Veradel by Mariah Montoya and Grace Pearce
18+ Contains Adult Content
Verde is book 2 in the Guardians and Monsters Duology, Xantera, which I read last month (review here), is book one. Veradel follows straight on from where we left off in Xantera. Now I know Xantera hasn’t been out long, so I will do my best to not spoil that book with what I tell you about this one, but there will be some spoilers. This duology is a vampire, werewolf dystopian duology. Where 12 vampires rule the “utopian” Xantera, while its rightful King is known as the monster beyond the wall. Saskia has been speaking mind to mind with the “monster” and learning the truth about Xantera and its guardians. When Saskia falls from the top of the wall, she comes face to face with the so called monster Lucan. Together, they fight to save Xantera.
This is a woman I would have devoured in a completely different way, if I’d had the chance.
⚫️Vampires and Werewolves ⚫️Touch her and die ⚫️Touch him and die ⚫️Mind to Mind Communication ⚫️Dystopian ⚫️Found Family ⚫️Paranormal
🔴Violence 🔴Graphic Sex Scenes 🔴Murder 🔴Loss of parent. I can’t find an official list of TWs; these are ones I can think of.
Now you’re mine forever, little nightmare
I was absolutely obsessed with Xantera; it was my book of the month in October, it was amazing, and I was eagerly awaiting this book. Xantera leaves us on a cliffhanger where Saskia falls from the wall. I mean, obviously, she is going to survive, doesn’t make you stop biting your nails in anticipation, though! Was this book as good as Xantera? Heck YES! It was amazing.
“What’s absurd is that you’d think I’d choose anything besides you, little nightmare. I’ve told you over and over that I’m not leaving you, so when are you going to fucking hear me?”
In this book, Saskia gets to see Lucan in person and meet his pack. Which means we get to meet his pack properly, and I have to say I love them! The sexual tension between Lucan and Saskia is also perfection! As this book isn’t out yet, I am trying to not give any spoilers away, which is so hard because I want to scream about this book lol. What I can say is it is incredible, I was hooked from the very first page of book 1. The writing was consistent with book 1, as were the characters and the vibes. Yes vibes…I read for the vibes, okay. The book had me laughing, giggling and kicking my feet, while blushing…not at the spice, I can read that stuff straight-faced faced but with the cuteness! Also, I was certain I knew something about Saskia when I finished book one, and I was kind of right but also wrong and argh, it was an amazing twist. I also may or may not have had a lump in my throat at times.
“I’m tired of your inflated ego,” she spits. “Saskia is the first real hope we’ve had in centuries. Don’t you want to have hope?”
“Of course I do,” Gabriel splutters. “I just—”
“Then pull it out!” she screams.
“Pull what out, you crazy bitch?”
“That stick you have shoved so far up your ass that it’s choking you.”
I love how even though Saskia is different, the pack still take her in and accepts her. They teach her how to live properly, how to let go of the rules enforced by the guardians and live. She learned how to choose for herself, how to love, and they even taught her to dance! I really enjoyed Saskia’s character, and Lucan…hot! That’s all I’m saying…hot AF! I want me a werewolf lol.
“Big breath,” he says gently. “This might hurt a little.”
“I’m not afraid of a little nee—OW! Dammit, doc.”
I was actually super sad when I finished this. It was such a good read, I devoured it in 2 days, then cursed myself for not making it last longer because I miss being with Saskia and Lucan. It was written in a way that hooks you and immerses you in the story. I truly felt like I was there with them.
Round and round, the Monster prowled, Starved for the rightful throne. He used his claws, he used his teeth. He tore down the ancient stone.
This duology is deffo in the running for being my book of the year! I’m stressed even thinking about how I’m meant to pick 1 book as my overall favourite this year. I highly recommend this duology! Xantera is out now, and Veradel is releasing on November 24th.
On and on the girl did march, Starved for the mythical light. She, a nightmare, he, a monster… Together, they made it right.
Thank you, Mariah and Grace, for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
