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The Third Veil
Two halves, one soul… Can Seven find it within her battered heart and fractured soul to trust in love once more?
After working her life as a servant in her abusive mother’s cathouse, Seven Ponds dares to dream of a future with the local farmer who stole her heart. But when her home is engulfed in flames, and the fire claims the life of her first love, she struggles against the grief consuming her.
When a strange mechanical device in the sky and terrifying shadow creatures appear, her town is thrust into an unnatural winter signaling the end of the world. Discovering secrets of an ancient past, Seven is thrown through a mysterious veil into a new world… a world full of magic.
Tasked with saving the world, and her mother, Seven stumbles along her fated path, finding it filled with monsters in beautiful disguise, passionate love from an unexpected soulmate, and bitter betrayal.
Can Seven work through her grief and anxiety to save Earth before it’s devoured by the Aldaanians? Or will she crumble beneath the weight of the world sitting atop her shoulders?
Note:
This book contains themes of sexual trauma and suicide.
It is intended for readers 18+.
After working her life as a servant in her abusive mother’s cathouse, Seven Ponds dares to dream of a future with the local farmer who stole her heart. But when her home is engulfed in flames, and the fire claims the life of her first love, she struggles against the grief consuming her.
When a strange mechanical device in the sky and terrifying shadow creatures appear, her town is thrust into an unnatural winter signaling the end of the world. Discovering secrets of an ancient past, Seven is thrown through a mysterious veil into a new world… a world full of magic.
Tasked with saving the world, and her mother, Seven stumbles along her fated path, finding it filled with monsters in beautiful disguise, passionate love from an unexpected soulmate, and bitter betrayal.
Can Seven work through her grief and anxiety to save Earth before it’s devoured by the Aldaanians? Or will she crumble beneath the weight of the world sitting atop her shoulders?
Note:
This book contains themes of sexual trauma and suicide.
It is intended for readers 18+.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
6 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Heather Carter
22 books43 followersHeather Carter is a neurodivergent author who writes primarily fantasy romance. Composing stories since childhood, she loves all things fantastical, sometimes bordering on the creepy. Her novel, Of Songs and Saltwater, a gender-swapped retelling of The Little Mermaid, debuted in June 2021. Since then, she has published several other works with more on the way.
Heather calls the St. Louis area home and lives with her family and an extremely spoiled cat. When she’s not writing, she loves to read fantasy novels, make music, and drink copious amounts of coffee.
Heather calls the St. Louis area home and lives with her family and an extremely spoiled cat. When she’s not writing, she loves to read fantasy novels, make music, and drink copious amounts of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 21, 2022
I don't know where to begin with this, I Loved this book so much, it was perfect! I'm still all floaty from reading it, this will stay with me a long time.
This is a historical paranormal romance, but the historical part isn't major or detailed, especially once our heroine goes through a portal into the fantasy world. This book has everything, a dangerous and epic quest, a strong but sweet heroine, a dreamy magic-wielding shifter hero, fairies, ghosts, monsters and steam!
The story is really really good and very unique,I was fully immersed and by the halfway point I was so completely addicted I couldn't stand putting it down, it was agonizing to stop reading! Books that do that to me are rare. Sometimes books that try to do romance and fantasy quests become too much quest and my interest dies off, it's Perfectly balanced here.
The characters are very real and lovable, they're put through awful challenges and obstacles, it's pretty painful. Our hero, Master Troller has so many changes and evolutions in his character that he is one of the most exciting love interests I've ever read! He is way beyond cool but I can't explain anymore without huge spoilers!
The steamy scenes are really good and really interesting because as Troller changes, his uh, actions do too, which I found really cool.
I cried a lot during this book and I was holding my breath and feeling pretty much every emotion. I'm so sad it's over. I think Heather Carter just entered into my Favourite Authors list!!
Read this book!!
I recieved this ARC from BookSirens and am leaving a voluntary review.
This is a historical paranormal romance, but the historical part isn't major or detailed, especially once our heroine goes through a portal into the fantasy world. This book has everything, a dangerous and epic quest, a strong but sweet heroine, a dreamy magic-wielding shifter hero, fairies, ghosts, monsters and steam!
The story is really really good and very unique,I was fully immersed and by the halfway point I was so completely addicted I couldn't stand putting it down, it was agonizing to stop reading! Books that do that to me are rare. Sometimes books that try to do romance and fantasy quests become too much quest and my interest dies off, it's Perfectly balanced here.
