What do you think?
Rate this book
Verity Guild
After her father's untimely death, Kerasea becomes High Priestess of the Temple of Truth and the people of Pryor look to her for guidance. What they don't know is that she is hiding a secret which could bring the regime down.
Praetorian and revered soldier, Matelo, lost everything at the hands of Kerasea's father. Years later, he still seeks revenge.
When the beheaded body of a Senator is found with the ceremonial dagger of the temple beside him, Kerasea and Matelo's paths become inextricably linked.
And they set off on a path neither would expect.
Praetorian and revered soldier, Matelo, lost everything at the hands of Kerasea's father. Years later, he still seeks revenge.
When the beheaded body of a Senator is found with the ceremonial dagger of the temple beside him, Kerasea and Matelo's paths become inextricably linked.
And they set off on a path neither would expect.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Mai Corland
8 books1,524 followersMai Corland is a Korean American attorney and writer, born in Seoul and adopted into New York. From there, she ran away from winter and studied in Florida at Rollins College and the University of Miami. Due to a variety of questionable decisions, she currently lives in the cold again with her partner, children, and a goldfish who will outlive them all. When not writing, you can find her asleep or clutching her latte machine. Mai writes award winning children’s and young adult books under Meredith Ireland.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 477 reviews
Currently Reading
May 3, 2026An amazing fantasy detective story in Ancient Rome you didn't know you needed with enemies to lovers/ forbidden love. EXACTLY how I like it! Expect grudges that turn into obsession!! Just received a gorgeous Allurial edition of this book today and jumping in!!
February 13, 2026
I reviewed an ARC received via the Edelweiss platform.
Wow. I already know this is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Without a doubt, a 5-star read for me.
I absolutely fell in love with Mai Corland’s storytelling when I read Five Broken Blades (and then immediately rushed to binge the next two in the series), so when I heard she was combining two of my favorite genres, murder mystery and fantasy, I was ecstatic! Verity Guild did not disappoint. Genuinely, if I tried to conceptualize a book tailored to everything I personally love in a story, I don’t think I could come up with something this good.
Our protagonist, High Priestess Kerasea Vestal, finds herself entangled in the mystery surrounding the death of a senator. The case is investigated by Praetorian Torren Morvane, who has a complicated relationship with Kerasea. I loved both of these characters and the way we slowly peel back their layers, revealing their shared history and their true selves, not just the versions the rest of Pryor believes them to be. One of my favorite things about Mai’s writing is how real her characters feel, and how intimately we come to know them by the end.
The story takes place primarily in a former palace, with a fraught political past. It’s such a perfect setting for a locked-door mystery—opulent and lush, yet tinged with something forgotten and eerily secluded. You can feel the emptiness of a massive, impressive space occupied by only a handful of guests. The scale and maze-like layout make for some incredibly tense moments.
I also loved the political intrigue and strategy woven throughout. I was constantly guessing at motives and trying to assess who might have secret alliances. The cast of characters is so well drawn, you suspect one person in one chapter and completely second-guess yourself in the next. It’s a genuinely twisty tale, and I absolutely did not expect for the story to take me where it did.
This book has everything: mystery, magic, murder, and just the right kind of spice. With the recent rise of romantasy, I think some authors fall into the “more is better” trap. Different strokes for different folks, but for me, I want spice when it makes sense. When it deepens relationships and serves the story. When it feels forced or gratuitous, it can pull me right out of the narrative. Mai absolutely nails the balance here.
Now excuse me while I go spread the good word of Mai Corland to anyone who will listen!
Wow. I already know this is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Without a doubt, a 5-star read for me.
I absolutely fell in love with Mai Corland’s storytelling when I read Five Broken Blades (and then immediately rushed to binge the next two in the series), so when I heard she was combining two of my favorite genres, murder mystery and fantasy, I was ecstatic! Verity Guild did not disappoint. Genuinely, if I tried to conceptualize a book tailored to everything I personally love in a story, I don’t think I could come up with something this good.
Our protagonist, High Priestess Kerasea Vestal, finds herself entangled in the mystery surrounding the death of a senator. The case is investigated by Praetorian Torren Morvane, who has a complicated relationship with Kerasea. I loved both of these characters and the way we slowly peel back their layers, revealing their shared history and their true selves, not just the versions the rest of Pryor believes them to be. One of my favorite things about Mai’s writing is how real her characters feel, and how intimately we come to know them by the end.
The story takes place primarily in a former palace, with a fraught political past. It’s such a perfect setting for a locked-door mystery—opulent and lush, yet tinged with something forgotten and eerily secluded. You can feel the emptiness of a massive, impressive space occupied by only a handful of guests. The scale and maze-like layout make for some incredibly tense moments.
I also loved the political intrigue and strategy woven throughout. I was constantly guessing at motives and trying to assess who might have secret alliances. The cast of characters is so well drawn, you suspect one person in one chapter and completely second-guess yourself in the next. It’s a genuinely twisty tale, and I absolutely did not expect for the story to take me where it did.
This book has everything: mystery, magic, murder, and just the right kind of spice. With the recent rise of romantasy, I think some authors fall into the “more is better” trap. Different strokes for different folks, but for me, I want spice when it makes sense. When it deepens relationships and serves the story. When it feels forced or gratuitous, it can pull me right out of the narrative. Mai absolutely nails the balance here.
Now excuse me while I go spread the good word of Mai Corland to anyone who will listen!
May 4, 2026
If Mai Corland writes it, I’m reading it! Clue murder mystery, with Ancient Rome vibes, and a dash of romance! So good!
As high priestess, Kerasea is in charge of the faith of the republic. She oversees events, hears confessions, all while harboring a deadly secret of her own. Torren, the praetorian, keeps the council safe while heading investigations. Torren has spent his life wanting to bring justice upon those who deserve it, including Kerasea. But when the council gathers, murders arise, and Kerasea and Torren must unwilling work together to solve the mystery.
I was immediately pulled into this world and the mystery. I loved the idea of a locked room mystery and constantly found myself wondering who the culprit was. The story is filled with political intrigue, suspicion, and betrayal. I’m still skeptical with how the mystery came to a close since there seems to be a lot of story left to tell.
Kerasea and Torren’s relationship is one of my favorite parts. The attraction, secrets, and hurts of the past create sizzling tension between the two. There’s so much that they both still need to address and I’m already stressed for when everything comes to a head!
I was completely taken by surprise by the ending since it seemed to come out of nowhere. I’m still thinking about it and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Many thanks to Entangled for the advanced copy!
As high priestess, Kerasea is in charge of the faith of the republic. She oversees events, hears confessions, all while harboring a deadly secret of her own. Torren, the praetorian, keeps the council safe while heading investigations. Torren has spent his life wanting to bring justice upon those who deserve it, including Kerasea. But when the council gathers, murders arise, and Kerasea and Torren must unwilling work together to solve the mystery.
I was immediately pulled into this world and the mystery. I loved the idea of a locked room mystery and constantly found myself wondering who the culprit was. The story is filled with political intrigue, suspicion, and betrayal. I’m still skeptical with how the mystery came to a close since there seems to be a lot of story left to tell.
Kerasea and Torren’s relationship is one of my favorite parts. The attraction, secrets, and hurts of the past create sizzling tension between the two. There’s so much that they both still need to address and I’m already stressed for when everything comes to a head!
I was completely taken by surprise by the ending since it seemed to come out of nowhere. I’m still thinking about it and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Many thanks to Entangled for the advanced copy!
April 10, 2026
Vertiy Guild by Mai Corland is the fantasy detective story you didn't know you needed. It is definitely for fans of Crescent City and Heartless Hunter who love a little fantasy with their murder mystery. It is set in a word inspired by ancient Rome, following the overthrow and extermination of the magical Elusion bloodline. I found the murder mystery in a fantasy dynamic to be very captivating, and I was drawn into the story from the first chapter.
The characters find themselves locked into a castle during the conclave where the senators will vote on all of the laws and decisions for the republic following the death of the senate leader. The High Priestess and Praetorian are in attendance as well as leader of the faith and protector of the senate. However, the murders don't stop while sequestered in a castle, and the Praetorean has his eyes set on the High Priestess.
Did you love Gideon Sharpe from Heartless Hunter? Meet Torren, the common born Praetorian whose job is to protect the sentators, and a respected member of the Verity Guild - a group of three who oversees cases of high treason. Torren is a detective through and through, and as the murders pile up, he is racing against time to find the killer. If he doesn't, he will likely be removed as Praetorian and could be sentenced to death. Not of noble birth, he needs to maintain his position of power.
Kerasea is the High Priestess of the god of truth. She is held in the highest ranks and revered among all. She is young, having been forced into the position after her fathers death, but she is doing her best. She is being framed for the murders that take place in this book, and she works her own angles to let truth prevail. But can she do is without disclosing all of her secrets?
I found the active roll the gods take within the society to be unique and captivating. The gods are worshipped and revered, but they also make themselves known through the High Priestess and it's not based on blind faith. There are acts of god that are witnessed and honored. The power of the temple is offset by the Senate, elected by the people. But power corrupts, and it is no different in the Republic of Pryor.
This is a great book. It is fun to read, action packed, and flows like a criminal investigative show. I wish that the book had a pronunciation guide at the front. There is a list of characters and a map but I'm still not positive how to pronounce "Kerasea." I also was a bit thrown off by the descriptions of the male attire in this book - they wore togas, leather skirts with shorts underneath, and then also suit jackets and pants - the latter of which felt a bit inconsistent with the times, but I guess I don't really know when suit jackets and pants became widely available. It didn't take way from the story but felt inconsistent.
Read this book if you love:
Slow Burn
Enemies to Lovers
Criminal Investigation shows
Tension
Forced Proximity
Murder Mysteries
Class Disparity
Hidden Identity (not from the reader)
The characters find themselves locked into a castle during the conclave where the senators will vote on all of the laws and decisions for the republic following the death of the senate leader. The High Priestess and Praetorian are in attendance as well as leader of the faith and protector of the senate. However, the murders don't stop while sequestered in a castle, and the Praetorean has his eyes set on the High Priestess.
Did you love Gideon Sharpe from Heartless Hunter? Meet Torren, the common born Praetorian whose job is to protect the sentators, and a respected member of the Verity Guild - a group of three who oversees cases of high treason. Torren is a detective through and through, and as the murders pile up, he is racing against time to find the killer. If he doesn't, he will likely be removed as Praetorian and could be sentenced to death. Not of noble birth, he needs to maintain his position of power.
Kerasea is the High Priestess of the god of truth. She is held in the highest ranks and revered among all. She is young, having been forced into the position after her fathers death, but she is doing her best. She is being framed for the murders that take place in this book, and she works her own angles to let truth prevail. But can she do is without disclosing all of her secrets?
I found the active roll the gods take within the society to be unique and captivating. The gods are worshipped and revered, but they also make themselves known through the High Priestess and it's not based on blind faith. There are acts of god that are witnessed and honored. The power of the temple is offset by the Senate, elected by the people. But power corrupts, and it is no different in the Republic of Pryor.
This is a great book. It is fun to read, action packed, and flows like a criminal investigative show. I wish that the book had a pronunciation guide at the front. There is a list of characters and a map but I'm still not positive how to pronounce "Kerasea." I also was a bit thrown off by the descriptions of the male attire in this book - they wore togas, leather skirts with shorts underneath, and then also suit jackets and pants - the latter of which felt a bit inconsistent with the times, but I guess I don't really know when suit jackets and pants became widely available. It didn't take way from the story but felt inconsistent.
Read this book if you love:
Slow Burn
Enemies to Lovers
Criminal Investigation shows
Tension
Forced Proximity
Murder Mysteries
Class Disparity
Hidden Identity (not from the reader)
May 2, 2026
Verity Guild is a romantasy x political drama x closed-circle murder mystery — a loaded combo that’s compelling and fresh.
High Priestess Kerasea and Praetorian Torren are locked in a mountaintop conclave with the republic’s senators. As new laws are debated, bodies start dropping, and the balance of power teeters. Kerasea’s lifelong secret makes Torren an unlikely ally, but the two develop a tentative bond, pursuing justice while the ruling elite seem content to sweep it under the rug.
I enjoyed it all — the magic, the mystery, the political intrigue, the romance.
The cliffhanger caught me by surprise. I had incorrectly assumed this would be a standalone with the mystery wrapped up neatly at the end. I still have my suspicions about one character in particular though… so, looking forward to finding out if I’m right in the next book!
Thanks to Red Tower Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
High Priestess Kerasea and Praetorian Torren are locked in a mountaintop conclave with the republic’s senators. As new laws are debated, bodies start dropping, and the balance of power teeters. Kerasea’s lifelong secret makes Torren an unlikely ally, but the two develop a tentative bond, pursuing justice while the ruling elite seem content to sweep it under the rug.
I enjoyed it all — the magic, the mystery, the political intrigue, the romance.
The cliffhanger caught me by surprise. I had incorrectly assumed this would be a standalone with the mystery wrapped up neatly at the end. I still have my suspicions about one character in particular though… so, looking forward to finding out if I’m right in the next book!
Thanks to Red Tower Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
May 7, 2026
I loved five broken blades, the rest of the series was shaky at best but in my opinion the first book did everything it was supposed to. That's what I was hoping to get with the beginning of this new series, but instead this was a big let down.
Verity guild is a two pov story, which was the first problem. Cortland's writing style relies heavily on pacing, and her choice to make it fast and addictive is making really short chapters, and while it worked perfectly in broken blades(for me at least, I know some people thought it jarring) because of the number of povs here it doesn't work. It's just tiring because it appears like the plot is progressing fast but in reality it isn't.
Another problem is how repetitive the story is, it's a locked place murder mystery, but it didn't need to do the exact same thing multiple times, down to leading us to the same character as a suspect when it was clear from the beginning he wasn't to blame.
The romance is another enemies to lovers that doesn't feel believable because we don't understand why they hate each other. Tor said in the first chapters Kerasea is classist but that is never touched again, sure she is sheltered but where did that claim even come from? Kera doesn't like Tor because of his father but she's intelligent enough to know that's ridiculous, especially with her own history. It's clear the author just wanted to write an enemies to lovers and everything surrounding that was an after thought.
The world building is shaky, I can't figure out what she wanted to do with the religion part. Tor makes a remark about how there are many gods but they only legitimized one, but then the main character is in a position that supports that claim. Maybe it will be explored in the next books, but as we've seen before that's not the writer's forte.
I don't know if I will continue the series, probably not.
Verity guild is a two pov story, which was the first problem. Cortland's writing style relies heavily on pacing, and her choice to make it fast and addictive is making really short chapters, and while it worked perfectly in broken blades(for me at least, I know some people thought it jarring) because of the number of povs here it doesn't work. It's just tiring because it appears like the plot is progressing fast but in reality it isn't.
Another problem is how repetitive the story is, it's a locked place murder mystery, but it didn't need to do the exact same thing multiple times, down to leading us to the same character as a suspect when it was clear from the beginning he wasn't to blame.
The romance is another enemies to lovers that doesn't feel believable because we don't understand why they hate each other. Tor said in the first chapters Kerasea is classist but that is never touched again, sure she is sheltered but where did that claim even come from? Kera doesn't like Tor because of his father but she's intelligent enough to know that's ridiculous, especially with her own history. It's clear the author just wanted to write an enemies to lovers and everything surrounding that was an after thought.
The world building is shaky, I can't figure out what she wanted to do with the religion part. Tor makes a remark about how there are many gods but they only legitimized one, but then the main character is in a position that supports that claim. Maybe it will be explored in the next books, but as we've seen before that's not the writer's forte.
I don't know if I will continue the series, probably not.
May 9, 2026
I am begging. Screaming. Tears in my eyes, kneeling on the floor, pleading for my life for publishers to STOP MARKETING IT AS ROMANTASY IF THERE’S NO FUCKING ROMANCE
I got to 40% before I threw in the towel. Absolutely no romance to speak of. If whoever was trying to sell this book had just been honest about what it contained, I wouldn’t be so annoyed. I just wouldn’t have bought it, and we all could have carried on with our lives. I would have picked something else to read and not risked falling back into the awful slump thats been plaguing me for months.
This is a murder mystery set in an Ancient Rome inspired world, with apparently a romantic sub plot.
Yeah, if I’m almost halfway through and they’ve only had two scenes where there’s any kind of tension to speak of, count me the fuck out, I’m taking my audible credit back thank you very much. If you like murder mysteries, slay. Pop off queen. You’ll love this. I personally find them to be excruciatingly unentertaining on their own, and I wanted to read this for the romance that I was told would be actually part of the plot.
This is another Wild Reverence situation and I’m PISSED. STOP MARKETING BOOKS WRONG!!!! The fact that this book is a monthly romantasy pick in TWO of my book boxes is criminal. Give me something!!! GIVE ME ANYTHING!!! This book is 90% politics. In a world that has almost no lore?? Why would I care about the inner workings of a corrupt central government when you haven’t given me any reason to develop even a hint of interest in any of the characters 😭
I’m sorry. I’m just so pissed off, I came in expecting AT LEAST a tantalising slow burn romance that was actually present and interwoven throughout a murder mystery puzzle, BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT ROMANTASY MEANS, and all I got in nearly 2 hours (on 2.5x mind you) was one scene where he had her against the wall and glanced at her lips?? Please.
I am genuinely losing my mind. Stop calling it romantasy if it’s a fantasy with a hint of romance. Those are different things that appeal to different people and I WOULD NOT HAVE WASTED MY TIME!!!
I got to 40% before I threw in the towel. Absolutely no romance to speak of. If whoever was trying to sell this book had just been honest about what it contained, I wouldn’t be so annoyed. I just wouldn’t have bought it, and we all could have carried on with our lives. I would have picked something else to read and not risked falling back into the awful slump thats been plaguing me for months.
This is a murder mystery set in an Ancient Rome inspired world, with apparently a romantic sub plot.
Yeah, if I’m almost halfway through and they’ve only had two scenes where there’s any kind of tension to speak of, count me the fuck out, I’m taking my audible credit back thank you very much. If you like murder mysteries, slay. Pop off queen. You’ll love this. I personally find them to be excruciatingly unentertaining on their own, and I wanted to read this for the romance that I was told would be actually part of the plot.
This is another Wild Reverence situation and I’m PISSED. STOP MARKETING BOOKS WRONG!!!! The fact that this book is a monthly romantasy pick in TWO of my book boxes is criminal. Give me something!!! GIVE ME ANYTHING!!! This book is 90% politics. In a world that has almost no lore?? Why would I care about the inner workings of a corrupt central government when you haven’t given me any reason to develop even a hint of interest in any of the characters 😭
I’m sorry. I’m just so pissed off, I came in expecting AT LEAST a tantalising slow burn romance that was actually present and interwoven throughout a murder mystery puzzle, BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT ROMANTASY MEANS, and all I got in nearly 2 hours (on 2.5x mind you) was one scene where he had her against the wall and glanced at her lips?? Please.
I am genuinely losing my mind. Stop calling it romantasy if it’s a fantasy with a hint of romance. Those are different things that appeal to different people and I WOULD NOT HAVE WASTED MY TIME!!!
May 19, 2026
This was my first encounter with this author and I definitely was a pleasant one. The mix of murder mystery, magic and romance felt on point, and it didn’t take much effort to get through.
The thing that’s making it miss the full mark is the fact that the romance it pitched as enemies to lovers, but we don’t really know why they hate each other. But Torren is obsessed with Kerasea and that’s pretty much the foundation for the relationship, so it didn’t feel believable.
Kerasea also have the powers of an Elusian. This is pretty much ignored throughout the book and only makes an appearance when it’s convenient for the plot. But then the powers are so frustratingly bad just to continue to draw out an already short story.
I would probably continue the series if the next book was available now, but I will see in the future.
The thing that’s making it miss the full mark is the fact that the romance it pitched as enemies to lovers, but we don’t really know why they hate each other. But Torren is obsessed with Kerasea and that’s pretty much the foundation for the relationship, so it didn’t feel believable.
Kerasea also have the powers of an Elusian. This is pretty much ignored throughout the book and only makes an appearance when it’s convenient for the plot. But then the powers are so frustratingly bad just to continue to draw out an already short story.
I would probably continue the series if the next book was available now, but I will see in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS. I mean… just… I was at least right about one major thing so that counts as a win, considering how many plot twists this book had lol! This book hooked me in from the very beginning & had me on the edge of my seat the entire time — I hated having to put it down!
First off, I LOVE Kera & Tor. like, so much, and I have a few of my own theories about both of them that weren’t answered in this first book, so I’m already anxious & looking forward to book two! the ONLY bad thing about arc reading is that you’re already dying for the next book before the first is even released😅 but that just speaks to the author’s uncanny ability to keep you that invested! …and invested, I was!
This is a slow burn romantasy, but it was also a murder mystery & had a lot of suspense along with everything else that comes with romantasy, and I mean it when I say I hated having to put it down!
🫶🏼 thank you, Red Tower Books for the gifted physical copy! all thoughts are my own
☾𖤓 “Most everything about working with him is good for me. That is, of course, unless he uncovers that I am Elusian.” (not a spoiler) ☾𖤓
5⭐️
First off, I LOVE Kera & Tor. like, so much, and I have a few of my own theories about both of them that weren’t answered in this first book, so I’m already anxious & looking forward to book two! the ONLY bad thing about arc reading is that you’re already dying for the next book before the first is even released😅 but that just speaks to the author’s uncanny ability to keep you that invested! …and invested, I was!
This is a slow burn romantasy, but it was also a murder mystery & had a lot of suspense along with everything else that comes with romantasy, and I mean it when I say I hated having to put it down!
🫶🏼 thank you, Red Tower Books for the gifted physical copy! all thoughts are my own
☾𖤓 “Most everything about working with him is good for me. That is, of course, unless he uncovers that I am Elusian.” (not a spoiler) ☾𖤓
5⭐️
May 20, 2026
Trust me when I say no one is more surprised that I gave this book 5⭐️ than me. It was so good that it was glued to my hands. This is a murder mystery but set in a fantasy world. You basically get the best of both worlds and who doesn’t love that?!
April 24, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Entangled and Red Tower, and Mai Corland for the ARC of this book! This is my first murder mystery book and the fact that it was also a romantasy was just an incredible combination. The world building was really good and I absolutely adored the FMC and MMC!! The FMC was such a badass and the MMC as grumpy as he was 🤭❤️ is such a fun character to read!!
I didn’t realize how much I like murder mysteries until reading Verity Guild!
This book had me questioning everything I thought I knew from the first page to the very last page. And that ending had me absolutely SHOOK!! What a cliffhanger!!!
Tropes:
Grumpy love interest
Slow burn romance
Murder mystery romantasy
Deadly games of power
Grudges and betrayal
Conspiracies
I didn’t realize how much I like murder mysteries until reading Verity Guild!
This book had me questioning everything I thought I knew from the first page to the very last page. And that ending had me absolutely SHOOK!! What a cliffhanger!!!
Tropes:
Grumpy love interest
Slow burn romance
Murder mystery romantasy
Deadly games of power
Grudges and betrayal
Conspiracies
May 7, 2026
3.5⭐️
I genuinely thought this was a standalone, but apparently we’re getting a cliffhanger instead 😑
This was a fast-paced fantasy romance with a really engaging murder mystery subplot, and I had a great time with it overall. I especially loved how the author keeps making you question everything and suspect everyone.
Unfortunately, the romance didn’t work for me at all. I didn’t believe in it for a single moment. It had potential, but the execution completely missed the mark for me, because it felt like it came out of nowhere 🤷🏻♀️ I actually have similar feelings about the romances in her other series too.
I’d still recommend it if you’re looking for a palate cleanser. I’ll probably continue the series myself, but since this book just came out, I guess we’ll be waiting a while for the sequel.
I genuinely thought this was a standalone, but apparently we’re getting a cliffhanger instead 😑
This was a fast-paced fantasy romance with a really engaging murder mystery subplot, and I had a great time with it overall. I especially loved how the author keeps making you question everything and suspect everyone.
Unfortunately, the romance didn’t work for me at all. I didn’t believe in it for a single moment. It had potential, but the execution completely missed the mark for me, because it felt like it came out of nowhere 🤷🏻♀️ I actually have similar feelings about the romances in her other series too.
I’d still recommend it if you’re looking for a palate cleanser. I’ll probably continue the series myself, but since this book just came out, I guess we’ll be waiting a while for the sequel.
May 12, 2026
I had a really good time reading this one. This is like a who done it/ knives out situation meets the Roman Empire with forbidden magic and a slow burn I would say one-sided enemies to lovers romance.
If you like a lot of political intrigue in your books and a murder mystery as the main plot, unique Magic and a good slow burn with tension then I highly recommend this one. Ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger, but I’m very excited for Book 2.
Tropes
Hidden/forbidden Magic
Roman inspired fantasy
One-sided enemies to lovers
Murder mystery
Knife to his throat scene
Political intrigue
If you like a lot of political intrigue in your books and a murder mystery as the main plot, unique Magic and a good slow burn with tension then I highly recommend this one. Ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger, but I’m very excited for Book 2.
Tropes
Hidden/forbidden Magic
Roman inspired fantasy
One-sided enemies to lovers
Murder mystery
Knife to his throat scene
Political intrigue
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I had an insane amount of fun reading Verity Guild. Like—actually feral, pacing-my-room, “just one more chapter” kind of fun. This book is basically a murder mystery wrapped in a fantasy setting and I was EATING IT UP. I was suspicious of EVERYONE. Trust? Gone. Peace? Nonexistent. I needed to know who did it immediately.
Mai Corland really said “I will give you clues but I will also make you spiral” and she delivered. The hints are there, you can piece things together, but it never ruins the mystery. I was locked in, fully unwell, side-eyeing every character like they personally wronged me.
