Book Review ~ VERITY GUILD by Mai Corland

Verity Guild (Verity Guild, #1)
by: Mai Corland
Series: Verity Guild
Genre: Romantic Fantasy Murder Mystery
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Publisher: Red Tower Books

Secrets built this republic; one truth could burn it down.

High Priestess Kerasea Vestal has spent her life hiding the truth―that she’s the last surviving heir of the magical bloodline the republic slaughtered. One wrong step could be fatal. But when a senator is brutally killed and a temple blade is found at the scene, all eyes turn to her.

Praetorian Torren Morvane has made a career of dragging liars into the light, and Kerasea is the one person he’s vowed to ruin. But locked on a mountain with a murderer, scheming senators, and a prophecy of death, he’s forced to work at her side. The closer he gets, the more dangerous the truth―and their attraction―becomes.

With traitors closing in and a nation on the verge of shattering, Kerasea and Torren must risk everything to uncover the real killer…even if it means trusting their sworn enemy.

Following the success of the Five Broken Blades series, Mai Corland has struck lightning again with Verity Guild, a romantic fantasy murder mystery that gives off Ancient Roman vibes.

The Republic of Pryor is made up of seven provinces, each with a representative known as a Senator. Together, these seven senators make up the Senate Council. Council rules dictate that the senators, their small entourage, the High Priestess of the Temple of Truth, and the Praetorian be sequestered for a week to conduct business in a mountain palace with only a handful of palace staff.

Kerasea Vestal is the High Priestess of the Temple of Truth. She’s ill-prepared for the position, finding herself wondering how her father would do things and if she’s making the right decisions. She carries a secret that, if discovered, could get her killed and possibly put the Republic in jeopardy. Torren Morvane is the Senate Investigator and Protector, known as the Praetorian. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, yet he seems to have his own secrets. These two have been enemies since childhood.

When a Senator is found dead, things get complicated. No one is allowed to enter or leave, meaning there is a killer amongst them. While Torren tries to investigate, his hands are tied as the remaining members limit his investigative scope. These enemies become reluctant allies as more bodies pile up and they vow to bring the killer to justice.

I love the characters of Kerasea and Torren. They're multi-layered and complicated. They have a strong attraction to each other, which leads to a slow-burn spicy romance.

Verity Guild is told from multiple points of view, and had me guessing until the very end. The story ends on a shocking cliffhanger. I am completely blown away and so glad there is at least one more book coming, which I need immediately, as I’m going to be thinking about this story for a long time.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Doing good doesn’t mean you have to be selfless. The weight of a good deed is measured alone.”

“We are all worthy of forgiveness when our hearts are pure.”

**Received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a deluxe hardcover copy.**

Rating: 5

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Meredith Ireland is a Korean American writer, born in Seoul. She is a Rollins College and University of Miami School of Law alumna. She is the author of award-winning young adult and children’s books and is proudly represented by Lauren Spieller of Folio Literary Agency.

Meredith is also Mai Corland, a USA Today, Indie Booksellers List, Sunday Times, and instant New York Times bestselling author of new adult fantasy. Her debut novel, FIVE BROKEN BLADES, the first of a trilogy from Red Tower Books, was the May pick for Book of the Month, Amazon, Indigo, and Apple Books Best book of 2024, and a Book Page honoree. It was a Goodreads Choice finalist for Favorite 2024 fantasy and a Libby Finalist for Best Romantasy. Her follow-up, FOUR RUINED REALMS, was also an international bestseller and an Amazon editor’s pick for Best Books of 2025 so far. The last in the Broken Blades trilogy, THREE SHATTERED SOULS, has received a starred review from Kirkus and was an instant New York Times bestseller.

Mai’s next series, a romantasy murder mystery, will begin with VERITY GUILD in May 2026.

Meredith/Mai resides in New York with her children, partner, and a county fair goldfish who will probably outlive them all.

Places to find Mai Corland:

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page