The characters are very real and lovable, they're put through awful challenges and obstacles, it's pretty painful. Our hero, Master Troller has so many changes and evolutions in his character that he is one of the most exciting love interests I've ever read! He is way beyond cool but I can't explain anymore without huge spoilers!
The steamy scenes are really good and really interesting because as Troller changes, his uh, actions do too, which I found really cool.
I cried a lot during this book and I was holding my breath and feeling pretty much every emotion. I'm so sad it's over. I think Heather Carter just entered into my Favourite Authors list!!
Read this book!!
I recieved this ARC from BookSirens and am leaving a voluntary review.
October 5, 2022
I was given a copy to be an ARC reader.
This book doesnt have a lot of spicy scenes, but they are creative and spicy. There are some TW topics if you arent aware ahead of time. The creatures and world is unlike any I have read before. Lots of twists and turns I didnt expect, but I enjoyed the read very much. Seven has a lot of character development and I appreciate the person she grows to be by the end of the book. Keep up the great work, Heather!
This book doesnt have a lot of spicy scenes, but they are creative and spicy. There are some TW topics if you arent aware ahead of time. The creatures and world is unlike any I have read before. Lots of twists and turns I didnt expect, but I enjoyed the read very much. Seven has a lot of character development and I appreciate the person she grows to be by the end of the book. Keep up the great work, Heather!
October 5, 2022
First and foremost, an thank you to Heather Carter for allowing me to be an ARC reader for The Third Veil. As most of my ARC reads go, I sign up for them mostly blind to what they’re about and discover what the books are about as I go (a little element of surprise for myself). This method has not failed me yet, but this book caught me completely by surprise. Front the first chapter I was immediately hooked. With each twist and turn through the book it was impossible for me to stop reading. I cried at the end of the first chapter and I sobbed in the last 3-4 chapters as well. It’s a dark fantasy/fated mates/paranormal romance and it is everything. The story line and the character development were phenomenal to me and I honestly I want more of this storyline.
September 27, 2022
It is a beautiful story about a young woman discovering who she is and discovering her talents. During the story I saw her grow. The way it is written you feel her struggles, her doubts, her sadness and her happiness. Sometimes it made a lump in my throat.
It is the battle between good and evil. Civilizations need to be saved. After so many troubles and setbacks, the good is victorious, but not without losses.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is the battle between good and evil. Civilizations need to be saved. After so many troubles and setbacks, the good is victorious, but not without losses.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2024
The plot had so much potential but the pacing absolutely trashed my expectations. There’s too much happening all the time, way too fast, therefore the romance wasn’t romancing and the drama wasn’t dramatic enough.
Also I have no idea if this is fantasy or almost sci-fi? Very weird world building.
Also I have no idea if this is fantasy or almost sci-fi? Very weird world building.
August 9, 2022
Where to start. I will say, the book lagged a bit for me in the beginning. The story seemed to be circling just a little, but I knew it was just the beginning of something and let me tell you when this book sucked me in.. it sucked me in..OMG! I was 4 hours in and 20 chapters down and before I knew it. The whirlwind of emotions this story rang from me, had me in a choke hold, I could not put it down. The evolution of the MFC was so amazing. I absolutely loved the way Heather created this world and story so beautifully done. There are twists, turns, plots and romance. If your thinking about reading this book.. just do it. It’s so good. I received an advanced review copy for free, and
I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2022
I could not put this book down. I finished it in one sitting. I loved the world building in the story, everything connected so well and there were many twist throughout the book. It was very refreshing and engaging. Our main characters had a lot to overcome if they wanted to be together.
February 14, 2024
The story itself should be a 5 Star read for me but the constant negativity, near death and crushing angst drove me crazy. Thank goodness for the ability to skip forward whenever the h would go on a 'what to do' / I am about to die / I am so angry and will lash out / I am too late / fighting back tears / about to escape but somehow get caught again scenario.
I do think that the story is worth reading/listening to as it is not a rehash of other stories. Cut the crushing angst in half - 4 Stars and cut the excessive drama - easy 5 Stars for me.
I do think that the story is worth reading/listening to as it is not a rehash of other stories. Cut the crushing angst in half - 4 Stars and cut the excessive drama - easy 5 Stars for me.