AND THEN THAT ENDING??? I genuinely thought this was a standalone so imagine me, already emotionally invested, turning the last pages and getting smacked in the face with a cliffhanger the size of a building. I sat there. In silence. Processing betrayal. Book one isn’t even officially out yet and I’m already suffering waiting for book two???
Kera and Tor??? Oh I’m OBSESSED. Tor is that grumpy, hates-everyone-except-her type and I will NEVER get tired of that trope. Oh he’s rude to the entire world but soft for her?? Inject it into my veins. I will eat that every single time, no questions asked. Meanwhile Kera’s character development?? Chef’s kiss. Watching her grow into herself was so satisfying and I NEED her to go even harder with her powers in book two. Also I have QUESTIONS about her origins and I expect answers!!!
Also can we talk about the setting?? Murder mystery but make it ancient Roman-inspired fantasy?? Why is this not a whole genre already??? We need MORE of this immediately.
My only gripe—and it’s not even really on the author—is the whole “romantasy” label. This is NOT that. The romance is there, sure, but it is very much playing backup dancer to the murder mystery. The vibes are mystery first, yearning second. Publishers need to calm down with the romantasy stamp on everything.
Anyway, 4.5 stars, I had the time of my life, and now I’m left here emotionally compromised waiting for book two like a clown.
Mai Corland really said “I will give you clues but I will also make you spiral” and she delivered. The hints are there, you can piece things together, but it never ruins the mystery. I was locked in, fully unwell, side-eyeing every character like they personally wronged me.
AND THEN THAT ENDING??? I genuinely thought this was a standalone so imagine me, already emotionally invested, turning the last pages and getting smacked in the face with a cliffhanger the size of a building. I sat there. In silence. Processing betrayal. Book one isn’t even officially out yet and I’m already suffering waiting for book two???
Kera and Tor??? Oh I’m OBSESSED. Tor is that grumpy, hates-everyone-except-her type and I will NEVER get tired of that trope. Oh he’s rude to the entire world but soft for her?? Inject it into my veins. I will eat that every single time, no questions asked. Meanwhile Kera’s character development?? Chef’s kiss. Watching her grow into herself was so satisfying and I NEED her to go even harder with her powers in book two. Also I have QUESTIONS about her origins and I expect answers!!!
Also can we talk about the setting?? Murder mystery but make it ancient Roman-inspired fantasy?? Why is this not a whole genre already??? We need MORE of this immediately.
My only gripe—and it’s not even really on the author—is the whole “romantasy” label. This is NOT that. The romance is there, sure, but it is very much playing backup dancer to the murder mystery. The vibes are mystery first, yearning second. Publishers need to calm down with the romantasy stamp on everything.
Anyway, 4.5 stars, I had the time of my life, and now I’m left here emotionally compromised waiting for book two like a clown.
May 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the eARC!
This book was magnificent and it was everything I could have wanted. It perfectly blended my love of fantasy with my other great love, a head-scratching murder mystery that kept me guessing! The cliffhanger at the end has me so stressed (in a good way…I think?) and I can’t wait to read what happens next!
This book was magnificent and it was everything I could have wanted. It perfectly blended my love of fantasy with my other great love, a head-scratching murder mystery that kept me guessing! The cliffhanger at the end has me so stressed (in a good way…I think?) and I can’t wait to read what happens next!
May 5, 2026
Happy release day, and thanks to Red Tower for the ARC in exchange for an honest review :)
More like 2.5 rounded down. This wasn’t bad, clearly it was entertaining enough to finish in a couple hours, but I was just…. bored and uninterested in the general plot. I liked the mystery element to it but things weren’t really explained the way I wanted them to be. I also didn’t really care about the characters. The ending was very abrupt, and even after 350 pages, it didn’t feel wrapped up.
I’m sure this will be a very popular book to a certain audience! I just think that this was entertaining enough to finish in a couple hours but i have no intention of reading book 2 when it releases because I just didn’t care enough about the story. (I also have a lot of gripes over the misuse of Ancient Roman aspects but that’s just me being an annoyed history major.)
More like 2.5 rounded down. This wasn’t bad, clearly it was entertaining enough to finish in a couple hours, but I was just…. bored and uninterested in the general plot. I liked the mystery element to it but things weren’t really explained the way I wanted them to be. I also didn’t really care about the characters. The ending was very abrupt, and even after 350 pages, it didn’t feel wrapped up.
I’m sure this will be a very popular book to a certain audience! I just think that this was entertaining enough to finish in a couple hours but i have no intention of reading book 2 when it releases because I just didn’t care enough about the story. (I also have a lot of gripes over the misuse of Ancient Roman aspects but that’s just me being an annoyed history major.)
May 13, 2026
Disclaimer this is based on my personal feelings, opinions and preferences. Your mileage may vary.
As well, please be advised that no clear spoilers are mentioned in this review but vague mentions of things are noted, including a vague mention of ending at point 3 in the review.
I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. It started off OK, I could see potential, but unfortunately it went downhill for me.
1) I didn't like the FMC or MMC. I like a good flawed characther is done right, because after all we are all flawed as human beings, but the issue in this one is I didn't find anything to like personally.
The Praetorian is violent and pig headed in a bad way. He sees nothing wrong with torturing someone even if they are innocent because it's his "duty". We are told "He's a good guy" but not in my book. He also refuses to see the flaws in the system he protects and refuses to look at other "thruths". That would have been OK if it evolved and he learned the error of his ways but it didn't. We also aren't really given much about him to cheer for other than the fact hes not a total A-hole because he feels remorse when torturing innocent people and helped his BFF when he was outnumbered. I needed more to be able to connect with him and see he is actually redeemable. A lot more if I need to keep that hope through this whole book and into book 2.
The FMC was similar. She also gave me whiplash. Super shy one moment and badass confident the next, and repeat. She was also so sheltered and in her own world that she didn't allow any connection with anyone even stating that later in the book that her servant (who she goes above and beyond for) and her so called mother figure could never be her friend. She is supposed to be so empathetic and good but I had nothing to connect to with her characther. Other than someone supposedly "good" and "faithful to her god" who is she? We don't get anything but that and the story of how she was found as a child. I didn't find anything to root for her in her characther personally.
2) The religious aspect was underdevelopped in my opinion. Maybe we will get more in book 2, as its hinted the role the religion the FMC is in impacted a war (and that can't be coincidence since there is many gods). The FMC is super loyal to this religion but she basically was just brought up in it. I would have liked some internal thoughts on if she believes in this god, would she have chosen them either way (we get the briefest one line of her questionning people paying to tell their secrets but its brushed off and nothing else comes up)? The gods seem to be a big element of this book (other than the FMC is a priestess) but we don't get much info other than what they represent (thruth, death, protection, etc) and even then I don't think we are told what each god represents, just a few of them and only in passing (ex: We will fetch the priests of protection). No origin story, no info on where the gods originated and how. No info on how they work (other than people confessing secrets in one scene). For a book with so much of the story hinging on these gods and many many scenes of the FMC blessing people I would have liked more to be able to connect more with what was happening. To me it just seemed shallow.
3) Pacing was off to me. Not only that the book dragged for me at multiple paces but in things like the romance. I felt zero connection between the two MCs and then suddenly after vague mentions of sexual tension now and then (but mostly them supposedly still hating each other) and then, bam, theres connection, they like each other, he softens for her (which again, you've hated her your hole life, still thinks she did this awful thing to you but by the end he forgets about it conviniently?) That wasn't handled well in my opinion. I get "hate sex" but it wasn't even that, that tension and "will they won't they" wasn't built to a point that I cared at all.
The mystery was similar it was slow going, not getting much info, repetitive and not getting enough breadcrumbs in between. Then the end its a very very abrupt "I know why they did it" followed by maybe a page or less later, the cliffhanger. After reading this whole book give me something more than that. At least a confrontation with the villain or the MMC sharing what he knows with the FMC. I have to say at the start I liked the layers the author was putting down but it dragged too much in my opinion which reduced the enjoyment or appreciation of it. Especially considering what we end up getting as the 'payoff'.
On the note of the ending what the FMC was about to do is also really odd to me. She said "I can't trust anyone, not even my mother figure who already knows the thing" but suddenly shes about to trust someone who she says she doesn't fully trust, who was her enemy less than a week ago, and she knows doesn't fully trust and for what? Because you did it 1 time?
4) Some inconsistencies. Ex: On page 19 the FMC says "The Praetorian is Twenty-Five, like myself" and then on page 107 she says "I am Twenty-Two, not a child...". We are told twice what Foreaus "secret" is and the second time the MMC is quite literraly like "I was suprised to hear Julian say that", but from what I remember, Julian already told you that. Or like at the end where the FMC says "I'll tell you something but don't ask" the other person says deal, and later on very abruptly that person decides they know the truth, and glosses over her asking to not ask questions. There was more but these inconsistencies honestly pull me out of a story so much that I try to ignore them so I didn't write them down.
5) Give me more worldbuilding. We get basics on the world but not much. We know there is some kind of war (but why, only for land, how did it start? Because they thought they could push them over? If so why are they such a big "our biggest enemy" if you are giving them all they want?), we know there is 5 gods and some poeple worship them, that there was other gods before, but again information is laking in my opinion.
With all of that said, I did like the message the author was presumably sharing (how corruption works even in 'elected' goverments). I say presumably because that is my interpretation and not a known fact/something the author said and that is a very timely subject matter, it was for the most part handled well too. It wasn't badly written either, the author writes well. Its also an interesting concept, but unfortunatly it didn't work for me.
As well, please be advised that no clear spoilers are mentioned in this review but vague mentions of things are noted, including a vague mention of ending at point 3 in the review.
I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. It started off OK, I could see potential, but unfortunately it went downhill for me.
1) I didn't like the FMC or MMC. I like a good flawed characther is done right, because after all we are all flawed as human beings, but the issue in this one is I didn't find anything to like personally.
The Praetorian is violent and pig headed in a bad way. He sees nothing wrong with torturing someone even if they are innocent because it's his "duty". We are told "He's a good guy" but not in my book. He also refuses to see the flaws in the system he protects and refuses to look at other "thruths". That would have been OK if it evolved and he learned the error of his ways but it didn't. We also aren't really given much about him to cheer for other than the fact hes not a total A-hole because he feels remorse when torturing innocent people and helped his BFF when he was outnumbered. I needed more to be able to connect with him and see he is actually redeemable. A lot more if I need to keep that hope through this whole book and into book 2.
The FMC was similar. She also gave me whiplash. Super shy one moment and badass confident the next, and repeat. She was also so sheltered and in her own world that she didn't allow any connection with anyone even stating that later in the book that her servant (who she goes above and beyond for) and her so called mother figure could never be her friend. She is supposed to be so empathetic and good but I had nothing to connect to with her characther. Other than someone supposedly "good" and "faithful to her god" who is she? We don't get anything but that and the story of how she was found as a child. I didn't find anything to root for her in her characther personally.
2) The religious aspect was underdevelopped in my opinion. Maybe we will get more in book 2, as its hinted the role the religion the FMC is in impacted a war (and that can't be coincidence since there is many gods). The FMC is super loyal to this religion but she basically was just brought up in it. I would have liked some internal thoughts on if she believes in this god, would she have chosen them either way (we get the briefest one line of her questionning people paying to tell their secrets but its brushed off and nothing else comes up)? The gods seem to be a big element of this book (other than the FMC is a priestess) but we don't get much info other than what they represent (thruth, death, protection, etc) and even then I don't think we are told what each god represents, just a few of them and only in passing (ex: We will fetch the priests of protection). No origin story, no info on where the gods originated and how. No info on how they work (other than people confessing secrets in one scene). For a book with so much of the story hinging on these gods and many many scenes of the FMC blessing people I would have liked more to be able to connect more with what was happening. To me it just seemed shallow.
3) Pacing was off to me. Not only that the book dragged for me at multiple paces but in things like the romance. I felt zero connection between the two MCs and then suddenly after vague mentions of sexual tension now and then (but mostly them supposedly still hating each other) and then, bam, theres connection, they like each other, he softens for her (which again, you've hated her your hole life, still thinks she did this awful thing to you but by the end he forgets about it conviniently?) That wasn't handled well in my opinion. I get "hate sex" but it wasn't even that, that tension and "will they won't they" wasn't built to a point that I cared at all.
The mystery was similar it was slow going, not getting much info, repetitive and not getting enough breadcrumbs in between. Then the end its a very very abrupt "I know why they did it" followed by maybe a page or less later, the cliffhanger. After reading this whole book give me something more than that. At least a confrontation with the villain or the MMC sharing what he knows with the FMC. I have to say at the start I liked the layers the author was putting down but it dragged too much in my opinion which reduced the enjoyment or appreciation of it. Especially considering what we end up getting as the 'payoff'.
On the note of the ending what the FMC was about to do is also really odd to me. She said "I can't trust anyone, not even my mother figure who already knows the thing" but suddenly shes about to trust someone who she says she doesn't fully trust, who was her enemy less than a week ago, and she knows doesn't fully trust and for what? Because you did it 1 time?
4) Some inconsistencies. Ex: On page 19 the FMC says "The Praetorian is Twenty-Five, like myself" and then on page 107 she says "I am Twenty-Two, not a child...". We are told twice what Foreaus "secret" is and the second time the MMC is quite literraly like "I was suprised to hear Julian say that", but from what I remember, Julian already told you that. Or like at the end where the FMC says "I'll tell you something but don't ask" the other person says deal, and later on very abruptly that person decides they know the truth, and glosses over her asking to not ask questions. There was more but these inconsistencies honestly pull me out of a story so much that I try to ignore them so I didn't write them down.
5) Give me more worldbuilding. We get basics on the world but not much. We know there is some kind of war (but why, only for land, how did it start? Because they thought they could push them over? If so why are they such a big "our biggest enemy" if you are giving them all they want?), we know there is 5 gods and some poeple worship them, that there was other gods before, but again information is laking in my opinion.
With all of that said, I did like the message the author was presumably sharing (how corruption works even in 'elected' goverments). I say presumably because that is my interpretation and not a known fact/something the author said and that is a very timely subject matter, it was for the most part handled well too. It wasn't badly written either, the author writes well. Its also an interesting concept, but unfortunatly it didn't work for me.
April 20, 2026
Review of advanced copy from NetGalley.
I didn’t realize how much I needed a fantasy murder mystery like Verity Guild until I was completely pulled into it. This book is such a fun, addictive blend of intrigue, magic, and slow-burn tension, and it hooked me within the first few chapters.
The setting is one of my favorite parts. It has this ancient Rome–inspired atmosphere layered with political tension, power struggles, and a society where the gods are very real and very present. The entire story unfolding within this locked-in, high-stakes conclave creates such an intense, almost claustrophobic feeling—in the best way. It reads like a fantasy version of a criminal investigation show, but with higher stakes and way more secrets.
And the mystery? I was second-guessing myself the entire time. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, something shifted. The twists keep coming, the tension keeps building, and by the end I was still questioning everything (in a way that made me immediately want book two).
Kerasea and Torren absolutely carried this story for me. Kerasea, young, powerful, and under constant scrutiny, with secrets of her own was such a compelling FMC to follow, especially as everything starts closing in around her. And Torren? The classic determined warrior/investigator who starts out convinced of one thing and slowly realizes nothing is as simple as it seems. Their dynamic is exactly what I want in an enemies-to-lovers setup—suspicious, layered, and full of that underlying tension that just keeps building.
I also really appreciated how the romance was handled. It’s a true slow burn meaning it’s intentional, simmering, and woven into the story rather than overpowering it. It adds to the stakes instead of distracting from them, which made it hit even harder.
If you love:
• fantasy + murder mystery
• political intrigue and power plays
• locked-room/closed setting tension
• slow burn, enemies-to-lovers
• constantly questioning who you can trust
…you’re going to have a great time with this.
This one was such a compelling, bingeable read for me. I flew through it, got completely wrapped up in the mystery, and now I’m just sitting here like…okay but I need the next book immediately!
I didn’t realize how much I needed a fantasy murder mystery like Verity Guild until I was completely pulled into it. This book is such a fun, addictive blend of intrigue, magic, and slow-burn tension, and it hooked me within the first few chapters.
The setting is one of my favorite parts. It has this ancient Rome–inspired atmosphere layered with political tension, power struggles, and a society where the gods are very real and very present. The entire story unfolding within this locked-in, high-stakes conclave creates such an intense, almost claustrophobic feeling—in the best way. It reads like a fantasy version of a criminal investigation show, but with higher stakes and way more secrets.
And the mystery? I was second-guessing myself the entire time. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, something shifted. The twists keep coming, the tension keeps building, and by the end I was still questioning everything (in a way that made me immediately want book two).
Kerasea and Torren absolutely carried this story for me. Kerasea, young, powerful, and under constant scrutiny, with secrets of her own was such a compelling FMC to follow, especially as everything starts closing in around her. And Torren? The classic determined warrior/investigator who starts out convinced of one thing and slowly realizes nothing is as simple as it seems. Their dynamic is exactly what I want in an enemies-to-lovers setup—suspicious, layered, and full of that underlying tension that just keeps building.
I also really appreciated how the romance was handled. It’s a true slow burn meaning it’s intentional, simmering, and woven into the story rather than overpowering it. It adds to the stakes instead of distracting from them, which made it hit even harder.
If you love:
• fantasy + murder mystery
• political intrigue and power plays
• locked-room/closed setting tension
• slow burn, enemies-to-lovers
• constantly questioning who you can trust
…you’re going to have a great time with this.
This one was such a compelling, bingeable read for me. I flew through it, got completely wrapped up in the mystery, and now I’m just sitting here like…okay but I need the next book immediately!
May 6, 2026
This was super unique and I always love a good mystery to go along with my romantasy but this was so different then other mystery romantasy books I’ve read that tend to be in urban fantasy settings - I loved the Ancient Rome vibes. It was lowkey giving Clue but make it fantasy setting. The way it really is mostly a locked in mystery and that’s the central plot was both exciting but also I craved a little more fantasy and romance so took a while to get fully immersed into the story for me but by 30% or so I was binging it and trying to figure out the murder mystery!
The slow burn forced proximity between Kerasea and Torren was really fun and I loved all the delicious tension! The ending really caught me off guard and I’m very curious what will happen next. I don’t know if this is exactly my type of read but I absolutely think it is one of the most unique books I’ve read in a while!
Thank you to Entangled for the eARC!
The slow burn forced proximity between Kerasea and Torren was really fun and I loved all the delicious tension! The ending really caught me off guard and I’m very curious what will happen next. I don’t know if this is exactly my type of read but I absolutely think it is one of the most unique books I’ve read in a while!
Thank you to Entangled for the eARC!
May 15, 2026
I really enjoyed the murder mystery in this one, and I’m always a fan of a good slow burn.
If you like political intrigue mixed with murder mystery, definitely give this one a go.
4 stars
Tropes:
*Hidden/forbidden magic
*Roman-inspired fantasy
*Enemies to lovers
*Murder mystery
*Political intrigue
If you like political intrigue mixed with murder mystery, definitely give this one a go.
4 stars
Tropes:
*Hidden/forbidden magic
*Roman-inspired fantasy
*Enemies to lovers
*Murder mystery
*Political intrigue
May 20, 2026
This was less Romantasy and more murder mystery, with a heavy political and Roman influence, and I do believe the synopsis for this was a tad misleading. It isn't anything like I was expecting it to be and if you're picking this up for the romance, you're going to be left very disappointed as it's such a small part of the story more of a sub-plot really. As for the fantasy again it's minuscule and it's basically only the fact that our main character Kera is hiding a magical persecuted bloodline. This definitely reads much more historical than fantasy.
So this had an ancient Rome vibe and it all takes place around the Senate with a big heap of political subterfuge included. Kera is the high priestess of the Temple of Truth a mantle she inherited from her late father. Kera is actually the daughter of the former deposed king so she has a forbidden Elusian bloodline. Her adoptive father hid her identity for her own safety as it's a death sentence and claimed Kera as his own daughter.
This story takes place in the Jubilee Palace, where the Senate gathers to decide the laws of the Republic of Pryor. They are basically cut off from the outside and this year Kera has to attend in the stead of her late father. Also in attendance is Torren Morvane, the Praetorian and he has some definite beef and holds a grudge against Kera over an incident in their past concerning his father. All locked in together and then the bodies start piling up there's a murderer in their midst killing off the Senate and it's up to Tor as the Praetorian to get to the bottom of things.
So yeh very much not Romantasy and if this had been marketed differently to me maybe it would have landed better as I almost felt conned and misled regarding what this book was meant to be versus what it actually was. The romance here was very much a sub-plot and there were maybe a couple of instances when it even delivered anything for me. There was limited chemistry between Kera and Tor and their intimate scenes together felt stilted and awkward not natural maybe due to the limited chemistry and how abruptly we switched from allies assisting each other in the pursuit of truth to lovers. It just didn't flow naturally and the romance here almost felt out of place as if it was just slotted into the story and it didn't add anything to the narrative. It felt weird like a separate entity I don't know how to explain it but it just didn't organically fit with the rest of the book almost like a mish-mash.
I believe this to be a duet but I don't think I will be picking up the sequel I'm just very uninterested and uninvested in anything. This failed to give me a stake or even entice me to care about the charectors. I was completely disengaged and just not bothered. Even that ending failed to do the job. So yeh think this may be the end of the road for me. I did finish so there is that and the writing itself was also ok but this one wasn't for me unfortunately and I was mostly bored throughout. I should really have DNF’d but I was well over halfway through so I persevered. If you like a murder mystery locked room with a more political historical vibe with the romance being more of a sub-plot this might work better for you.
So this had an ancient Rome vibe and it all takes place around the Senate with a big heap of political subterfuge included. Kera is the high priestess of the Temple of Truth a mantle she inherited from her late father. Kera is actually the daughter of the former deposed king so she has a forbidden Elusian bloodline. Her adoptive father hid her identity for her own safety as it's a death sentence and claimed Kera as his own daughter.
This story takes place in the Jubilee Palace, where the Senate gathers to decide the laws of the Republic of Pryor. They are basically cut off from the outside and this year Kera has to attend in the stead of her late father. Also in attendance is Torren Morvane, the Praetorian and he has some definite beef and holds a grudge against Kera over an incident in their past concerning his father. All locked in together and then the bodies start piling up there's a murderer in their midst killing off the Senate and it's up to Tor as the Praetorian to get to the bottom of things.
So yeh very much not Romantasy and if this had been marketed differently to me maybe it would have landed better as I almost felt conned and misled regarding what this book was meant to be versus what it actually was. The romance here was very much a sub-plot and there were maybe a couple of instances when it even delivered anything for me. There was limited chemistry between Kera and Tor and their intimate scenes together felt stilted and awkward not natural maybe due to the limited chemistry and how abruptly we switched from allies assisting each other in the pursuit of truth to lovers. It just didn't flow naturally and the romance here almost felt out of place as if it was just slotted into the story and it didn't add anything to the narrative. It felt weird like a separate entity I don't know how to explain it but it just didn't organically fit with the rest of the book almost like a mish-mash.
I believe this to be a duet but I don't think I will be picking up the sequel I'm just very uninterested and uninvested in anything. This failed to give me a stake or even entice me to care about the charectors. I was completely disengaged and just not bothered. Even that ending failed to do the job. So yeh think this may be the end of the road for me. I did finish so there is that and the writing itself was also ok but this one wasn't for me unfortunately and I was mostly bored throughout. I should really have DNF’d but I was well over halfway through so I persevered. If you like a murder mystery locked room with a more political historical vibe with the romance being more of a sub-plot this might work better for you.
May 5, 2026
VERITY GUIlD, by Mai Corland had a lot to live up to after her FIVE BROKEN BLADES trilogy. I was thrilled to find that this was absolutely as captivating as I was hoping it would be! The story takes place in an Ancient Rome setting, merging political ambitions, faith, long standing grudges, forbidden magic, longing, and a "locked room" style mystery.
High Priestess Kerasea Vestal is the leader of the Faith. Her role means that her presence is necessary as Pryor's Senators (of the different Provinces) head to an old castle for a week of passing laws and deciding fates. Besides the Senators are the guards, select servants, and Praetorian Torren Morvane--the one in charge of protecting and investigating any problems the Senate has. The fact that they are all locked in--literally--for a week, makes it the perfect time for distrust and alliances both to be tested. Of no small matter is the fact that Torren wishes to see Kerasea fall from favor, as he sees her as the one who brought the downfall of his family name many years before.
The characters--and there are many--are shown to us so thoroughly that by the end, I still vividly remember all of them, and their personalities. The banter between some was fantastic, and the scenes in which Kera and Torren are together are completely captivating. The two are drawn to each other--despite themselves--once the blood starts flowing. The political motivations, hatred, assumed alliances, all come into play as more lives are lost in a style reminiscent of "And Then There Were None".
In spite of the dire situation, there are many humorous moments, as well as the angst and attraction between Kera and Torren. The pacing moves along steadily, with so many twists that I didn't want to put the book down. I changed my own "guesses" multiple times in the course of the novel!
I can't wait for the next book in the series, as this one kept my attention at every page, with an ending that absolutely floored me. This author is one to keep an eye on!
Highly recommended.
High Priestess Kerasea Vestal is the leader of the Faith. Her role means that her presence is necessary as Pryor's Senators (of the different Provinces) head to an old castle for a week of passing laws and deciding fates. Besides the Senators are the guards, select servants, and Praetorian Torren Morvane--the one in charge of protecting and investigating any problems the Senate has. The fact that they are all locked in--literally--for a week, makes it the perfect time for distrust and alliances both to be tested. Of no small matter is the fact that Torren wishes to see Kerasea fall from favor, as he sees her as the one who brought the downfall of his family name many years before.
The characters--and there are many--are shown to us so thoroughly that by the end, I still vividly remember all of them, and their personalities. The banter between some was fantastic, and the scenes in which Kera and Torren are together are completely captivating. The two are drawn to each other--despite themselves--once the blood starts flowing. The political motivations, hatred, assumed alliances, all come into play as more lives are lost in a style reminiscent of "And Then There Were None".
