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Veil of Ash: A Dark Academy Slow-Burn Why-Choose Romantasy
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26She imprinted on five guardians who were never meant to have a mate.
Brielle Breslin spent twenty-one years believing she was human—until her magic ignited and branded her a monster.
Dragged into the unknown realm of Bryxton, she learns the she is a Soul Elemental. A Keystone. The rarest power in a world built on balance.
And somehow, impossibly, she has bonded to the Vestra—five lethal guardians sworn to protect their realm… and bound by prophecy to remain unbroken by a mate’s allure.
Two of them feel the imprint and are prepared to tear the world apart to keep her safe.
Three of them feel it—and treat her like a threat that must be contained.
Because the prophecy was their hearts would beat, but never feel. A mate was never part of their fate. If the Council discovers the bond, Brielle won’t survive the interrogation. If the prophecy has been altered, the consequences won’t stop with her.
Now she must train in secret, master powers she barely understands, and learn to shield her mind from those who would tear it apart—all while living under the same roof as the men divided over whether she is their salvation… or the beginning of their ruin.
In Bryxton, prophecy is law.
And Brielle may be the one thing they were never meant to have.
What to expect in Veil of Ash:
Slow-Burn Why Choose Romance (MFMMMMM)Fated Mates & Forced ProximityA "Split" Harem Dynamic (2 protectors vs. 3 enemies)Shadow & Elemental MagicPowerful, Morally Gray GuardiansA "Touch Her and Die" ObsessionEpic World-Building & Political IntrigueVeil of Ash is the first book in a high-stakes why-choose romantasy series featuring fated mates, political tension, elemental magic, monsters beyond the wards, and a slow-burn romance where devotion must be earned. It is intended for readers 18+ due to mature themes.
Brielle Breslin spent twenty-one years believing she was human—until her magic ignited and branded her a monster.
Dragged into the unknown realm of Bryxton, she learns the she is a Soul Elemental. A Keystone. The rarest power in a world built on balance.
And somehow, impossibly, she has bonded to the Vestra—five lethal guardians sworn to protect their realm… and bound by prophecy to remain unbroken by a mate’s allure.
Two of them feel the imprint and are prepared to tear the world apart to keep her safe.
Three of them feel it—and treat her like a threat that must be contained.
Because the prophecy was their hearts would beat, but never feel. A mate was never part of their fate. If the Council discovers the bond, Brielle won’t survive the interrogation. If the prophecy has been altered, the consequences won’t stop with her.
Now she must train in secret, master powers she barely understands, and learn to shield her mind from those who would tear it apart—all while living under the same roof as the men divided over whether she is their salvation… or the beginning of their ruin.
In Bryxton, prophecy is law.
And Brielle may be the one thing they were never meant to have.
What to expect in Veil of Ash:
Slow-Burn Why Choose Romance (MFMMMMM)Fated Mates & Forced ProximityA "Split" Harem Dynamic (2 protectors vs. 3 enemies)Shadow & Elemental MagicPowerful, Morally Gray GuardiansA "Touch Her and Die" ObsessionEpic World-Building & Political IntrigueVeil of Ash is the first book in a high-stakes why-choose romantasy series featuring fated mates, political tension, elemental magic, monsters beyond the wards, and a slow-burn romance where devotion must be earned. It is intended for readers 18+ due to mature themes.
579 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
17 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 4, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an e-arc reader, but these are my own unhinged thoughts and feelings.
This was so freaking GOOD!! The entire time I was reading it, I was dreading it ending, I just wanted to stay inside the story, so bad. This was the perfect mix of The Bonds That Tie and Shatter Me. I seriously would put it up there with Bonds as my new favorite why-choose, that’s how freaking good it is. The magic, the powers, the bonds, were just so intense and so cool, I really loved learning about their world and how their magic/power systems work. I loved Brielle, I loved her so much. She was such a relatable, strong FMC who has been through so much. She’s so strong, but also you get to see her emotions and vulnerability at play, and I truly enjoyed the balance.
Now let’s they to the guys because oh my gosh, they were so great. With more than one mate, sometimes a few fall short, but every single one of these guys are perfection. My favorite is Lochlan, hands freaking down.
I can’t believe this is the authors debut book! Her writing was so dang good, I was so engrossed in the characters and the world building! The descriptions were done amazingly.
Scarlet is the best BFF in the whole world and I was so glad Brielle had her by her side through all of the craziness of finding out she’s not human.
I thought that this was the absolute perfect why choose, dark fantasy book. I could not have asked for more nor would I want a thing to change. I’m already missing being inside this book and want to re-read so bad because I miss the story and characters so much. I can’t wait for book 2 because that freaking ending has the theories in my head going absolutely bananas!
If you loved The Bonds That Tie series, you’re going to absolutely love this, it’s seriously so freaking good.
This was so freaking GOOD!! The entire time I was reading it, I was dreading it ending, I just wanted to stay inside the story, so bad. This was the perfect mix of The Bonds That Tie and Shatter Me. I seriously would put it up there with Bonds as my new favorite why-choose, that’s how freaking good it is. The magic, the powers, the bonds, were just so intense and so cool, I really loved learning about their world and how their magic/power systems work. I loved Brielle, I loved her so much. She was such a relatable, strong FMC who has been through so much. She’s so strong, but also you get to see her emotions and vulnerability at play, and I truly enjoyed the balance.
Now let’s they to the guys because oh my gosh, they were so great. With more than one mate, sometimes a few fall short, but every single one of these guys are perfection. My favorite is Lochlan, hands freaking down.
I can’t believe this is the authors debut book! Her writing was so dang good, I was so engrossed in the characters and the world building! The descriptions were done amazingly.
Scarlet is the best BFF in the whole world and I was so glad Brielle had her by her side through all of the craziness of finding out she’s not human.
I thought that this was the absolute perfect why choose, dark fantasy book. I could not have asked for more nor would I want a thing to change. I’m already missing being inside this book and want to re-read so bad because I miss the story and characters so much. I can’t wait for book 2 because that freaking ending has the theories in my head going absolutely bananas!
If you loved The Bonds That Tie series, you’re going to absolutely love this, it’s seriously so freaking good.
April 15, 2026
ARC Review
Tropes
Why Choose
Fated Mates
Elemental Magic
Some Academic Setting
Cliffhanger
Mysterious Background
Overall 5/5
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving this book—especially the slow-burn elements and the way the plot builds over time. It’s definitely more of a “grower” than a “show-er” 😅… although, the men in this story might actually be both, if you know what I mean.
I really enjoyed how Brielle’s story unfolds—or rather, the mystery surrounding the lack of her story and how that develops throughout the book. And that cliffhanger?? I’m OBSESSED!! I can't believe I have to wait until September for book 2!
Plot 4/5
It took a little time to get going, in my opinion, but it was engaging enough to keep my attention—and I'm glad I stuck with it! There were a few high-intensity (non-sexual) moments that felt a bit abrupt and left me slightly confused, but they didn’t take away from the overall story, especially since there weren’t many of them.
The mystery behind Brielle's background and the political aspects have me super interested to see where book 2 takes us, especially after that fricking cliffhanger!
Characters 5/5
I love the men in this book. Daire, Griffin, Lochlan, Kai, and Holden... delicious. yum. yes. Daire and Griffin are the golden retrievers, and the other three are giving us the slow burn, yearning, tension that we crave.
I also love Scarlet as the female bff.
We could go deeper on the relationships, and I'm hopeful we will in the coming books!
World 3/5
Bryxton is interesting, but I don't feel like I've got any deep ties to the world yet.
Tropes
Why Choose
Fated Mates
Elemental Magic
Some Academic Setting
Cliffhanger
Mysterious Background
Overall 5/5
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving this book—especially the slow-burn elements and the way the plot builds over time. It’s definitely more of a “grower” than a “show-er” 😅… although, the men in this story might actually be both, if you know what I mean.
I really enjoyed how Brielle’s story unfolds—or rather, the mystery surrounding the lack of her story and how that develops throughout the book. And that cliffhanger?? I’m OBSESSED!! I can't believe I have to wait until September for book 2!
Plot 4/5
It took a little time to get going, in my opinion, but it was engaging enough to keep my attention—and I'm glad I stuck with it! There were a few high-intensity (non-sexual) moments that felt a bit abrupt and left me slightly confused, but they didn’t take away from the overall story, especially since there weren’t many of them.
The mystery behind Brielle's background and the political aspects have me super interested to see where book 2 takes us, especially after that fricking cliffhanger!
Characters 5/5
I love the men in this book. Daire, Griffin, Lochlan, Kai, and Holden... delicious. yum. yes. Daire and Griffin are the golden retrievers, and the other three are giving us the slow burn, yearning, tension that we crave.
I also love Scarlet as the female bff.
We could go deeper on the relationships, and I'm hopeful we will in the coming books!
World 3/5
Bryxton is interesting, but I don't feel like I've got any deep ties to the world yet.
April 12, 2026
4.5
I really enjoyed the world-building in this one and how much groundwork was laid for what’s to come. The why choose dynamic? Absolutely delectable.
Griffin and Daire had me hooked right away. Lochan is definitely the most closed off, but I have a feeling he’s going to end up being a favorite. Holden’s academic side was such a fun touch, and Kai gives off big kid energy in the best way.
Brielle is still coming into herself, trying to understand everything around her, but you can already tell she’s going to be powerful and not someone to mess with. There’s a lot of anger tied to her past, and I’m excited to see how that shapes her.
There’s also a lot of magic still to uncover, along with a mystery element that really pulls you in and keeps you wanting more.
Scarlet was such a breath of fresh air as her best friend, and Gwen added such a fun, grounding presence to the house. The found family that’s building here is strong, and I can’t wait to continue this series.
I really enjoyed the world-building in this one and how much groundwork was laid for what’s to come. The why choose dynamic? Absolutely delectable.
Griffin and Daire had me hooked right away. Lochan is definitely the most closed off, but I have a feeling he’s going to end up being a favorite. Holden’s academic side was such a fun touch, and Kai gives off big kid energy in the best way.
Brielle is still coming into herself, trying to understand everything around her, but you can already tell she’s going to be powerful and not someone to mess with. There’s a lot of anger tied to her past, and I’m excited to see how that shapes her.
There’s also a lot of magic still to uncover, along with a mystery element that really pulls you in and keeps you wanting more.
Scarlet was such a breath of fresh air as her best friend, and Gwen added such a fun, grounding presence to the house. The found family that’s building here is strong, and I can’t wait to continue this series.
Review of advance copy
I’ve received an advance copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily. All views are my own.
This book had me in a chokehold and I’m not even a why choose fan.
This is a why choose (one woman, five men). Add in elemental magic, fated mates, and an ex-prisoner FMC, and I was intrigued from the get go — but Veil of Ash went so much harder than I expected it to.
The worldbuilding is arguably the strongest selling point of this series. It’s incredibly in-depth, layered, and clearly well thought out. I loved all the unique creatures and animals woven into the world and every branch of the magic system — it made everything feel so alive and immersive. The setting itself feels like a futuristic version of earth, which added such an interesting edge to the story. The magic system? Complex, detailed, and genuinely unique — but somehow never overwhelming. That’s not easy to pull off. I really felt like I came away from this book with a solid understanding of how the world and magic function, while still knowing there’s so much more to uncover. It’s the kind of foundation that promises even deeper exploration in the next books.
Brielle is a fantastic FMC. She’s traumatised, layered, and feels incredibly real — and the way her trauma is handled is done with a lot of care and nuance. It never feels like it’s there just for the sake of it; it shapes who she is in a believable way. I also absolutely loved Gwen and Scarlet. They deserve all the appreciation. The found family dynamic? Elite. I adored it.
I’ll be honest, I’m not usually a why choose girl. I barely tolerate my husband some days, let alone the idea of juggling five men. But this? This worked. I had my doubts going in about whether each of the men would feel distinct or if they’d blur into one personality, but that was not the case. They’re all clearly individual, with their own depth and dynamics. That said, Lochlan is my favourite, and I will die on that hill.
This is such an ambitious romantasy debut, but it’s been pulled off so well. It’s one of the most complex worlds and magic systems I’ve ever read, yet it’s written in a way that’s engaging rather than overwhelming. We get enough backstory and character insight to feel satisfied, but it’s very clearly setting up something much bigger. The potential for deeper dives into each character’s past has me completely invested in this series. And there’s going to be five books? I will be devouring every single one of them.
This book had me in a chokehold and I’m not even a why choose fan.
This is a why choose (one woman, five men). Add in elemental magic, fated mates, and an ex-prisoner FMC, and I was intrigued from the get go — but Veil of Ash went so much harder than I expected it to.
The worldbuilding is arguably the strongest selling point of this series. It’s incredibly in-depth, layered, and clearly well thought out. I loved all the unique creatures and animals woven into the world and every branch of the magic system — it made everything feel so alive and immersive. The setting itself feels like a futuristic version of earth, which added such an interesting edge to the story. The magic system? Complex, detailed, and genuinely unique — but somehow never overwhelming. That’s not easy to pull off. I really felt like I came away from this book with a solid understanding of how the world and magic function, while still knowing there’s so much more to uncover. It’s the kind of foundation that promises even deeper exploration in the next books.
Brielle is a fantastic FMC. She’s traumatised, layered, and feels incredibly real — and the way her trauma is handled is done with a lot of care and nuance. It never feels like it’s there just for the sake of it; it shapes who she is in a believable way. I also absolutely loved Gwen and Scarlet. They deserve all the appreciation. The found family dynamic? Elite. I adored it.
I’ll be honest, I’m not usually a why choose girl. I barely tolerate my husband some days, let alone the idea of juggling five men. But this? This worked. I had my doubts going in about whether each of the men would feel distinct or if they’d blur into one personality, but that was not the case. They’re all clearly individual, with their own depth and dynamics. That said, Lochlan is my favourite, and I will die on that hill.
This is such an ambitious romantasy debut, but it’s been pulled off so well. It’s one of the most complex worlds and magic systems I’ve ever read, yet it’s written in a way that’s engaging rather than overwhelming. We get enough backstory and character insight to feel satisfied, but it’s very clearly setting up something much bigger. The potential for deeper dives into each character’s past has me completely invested in this series. And there’s going to be five books? I will be devouring every single one of them.
May 3, 2026
5⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
This was incredible—an instant 5-star read. A Why Choose romance with the slowest slow burn, rich world building, elemental magic, a hint of academia, and a strong female friendship? Completely addictive.
Brielle is a powerful, complex FMC—guarded for good reason. The story opens with her in prison, being tortured and constantly on edge, which makes her mistrust completely earned. When she discovers she has powers—and five fated mates—her entire world shifts. She’s taken from Earth to Bryxton and thrown into a new world with magic and a house with five very different men.
Each mate represents a different elemental power, and their reactions to the bond are wildly different. Two of them accept her immediately—protective, loyal, all in. The other three are skeptical, distant, and resistant, treating her like a potential threat rather than a partner. The push-and-pull, the mistrust, the slow unraveling of defenses—it’s addictive. Trust is earned, not given, and watching each bond develop at its own pace was so satisfying.
Outside of the romance, the stakes stay high. Brielle is hiding dangerous abilities that, if discovered by the Council, could get her killed.
That ending?? Chaos. Just as things start to settle, everything unravels. I need book two immediately.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Book 1/Romantasy Series
➳❥ Why Choose
➳❥ 5 Fated Mates
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Elemental Magic
➳❥ Touch Her & Die
➳❥ Sloooow Burn
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
“It might be the best thing I’ve felt in my whole damn life.”
“This isn’t a love story. This is survival.”
“He’s a walking thirst trap, and I’m parched.”
"Tell me again that you're not my Mate. Tell me you dont feel me. Want me. Fucking ache for me. Lie to yourself. But don't pretend vour body doesn't answer to me."
"You shouldn't be sitting between them. If Griffin or Daire showed up, it would be a bloodbath."
"Oh, good. I was worried I'd miss the misogyny from Earth."
"You don't belong to us, Bri. You belong with us. You're our balance."
Review of advance copy
You know what I love? When a book starts with a girl who thinks she's one thing, only to discover she's actually a rare, powerful magical being, and then gets immediately entangled with multiple protective and dangerous men. Veil of Ash, book one of The Veil Saga, hit all those notes for me and more!
Brielle Breslin's story is instantly engaging. From believing she's human to discovering she's a Soul Elemental, a rare Keystone, her world is turned upside down. But the real game-changer is her impossible bond with the Vestra. These five lethal guardians were prophesied to remain unbroken by a mate's allure, making Brielle's connection to them utterly forbidden. I loved the conflict this creates, especially how two of the MMCs are protective and devoted, while three view her as a direct threat to their sacred laws. This split dynamic is fantastic and provides endless possibilities for character development and earned trust.
The world of Bryxton is intriguing, built on balance but now facing imbalance due to Brielle. The elemental magic, the political tension with the Council, and the looming threat of monsters beyond the wards create a vibrant and dangerous backdrop. Brielle's need to train in secret, master her powers, and protect her mind while living under the same roof as her fated, yet divided, MMCs ensures constant tension and excitement.
My reason for a four-star rating is that, while the slow-burn romance is well-executed and the build-up of tension is masterful, I sometimes wished for a slightly quicker pace in the plot progression related to the external threats or Brielle's magical training. It felt like a lot of crucial setup, which it is as a first book, but a little more action on those fronts might have pushed it to five stars for me.
Nevertheless, Veil of Ash is a captivating and highly promising start to a why-choose romantasy series. If you're into forbidden bonds, powerful elemental magic, a strong FMC defying destiny, and a cast of intriguing, dangerous MMCs, then this book is a must-read. I am impatiently waiting to see how Brielle and her unexpected bond shake up Bryxton!
Brielle Breslin's story is instantly engaging. From believing she's human to discovering she's a Soul Elemental, a rare Keystone, her world is turned upside down. But the real game-changer is her impossible bond with the Vestra. These five lethal guardians were prophesied to remain unbroken by a mate's allure, making Brielle's connection to them utterly forbidden. I loved the conflict this creates, especially how two of the MMCs are protective and devoted, while three view her as a direct threat to their sacred laws. This split dynamic is fantastic and provides endless possibilities for character development and earned trust.
The world of Bryxton is intriguing, built on balance but now facing imbalance due to Brielle. The elemental magic, the political tension with the Council, and the looming threat of monsters beyond the wards create a vibrant and dangerous backdrop. Brielle's need to train in secret, master her powers, and protect her mind while living under the same roof as her fated, yet divided, MMCs ensures constant tension and excitement.
My reason for a four-star rating is that, while the slow-burn romance is well-executed and the build-up of tension is masterful, I sometimes wished for a slightly quicker pace in the plot progression related to the external threats or Brielle's magical training. It felt like a lot of crucial setup, which it is as a first book, but a little more action on those fronts might have pushed it to five stars for me.
Nevertheless, Veil of Ash is a captivating and highly promising start to a why-choose romantasy series. If you're into forbidden bonds, powerful elemental magic, a strong FMC defying destiny, and a cast of intriguing, dangerous MMCs, then this book is a must-read. I am impatiently waiting to see how Brielle and her unexpected bond shake up Bryxton!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trauma, tension, and five dangerously complicated men? Oh, this book absolutely understood the assignment.
Veil of Ash drops us straight into chaos with Brielle Breslin our fire-wielding, emotionally scarred queen who goes from being experimented on in a nightmare prison to discovering she’s basically the magical glue holding together a group of powerful (and let’s be honest… very intense) men. Casual.
This book is serving dark fantasy with a side of “who can I trust?” anxiety, and I was eating it up. The world of Bryxton is rich with Fae, Titans, political drama, and just enough danger to keep your heart rate slightly elevated at all times.
Brielle? Baby, she’s been THROUGH IT.
And it shows in the best way. Her trauma isn’t brushed aside, and watching her slowly reclaim her power (while still being understandably messy and guarded) felt real and earned. We love a healing journey that doesn’t magically fix itself overnight.
Now… the Vestra.
Five men. Five personalities. Infinite tension.
You’ve got protectors, skeptics, emotionally unavailable broody types you know, the full fantasy boyfriend sampler pack. The push-and-pull dynamic between them and Brielle? Chef’s kiss. Trust is NOT freely given here, and honestly, the slow thaw is what makes it so addictive.
Academy setting + political drama = chaos I signed up for.
Thornhurst is not your friendly neighborhood magic school. Between bullying, Council scrutiny, and Brielle trying not to accidentally combust everything around her, the stakes stay high. And don’t even get me started on the Veilbreakers because clearly this girl cannot catch a break.
What really hooked me? The mystery.
Brielle’s origin story? Suspicious.
The prophecy? Stressful.
The feeling that everyone knows more than she does? INFURIATING (in a good way).
You can feel that something bigger is lurking behind the scenes, and it keeps you flipping pages like your life depends on it.
Veil of Ash drops us straight into chaos with Brielle Breslin our fire-wielding, emotionally scarred queen who goes from being experimented on in a nightmare prison to discovering she’s basically the magical glue holding together a group of powerful (and let’s be honest… very intense) men. Casual.
This book is serving dark fantasy with a side of “who can I trust?” anxiety, and I was eating it up. The world of Bryxton is rich with Fae, Titans, political drama, and just enough danger to keep your heart rate slightly elevated at all times.
Brielle? Baby, she’s been THROUGH IT.
And it shows in the best way. Her trauma isn’t brushed aside, and watching her slowly reclaim her power (while still being understandably messy and guarded) felt real and earned. We love a healing journey that doesn’t magically fix itself overnight.
Now… the Vestra.
Five men. Five personalities. Infinite tension.
You’ve got protectors, skeptics, emotionally unavailable broody types you know, the full fantasy boyfriend sampler pack. The push-and-pull dynamic between them and Brielle? Chef’s kiss. Trust is NOT freely given here, and honestly, the slow thaw is what makes it so addictive.
Academy setting + political drama = chaos I signed up for.
Thornhurst is not your friendly neighborhood magic school. Between bullying, Council scrutiny, and Brielle trying not to accidentally combust everything around her, the stakes stay high. And don’t even get me started on the Veilbreakers because clearly this girl cannot catch a break.
What really hooked me? The mystery.
Brielle’s origin story? Suspicious.
The prophecy? Stressful.
The feeling that everyone knows more than she does? INFURIATING (in a good way).
You can feel that something bigger is lurking behind the scenes, and it keeps you flipping pages like your life depends on it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book consumed me from the first chapter. Fallon Hendrix is a *new to me* author and just became an auto read. I knew that I was in trouble with this book when I started at 9pm, thinking I would just get a feel for the writing, and then shamefully had to force my phone down at 1am.
Reading this book has been a religious experience and I'll sacrifice whatever she asks to get my hands on the next one.
Our main character Brielle Breslin begins the story in prison after her powers awaken on Earth. She is jailed and tortured as a result before she is found by "The Wardens" and brought to the magical realm of Bryxton. This is the first book of a series slated for 5 books, and the world building seamlessly fits in with the character building and plot development. I feel like a lot of first books will feel heavy on the details and you start to lose that attachment to your central characters. I didn't feel that way at all with Veil of Ash.
We learn about Bryxton while Bri is establishing relationships with the 5 men (The Vestra) that she is bound to (some enthusiastically, some not so much). We also have a found family including Scarlett, her best friend. Everything out of her mouth is gold; she's the feisty ride or die and I just love her.
Two of the 5 men accept her immediately and the tension and yearning on their end, I don't have words. Even the little slips in the facades of the 3 who haven't accepted her and are constantly skeptical is such a fun dynamic to read, you can't help but root for them to just GIVE IN ALREADY.
Having known this is a multi-book series I was constantly aware of how close I was to the end of the book and dreading for my poor little heart how she was going to leave us hanging. I'll just be living with chest pains until Book 2 comes out.
As if the beautiful cover and synopsis didn't do it for you already, you can take my word and glowing recommendation that this will easily be one of the best reads of the summer.
Reading this book has been a religious experience and I'll sacrifice whatever she asks to get my hands on the next one.
Our main character Brielle Breslin begins the story in prison after her powers awaken on Earth. She is jailed and tortured as a result before she is found by "The Wardens" and brought to the magical realm of Bryxton. This is the first book of a series slated for 5 books, and the world building seamlessly fits in with the character building and plot development. I feel like a lot of first books will feel heavy on the details and you start to lose that attachment to your central characters. I didn't feel that way at all with Veil of Ash.
We learn about Bryxton while Bri is establishing relationships with the 5 men (The Vestra) that she is bound to (some enthusiastically, some not so much). We also have a found family including Scarlett, her best friend. Everything out of her mouth is gold; she's the feisty ride or die and I just love her.
Two of the 5 men accept her immediately and the tension and yearning on their end, I don't have words. Even the little slips in the facades of the 3 who haven't accepted her and are constantly skeptical is such a fun dynamic to read, you can't help but root for them to just GIVE IN ALREADY.
Having known this is a multi-book series I was constantly aware of how close I was to the end of the book and dreading for my poor little heart how she was going to leave us hanging. I'll just be living with chest pains until Book 2 comes out.
As if the beautiful cover and synopsis didn't do it for you already, you can take my word and glowing recommendation that this will easily be one of the best reads of the summer.
Review of advance copy
Can I have book 2 now, please?! There were a few quirks that didn't sit quite right with me, but overall, this book was such a fun read, and I can't wait to read the whole series!
🖤Enemies-to-Lovers
🖤Found Family
🖤Fae
🖤Magic
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Trauma
🖤Soul Mates/Fated Mates
🖤Unknown Origin/Identity
🖤Reverse Harem/Split Harem
🖤Spice
🖤Academia
🖤Political Intrigue
Blurb: Brielle spent her life believing she was human until her magic awakens and gets her in trouble. After spending her days struggling to survive it's a big change when she's thrown into another realm, finds out she's a Soul Elemental and bonded to 5 Guardian Elementals who were prophesized to never have a fated mate. 2 of them are ready to burn the world down to protect her and 3 of them don't trust her and treat her like she's a liar, a spy, and a danger to everything they've ever known. She can't leave, and if the council finds out the powers, magic she can wield and the connection she has to the guardians they could kill her. She must learn everything she can about the new world she's been tossed into and master her mind to survive the council's interrogation. All while navigating the minefield and emotional rollercoaster of a relationship between her and her Vestra. Being the Keystone when no one can know and more than half of her Vestra don't want her is exhausting. Can Brielle survive the council interrogation, and her new magic filled life?
FMC: Brielle Bresilin
MMC: Daire, Lochlan, Griffen, Kai, Holden
The beginning of the story felt a little clunky to me and there were a few redundancies, but everything became much smoother the further the story went on. Overall, I still loved this read! I thought the storyline, world building and plot were very interesting and I'm excited to see where this story goes! I definitely recommend!
#ARC #bookreview #recommend #romantasy #enemiestolovers
🖤Enemies-to-Lovers
🖤Found Family
🖤Fae
🖤Magic
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Trauma
🖤Soul Mates/Fated Mates
🖤Unknown Origin/Identity
🖤Reverse Harem/Split Harem
🖤Spice
🖤Academia
🖤Political Intrigue
Blurb: Brielle spent her life believing she was human until her magic awakens and gets her in trouble. After spending her days struggling to survive it's a big change when she's thrown into another realm, finds out she's a Soul Elemental and bonded to 5 Guardian Elementals who were prophesized to never have a fated mate. 2 of them are ready to burn the world down to protect her and 3 of them don't trust her and treat her like she's a liar, a spy, and a danger to everything they've ever known. She can't leave, and if the council finds out the powers, magic she can wield and the connection she has to the guardians they could kill her. She must learn everything she can about the new world she's been tossed into and master her mind to survive the council's interrogation. All while navigating the minefield and emotional rollercoaster of a relationship between her and her Vestra. Being the Keystone when no one can know and more than half of her Vestra don't want her is exhausting. Can Brielle survive the council interrogation, and her new magic filled life?
FMC: Brielle Bresilin
MMC: Daire, Lochlan, Griffen, Kai, Holden
The beginning of the story felt a little clunky to me and there were a few redundancies, but everything became much smoother the further the story went on. Overall, I still loved this read! I thought the storyline, world building and plot were very interesting and I'm excited to see where this story goes! I definitely recommend!
#ARC #bookreview #recommend #romantasy #enemiestolovers
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I applied for this ARC with everything I had, and when that approval came through, I screamed. Downloaded it immediately, told myself just a few chapters before bed, and proceeded to finish the whole thing in one day. No regrets.
Why choose is a crowded genre but this one does something different. Our FMC was raised on Earth, completely unaware of what she is, while five men from a different dimension have been shaped by elemental powers and ancient mysteries she can barely comprehend. That divide is felt on every page the culture shock, the confusion, two worlds slowly colliding. The emotional texture here is something most books in this genre don't bother to build.
The elemental powers water, air, fire, soul, and earth are SO cool. Each one feels like a genuine extension of the man wielding it. And THEY'RE ALSO SHIFTERS. As if the powers weren't enough! I wanted more of that but this is a projected five-book series so I'm choosing patience. Barely.
Only two of the five MMCs can touch her. TWO. The tension that creates with the other three is devastating, every near miss, every charged look, every almost. I felt every bit of it.
The mindwalking sequences are some of the most powerful writing in the book. Watching the FMC excavate her past the trauma, the heartbreak, the pieces of herself she left behind wrecked me in the best way.
The slow burn is chef's kiss. The spice doesn't even arrive until 78-80% in, and by then you are so invested it absolutely earns it. The familiar archetypes are here the brooder, the one in denial, the "totally unbothered" liar, but written with so much heart, I was kicking my feet the entire time.
Veil of Ash gives you everything. I will be pushing this into every romantasy reader's hands.
I applied for this ARC with everything I had, and when that approval came through, I screamed. Downloaded it immediately, told myself just a few chapters before bed, and proceeded to finish the whole thing in one day. No regrets.
Why choose is a crowded genre but this one does something different. Our FMC was raised on Earth, completely unaware of what she is, while five men from a different dimension have been shaped by elemental powers and ancient mysteries she can barely comprehend. That divide is felt on every page the culture shock, the confusion, two worlds slowly colliding. The emotional texture here is something most books in this genre don't bother to build.
The elemental powers water, air, fire, soul, and earth are SO cool. Each one feels like a genuine extension of the man wielding it. And THEY'RE ALSO SHIFTERS. As if the powers weren't enough! I wanted more of that but this is a projected five-book series so I'm choosing patience. Barely.
Only two of the five MMCs can touch her. TWO. The tension that creates with the other three is devastating, every near miss, every charged look, every almost. I felt every bit of it.
The mindwalking sequences are some of the most powerful writing in the book. Watching the FMC excavate her past the trauma, the heartbreak, the pieces of herself she left behind wrecked me in the best way.
The slow burn is chef's kiss. The spice doesn't even arrive until 78-80% in, and by then you are so invested it absolutely earns it. The familiar archetypes are here the brooder, the one in denial, the "totally unbothered" liar, but written with so much heart, I was kicking my feet the entire time.
Veil of Ash gives you everything. I will be pushing this into every romantasy reader's hands.
March 31, 2026
⭐️ 5/5 Read
💖NEW FAVORITE BOOK ALERT💖
First I want to thank Fallon for letting me be apart of the ARC group, I was so extremely excited when I saw the book come through I dropped the book I was currently reading to start this one!
Now don’t be confused in thinking it took me a week to finish this book, it was so good I didn’t want to leave the world!
Story starts off with Brielle, who believed herself to be a human her whole life. Then different things started to happen, ✨magical✨ things that got her thrown into a terrible prison for about a year.
She ends up alerting the Elementals of her position on her so a team goes to grab her and bring her back. One of her mates is in that team, and he finds out he is her mates through touch😈
Along with her one mate there are four others apart of his vestra, one other mate touches her and tries to convince the group she is their mate but the others won’t trust so easily. She ends up going to an academy for a little bit, does training and gets closer to each member of the vestra.
She also has an awesome female best friend who goes to the academy and lives at the house with her. Scarlet plays a unique sport called tidescast which made me sooooo excited because she compared it to water polo!!
Check list
✅ 5/5 rating
📚5/5 unique story that’s well written
👫🏼5/5 Bad ass characters
🫦 10/10 Not rushing the story too many why choose make the whole group together in the first few chapters and the book gets old, ughhh it’s driving me crazy that they aren’t together but that’s what makes it soooo good!!
🌶️ 3 spice is there but I know it’s going to kick up for book two 👀
All that being said if you are still here just go read the book geez but seriously it really is that good, this is my new favorite book for the year💖
💖NEW FAVORITE BOOK ALERT💖
First I want to thank Fallon for letting me be apart of the ARC group, I was so extremely excited when I saw the book come through I dropped the book I was currently reading to start this one!
Now don’t be confused in thinking it took me a week to finish this book, it was so good I didn’t want to leave the world!
Story starts off with Brielle, who believed herself to be a human her whole life. Then different things started to happen, ✨magical✨ things that got her thrown into a terrible prison for about a year.
She ends up alerting the Elementals of her position on her so a team goes to grab her and bring her back. One of her mates is in that team, and he finds out he is her mates through touch😈
Along with her one mate there are four others apart of his vestra, one other mate touches her and tries to convince the group she is their mate but the others won’t trust so easily. She ends up going to an academy for a little bit, does training and gets closer to each member of the vestra.
She also has an awesome female best friend who goes to the academy and lives at the house with her. Scarlet plays a unique sport called tidescast which made me sooooo excited because she compared it to water polo!!
Check list
✅ 5/5 rating
📚5/5 unique story that’s well written
👫🏼5/5 Bad ass characters
🫦 10/10 Not rushing the story too many why choose make the whole group together in the first few chapters and the book gets old, ughhh it’s driving me crazy that they aren’t together but that’s what makes it soooo good!!
🌶️ 3 spice is there but I know it’s going to kick up for book two 👀
All that being said if you are still here just go read the book geez but seriously it really is that good, this is my new favorite book for the year💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
A different take on a well-loved trope. Brielle thought she was human, until things caught fire around her, then she’s taken to another world where she finds out everything she thought she knew isn’t true.
I liked how Brielle’s secrets were revealed, slowly and steadily, and not until the end did you find out what happened to her. It was brutal. And my heart broke for her.
The elemental magic system works well, and she suddenly becomes the person who shouldn’t exist because of the importance of prophecies. The five males are the strongest of their kind, and three of them refuse to touch her and are, in general, total cockwombles to her. As the other two say, they are going to be grovelling. I loved Kai, Griffin and Daire, Lochlan is the supercilious, superior character that you love to hate, while Holden was the daddy of the group.
The males all have their own secrets, but few are exposed, and not til near the end.
I enjoyed Bri’s training, and the chance it gave for individual interactions with each of her men.
