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Chronicles of the Stone Veil #1

The Revelation of Light and Dark

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I always knew I was different.

From a young age, my mind has been plagued with things only I could see. Some hauntingly beautiful, others completely terrifying. Never knowing if these visions were real or just hallucinations, I learned how to lock them down and ignore them. I learned to take solace in the relative anonymity of city life and find peace in the rainy days my city of Seattle is known for.

But just when I think my life is getting on track and my dreams are achievable, a moment of weakness causes me to learn a hard and fast lesson.

My entire existence has been a lie.

Now I’m faced with a new reality that’s as implausible as it is fantastical. Filled with realms and veils, light and dark, fae and daemons, gods and angels—things I don’t understand but am forced to acknowledge. It doesn’t help that the man teaching me about my unique gifts is the gorgeously handsome Carrick Byrne, one of Seattle’s richest and most powerful men. He intimidates, annoys, and intrigues me all at the same time. I don’t trust him and yet there’s no one else to help me.

No longer certain who to put my faith in, what to believe, or how I fit into it all, one revelation is clear…

The world as I know it will never be the same again.


The Revelation of Light and Dark is book one of the Chronicles of the Stone Veil series and is best enjoyed if read in series order.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2021

590 people are currently reading
4723 people want to read

About the author

Sawyer Bennett

173 books14.3k followers
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
Profile Image for SHOMPA.
579 reviews314 followers
April 10, 2023
This first book of the series has kicked off with an outstanding start! Its originality, clever use of the prophecy trope, and subtle infusion of darkness all work together to create a harmonious blend. With an atmosphere of intense suspense and an abundance of enigma, I find myself utterly captivated.

The story follows the main character, Fallon, as she discovers a mysterious world hidden within our own. Along the way, she uncovers long-held secrets and dangerous enemies, all while struggling to understand her own newfound powers.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the depth and complexity of the characters. Each one felt like a fully-realized person with their own hopes, fears, and motivations. This made it easy to become invested in their journeys and left me eager to learn more about them.

While I enjoyed it, there were certain aspects that I didn't particularly like. One of these was the abundance of filler information that seemed to diminish the overall reading experience. And I'm hoping that the writing style will be refined in the subsequent books, as I do believe that there's potential for an even better reading experience.

Anyway I'm eager to see where the series goes from here and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, paranormal romance, or just a good old-fashioned adventure.
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,407 reviews1,373 followers
March 22, 2021
"I'm not crazy. I just have a remarkable gift."
description

The Revelation of Light and Dark is the first book in the Chronicles of the Stone Veil. Sawyer Bennett has created a world where good and evil are at war and the stakes are high for those who want to survive! Finley is a young woman who has always felt different from her family. Her twin sister, who she loves, could not be more opposite and she has always felt separate from the world around her. Carrick Byrne is a successful businessman who has taken a unique interest in Finley. He can see that she is different and that she has a special gift. Although he is taken by her, he cannot and will not allow himself to have her.

description
"I wonder if there will come a day when Carrick will prove to me that he's totally worthy of my trust."
The Revelation of Light and Dark introduces a world with fantastical magic and multiple surprises around every corner. The intensity between Carrick and Finley is only beginning to build and what is to be revealed is sure to shake Finley to her core!
"...it's going to be my responsibility to stop her."
Overall, The Revelation of Light and Dark will appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal romance and a heroine who appears to be an ordinary girl and yet, she has extraordinary powers. As always, Sawyer Bennett never fails to impress me with her intricate storytelling, complex characters, and intense plot. This series promises to be another blockbuster series and I cannot wait for the next book to be released!



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

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Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,412 followers
February 9, 2021
What is with that cliffy??? I need A Discovery of Secrets and Fate in my hands pronto!!

Finley is a woman with a particular set of skills - she can see beyond the veil. What does that even mean? Well, she seems to be the only human who can see past the glamour of the fae. Light fae, dark fae and daemons alike aren't safe from her unearthly talents. But what is she to do with them? And how does Carrick factor into everything? He seems to be the only one who has an inkling of what is going on with her. Is he helping her for altruistic reasons or is something bigger at play?

