Customer Reviews

Through the Veil (Berkley Sensation)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book's cover snatched my attention one night when I went to the store, so I bought it... and was mildly disappointed when I finished the book. I found that the heroine didn't really grow, although there was a part in the middle of the book that should have inspired a rather drastic change in her personality/voice... but it did not. And after this event, certain things continued to happen, although they should not have - and there were also a few gaps in the story, wherein some areas of the worlds were left flat or not as detailed as I would have liked. The cover also hints at a more swords and sorcery type fantasy, as there's a crossbow like weapon - but there's laser type things instead in the novel itself. The writing itself has problems - sometimes it's like watching someone try to get in a car without actually opening the door, because some conditions are not met, and then the action's taking place anyway. Sometimes characters just mysteriously seem to pop in, although earlier they weren't there, or the person is doing one thing, and then later has to re-do it, or they are in the wrong place. Some phrases are also reused a lot, and it just reminds me of another author who I've actually quit reading who is infamous for reusing phrases to the point that readers make fun of her.

I found that the plot was actually quite predictable in some places - I guessed several factors that were revealed near the end of the book, and I'd guessed them about half way through.

There aren't many female characters in this novel, but that's quite understandable considering the plot. The hero of the novel was actually a little annoying. The most interesting man was not even the main character - but a side character who is also supposed to have a twist at the end, and yet I guessed that, too. I felt like the plot twists had a little too much foreshadowing/were rather transparent.

What I found good about the novel was the idea behind the world and the conflict found within the book, although I wish the author had some how explained or shown why the problems started in the first place. With some authors, these types of details are sorted out in later books in a series, but there is no sign that this is part of a series.

Like another reviewer said, the author tries to place this novel into too many genres - there's elements of traditional romance, science fiction, fantasy and urban fantasy. For example, the term "witch" seems wrongly applied in this novel. The majority of this novel is set in a world that is technologically advanced compared to our own present but one that has had some major setbacks. The term "witch" seems strange, especially when the term "talented" is also used. I've never really heard of a science fiction heroine who was a witch... and this seems more like psychic power and power over the gates/veil... which also somewhat falls into psychic powers, in my opinion.

Despite all the problems the book had, I did enjoy reading it. I found myself jolted out of the story for the reasons I've stated above, but overall it was a good story. I really enjoyed the excerpt of another book by another author at the end... in fact, I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, than the actual book.

When Lee Ross awakens one morning, she is magically pulled into another world. But unlike her reality, this world is harsh and at war. Vicious Warlords have been kidnapping women from this world to use as breeders. And monstrous demons are also being sent through portals to this world.

Though Lee arrives among friends, she soon finds herself put through rigorous training and extreme situations. Thankfully, the tough-but-sensitive Kalen is there to ease her suffering and help her adjust to the new surroundings. All of her life she's had strange dreams. And it looks like her "dreams" may be her reality.

Lee and Kalen are vivid characters with wonderful chemistry. Lee's past is mysterious, and unfolds throughout the story with some surprising revelations. The story is darker than most paranormal romance, with its share of anguish and suspense. The romance is steamy. The intrigue kept me guessing. And storyline kept flowing and kept me captivated with the excitement and danger.

I won't say that I thought this book would be fluff, because I didn't - I just didn't know it would be such a well built and involved world. Why? Judging a book by its cover (shame on me) to put it bluntly.

The characters Lee and Kalen (and others) are very well planned, complex and amazingly well written. I have read Shiloh's other work - this book, IMO, is the best so far. The world building is just flat out incredible -I want to know more and you are left wanting more. The only thing that really disappointed me about this book? It ended. I was left with questions and I am hoping that this will mean there will be more stories set with these characters and their world.

The reader is taken on such an involved journey from the love of a child by a parent (what won't you do for that kid), the losses in life and its complexities, to the learning of who you are (both the lighter side and the darker side) and don't forget love (Lee & Kalen are molten lava). All of this wrapped up in a world that is beyond anywhere you have imagined...yet.

This is a book well done.

This was my first book by Shiloh Walker. I wasn't at all thrilled. The story was unique, but it was bogged down by boring incites and info that weren't needed for the story to progress. Too many pages just stood still.

Another problem is in the fact that I was expecting a book about a warrior woman, as the cover suggests. Instead, the heroine is an everyday woman who is not happy to be pulled into an alternate universe during a war. She throws up again and again because she isn't used to seeing dead bodies. The only weapon she ever touches is a knife, which she drops in fear instead of using it to defend herself. Truly, her reactions are totally reasonable. Again, she is an everyday woman. But that is not what the cover had me expecting so I ended up disappointed.

My final disappointment was with the hero. He is written to be a powerful warrior, but we never get to see him in action. (Other than in bed.) I wanted to see him fight and stand for his woman and his people. Instead, a side character in the story ends up saving the heroine again and again. In the end, I liked him more than both of the lead characters.

I got so caught up in this book that I think I ignored my husband for an evening while reading it. I became so mired in these vivid worlds that after finishing the book, I couldn't talk about anything else for hours. I had to pick up a non-fiction book to read next because I couldn't slip into another fictional realm just yet. I started adding the author's insanely prolific back-catalog to my wishlist. I found myself desperately wishing this to be a part of a trilogy that I had in my hands.

The characters are strong and vivid, easy to love, hate, and enjoy. They're complex, such that even the best ones have their flaws and the worst ones their redeeming notes. The world-building is fascinating and intricate, providing a stunning, immersive, and difficult-to-detach-from experience. The plotting is complex and wonderful---Walker doesn't fall back on allowing the romance to be the plot, which tends to result in a story that doesn't have enough conflict or surprises, and to my mind is the most common mistake that some romance authors make.

The only thing that even mildly bugged me was the length of time it took for the heroine to come to terms with what was going on with her, but to be honest, that's such an individual judgment (and it was so borderline, and done so well) that I can't even legitimately call that a negative.

Lee Ross has been terrified to awake from sleep for as long as she can remember; for each morning she is covered with horrific bruises that cannot be explained. Her battle scarred dreams and a gorgeous mystery man, haunt her even when her eyes are open. Then one morning Lee is inexplicably sucked directly into her nightmares.

Kalen has loved Lee all his life. Yet he also holds a burning resentment for her as well. Each night Lee comes to aid Kalen in the resistance against the Warlords of Anqar, otherworld beings that raid Ishtan, stealing their magic possessed woman and brutality torturing their men to death. Yet when the sun begins to rise, Lee strangely disappears and leaves Kalen to deal with the death and devastation of his people alone. Kalen knows where Lee goes, yet he has no idea how she can move between the present modern world of Earth and the parallel world of Ishtan. Nor does he know how she came to reside there. All he does know is that Lee is somehow paramount to ending the war with Anqar and he will torment her waking thoughts until she is able to acknowledge the fact that her place is beside him in Ishtan.

Suddenly, in the light of day, Lee appears in Ishtan wearing her pajamas and feeling quite disoriented. She believes herself to be crazy and this very real dream has convinced her that she needs to seek professional help the moment she awakes. Unfortunately this dreams turns into dire reality.

I thought Lee was a very intriguing and emotionally realistic character. Other reviewers seemed irritated with Lee and grew tiresome of her seemingly constant references to herself as being crazy and her complete denial that her dreams had been real, but I'm in total disagreement. Lee would only go into a state of disbelief after a near death experience, which happened quite a few times. When I placed myself in her shoes, I'd imagine myself to react pretty similar. Here you are in foreign but somehow familiar world, and you've nearly died - countless times. Meanwhile you're trying to come to grips with your newly acquired magical abilities and dealing emotionally with a man who turns your body and mind into mush. So yeah, I'd think I was crazy too. In fact, I thought Lee was incredibly rational throughout the entire book. She was courageous, smart, and above all she was selfless.

I really enjoyed Kalen as well. I could sympathize with his resentment toward Lee. She was there for Ishtan and the resistance but he needed her on such a deeper more emotional level. Yet he also knew that Lee was in the midst of discovering who she was and dealing with major internal issues. The fact that he could remain patient and be there for Lee in every possible way without demanding that his own needs be met made him a truly honorable character.

`Through the Veil' is mainly about Lee's journey of self discovery. The world building was phenomenal and you found yourself believing there really is a veil dividing worlds. Also as a bonus the villains were three dimensional with real problems and suffering which made the reader sympathize with their reasons for raiding Ishtan, well almost sympathize anyway. All in all, an awesome read and experience.

Lee Ross knows there is something different about her. She dreams nightly of a man she longs for and then wakes up with unexplained bruises, bruises that disappear too quickly to be normal. Who is this man of her dreams? Is he friend or foe? And where is this desolate world she keeps remembering?

Shiloh Walker is one of the masters at world building. Her words paint vivid pictures that draw the reader into even a world as complex as Ishtan, the world Lee finds herself in. The inhabitants of Ishtan are in a fight for their very lives with Anqar, a world run by Warlords who want to enslave the women. Ms. Walker provides a very helpful glossary to help readers acclimate themselves to the vastness of these other worlds and their residents. Be forewarned, however, as the world Lee finds herself in is a harsh, even brutal, one at times.

The characters of THROUGH THE VEIL simply beg for more books so the stories of the secondary characters can be told. Lee and Kalen are very strong main characters and the love that grows between them is a powerful one. But who doesn't want to know more about the secondary characters, particularly after the revelations at the end?

THROUGH THE VEIL is a darkly compelling tale. Fans of dark fantasy will appreciate the rich world Shiloh Walker has created, along with the various magics and the caste system that affect her characters. Once again, Shiloh Walker delivers a superb story!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Lee Ross is certain she's losing her mind. She lives a quiet life of a graphic designer. While her life may seem ordinary and uneventful, she wakes almost daily with memories of wildly bizarre dreams in which she battles hideous creatures in a war-torn land, alongside a silver-eyed man who is the stuff of dreams. As strange as all of this is, Lee could probably pass it off as an overactive imagination presenting itself in her dreams, but she awakes covered in bruises and inexplicable injuries, sometimes very serious injuries. Despite their seriousness, they heal almost miraculously. While Lee is understandably confused, there's a familiarity about this beautiful stranger, almost as if she knows him. When Lee finds herself in this darkly desolate world while she's wide awake for a change, armed with physical defenses that she never knew existed and odd people she doesn't know calling her Lelia, she is more confused than ever.

Kalen has never known where Lee goes when she leaves him. She has come and gone between their two worlds for years. Kalen's people and their very world are being destroyed and Lee is the key to their survival. He doesn't understand why she can't see or even feel their desperation. One thing Kalen does know is that he loves Lee; has loved her for what seems like a lifetime. All of his emotions when it comes to Lee are incredibly intense - anger at her repeatedly turning her back on their suffering people, and passion to hold her and never let her go.
This is an incredible love story. Not your typical "boy meets girl" romance - thank goodness! It's difficult to come up with the words to describe the deep emotions that Shiloh brings to the surface. Yes, she makes her characters suffer repeatedly, but it serves to make their story that much richer.

I highly recommend this book to all lovers of romance. It's darkly delicious and will appeal to everyone, especially those readers who enjoy rich romance with paranormal touches.

Shiloh Walker can sure write some actioned pack stories with great sex scenes. Through the Veil should appeal to her fans even though I found some of the action and characters a bit flat.

Lee Ross has horrible nightmares where she wakes up bruised and beaten. She dreams of war and death and... him. "Him" happens to be Kalen who is a warrior in another dimension where Lee really belongs. It seems when Lee was a little girl; she was able to break through the Veil, which is a barrier between the world she was born in and the world she lives in now, which is present day Earth. This other dimension is called Ishtan (I kept wanting to say Ishtar). For hundreds of years, the Warlords of Anqar, who are the enemy of the Ishtanians, have kidnapped their females to make them Warlord slaves and try to impregnate them. Kalen has been leading this resistance against the Warlords for fifteen years. The Warlords have all types of magic and really nasty creatures at their disposal to defeat Kalen and his ragtag army. Kalen is about to have a breakdown because he no longer knows what to do to keep the fight going. The only answer he may have to save his people is Lee.

For some reason, whenever Lee dreams, she is able to go through the Veil and fight alongside Kalen. Kalen needs Lee to stay in Ishtan and have her fight alongside him forever. Kalen and Lee have quite a history together because she has popped in and out of his life since she was a girl. Because Kalen feels she is the preverbal light at the end of the tunnel, he has major feelings for her. Lee is also at her wits end, but for another reason all together. She thinks she is hallucinating because she now sees things outside her dreams. She decides to open her mind and is taken back to Ishtan. Lee is very much like Dorothy who goes to Oz. And can you guess who is waiting for her there? I expected Kalen to jump and down like a giddy little boy when her finally has Lee in front of him. Instead, he kisses the life out of her, which was a very sweet and hot moment. This gives you a good idea of what is to come between these two.

As Kalen shows Lee the destruction and mayhem the Warlords have placed on the poor people of Ishtan, Lee really wants to go home. Her main complaint is that they don't have coffee and real bathrooms! Plus, Lee is suppose to train and reach inside herself where she has an extra special power that can possibly save everyone. Lee is not really down with this; after all she is a bit of a girly girl. But Kalen knows that there is something about Lee because anytime he was in trouble, she would appear and help him. Plus, the lack of women tends to make a man like Kalen horny, so Lee is perfect in so many other ways. Even though these two have only interacted a hand full of times in the past, there is just something about Kalen that makes her want to jump him. The same goes for Kalen. Hey, they both could be dead tomorrow so whenever they have a free moment, Kalen and Lee try to find some peace and tenderness in each other's arms. As the war rages on, Lee comes to some conclusions and that means sacrificing her own life. See, Lee's daddy wants her on his side and it is definitely not the side Kalen is on.

Shiloh has written a gritty, dark tale that is a cross between fantasy and science fiction. One minute I felt like I was reading a medieval fantasy where two countries are at a bloody war with each other, but then the next I was thrown into a sci-fi urban fantasy. Along with the magic used by the warlords and fantasy creatures, Kalen's army uses high tech guns and ammunition that seems a bit out of place. It may just be me, but I would have preferred one over the other. You either pick the magic or stick with bombs and plasma ray guns.

Kalen is portrayed as a wonderful hero. He is strong, intelligent and so very sexy. This is a man who has a perfect tan even though the sun never shines and it is always cloudy and rainy. As for Lee, I found her to be a bit too one-dimensional. If I were Lee, I would have probably acted the same way she did, being thrown into a situation of constant pain and suffering. But after awhile I really couldn't see how Lee was so very important to the cause. She may have magic that no one else has, but her moaning and groaning tended to grate on my nerves. I almost felt as if Kalen was trying to trick himself into believing that Lee is the savior he was looking for. He tried his hardest to make everyone feel the same way he did. But, the way he treats Lee, is very sweet and endearing as if he was without such loveliness for so long and only Lee can fill that place in his cold heart.

Through the Veil should appeal to fans of fantasy romance, along with a touch of that urban fantasy feel. Most will probably agree that Shiloh can grab a reader and doesn't let up on the action till the very last page. Perhaps because of this non-stop action, there wasn't enough time to invest an emotional response with Lee and Kalen. Yes, I found their sex scenes together to be excellent, but as for love and being each other's soul mates, well that is a bit lacking.

At least Kalen has a nice tan and six pack abs that Lee can really appreciate when all is said and done.

Katiebabs

This book was a little better than I thought it was at first glance. It's not really urban fantasy as the cover suggests - more real fantasy - and it's a little bare. I like my books a little more epic.

However, the book kept my interest throughout and the author created an interesting world. I do think that world could have been a little more detailed as well.

Finally, I have no issue with sex in novels (graphic sex or sex-light), however, the graphic sex in this book seemed completely out of place and didn't fit the tone of the rest of the book. It seemed a bit like the author was trying a bit too hard to make this a flavor of the month urban fantasy, and the book has definite genre identification issues! I wasn't sure if it was urban fantasy, straight fantasy, romance or what...

All in all, though, a fun read with some interesting characters. If the author chooses to develop this world further in future novels, I'd try her again to see what she does with it!