In spite of the dire situation, there are many humorous moments, as well as the angst and attraction between Kera and Torren. The pacing moves along steadily, with so many twists that I didn't want to put the book down. I changed my own "guesses" multiple times in the course of the novel!
I can't wait for the next book in the series, as this one kept my attention at every page, with an ending that absolutely floored me. This author is one to keep an eye on!
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars rounded up? I guess? This could change the more I think about it.
Here's my attempt at pulling my thoughts together for this book.
I devoured this in less than 48 hours, the locked-in vibe and the tension surrounding the characters' safety and guilt vs innocence kept the book moving along quite well. I found myself really eager to pick it back up each time I put the book down.
First of all, this is primarily a murder mystery - yes, it has a fantasy setting and other fantasy elements mixed in - and yes, it does have a rather slow building enemies to lovers romance. But the entire book is completely centered around solving the murder(s).
The Characters: Kerasea and Torren are two deeply distrusting people, and I get it. I wouldn't trust anyone if I were them either. So having to rely on each other to solve a murder would definitely not be ideal. Kerasea's role as High Priestess is a really fascinating one to see how she works with the Senators around her. And Torren's protectiveness is great while he is tasked with maintaining everyone's safety... did I mention there is murder going on? And then the rest of the Senators?? All of them are corrupt politicians. So like, perfectly accurate and very well done.
The Romance: This a slower development over the course of the story because both Kerasea and Torren are very resistant to the feelings that start to blossom due to some sordid history. I do think the first spicy scene was, while later in the book... happened kind of all of a sudden? But I liked them together and the dependency they were starting to build during a stressful situation so I get it.
The World: This is a world of Roman-inspired politics and settings. The different factions of power played out very strategically throughout, and I am eager to see how the sequel will continue to display the vastness of the world and the corruption of manipulative, power-hungry leaders.
The Murder Mystery: Maybe I'm just used to standalone thrillers/mysteries, but I was expecting to have a liiiiiiittle more concrete resolution by the end of this - I didn't need everything to be clean cut, but for all of the time spent investigating murders, I still don't feel like the answers we got were actually concrete? Which obviously sets up nicely for a sequel, but leaves this one feeling just a little too incomplete for me. (I battled myself on this a lot, because it's a fine balance on mystery and answers, and also leaving room for continued storytelling. But this is where I land right now.)
Will I read the next one? You betcha!
Thank you to Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing for the advance physical copy of this title!
Here's my attempt at pulling my thoughts together for this book.
I devoured this in less than 48 hours, the locked-in vibe and the tension surrounding the characters' safety and guilt vs innocence kept the book moving along quite well. I found myself really eager to pick it back up each time I put the book down.
First of all, this is primarily a murder mystery - yes, it has a fantasy setting and other fantasy elements mixed in - and yes, it does have a rather slow building enemies to lovers romance. But the entire book is completely centered around solving the murder(s).
The Characters: Kerasea and Torren are two deeply distrusting people, and I get it. I wouldn't trust anyone if I were them either. So having to rely on each other to solve a murder would definitely not be ideal. Kerasea's role as High Priestess is a really fascinating one to see how she works with the Senators around her. And Torren's protectiveness is great while he is tasked with maintaining everyone's safety... did I mention there is murder going on? And then the rest of the Senators?? All of them are corrupt politicians. So like, perfectly accurate and very well done.
The Romance: This a slower development over the course of the story because both Kerasea and Torren are very resistant to the feelings that start to blossom due to some sordid history. I do think the first spicy scene was, while later in the book... happened kind of all of a sudden? But I liked them together and the dependency they were starting to build during a stressful situation so I get it.
The World: This is a world of Roman-inspired politics and settings. The different factions of power played out very strategically throughout, and I am eager to see how the sequel will continue to display the vastness of the world and the corruption of manipulative, power-hungry leaders.
The Murder Mystery: Maybe I'm just used to standalone thrillers/mysteries, but I was expecting to have a liiiiiiittle more concrete resolution by the end of this - I didn't need everything to be clean cut, but for all of the time spent investigating murders, I still don't feel like the answers we got were actually concrete? Which obviously sets up nicely for a sequel, but leaves this one feeling just a little too incomplete for me. (I battled myself on this a lot, because it's a fine balance on mystery and answers, and also leaving room for continued storytelling. But this is where I land right now.)
Will I read the next one? You betcha!
Thank you to Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing for the advance physical copy of this title!
May 7, 2026
5 Stars (If I could give more, I would.)
Following the success of the Five Broken Blades series, Mai Corland has struck lightning again with Verity Guild, a romantic fantasy murder mystery that gives off Ancient Roman vibes.
The Republic of Pryor is made up of seven provinces, each with a representative known as a Senator. Together, these seven senators make up the Senate Council. Council rules dictate that the senators, their small entourage, the High Priestess of the Temple of Truth, and the Praetorian be sequestered for a week to conduct business in a mountain palace with only a handful of palace staff.
Kerasea Vestal is the High Priestess of the Temple of Truth. She’s ill-prepared for the position, finding herself wondering how her father would do things and if she’s making the right decisions. She carries a secret that, if discovered, could get her killed and possibly put the Republic in jeopardy. Torren Morvane is the Senate Investigator and Protector, known as the Praetorian. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, yet he seems to have his own secrets. These two have been enemies since childhood.
When a Senator is found dead, things get complicated. No one is allowed to enter or leave, meaning there is a killer amongst them. While Torren tries to investigate, his hands are tied as the remaining members limit his investigative scope. These enemies become reluctant allies as more bodies pile up and they vow to bring the killer to justice.
I love the characters of Kerasea and Torren. They're multi-layered and complicated. They have a strong attraction to each other, which leads to a slow-burn spicy romance.
Verity Guild is told from multiple points of view, and had me guessing until the very end. The story ends on a shocking cliffhanger. I am completely blown away and so glad there is at least one more book coming, which I need immediately, as I’m going to be thinking about this story for a long time.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Doing good doesn’t mean you have to be selfless. The weight of a good deed is measured alone.”
“We are all worthy of forgiveness when our hearts are pure.”
**Received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a deluxe hardcover copy.**
Following the success of the Five Broken Blades series, Mai Corland has struck lightning again with Verity Guild, a romantic fantasy murder mystery that gives off Ancient Roman vibes.
The Republic of Pryor is made up of seven provinces, each with a representative known as a Senator. Together, these seven senators make up the Senate Council. Council rules dictate that the senators, their small entourage, the High Priestess of the Temple of Truth, and the Praetorian be sequestered for a week to conduct business in a mountain palace with only a handful of palace staff.
Kerasea Vestal is the High Priestess of the Temple of Truth. She’s ill-prepared for the position, finding herself wondering how her father would do things and if she’s making the right decisions. She carries a secret that, if discovered, could get her killed and possibly put the Republic in jeopardy. Torren Morvane is the Senate Investigator and Protector, known as the Praetorian. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, yet he seems to have his own secrets. These two have been enemies since childhood.
When a Senator is found dead, things get complicated. No one is allowed to enter or leave, meaning there is a killer amongst them. While Torren tries to investigate, his hands are tied as the remaining members limit his investigative scope. These enemies become reluctant allies as more bodies pile up and they vow to bring the killer to justice.
I love the characters of Kerasea and Torren. They're multi-layered and complicated. They have a strong attraction to each other, which leads to a slow-burn spicy romance.
Verity Guild is told from multiple points of view, and had me guessing until the very end. The story ends on a shocking cliffhanger. I am completely blown away and so glad there is at least one more book coming, which I need immediately, as I’m going to be thinking about this story for a long time.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Doing good doesn’t mean you have to be selfless. The weight of a good deed is measured alone.”
“We are all worthy of forgiveness when our hearts are pure.”
**Received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a deluxe hardcover copy.**
May 6, 2026
Mai Corland is one of my guilty pleasure authors. There’s something about her writing that just pulls you in and makes her books so easy and fun to read. The chapters are short, so you breeze through them without even noticing.
Even though this story leans heavily on familiar romantasy tropes and plays them pretty straight, it didn’t bother me as much as it usually does. We’ve got the "chosen one" heroine and a brooding hero with a tortured past, but the plot revolves around a murder mystery, which keeps things more engaging than not.
That said, I can definitely see the flaws. One thing that stood out, and I remember this from Corland’s previous trilogy too, is how the characters tend to overdramatize things in their heads, even when nothing major is happening. If that annoyed you before, it probably will here as well. The ending is also a full cliffhanger, so you don’t get many answers by the time you reach the last page.
Anyways. Now I’m just sitting here impatiently waiting for the next book.
Even though this story leans heavily on familiar romantasy tropes and plays them pretty straight, it didn’t bother me as much as it usually does. We’ve got the "chosen one" heroine and a brooding hero with a tortured past, but the plot revolves around a murder mystery, which keeps things more engaging than not.
That said, I can definitely see the flaws. One thing that stood out, and I remember this from Corland’s previous trilogy too, is how the characters tend to overdramatize things in their heads, even when nothing major is happening. If that annoyed you before, it probably will here as well. The ending is also a full cliffhanger, so you don’t get many answers by the time you reach the last page.
Anyways. Now I’m just sitting here impatiently waiting for the next book.
April 25, 2026
Thank you Entangled and Red Tower for the eARC!
Mai Corland has officially reached “auto-read, no questions asked” status for me, and Verity Guild just proves why. Everything she writes feels like perfection—and somehow she keeps raising the bar.
This was completely unputdownable.
The world is tense and razor-sharp, built on secrets that feel like they could collapse everything at any moment. Kerasea is such a compelling main character—a High Priestess forced to hide a truth that could get her killed, constantly walking the line between power and survival. I was invested in her immediately and never let go.
And Torren… the man is literally devoted to exposing lies, with Kerasea at the top of his list, which makes their dynamic absolutely electric. The enemies-to-lovers tension is done so well—sharp, dangerous, and full of that slow-burn pull that keeps you turning pages. Add in forced proximity, a murder investigation, political maneuvering, and a looming prophecy, and it’s just nonstop momentum.
Every layer of this story builds on the last—secrets, betrayals, shifting alliances—and just when you think you have a handle on it…
That ending.
I genuinely did not see it coming. Not even a little. And the way it just cuts off left me staring at the page in shock. I needed more immediately.
If you love high-stakes fantasy with political intrigue, complex characters, and tension that never lets up, this is absolutely worth the read.
I’m still thinking about it—and very impatiently waiting for what comes next.
Mai Corland has officially reached “auto-read, no questions asked” status for me, and Verity Guild just proves why. Everything she writes feels like perfection—and somehow she keeps raising the bar.
This was completely unputdownable.
The world is tense and razor-sharp, built on secrets that feel like they could collapse everything at any moment. Kerasea is such a compelling main character—a High Priestess forced to hide a truth that could get her killed, constantly walking the line between power and survival. I was invested in her immediately and never let go.
And Torren… the man is literally devoted to exposing lies, with Kerasea at the top of his list, which makes their dynamic absolutely electric. The enemies-to-lovers tension is done so well—sharp, dangerous, and full of that slow-burn pull that keeps you turning pages. Add in forced proximity, a murder investigation, political maneuvering, and a looming prophecy, and it’s just nonstop momentum.
Every layer of this story builds on the last—secrets, betrayals, shifting alliances—and just when you think you have a handle on it…
That ending.
I genuinely did not see it coming. Not even a little. And the way it just cuts off left me staring at the page in shock. I needed more immediately.
If you love high-stakes fantasy with political intrigue, complex characters, and tension that never lets up, this is absolutely worth the read.
I’m still thinking about it—and very impatiently waiting for what comes next.
May 7, 2026
oh noooo I'm so disappointed :[ I am genuinely shocked how Corland went from the Broken Blades series, which was always extremely exciting and moved so fast while never sacrificing writing or character quality, to this extremely boring book. it is a LOCKED ROOM MURDER MYSTERY and yet it manages to be a snoozefest.
everything felt so... underbaked. the world, the murder mystery, the motivation of the killer, every single character that wasn't Kerasea and Torren. they were hardly amazing either though. the enemies to lovers wasn't developed at all and I still don't know why Kerasea testified against Torren's dad. actually there are MANY unanswered questions in this book; that doesn't have to be a bad thing in the first book in a series, but a lot of those hooks were clearly being dangled to foment some kind of interest in the plot... and they failed entirely at that.
I felt like Torren in particular went back and forth between "oh! this character is SO SUSPICIOUS! I have caught them in a lie! wait jk now I don't suspect them at all." it was INFURIATING to read! like he really needed to make up his mind, damn.
also the romance was one of those "she is soooooo small. so small. have we mentioned she is tiny? also he is huge." the only time I have enjoyed this was in The Love Hypothesis because it was so obvious the author was drooling over Adam Driver and I found it charming, but normally I'm like, stopppp!!!!
there is one very cool scene where someone gets murdered and Kerasea goes apeshit. that's about all I can say was good about this book.
everything felt so... underbaked. the world, the murder mystery, the motivation of the killer, every single character that wasn't Kerasea and Torren. they were hardly amazing either though. the enemies to lovers wasn't developed at all and I still don't know why Kerasea testified against Torren's dad. actually there are MANY unanswered questions in this book; that doesn't have to be a bad thing in the first book in a series, but a lot of those hooks were clearly being dangled to foment some kind of interest in the plot... and they failed entirely at that.
I felt like Torren in particular went back and forth between "oh! this character is SO SUSPICIOUS! I have caught them in a lie! wait jk now I don't suspect them at all." it was INFURIATING to read! like he really needed to make up his mind, damn.
also the romance was one of those "she is soooooo small. so small. have we mentioned she is tiny? also he is huge." the only time I have enjoyed this was in The Love Hypothesis because it was so obvious the author was drooling over Adam Driver and I found it charming, but normally I'm like, stopppp!!!!
there is one very cool scene where someone gets murdered and Kerasea goes apeshit. that's about all I can say was good about this book.
May 12, 2026
I want to say a thank you to Mai Corland, NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC of Verity Guild!
"Secrets built this republic; one truth could burn it down."
Mai Corland has given us a fantasy detective story that even I didn't know I needed. This book is inspired by Ancient Rome and sprinkled with a dash of romance. I was absolutely hooked from the first page and could not get enough of this book.
Kerasea is the high priestess and in charge of the faith of the republic which means overseeing events, hearing confessions. The problem with that? She's harbouring secrets of her own. Secrets that we only get a slight glimpse into. Torren on the other hand is the praetorian who keeps the Senate Council safe while heading investigations- especially ones dealing with murder.
When the Verity Guild assembles in a locked mansion, murders arise and Torren believes that Kerasea is responsible. To solve the murders, Torren and Kerasea must work together (albeit unwillingly). The way Mai Corland writes has readers guessing who the actual culprit is. Every page of the story is filled with political intrigue, suspicion, and betrayal.
Throughout the whole story we get the attraction between Torren and Kerasea building while getting all the secrets and hurts of the past creating all the delicious tension. Until it culminates towards the explosive ending that I did not see coming.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book because that cliffhanger has left me absolutely shocked.
"Secrets built this republic; one truth could burn it down."
Mai Corland has given us a fantasy detective story that even I didn't know I needed. This book is inspired by Ancient Rome and sprinkled with a dash of romance. I was absolutely hooked from the first page and could not get enough of this book.
Kerasea is the high priestess and in charge of the faith of the republic which means overseeing events, hearing confessions. The problem with that? She's harbouring secrets of her own. Secrets that we only get a slight glimpse into. Torren on the other hand is the praetorian who keeps the Senate Council safe while heading investigations- especially ones dealing with murder.
When the Verity Guild assembles in a locked mansion, murders arise and Torren believes that Kerasea is responsible. To solve the murders, Torren and Kerasea must work together (albeit unwillingly). The way Mai Corland writes has readers guessing who the actual culprit is. Every page of the story is filled with political intrigue, suspicion, and betrayal.
Throughout the whole story we get the attraction between Torren and Kerasea building while getting all the secrets and hurts of the past creating all the delicious tension. Until it culminates towards the explosive ending that I did not see coming.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book because that cliffhanger has left me absolutely shocked.
May 12, 2026
ARC REVIEW: “Absolute power corrupts even the strongest hearts.”
A locked door murder mystery set in ancient times with a romance subplot?! Say less!! This book was so engaging, it had me second-guessing who was sus and not knowing who to trust. There were secrets discovered on every page about the main characters as we got deeper into their stories. The best part was dual POV, so you got to see both the characters fall for one another while solving the crime. BUT THE ENDING!!! THAT CLIFFHANGER!! I must have the next book!
Quote:
“I will see you on your knees, Kerasea.” -Torren
“You first.” -Kerasea
A locked door murder mystery set in ancient times with a romance subplot?! Say less!! This book was so engaging, it had me second-guessing who was sus and not knowing who to trust. There were secrets discovered on every page about the main characters as we got deeper into their stories. The best part was dual POV, so you got to see both the characters fall for one another while solving the crime. BUT THE ENDING!!! THAT CLIFFHANGER!! I must have the next book!
Quote:
“I will see you on your knees, Kerasea.” -Torren
“You first.” -Kerasea
May 13, 2026
I loved this! Political intrigue and murder mystery with a great society and religious aspects. The romance was on the weaker side but I’m excited to read more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 477 reviews