As the first volume in the Chronicles of the Veil series, The Revelation of Light and Dark was steeped in mystery and magic. From the creatures that exist among us to the worlds created around us, I am now left more questions than answers. And Carrick? He's got to be the biggest mystery of all. His enigmatic character leaves with the impression of confidence, arrogance, competence, honor and determination. I am so infinitely intrigued by this man and I'm looking forward to learning all there is to know about him.

Sawyer Bennett has created such an engrossing introduction to this new series and I'm absolutely hooked!

For this review and more...
Profile Image for JustJJ.
207 reviews143 followers
October 7, 2023
Blog | Instagram

Rating: 3.5 stars

Cover: 🌟🌟
Although the simple illustration and sweeping font make the genre of this book clear, the design conveys very little about the story it represents and is somewhat underwhelming.

Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
From the start, a palpable atmosphere of foreboding and mystery kept the story engaging. Equally intriguing was the concealed paranormal world gradually established throughout the story. However, I struggled slightly with the overly descriptive writing style, especially since there is lots of filler information, and much is told, not shown.

"you never know what you are capable of, until you are faced with it"

Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The story begins with a captivating prologue that raises many questions before leisurely introducing the characters and mysterious world. With even more questions raised throughout the story and a cliffhanger ending just as a significant event occurs, I am eager to see how this series progresses.

Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟
Finley Porter is initially presented as an overly sweet and self-deprecating protagonist, which does little to make her engaging. However, like readers, Finley is thrown into the mystical world hidden within ours, and the witty side of her personality that emerges makes her relatable and realistic.

"There’s empowerment in being able to defend myself if the need were to arise."

Secondary characters: 🌟🌟
While there are only a handful of secondary characters, these generally have minor roles and little depth. One exception is Zaid, who got my attention because of his amusing interactions with Finley. Carrick is another notable character due to his role, but he is yet another super attractive, arrogant, and mysterious stereotype.

Romance: 🌟🌟🌟
The touch of romance in this story consists of little more than an emerging attraction between the characters. Still, there are some cute moments, and I am eager to see how this romance plays out during the series.

Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Lucy Rivers and Aiden Snow do a great job with the story's dual points of view. Different voices are done for the various characters, and vocal effects are brilliantly used to enrich the listening experience.

All things considered, 'The Revelation of Light and Dark' is an entertaining start to a new series! Although the story leaves readers with more questions than answers, I am eager to see how the rest of the series plays out. Those who enjoyed this should also check out This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron.
997 reviews89 followers
July 8, 2023
A solid start.

Finley had always known she wasn't normal. Ever since she was a little girl, she could see angelic creatures and monsters. She knew no one would believe her, even if she told them. Her own family didn't. So over the years, she learned to suppress this ability. Finley never knew why or where this ability came from. Nor did she know what it meant. It wasn't until she met the rich and handsome Carrick Byrne, that she finally got some answers.

I flew through this novel! I wish it was longer so we could get more answers. But it was a good start. I can't wait to read the next one. If you're a fan of light fantasy or new to the genre, check this series out.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Sawyer Bennett, and Tantor Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
Profile Image for Dali.
2,066 reviews588 followers
February 15, 2021
Sawyer Bennett brilliantly combines fantasy and romance in this compelling tale about a woman whose life and world view will never be the same after meeting the intriguing yet annoying Carrik Byrne.

All her life Finley Porter had believed there was something wrong with her because of her propensity to see what she thought where hallucinations. For many years she managed to control and ignore them living a normal life with her three roommates and loving her work as a coffee shop manager. Until the night her twin sister introduced her to the most power man in Seattle.

Carrik had never met a human who could see through the vail that separated humans and all other beings like fae and daemons. But he sensed Finley was extraordinarily different the moment he laid eyes on her. With a vested interest in having Finely know about the paranormal world she has a special connection to, Carrik ventures into a business partnership with her while teaching all about Light and Dark fae. But can she really trust him?

Sawyer Bennett provides an original and intriguing story that was impossible to put down. It combined history, myths, and even a bit Peter Pan fairy tale fantasy. The world building and characters leapt out of the page and came alive with skilled writing and a plot that had me captivated and salivating for the next installment of the series.

While the familiar Seattle setting contrasted wonderfully with the otherworldly beings, it was the rich character development that captured my attention. Finley is a kick@$$ heroine. She’s brave and strong and proved to be more the tough enough to deal with Carrik’s arrogant and intimidating demeanor.

