A Veil of Secrets

Araneae Nation #5

by Hailey Edwards

Some secrets are best forgotten.

Fresh from the battlefields of Erania, Marne rides south with Edan, headed for the city of Beltania. Among the Mimetidae guards accompanying them is Asher, who's been a thorn in her side since the day they met. He's rude and abrasive...yet he was the first to volunteer as escort.

Marne dreams of a fresh start where no one knows who--or what--she is. But first, they must cross the veil. Rumor has it spirits haunt that grim stretch of road, and unwary travelers who enter are never heard from again.

Veil or no veil, Asher is honor bound to see Marne safely to her new home. Though truth be told, Marne leaving Erania is the last thing he wants. This journey is his final chance to convince her distance will only make his heart grow fonder.

When Edan is lost to the mists, Marne is trapped in a strange land with no allies--with a man who draws her closer every day. Closer to her heart, and her secrets. Secrets she must reveal if they are to save the one man bent on tearing them apart.

This book contains one heroine willing to fly into the face of danger and the hero who gives her heart wings. This adventure is BYOM, Bring Your Own Meal. Trust me, where we're going, takeout is to die for. Literally.

**Originally published by Samhain Publishing**

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2014

About the author

Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.

Hailey isn't on Goodreads.

Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/

Reviews

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the Araneae Nation series since the beginning. It consistently delivers interesting and unique storylines, set in a fascinating fantasy construct that grows a little bit more with every installment. Each book has its own core couple to find love, but the romance is really secondary to the heroine’s journey. Often, I feel like I would have liked just a little more in the love-department. It seems like every book waits until the very last chapter to seal the deal (not just sexually, but emotionally too.) I’m more than a little ready to break from the formula, but I keep coming back to these books because they are so different from other series out there. And I like them.

This story was a bit of a surprise for me because I thought Marne (the heroine) was already married to another man. When we met her in the last book, she was introduced as Edan’s fledgling-harbinger wife. But as this book begins, we learn that their marriage was only a ruse. They are actually siblings, who pretended to be a couple in order to protect Marne. Our real hero is Asher, the guard who journeys with them as they travel from Erania to Beltania, to get the ingredients for the medication that keeps her alive in her half-changed state.

It’s an arduous journey and the harbinger queen shows constantly that she still has her claws in Marne’s mind. Marne really goes through the wringer here, struggling to find her place, wondering if she could ever really be free of the monster she was created to be. Asher is there every step of the way, and he’s a pretty stalwart guy, but I didn’t find a great deal of depth to his character. He was more the balm to Marne that she so desperately needed.

I like the twists and turns Hailey Edwards has taken with her harbinger storyline. It has definitely gone to places I never expected. I think the world-building is fantastic and plot, engaging. I just wish there was a little more depth to the romance. I miss the feels I got from book one.

This is the fifth installment in the Araneae Nation. I wouldn’t suggest you jump into the series here. Start with A Hint of Frost.

Rating: B

*ARC provided by author for review

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are people who write books, and maybe those books are good enough to be published and keep our interest us well enough to call them entertaining. Then there are those like Hailey Edwards, who are Weavers of Tales! Like the story tellers of medieval time who traveled about making a living with their words or the Audiobook Narrator who brings the book to life by performing instead of reading, the words they wield keep us captive and transport us to far away worlds and feed our imaginations.

In this series, Ms. Edwards transports us to a world where the women are far from the typical romance novel female waiting to be rescued. Her heroines are strong, intelligent and capable. When they meet their mates they form partnerships with equally strong and capable men who appreciate their strength. Instead of the typical overbearing male, her characters are protective without reducing the female character to a helpless weaklings.

I'm often disappointed when I read a well established author at the lack of depth in their writing. I quickly tire of the repeated he said, she said, they did.... I begin to yearn for them to exclaim or proclaim or, Heaven forbid, even yearn. Ms. Edwards prose are exactly the opposite, I am instantly captivated by the richness and depth as she uses the brush of her words to paint the world of her imaginings. I was addicted from her fist book, and this one was equally impressive.

Do yourself a favor and get lost for a day. I know you will love Marne, Edan... and Ahser! You won't want to put it down.

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I totally loved this story, it had a bit of everything. I must add one thing though, it has been a bit over a year since the last release of an actually novel in this series and a LOT of things are referenced back to book 4 "A Breath of Winter" so unless you have a much better memory than I do I would recommend a quick reread before starting this novel.

