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A review by marippe
What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I’m kind of disappointed. I feel like the book started off really strong with potential, and I feel like it was great until we met the ML. After that, the pace really slowed down.
I admire the idea of making a FL who wants more than what her society demands for her, but as the book went on that message became muddled for me. She wants more than to be sexualised, but the relationship with ML starts on sexual attraction, with him outwardly and bluntly describing that he wants her and she'll come to him eventually. A woman can be sexual without being sexualised, but it didn’t feel like empowerment but ownership - something she was against.
The pet name “Little One” is probably one of the worst nicknames I’ve heard. Its very infantilising, and really creepy to use in sexual scenes.
I liked how the author described locations and imagery but my issues with the story and lack of connection to any of the characters made it hard for me to enjoy it. I’m just disappointed- I started it thinking it could be a 4.75 at max, but the star score kept falling over the book.
I personally didn’t mind the cliffhanger but it wasn’t too surprising.
I admire the idea of making a FL who wants more than what her society demands for her, but as the book went on that message became muddled for me. She wants more than to be sexualised, but the relationship with ML starts on sexual attraction, with him outwardly and bluntly describing that he wants her and she'll come to him eventually. A woman can be sexual without being sexualised, but it didn’t feel like empowerment but ownership - something she was against.
The pet name “Little One” is probably one of the worst nicknames I’ve heard. Its very infantilising, and really creepy to use in sexual scenes.
I liked how the author described locations and imagery but my issues with the story and lack of connection to any of the characters made it hard for me to enjoy it. I’m just disappointed- I started it thinking it could be a 4.75 at max, but the star score kept falling over the book.
I personally didn’t mind the cliffhanger but it wasn’t too surprising.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Sexual harassment, War, Misogyny, and Murder