Despite having a few glimpses of Carrik’s point of view, he remains a complete mystery I can’t wait to be revealed to us.

Facts: The Revelation of Light and Dark is book #1 of Chronicles of the Stone Veil series by Sawyer Bennett. This book is the first in the series that should be read in order. It is told from both points of view leaning towards the heroine’s side and ends with a cliffhanger. Genres: Paranormal Romance | Fantasy Tropes: Alpha hero | billionaire hero | kick@$$ heorine

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3cmrk8x

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

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Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,713 reviews516 followers
February 13, 2021
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars, I know you’ll see I’m in the minority with my rating but that’s okay because not everyone will love every book. While I did enjoy this story it started slow for me. I’m one of those readers that like to get pulled in rather quickly and that just didn’t happen for a while. Don’t get me wrong because I totally got sucked in at one point of the book and then before I even realized it the book was finished.

So, yes I found myself lost in the world of fae and daemons and one special human, Finley Porter, that has powers and then wham I was hit with a whopper of a cliffhanger. Usually I can see the way a story is headed and while I thought something was going to happy with a certain person it turned out being another so needless to say I cannot wait to read the next book.

This story is not big in the romance department but I definitely feel things brewing between Carrick and Finley. Carrick is a total mystery and I look forward to finding out more about him.

If you enjoy Paranormal / Urban Fantasy Romances I would recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!

Check out a giveaway here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewTRoLaD


The Revelation of Light and Dark by Sawyer Bennett


Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Profile Image for Sawyer Bennett.
Author 173 books14.3k followers
Read
October 15, 2020
From New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett comes the Chronicles of the Stone Veil, a five book urban fantasy/paranormal romance series. A departure from contemporary romance, the Chronicles of the Stone Veil is a return to fantasy/paranormal romance, where Sawyer started her fiction publishing journey. Readers can expect to find all the elements they love from Sawyer’s books—strong heroines, alpha heroes, and an epic romance—with a fantastical element to add to their reading experience.

The Revelation of Light and Dark (Book #1) releases February 9, 2021!
Amazon: Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo

I always knew I was different.

From a young age, my mind has been plagued with things only I could see. Some hauntingly beautiful, others completely terrifying. Never knowing if these visions were real or just hallucinations, I learned how to lock them down and ignore them. I learned to take solace in the relative anonymity of city life and find peace in the rainy days my city of Seattle is known for.

But just when I think my life is getting on track and my dreams are achievable, a moment of weakness causes me to learn a hard and fast lesson.

My entire existence has been a lie.

Now I’m faced with a new reality that’s as implausible as it is fantastical. Filled with realms and veils, light and dark, fae and daemons, gods and angels—things I don’t understand but am forced to acknowledge. It doesn’t help that the man teaching me about my unique gifts is the gorgeously handsome Carrick Byrne, one of Seattle’s richest and most powerful men. He intimidates, annoys, and intrigues me all at the same time. I don’t trust him and yet there’s no one else to help me.

No longer certain who to put my faith in, what to believe, or how I fit into it all, one revelation is clear…

The world as I know it will never be the same again.


Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
February 10, 2021
4.5 stars

In a departure of what I have typically read by Sawyer Bennett, this first book in the new Chronicles of the Stone Veil series has convinced me that this author can make any genre irresistible. Whether it is sexy sports romances, kinky sex clubs or now paranormal thrillers, Sawyer Bennet can weave an utterly engrossing tale.

In this story, we meet Finley Porter, a woman who detects creatures that are fantastic in their beauty or terrifyingly horrific walking amongst us. She has spent a lifetime trying to suppress these visions, convincing herself that she is not crazy. Until she meets Carrick Byrne, a wealthy and mysterious benefactor who offers to assist her for a price. Through Carrick, Finley learns that far from being insane, she alone is able to lift the veil that exists between humans and fae creatures to see what lurks beneath.

Along with Finley, the reader becomes immersed in a world that very few humans know exists. A world populated with fae and daemons. Where dark and light creatures mingle with humans who are unaware of the dangers that lurk right in front of them. One of those creatures, Finley is sure, is Carrick.