This is slow burn and it was until the last quarter that any spice occurred. I felt it was lacking any romantic or sexual tension in the first half of the book. I get that it was from that Bri, herself, felt she was an imposter, an obligation, a burden, and her anxiety was incredibly well written. But I just needed a bit more.
The world building was fascinating, and I laughed at the ‘toilet.’
By the end I was rooting for the more romantic connections between Bri and her males, and the very end was a bit of a sucker punch, exposing more secrets and lies.
I ended up frustrated, needing more and felt I’d been well and truly ‘edged’ by this author. I know I’ll also be coming back for more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️
I liked how Brielle’s secrets were revealed, slowly and steadily, and not until the end did you find out what happened to her. It was brutal. And my heart broke for her.
The elemental magic system works well, and she suddenly becomes the person who shouldn’t exist because of the importance of prophecies. The five males are the strongest of their kind, and three of them refuse to touch her and are, in general, total cockwombles to her. As the other two say, they are going to be grovelling. I loved Kai, Griffin and Daire, Lochlan is the supercilious, superior character that you love to hate, while Holden was the daddy of the group.
The males all have their own secrets, but few are exposed, and not til near the end.
I enjoyed Bri’s training, and the chance it gave for individual interactions with each of her men.
This is slow burn and it was until the last quarter that any spice occurred. I felt it was lacking any romantic or sexual tension in the first half of the book. I get that it was from that Bri, herself, felt she was an imposter, an obligation, a burden, and her anxiety was incredibly well written. But I just needed a bit more.
The world building was fascinating, and I laughed at the ‘toilet.’
By the end I was rooting for the more romantic connections between Bri and her males, and the very end was a bit of a sucker punch, exposing more secrets and lies.
I ended up frustrated, needing more and felt I’d been well and truly ‘edged’ by this author. I know I’ll also be coming back for more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️
Review of advance copy
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) – A strong, atmospheric start to a promising fantasy saga**
Veil of Ash delivers a compelling opening to what feels like a richly layered fantasy series. The novel leans heavily into mood and world-building, creating a setting that feels both immersive and slightly haunting from the very first chapters.
The standout strength is its atmosphere. The author paints a world shrouded in mystery—political tension, ancient forces, and hidden histories all simmer beneath the surface. If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with a sense of unease and discovery, this book hits that tone well.
Character-wise, the protagonist is engaging, though not always easy to read emotionally. That ambiguity works in the story’s favor at times, adding depth, but occasionally makes it harder to fully connect. Supporting characters bring intrigue, especially when their motives aren’t immediately clear.
The pacing is where the book slightly stumbles. The first half prioritizes setup over action, which may feel slow for readers expecting immediate stakes. However, the payoff in the latter portion is worth it—tension builds, revelations land effectively, and the story gains real momentum heading into the sequel.
**What works well:**
* Rich, immersive world-building
* Strong sense of mystery and tension
* Intriguing character dynamics
**What could be better:**
* Slow pacing early on
* Some emotional distance from characters
Overall, *Veil of Ash* is a solid 4-star read—especially recommended for fans of dark fantasy and intricate world-building. It doesn’t rush, but if you’re patient, it sets up a series with real potential.
If you want, I can compare it to similar fantasy books or tell you whether Book 2 improves on it.
Veil of Ash delivers a compelling opening to what feels like a richly layered fantasy series. The novel leans heavily into mood and world-building, creating a setting that feels both immersive and slightly haunting from the very first chapters.
The standout strength is its atmosphere. The author paints a world shrouded in mystery—political tension, ancient forces, and hidden histories all simmer beneath the surface. If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with a sense of unease and discovery, this book hits that tone well.
Character-wise, the protagonist is engaging, though not always easy to read emotionally. That ambiguity works in the story’s favor at times, adding depth, but occasionally makes it harder to fully connect. Supporting characters bring intrigue, especially when their motives aren’t immediately clear.
The pacing is where the book slightly stumbles. The first half prioritizes setup over action, which may feel slow for readers expecting immediate stakes. However, the payoff in the latter portion is worth it—tension builds, revelations land effectively, and the story gains real momentum heading into the sequel.
**What works well:**
* Rich, immersive world-building
* Strong sense of mystery and tension
* Intriguing character dynamics
**What could be better:**
* Slow pacing early on
* Some emotional distance from characters
Overall, *Veil of Ash* is a solid 4-star read—especially recommended for fans of dark fantasy and intricate world-building. It doesn’t rush, but if you’re patient, it sets up a series with real potential.
If you want, I can compare it to similar fantasy books or tell you whether Book 2 improves on it.
Review of advance copy
I would give this six stars if it would let me! This book has got everything! I have never been so disappointed to have an almost 600 page book come to an end. I am hanging on to the edge of my seat for the sequel and praying I get to read one of the advanced reader copies because I am literally a fan for life of Fallon Hendrix's writing. She made me see everything that was happening in such vivid detail and I could taste the colors if you know what I mean. The men were so Broody and the burn was so slow and achy that I wanted to burn with Brielle. This book made me remember why I fell in love with reading all those years ago it took me out of the world I'm living in now and made me transport to a Fantasyland. I loved the relationship between the female characters and I loved the relationship between the male characters. This is going to be right up there with the Zodiac Academy I think for a lot of people. The writing in this book was so beautiful as far as pulling you in and making you invest in every single thing that was happening. There were so many pages in this very first book that some people may say was a lot of information for not a lot of outcome however I will strongly disagree because it is what built the foundation behind each and every one of these characters and I think that's where she was going with this series. I may be wrong because this is only book one, but I don't think I am. Because like I said this is only book one and I am so in love with this book I truly got done reading it and started back on page one and could not wait to start reading it yet again because I was not ready to be done with this world. I have never been more excited to be picked for an arc and my fingers are crossed and so are my toes *wink wink*.
April 15, 2026
This book was different than I expected but not in a bad way. Maintaining a relationship with one person is difficult enough let alone FIVE!!! One day you’re normal, living life to the fullest extent, you’re human. Next thing you know, your world is flipped upside down and everything changes!!!
Everything you thought you knew about yourself is a lie. You are forced to live somewhere new with these people you don’t know or trust. Brielle has to learn how to handle all these changes along with the new ways of living such as classes of beings like titans, fae, elementals, different realms, etc. all of this WHILE dealing with a traumatic past!!! Brielle has barely begun to process the events that occurred just before being whisked away to this new location.
How does one person have the headspace for a complicated childhood, traumatic recent events leading to PTSD, and now all of this new information!!!
Along with being mated to five men, three of them dislike Brielle. How does someone handle that? My anxiety could never handle being forced to be in the same house living with people I know actively dislike me! Brielle is such a strong FMC and I need more!
Speaking of strong FMCs, can we talk about Scarlet? I loved her!!! And I really hope I won’t be heartbroken by her character and she’s secretly the villain of the story in the future books because she is such a good friend to Brielle and helped her process things and provided her a safe space to vent and was someone Brielle could trust.
But…
THAT ENDING!!!!!
Made me want to throw my Kobo across the room! I really need answers! Book 1 is always heavy for world building but Book 2 is where all the action really starts and the story really picks up. I am ready for book 2!!!
Everything you thought you knew about yourself is a lie. You are forced to live somewhere new with these people you don’t know or trust. Brielle has to learn how to handle all these changes along with the new ways of living such as classes of beings like titans, fae, elementals, different realms, etc. all of this WHILE dealing with a traumatic past!!! Brielle has barely begun to process the events that occurred just before being whisked away to this new location.
How does one person have the headspace for a complicated childhood, traumatic recent events leading to PTSD, and now all of this new information!!!
Along with being mated to five men, three of them dislike Brielle. How does someone handle that? My anxiety could never handle being forced to be in the same house living with people I know actively dislike me! Brielle is such a strong FMC and I need more!
Speaking of strong FMCs, can we talk about Scarlet? I loved her!!! And I really hope I won’t be heartbroken by her character and she’s secretly the villain of the story in the future books because she is such a good friend to Brielle and helped her process things and provided her a safe space to vent and was someone Brielle could trust.
But…
THAT ENDING!!!!!
Made me want to throw my Kobo across the room! I really need answers! Book 1 is always heavy for world building but Book 2 is where all the action really starts and the story really picks up. I am ready for book 2!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Veil of Ash completely swept me away from the very first chapters. What started as a “just one more chapter before bed” read quickly turned into me flying through the book, completely invested in the world, the characters, and all the questions quietly building beneath the surface.
One of my favourite aspects of this story was how naturally the relationships developed. In a genre where mate bonds can sometimes feel rushed or instantly accepted, I really appreciated the hesitation, scepticism, and emotional restraint woven throughout the story. Watching characters hold parts of themselves back instead of immediately diving headfirst into fate made the connections feel far more believable - and somehow even more intense.
