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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
4 ☆ | such a fun and fast-paced read! really enjoyed nyra and drace’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic, plus the plot was intriguing and easy to follow
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Twisted Loyalties and Searing Tension in a Kingdom on the Brink
Holly Renee’s The Veiled Kingdom launches readers into a fast-paced, emotionally charged tale of rebellion, secrets, and forbidden attraction. Princess Nyra, hiding her true identity from the rebels who captured her, finds herself entangled with Dacre—the dangerously magnetic and deeply flawed son of the rebellion’s leader. What follows is a tumultuous, tension-filled dynamic that toes the line between passion and power, desire and danger.
This is very much a romance-first fantasy. Renee leans hard into the enemies-to-lovers trope with dual POVs, sharp banter, and a generous dose of steam. The chemistry between Nyra and Dacre is undeniable—and often explosive. But while some readers will be drawn to the emotional intensity and high stakes, others may struggle with Dacre’s treatment of Nyra, particularly early on. His actions are meant to showcase his internal conflict and darkness, but the moral ambiguity may not land for everyone.
Worldbuilding takes a backseat to the romance, so if you’re here for intricate lore or layered politics, you may come away wanting more. But if you’re craving a bingeable, spice-heavy romantasy with angst, secrets, and a cliffhanger ending that practically demands you read the next book? The Veiled Kingdom is ready to sweep you up. Just know what kind of ride you’re in for.
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers, morally grey hero, spice-forward romantasy
Holly Renee’s The Veiled Kingdom launches readers into a fast-paced, emotionally charged tale of rebellion, secrets, and forbidden attraction. Princess Nyra, hiding her true identity from the rebels who captured her, finds herself entangled with Dacre—the dangerously magnetic and deeply flawed son of the rebellion’s leader. What follows is a tumultuous, tension-filled dynamic that toes the line between passion and power, desire and danger.
This is very much a romance-first fantasy. Renee leans hard into the enemies-to-lovers trope with dual POVs, sharp banter, and a generous dose of steam. The chemistry between Nyra and Dacre is undeniable—and often explosive. But while some readers will be drawn to the emotional intensity and high stakes, others may struggle with Dacre’s treatment of Nyra, particularly early on. His actions are meant to showcase his internal conflict and darkness, but the moral ambiguity may not land for everyone.
Worldbuilding takes a backseat to the romance, so if you’re here for intricate lore or layered politics, you may come away wanting more. But if you’re craving a bingeable, spice-heavy romantasy with angst, secrets, and a cliffhanger ending that practically demands you read the next book? The Veiled Kingdom is ready to sweep you up. Just know what kind of ride you’re in for.
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers, morally grey hero, spice-forward romantasy
4.5 ⭐️
I’ve read one book from this author and it didn’t work for me so I was a little nervous going into this…but I absolutely loved it!? Got me out of my slump I’ve been in, but that cliffhanger just killed me!!
I’ve read one book from this author and it didn’t work for me so I was a little nervous going into this…but I absolutely loved it!? Got me out of my slump I’ve been in, but that cliffhanger just killed me!!
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
tense
fast-paced
Holly does fast-paced romantasies so well. She keeps you hooked from start to finish and then leaves you wanting more more more.
Dacre and Nyra’s relationship gave me minor Fourth Wings vibes.
The spice was…holy heck. I was panting. And that ending scene!!!
I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait until July for book 2.
Dacre and Nyra’s relationship gave me minor Fourth Wings vibes.
The spice was…holy heck. I was panting. And that ending scene!!!
I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait until July for book 2.
Varena is a disappointment of a princess. She has no ability, and her value lays in the fact that she's the sole heir. Her father would just as gladly kill her if he had other options.
When the rebellion raids the palace, Varena takes the opportunity to escape. Reduced to thieving to survive, she finds one ally as she hides in the slums. Going by Nyra to hide her identity, she fakes a rebellion mark in hopes that one day she can escape the city and find freedom beyond.
When she robs the wrong man, she finds herself arrested and eventually freed by rebels. They know her mark is a fake, and suspect her of being a traitor or spy, but still, they take her with them. If only to find out who she's working for, and what secrets she might be hiding.
The world building was good for what we saw. Nyra is very confined, which means her knowledge of the world is limited. I hope that in future books we get to see more of the world outside the city.
I would have been so happy to talk about Dacre, because he is definitely a man who knows what he wants, and isn't afraid to demand it of her. Nyra finds herself drawn to him, despite or maybe because of his demanding nature. Instead - minor spoiler warning - there is a big cliffhanger and WTF moment at the end. As I read it, I could picture Shelby, who recommended this one, cackling in the other room, glad that at least we'd be suffering together now.
Needless to say, I'm ready for the next book, and further opinions will be held until a later date.
When the rebellion raids the palace, Varena takes the opportunity to escape. Reduced to thieving to survive, she finds one ally as she hides in the slums. Going by Nyra to hide her identity, she fakes a rebellion mark in hopes that one day she can escape the city and find freedom beyond.
When she robs the wrong man, she finds herself arrested and eventually freed by rebels. They know her mark is a fake, and suspect her of being a traitor or spy, but still, they take her with them. If only to find out who she's working for, and what secrets she might be hiding.
The world building was good for what we saw. Nyra is very confined, which means her knowledge of the world is limited. I hope that in future books we get to see more of the world outside the city.
I would have been so happy to talk about Dacre, because he is definitely a man who knows what he wants, and isn't afraid to demand it of her. Nyra finds herself drawn to him, despite or maybe because of his demanding nature. Instead - minor spoiler warning - there is a big cliffhanger and WTF moment at the end. As I read it, I could picture Shelby, who recommended this one, cackling in the other room, glad that at least we'd be suffering together now.
Needless to say, I'm ready for the next book, and further opinions will be held until a later date.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced