by Sawyer Bennett

Chronicles of the Stone Veil, Book 1

From a young age, my mind has been plagued with things only I could see. Some hauntingly beautiful, others completely terrifying. Never knowing if these visions were real or just hallucinations, I learned how to lock them down and ignore them. I learned to take solace in the relative anonymity of city life and find peace in the rainy days my city of Seattle is known for.

But just when I think my life is getting on track and my dreams are achievable, a moment of weakness causes me to learn a hard and fast lesson.

Now I’m faced with a new reality that’s as implausible as it is fantastical. Filled with realms and veils, light and dark, fae and daemons, gods and angels—things I don’t understand but am forced to acknowledge. It doesn’t help that the man teaching me about my unique gifts is the gorgeously handsome Carrick Byrne, one of Seattle’s richest and most powerful men. He intimidates, annoys, and intrigues me all at the same time. I don’t trust him and yet there’s no one else to help me.

No longer certain who to put my faith in, what to believe, or how I fit into it all, one revelation is clear…

The world as I know it will never be the same again.

I can’t remember why I didn’t read this closer to the original release date, but with the release of the audio version and knowing that the series is complete, I decided it was time. I’ve been on a bit of a PNR and fantasy kick and this fits that bill perfectly.

Finley is used to hiding what she sees and feeling different. She manages a coffee shop and while comparing herself to her sister, feels she never quite measures up.

Carrick is one of the most powerful men in Seattle. He is surprised when he learns that Finley can see beyond the veil that separates the humans from fae and daemon glamors. Entering into a business agreement is a surefire way to make sure he can keep Finley close to train her and to find out what she is capable of.

This does not feel like a strong romance at this point, being the first book in a multibook connected series, but this book is very heavily focused on world building for the series - and I loved the world that was developed. Finley learns the fantastical beings hiding behind a veil, walking around her world in disguise, and how to control the abilities that only she seems to hold. She thought she had mental health struggles as a child, not that she had an ability that was based in a reality that most of those around her knew nothing about. Carrick is still very much a mystery and I have so many questions left, especially after the cliffhanger at the end.

Aiden Snow and Lucy Rivers gave a great performance for the audio version of the book. Aiden’s combination of clarity and raspiness is a perfect match for Carrick’s mystery. I loved Lucy’s version of Finley, but some of her other character voices (mostly males) were a struggle for me to match with the way those same voices sounded from Aiden’s voice. I cannot wait to hear more of this story and particularly to hear more from the male POV. Aiden’s performance was top notch, and though there were fewer chapters from his POV, I am hoping as the series develops we hear more from him.

I can’t wait to continue through Finley’s journey, now to decide if I want to binge the other books in the series or if I want to wait for audio on each one.

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

Visit the Sawyer Bennett bookstore to buy ebooks, audio, and signed paperbacks directly from Sawyer.