The atmosphere throughout the book carried this constant sense of tension and mystery that kept me wanting answers. Every reveal only seemed to open the door to even more questions, and I loved slowly uncovering pieces of the world alongside the characters. There’s a really addictive balance between fantasy, emotion, suspicion, and slow-building trust that made the story incredibly easy to binge.
And that ending … wow. Not every first book with a cliffhanger leaves me genuinely desperate for the next instalment, but Veil of Ash absolutely did. I finished the book needing answers immediately and already impatiently waiting to see where the story goes next.
If you enjoy fantasy romance filled with tension, secrets, emotional slow burn, and characters who don’t instantly trust the bonds tying them together, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.
One of my favourite aspects of this story was how naturally the relationships developed. In a genre where mate bonds can sometimes feel rushed or instantly accepted, I really appreciated the hesitation, scepticism, and emotional restraint woven throughout the story. Watching characters hold parts of themselves back instead of immediately diving headfirst into fate made the connections feel far more believable - and somehow even more intense.
The atmosphere throughout the book carried this constant sense of tension and mystery that kept me wanting answers. Every reveal only seemed to open the door to even more questions, and I loved slowly uncovering pieces of the world alongside the characters. There’s a really addictive balance between fantasy, emotion, suspicion, and slow-building trust that made the story incredibly easy to binge.
And that ending … wow. Not every first book with a cliffhanger leaves me genuinely desperate for the next instalment, but Veil of Ash absolutely did. I finished the book needing answers immediately and already impatiently waiting to see where the story goes next.
If you enjoy fantasy romance filled with tension, secrets, emotional slow burn, and characters who don’t instantly trust the bonds tying them together, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
FMC saved from prison by mysterious men with strange powers and whisked away to a new land where she is destined for not one but five mates? I’m hooked.
This delivered an interesting new world of magic, monsters, politics, and even the petty jealousies of an academic setting. There’s a lot to take in, and while I enjoyed it, some explanations about workings of this new world were too vague so I didn’t always understand the high stakes.
Brielle spends most of the story learning to shield her mind from government inspection, and I really liked how her backstory was revealed to the reader and MMCs through this process.
She’s also learning how to use her new powers and how to navigate this new world, which creates opportunities for her to build relationships with all five men, even the reluctant ones. It’s a slow burn with good build up and some good glimpses of more spice to come that I’m hopeful will pay off in subsequent installments.
My biggest criticism? The sheer number of training montages. Yes, the abilities trained varied but there were A LOT and that bogged down the story or me. Also, the “cliffhanger” didn’t seem like that big of a deal, but I’m trusting the process.
Overall, I devoured this. It’s heavy on the world building as expected for a first book, but there was definitely enough intrigue and romantic tension to keep me hooked. I will definitely be reading book two!
Thank you to Fallon Hendrix and Booksirens for providing me with an ARC which allowed me to read the book and voluntarily provide an unbiased review.
🌶️.5
FMC saved from prison by mysterious men with strange powers and whisked away to a new land where she is destined for not one but five mates? I’m hooked.
This delivered an interesting new world of magic, monsters, politics, and even the petty jealousies of an academic setting. There’s a lot to take in, and while I enjoyed it, some explanations about workings of this new world were too vague so I didn’t always understand the high stakes.
Brielle spends most of the story learning to shield her mind from government inspection, and I really liked how her backstory was revealed to the reader and MMCs through this process.
She’s also learning how to use her new powers and how to navigate this new world, which creates opportunities for her to build relationships with all five men, even the reluctant ones. It’s a slow burn with good build up and some good glimpses of more spice to come that I’m hopeful will pay off in subsequent installments.
My biggest criticism? The sheer number of training montages. Yes, the abilities trained varied but there were A LOT and that bogged down the story or me. Also, the “cliffhanger” didn’t seem like that big of a deal, but I’m trusting the process.
Overall, I devoured this. It’s heavy on the world building as expected for a first book, but there was definitely enough intrigue and romantic tension to keep me hooked. I will definitely be reading book two!
Thank you to Fallon Hendrix and Booksirens for providing me with an ARC which allowed me to read the book and voluntarily provide an unbiased review.
April 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ GOOD IDEAS BUT I WAS LOST IN THE WORLD BUILDING FOG 🖤🔥
This had SO many things I normally eat up:
✨ fated mates
⚔️ five guardians
🖤 split harem drama
🔮 prophecy chaos
🔥 elemental magic
On paper?? This should’ve been a five star banger for me.
But… I just didn’t fully gel with it 😬
The world building is HEAVY. Like… we’re being handed lore, politics, magic systems, prophecy rules, council drama and I was just sat there blinking like “wait… who… what… where am I??” 🤦♀️
It felt like the story took quite a while to actually get going, and by the time it did, I was still trying to keep up with everything being introduced.
The split guardian dynamic is SUCH a good idea though.
Two ready to burn the world for her 🔥
Three treating her like a walking red flag 🚩
Elite concept. Loved that.
But I wanted more character development to really sell it. I never fully connected with Brielle or the guardians, which made it harder to invest in the relationships.
And with a why choose, you NEED me emotionally attached or I’m just like… okay which one is which again?? 😂
That said, I can see this working really well for readers who love:
✨ slower burn romantasy
🖤 heavy lore and politics
🔥 multiple love interests
⚔️ training + prophecy vibes
Loads of potential and cool ideas, but the heavy world building and slower pacing meant it didn’t fully click for me… though I can definitely see others loving it.
This had SO many things I normally eat up:
✨ fated mates
⚔️ five guardians
🖤 split harem drama
🔮 prophecy chaos
🔥 elemental magic
On paper?? This should’ve been a five star banger for me.
But… I just didn’t fully gel with it 😬
The world building is HEAVY. Like… we’re being handed lore, politics, magic systems, prophecy rules, council drama and I was just sat there blinking like “wait… who… what… where am I??” 🤦♀️
It felt like the story took quite a while to actually get going, and by the time it did, I was still trying to keep up with everything being introduced.
The split guardian dynamic is SUCH a good idea though.
Two ready to burn the world for her 🔥
Three treating her like a walking red flag 🚩
Elite concept. Loved that.
But I wanted more character development to really sell it. I never fully connected with Brielle or the guardians, which made it harder to invest in the relationships.
And with a why choose, you NEED me emotionally attached or I’m just like… okay which one is which again?? 😂
That said, I can see this working really well for readers who love:
✨ slower burn romantasy
🖤 heavy lore and politics
🔥 multiple love interests
⚔️ training + prophecy vibes
Loads of potential and cool ideas, but the heavy world building and slower pacing meant it didn’t fully click for me… though I can definitely see others loving it.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this new world that Fallon Hendrix has created. It is this futuristic alternate Earth with magic, fae, Titans, Gods, and more. The beginning was quite slow but once, I got into the story I finished the last half in basically one sitting. I love stories where we get a character learning about the world as we do because it helps with world building and helps prevent massive info dumping. Fallon did a great job introducing us to the world as Brielle learned.
We have some amazing characters too. The side characters were some of my favorite and I really hope we get more of them in future books. Scarlett immediately took Brielle under her wing to help guide her through the new world. As for the guys, I love a split harem dynamic where they don't all immediately agree about the bond. The guys all felt unique and well fleshed out. I'm really hoping we get their POVs in future books. I was expecting a massive cliffhanger as we got closer to the end and it didn't disappoint. I'm cannot wait for book 2 and getting answers about the million questions I have.
My one big complaint is marketing this as an academy setting is a bit misleading since the majority of the story happens away from the academy and it feels like an afterthought that she is even attending classes. This may change in future books but for this one that was definitely not the focus.
Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the ARC!
We have some amazing characters too. The side characters were some of my favorite and I really hope we get more of them in future books. Scarlett immediately took Brielle under her wing to help guide her through the new world. As for the guys, I love a split harem dynamic where they don't all immediately agree about the bond. The guys all felt unique and well fleshed out. I'm really hoping we get their POVs in future books. I was expecting a massive cliffhanger as we got closer to the end and it didn't disappoint. I'm cannot wait for book 2 and getting answers about the million questions I have.
My one big complaint is marketing this as an academy setting is a bit misleading since the majority of the story happens away from the academy and it feels like an afterthought that she is even attending classes. This may change in future books but for this one that was definitely not the focus.
Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So I read, like a lot, of books. Almost exclusively romantasy, and am obsessed with a good why choose/reverse harem book. Well I can't say this book fits that category, because it is an AMAZING why choose/reverse harem. I love the world. I love Brielle. I love that Brielle is a simple earthling like us making it easy for us to learn the ins and outs of this world, this reality, as she learns. I love all of her men and the way the develop and unfold as the story moves. I love the friends she finds along the way, people dedicated enough to look up a pancake recipe (read the book, it'll make sense and mean a lot), and help her rebuild trust and faith in a world that should've broken her, but didn't. I love the spicy scenes, it takes awhile to get to them, but it's worth it. I also think the delay in spicy scenes makes total sense within the story, and with Brielle's development. The book also leaves so much hinted at and you wanting soooooo much more. I have a million scenes in my mind that I reeeeaaaallllyyyy hope we get to see. I also can't believe the cliffhanger at the very very end. It's so simple and subtle but still feels like falling off Mt. Everest. I will be anxiously waiting for book 2, and will read as many books in this world as Fallon wants to write.
So I read, like a lot, of books. Almost exclusively romantasy, and am obsessed with a good why choose/reverse harem book. Well I can't say this book fits that category, because it is an AMAZING why choose/reverse harem. I love the world. I love Brielle. I love that Brielle is a simple earthling like us making it easy for us to learn the ins and outs of this world, this reality, as she learns. I love all of her men and the way the develop and unfold as the story moves. I love the friends she finds along the way, people dedicated enough to look up a pancake recipe (read the book, it'll make sense and mean a lot), and help her rebuild trust and faith in a world that should've broken her, but didn't. I love the spicy scenes, it takes awhile to get to them, but it's worth it. I also think the delay in spicy scenes makes total sense within the story, and with Brielle's development. The book also leaves so much hinted at and you wanting soooooo much more. I have a million scenes in my mind that I reeeeaaaallllyyyy hope we get to see. I also can't believe the cliffhanger at the very very end. It's so simple and subtle but still feels like falling off Mt. Everest. I will be anxiously waiting for book 2, and will read as many books in this world as Fallon wants to write.
Review of advance copy
This book came put swinging 👏 it was so good from start to finish. This wasnt just another why choose fantasy it was a story I was completely immersed myself in I could put it down.
I read through this book so fast I was finding this author in Instagram before I even finished to see when we can get book to.
The world building in this book was phenomenal it went into good dept with describing the scenarios and places these characters lived and traveled. It was like living with this fmc through all of her struggles and man does she have them she has led a life full of pain and struggle. I love that these are true enimies to lovers maybe some or all not sure yet with the story ending, but im here ready to find out in the next books.
I can relate with these kind of enimies to lovers stories it is actually relatable someonebwho has been through there trauma doesnt usually just trust whoever easily and I really appreciated that with this author. These characters have a lot of growing to do. I was so pleased to finally read a book where they are growing at a normal pace not just instant like a lot of stories. Then there's a back story and it keeps coming in layers throughout which just build this story into something great. So happy to read this book and would love to read the next.
I read through this book so fast I was finding this author in Instagram before I even finished to see when we can get book to.
The world building in this book was phenomenal it went into good dept with describing the scenarios and places these characters lived and traveled. It was like living with this fmc through all of her struggles and man does she have them she has led a life full of pain and struggle. I love that these are true enimies to lovers maybe some or all not sure yet with the story ending, but im here ready to find out in the next books.
I can relate with these kind of enimies to lovers stories it is actually relatable someonebwho has been through there trauma doesnt usually just trust whoever easily and I really appreciated that with this author. These characters have a lot of growing to do. I was so pleased to finally read a book where they are growing at a normal pace not just instant like a lot of stories. Then there's a back story and it keeps coming in layers throughout which just build this story into something great. So happy to read this book and would love to read the next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Veil of Ash is a moody, character-driven fantasy that prioritizes tension and emotional depth, I really enjoyed how Brielle’s story unfolds, the mystery around it and how that develops throughout the book.
The world feels shadowed and layered, with a constant undercurrent of danger that shapes how the characters move through it. There’s a weight to the setting that makes everything feel more intense, even when the story slows down.
The FMC’s journey is very much about self-discovery and navigating forces she doesn’t fully understand… and oh boy, there’s a lot of suffering, trauma, pain, her healing journey is slow especially because of her training which brings back her most painful memories. That internal conflict adds depth, especially as she begins to question what’s real and who she can trust.
The romance is not immediate or straightforward, and that works well with the tone of the book. The five MMCs are all protective although it takes time for them to warm up to Brielle since she’s a mystery.
The world-building is intriguing, with hints of a larger magical system and political structure, but it can feel slightly under-explained early on. The clarity comes more throughout the book with Bri’s journey of discovery and healing. I am curious how this will continue in book 2 as there are still gaps to fill in.
The world feels shadowed and layered, with a constant undercurrent of danger that shapes how the characters move through it. There’s a weight to the setting that makes everything feel more intense, even when the story slows down.
The FMC’s journey is very much about self-discovery and navigating forces she doesn’t fully understand… and oh boy, there’s a lot of suffering, trauma, pain, her healing journey is slow especially because of her training which brings back her most painful memories. That internal conflict adds depth, especially as she begins to question what’s real and who she can trust.
The romance is not immediate or straightforward, and that works well with the tone of the book. The five MMCs are all protective although it takes time for them to warm up to Brielle since she’s a mystery.
The world-building is intriguing, with hints of a larger magical system and political structure, but it can feel slightly under-explained early on. The clarity comes more throughout the book with Bri’s journey of discovery and healing. I am curious how this will continue in book 2 as there are still gaps to fill in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC. All these opinions are my own!
I can’t begin to describe how obsessed with this book I am. I love Brielle and how sarcastic she is SO MUCH. She is definitely in my list of favorite FMCs now with the number of times her thoughts had me laughing.
I’m also such a stickler for books (especially why-choose) needing to show strong female friendships and this delivered. I loved Scarlet and Gwen. They really made this book so much more fun. (I’m so onboard for Gremlin Nights)
The magic system?? Loved it. The mind walking? I wish I could do that. The element related powers? Amazing.
I loved Bryxton and I think the fact that there are different dimensions is so cool. I hope we get to see more about the worlds and dimensions in the next book. The academy setting was great.
Now the romance? Definitely a slow burn. She has 5 mates but only 2 of them want her so on top of it being a slow burn with Griffin and Daire, we still have to wait for the other three to get on board. I’m not even going to lie, I do have a favorite MMC and it’s Lochlan. Each of the MMCs are so different and have fleshed out personalities that I loved though.
Brielle’s mysterious background is so intriguing and I cannot wait to find out more. I think this story was a lot of setup for the rest of the series but this book itself has me absolutely hooked for what’s to come in the rest of the Veil Saga.
I can’t begin to describe how obsessed with this book I am. I love Brielle and how sarcastic she is SO MUCH. She is definitely in my list of favorite FMCs now with the number of times her thoughts had me laughing.
I’m also such a stickler for books (especially why-choose) needing to show strong female friendships and this delivered. I loved Scarlet and Gwen. They really made this book so much more fun. (I’m so onboard for Gremlin Nights)
The magic system?? Loved it. The mind walking? I wish I could do that. The element related powers? Amazing.
I loved Bryxton and I think the fact that there are different dimensions is so cool. I hope we get to see more about the worlds and dimensions in the next book. The academy setting was great.
Now the romance? Definitely a slow burn. She has 5 mates but only 2 of them want her so on top of it being a slow burn with Griffin and Daire, we still have to wait for the other three to get on board. I’m not even going to lie, I do have a favorite MMC and it’s Lochlan. Each of the MMCs are so different and have fleshed out personalities that I loved though.
Brielle’s mysterious background is so intriguing and I cannot wait to find out more. I think this story was a lot of setup for the rest of the series but this book itself has me absolutely hooked for what’s to come in the rest of the Veil Saga.
April 16, 2026
THIS BOOOOOOOOKKKKK!!!! the ending (no spoilers) has me on the edge of my SEAT for book 2 in the best and worst way possible (worst because why is it not already in my hands?!)!!!! I am so thankful to have found this story and had the opportunity to read the ARC and fall into what very well might be one of my new favorite fantasy worlds.
Bryxton is so BEAUTIFUL in every meaning of the word. From the beautiful scenery to people (sorry, Elementals) - I wish I could find three hot men to whisk me away from my life and take me there myself!
Brielle is such a beautifully complex character, with completely valid trust issues and such a beautiful heart with so much eagerness for trust and closeness, despite the cruelty of the world. I am so thankful to have been able to get to know her in these pages, and her relationships with each of the guys is so special and unique.
This book had so many moments where I felt like I had no idea where we were going next, but everything always melded together so perfectly. From romantic tension, beautiful friendships, and Brielle finding a spark of confidence in herself, the progression of this story is so wonderful. I am so so so excited for book 2!
Bryxton is so BEAUTIFUL in every meaning of the word. From the beautiful scenery to people (sorry, Elementals) - I wish I could find three hot men to whisk me away from my life and take me there myself!
Brielle is such a beautifully complex character, with completely valid trust issues and such a beautiful heart with so much eagerness for trust and closeness, despite the cruelty of the world. I am so thankful to have been able to get to know her in these pages, and her relationships with each of the guys is so special and unique.
