The Veiled Kingdom (The Veiled Kingdom Series)

There was absolutely nothing not to love about this and book and the first of a series I just know will become one of my favourites. Dacre is top tier book boyfriend material and just yes please to all of it. The story was well crafted with great twists and turns. Loved it!!!

Captivated Princess, Possessive Rebel Prince ✨ Enemies to lovers ✨ Who did this to you? ✨ Forced proximity ✨ Hidden identity ✨ Forbidden Romance Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 "The Veiled Kingdom" by Holly Renee proved to be an easy and enjoyable read. The story flowed smoothly, making it perfect for a quick escape. This is a light romantasy; don't expect intricate world-building or a complex magic system. We're told people have magic, but there's no real explanation of how it works, and we only see glimpses of it in action. However, I feel like these will be clarified in the following books in the series. The narrative centers around Nyra, a princess escaping her cruel father, the kingdom's ruler, and Dacre, the rebel prince who captures her, unaware of her true identity. We quickly learn of the rebellion and the tyrannical rule, but the focus remains firmly on the burgeoning relationship between Nyra and Dacre. While the plot itself felt somewhat thin – there wasn't a great deal of action beyond the initial setup and some training scenes – the chemistry between Nyra and Dacre was undeniable. Their "enemies to lovers" dynamic was well-executed, filled with tension and attraction. Dacre, the tall, dark, and handsome "shadow daddy," is possessive and foul-mouthed, and his interactions with Nyra were electric. The spicy scenes were spicing and I absolutely loved them. However, the lack of world-building was a bit of a letdown. We get no real sense of the kingdom itself, and the absence of a detailed magic system felt like a missed opportunity. Despite these shortcomings, the book held my attention, and the ending… wow. That last chapter was a massive cliffhanger! My jaw literally dropped. I did not expect it to end the way it did, and now I'm desperate to know what happens next. If you're looking for a character-driven romantasy with strong chemistry and a shocking ending, "The Veiled Kingdom" is worth a read. Just be prepared for a serious cliffhanger!

This book had so much hype around it, so I was really excited to read it but it just fell quite flat for me. I love the premise and plot of the story: runaway princess is saved by the rebellion leader’s son. She gets taken to the rebellion, training alongside them whilst trying to hide her true identity. She also tries to hide her feelings and control her sexual urges for the leaders son who also struggles to stay away from her too. There’s some really great scenes, I love the training sequences and the dynamics of the friendships between the characters like Wren and Eiran. There’s also a really wonderful hurt/comfort scene (where Dacre the MMC is healing the FMCs wounds and it’s just a very cute very cool moment) That being said, there’s also a lot that fell flat for me. The characters are all meant to be fae but there is very little mention of their powers, maybe mentioned twice in total? We also don’t get much in terms of the story: why did the princess have to run away, why are the rebellion against the king (23 know it’s because the people of the kingdom have to pay a tho the but.. that’s it?) I just feel like with a really awesome synopsis, I would want more in terms of the fantasy part and the world itself. I also struggled to like any of the main characters. The princess starts off really strong, super sure of herself and doesn’t back down. But by the end of the hook she’s whittled down to a girl in love with Dacre who will do anything for him. It feels like her character is overtaken by a man. She has gone through a lot of pain and trauma but she magically loses all of who she is by the end of the book. Dacre, as a character, is quite honestly awful. Again, he started off really well written; being suspicious but curious of the princess. Helping her and being protective of her but still being cold. However, he didn’t grow at all. He continued to be very mean to the FMC when there wasn’t any need to be, and that ending?? Very unnecessary and really made me feel absolutely nothing for him other than disgust Overall, I think as an easy romance read it’s okay and I think people who prefer the darker romances may enjoy this more than I did as the spice part was definitely not my thing but there was nothing that stood out for me and nothing that makes me desperately want to read the next book

For fans of fantasy romance that want a fast paced and fun, easy read with light world building. If you love enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, a very possessive MMC and rebellion and dual POV then you'll love this book. Right from the start the story drags you in, it is a slow burn with plenty of angst and later, spice. I loved both MCs and there is lots of banter between the MMC and MFC but also lies, suspicion and desire. I'm not going to say much more as I went in blind and loved it. My only complaint, although is it really a complaint, is that it was too short, I could of easily read another 100 pages or so and I cant wait until the next book is released. I would highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading the next book.....I can't wait!!!

I saw this book being raved about on booksta, so naturally I'm heavily influenced. I haven't read any of Holly's other work yet, but after this great start I think will. What to expect: 🗡 Vengeful King 🗡 Runaway Princess 🗡 Morally Grey MMC 🗡 Secret Rebellions 🗡 Hidden Identity This was an amazing book and a great start to the series but I feel like I needed a touch more description and world building initially. I didn't realise they were fae for several chapters. And then it wasn't really mentioned again? Dacre the most morally grey villian I've every read. He was cruel, but so damn sexy. I love the runaway princess x rebel combo. Nyra was protecting her identity from people that would use it against her - no where is safe for her. And I really felt for her character, she was a great FMC. The characters were really well written and the dialogue was great. I hope we hear more of the backstory and more explanations for everything in the second installment. Because there wasn't much world building I flew through this book, it was so easy to read. And the cliffhanger was INSANE. Highly recommend if you like your fantasy with some tension and spice, but also dont love wading through lots of worldbuilding.

THIS BOOK 😍😍 This book had me feeling so many things and has turned me into a forever Holly fan. She is now a instant author and Dacre is 🔥🔥

4.25⭐️ This is such an easy romantasy to read and definitely great for people just getting into fantasy. The world building is really simple and easy to follow, whilst also still being interesting. The storyline kept me intrigued and wanting to read on to find out what happened next. I also found myself being emotionally invested in the characters which I love! There was such a wide variety of characters in this book and I really enjoyed reading about them all. Nyra hasn’t had the easiest life and she has to keep her identity a secret as too many people want to use her for their own gain. Dacre’s main priority is the rebellion. After what happened to his mum dying during a raid that his dad commanded, their relationship is strained. It was sweet to read about how he had healed Nyra when he hadn’t healed since his mum! I also really enjoyed the back & forth between these two and the banter was so good! It had me laughing out loud at times 🙈 I’m not sure about the ending just yet, I don’t know how to feel about the way it was done. I understand Dacre felt betrayed but I feel like I lost a bit of respect for him with how he handled things. You can argue the point he has feelings for her and wanted too etc.. but I just don’t really feel right about it.. in my own opinion. I do hope in the next book we get some more insight into her life when she was in the palace. What happened with her dad and what did he do to her? What’s her dad wanting her back so badly for? Lots of questions to be answered 🙈 I will definitely be picking up the next book to find out what happens next 🖤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I LOVED this book. Utterly obsessed. Couldn’t put it down from the minute I started and finished it in a day. I had such a good time reading and that ending!!!!!🤯🤯🤯 screaming!!!! I knew he would find out about her being the princess but I wasn’t expecting him to reveal it to her like that. I loved the way the MMC didn’t just fall head over heels for her straight away, I find that happens often in books and I much prefer the slow burn, he was stuck between what he felt and his duty. Probably one of my favourite reads of the year. It was fast paced and I didn’t get bored at any point. Definitely recommend 🫡

Is it just me or does this whole book revolve solely around the sexual tension between the main characters? I get the idea of romantasy, I do and I appreciate the attraction and spice but there has to be a story somewhere in there, right? Well, 'The veiled kingdom' has none... The FMC - Nyra/Verena is a powerless heir to a cruel king and the MMC - Dacre is a son of a rebellion leader. She hides who she really is from everybody. Both lost their mothers. Her father practically tortured her so she would manifest her power and his father became ruthless and cold after his mother's death. Almost all of that is on the back cover and sadly you don't get much more by reading the whole thing. The main characters meet almost immediately and from that point on their mutual attraction is the only theme of this book. It's sooo obvious that they're drawn to each other and it's so blatantly written I had a hard time finishing this book. Each and every scene of Dacre and Nyra has one purpose and one purpose only - to let you know they will f**k soon. The author had a great idea of using sex as a revenge - sadly the tension between the characters was defused earlier in the story and because of that, the 'revenge scene' isn't as impressive as it could have been. Back to the main characters - we don't get to know their thoughts or doubts or motives. There's no character building and neither Dacre nor Nyra develop in any way throughout the story. There's almost nothing interesting/intriguing about them. If you think about it, there are no real side characters either - I swear that Dacre's sister and his best friend are only there to take Dacre or Nyra from one place to another to connect the chapters somehow. Apart from that, we know NOTHING about them. I don't think there's even a decent description of their features. Same goes for Eiran. They're not really worth the reader's attention. No one stands out and there's no one to relate to. What's even more disappointing is that we don't get to know anything about the 'veiled rebellion city' (which was a great idea)! There are caves and tunnels, healing springs, training grounds, warrior's quarters and... that's about it. I mean, come on! The city deserved better. It could have been something unique - magical and hidden like Velaris, instead it's barely mentioned. I think the book lacks about 200 - 300 pages of world building and some backstories for all the characters. It feels like it's mostly dialogue - with no memorable quotes, nothing particularly funny or moving or heartbreaking in there. I gave one star for the part about Dacre not using his healing power (that's the only sign of him having any feelings at all) and another star for his grandmother - barely introduced, easily the most interesting character in the whole book.

⭐ Book Review: Veiled Kingdom Veiled Kingdom is the kind of series that grabs you by the heart from page one and refuses to let go. It’s emotionally intense, beautifully layered, and driven by characters who feel so real you can’t help but root for them with everything you’ve got. 🖤 Dacre: The Instant Attachment Dacre is one of those rare male leads who wins you over immediately. Morally complex, deeply loyal, and constantly torn between duty and desire, he embodies that irresistible “trying to do what’s right even when it hurts” energy. His internal struggle gives the story its emotional gravity. 🔥 Vereena/Nyra: A Powerful, Unbreakable FMC Vereena/Nyra is everything you want in a strong female character—resilient, intelligent, and unwilling to be defined by the forces trying to control her. Her journey is gripping, and her strength never overshadows her vulnerability. You feel her hope, her fear, and her determination. 💔 Love Against the Odds Their dynamic is the emotional heartbeat of the series. Two people fighting for what’s right, even when the world seems determined to tear them apart. Their connection is slow-burning, aching, and beautifully earned. 🌟 A Series That Stays With You The storytelling is rich and immersive, pulling you through political tension, emotional turmoil, and high-stakes choices. You’re dragged through every twist, every heartbreak, every moment of hope—and you love every second of it. It’s the kind of series that lingers long after the final page. 💫 Final Thoughts Veiled Kingdom is an amazing, emotionally charged series with unforgettable characters and a romance that feels both fragile and fated. Dacre’s moral struggle and Vereena/Nyra’s strength make them a pairing you can’t help but root for. You fall for them early, and by the end, you’re hoping—desperately—that everything works out

Llevaba tiempo escuchando sobre este libro y no me animaba a comprarlo, pero hace unos días lo pedí de la cuenta de mi marido 😂 y solo puedo decir ¡Buenisimo! Que librazo de verdad que lo tienen que leer!!!!

Superbra serie! Bra pace, spice och story!

The book is quite heavy and very good condition upon arriving in singapore from the US love the the book