October 8, 2022
this was such a great concept and execution, it was what I was hoping for and was pleasantly surprised in how much I enjoyed this. I was invested from the cover and really glad I did. I look forward to read more from Heather Carter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2023
THE THIRD VEIL is a historical fantasy romance that covers some touchy subjects, just so you know. If you have any triggers, check them first.
Seven is the unloved and abused daughter of the owner of a brothel and spends her days cleaning like a maid. She finds solace in Charlie, a young farmer who is her best friend and courting her quietly. But the heroine can't be happy at the beginning, now can they, so it came as no surprise when tragedy struck. Not only that but Seven is pushed into something she is wholly unprepared for. With both friends and foes looking for her, she needs to save the world. No pressure.
I found the beginning of this story to be a little slow although I understood it was doing the groundwork and building up to the big event. Once she was through the veil, it sped up and moved along nicely. There is a lot that goes on so you will need to concentrate on all the twists and turns. One thing that made this hard for me was listening to her constant monologue about how weak she was, how she couldn't do it, how she needed Draivus, etc. etc. I kept waiting for the moment when she would gain faith in herself and step up, but it never happened. I know she's supposed to be young but it just felt a little too much in the opposite direction for me.
There were parts of the story and the world that remain unclear to me but they didn't really affect my enjoyment.
A good read that I enjoyed and recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 21, 2023
Seven is the unloved and abused daughter of the owner of a brothel and spends her days cleaning like a maid. She finds solace in Charlie, a young farmer who is her best friend and courting her quietly. But the heroine can't be happy at the beginning, now can they, so it came as no surprise when tragedy struck. Not only that but Seven is pushed into something she is wholly unprepared for. With both friends and foes looking for her, she needs to save the world. No pressure.
I found the beginning of this story to be a little slow although I understood it was doing the groundwork and building up to the big event. Once she was through the veil, it sped up and moved along nicely. There is a lot that goes on so you will need to concentrate on all the twists and turns. One thing that made this hard for me was listening to her constant monologue about how weak she was, how she couldn't do it, how she needed Draivus, etc. etc. I kept waiting for the moment when she would gain faith in herself and step up, but it never happened. I know she's supposed to be young but it just felt a little too much in the opposite direction for me.
There were parts of the story and the world that remain unclear to me but they didn't really affect my enjoyment.
A good read that I enjoyed and recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 21, 2023
November 27, 2022
As someone with anxiety, I truly relate to a lot of the struggles that Seven, the main character, has. I was completely enraptured throughout most of the book as I watched Seven go from the absolute disaster of losing her first love, to being forced to decide if saving Earth is worth saving her Mother, who abused and hated Seven all her life. Seven not only has to save her Mother in order to save Earth, but she has to sacrifice so much of herself to do it. As much as she has to sacrifice, she also discovers parts of herself that she never knew existed.
This Portal romance is absolutely worth the read if you understand the triggers that are in the book. The author has done a beautiful job with her trigger warning in the book, and I appreciate that.
The Third Veil is dark, vivid, and beautiful. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark portal romance. Especially if you are looking for representations of mental health and heroes who fight while struggling with mental health. 5/5 Would recommend.
This Portal romance is absolutely worth the read if you understand the triggers that are in the book. The author has done a beautiful job with her trigger warning in the book, and I appreciate that.
The Third Veil is dark, vivid, and beautiful. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark portal romance. Especially if you are looking for representations of mental health and heroes who fight while struggling with mental health. 5/5 Would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2022
It was a wonderful story of a very broken young woman finding herself with the weight of the world upon her shoulders, and coming into her power. These are the kinds of heroes and heroines that I find the most exciting to go on a journey with. The romance was done well, with some very excellent steam (the FMC ends up in a harem :O). The story does an excellent job of dealing with anxiety, past trauma, and the wonderful healing power of love. Heather Carter's writing is poetic and beautiful as always. Definitely an author to watch.
August 9, 2024
I loved this book.
To be quite honest. I was worried a little ways in, when we started talking portals to other worlds, and monsters that were devouring them, but this story hooked me and got me so enticed I couldn't put it down. It was really, really well done.
I do wish that there was a little more character growth with Seven, as she never really grew into the badass strong character that I look for in my fmcs. She relied on her mate to do all the saving, but other than that, her and Draivus were really great, and I loved their story.
To be quite honest. I was worried a little ways in, when we started talking portals to other worlds, and monsters that were devouring them, but this story hooked me and got me so enticed I couldn't put it down. It was really, really well done.
I do wish that there was a little more character growth with Seven, as she never really grew into the badass strong character that I look for in my fmcs. She relied on her mate to do all the saving, but other than that, her and Draivus were really great, and I loved their story.
September 28, 2022
I was taken on a ride with this book! The journey of main character Seven Ponds began so tragically with the death of her first love but her fight to find strength in face of impossible odds was a treat to witness. When Seven is literally thrown through a mystical veil on a mission to save her mother she faces both friend and foe with grace. I really enjoyed this book and I can not wait to see what this author will publish next!!
October 8, 2023
Ugh, I don't want it to be over! This was an awesome fantasy book. Seven has been a servant in her mother's brothel all her life. She loves her childhood friend, but when he is killed in an explosion, she's set on a journey she would never have imagined, full of magic and friends and enemies.
I enjoyed the world-building, but I struggled with the prince and his cruelty. My heart broke for Seven and all she lived through.
I enjoyed the world-building, but I struggled with the prince and his cruelty. My heart broke for Seven and all she lived through.
Read
September 27, 2022Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC with me!
I really enjoyed this blend of historical and fantasy romance and it even had an almost sci-fi feel to it in some parts? It was an interesting mashup of genres combined with a fun heroine, swoony and oh so sarcastic love interest, and just a fun and engaging premise!
I really enjoyed this blend of historical and fantasy romance and it even had an almost sci-fi feel to it in some parts? It was an interesting mashup of genres combined with a fun heroine, swoony and oh so sarcastic love interest, and just a fun and engaging premise!
August 8, 2022
Veiled potential…2.5 stars
I really wanted to like this book, the story had a great plot with so much potential but it felt too contrived and unauthentic. Plus I couldn’t connect with any of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really wanted to like this book, the story had a great plot with so much potential but it felt too contrived and unauthentic. Plus I couldn’t connect with any of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2022
This was a beautiful and well written story. It was rich and well written. This is a great one for your TBR if you like these sort of books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2022
The writing has an almost poetic touch at points, and Seven's struggles felt real. At times it was like I was there.
June 16, 2023
4.25 stars
February 18, 2025
The story had so much more potential beat near death to death. The love story had potential, but I feel it could have been worked to Bea 5 star book.
September 3, 2025
This is a really good book. At the beginning, it is sad, and I was thinking, Where is she going with this book? But I am so happy to push through because it's amazing. Thank you for the read.
Read
December 1, 2025DNF at around halfway through, so no star rating at this time.
I'm hoping to finish this at some point but right now Seven and I aren't getting along.
I'm hoping to finish this at some point but right now Seven and I aren't getting along.
October 12, 2022
Seven Pond is a servant for her mother’s cathouse. She dreams of a different life, away from her abusive mother and her dreadful life. Suddenly, her life and world is thrown into chaos. The Aldaanians are mysterious creatures that have taken over the world. Seven is thrown into a new life of magic and dark creatures. Her new destiny has her saving the world and her mother. An exciting romantic fantasy story with interesting characters and great world building skills.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2023
What an amazing story and all I can say is WOW! I don't even know where to start. A story full of friendship, magic, greed and love. Seven had so much sadness in her life. An abusive mother, her father dead and now seeing shadow people. She works in a brothel as a maid and is very fond of the ladies there. Then a fire burns it down and nobody lifted a finger to help. Some her friends die and also her beloved Charlie. Her grief is trying to consume her until she is told her mother is alive but being held captive. She is then pushed through the veil into another world. This place is very dangerous but she must find her mother and rescue her along with the whole world, at least that is what Frank told her. She must infiltrate the castle and find her mother. This world is ruled by an evil man and his sister who have no concern for the lives of others. When the evil prince meets seven he brands her and she is made one of his concubines. This infuriates his sister so Seven will have to watch her back. She then plays a very dangerous game with the evil prince and she has to play her part well or be killed. This story will suck you in & you won't be able to put it down. Great characters and fantastic world building. A new author that has now captured my attention. I absolutely loved this. I want to give more than 5 stars.
December 24, 2022
This book as magic And dragons and shadow people. When a servant girl learns her mother is actually a princess from another world and she must save her to save earth from being drained of life. She travel to this world and learn who she really is. There actions, magic and romance but mind your triggers before you read it. Have tissues ready there is some very emotional scenes. Hoping for more of this story.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews