Fractured Veil

‘The author has created a vivid picture of 1890s London, with plenty of historical detail that brings the setting to life. It’s clear a lot of research went into the story, and the atmosphere of Victorian London comes through strongly on every page. The blend of mystery and darker themes makes for an engaging read, particularly for fans of gothic horror and historical fiction. An imaginative story with a strong sense of place. Fractured Veil continues the Order of the Steel Rose series, expanding on the world established in the first book. Victorian London is well realised, with strong atmosphere and detail throughout. The writing has a distinctive voice, particularly in the dialogue. It’s a solid continuation, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the series.’ M Ross

‘I don’t read a great deal, but this Gothic horror novel completely pulled me in. Even as someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward the genre, I found myself eager to keep turning the pages. Proof that a well-told Gothic story can captivate even those who don’t consider themselves regular readers.’ C Frdericks

‘This book was definitely outside my usual reading choices, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, however, I really enjoyed it. The story pulled me in gradually and before I knew it, I was fully engaged. The writer was exceptionally descriptive, bringing every scene to life with rich detail. It was clear that a lot of research went into this compelling story. The sequels are definitely on my must-read list.’ Deb Frichot

‘Slater draws you in with intrigue of what takes place in the dark of merry old London town, and then in that dark, brings you to the skin-crawling horrors his mind has devised. A great beginning to many more treats he has in store for us.’ Kane Stewart, First Nations Poet

‘After reading Fractured Veil, it is easy to see why the author is a finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards for this series. R. Slater has done it again with his latest instalment Fractured Veil, which follows on from the award-winning Dark Masquerade. This story is a captivating dark gothic horror novel, set in the late 1800s London. I was immersed in a world of mystery, danger and supernatural forces that kept me turning the page from start to finish. One of the aspects I enjoyed most about this novel is the author’s attention to historical detail. The use of authentic dialect helped bring the characters to life for me, and made the story feel true to its setting. The descriptive writing is exceptional, allowing the reader to vividly imagine the streets of Victorian London, the atmospheric locations and the clothing worn by the characters. The author’s ability to paint such detailed scenes made it easy to feel transported back in time. I really loved several of the characters in this series and found myself rooting for a couple in particular… Overall, I found Fractured Veil an engaging gothic horror that combines rich historical detail with compelling characters and supernatural intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey thus far and are eagerly looking forward to reading the final instalments of the series. I must say, ‘Well done, Ol Chap!’ Wendy Pym, author

The Order of the Steel Rose novels herald a chilling new voice in supernatural and gothic horror. A lifelong student of myth, language, and the macabre, Slater weaves tales steeped in Victorian intrigue and shadowed secrets. With influences ranging from dark fantasy to horror and the ‘man remade,’ his writing explores the arcane and the dreadful with a dry, grisly wit. A traveler, linguist, and obsessive thinker, Slater brings global experience and a haunted imagination to the page, inviting readers into a world where nothing is ever quite as it seems. With an enduring fascination for arcane mythologies, dark histories, and the liminal spaces between the seen and unseen, Slater’s work summons the esoteric and the dreadful in equal measure. A master of language and symbol, he weaves tales where secret orders stir, ancient evils awaken, and masks conceal more than just faces.

Dr. Juliette Lachemeier is the managing editor of The Erudite Pen, a professional editing and independent publishing business. She helps fiction and nonfiction authors turn their writing dreams into a published reality and has published a number of #1 bestselling titles.

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