Like Finley, the reader is never sure who or what exactly Carrick is. Whether he is fae or human or something in between is not yet discovered, but he is a dominant, controlling presence in Finley’s life. He becomes her business partner, her teacher, and her tormentor as she navigates this new world that has existed for millennia.

Not your typical romance, not your typical thriller or mystery, this story is a paranormal combination of the three. While a novel in length, this story can not exist on its own. Rather it sets the stage for the remainder of the story yet to come, and I for one am looking forward to it.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,191 reviews604 followers
February 2, 2021


I can’t remember the last time I read a book by Sawyer Bennet but when I did hear that she was planning on releasing a five book urban fantasy/paranormal romance series, I immediately wanted to read it.
The Revelation of Light and Dark is an awesome introduction to this new series. It’s detailed without being boring. It’s intense and extremely addictive.
The characters are well written and the storyline is so intriguing. 
I actually love series where each book is NOT a standalone…It gives me, as a reader, time to ‘get to know’ the characters better. As a reader that tends to fall easily in love with book alpha males…Carrick is a mystery and I don’t hate him ..but I don’t love him YET. Though I have a feeling he will as the series progresses. I adored Finley… she’s refreshing. In a bookish PNR world that has so many wonderfully written heroines , I think it would be easy to gravitate towards Finley. I look forward to reading more about her.

The Revelation of Light and Dark is fascinating, emotional, magical, thrilling and mysterious. I for one, cannot wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Tracy.
442 reviews28 followers
June 2, 2021
I really haven't known what to say about this book other than WOW!! It is very different from any other "paranomal" books I have read....and that is a major plus!! (Cuz, we don't like books that are all the same....uh huh). This story builds at such a pace, Ms. Bennett allows you to digest all of the information coming at you without causing overload. (Thank Goodness) ;). Unfortunately, my actual job, kept getting in the way of my reading this amazing story, so it did take me a while to get through this book, but that is no reflection on the story at all!!

We get introduced to Finley instantly and you can't help but love her. She is such a cool character, who has something special, that she isn't even aware of. We get to experience everything right along with Finley. You can feel her emotions as the words lift off the page. Then... Carrick enters the story and you DEFINITELY feel every single thing Finley is feeling. It is so beautifully constructed, I cannot think of anything else to make it better. (Well, maybe to know more about Carrick....but I am sure he will be revealed as the story continues) ;) (Please...Oh Lord....please!!!)

Ms. Bennett has created a truly interesting story full of magical secondary characters to help Finley and Carrick on their quest to save the world from disaster. I hope to learn more about each and every one, including Zaid. ;) (I have a feeling he has a story to tell as well).

I have stated before that I don't like to reveal too much about books, because I believe each reader needs to experience the journey for themselves, so PLEASE, pick up this book and begin your journey. Just be warned that the ending will leave you breathless!!!! I think I actually screamed out loud..."What the @#$% just happened??"



Profile Image for Sophie "Beware Of The Reader".
1,540 reviews389 followers
February 7, 2021
4,5 stars

 

This is not your usual Sawyer Bennett as she has gone all fantasy on us!

 

Take a very hot billionaire Carrick Byrne, mysterious and hating our heroine Finley on the spot, without us knowing why, even at the end of that first installment. He may or probably not be human but we still don’t know what he is exactly. I have an inkling but…

 

Add a gorgeous woman, Finley who has seen “things” since her childhood, to the point of being heavily medicated and interned. She has dropped out of college and has found her calling in managing a quaint coffee shop in Seattle, to the utter despair of her very sleek, polished and accomplished twin sister Fallon.

Finley has learned to ignore the “things “ she is seeing and pretends that she is way better and leads a normal life in jeans, boots and flannel shirts.

 

Until one night, at her sister’s invitation she meets Carrick Byrne and …her world will turn on its axis.

She learns that she is not mad but has a unique ability to see Daemon and Fae.

 

This first installment in a brand-new fantasy series reads itself.

 

The relationship between Carrick and Finley is tense, you understand right from the start that Carrick has a deep aversion for Finley but you have no idea why.

You won’t know the reason by the end of the book either.

There is attraction underneath but you won’t have any sexual move …yet.

 

All along I was wondering what Finley was and I don’t know it now either. All you know is that she will play a key role in a prophecy because, of course, there is a prophecy duh!

 

Aaaaand you are left on a big cliffy that will make you NEED the sequel.

 

If you are looking for an adult fantasy with a good world building, a whole lore of magic creatures, budding attraction and a prophecy to fulfill, look no further.

Oh, and if this was not enough to decide, there is talk of a training academy in a magic realm to train dark fae and demon hunters! How cool is that right?
Profile Image for Christina.
26 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2021
This book is clearly a rip off of Karen Marie Moning’s fever series but with poor writing.

Carrick Byrne is Jericho Barrons and just as mysterious and standoffish as the original. Both are unfathomably wealthy, most certainly not human, and have taken on a role as reluctant mentor/savior in a newly unveiled world of monsters while keeping his own secrets close to the chest.

Finley is Mac except with less personality (she’s constantly saying “that’s just not my thing” as if having no interests makes her better than everyone else). She has the SAME ability to see through fae glamour and she flip flops about her feeling for Barrons/Byrne and can’t seem to decide if she can trust him.

Of course there is a prophesy about our heroine, who I’m sure holds the fate of the world in her hands. Byrne even takes Finley to a private auction for magical items! Granted they don’t stay the whole time but Bennet couldn’t even come up with a different high society event to make it a LITTLE less obvious that she was plagiarizing?!

And finally there is the sister. .

Im horrified that I paid 5.99 in support of an author who would so blatantly steal someone else’s intellectual property. The fever series is one of my favorites and Moning is just strait up a better writer than Bennett. The dialogue in places was awkward and I just wasn’t as invested. Normally this might not have bothered me so much but it’s impossible not to make comparisons.
Profile Image for Romance Recs.
1,042 reviews191 followers
February 4, 2021
The Revelation of Light and Dark is the first book in the Chronicles of the Stone Veil Series by Sawyer Bennett. The series will consist of 5 books total.

The Revelation of Light and Dark blew my mind! I am not normally a Paranormal/Fantasy Romance reader. In fact, I never read the Fantasy genre. Being that Sawyer Bennet is a 1 click author for me, I knew I would be giving this book a try. Sawyer Bennet is one of the most diverse writers I’ve ever come across. Whether it’s sports, legal romance, or a remote jungle, she never disappoints with her brilliant writing. I honestly can't think of a more diverse writter.

With bated breath I began a series that is now forever embedded in my mind. As with most books, you never know what you will feel upon reading. I didn’t realize I would be THIS invested in Finley and Carrick’s journey. I didn’t expect to get swept up in the world of magic, light and dark Faes and different realms but here we are and it is with relief and joy that I tell you I am SWOONING over this romance.

Our protagonist Finley is your average 20 something living in Seattle. On the surface, she is perfectly happy and content. She’s had a difficult past as her mother passed away and she’s had mental health struggles, or so she’s thought. Finleys’ always had visions and over time has been able to cope but it wasn’t without struggle to overcome being so different. Instantly I love her. She is real, I love the way she thinks and how fiercely strong she is. She’s a good person and is making the best out any situation.

Through her sister, she meets Carrick, the hero in this story although he doesn’t quite seem like much of the hero right now. He is the anti-hero we love. Alpha, rich, broody, and sarcastically witty. Bring it on. He is handsome, charming to mostly everyone and mysterious. Carrick is the only other person who can help Finley. He eventually realizes Finley’s gift and can help her get more information.

"...despite how much he confuses me on any given day, he's the only one who can see me through to salvation."

Through discovering her gifts, she is also questioning the man who is “helping” her. He is cold and seems to be hiding things. Who is Carrick? What does he have to do with all of this and what is the truth about Finley’s role in all of this?

This book is quite the journey that had me entrenched and biting my nails the entire time. I am dying to read the next one. I can’t wait to see how this will all end and at this point as I’m sure with everyone else who read it, I have my suspicions.

Nothing is as it seems. This book pulls at your emotions. I highly recommend you read The Revelation of Light and Dark. You will not regret it this book is thrilling! Ends on a Cliffy.

I received an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,554 followers
February 15, 2021
The Revelation of Light and Dark is Sawyer Bennett’s first book in the Chronicles of the Stone Veil series. From the blurb, and as a huge PNR and Sawyer Bennett fan, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy.

From the very first words, Finley and Carrick caught my attention and held it. I had to know what precipitated the prologue and find out just what the heck was going on. Had to know what started this fiery intense relationship and maybe see what would come next for them too.

Fair warning, there is a whole lot of set up and world building happening in The Revelation of Light and Dark and you may find yourself wanting to skip a little ahead. Don’t do it. Just have a little patience. Because this whole lot of background and stage setting—very little romance at this point—builds to an unexpected cliffy ending! Whoa, totally didn’t see it coming and completely sets up the next book in the series, A Discovery of Secrets and Fate, and I am on board to see what happens next. ~ Missy, 4 stars
Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,170 reviews40 followers
February 1, 2021
It took a few chapters for me to really get into this story, and boy, did I ever. Finley Porter saw things that no other human could see, spending her life believing she had mental health issues. Carrick Byrne discovers her abilities, and all of a sudden the woman he disliked immensely has become a personal interest. Dark fae, light fae, daemons, Gods, oh, and don’t forget the secrets, lots of secrets. Lots to keep the reader on their toes. I could NOT put this book down, I was 100% invested in both Finley and Carrick, which is funny because they were not invested in each other in any way, shape or form. There was zero trust in their non relationship, yet I was rooting for them to both get some/any romantic notions. There was none, nada, nothing. All this making the story much more intriguing, interesting, and addictive. Two people drawn to each other for selfish reasons, I loved these guys, so much to learn from each other.
Be warned, it’s book 1 in a 5 books series, and it does end in a bit of a cliffie. It’s left me wanting, to say the least. I cannot wait for book 2.

Profile Image for Lady Heather .
1,310 reviews773 followers
February 6, 2021



Publication Date: February 9, 2021

What an amazing story!
I literally devoured this book in one sitting today.

I knew...KNEW that the first four three books were going to end in cliffhangers, I was warned about it when I requested the ARC, and I mentally prepared myself for it before starting this book.
But man! I really want the second book, like NOW!

I love Finley and Carrick's hate/like relationship.
I love the world that Sawyer Bennett has created.
Her spin of the origins of Light and Dark Fae, and Daemons and the role they play in this world is creative and wonderful.
And what exactly is Finley's purpose?

The writing, storyline, and fantastical characters are amazing.

This was a wonderful read for me, and exactly what I needed to read today.
Like I said above, I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and I look forward to reading what happens next in Finley and Carrick's adventure!


"An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review."
Profile Image for Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks.
1,950 reviews148 followers
July 6, 2023
3.75 stars ⭐️

The author has done an amazing job with the world building and character development. Finley, always knew she was different but did not know why and it is not until she meets Carrick Byrne that things really start to change. You will love her, she is a strong, fun, level headed character. There's also a lot of great secondary characters in this as well. But there is any Romance yet! So romance readers, you will have to be patient. I’m not worried though, I know Carrick will end up being a swoon-worthy hero by the end!

This was just the beginning to a great series. I look forward to seeing where this series goes and what happens next.
797 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2021
Can’t finish

Good idea, bad writing. Do I really need to know that the chairs were painted black? Or that the floors were pine? Too many useless details. I scanned through until she meets with Carrick, And then the dialogue made the main character sound like an idiot. Don’t want to waste any more of my time.
Profile Image for Ariana.
209 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2021
Yeah, this wasn't that good. This took me 3.5 hours to read, and I am glad it didn't take any longer. Nothing really happens in this book, so she doesn't get an in-depth review. I was honestly laughing through a lot of sections because of how cringe/bad some parts were.

The biggest issue in this book is the writing, and boy, is it awful. Everything is painfully talked about. I just skipped over some paragraphs because they held no value. I thought this book was written by a man, that's how bad it was in some section.

The world/plot stuff is unoriginal and not very interesting. It holds little value through most of the story. The explanations for the lore were basic, and I felt like I have seen this before. There also isn't really a plot so that's lame. There's just some evil stuff that will happen, but not in this book. No character development, no tension, nothing.

The characters are just cardboard cutouts that I have no attachment to. Mostly bad names. Finley (MC), Fallon (MC's twin sister), Carrick (love interest), and the three unnecessary roommates. Can we please just have normal names in book? The "romance" - if you can even call it that - is lame, boring, and almost nonexistent. I don't really care for smut, but maybe some would have liven the book up a bit.

