The Hunted Heir

Super short sequel, I felt it was a bit rushed and could have been slowed down a bit. There were a couple of plot holes and contradictions, but I love the story of V and D so I will continue the series

These fae might be the weakest fae in the history of fae fantasy ever.

What happened?! The first book was amazing! What happened to this book? I felt like I was not reading a romantasy book but instead a romance with weak people just trying to escape their lives!

I loved the banter in the first book but hated the dialogue in this book. And the dialogue during the spicy scenes? Too much. It's too cringey!

Nyra/Verena started as someone with determination, angst and that “oomph” factor in the first book. Then became a damsel in distress in this book.

Her training in the hidden city was all for naught! She couldn't even fight for herself, let alone run without getting a sprain! And I thought Dacre was strong? A freakin' ship captain beat him?! Whhhyyyy???

And as mates, they were supposed to be sharing powers to make them stronger. What the eff happened?! And that wave that destroyed the dock? Why weren't the king's guards affected?! What? Verena had faulty aim? Wtf?!

As the second book you would expect character growth but this book did otherwise. I am just really disappointed.

It's been a while since I read the first book, but I remember liking it so much I was sad to wait on the sequel. WELP a bit of a disappointment there. Hardly anything happens in this book, just a lot of angst and pining and dumb decisions until finally we get some action in the last few chapters. It feels like so much could've been cut from this and likely condensed with whatever's going to happen next

The Hunted Heir is book 2 of the Veiled Kingdom series, starting right where we left off in book 1. She is running away, and Dacre (among everyone else) is hunting her.

This book is a great transitional book in my opinion. I would love for this to be combined with some of what will happen in book 3 into a longer book, but that is not Holly's style of writing. It is here to transition us from life in the underground city to the next big phase of the story, which I won't spoil here.

I loved watching Dacre throughout this book. He simultaneously was pissed at Verena while also being still so attracted to her, and broken up about his choice to not go with her and protect her. I loved his inner turmoil so much.

I also loved watching Verena, our FMC, as she was on the run. The struggle, the realization she had to rely on someone maybe she didn't fully trust, and the panic of getting caught by the king or Dacre and his father.

In general, I loved how this story panned out and I am really excited for book 3. I think as a transition book this was done well, and while of course I wished for more of the story, I am eagerly awaiting the next piece.