In Brittany Johnston's The Daughter of the Veil, the first book in the Veiled Throne series, Erissa Nierling discovers a hidden power: the ability to see souls destined for the Veil. Living a sheltered life, unaware of her birthright and the ancient magic she possesses, Erissa escapes her father's keep only to find herself thrust into a world divided between Fae and humans, teetering on the brink of war. Hunted by both sides, she forms an unlikely alliance with the blacksmith, Rhazien, a man concealing his own secrets. As an ancient evil rises, Erissa must confront her destiny, mastering her abilities while navigating a perilous journey filled with deception and a choice that could cost her everything.
Review The Daughter of the Veil
Oh my goodness, The Daughter of the Veil was such a ride! I absolutely devoured it. Brittany Johnston has crafted a truly captivating world, full of intricate details and fascinating lore. The world-building is top-notch; I was completely immersed in this land divided between Fae and humans, constantly discovering new layers of magic and political intrigue. The descriptions are vivid, painting a picture of Emberhold and beyond that really stuck with me.
The characters are equally compelling. Erissa, our FMC, is a fantastic protagonist. Starting from a position of immense vulnerability – a lifetime imprisoned and abused – she undergoes such incredible growth throughout the story. Watching her journey from terrified captive to empowered individual was deeply satisfying. Her struggles with her unique ability – seeing the souls fated for the Veil – felt real and resonated with me.
And Rhazien! He’s such a captivating enigma. Their connection is instant and electrifying, drawing you into their story immediately. The mystery surrounding him, and the gradual reveal of his true nature, kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the slow burn between them, the tension building as their relationship developed against a backdrop of danger and uncertainty. The found family dynamic that develops is equally heartwarming and compelling; it really added another layer to the emotional depth of the story.
However, I will admit that the sheer number of Fae courts, allegiances, and relationships did make things a little confusing at times. Keeping track of who belonged to which court, and the shifting dynamics of power, took some concentration. A family tree or glossary might have been helpful, especially in the beginning.
The plot itself is a thrilling rollercoaster. The pacing is a bit uneven; it starts a little slow, focusing on Erissa’s escape and initial journey, before really picking up the pace around the 70% mark. But when the plot does take off, it's exhilarating! There are so many twists, turns, and betrayals. The ancient wickedness looming over the land creates a palpable sense of urgency, and the stakes are constantly rising. The cliffhanger ending? Brutal! I desperately need the next book!
While there were moments where I craved a little more background on some characters, and perhaps a slightly faster initial pace, these minor quibbles were easily overshadowed by the overall brilliance of the book. The magic system, in particular, is unique and fascinating, and I'm excited to see how it unfolds in future installments. It really is something different, which is refreshing in a genre that can sometimes feel a little formulaic. All in all, The Daughter of the Veil is a highly recommended read for fantasy lovers. Just be prepared for an emotional journey, plenty of intrigue, and a cliffhanger that will leave you breathlessly anticipating the sequel.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.38 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 624
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Conquest Publishing