I loved this! It's definitely a slow burn but the developing connection between the two main characters is very enjoyable.

The world, and the concept of the demigods and their abilities is fascinating. There's alot of varying types of powers explored and I really enjoyed that each power tends to come with a drawback.

The characters develop so much over the course of this book.There's alot of questions left hanging at the end, and I'm excited to read the next book to delve into it further and see where these characters can go.

Now this is how I like my slow-burn enemies to '?' ! So gradual and steady that by the middle of the book, you’re excited when the characters simply say something kind to each other. The dynamic between Bellanthe and Casiel was very well developed. Each character had a legitimate reason to hate the other, and I loved it. Watching the little cracks form in the wall they built between them was so entertaining. I especially enjoyed the select chapters from Casiel’s perspective; they were well placed and gave just enough insight into his thoughts and schemes.

I did struggle a bit at the beginning to get grounded in the world, but once I found my footing, I was hooked. More detailed descriptions of the characters for their appearances and clothing might have helped me settle in quicker. Still, once I was immersed, I really enjoyed the writing and didn’t want to stop until all the secrets were revealed.

The pacing was strong; I never felt a lull, and my attention was held throughout. The author created a wonderfully eerie, atmospheric setting when the characters traveled through the Abyss. I enjoyed learning about the world and the magic system. If you liked One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, I think you’ll enjoy this too. It carries a similar atmospheric feel, especially with the fog/mist elements. I’m excited to see what’s next in this series!

This was such a fun start to a new series, and a good debut from Nessa Vernon.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this eARC!

🗡 The Winter of Lies by Nessa Vernon Book review 🗡

Release date: November 2, 2025

🫀 Thank you NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! 🫀

⭐️ Slow Burn
⭐️ Enemies to Lovers
⭐️ Morally Gray Characters
⭐️ Cruses
⭐️ Dual POV
⭐️ Memory Loss

My final rating is 4⭐️
It takes a 1🌶 rating for me (Slow Burn, there are not explicit scenes in this book but a bit of desire and a kiss)

🗡

This book was amazing the writing and the descriptions are beautifully done and they pull you right into the world. It's really atmospheric.

The world and the magic system were super interesting and one of my favorite parts of the book. But I do have to admit the start was a bit confusing, at least for me. The FMC, Bellanthe keeps a lot of secrets which made it hard to follow at first. By the end I think I did understand everything and it was amazing I loved what happened at the ending (spoilers).

Bellanthe has lost her memories and only can remember since the House of Lyrith took her in. She is used by them, but since its the only thing she knows she tries to be content in her situation. As the book progresses we see her grow and scape this mentality but it is not a linear progression and I loved that.

I also loved the MMC, Casiel, he is very ruthless and calculating, and morally grey, he also keeps a lot of secrets and is ready to do whatever is needed to achieve his goals. Which are a bit mysterious right until the end. He is ready to use Bellanthe as well until he cannot bear the thought of her hurt anymore (* squealing *).

I loved the romance, it is a slow burn and it doesn't really start to kick in until halfway of the book.
They start as enemies, ready to use each other to their advantage even as they try to work together to survive. Then little by little they start caring more about eachother while being completely oblivious to the other's feelings.
But they are still keeping secrets and keeping a knife up their sleeves just in case.

Keep in mind this is a really slow burn but I do have the feeling the second book is going to be more romantic and a bit more spicy.

The ending was by far my favorite part, I could not stop reading those last 100 pages and I cannot wait for the second book. Pretty sure this is a duology so I'm hoping it will answer all of my questions.

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I really enjoyed The Winter of Lies. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into Bellanthe’s world—a place full of intrigue, danger, and magic. I found myself genuinely invested in her journey, from being framed for a murder she didn’t commit to navigating the deadly politics of the House of Lyrith. There’s something about how Nessa Vernon writes her struggles and growth that makes Bellanthe feel so real and relatable.

The world-building was one of my favorite parts. The Abyss and all its mysteries added a constant sense of suspense, and I loved how the setting itself became almost like another character, full of danger and secrets. The tension between Bellanthe and Casiel also kept me hooked—the slow-burn romance felt natural, emotional, and perfectly balanced with the darker plotlines.

Overall, I would say this book completely exceeded my expectations. It’s gripping, atmospheric, and full of complex characters that I genuinely cared about. I’m already excited to continue Bellanthe’s journey in the next books.