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A review by falling_through_the_pages
What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
In all honesty, I probably would have DNFed around 30-50%. It just so happened this was the only audiobook I had at the time, so I was willing to listen to it for longer. I am sort of glad I did, since it did pick up in the last quarter of the book. It was good enough that I will probably give the second book a chance.
But that first three quarters of the book was only just interesting enough to make me think it might get better soon. The plot moves pretty slowly and not much is happening. If you like Blood and Ash, you'll definitely like this one. There are striking similarities in the characters' personalities, the feel and rules of the world, and the rate at which things happen. I would argue the writing is better, since there isn't so much redundant thought process going on in the FMC.
I will say the romance is a bit cringe sometimes. The spice is good, but the possessiveness of the MMC is borderline. I believe this has been categorized as a dark romance, so that's probably why. The biggest thing you may need to get over in order to enjoy the romance is the pet name of "Little One." I don't know if this author has children, but this makes me think not. That term often is used to refer to kids, which did make this a little difficult for me to get through. Unfortunately, this pet name is used frequently, so if you can't get over it, don't bother reading it lol
The last quarter of the book was actually very good. Good pacing, edge of your seat tension, good character development, etc. I'm a little worried because there are a few books I've read like this where it starts so slow and finally gets good at the end. I almost always give the second book a chance, sometimes even pushing through the second book, only to DNF somewhere in the 3rd book. I'm definitely not giving this more than one more book to keep me reading.
Overall a very average read. Don't put this at the top of your TBR list. But if you have nothing else to do, it's not the worst.
But that first three quarters of the book was only just interesting enough to make me think it might get better soon. The plot moves pretty slowly and not much is happening. If you like Blood and Ash, you'll definitely like this one. There are striking similarities in the characters' personalities, the feel and rules of the world, and the rate at which things happen. I would argue the writing is better, since there isn't so much redundant thought process going on in the FMC.
I will say the romance is a bit cringe sometimes. The spice is good, but the possessiveness of the MMC is borderline. I believe this has been categorized as a dark romance, so that's probably why. The biggest thing you may need to get over in order to enjoy the romance is the pet name of "Little One." I don't know if this author has children, but this makes me think not. That term often is used to refer to kids, which did make this a little difficult for me to get through. Unfortunately, this pet name is used frequently, so if you can't get over it, don't bother reading it lol
The last quarter of the book was actually very good. Good pacing, edge of your seat tension, good character development, etc. I'm a little worried because there are a few books I've read like this where it starts so slow and finally gets good at the end. I almost always give the second book a chance, sometimes even pushing through the second book, only to DNF somewhere in the 3rd book. I'm definitely not giving this more than one more book to keep me reading.
Overall a very average read. Don't put this at the top of your TBR list. But if you have nothing else to do, it's not the worst.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent