Title: Winterveil
Author: Ava Reid
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 15, 2026
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Summary
In a future where the Cold War never ended, four teenagers with a criminal background are offered a fresh start at a military academy. Where they’re being trained to be the next secret operatives to turn the tide of the war. However, not everything is as it seems at Valeran Academy. The four teenagers find themselves drawn into a mission that could change the course of the world as they know it.
Review: Winterveil
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Winterveil by Ava Reid to review! As a pretty big fan of YA dystopia, I was excited to get to this one. Especially with the alternate future aspect tying itself to the Cold War. It sounds like such an interesting premise. Teens who are a fan of that period of history might enjoy that, too.
Unfortunately, I think the amount of characters makes it hard to follow the world building in this story. The characters themselves are written in a way that works for teenagers with dark pasts. They add to the overall dark, forboding atmosphere that the book has going for it. As a reader, you can feel the tension from the beginning. Which is befitting for a Cold War inspired novel.
However, the world building takes a while to get its footing because the amount of POVs. In adddition, there’s also a slightly sort of magical element included, but never quite explained. For me, this made the story fall a bit flat. Narrowing the character focus might have allowed the world building to shine.
That being said, if you like novels with dark academia vibes and maybe a dash of fantasy, this might be the book for you! Overall, it certainly is an interesting look at what could have happened if the Cold War never ended.
3/5 stars