Overall, blah book.
Profile Image for Catherine Cowles.
Author 47 books26.5k followers
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November 1, 2020
Sawyer Bennett has created a world you'll want to live in forever in her new Chronicles of the Stone Veil series. Equal parts mysterious and captivating, The Revelation of Light and Dark blends edge-of-your-seat action, characters whose chemistry pours off the page, and a story that will have you begging for more. I will be counting down the days until book two!
Profile Image for Holly.
326 reviews56 followers
April 12, 2021
The commonalities with Fever series were slightly distracting. But I still ATE it up. Very curious where this story is going.
Profile Image for Dani.
1,676 reviews137 followers
September 25, 2023
If you liked Darkfever, you’ll probably like this. I thought it had similar vibes. There's a gal who is very important to the story and we don't know why. There's the really tough dude who is shockingly hot who has the answers to her questions and doesn't want to fill her in. Supernatural elements abound. I thought it was fun but please answer her questions!!!

Thank you to Libro FM for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julia Welsh.
178 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2022
Where the hell is the editor for this book? Some examples include switching tenses for half of a chapter for no reason, or this jewel in chapter 23: “Of course, I manage to control my surprise because but I’ve gotten good at schooling my features.”

While the majority is written in the first person, there are some unnecessary chapters sprinkled throughout from Carrick’s point of view. The author apparently really likes his name, from the amount it gets repeated.

The premise is an amalgamation of Fairy and Judeo-Christian mythos through the lens of a typical Mary Sue - selfish but beloved for overtly visible acts of charity, beautiful but can’t put on make up because she’s not like other girls, etc. I feel like the best way to describe this main character is summed up in the scene where she shows up at 6 AM to help with the morning rush, stands at the register for 10 minutes/2 customers, and then walks away to sit down and have breakfast with her sister, and her coworkers ... are ok with it?

It really feels like this could’ve been a lot more interesting; way too many details that would’ve been better served as “show, not tell.” But that’s where editors are supposed to step up. What happened?
Profile Image for Denisa.
1,354 reviews329 followers
December 25, 2022
Fun, fun, fun!

I loved the writing style, it kept me engaged and curious and wanting to read the next page. A perfect pizza book.

Minuses:
- pretty flat characters
- predictable plot
- didn't feel anything else except 'fun'

Still, it was a pretty good series (yes, writing the review for the whole series). I had fun, it kept me curious, and I liked the side characters. Definitely worth a read, if you're looking for a light, easy, Saturday relaxation.
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,503 reviews70 followers
May 14, 2021
The Revelation of Light and Dark is the first book in a series and ends on a cliffhanger. The story is urban fantasy/paranormal and so far not romance which is my usual cup of tea, but I was 100% hooked from the start.
Finley is seemingly an ordinary human but sees things that others don’t. Carrick is put into her path and has to help her but it is pretty much against his will.

“What is my purpose?
Why am I like this?
Will I ever learn anything from Carrick? Can I even trust him?
And… what in the h*** is he? Daemon? Fae? Something else? Or maybe, just human like me with some weird abilities?”

The story gives us so many questions but doles out the answers a little at a time keeping the reader stringing along. It definitely left me needing to one click book two!
-4 Stars-
Profile Image for Zulma .
37 reviews
March 8, 2022
Ok how to say this and be nice. The book has some interesting stuff going on but ok here goes the not nice thing. Why oh why does the author has to describe every freaking detail of everything like holy shit shut up already and continue with the story. I literally had to skip some parts. Who gives a shit on how tailored are his pants and how every inch of the desk looks like. FFS stop rambling about stupid crap and focus on the story. Is a good story just to much damn detailing of stupid stuff.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 73 books426 followers
April 12, 2021
Simply spectacular. I was glued to the pages, with theiriesI thought were right. They weren't. This book took twists I didn't expect, and I cannot wait for more!
Profile Image for Michelle .
2,105 reviews300 followers
February 14, 2021
The Revelation of Light and Dark is the first book in the new adult/adult fantasy romance series, called Chronicles of the Stone Veil, by Sawyer Bennett. I have read several contemporary books by author Sawyer Bennett in the past and I have loved all of them, so when I saw that she has a fantasy book featuring fae coming out, I couldn't jump on the opportunity to read it quick enough. And man, oh man am I glad that I did, because The Revelation of Light and Dark gripped me like a book has not done in a long time. I loved this story and these characters so much and I may actually die unless I can get my hands on book 2 right now! (luckily, if you loved this book as much as I did, we don't have very long to wait....book 2 is set to release on March 2!)

In The Revelation of Light and Dark we meet our main character, 27 year old Finley. Finley is a twin, and for her whole life she has dealt with what she calls, mental issues. When she meets the rich and mysterious Carrick, he not only seems to hate her upon first glance, but he also tells her that she is not crazy and what she sees are not hallucinations, but are actually an ability to see past the "veil" and see past glamour's that Fae and Daemons can put up to appear as humans. 

Much of The Revelation of Light and Dark is Finley and Garrick trying to figure out what Finley, as a human, can see beyond the veil. Even though this book is very foundational to the rest of the series, and not a ton of action occurs, I was fascinated with learning as much about these worlds, light fae, dark fae and daemons as I could alongside of Finley. I loved the glimpses of the super slow burn enemies to lovers romance that is going on between Garrick and Finley. In fact, there is very little actual romance in this book, but there is plenty of hot glances and simmers jumping off the page between our main characters. I cannot wait to see this romance ramp up in the next book. 

The Revelation of Light and Dark also leaves us off on one heck of a cliff hanger! We are starting to see little pieces of a mysterious prophecy come to fruition and I am on the edge of my seat to see what is going to happen next. I think book two is going to be packed with action, romance (hopefully) more answers and lots more Garrick (yay!) I love Finley and Garrick, and I am personally hoping that Michael makes another appearance because I want to see some Jealously eek out of Garrick! 

Bottom line: Fans of fantasies featuring light and dark fae set in our world will devour the Chronicles of the Stone Veil. I loved this book. It is one of my favorite books of 2021 so far, and I have a feeling this series is only going to get even better. It has favorite series written all over it for me. Bring on book two right now! I loved The Revelation of Light and Dark so much!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,888 reviews159 followers
February 14, 2021
Paranormal/Fantasy Romances are some of my favorite kind of stories to read, but with editing, blogging, and teaching, I don’t read as many as I would like to, so when I saw that Sawyer Bennett, an author I love, was writing a series with those elements, I knew I needed to sign up. And I’m already fascinated by the world she’s created and the characters whose story is playing out amongst the pages of this book but also the entire series, which means that everything will be revealed in due time, but when it finally is, I know it will be epic so that’s what has me holding on and waiting, perhaps too impatiently, to see how it all unfolds.

Finley Porter is an interesting heroine. She’s always felt different, always felt like she didn’t belong in the life that she was living, no matter how much she tries to fit in or play the part. Her reality is not real and despite her desire to avoid seeking answers to who and what she is, there’s no stopping her from being thrust into a world unlike she’s ever seen - one filled with ‘realms and veils, light and dark, fae and daemons, gods and angels.’ But what that means for her and her ‘otherworldly’ skills is too soon to tell because her abilities put her in a rather precarious position - one that she doesn’t quite know how to handle, so it will be interesting to see how she traverses this new existence and what it means for those around her because seeing through the veil is both complicated and dangerous.

There’s still a lot to learn about Carrick Byrne. I can’t quite get a read on this man and everything that he is. It seems like he has ulterior motives, but that might just be because he says and does things that don’t make sense, like there’s a hidden meaning that Finley needs to wait out the answer for, but what that will mean for her is still unknown. I don’t trust him, but I think that’s deliberate on both his and the author’s parts because behind the veil, beyond humanity, is a ton of otherworldly creatures in existence that have a stake in everything and his role in both their world and Finley’s is complicated by his attraction to her, even if he doesn’t think he can have her.

World building is crucial in a series like the Chronicles of the Stone Veil, which means that some readers might find the pacing a bit slow in the beginning, but, to me, it’s necessary. The supernatural elements need to be examined with a broad brush and developed in the same way so that a somewhat clear vision exists and will carry through to the books after this one. There are a ton of secrets and unknown in book one, which makes sense since the focus of the entire series will be on Finley and Carrick and the things that happen beyond the veil and there’s no telling how entrenched these two characters will not only become in the world but also with each other.

4 Poison Apples
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