This book had so many moments where I felt like I had no idea where we were going next, but everything always melded together so perfectly. From romantic tension, beautiful friendships, and Brielle finding a spark of confidence in herself, the progression of this story is so wonderful. I am so so so excited for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
Oh my god! I did not want it to end!!! This book is so good. The world building is rich and immersive, the five MMCs are delectable and the fact that three of the five refuse to imprint out of caution makes it even more hot. Their hesitation toward Brielle and the bond almost comes across as bully romance in some ways, but is later explained as jealousy, we are just experiencing the story through Brielle’s lens. I honestly couldn’t tell you which of the men was my favorite. In why choose type books one expects a lot of spice, the spice is definitely here don’t get me wrong, but this book is story driven not spice driven. It was well balanced and so so good. I was constantly trying to figure out what was really happening. Brielle is thrust into this new world and we are learning the ins and outs of life as an Elemental along side her. It can be information heavy, but it’s done in a way that it’s not hard to understand. The slow bonds that Brielle finds with each of the vestra is *chefs kiss*. There is a lot of information in this book, you can tell we are being set up for this story to continue in an intense and explosive way. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Oh my god! I did not want it to end!!! This book is so good. The world building is rich and immersive, the five MMCs are delectable and the fact that three of the five refuse to imprint out of caution makes it even more hot. Their hesitation toward Brielle and the bond almost comes across as bully romance in some ways, but is later explained as jealousy, we are just experiencing the story through Brielle’s lens. I honestly couldn’t tell you which of the men was my favorite. In why choose type books one expects a lot of spice, the spice is definitely here don’t get me wrong, but this book is story driven not spice driven. It was well balanced and so so good. I was constantly trying to figure out what was really happening. Brielle is thrust into this new world and we are learning the ins and outs of life as an Elemental along side her. It can be information heavy, but it’s done in a way that it’s not hard to understand. The slow bonds that Brielle finds with each of the vestra is *chefs kiss*. There is a lot of information in this book, you can tell we are being set up for this story to continue in an intense and explosive way. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Veil of Ash is a dark fantasy romance that blends rich world-building, slow-burn tension, and a story that clearly sets up something much bigger to come.
The book leans heavily into lore, with a world shaped by gods, belief systems, and layered history. That depth makes the story feel immersive, especially if you enjoy fantasy that takes time to build its foundation. There’s a mix of magic, science, and mystery woven throughout, which adds a unique edge and keeps things interesting.
The pacing starts off a bit slow, but once it picks up, it becomes much harder to put down. In fact, once I really got into it, I couldn’t stop reading and ended up finishing it at 4 a.m. — so be prepared to not wanting to put this book down once you start.
The characters are easy to connect with, especially in their struggles to do the right thing when everything keeps going wrong. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent, and by the end, the story hits hard with a mix of shock, heartbreak, and anticipation for what’s next.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
A must-read if you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with deep world-building, emotional stakes, and a story that completely pulls you in.
The book leans heavily into lore, with a world shaped by gods, belief systems, and layered history. That depth makes the story feel immersive, especially if you enjoy fantasy that takes time to build its foundation. There’s a mix of magic, science, and mystery woven throughout, which adds a unique edge and keeps things interesting.
The pacing starts off a bit slow, but once it picks up, it becomes much harder to put down. In fact, once I really got into it, I couldn’t stop reading and ended up finishing it at 4 a.m. — so be prepared to not wanting to put this book down once you start.
The characters are easy to connect with, especially in their struggles to do the right thing when everything keeps going wrong. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent, and by the end, the story hits hard with a mix of shock, heartbreak, and anticipation for what’s next.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
A must-read if you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with deep world-building, emotional stakes, and a story that completely pulls you in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amazing book to read that I couldn't put down and read in a day, it was that good. There is longing, slow burn, and slow-building tension. Brielle, being an Element, has three of them so far. Her protectors have all five elements (air, water, ground, soul, and fire), so she may have all five as well. Griffin (water) is a fierce protector, and when he met her knew she was his mate and wanted to hurt those who hurt her when they brought her there. Daire (fire) is her second protector knew right away she was his mate when he touched her hand. Loch (soul), I think, will be the toughest one. Kai and Holden are up in the air, and it's hard to say who will give in first. Most of these men are going off of a prophecy that they are not supposed to have a mate, that she shouldn't exist, but we know that prophecies are not always what they seem. They wish to protect her from the Elders and start to train her to shield her mind when they mind walk in her mind for her meeting she will have. I can't wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book. This one was so good, I didn't want to put it down, so I know the next book will be the same.
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
Tropes:
Why Choose??
Fated Mates
Elemental Magic
Cliffhanger
Mysterious Background
Some Academic Setting
5/5 - Overall
I was genuinely surprised that I was so into this as I was. Let's just say I am OBSESSED with it all, the plot, the men, the FMC and her bff. This slow-burn along with a plot that builds the entire time.
The FMC story is wonderful and mysterious.
Not only does the book have a cliffhanger so does the FMC story.
5/5 - Plot
I was Immediately sucked in with how engaging and how well it kept in intrested. I did not want to put this down.
5/5 - Characters
The FMC Brielle is so interesting her story being mysterious kept me in, plus the why choose when you have 5 men who are mated to you. 2 of them I fell in love with right away due to the energy they give, the other 3 have everything that we want with the slowburn, tension and yearning.
The FMC's bff is just amazing and I love her!!!
I am so excited for this to come out so we all can dive into this world together, Bryxton is definitely a world that will suck us all in and I can't wait to see where it takes us.
Tropes:
Why Choose??
Fated Mates
Elemental Magic
Cliffhanger
Mysterious Background
Some Academic Setting
5/5 - Overall
I was genuinely surprised that I was so into this as I was. Let's just say I am OBSESSED with it all, the plot, the men, the FMC and her bff. This slow-burn along with a plot that builds the entire time.
The FMC story is wonderful and mysterious.
Not only does the book have a cliffhanger so does the FMC story.
5/5 - Plot
I was Immediately sucked in with how engaging and how well it kept in intrested. I did not want to put this down.
5/5 - Characters
The FMC Brielle is so interesting her story being mysterious kept me in, plus the why choose when you have 5 men who are mated to you. 2 of them I fell in love with right away due to the energy they give, the other 3 have everything that we want with the slowburn, tension and yearning.
The FMC's bff is just amazing and I love her!!!
I am so excited for this to come out so we all can dive into this world together, Bryxton is definitely a world that will suck us all in and I can't wait to see where it takes us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me engaged from the very beginning. I have been in the biggest book slump of my life and it has been a CHORE to read, but not this one. The plot and magic system were so unique and dealt with different realms, earth being one of them. The magic is elemental and includes earth, water, fire, air and soul. The concept felt fresh and not overdone at all, while also having some of my favorite tropes/themes throughout the book. The language was easy to follow and the story progressed in a way that kept me flipping the next page even when it was way past my bed time. This book does include a RH so if you’re not into that, this book probably isn’t for you, but the spice is very mild for the first 75% of the book which I actually enjoyed. The dynamic between our FMC and each of our MMC’s was so different and I enjoyed seeing each of their relationships grow independently. I’m very interested to see where book two goes because the end of this one was a whirlwind!
I did receive this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion, Thank you Fallon Hendrix for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I did receive this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion, Thank you Fallon Hendrix for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was sent this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down and finished it in less than two days. I would love in this book with these characters given the opportunity.
Fallon has done an incredible job of portraying the trauma of everything Brielle the FMC has had to go through - from her experiences as a child , the horrendous experiences of prison and torture to finding herself in another world with a group of men that don't trust her and think she is some kind of traitor.
I loved all of the characters and the evolution of their growing relationships. I loved the found family aspect with Gwen and Leif. And of course I enjoyed the reverse harem thing she had going on with lochlan, Kai, Halden, Griffen and Daire.
The world Fallon has built is lush and incredibly detailed. The magical system of Elementals and the combination of different mythology and folklore was fabulous.
And then the cliffhanger and all the unanswered questions...
And now I have to wait! I'm so sad it's over. I cannot wait for book 2 which will no doubt lead to pining for books 3, 4 and 5.
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down and finished it in less than two days. I would love in this book with these characters given the opportunity.
Fallon has done an incredible job of portraying the trauma of everything Brielle the FMC has had to go through - from her experiences as a child , the horrendous experiences of prison and torture to finding herself in another world with a group of men that don't trust her and think she is some kind of traitor.
I loved all of the characters and the evolution of their growing relationships. I loved the found family aspect with Gwen and Leif. And of course I enjoyed the reverse harem thing she had going on with lochlan, Kai, Halden, Griffen and Daire.
The world Fallon has built is lush and incredibly detailed. The magical system of Elementals and the combination of different mythology and folklore was fabulous.
And then the cliffhanger and all the unanswered questions...
And now I have to wait! I'm so sad it's over. I cannot wait for book 2 which will no doubt lead to pining for books 3, 4 and 5.
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