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Sanctum's Veil
In the heart of The Sanctum, where emotions are regulated and loyalty is everything, Arden and Damien walk the line between truth and betrayal.
Arden, a rebel spy buried deep within the system, and Damien, a trusted assistant to the Matriarch, were never meant to fall in love. Their marriage was built on lies—but the feelings that bloomed between them are dangerously real.
When Arden’s mission is exposed and Damien’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test, their fragile alliance fractures. With the fate of an entire city hanging in the balance, they must set aside their feelings and come together to expose the truth behind The Authority’s iron grip.
As rebellion ignites and the emotional suppression network begins to crumble, The Sanctum teeters on the edge of chaos. Freedom comes at a cost, and Arden and Damien must decide whether love can survive when everything they believed about each other is laid bare.
In a city built on obedience and lies, can they choose each other—again—or will the truth tear them apart for good?
***
Sanctum's Veil is the sequel to Eden's Rise, and is the second book in an interconnected trilogy. While each book is intended to be read as a standalone, with a different 'couple' featured in each book, the overarching dystopian storyline will continue across the trilogy.
Arden, a rebel spy buried deep within the system, and Damien, a trusted assistant to the Matriarch, were never meant to fall in love. Their marriage was built on lies—but the feelings that bloomed between them are dangerously real.
When Arden’s mission is exposed and Damien’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test, their fragile alliance fractures. With the fate of an entire city hanging in the balance, they must set aside their feelings and come together to expose the truth behind The Authority’s iron grip.
As rebellion ignites and the emotional suppression network begins to crumble, The Sanctum teeters on the edge of chaos. Freedom comes at a cost, and Arden and Damien must decide whether love can survive when everything they believed about each other is laid bare.
In a city built on obedience and lies, can they choose each other—again—or will the truth tear them apart for good?
***
Sanctum's Veil is the sequel to Eden's Rise, and is the second book in an interconnected trilogy. While each book is intended to be read as a standalone, with a different 'couple' featured in each book, the overarching dystopian storyline will continue across the trilogy.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Tristen Willis
9 books89 followersTristen lives in Newcastle, Australia with her husband and two kids and works full time in the insurance industry, helping people get their lives back.
Currently, Tristen is balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood with an energetic toddler and a newborn. Despite her busy schedule, she’s still dedicated to her writing.
Recently, she released The Insurance of the Heart Novella Collection, a series of interconnected romance novellas. After this, she shifted her focus to writing Dystopian Romance.
Currently, Tristen is balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood with an energetic toddler and a newborn. Despite her busy schedule, she’s still dedicated to her writing.
Recently, she released The Insurance of the Heart Novella Collection, a series of interconnected romance novellas. After this, she shifted her focus to writing Dystopian Romance.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 23, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This book picked up from where Eden’s Rise just with different characters and just loved how it picked up!! This book is well written and love how Damien and Arden's relationship grew and developed!! If you love dystopian fiction, emotional intelligence, and political power struggles you will love this book!! This book drew me in from the very beginning!!
“Sanctum's Veil is the sequel to Eden's Rise, and is the second book in an interconnected trilogy. While each book is intended to be read as a standalone, with a different 'couple' featured in each book, the overarching dystopian storyline will continue across the trilogy.”
“Sanctum's Veil is the sequel to Eden's Rise, and is the second book in an interconnected trilogy. While each book is intended to be read as a standalone, with a different 'couple' featured in each book, the overarching dystopian storyline will continue across the trilogy.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book kept me on my toes from beginning to end! The storyline and writing are incredibly engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It brought me back to when I first read The Hunger Games series and became completely immersed in a dystopian world. As the second book in the Chains of Conformity trilogy, it expands the story in exciting ways while remaining fast-paced and impossible to put down.
At its core, this book explores a society built on fear and control.
“Despite this divergence, both The Authority and The Sanctum affirm a single truth: left ungoverned, human emotion endangers stability. Where methods differ, purpose remains the same.”
The way this system is portrayed is both fascinating and deeply unsettling. Watching people live with so little freedom and individuality was heartbreaking, and it raises important questions about humanity, choice, and control.
The System
One of the most interesting aspects of this book is the society itself. Imagine living in a city where even your emotions are monitored, and a sudden spike in feeling could lead to recalibration. People are expected to suppress their humanity, follow the rules, work their assigned jobs, marry without love, have children, and repeat the cycle.
The system maintains control by regulating emotions through technology and strict social structures. It creates a society that feels robotic and detached from what makes us human.
Through both Arden’s and Damien’s perspectives, we begin to see the cracks forming beneath the surface. While they recognize the flaws within the system, they approach them differently. Arden wants to dismantle The Sanctum and The Authority to free the people living under their control, while Damien believes the system can be improved and reformed to better protect his community. Their differing views add an extra layer of complexity to the story.
The Love Story
Arden and Damien were such compelling characters to follow. Their relationship develops under impossible circumstances, making every interaction feel meaningful and emotional.
Arden enters the city under the identity of Cassidy, leaving behind the version of herself known by Marcus, her handler, and the New Eden rebellion. Her mission is clear: get close to Damien, who works directly under The Monarch, and gather information about future plans and emerging technologies.
What neither of them expects is how quickly genuine feelings begin to develop.
Their relationship is heartbreaking because they are constantly forced to choose between their growing feelings and their responsibilities. They are not only fighting against the system but also against themselves and everything they have been taught to believe. Watching them navigate love, loyalty, and duty was one of my favourite parts of the book.
The Rebellion
The rebellion began in New Eden with a simple goal: freedom.
Its members wanted a world where people could experience emotions freely and live without constant surveillance and chemical control. After successfully fighting for their freedom, they set their sights on helping other cities escape the same oppression.
This is where Arden’s role becomes so important. As a spy working within the system, she risks everything to gather information and support the rebellion’s cause.
One aspect of Arden’s character that I particularly appreciated was how her PTSD was handled throughout the story. Her experiences in a recalibration facility continue to affect her, and the emotional scars she carries feel realistic and impactful. Rather than defining her, these experiences strengthen her determination to prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this book enough.
The combination of dystopian world-building, political intrigue, emotional depth, and compelling characters made for an unforgettable reading experience. The story is fast-paced, thought-provoking, and packed with tension from beginning to end.
If you love dystopian fiction with brave characters, emotional intelligence, political power struggles, rebellion, and a touch of romance, then this book is definitely one to add to your TBR.
I can’t wait to see where the final book in the trilogy takes these characters next.
At its core, this book explores a society built on fear and control.
“Despite this divergence, both The Authority and The Sanctum affirm a single truth: left ungoverned, human emotion endangers stability. Where methods differ, purpose remains the same.”
The way this system is portrayed is both fascinating and deeply unsettling. Watching people live with so little freedom and individuality was heartbreaking, and it raises important questions about humanity, choice, and control.
The System
One of the most interesting aspects of this book is the society itself. Imagine living in a city where even your emotions are monitored, and a sudden spike in feeling could lead to recalibration. People are expected to suppress their humanity, follow the rules, work their assigned jobs, marry without love, have children, and repeat the cycle.
The system maintains control by regulating emotions through technology and strict social structures. It creates a society that feels robotic and detached from what makes us human.
Through both Arden’s and Damien’s perspectives, we begin to see the cracks forming beneath the surface. While they recognize the flaws within the system, they approach them differently. Arden wants to dismantle The Sanctum and The Authority to free the people living under their control, while Damien believes the system can be improved and reformed to better protect his community. Their differing views add an extra layer of complexity to the story.
The Love Story
Arden and Damien were such compelling characters to follow. Their relationship develops under impossible circumstances, making every interaction feel meaningful and emotional.
Arden enters the city under the identity of Cassidy, leaving behind the version of herself known by Marcus, her handler, and the New Eden rebellion. Her mission is clear: get close to Damien, who works directly under The Monarch, and gather information about future plans and emerging technologies.
What neither of them expects is how quickly genuine feelings begin to develop.
Their relationship is heartbreaking because they are constantly forced to choose between their growing feelings and their responsibilities. They are not only fighting against the system but also against themselves and everything they have been taught to believe. Watching them navigate love, loyalty, and duty was one of my favourite parts of the book.
The Rebellion
The rebellion began in New Eden with a simple goal: freedom.
