What do you think?
Rate this book
Veil Haven
In a town where cryptids roam the streets, ancient gods hover just out of sight, and everyone has powers, seventeen-year-old Ash has the ability to see everything happening in the present. When she isn’t hanging out with her friends or attending football games, she’s helping protect Veil Haven with her omniscience.
Until her powers fail and her best friend dies.
When everyone she trusts lies to her about the tragedy, Ash begins pulling the threads that hold Veil Haven together in hopes of discovering the truth. But in a place where knowledge is more dangerous than the cryptids stalking her, will the secrets Ash unearths be enough to save her friends?
The first book in the series, Veil Haven is a thrilling mystery of the paranormal urban fantasy genre, intended for young adult readers. With horror elements, monsters, ghosts, drama, and comedy, you'll be delighted by the twists you can't see coming in this harrowing adventure. Veil Haven has a diverse cast and LGBTQ+ characters. The Appalachian Mountains are the inspiration for the setting of Veil Haven.
Ash was raised by oppressive government leaders in a small town surrounded by the Void where nothing changes. In this close-knit community, Ash is an outsider because of her ties with The Watchers, the secret military organization that controls their town from the shadows. Ash's omniscient superpower allows her to act like the narrator of her home, witnessing events all over town simultaneously. When a new family moves to town, Ash is shocked, not only because the government never allows anything to change but also because she didn't witness the event—something that shouldn't be possible because of her power.
Befriending the new kid is simple enough, but Ash can't ignore the gut feeling that something is wrong about his family. Then, everything changes when her best friend is found dead without her witnessing what happened. Sent spiraling to a place between grief and rage, Ash decides to team up with her found family in order to learn what really happened to their friend.
Meanwhile, the ancient god of the woods is calling out to Ash. The cryptid god, known as the Forest Eye, helped Ash control her ability when she was young, but after a terrible fight, Ash left the woods and vowed never to speak to the deity again. Until the Forest Eye starts teasing information about her friend's death and the arrival of the new family.
Even though Ash was told she can see everything, it seems as though everyone else suddenly knows more than her, and it's driving her to the edge.
Between cryptids, ghosts, cults, and mysteries, Ash and her friends uncover dangerous truths about their now-changing town. But do the ends justify the means? Will Ash be able to stomach the consequences of her actions? And will she be able to save her friends and her town before it's too late?
Ash is more than just a teenager or a kid, despite what her parental figures tell her. She was raised to protect her small mountain town, her superpower makes her act as the narrator, but between panic attacks, migraines, and her unspoken ADHD, our female protagonist has met her match with this harrowing adventure and daring paranormal mystery.
Until her powers fail and her best friend dies.
When everyone she trusts lies to her about the tragedy, Ash begins pulling the threads that hold Veil Haven together in hopes of discovering the truth. But in a place where knowledge is more dangerous than the cryptids stalking her, will the secrets Ash unearths be enough to save her friends?
The first book in the series, Veil Haven is a thrilling mystery of the paranormal urban fantasy genre, intended for young adult readers. With horror elements, monsters, ghosts, drama, and comedy, you'll be delighted by the twists you can't see coming in this harrowing adventure. Veil Haven has a diverse cast and LGBTQ+ characters. The Appalachian Mountains are the inspiration for the setting of Veil Haven.
Ash was raised by oppressive government leaders in a small town surrounded by the Void where nothing changes. In this close-knit community, Ash is an outsider because of her ties with The Watchers, the secret military organization that controls their town from the shadows. Ash's omniscient superpower allows her to act like the narrator of her home, witnessing events all over town simultaneously. When a new family moves to town, Ash is shocked, not only because the government never allows anything to change but also because she didn't witness the event—something that shouldn't be possible because of her power.
Befriending the new kid is simple enough, but Ash can't ignore the gut feeling that something is wrong about his family. Then, everything changes when her best friend is found dead without her witnessing what happened. Sent spiraling to a place between grief and rage, Ash decides to team up with her found family in order to learn what really happened to their friend.
Meanwhile, the ancient god of the woods is calling out to Ash. The cryptid god, known as the Forest Eye, helped Ash control her ability when she was young, but after a terrible fight, Ash left the woods and vowed never to speak to the deity again. Until the Forest Eye starts teasing information about her friend's death and the arrival of the new family.
Even though Ash was told she can see everything, it seems as though everyone else suddenly knows more than her, and it's driving her to the edge.
