Revenant

by B. Daring, Micah Riley

Veilcrest keeps its secrets the way the dead keep their patience—and some things always claw their way out of the grave.

Alicent Calder doesn’t remember applying to Veilcrest Conservatory, but the moment she steps through its gates, three thousand miles from a home that never wanted her, her blood becomes the key to a centuries-buried betrayal.

She came to chase a future. The acceptance letter was a beacon of hope in a world full of uncertainty, a place she thought would offer a fresh start—one she can’t seem to find since her parents’ death.

Instead, she finds a power humming beneath her skin, a name older than the school’s creation, and the unshakeable sense that this place has been waiting for her all along.

However, it’s not until a dead body, completely drained of blood, is found that she realizes there’s something much more sinister lurking in the dark.

Five vampires rule the hidden halls of Veilcrest. Cursed and condemned to the property, they’ve stopped at nothing over the centuries to find a way to break the spell holding them captive.

Freedom is finally in their grasp, but the one thing none of them counted on was wanting her.

As Alicent learns to wield magic she never knew she carried, the fine line between hatred and hunger blurs, and the men who were only ever meant to use her begin to fall for her instead.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

B. Daring lives in Oregon with her fiance, two dogs and three cats, and she hates writing about herself in third person. When she’s not writing—which she needs to do more often—you can find her working at a local coffee stand, playing cozy games, or watching reruns of her favorite shows.
Though she hasn’t traveled much, it is something she hopes to do more of in the future. Being able to see the world and immerse herself in different cultures is a big passion for her—even if she has the palette of a toddler.

Reviews

[Jennah Gray]

Thank you B. Daring, Micah Riley and House of Hearts for the opportunity to receive an ARC of Revenant.

Vampires, witches, an ancient curse and secrets lurking in the shadows. Alicent Calder finds herself calling Veilcrest home, feeling a sense of ease and comfort she starts to settle into a routine she catches the attention of not one but five vampires.

Pryce, Koen, Elias, Bastian and Eryx all feel a sense of familiarity when they first cross paths with Alicent. The familiarity they feel starts to unlock buried secrets clawing its way out from the ground.

As Alicent comes into her powers, the stakes become higher, the bigger the risk the greater the reward and what greater reward than breaking the curse.

“I don’t think I’ll ever feel anything but at fault until they’re free. Even then I don’t think I’ll feel as though I deserve to leave.”

I have favourites, I know I shouldn’t - why choose?! Each MMC brings their own personality and their own abilities. They have a tender sport for Alicent, reserving those parts of themself for the quiet intimate moments.

The chemistry Alicent had with each of the guys burns intense and rapid. The moments span from comfort to need to grounding/anchoring and of course a good “fuck it” moment.

I will forever be haunted by Chapter 44 - still recovering, my emotions are all over the place!

I cannot wait for book 2, I need it !

[ThatBook Girl]

Revenant is immediately engaging. It grabbed my attention from the start and came at me with mystery, banter, flirtation and the need to know more.

The writing is great, the pacing is spot-on and the characters are interesting. We've got a Dark Academia with witches, vampires, werewolves and humans sharing Veilcrest Academy.

Alicent is an intriguing FMC with a mysterious background and bloodline that makes her one of the most powerful witches alive. But of course, she had no idea and has to learn everything she can about the supernatural world and her family. I love her strength, her banter, and how she uses her power to stand up to those who try to hurt her.

This is a why choose romance with five mysterious men drawn to our girl and each is unique, interesting, flirty, playful and arrogant (some more than others.) I love them all..well, one of them still has to earn my (and Alicent's) affection.

There's so much happening here, from Alicent learning to use and control her magic, to werewolves on the hunt and a curse that needs breaking.

I was fully prepared for a cliffhanger ending...at least I thought it was. WTF was that? I literally have no words. It's not very often a plot twist surprises me, but I didn't see this one coming. And now apparently I need book to immediately.

Not going to lie, I am completely hooked and maybe a little obsessed with this book.

[Eren Valentine]

This was a great read for sure! I absolutely loved it and was easily sucked in at the tropes, the micro tropes on the author's posts but then the words. The words made me stay. I thought the authors did a really great job and love how well they did with it.
Twists? I didn't see them coming. I had several shocks, many gasps, some tears.
Now I'd like to state that I'm a HUGE Vampire Diaries fan and I made myself think of this cause it gave me the vibes. Now that I've finished the book I'm not sure who I hate more......the villain of the book or Katherine?

By far the guys are amazing. I can't quite figure out who I love the most and glad it's a WHY CHOOSE. XD Bastian, Elias and Koen though are definitely my favorites. And I'm invested to see what is going to happen with everyone next. Each guy is easily different from the next and all have their own personality for sure. Also each has a different reason to easily obsess over them!

Alicent is intriguing. A misfortune girl. She starts out literally clumsy with a series of unfortunate events, then starts to come to learn the truth about things at Veilcrest. Not only does she have to learn her magic and does but she definitely brings the fire with her! She's got spunk for sure and has no qualms for standing up where....... others probably tend to back down. I cannot wait for the next book because that ending....... did all of that REALLY JUST HAPPEN?

If you're looking for a story that has some Vampire Diaries vibes, imprisoned vampires, witches and ancient bloodlines, secret societies, werewolves, a school that's for more than just top students and hides some secrets (at the minimum 5 secrets), and you like some spice, obsession, feral need........ Then I'd highly recommend this book!

[Montana Rae]

The way I STILL think about this book almost daily and I beta read it over a month ago. Vampires, why choose, dark academia... need I say more?? The roller coaster of emotions this book put me through was unreal. Do I recommend? I will literally be rereading this the minute it comes out, so you tell me??

[Mallory]

The PERFECT fall/spooky book!!! Vampys, college, WHY CHOOSE🤭 this book may be a big girl but it’s seriously a page turner!!! Im a slowww reader but I read this in less than a week. Try listing the men from favorite to least favorite. It’ll be the hardest thing you do because they are allllll chefs kiss💋💋

Also. Will NEVER get over that. ending.

[Hannah]

WHAT THE HECK?! How can it END LIKE THAT?! 😭😭

How am I supposed to wait for answers now?! 😭 This book had me HOOKED from start to finish and then that ending just absolutely KILLED ME OFF. 😭

I genuinely don’t even have words right now. I’m too shocked. My brain is still trying to process what I just read. 😂😭

I NEED ANSWERS. Like… immediately please

[Amber]

Vampires, why choose and dark academia, what more could you ask for? This book was an emotional rollercoaster, lots of twists and turns. Alicent was amazing, she was independent and strong. Pryce, Koen, Elias, Bastian and Eryx each brought something Alicent needed. The chemistry and banter between all of them was fantastic.