Its members wanted a world where people could experience emotions freely and live without constant surveillance and chemical control. After successfully fighting for their freedom, they set their sights on helping other cities escape the same oppression.
This is where Arden’s role becomes so important. As a spy working within the system, she risks everything to gather information and support the rebellion’s cause.
One aspect of Arden’s character that I particularly appreciated was how her PTSD was handled throughout the story. Her experiences in a recalibration facility continue to affect her, and the emotional scars she carries feel realistic and impactful. Rather than defining her, these experiences strengthen her determination to prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this book enough.
The combination of dystopian world-building, political intrigue, emotional depth, and compelling characters made for an unforgettable reading experience. The story is fast-paced, thought-provoking, and packed with tension from beginning to end.
If you love dystopian fiction with brave characters, emotional intelligence, political power struggles, rebellion, and a touch of romance, then this book is definitely one to add to your TBR.
I can’t wait to see where the final book in the trilogy takes these characters next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sanctum’s Veil by Tristen Willis, the second book in the Chains of Conformity series, picks up right where book one leaves off and immediately throws readers back into the action.
The story maintains its fast-paced momentum while continuing to explore the dystopian themes that reminded me of Divergent, Uglies, and Brave New World. As the world expands, we gain a deeper understanding of the systems controlling society and the devastating consequences of blind conformity.
This installment places the FMC in an incredibly difficult position. Returning to the heart of the city on a mission to gather evidence and expose the truth, she finds herself torn between duty and desire. What begins as an assignment becomes much more complicated when she develops feelings for her mark.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was watching her internal struggle. She knows what she’s fighting for, yet there are moments when the promise of an easier life, a life free from conflict and difficult choices, becomes incredibly tempting. The emotional conflict feels authentic and adds another layer to an already engaging story.
I also enjoyed seeing how her relationship with her mark evolved. Their connection creates compelling tension, especially as both characters begin questioning the very system they live under. Discovering that they may not be as different in their beliefs as they initially seemed added depth to their relationship and the overall plot.
Filled with action, moral dilemmas, romance, and rebellion, Sanctum’s Veil continues to build upon the strong foundation established in book one.
Overall, this was an engaging sequel that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for Book 3. 📚🔥
The story maintains its fast-paced momentum while continuing to explore the dystopian themes that reminded me of Divergent, Uglies, and Brave New World. As the world expands, we gain a deeper understanding of the systems controlling society and the devastating consequences of blind conformity.
This installment places the FMC in an incredibly difficult position. Returning to the heart of the city on a mission to gather evidence and expose the truth, she finds herself torn between duty and desire. What begins as an assignment becomes much more complicated when she develops feelings for her mark.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was watching her internal struggle. She knows what she’s fighting for, yet there are moments when the promise of an easier life, a life free from conflict and difficult choices, becomes incredibly tempting. The emotional conflict feels authentic and adds another layer to an already engaging story.
I also enjoyed seeing how her relationship with her mark evolved. Their connection creates compelling tension, especially as both characters begin questioning the very system they live under. Discovering that they may not be as different in their beliefs as they initially seemed added depth to their relationship and the overall plot.
Filled with action, moral dilemmas, romance, and rebellion, Sanctum’s Veil continues to build upon the strong foundation established in book one.
Overall, this was an engaging sequel that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for Book 3. 📚🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
Tristen has once again sucked me in with a world that is so broken and flawed, but with characters to match. The concept behind the overarching plot is written with depth and a sense of foreboding - because although it sounds ludicrous, tampering with emotions to erase conflict, it could conceivably happen. And that's where the brilliance of Tristen's world lay, in the believability.
We pick up after the uprising in book one, following a new POV with Arden as she heads right into the heart of Sanctum. She's there to use her tech abilities to find out what the Authority have planned next... and if the rebellion can stop it. But her only way in is an arranged marriage to Damien, an assistant to the Matriarch, a marriage built on lies and guilt.
When Damien and Arden's feelings for each other start to surface, making them question everything they thought they knew, can they trust the other - or are the lies to great, the price to high to pay?
With rebellion and freedom on the line, trust and friendships fraying, can Arden and Damien make it out in one piece and save a world that is suffocating under the Authority's rule? Or are they doomed to fail?
If you love:
- a real fake marriage
- hidden identity
- dystopian worldbuilding
- feeling repression (through tech)
- secret mission
- political mechanisms
- he falls first
- learning to trust
- dual POV
- second in series
Then you need to add this series to your tbr! I read this prior to official release day.
Tristen has once again sucked me in with a world that is so broken and flawed, but with characters to match. The concept behind the overarching plot is written with depth and a sense of foreboding - because although it sounds ludicrous, tampering with emotions to erase conflict, it could conceivably happen. And that's where the brilliance of Tristen's world lay, in the believability.
We pick up after the uprising in book one, following a new POV with Arden as she heads right into the heart of Sanctum. She's there to use her tech abilities to find out what the Authority have planned next... and if the rebellion can stop it. But her only way in is an arranged marriage to Damien, an assistant to the Matriarch, a marriage built on lies and guilt.
When Damien and Arden's feelings for each other start to surface, making them question everything they thought they knew, can they trust the other - or are the lies to great, the price to high to pay?
With rebellion and freedom on the line, trust and friendships fraying, can Arden and Damien make it out in one piece and save a world that is suffocating under the Authority's rule? Or are they doomed to fail?
If you love:
- a real fake marriage
- hidden identity
- dystopian worldbuilding
- feeling repression (through tech)
- secret mission
- political mechanisms
- he falls first
- learning to trust
- dual POV
- second in series
Then you need to add this series to your tbr! I read this prior to official release day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 2.5-3 ⭐️
Sanctum’s Veil continues on from Eden’s Rise but through the eyes of different characters. I still find the dystopian, emotion-suppressing world incredibly interesting and well thought out. The matriarchal villain was great, and seeing someone so calculated here made the world even more believable.
Unfortunately, I did just struggle with this second book. I really enjoyed the first, I liked the characters, liked the pacing, everything. This time, it just didn’t have the same effect. I found it a lot slower, and (despite liking the snippets of Arden in book 1 and being excited to see her more), I struggled to care for some of the characters including the main ones for some reason. I also found the timeline a little confusing (with one particular moment seeming to contradict itself but I will choose to believe that this was maybe just me confusing myself?).
This is a good book, I have enjoyed a few things that the author has written. I would read book 3 to see where this world and storyline go next. It was simply a case that book 2 wasn’t quite for me - others will absolutely enjoy it though!
Thank you it the author, Tristen Willis, for the opportunity to read this as an eARC. I’m incredibly grateful and I do hope to get the chance to see where the world goes next one day.
Sanctum’s Veil continues on from Eden’s Rise but through the eyes of different characters. I still find the dystopian, emotion-suppressing world incredibly interesting and well thought out. The matriarchal villain was great, and seeing someone so calculated here made the world even more believable.
Unfortunately, I did just struggle with this second book. I really enjoyed the first, I liked the characters, liked the pacing, everything. This time, it just didn’t have the same effect. I found it a lot slower, and (despite liking the snippets of Arden in book 1 and being excited to see her more), I struggled to care for some of the characters including the main ones for some reason. I also found the timeline a little confusing (with one particular moment seeming to contradict itself but I will choose to believe that this was maybe just me confusing myself?).
This is a good book, I have enjoyed a few things that the author has written. I would read book 3 to see where this world and storyline go next. It was simply a case that book 2 wasn’t quite for me - others will absolutely enjoy it though!
Thank you it the author, Tristen Willis, for the opportunity to read this as an eARC. I’m incredibly grateful and I do hope to get the chance to see where the world goes next one day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sanctum's Veil is a brilliant read! As the second book in the Chains of Conformity series, I loved every page.
Returning to this dystopian world, where emotions are suppressed in the pursuit of compliance, had me feeling on edge from the very beginning. Arden is meant to be operating undercover, but her emotions continue to shape her decisions and make it difficult to stay focused on her mission.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about Damien's role in this story, but I ended up loving the dynamic between him and Arden. Despite Arden's efforts to mask what she is feeling, Damien is able to see beyond the surface and offer support, even when he isn't entirely sure why he feels compelled to do so.
The stakes are even higher in this instalment, and my adrenaline spiked with every obstacle and dead end Arden encountered. I genuinely wasn't sure how things would unfold, and the uncertainty kept me turning pages right through to the end.
I love this series, the concept behind this world, and these characters. It was wonderful to be back in their company and swept up in another intense and emotional journey. Now I'm left wishing I already had book three in my hands, but unfortunately, the wait begins!
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Returning to this dystopian world, where emotions are suppressed in the pursuit of compliance, had me feeling on edge from the very beginning. Arden is meant to be operating undercover, but her emotions continue to shape her decisions and make it difficult to stay focused on her mission.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about Damien's role in this story, but I ended up loving the dynamic between him and Arden. Despite Arden's efforts to mask what she is feeling, Damien is able to see beyond the surface and offer support, even when he isn't entirely sure why he feels compelled to do so.
The stakes are even higher in this instalment, and my adrenaline spiked with every obstacle and dead end Arden encountered. I genuinely wasn't sure how things would unfold, and the uncertainty kept me turning pages right through to the end.
I love this series, the concept behind this world, and these characters. It was wonderful to be back in their company and swept up in another intense and emotional journey. Now I'm left wishing I already had book three in my hands, but unfortunately, the wait begins!
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
June 23, 2026
ARC Review ~
The dystopian setting of Sanctum’s Veil is incredible. It’s intricate, layered, captivating and frankly, frightening. The more I learnt about the world, and the matriarchal villain, the more obsessed I was with understanding more about it and the people within it. The impacts of this dystopian world, the emotional regulation, the whole idea behind reducing humans to emotionless states for their only safety, was fascinating and I would have loved to have experienced more of it.
Unfortunately, I found the main characters to be lacking in substance. I felt that there was no chemistry between them, and that essentially the point of the novel was their ‘romance’, and so it felt very forced and I just couldn’t connect with it. When we were looking at the dystopian world and settings, fantastic, but these characters were not interesting.
As book two in a trilogy, it was obvious that I had missed things from not reading the first book, BUT, this did not impact on my reading experience. I believe you would need to read book three in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion about the world though.
The dystopian setting of Sanctum’s Veil is incredible. It’s intricate, layered, captivating and frankly, frightening. The more I learnt about the world, and the matriarchal villain, the more obsessed I was with understanding more about it and the people within it. The impacts of this dystopian world, the emotional regulation, the whole idea behind reducing humans to emotionless states for their only safety, was fascinating and I would have loved to have experienced more of it.
Unfortunately, I found the main characters to be lacking in substance. I felt that there was no chemistry between them, and that essentially the point of the novel was their ‘romance’, and so it felt very forced and I just couldn’t connect with it. When we were looking at the dystopian world and settings, fantastic, but these characters were not interesting.
As book two in a trilogy, it was obvious that I had missed things from not reading the first book, BUT, this did not impact on my reading experience. I believe you would need to read book three in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion about the world though.
June 27, 2026
I was lucky enough to received this book as an ARC. Thank you Tristan!
I really enjoy Dystopian Romance books abd the creativity behind the idea of this one is good. When I read who the main FMC was for this book I was hesitant. I didn't love her in book 1, in fact most of time I found her frustrating in book 1. However in the end I loved book 2 more than book 1!
I learnt more about what makes the FMC tick, and seeing her more vulnerable side with the MMC and with the support character Marcus also from book 1, it made a connection for me with her.
I loved the MMC in this book, he gave me faith in the males of a species again. I also enjoyed the dynamic he had with her and his best friend in the book. So open between him and his friend, the closeness and immediate support they gave to each other.
I was able to disappear into this world and I felt the connection of the two main characters. I wasn't surprised by the turn of events but their were elements I didn't predict.
And this year I've been in a bit of a reading slump but this had me reading by choice!
I really enjoy Dystopian Romance books abd the creativity behind the idea of this one is good. When I read who the main FMC was for this book I was hesitant. I didn't love her in book 1, in fact most of time I found her frustrating in book 1. However in the end I loved book 2 more than book 1!
I learnt more about what makes the FMC tick, and seeing her more vulnerable side with the MMC and with the support character Marcus also from book 1, it made a connection for me with her.
I loved the MMC in this book, he gave me faith in the males of a species again. I also enjoyed the dynamic he had with her and his best friend in the book. So open between him and his friend, the closeness and immediate support they gave to each other.
I was able to disappear into this world and I felt the connection of the two main characters. I wasn't surprised by the turn of events but their were elements I didn't predict.
And this year I've been in a bit of a reading slump but this had me reading by choice!
June 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC Review
Sanctum’s Veil is a fantastic second instalment in the Chains to Conformity trilogy. Tristen Willis delivers a story that is both emotionally gripping and impossible to put down.
I loved the way PTSD and anxiety were thoughtfully woven into Arden’s character, making her feel real and relatable. Damien’s unwavering support and understanding of her struggles (even though he didn’t know what was happening to Arden) made me adore their relationship even more. Their forbidden romance, built on lies but blossoming into something genuine, had my heart completely invested.
The plot flowed beautifully, balancing action, rebellion, and emotional moments perfectly. As secrets unravel and The Sanctum edges closer to chaos, the stakes continue to rise, leaving me eager to see what happens next.
Just like Eden’s Rise, this book had me turning page after page, determined to know how it all unfolded. If you enjoy dystopian romance, forbidden love, and emotionally complex characters, I highly recommend Sanctum’s Veil. I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy! 📚✨
ARC Review
Sanctum’s Veil is a fantastic second instalment in the Chains to Conformity trilogy. Tristen Willis delivers a story that is both emotionally gripping and impossible to put down.
I loved the way PTSD and anxiety were thoughtfully woven into Arden’s character, making her feel real and relatable. Damien’s unwavering support and understanding of her struggles (even though he didn’t know what was happening to Arden) made me adore their relationship even more. Their forbidden romance, built on lies but blossoming into something genuine, had my heart completely invested.
The plot flowed beautifully, balancing action, rebellion, and emotional moments perfectly. As secrets unravel and The Sanctum edges closer to chaos, the stakes continue to rise, leaving me eager to see what happens next.
Just like Eden’s Rise, this book had me turning page after page, determined to know how it all unfolded. If you enjoy dystopian romance, forbidden love, and emotionally complex characters, I highly recommend Sanctum’s Veil. I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy! 📚✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
He is the assistant to the Matriarch. She is a rebel spy. They’re about to get married for the greater good…but whose idea of good? Find out in Sanctum’s Veil.
In a world where emotions are tightly regulated in the name of balance, the rebels are desperate to free the citizens before it is too late. Arden has infiltrated The Sanctum to get information on the next generation of NeuroMods - the watch-like device that monitors and regulates emotions. Her cover? An arranged marriage to Damien, the assistant of the city’s leader.
Damien is a loyal citizen who always keeps his emotions regulated. He agrees to the marriage for the greater good of the society…but his new wife ‘Cassidy’ is not what he expected. Already experiencing lingering doubts about the world he lives in, his new wife makes him start questioning if what he has always known to be right is true.
Drawing from the first book but able to be read as a standalone, this dystopian romance was a fascinating read. The idea that eliminating emotions will solve all the world’s problems is chilling to consider.
While the romance is absolutely slow burn, the spice starts pretty soon after the arranged/fake marriage. Watching Arden/Cassidy and Damien fall in love as they try to save their world was really special.
The book deals with panic attacks, oppression, psychological abuse and stringent suppression of emotions. I really appreciated how the later stages of the book shows the characters involved in support groups to recover from their experiences.
If you want dystopian romance that explores the importance of human emotions, add Sanctum’s Veil to your TBR.
In a world where emotions are tightly regulated in the name of balance, the rebels are desperate to free the citizens before it is too late. Arden has infiltrated The Sanctum to get information on the next generation of NeuroMods - the watch-like device that monitors and regulates emotions. Her cover? An arranged marriage to Damien, the assistant of the city’s leader.
Damien is a loyal citizen who always keeps his emotions regulated. He agrees to the marriage for the greater good of the society…but his new wife ‘Cassidy’ is not what he expected. Already experiencing lingering doubts about the world he lives in, his new wife makes him start questioning if what he has always known to be right is true.
Drawing from the first book but able to be read as a standalone, this dystopian romance was a fascinating read. The idea that eliminating emotions will solve all the world’s problems is chilling to consider.
While the romance is absolutely slow burn, the spice starts pretty soon after the arranged/fake marriage. Watching Arden/Cassidy and Damien fall in love as they try to save their world was really special.
The book deals with panic attacks, oppression, psychological abuse and stringent suppression of emotions. I really appreciated how the later stages of the book shows the characters involved in support groups to recover from their experiences.
If you want dystopian romance that explores the importance of human emotions, add Sanctum’s Veil to your TBR.
July 1, 2026
Tristen has truly built such an interesting world and circumstances that keeps me locked in(despite life circumstances making me late on everything 😬).
Arden, who took part if freeing New Eden in the first book of the series, has volunteered for a secret mission to infiltrate The Sanctum and find the secrets and information needed for freeing them also.
Upon her arrival, she's arranged to marry Damien, who is the relative of high powered officials of the city, but he may not be as dedicated and invested in the beliefs of The Sanctum as he might appear to be from the outside.
Together, they learn a lot about themselves, and may even find the strength to save not only each other, but everyone else.
Thank you, Tristen, for continuing to let us into this world you've built. ♥️
Arden, who took part if freeing New Eden in the first book of the series, has volunteered for a secret mission to infiltrate The Sanctum and find the secrets and information needed for freeing them also.
Upon her arrival, she's arranged to marry Damien, who is the relative of high powered officials of the city, but he may not be as dedicated and invested in the beliefs of The Sanctum as he might appear to be from the outside.
Together, they learn a lot about themselves, and may even find the strength to save not only each other, but everyone else.
Thank you, Tristen, for continuing to let us into this world you've built. ♥️
July 12, 2026
Sanctum’s Veil - Tristen Willis
I love this series. I love dystopian, especially this one in particular. I love the idea of not being able to show emotion or show negative emotion, especially when you pair it in a romance setting. Arden and Damien have a fantastic chemistry together and I really do love these characters. Especially towards the end with the found family aspect. I am on the edge of my seat to find out how this series ends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 422 Pages
Release Date 🌟 6/23/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Chains of Conformity, #2
Genre/Tropes ✨ dystopian, science fiction, secret identity, found family
Favorite Character ☀️ Arden
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘Red is catastrophic. No one comes back from red’
I love this series. I love dystopian, especially this one in particular. I love the idea of not being able to show emotion or show negative emotion, especially when you pair it in a romance setting. Arden and Damien have a fantastic chemistry together and I really do love these characters. Especially towards the end with the found family aspect. I am on the edge of my seat to find out how this series ends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 422 Pages
Release Date 🌟 6/23/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Chains of Conformity, #2
Genre/Tropes ✨ dystopian, science fiction, secret identity, found family
Favorite Character ☀️ Arden
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘Red is catastrophic. No one comes back from red’
June 2, 2026
With the first book it was very difficult for me to get in the story. But with this when I felt like i was flying through the chapters. I was really invested in this story and this world. It took me a few chapters to get back into this world but after that I really enjoyed it. It was the perfect mix of romance and like the dystopian. I also really love that we keep seeing characters from the previous book and that it is also gonna be like that in the third book. I’m really looking forward to reading that one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sanctum’s Veil immediately drew me in with its intriguing dystopian premise. The concept of a society that regulates emotions and demands absolute loyalty creates a compelling backdrop for the story. Arden and Damien’s relationship appears layered with secrets, conflicting loyalties, and growing emotional tension. While this is my first book series from the author- the story is easy flowing and the layers make you dive through it. Good Luck Tristen Willis.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this installment even more than the first one in the trilogy! Arden and Damien's relationship had me giddy. Absolutely love how they developed as a couple. I also thought the differences in how emotions were controlled in this book versus the first book was very interesting. It makes you think about how we try to manage and cope with our own emotions in real life. Highly recommend!
June 20, 2026
Love me a good rebellion with a side of forced proximity. I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this trilogy, because I have no idea how this is going to end.
Thank you to the author for letting me read this as an ARC!
Thank you to the author for letting me read this as an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! The dystopian world was so well thought out and it was well written with really good worldbuilding. I couldn’t put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review to come
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