Between cryptids, ghosts, cults, and mysteries, Ash and her friends uncover dangerous truths about their now-changing town. But do the ends justify the means? Will Ash be able to stomach the consequences of her actions? And will she be able to save her friends and her town before it's too late?
Ash is more than just a teenager or a kid, despite what her parental figures tell her. She was raised to protect her small mountain town, her superpower makes her act as the narrator, but between panic attacks, migraines, and her unspoken ADHD, our female protagonist has met her match with this harrowing adventure and daring paranormal mystery.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
23 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Wow! I’ll admit that I can’t quite nail down a genre. It’s Sci fi, it’s paranormal, there’s people with powers, it’s YA, and it’s awesome. It’s a story I’ve never read before which was incredibly refreshing. I’ve read books where the narrator is treated like a character in the story but never one where the narrator IS a character in the story (not referring to first person vs third person but the fact the main character can see everything).
Anne Kelley knows her cryptids and brought the terror of Appalachian folklore in this twisting YA tale with shadow governments, secrets and teenage angst.
Makes me content to admire the Appalachians from afar and never hike them 🫡
Took a minute to get drawn in but once I was it was like a siren song and difficult to put down.
Wow! I’ll admit that I can’t quite nail down a genre. It’s Sci fi, it’s paranormal, there’s people with powers, it’s YA, and it’s awesome. It’s a story I’ve never read before which was incredibly refreshing. I’ve read books where the narrator is treated like a character in the story but never one where the narrator IS a character in the story (not referring to first person vs third person but the fact the main character can see everything).
Anne Kelley knows her cryptids and brought the terror of Appalachian folklore in this twisting YA tale with shadow governments, secrets and teenage angst.
Makes me content to admire the Appalachians from afar and never hike them 🫡
Took a minute to get drawn in but once I was it was like a siren song and difficult to put down.
October 30, 2023
Veil Haven is an exciting and break-neck romp through some very spooky woods. I have had the pleasure of being both a Beta and an ARC reader for this, Anne’s debut novel, and I have to say that Veil Haven did not disappoint. This book has a rich world, filled with well developed characters, along with all the things that go bump in the night. It is an innovative addition to the genre, with both twists you see coming and twists that you don’t. Anne has very finely crafted a universe, filled it with things, and set them loose to do what they please.
The book starts off a bit slow, with mostly world building and character introduction, but before you know it, you’re launched into an adventure that is twisting and turning around every corner. We’ve got intrigue, we’ve got mystery, we’ve got creatures, we’ve got dystopian government structures! Once this book finds and hits its stride, you will not want to put it down. During beta reading, I encouraged Anne to buckle down and focus on character building, and she really put in the work. The environment and the characters all feel so rich and alive, as if the town has a mind of its own 😉.
The main character, Ash, is such a wonderful example of realistically flawed protagonists. We see her struggle, and fail, and make mistakes, and try to overcome them. She grapples with loneliness, grief, immense responsibility, and her ability to trust herself and what she believes in. For a supernatural, quasi-omniscient being, she is surprisingly relatable! This book is for everyone who was ever a misunderstood and lonely teenager, and anyone who ever wished they were special, powered, or important. This book kept me on the edge of my seat up until the end, and I will carry these characters with me for a long time to come.
If you enjoy found family dynamics, supernatural elements, and cryptids, this book is certainly for you! This is a wonderful breakout debut, and it makes me infinitely excited for the next book to come. If you give it a chance, Veil Haven will win you over, I guarantee. I hope to see you there!
The book starts off a bit slow, with mostly world building and character introduction, but before you know it, you’re launched into an adventure that is twisting and turning around every corner. We’ve got intrigue, we’ve got mystery, we’ve got creatures, we’ve got dystopian government structures! Once this book finds and hits its stride, you will not want to put it down. During beta reading, I encouraged Anne to buckle down and focus on character building, and she really put in the work. The environment and the characters all feel so rich and alive, as if the town has a mind of its own 😉.
The main character, Ash, is such a wonderful example of realistically flawed protagonists. We see her struggle, and fail, and make mistakes, and try to overcome them. She grapples with loneliness, grief, immense responsibility, and her ability to trust herself and what she believes in. For a supernatural, quasi-omniscient being, she is surprisingly relatable! This book is for everyone who was ever a misunderstood and lonely teenager, and anyone who ever wished they were special, powered, or important. This book kept me on the edge of my seat up until the end, and I will carry these characters with me for a long time to come.
If you enjoy found family dynamics, supernatural elements, and cryptids, this book is certainly for you! This is a wonderful breakout debut, and it makes me infinitely excited for the next book to come. If you give it a chance, Veil Haven will win you over, I guarantee. I hope to see you there!
October 30, 2023
I was an ARC reader and I must say how much I loved veil haven!! It is an amazing book with a wonderful mysterious setting that enthralled me into reading more and more to see what happened to the character and learn more about the world! I love the main character Ash and the way they see the world with their ability! And I love the general vibes and atmosphere the town and it’s inhabitants give. I personally 100% recommend this book to read especially if you enjoy cryptids!
October 30, 2023
I was an ARC reader for this YA novel by Anne M. Kelley. I can say with all due confidence that this book is more than well deserving of the five stars I have given it.
It is rather difficult to produce a work of horror comedy that not only leaves the reader wanting more, but also leaves the reader with numerous thought provoking questions that make the reader truly invested in the narrative.
One thing I adored about Veil Haven was its mystery plot. As an avid reader of mysteries and thrillers, I find it difficult to find a story with a mystery that is not at least somewhat predictable. Thus, one of Veil Haven's successes is that the mysteries are so well crafted that their conclusions are extremely difficult to predict. I was having a lot of fun developing theories as to how the various hints Anne left connected to one another and divining various characters' motives within their respective conspiracies.
Another thing I loved was how the dystopian elements of Veil Haven cover various difficult themes, such as grief, revenge, friendship, and belonging. Not only are these things incredibly relatable to teens and adults alike, they provide interesting moments to view how various characters react to similar stresses and how they see themselves within the overall setting.
Lastly, one of my favorite elements of Veil Haven was Anne's diverse cast of characters. Even the background characters felt like whole and developed persons. Ash, of course, was among my favorites. She had her own strengths and flaws, both of which were developed equally in the novel. Her unique perspective as the quasi-omniscient narrator was particularly fascinating as much of the story was tinged with that character's bias. Even some of the antagonists were either relatable or intriguing in their own right. One of my absolute favorites of those was the Forest Eye. Despite being a bloodthirsty eldritch god with a mean streak, I was definitely getting some surprisingly wholesome dad/a-human parent energy from it. I shall say no more of that to avoid spoilers.
Overall, I would recommend this novel to everyone as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can't wait for the next installment.
It is rather difficult to produce a work of horror comedy that not only leaves the reader wanting more, but also leaves the reader with numerous thought provoking questions that make the reader truly invested in the narrative.
One thing I adored about Veil Haven was its mystery plot. As an avid reader of mysteries and thrillers, I find it difficult to find a story with a mystery that is not at least somewhat predictable. Thus, one of Veil Haven's successes is that the mysteries are so well crafted that their conclusions are extremely difficult to predict. I was having a lot of fun developing theories as to how the various hints Anne left connected to one another and divining various characters' motives within their respective conspiracies.
Another thing I loved was how the dystopian elements of Veil Haven cover various difficult themes, such as grief, revenge, friendship, and belonging. Not only are these things incredibly relatable to teens and adults alike, they provide interesting moments to view how various characters react to similar stresses and how they see themselves within the overall setting.
Lastly, one of my favorite elements of Veil Haven was Anne's diverse cast of characters. Even the background characters felt like whole and developed persons. Ash, of course, was among my favorites. She had her own strengths and flaws, both of which were developed equally in the novel. Her unique perspective as the quasi-omniscient narrator was particularly fascinating as much of the story was tinged with that character's bias. Even some of the antagonists were either relatable or intriguing in their own right. One of my absolute favorites of those was the Forest Eye. Despite being a bloodthirsty eldritch god with a mean streak, I was definitely getting some surprisingly wholesome dad/a-human parent energy from it. I shall say no more of that to avoid spoilers.
Overall, I would recommend this novel to everyone as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can't wait for the next installment.
September 16, 2025
If I had a future sight ability, I’m sure I would see this author winning awards.
November 4, 2023
When I first started reading Veil Haven I quickly realized it was going to be a hard book to put down. Up until the very last page, I kept wanting to know more and more and more!
Anne M. Kelley does an astounding job of crafting a colorful (and scary!) town filled with the supernatural—cryptids, ancient gods, superpowers—that keeps you thrilled and intrigued as you learn more about the town with every page you turn. I fell in love with each character, even some of the non-human ones. The character development is done so well that you will become emotional at one moment or another (and maybe a few more times than that) as the characters feel like real people you would meet in your life. The plotline is intricately woven with a number of mysteries that keep you guessing and sleuthing alongside the main character, Ash, and her friends.
As an ARC reader, this book opened up a whole new world and genre of paranormal urban fantasy books for me and it was more riveting than I could have imagined! If you want to find a book that you look forward to reading every single moment you get—one that is exciting, mysterious, spooky—this book is for you!
Anne M. Kelley does an astounding job of crafting a colorful (and scary!) town filled with the supernatural—cryptids, ancient gods, superpowers—that keeps you thrilled and intrigued as you learn more about the town with every page you turn. I fell in love with each character, even some of the non-human ones. The character development is done so well that you will become emotional at one moment or another (and maybe a few more times than that) as the characters feel like real people you would meet in your life. The plotline is intricately woven with a number of mysteries that keep you guessing and sleuthing alongside the main character, Ash, and her friends.
As an ARC reader, this book opened up a whole new world and genre of paranormal urban fantasy books for me and it was more riveting than I could have imagined! If you want to find a book that you look forward to reading every single moment you get—one that is exciting, mysterious, spooky—this book is for you!
November 14, 2023
I was an ARC reader for Veil Haven and it was amazing! Can’t wait to reread.
It kept me engaged at every twist and turn, had the hairs on my neck stand up. Its pages hold the eeriness of that one back road in every town that everyone avoids at night. Having your back turned on pitch black woods while telling stories around a camp fire.
At times, it really feels like you’re seeing the world through Ash’s eyes. The characters are so well developed. The writing it upbeat, beautiful, and leaves you wanting more.
It kept me engaged at every twist and turn, had the hairs on my neck stand up. Its pages hold the eeriness of that one back road in every town that everyone avoids at night. Having your back turned on pitch black woods while telling stories around a camp fire.
At times, it really feels like you’re seeing the world through Ash’s eyes. The characters are so well developed. The writing it upbeat, beautiful, and leaves you wanting more.
November 15, 2023
I had the amazing honor of being an ARC reader for Anne M. Kelley's debut, Veil Haven, and I can officially attest to the novel's ability to surpass all of my expectations!!
Here is my spoiler free review:
Veil Haven takes you on a gripping journey through an incredibly unique and masterfully crafted world full of mystery, supernatural wonders, and a fun cast of characters. When you first begin, the story moves at a deliberate pace as Anne works to introduce key and incredibly fun aspects of this world. These are moments that really begin to pay off as the mystery of Ash's journey through this book begins to unfold.
I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this novel's exploration of very raw, very real themes such as grief, loss, friendship, and belonging. These are strong, powerful emotions and it's inclusion in Ash's story made the reading experience feel very real and relatable. Ash stands out as a realistically flawed yet strong protagonist and despite the fact that we were exploring a fantasy world crawling with terrifying, wacky, and sometimes hilarious cryptids, I never found myself questioning whether or not this world was real. I was completely immersed into the world-building!
Overall, I loved my experience with Veil Haven and will be jumping at my earliest opportunity to re-enter this world! If you enjoy immersive storytelling and authentic characters set against a backdrop of the uncanny and supernatural, Veil Haven is a must-read for you!
Here is my spoiler free review:
Veil Haven takes you on a gripping journey through an incredibly unique and masterfully crafted world full of mystery, supernatural wonders, and a fun cast of characters. When you first begin, the story moves at a deliberate pace as Anne works to introduce key and incredibly fun aspects of this world. These are moments that really begin to pay off as the mystery of Ash's journey through this book begins to unfold.
I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this novel's exploration of very raw, very real themes such as grief, loss, friendship, and belonging. These are strong, powerful emotions and it's inclusion in Ash's story made the reading experience feel very real and relatable. Ash stands out as a realistically flawed yet strong protagonist and despite the fact that we were exploring a fantasy world crawling with terrifying, wacky, and sometimes hilarious cryptids, I never found myself questioning whether or not this world was real. I was completely immersed into the world-building!
Overall, I loved my experience with Veil Haven and will be jumping at my earliest opportunity to re-enter this world! If you enjoy immersive storytelling and authentic characters set against a backdrop of the uncanny and supernatural, Veil Haven is a must-read for you!
November 15, 2023
I was an ARC reader for Veil Haven by Anne M. Kelley. This book is a paranormal urban fantasy, with lots of cryptids unique to the novel. It’s also set in an Appalachia-inspired small town, which is something I always love to see. In addition to the cryptids, the inhabitants of Veil Haven have individualized powers which much of the plot is centered around. The main character, Ash, has the ability of omniscience, and the conflict starts with her ability failing her for the first time. Her best friend dies, and she’s left to try and figure out exactly what’s happened. As an FYI, there are certain sections of the book that are gory, but they don’t make up a majority of the scenes.
March 4, 2024
I really loved this book. Definitely took some time for the story to get rolling but around chapter 14 everything getting so much more serious in a good way. Definitely something to read if you enjoy cryptics, supernatural horror, or the vibes of the Appalachia mountains.
November 23, 2023
Phenomenal. So many twists and turns leaving it completely unpredictable.
November 2, 2023
I’ve never been much of a reader but I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book and I was hooked. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and the atmosphere and each next mystery.
Obviously this is a fantasy novel, but a big thing I really appreciate is the realism of it.
For one thing, I feel as though a lot of young adult media down plays or even ignores the whole bit that they are, in fact, kids but there are constant reminders that Ash herself, while yes very powerful, is just a teenager, a child. Main character syndrome as the narrator but she is not over powered. She is messy, and she is emotional and impulsive, and she is learning.
The other thing is the very real depiction of grief, loss, and trauma. I never thought a book could make me cry, but the characters’ pain became my own and I even had to take a little break before continuing.
It can feel rather slow at points but I do think it adds to the feeling of confusion and the helplessness of it all.
I also appreciate the hard contrast between the gruesome and brutal details and the wholesome platonic and familial bonds between the characters. The author does not go easy on the visuals and the smells of the cryptids and the havoc they wreak. On the flip side, it’s clear the love the characters have for each other and how much they care about each other. Their traditions and just the little things that bring them together really warm the heart.
And for anyone wondering, there is a bit of a romantic subplot, but there is more focus on the platonic or familial kind of love. It’s a very found family kinda vibe. I do appreciate the casual and normalized affections between friends but I am also a bit of a sucker for romance.
I would recommend this book to those who like a bit of mystery and suspense and also the paranormal and even maybe super hero type stuff. I also think it’s a good book for those who aren’t big into reading but are interested and looking for somewhere to start.
Obviously this is a fantasy novel, but a big thing I really appreciate is the realism of it.
For one thing, I feel as though a lot of young adult media down plays or even ignores the whole bit that they are, in fact, kids but there are constant reminders that Ash herself, while yes very powerful, is just a teenager, a child. Main character syndrome as the narrator but she is not over powered. She is messy, and she is emotional and impulsive, and she is learning.
The other thing is the very real depiction of grief, loss, and trauma. I never thought a book could make me cry, but the characters’ pain became my own and I even had to take a little break before continuing.
It can feel rather slow at points but I do think it adds to the feeling of confusion and the helplessness of it all.
I also appreciate the hard contrast between the gruesome and brutal details and the wholesome platonic and familial bonds between the characters. The author does not go easy on the visuals and the smells of the cryptids and the havoc they wreak. On the flip side, it’s clear the love the characters have for each other and how much they care about each other. Their traditions and just the little things that bring them together really warm the heart.
And for anyone wondering, there is a bit of a romantic subplot, but there is more focus on the platonic or familial kind of love. It’s a very found family kinda vibe. I do appreciate the casual and normalized affections between friends but I am also a bit of a sucker for romance.
I would recommend this book to those who like a bit of mystery and suspense and also the paranormal and even maybe super hero type stuff. I also think it’s a good book for those who aren’t big into reading but are interested and looking for somewhere to start.
November 7, 2023
I was an ARC reader and let me tell you Veil Haven is must read. It’s rare to find an author who can make you both laugh out loud, fall in love with characters and send a chill up your spine and this is exactly what Anne Kelley accomplishes.
With diverse characters, unique backgrounds and an omnipresent narrator there are unique twists and turns in this book unlike anything else. I was immediately transported into Ash’s shoes with her strongly relatable voice and the natural tone of young adult navigating the terrifying world around her. I felt like I was listening to a close friend tell me a story. Anne Kelley has a way of writing that intrinsically captures the reader’s excitement. I found myself on the edge of my seat with each chapter.
The dystopian world built through Veil Haven’s setting is so casually introduced it’s almost reminiscent of the classic 1989. The sense of surveillance, the knowledge of a greater power watching you is so casually thought about by our narrator it’s easy to fall into her rhythmic thought of “This is simply how it is.”
The themes of love, loss, friendship and power are beautifully touched upon in such a real way, you find yourself laughing, crying, cheering and screaming with the characters. You are thrust into the moment, right there with them.
Veil Haven is an absolute must read for anyone with a taste for dark adventure, mystery, horror and dystopian themes. It captures and enthralls with each twist and turn of the story and I personally am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment in this absolutely ride of a series.
With diverse characters, unique backgrounds and an omnipresent narrator there are unique twists and turns in this book unlike anything else. I was immediately transported into Ash’s shoes with her strongly relatable voice and the natural tone of young adult navigating the terrifying world around her. I felt like I was listening to a close friend tell me a story. Anne Kelley has a way of writing that intrinsically captures the reader’s excitement. I found myself on the edge of my seat with each chapter.
The dystopian world built through Veil Haven’s setting is so casually introduced it’s almost reminiscent of the classic 1989. The sense of surveillance, the knowledge of a greater power watching you is so casually thought about by our narrator it’s easy to fall into her rhythmic thought of “This is simply how it is.”
The themes of love, loss, friendship and power are beautifully touched upon in such a real way, you find yourself laughing, crying, cheering and screaming with the characters. You are thrust into the moment, right there with them.
Veil Haven is an absolute must read for anyone with a taste for dark adventure, mystery, horror and dystopian themes. It captures and enthralls with each twist and turn of the story and I personally am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment in this absolutely ride of a series.
November 2, 2023
As an ARC reader I was lucky to have received an early copy of “Veil Haven” by Anne M. Kelley.
Her book is about a supernatural town, in which nothing really seems what it really is, and the main character Ash, who is able to see everything happening everywhere & ALL the time.
Reading this book has been really enjoyable for me. I especially enjoyed how Kelley build up the world in which Ash lives, how the different characters are distinct and fleshed out. They all have their own story, their own place in the web Kelley has spun for her tale.
I especially liked Markus, and how he put a different spotlight onto this good old ordinary supernatural town. He really helped balance out the book by being down to earth, while the supernatural town can be described as anything but down to earth ;)
Getting to know more about this world that is different than ours, learning it’s ways and secrets and seeing how the story evolved just made me want to read and learn more. Many questions arose but also fell away once answered.
Some twists I saw coming and I wanted to yell at the characters, some turns I didn’t see, and wished I could be there with and for the characters.
If a lil spooky, lil uneasy yet very intriguing supernatural/big brother-esque story, with a diverse cast that makes you root for them, sounds right up your alley then please do not hesitate and get this book!
Still on the fence? Check out the author’s social media accounts (Tiktok/Instagram; annemkelley/veil_ haven) and see if the book related content sounds like something you’d enjoy :)
Her book is about a supernatural town, in which nothing really seems what it really is, and the main character Ash, who is able to see everything happening everywhere & ALL the time.
Reading this book has been really enjoyable for me. I especially enjoyed how Kelley build up the world in which Ash lives, how the different characters are distinct and fleshed out. They all have their own story, their own place in the web Kelley has spun for her tale.
I especially liked Markus, and how he put a different spotlight onto this good old ordinary supernatural town. He really helped balance out the book by being down to earth, while the supernatural town can be described as anything but down to earth ;)
Getting to know more about this world that is different than ours, learning it’s ways and secrets and seeing how the story evolved just made me want to read and learn more. Many questions arose but also fell away once answered.
Some twists I saw coming and I wanted to yell at the characters, some turns I didn’t see, and wished I could be there with and for the characters.
If a lil spooky, lil uneasy yet very intriguing supernatural/big brother-esque story, with a diverse cast that makes you root for them, sounds right up your alley then please do not hesitate and get this book!
Still on the fence? Check out the author’s social media accounts (Tiktok/Instagram; annemkelley/veil_ haven) and see if the book related content sounds like something you’d enjoy :)
November 1, 2023
I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for Anne Kelley’s ‘Veil Haven,’ and I can confidently say I had a hard time putting this book down. From the amazing dystopian world created to the dynamic and in-depth characters, I found myself completely immersed in this new world. Our main character and narrator, Ash, takes us along for a wild ride from the life of a young, antihero with powers that prove to be a gift and a curse. For a person who can see every and all things all at once and all the time, when a family suddenly moves into Veil Haven without Ash’s knowledge, new, dangerous questions are asked and secrets revealed. If you have watched and enjoyed Gravity Falls or Over the Garden Wall this is definitely the novel for you. From the array of superpowers introduced in this book to the detailed and complex writing, I can’t wait for everyone to read it!
November 15, 2023
Veil Haven is about a girl named Ash who lives in a town where cryptids run wild and everyone has some sort of magical ability. Ash can see everything in the present until one day her powers lie to her and more crazy things happens among the town.
I got an early readers copy and my thoughts on this book is that it was incredible! The town itself gave me this comforting feeling of a Halloween/ fall town, but with the suspense of the plot and the cryptids gave it that thriller vibes. I couldn’t put it down and was so engaged with how real all the characters felt. Anne Kelley writes in a way that the conversations feel sooo natural and the smallest details were added that it made the story so vivid. I highly recommend this book to anyone! I’m not used to reading this genre but it was so easy to slide into the story without confusion.
I got an early readers copy and my thoughts on this book is that it was incredible! The town itself gave me this comforting feeling of a Halloween/ fall town, but with the suspense of the plot and the cryptids gave it that thriller vibes. I couldn’t put it down and was so engaged with how real all the characters felt. Anne Kelley writes in a way that the conversations feel sooo natural and the smallest details were added that it made the story so vivid. I highly recommend this book to anyone! I’m not used to reading this genre but it was so easy to slide into the story without confusion.
October 6, 2025
3.75 stars. This was an incredible premise for a story. Growing up and living in the Appalachians, I found this book while trying to find some fantasy novels based on some of our stories. This turned out to not be fantasy though, and to me seems more dystopian and/or sci-fi. I think my biggest issue was there was so much going on at the same time. On top of this, much of what was happening or had already happened was constantly brought up. I found myself skimming through parts because I was tired of reading information we had already covered or questions that had been asked a million times. Not only this, but a spoiler that sets the entire book in motion is given right in the blurb when the event mentioned doesn’t happened until halfway through the book. So I guess overall, enjoyed the story. Wasn’t a huge fan of the execution. Will likely read the sequel if it’s released.
November 3, 2023
ARC Review:
Let me tell you, the plot be twisting. Finding the answers at the same time as Ash? Exhilarating. Wanting to yell at the Void and Forest Eye for having to experience this? Relatable. Having to witness a world unlike ours and mourning the fact that you can’t be teleported there (despite the renovations ruining the vibe)? Mood, let me join you. It is a trip that will keep you asking the answers even after the book ends (and then make you yell at the author to get her to give them to you) (she doesn’t). Absolutely binged this in a day because you can’t put it down when you have answers that need answering. Buckle up in an old and reliable truck, don your ugliest grandpa golf sweater and neon leggings, and get ready to experience life on the other side of that weird glowing portal which strangely looks like the cover of this book. If you’re supposed to know, you’d know (and you can, just read the book)!!!!!
Let me tell you, the plot be twisting. Finding the answers at the same time as Ash? Exhilarating. Wanting to yell at the Void and Forest Eye for having to experience this? Relatable. Having to witness a world unlike ours and mourning the fact that you can’t be teleported there (despite the renovations ruining the vibe)? Mood, let me join you. It is a trip that will keep you asking the answers even after the book ends (and then make you yell at the author to get her to give them to you) (she doesn’t). Absolutely binged this in a day because you can’t put it down when you have answers that need answering. Buckle up in an old and reliable truck, don your ugliest grandpa golf sweater and neon leggings, and get ready to experience life on the other side of that weird glowing portal which strangely looks like the cover of this book. If you’re supposed to know, you’d know (and you can, just read the book)!!!!!
November 16, 2023
I was an ARC reader for Veil Haven, and man am I glad I was! Veil Haven is a an incredible world that you simply must experience for yourself. An eerie, woodsy town filled with liminal spaces, ancient cryptid beings lurking where you'd least expect, and a host of unique, real-feeling characters all weave a narrative that will have you looking over your shoulder and checking your closet for ghosts. The protagonist Ash feels very complex and interesting, and when she feels, you feel too. I can even feel the ramp-up to a second book, and I can't WAIT to continue the story from here! Veil Haven is a must-read for lovers of fantasy, mystery, and a new twist on classic, spooky campfire tales!
January 30, 2024
Cw for the book: violence, death, gore, Self harm, and brief mention of SA
This book is amazing but there are two main problems. That being that sometimes the word choices are weird. The other problem is sometimes things just happen abruptly and the pacing feels off, but other than that I loved this book and I wish it was more popular. The characters feel real, like if actual people would be put in the situations they are put into they would do similar things. Ash is, at least in my opinion, pretty morally gray. Overall I love this book but I can’t talk about it much more without spoiling the book.
This book is amazing but there are two main problems. That being that sometimes the word choices are weird. The other problem is sometimes things just happen abruptly and the pacing feels off, but other than that I loved this book and I wish it was more popular. The characters feel real, like if actual people would be put in the situations they are put into they would do similar things. Ash is, at least in my opinion, pretty morally gray. Overall I love this book but I can’t talk about it much more without spoiling the book.
November 15, 2023
"Someone hides in plain sight."
"Someone treads unholy ground."
"Someone dies to appease another."
"Someone dies. Someone dies. Someone—"
Veil Haven was such a fun read! The characters, the world, the cryptids, and the vibes had me hooked from the start. There's twists and turns and those "OH MY GOD" moments that I could never do justice to. That's something you'll have to experience for yourself!
If you're a fan of Gravity Falls, Over the Garden Wall, or any other small town lost in the woods mystery tales, bump Veil Haven to the top of your TBR list!
"Someone treads unholy ground."
"Someone dies to appease another."
"Someone dies. Someone dies. Someone—"
Veil Haven was such a fun read! The characters, the world, the cryptids, and the vibes had me hooked from the start. There's twists and turns and those "OH MY GOD" moments that I could never do justice to. That's something you'll have to experience for yourself!
If you're a fan of Gravity Falls, Over the Garden Wall, or any other small town lost in the woods mystery tales, bump Veil Haven to the top of your TBR list!
October 27, 2024
I really loved the world building with this but that is about it. The main character was soooooooooooooooooooooooo fucking annoying oh my god. Literally could not handle not being included in the town’s happenings & had to know absolutely everything. Couldn’t even fathom how it wasn’t possible she didn’t know everything. Quite literally had a million questions & the internal monologue just was too much. She is a 0/10. The government bit was interesting enough however it was revealed too late in the book. Will not be continuing the series.
Read
November 15, 2023I had the honor of being an ARC reader for Veil Haven. The plot of this novel is quite unique and it’s one of the few books set in my beloved Appalachia. Anne’s creative mind is obvious throughout the story and she commits to writing characters with traits often forgone in YA novels. The main character Ash is flawed, messy, determined, and loving. The town is mystic, creepy, and spooky. The cryptids are gross, varied, and present. Crack open this twisting tale… if you dare!
December 11, 2024
Lovely story!
I adore it so much!
A perfect quencher for my desperate craving of all things crypids, conspiracies and casual oddity. This book is all aesthetics and is written beautifully. The world building and story effortlessly sucks you in, with an occasional absolute gut punch of poetic lines sprinkled through out.
I'm absolutely chomping at the bit for a sequel!
I adore it so much!
A perfect quencher for my desperate craving of all things crypids, conspiracies and casual oddity. This book is all aesthetics and is written beautifully. The world building and story effortlessly sucks you in, with an occasional absolute gut punch of poetic lines sprinkled through out.
I'm absolutely chomping at the bit for a sequel!
November 1, 2023
This book brings you into a whole new dimension and is full of creative and interesting world building. The author has a great way of doing this without being overwhelming to ultimately give us a story about friendship with a super authentic depiction of young friends.
ARC review
ARC review
July 28, 2024
It was such an interesting book. There were so many plot twists and such an interesting concept! Ash did have a bit of a y/n concept, but I feel like that's an often struggle with y/a novels. Overall, such a great novel, I had such fun experiences reading it!
June 28, 2025
Really really liked it, very fun book about a cryptid town and their mysteries, i don't go through boom fast but I really couldn't stop reading. The last 6 chapters were expecially good!! can't wait for a part 2!!
July 31, 2025
I was in the mood for something in the vein of Welcome to Night Vale and Magnus Archives and this really fit the bill. The Appalachian setting was a real treat and the world building was great. I really look forward to further books in the Veil Haven universe.
January 18, 2024
I got tired of waiting to buy this as a paperback, so I got the kindle version and dove in. HOLY CRAP, this was incredible! Like the cryptids of Veil Haven, I hunger, but for MORE!
March 11, 2024
Ive followed this book for a while on tiktok and i just finished it, i can say that I truly enjoyed it and was actually on the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews