Becca Reviews: Veinfire by Sienna Rae

For me this started as a 3/4 star book but by the end was a 2.5 ish stars. The length of the book struck me as unusual for a fantasy novel which I assumed it was from the name, cover and blurb, but if done well a lot can happen in 182 pages. The beginning was so strong, the language so visceral and powerful that I was physically grimacing and cringing at the body horror and terrifying action (in a good way!). On a similar note, the writing about the cosy home with the aroma of soup and the loving cat were touching and captivating.

However, there was no let up for the descriptive and, in my opinion, over the top language. Yes the author follows the guidance of a mix of short and long sentences but the descriptive language over one sensation or one new setting, for example, continues for so long that it reads like one long sentence. I found myself scanning these descriptions to get past them and then finding myself lost and unsure of the plot.

The pace is the same throughout, and that is very fast. Even for 180 pages very little happens, it feels like we are only in the novel for about 2 or 3 days of book time but each element is so extended because of the language (unfortunately not in a good way). So for me, it was a combination of moving very fast through a story where not much was happening but a lot was described.

I think there could be an important lessons to learn here about being rigorous with the delete button... Even within dialogue, the writing becomes disjointed because of the unnecessary description of everything.

The world building, what is there, is enjoyable. I felt invested but left feeling like I wanted more also. It didn't make sense to me why Nhialii and Soriel were SO connected, yes, I know they had there bond but like, so? The politics are obviously established and complex but if anything I feel that made the main conceit illogical. The plot is centred around something that shouldnt have happened, I think it's unlikely that this breaking of the rules that occurs wouldnt have happened before now, it seems actually like a problem that would occur frequently owing to the set up of the rules, and so the actual conceit fell a bit flat for me.

The author has clearly created a fantastical world with many elements of powerful imagery but I think the translation to page doesn't always work.

I would say the book certainly starts strong, and at its strongest point and then the quality worsens throughout the rest of the book. Come the final section I was confused about who cared about what and why. Having said that, I didn't give up, I actually felt frustrated because I knew there was so much promise here.

Read: 01/02/2026

Published: 24/02/2026

Price: £2.89 (GBP) Kindle