Asher and Marne make a great couple in terms of depth and confusion. It takes awhile before you are not sure that they hate each other (there are reasons for that), but thing work out along the way to lessen such things but there are a LOT of roadblocks in the way of any romance.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy this series and this novel was no exception to that but I am a bit concerned about the future of this series since it seemed like they wrapped up almost all of the things from previous books so I am wondering if this was a finale for the series or not. Guess that will become clear over the next few weeks.

Bottom Line: 5 Stars, I could round it and say 4.5 but I would still round it to 5 so there ya go. If you have not started this series I strongly urge you to do so, book 1 A Hint of Frost is free on Amazon for the month of December so give yourself a Christmas present you will enjoy.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edwards continues to enchant readers with the fifth installment in her Araneae series. This well-plotted fantasy continues to engage the reader with its intriguing characters, heart-pounding action, suspenseful intrigue and subtle romance. Dynamic worldbuilding continues to evolve while Edwards further develops the ongoing arc. Though each installment focuses on one hero and heroine, the arc is long-reaching and Edwards is not prone to recapping. -

Rad he rest of my review at RT Review Magazine http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marne, a fledgling harbinger who still retains aspects of her humanity is heading to Beltania, accompanied by Edan (her brother who is posing as her husband) and a Mimetidae guard, Asher, who is strangely hostile, yet protective of her. When crossing through the veil, Edan is taken by Idra, the queen harbinger who wants Marne back. Asher agrees to help Marne try to rescue Edan - they are helped by Pascale and Lleu, who clearly have something going on as well. On this journey, Marne begins to realize that she is strong and capable and doesn't need a man to help her, though she does enjoy having Asher along for the journey. She also learns of her origins and those of the harbingers.

As always, pretty awesome world building here. As far as the series plot goes - with the harbingers and the yellow death, it felt like the main focus of the story. And it was definitely the best part. This is pretty much straight action, as Marne and Asher are always dealing with either the plague, risers or other harbingers and are almost always on the move. I enjoyed what I learned about the Necrita and the plague and its causes, but it kind of felt like there wasn't really any closure on that chapter even though Idra died . I mean, there's an entire colony of Necrita living within the veil and all of this plague tragedy could start up again because of it. Sure, the message was sent that the Araenadie have the means and the will to fight against them, but that's not likely to stop them... As it was with the last 3 stories in the series, the romance is very underwhelming in comparison to the rest of the story. Marne and Asher had a very subtle attraction, almost no chemistry and Asher was almost puppy-dog devoted to Marne. It's not what I expected from a Mimetidae...not when I think about Vaughn and how alpha he was. They did clearly love one another, but it was very subdued, which I found somewhat disappointed. I also wondered at the author setting up Pascale and Lleu (or even Edan) as a pairing and sort of alluding to something going on with them and not finishing it. Was there supposed to be another story in this series?

[allbythebook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final installment of The Araneae Nation series by Hailey Edwards, a series I recently read and absolutely loved, is A Veil of Secrets. This series started back in 2012 and was completed in 2014 (with some novellas not included in this review released up to 2017), so it's not a new one. I'd read 5 other series by Hailey Edwards (A Beginner's Guide to Necromancy, Black Hat Bureau, Black Dog, Gemini and her new series The Body Shop) before stumbling across this, so I thought I knew what to expect - good writing, good romance, decent low fantasy worldbuilding. But this blew me away.

The Araneae are a collection of clans, with a similar vibe to indigenous American and Canadian tribes, except that they are clearly related to spiders. Different clans have different anatomical, physiological and cultural adaptations - fangs and venom, spinnerets to create web, resistance to venom, differing levels of aggression, ritual cannibalism, fighting ability, hunting and scent tracking ability, craftsmanship, spiritual powers, inability to digest meat, the list goes on. It makes for a really diverse and interesting high fantasy world of different tribes. And of course, there's something not right in this fantasy world - spiders, meet plague. A plague that does more than they realise... and over the course of the series, we see this plot beautifully evolve around the individual stories of our main players.

This book is a fabulous ending. I had no idea how this could possibly wrap up well in only one more book, but I was so impressed with how well it was done. This time, we follow arguably the most intriguing character of the series so far, Marne, who has a few secrets that we only started to glimpse at the end of book 4. And starting to cotton on to those secrets is Asher, who is going to be harder to shake than Marne thinks.

I absolutely loved Marne. She was the only other FMC IMO who came close to Lourdes in book 1. She is just such a complex character, with a difficult past and a difficult present too trying to manage what she has become and stay alive. And we learn about her slowly too which I love, from the secret about Edan to the whole of her history.

At first, I thought it was weird that Marne was our FMC - she was married to Edan right? Turns out pretty quickly once we see inside her head that no, that’s not actually true. And Asher seems to clock it pretty quickly as well, because he’s watching Marne closely!​

Their relationship is actually really lovely and develops much better than Kaidi and Murdoch or Zuri and Henri. The two contrast so well but totally support each other too, and another dose of grumpy, venomous cannibal man is much appreciated.​

But the conclusion of the series really is the highlight here. I was genuinely looking at the page count completely stumped as to how it could possibly end, and as tensions ramped higher and it seemed like there was no way back, it clicked together and fell into place. It was beautifully done and I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion to the epic 5 book series.

I will definitely be re-reading this series again, hopefully at a more sedate pace now I know how it’s going to conclude. I adored the world building, the epic overarching plot, as well as the individual stories of love and challenges all weaving together to a gorgeous conclusion. I can’t recommend this series highly enough! Go enjoy the sexy, venomous, cannibalistic spider people and the crazy happenings that threaten the apocalypse of their world!​

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey Edwards never disappoints me. This series was good, I thought the first and last books were the best for sure. I didn't particularly care for the female leads in the second and third books (Mana and Kaidi). When I began the series, I wasn't sure if I'd like switching main characters with each book, but it worked. I still might have preferred to follow Lourdes and Rhys throughout the series. However, Hailey Edwards can build a universe like none other and pull you into a world that initially made no sense but leaves you begging for more. I really thought the downfall of the series was the need to create a romance in every single book. It was just too formulaic, meet the female lead, meet the new male lead, watch them fall in love, have a sex scene in final chapter. Really could have done without the requisite sex scene at the end of each book. If I want to read erotica, I will pick up erotica. Hailey Edwards strength is not in sexuality, it is in building unique worlds with well-developed and likable characters. I would read again, tore through the whole series in less than a week, just not my favorite by the author.

[Jagged · Rating 2 out of 5]

Huh...
Like the author, I was kind of done with this series by this book. This book lacked everything the first two had going for it.

The finale was anticlimactic and, like the Black Hat series, left so many things open.

Again, the romance was rushed and unconvincing. The plot was slow. And pretty much, this book was boring.

With how this ended, the story didn't really have to happen. It's more that the world was more important than any of the stories taking place.

I put this down with three pages left to go last night before finishing just now. That sums this book up perfectly.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good wrap up of the main, overall Araneae Nation theme. I liked the characters Marne and Asher, and their story was both interesting and fun to watch unfold. I've enjoyed the whole series and recommend reading them in order due to the progression of the main theme-- the plague and the probability of war.

[Ellen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tangled web of plans

Seeing as there’s spider analogy throughout these books I can see how all the inter workings of the different book characters are tied to one another. The discovery of different customs and alliances as well as enemies make this one giant plan woven together and I can’t wait to see how it finishes up.

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying conclusion to the Spider Nation series, and one that leaves a very good taste in my mouth and a happy feeling in my heart. Edwards's world of the Araneaens is intricate and detailed and so very different from most fantasy works. I'm glad I stuck this series out till the end.

[vyoletkyss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I expected and not what I expected at all. Nice surprise, though once you got the twist it was a bit predictable but not in a boring way.

[D.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm I feel like this is the end of the series but there are still questions I have and other characters’ journeys I’d hoped to see.

[Jennifer Ashburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great way to wrap up the series!! The idea that it doesn’t matter who you are but more how you’re raised sets a good point to reality as well.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Araneae Nation #5
Marne, Edan and Asher are the main characters in this Series finale which adds a lot to the overall story arc. Enjoy!

Read:
August 26-27, 2019 – Kindle Edition

[Linda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more

I loved this series and I want more I want to what happens next in their lives where do the go from here

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, not that it's bad, but I'm starting to see a pattern in the series and it's beginning to be a bit all the same...


I still suggest that you try this series, it's really fun and relaxing and hard to put down. Plus, it's an unusual world, not something you'd see often. It's one of those relaxing series to read on a cold weekend, when you want something good, but you're not in the mood for anything too heavy.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Veil of Secrets is the latest installment in Edwards’ Araneae Nation series. While each book focuses on different characters, I think this is a series that is best read in order. The overarching plot with the plague and its cause is something that is developed in each subsequent book. In Veil of Secrets readers focus on a character that has been directly affected by the plague, she’s been infected and turned into a harbinger, but still surviving.

It was true that I could sense harbingers. After all, I was one. A fledging, not fully transformed, but I was a harbinger all the same. I was not a mindless, bloodthirsty monster like others of my find (p. 8).

Marne was attacked and infected by the plague, which transformed her. She now craves flesh and has grown wings. But what’s different about Marne is that she has kept her independence; she has never succumbed to the hive mind the way she should have thanks to her brother. Marne’s brother, Edan, has always protected her, but it seems it will be Marne that will have to do the protecting when her brother is attacked and taken by her creator.

Assisting Marne in her quest is Asher, a man who was once manipulated by one of the creators’ children. As a result Asher is somewhat hesitant in his mission to protect Marne; after all, couldn’t she control him just like her “sisters”. This hesitation soon fades into attraction, only to be stalled by Marne’s untruths (like she’s not really a widow…).

I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series, but in each one, including A Veil of Secrets, I have had the same problem. The narrative point of view always excludes the “hero”. Only in the romance genre do I find this singular point of view a problem. Personally, I think that a romance is always stronger when it includes both the hero and heroine's perspective as it’s essential in demonstrating how their relationship develops into a romantic one. With a singular point of view readers only understand half the story. Considering Asher’s past with creatures of Marne’s like, I would have really liked to have seen how he came to terms with falling in love with someone he should revile.

My issues with the romance aside, I do like the world that has been created with this series. The concept of how this plague was created and continues to spread is really interesting. I also find how this world is created and the veil that still exists as an in-between place to be equally compelling:

The veil separated the frigid northlands from the humid southlands. It was a mythical barrier that ran the length of the entire world. Thomisidae elders had told the story of how two gods, Kokyangwuti and her husband, Tawa, had forged this world from clay and bone. They had created a world before this one, First World, and it had been consumed by fire and greed. This world was their second, and to balance the elements, they capped the world with a sheet of ice. In this way, when the sun rose in the east and followed the length of the veil to set in the western skies, its flames might leap onto the southland’s grasses and set fire to their harvests. But even if the southlands were consumed, even if the blaze crossed the veil, the heat would only melt the northland until its cooling waters extinguished the flame. Thus the Second World would be spared a grisly death from sun fire (p. 18).

I love that the author has created a mythology for why her world is the way it is; why the seasons govern different territories. And it's the world that keeps me coming back to the series rather than the romance perspective. The world is richer than I would have expected in the romance genre, but it simply makes this a stronger tale. That said, I do like the romance genre, and I don't feel that this series stands out in that genre. The romance is okay, but I found it underwhelming for the reasons that I've outlined above. Ultimately, this is a decent romance series, but it's strongest element lies in it's creative world building.

Review originally published at the The Book Adventures.

*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each installment in this series gives me another new ‘ooh I love that element’ moment, and usually several. From the excellent world-building to characters that are alive on the pages, tension and action that never ends and the ability to combine ‘spider-like’ qualities into a book and not completely turn me off, Hailey Edwards has done it all for me with this series.

Humor and sharp wit in the placement of ‘moments’ between her characters and their interactions, emotional elements that are plausible and honest, and several different storylines that braid together in different patterns to bring back familiar characters while building to the final battles, this is a series best read in order: I took a weekend.

In this installment we have characters still reeling from the last book, where some answers left hanging there are finally starting to become apparent here. Marne is a half-turned harbringer, surviving the plague but able to control her lust for flying about and eating people. Her brother, Edan is over-protective, determined and has a not-to-be-denied attitude. These two are so supportive of one another, and Edan is determined to help Marne keep her deadly secret safe, despite the ever-encroaching danger. But, when you add Asher into the mix, a guard that is going to help them on their journey, and his fear of being controlled and manipulated by Marne as he has been by other women in his past, the interplay between these three, and especially between Marne and Asher is wonderful

And this is where and why I love Edward’s characters: her heroines are not wishy-washy. They don’t resort to tricks and feminine wiles, or manipulative devices to ‘win’, they are strong, determined and courageous –and if the man they like is amenable, so be it. Such a wholesale change from the push-pull of difficult relationships, or overly angst ridden reads, the angst is from the overriding story of the plague and the dangers resulting from it – the romances are solidly built with insecurities and questions clearly delineated.

The fifth full-length book in the series and it just keeps getting better and richer. With laughs, steam and multiple quests for information, solutions and safety, I can’t wait for the answers.

I purchased a copy of this title for my own library. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility

[Sydney Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love about Edwards' work - the reason I easily blast through each installment of the series - is that she has a talent for grabbing the reader immediately. She accomplishes this beautifully in A Veil of Secrets, perhaps moreso than in any of her other books. From page one we are plunged into the world of Marne, the female protagonist with a rather unfortunate secret, Edan, her aggressive and super-protective brother, and Asher, a guard who is accompanying Marne and Edan on a journey through the dangerous veil, a sort of metaphysical barrier between where they are and the city of Beltania. Marne and her brother are trying desperately to survive after Marne was turned into a harbringer, a dangerous creature best known for flying around killing and eating people, a reputation of which makes it difficult for Marne to exist freely as who she really is. The difference between Marne and your typical harbringer is that she didn't make the full transition into paranormal killing machine - she instead walks the earth dependent on injections to keep her alive and sane. She and Edan are seeking refuge in Beltania with the hopes that they will be able to have some kind of fresh start in life, away from their unpleasant pasts.

The romance in Veil is absolutely adorable. Edwards likes to write romance with a central plot, so the physical romance is towards the end, but well worth it. Marne is a woman with a great deal of strength who demonstrates a clear arc from relative dependence on her brother to a new-found comfort with her abilities and independence, which I find very appealing. Marne is no damsel; she easily stands beside her warrior male counterparts. Several characters make re-appearances from prior books to good effect; I particularly enjoyed seeing Pascale with Lleu, two side characters who offer bits of comic relief and witty banter throughout.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still feeling the effects from the ordeal in the last book, Marne and her brother Edan are sent from Erania to the clan who holds the key to Marne´s survival. As a half harbinger, Marnie needs daily doses of antivenin, and the flower it´s made of grows around Beltania. Now they just need to cross the Veil to get there. One of her guards is Asher. He´s still standoff-ish after his own encounter with the full-fledged harbinger, and not to keen on keeping them company although he did volunteer to be there.
When Edan disappears in the Veil, Marne and Asher find their common enemy and join forces, and the unresolved tension between them gets stronger.
Can Marne stand up against her maker, and will they find a solution for her to survive in the end? After all, Harbingers are feared and killed on sight..
Paranormal romance, suspense, action and smutty fluff in an awesome combo.
Love this series and it´s always a joy to return. Even if there´s puss and sour blood =D
ARC is provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I enjoyed this series, but I wish the author had taken more time to plot out the long term vision, develop the characters a bit better, and move away from the romance-a-novel trope. The concept - the human-ish creatures that make up this world, the pending doom, all that - is very unique and interesting. The plague, the politics, the culture, the skeleton of that is excellent but it doesn't quite live up to what it *could* be. And as much as I love my fantasy-romance novels, this series is weakened by the same old romance plot every single book (and it is the same, and it does get old).
It would have been a stronger series if the author had woven all these story lines together from book one and focused on all the main characters throughout, not just the romantic couple de jour. Keep the romance, but make the pending plauge/world building/characters/pending war the star of the show instead. Worth the read. An author I'd read again, but one that has way more potential than she's living up to in the execution.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"4 out of 5 stars!! All of Marne's life, it has been her and her brother against the world. Then, not long after they both escaped their life of slavery, Marne got turned into a harbinger (a thing of death), yet her brother sorta saves her .... now years later, while still running away from Marne's "marker," she finds herself moving into another life-changing situation that could either make or break her. Will she be able to overcome everything while creating a future for herself that she never dared to dream of before?

This enthralling novel hooked me from the beginning. Even though..."

Read more of this review and THREE TEASERS here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZqtACVBgvkBb1uwGFGfD7tyznNsqAHR_/view?usp=drive_link

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read! Marne & Asher's relationship has a bit of a rocky beginning, but turned out beautifully. A Veil of Shadows was an exciting read. Filled with danger, action and romance. Pascale, sister of Maven Lourdes makes another appearance. In this book her back and forth fighting with Lleu was fun. I hope Pascale will get her own book. I love spending time in Araneae Nation. I'm always amazed how intricate the world is.

[Monika Barys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Araneae Nation, preceded by A Breath of Winter and followed by...... A story follows Marne, a fledgling harbinger who was saved by her brother Edan from the fate of the Necrita, and Asher, the guard entrusted to bring Marne and Edan to Beltania without harm. In this book we learn about the Necrita and their way of life and how Marne is able to rescue her brother from the Queen....... but again the story is lacking in romance.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but I wish I had reread the previous books as there were some details I had trouble recalling. The resolution worked well for me and I liked the secondary couple. I feel like the series is done (main conflict resolved) but I'd like to see what, if anything, happens with Pascale and possibly Edan.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's it? That's the end? There's not going to be anymore? But...I still have questions! I need to see more couples!! Is Pascale and Lleu a couple? Or just messing around? Could she have been drawn to Edan? Who took over from Idra? Will they stay in the veil or try to take over the whole world too? I enjoyed this series but as you can see, I need more!

[Anjeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey Edwards did it again! The Araneae Nation story continues, unveiling a little more of what the plague is caused by and the dangers that live within the veil. I can't wait for this whole story to unfold.

[Deelylah Mullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review 12/15/14 at twimom227.com