoming a new favorite.
The relationships shaped around all of this conflict, growth, and pain were portrayed beautifully and kept me fully invested from start to finish.
I’m already counting down to the next book and can’t wait to see how her story and these relationships continue to evolve. This series is quickly becoming a new favorite.
January 23, 2026
✨ Dark academia vibes? Absolutely.
✨ Magic + light vs. dark? Yes please.
✨ Identity, self-discovery, and moral tension? Front and center.
This book pulled me in with its moody atmosphere and that delicious what side am I really on? energy. The magic system paired beautifully with the light-versus-dark themes.
It’s one of those stories that feels both introspective and spellbinding—quietly intense, emotionally layered, and just a little haunting in the best way.
I flew through it and immediately found myself thinking, okay but when is book two? 👀
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars
And yes, I’ll absolutely be waiting (impatiently) for the sequel.
✨ Magic + light vs. dark? Yes please.
✨ Identity, self-discovery, and moral tension? Front and center.
This book pulled me in with its moody atmosphere and that delicious what side am I really on? energy. The magic system paired beautifully with the light-versus-dark themes.
It’s one of those stories that feels both introspective and spellbinding—quietly intense, emotionally layered, and just a little haunting in the best way.
I flew through it and immediately found myself thinking, okay but when is book two? 👀
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars
And yes, I’ll absolutely be waiting (impatiently) for the sequel.
November 27, 2025
This was really good! The plot flowed well, descriptions were good, and the world building was natural. Lots of similarities to other academy-based romantasies (Fourth Wing, Riftborne, etc). Fully recognizing that this is indie and a debut novel, it could have used one more edit to catch some storyline inconsistencies, word misuse (i.e. ruin vs rune), and some typos. But I really liked it and will keep an eye out for the next one. Very solid debut.
December 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I was invested from start to finish and I am looking forward to the next book!
I enjoyed the FMC’s character, and how the author really opens the door to this characters life, her struggle with what she wants, who she is, the relationships she makes, the heartbreak she encounters, all set in a dark academia/ war college setting.
Such a page turner, and a debut novel!
I enjoyed the FMC’s character, and how the author really opens the door to this characters life, her struggle with what she wants, who she is, the relationships she makes, the heartbreak she encounters, all set in a dark academia/ war college setting.
Such a page turner, and a debut novel!
November 30, 2025
ummmm okaaaayyyy!!
So this was a slow build for me but I liked this!! It was like fourth wing vibes mixed with Harry Potter vibes and vampire vibes!! Was not expecting to like it so much until that second half of the book had me locked in! Hope there is a next book because I got into this!
So this was a slow build for me but I liked this!! It was like fourth wing vibes mixed with Harry Potter vibes and vampire vibes!! Was not expecting to like it so much until that second half of the book had me locked in! Hope there is a next book because I got into this!
November 25, 2025
half way done, plot is not new but writing is good. will continue to read except female lead is a little annoying. they are in a school and she expects the guy to be there for everything when he's in a different class/level. a little ridiculous
book gets better after she sees him for what he is and she's not so whiny. ends with a cliffhanger?
book gets better after she sees him for what he is and she's not so whiny. ends with a cliffhanger?
November 26, 2025
This story is amazing
This story is like a tapestry that you can only see the back of until wham it’s turned and many things make sense. One of the BEST KU novels I’ve read to date. It’s a refreshing change in how this story was put together. I hope for more books to come.
This story is like a tapestry that you can only see the back of until wham it’s turned and many things make sense. One of the BEST KU novels I’ve read to date. It’s a refreshing change in how this story was put together. I hope for more books to come.
November 30, 2025
I devoured this book in two days
This was a great read that scratched all my Romantasy itches. It started out feeling a little too similar to another very popular read but then took enough twists and turns of its own to make it unique and so intriguing. Can't wait for book two! 🤩
This was a great read that scratched all my Romantasy itches. It started out feeling a little too similar to another very popular read but then took enough twists and turns of its own to make it unique and so intriguing. Can't wait for book two! 🤩
December 14, 2025
I didn’t want this book to end. I can’t wait for book 2. I think this book is a great recommendation for if you liked Fourth Wing, read this.
-Slow burn
-Betrayals
-Rivals to lovers?
-Interesting magic system
-Slow burn
-Betrayals
-Rivals to lovers?
-Interesting magic system
December 17, 2025
This was another meh read. A lot of things could have been given deeper details and I felt like I was missing some info the entire time? I don’t know but it just needs more information and connections between characters. But it has potential!
I’m not sure if I will continue the series…
I’m not sure if I will continue the series…
November 24, 2025
This book will keep you guessing every step of the way. It will shatter you and leave you wanting more. Can’t wait for the sequel.
December 1, 2025
A MUST READ!! This book will keep you guessing until the very last page. No annoying fluff to just make the book longer, but enough to make you understand the world you are in. Needless it to say she is now my new favorite author, and I will be reading all her published works! You won't be disappointed, read the book!
January 13, 2026
Saw this on tik tok. Read it in a couple of days. Amazing characters and great plot with some awesome twist and turns. Can’t wait till her next book comes out.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews