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Belonging #1
Dark Veil
Fallon Timmons didn't know what to expect from the small island her adopted parents grew up on, but whatever it was, she thought she was prepared for it. Then Liam appeared, all teeth and venom, with a warning to stay away from his sister Audrey and from him. It was a warning that she was not going to heed, no matter what the strangely attractive boy said.
Liam Mace was used to seeing the tourists on the Rock, and looked especially forward to them leaving. But Fallon wasn't leaving. In fact, she was staying. Worse, his sister was growing attached to her, and that was never a good thing...
You never become attached to your food.
Black Cat Rock, or the Rock as it is called, is the home of the Panthus, shape-shifting cats of magnificent size and strength who live in their human skins only to protect their secret. During the day they catch fish to sell, or wait on and serve the tourists who come to visit their island, but at night, the fangs come out and the hunt begins as tourist becomes prey.
Liam Mace was used to seeing the tourists on the Rock, and looked especially forward to them leaving. But Fallon wasn't leaving. In fact, she was staying. Worse, his sister was growing attached to her, and that was never a good thing...
You never become attached to your food.
Black Cat Rock, or the Rock as it is called, is the home of the Panthus, shape-shifting cats of magnificent size and strength who live in their human skins only to protect their secret. During the day they catch fish to sell, or wait on and serve the tourists who come to visit their island, but at night, the fangs come out and the hunt begins as tourist becomes prey.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2011
5 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Naeole
12 books493 followersS.L. Naeole has always loved the smell of books, the feel of books, and the destination that a book is guaranteed to take you. She knew from an early age that she was meant to write, to create those very same books she loved so much and vowed that one day, she would.
Now, after getting married and starting a family, she has finally made her dream come true. As the author of Falling From Grace, she's found a venue with which to allow her dreams to become the reader's, and transport them to worlds and lives where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. With several more books in the works, including three sequels to Falling From Grace, she's hoping to give to her fans the same desire and affection for the written word that she had as a child.
S.L. Naeole writes from her home in Hawai'i, with her husband, four children, and cat by her side cheering her on and providing endless amounts of inspiration.
Her third book, Black Halo, book three in the Grace Series, is due to be released August 31st, 2010.
Now, after getting married and starting a family, she has finally made her dream come true. As the author of Falling From Grace, she's found a venue with which to allow her dreams to become the reader's, and transport them to worlds and lives where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. With several more books in the works, including three sequels to Falling From Grace, she's hoping to give to her fans the same desire and affection for the written word that she had as a child.
S.L. Naeole writes from her home in Hawai'i, with her husband, four children, and cat by her side cheering her on and providing endless amounts of inspiration.
Her third book, Black Halo, book three in the Grace Series, is due to be released August 31st, 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 20, 2012
Ok so let me first start off by saying....Thank-you dear author for not following the same old cliche' everyone follows which is....
The heroine must be a virgin...her stuff must be special and untouched. Um no...can we have some reality here? I am so tired of reading all of these...my first kiss, my first time books. It's ok if the heroine has had a slip-up....has fallen in love with the wrong guy before...it's natural. How can anyone appreciate love if you've never never had that bad obsession relationship. So i am forever grateful that this author kept it real. There was no Love triangle...just...pretty great book. I have to admit i was extremely ready to choke Liam from page 1. He is such a pain in the a** at first lol...but as time goes on you just slowly find yourself falling for him, and its like ugh why?!?!? I think the moment i fell for him was well...without having to add a spoiler i'll just say it was the moment they both noticed one another. I keep finding myself wondering how his scowl looks. It sounds almost inhumane the way Fallon mentions it. But towards the end when he realizes he's mentally challenged. I couldn't love him more :-).
I gotta admit i was thrown for a loop
The heroine must be a virgin...her stuff must be special and untouched. Um no...can we have some reality here? I am so tired of reading all of these...my first kiss, my first time books. It's ok if the heroine has had a slip-up....has fallen in love with the wrong guy before...it's natural. How can anyone appreciate love if you've never never had that bad obsession relationship. So i am forever grateful that this author kept it real. There was no Love triangle...just...pretty great book. I have to admit i was extremely ready to choke Liam from page 1. He is such a pain in the a** at first lol...but as time goes on you just slowly find yourself falling for him, and its like ugh why?!?!? I think the moment i fell for him was well...without having to add a spoiler i'll just say it was the moment they both noticed one another. I keep finding myself wondering how his scowl looks. It sounds almost inhumane the way Fallon mentions it. But towards the end when he realizes he's mentally challenged. I couldn't love him more :-).
I gotta admit i was thrown for a loop
August 27, 2016
One simple statement to start:
WHERE'S BOOK TWO?!?
Seriously, just as I fall in love with the story it finishes?? And that epilogue? TEASE!
My dear S. L. Naeole, I may just have to kill you if you don't finish writing the second one soon!
JOKES!
But seriously, I can't wait.
Fallon has moved around since she was a little kid, and she thought she had finally settled in California, when her parents decide to relocate permanently back home - to a little Island called Black Cat Rock. Fallon is used to be the new girl, but she is anything but prepared for what awaits her. This 'trog' that is trying to be accepted into a new world will not be accepted, but what's worse is Fallon doesn't know why. All she knows is that the brooding brother, Liam, of her best friend, Audrey, seems to hate her and she can't work out why! But what is really going on under the surface of Black Cat Rock?
At first, I was whole reluctant about the were-cat idea, but I love cats so I thought I'd have a go, and thank god I did! Were-cats are awesome, let me tell you that. And ms naeole takes you on a jitney, adding to the past as she creates the future, a skill I envy!
This book is amazing, and the way that it is told through both Liam's and Fallons point of view made it even more juicy! My only complaint is that it ended too quickly. I was DESPERATE for more, and will continue to be until it arrives. The epilogue was also to: and then this happened, and then this...and this will happen and this is what's going on at the moment... not that that's a bad thing, I'm just not used to that style with this author...
ANYWAY...I DEFINITELY suggest reading this, and give it a full 5 stars...good job S.L. Naeole...can't wait for more!!
WHERE'S BOOK TWO?!?
Seriously, just as I fall in love with the story it finishes?? And that epilogue? TEASE!
My dear S. L. Naeole, I may just have to kill you if you don't finish writing the second one soon!
JOKES!
But seriously, I can't wait.
Fallon has moved around since she was a little kid, and she thought she had finally settled in California, when her parents decide to relocate permanently back home - to a little Island called Black Cat Rock. Fallon is used to be the new girl, but she is anything but prepared for what awaits her. This 'trog' that is trying to be accepted into a new world will not be accepted, but what's worse is Fallon doesn't know why. All she knows is that the brooding brother, Liam, of her best friend, Audrey, seems to hate her and she can't work out why! But what is really going on under the surface of Black Cat Rock?
At first, I was whole reluctant about the were-cat idea, but I love cats so I thought I'd have a go, and thank god I did! Were-cats are awesome, let me tell you that. And ms naeole takes you on a jitney, adding to the past as she creates the future, a skill I envy!
This book is amazing, and the way that it is told through both Liam's and Fallons point of view made it even more juicy! My only complaint is that it ended too quickly. I was DESPERATE for more, and will continue to be until it arrives. The epilogue was also to: and then this happened, and then this...and this will happen and this is what's going on at the moment... not that that's a bad thing, I'm just not used to that style with this author...
ANYWAY...I DEFINITELY suggest reading this, and give it a full 5 stars...good job S.L. Naeole...can't wait for more!!
December 15, 2025
reread of a book i read like 10 years ago and i find upon finishing it that there’s still no sequel .. sl naeole u will be dealt with .
June 6, 2012
Reviewed by Meg
I love S.L. Naeole. I feel that she’s one of the most gifted YA writers in the industry right now, and I feel that she is sorely under appreciated. That being said, I’ve discovered the first book she’s written that I did not like. And that makes me epically sad.
Dark Veil is a book that follows a young girl, who’s been adopted, named Fallon. She moves back to her parents’ hometown with them, on Black Cat Rock. This small, touristy town with a dark side is secretive, and the locals do not like Fallon in their midst, by no stretch of the imagination. In fact, it can be simply said that they make things as downright difficult as possible for her. Especially Liam, who seems dead set on either getting Fallon to leave, or killing her, whichever ensures that she is unable to discover the town’s dangerous secret.
First thing is first, Liam was an ass. Plain and simple. I know others would like to say that he had a reason to be such a jerk, but I’m sorry, I’m not buying it. He had no reason at all to be the prick he was. He was stubborn, hateful, and prejudiced. The one girl who stood up for his little sister, who defended her and protected her and befriended her simply because she wanted to be friends, and Liam immediately sets out to destroy her? I’m just not buying it. Sorry.
Secondly, the dark secret of the town? I’m not necessarily buying it either. A town filled with werepanthers who are forced to consume human flesh or lose their ability to transform is one thing, but when these “werepanthers” have lived on this island for years, and people have disappeared on the island for years, and so forth…I’m just not buying it that someone hasn’t caught on to something. Or at least the tourist industry hasn’t been damaged by the rumors to some degree. Also, I have a hard time standing behind any characters who flat out refuse to see the main heroine as anything but their dinner. Seriously? I’m supposed to like Liam? Nope, can’t do it. Sorry.
Thirdly, all the secondary characters kinda suck, too. This just isn’t up to par with Naeole’s normal work. I feel that the characters are underdeveloped, the plot is rushed, not well thought out, and not executed in a believable way. Even in paranormal fiction there has to be some degree of believability in a story, or else it’s just nonsense.
As I said, I love S.L. Naeole’s books. Her Falling from Grace series is breathtaking, albeit a bit long. Her Faeble series is off to a good start, and her latest book, Quiver is unbelievably good. I just feel that Dark Veil isn’t up to par with her normal work, and by no means should anyone judge the rest of Naeole’s books on this one, but unfortunately I have to say I won’t be reading the second installment in this series. Sad, breaks my heart to say that, but true.
I love S.L. Naeole. I feel that she’s one of the most gifted YA writers in the industry right now, and I feel that she is sorely under appreciated. That being said, I’ve discovered the first book she’s written that I did not like. And that makes me epically sad.
Dark Veil is a book that follows a young girl, who’s been adopted, named Fallon. She moves back to her parents’ hometown with them, on Black Cat Rock. This small, touristy town with a dark side is secretive, and the locals do not like Fallon in their midst, by no stretch of the imagination. In fact, it can be simply said that they make things as downright difficult as possible for her. Especially Liam, who seems dead set on either getting Fallon to leave, or killing her, whichever ensures that she is unable to discover the town’s dangerous secret.
First thing is first, Liam was an ass. Plain and simple. I know others would like to say that he had a reason to be such a jerk, but I’m sorry, I’m not buying it. He had no reason at all to be the prick he was. He was stubborn, hateful, and prejudiced. The one girl who stood up for his little sister, who defended her and protected her and befriended her simply because she wanted to be friends, and Liam immediately sets out to destroy her? I’m just not buying it. Sorry.
Secondly, the dark secret of the town? I’m not necessarily buying it either. A town filled with werepanthers who are forced to consume human flesh or lose their ability to transform is one thing, but when these “werepanthers” have lived on this island for years, and people have disappeared on the island for years, and so forth…I’m just not buying it that someone hasn’t caught on to something. Or at least the tourist industry hasn’t been damaged by the rumors to some degree. Also, I have a hard time standing behind any characters who flat out refuse to see the main heroine as anything but their dinner. Seriously? I’m supposed to like Liam? Nope, can’t do it. Sorry.
Thirdly, all the secondary characters kinda suck, too. This just isn’t up to par with Naeole’s normal work. I feel that the characters are underdeveloped, the plot is rushed, not well thought out, and not executed in a believable way. Even in paranormal fiction there has to be some degree of believability in a story, or else it’s just nonsense.
As I said, I love S.L. Naeole’s books. Her Falling from Grace series is breathtaking, albeit a bit long. Her Faeble series is off to a good start, and her latest book, Quiver is unbelievably good. I just feel that Dark Veil isn’t up to par with her normal work, and by no means should anyone judge the rest of Naeole’s books on this one, but unfortunately I have to say I won’t be reading the second installment in this series. Sad, breaks my heart to say that, but true.
August 20, 2012
Oh wow....
Okay so at first I didn't think I was going to like this book too much, with it being about werecats and all. I thought...ah lame. I'm not a big werecat lover...seems too girly.
But yeah...I was wrong. This book was awesome! I loved Fallon! She was badass. It is so nice to actually like the main character for a change. She didn't get all stupid and run around with her head cut off like some fluttering chicken. Fallon actually stood up to face her own battles. She held her own. And she had so much spunk, I really loved her.
But I must say, what kind of parents--adoptive or not--take their child, knowingly, to a dangerous place to live? Especially when they know said child would be on the menu for the people that live there. And then they get upset with her for being upset about the move. They put the poor girl in a shitty situation, where there's nothing to eat but fish which she isn't fond of, and with people who do not accept her. After she lets them know what kind of position she in, they are not even understanding? I didn't like that. It didn't seem natural for a parent.
I totally loved the scene with Liam and Fallen right up until he kissed her. What a memorable first kiss. Fucking awesome. Ah, and she didn't slap him, oh no, she punched his ass! Love it.
I even liked Liam for as much of an asshole as he was, he was a fun point of view to read from.
This book was written REALLY well! I loved all the gems in here. Very thoughtful, and wise with some of the thoughts. I was very sympathetic to Audrey, but blown away by her personality too. I found myself attached to a lot of the characters in this book and really want to get to know them more.
Another thing that impressed me was that Fallon never actually found out about the secret in this book. So there was no stupid crazy lust after a crazy animal. It really sets it up for some interesting drama to come and I am hooked!
Okay so at first I didn't think I was going to like this book too much, with it being about werecats and all. I thought...ah lame. I'm not a big werecat lover...seems too girly.
But yeah...I was wrong. This book was awesome! I loved Fallon! She was badass. It is so nice to actually like the main character for a change. She didn't get all stupid and run around with her head cut off like some fluttering chicken. Fallon actually stood up to face her own battles. She held her own. And she had so much spunk, I really loved her.
But I must say, what kind of parents--adoptive or not--take their child, knowingly, to a dangerous place to live? Especially when they know said child would be on the menu for the people that live there. And then they get upset with her for being upset about the move. They put the poor girl in a shitty situation, where there's nothing to eat but fish which she isn't fond of, and with people who do not accept her. After she lets them know what kind of position she in, they are not even understanding? I didn't like that. It didn't seem natural for a parent.
I totally loved the scene with Liam and Fallen right up until he kissed her. What a memorable first kiss. Fucking awesome. Ah, and she didn't slap him, oh no, she punched his ass! Love it.
I even liked Liam for as much of an asshole as he was, he was a fun point of view to read from.
This book was written REALLY well! I loved all the gems in here. Very thoughtful, and wise with some of the thoughts. I was very sympathetic to Audrey, but blown away by her personality too. I found myself attached to a lot of the characters in this book and really want to get to know them more.
Another thing that impressed me was that Fallon never actually found out about the secret in this book. So there was no stupid crazy lust after a crazy animal. It really sets it up for some interesting drama to come and I am hooked!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2012
Okay the reason this book got a 3 star verses a 4 is simply cause I was left with more questions then answers and I fear there might not be a second and third.
I really enjoyed Fallon, she was crazy awesome most of the time but there were moments she felt off to me like we lost who she was. That said I liked Liam for the most part there was a glaring obvious that made me hate him but I'm not for spoilers so read it and find out. But be cautioned like I said I was left with a whole lot of questions and I don't know I'd we are getting the squeal.
Plot wise pretty interesting. I felt like it was a definite set up for a trilogy. I can honestly say if there will be a second I'll be reading it.
My other last warning is make sure you don't start this at 10 o clock at night if you get hooked you'll be staying up late regardless of the fact you have to get up early in the morning like I did.
January 1, 2012
Naeole has a stunning way of creating characters that pull you in and create a world of perfect detail. This story follows Fallon, a girl who moves to Black Cat Rock island with her adoptive patents, who decided to return back to their birthplace. Fallon feels out of place as she discovers the residents of the mysterious island have a distaste toward outsiders, especially Fallon. Everyone treats Fallon cold and hateful, except Audrey, a local girl who befriends Fallon. Liam, Audrey's brother, exerts nothing but spite and anger toward Fallon. The island holds secrets the locals are willing to do anything to keep. I enjoyed this book immensely. There is one choice in it that Fallon makes that I think is an unnecessary part of the storyline that could be taken out (I don't agree with it at all). But other than that, I loved this book!!!
January 1, 2012
I sat down and read this book cover to cover, I couldn't put it down! From the minute you start reading it there is a realistic draw between the characters. There is Fallon the adopted army daughter that moves with her parents to a small island town that is run basically on tourism and the kids there have to work there tails off to meet the demands of the "trogs". There is Audrey the only friend on the island that willing excepts Fallon and happens to have her own handicap of her own that can be dangerous at times. Then there is Liam the troubled, dark, scarred boy that has this draw to Fallon, but shows it in all the wrong ways. They fight non-stop and unfortunately see each other a lot, because Liam and Audrey are sister and brother. This book is awesome, and I hope that there will be more to come!
February 10, 2012
I loved the fresh new idea of this book. SL Naeole did it again in drawing me into the world she created and made me fall in love with each of her characters. Even when I didn't want to, like with Liam, whom in this book is mean and nasty to the bitter end. I can't wait for her to finish this story as I felt that it was a little rush towards the conclusion, but all in all this was an awesome book that I couldn't put down.
April 10, 2013
Addicting, I read it in one sitting! Loved the main character, I like the fact that Fallon isn't some helpless girl like most of the main characters of the books I read till now. And also I like Liam cause he has these conflicting feelings and doesn't fall head over hills in first glance etc. etc.
The way the plot unfolds and the way their feelings change seem really realistic. All in all I loved it.
The way the plot unfolds and the way their feelings change seem really realistic. All in all I loved it.
January 23, 2012
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I will read any book by S.L Naeole!
Dark Veil. Couldn't even put it down! Read it all in one evening. I loved the characters, I loved the setting. I just loved it all. Great book again by S.L Naeole. If anyone hasnt read her other books I suggest you go buy them now, you wont be disappointed.
Dark Veil. Couldn't even put it down! Read it all in one evening. I loved the characters, I loved the setting. I just loved it all. Great book again by S.L Naeole. If anyone hasnt read her other books I suggest you go buy them now, you wont be disappointed.
February 11, 2012
So any book that can keep you guessing is always great! I love the author's talent in developing a story that sets up the characters emotions and feelings and backgrounds before introducing that "spark" of other worldliness.....
Such a different premiss then so many others out there, can't wait to see how the Belonging Series continues....
Such a different premiss then so many others out there, can't wait to see how the Belonging Series continues....
October 20, 2012
The beginning was kind of frustrating to me because I didn't like how everyone except Audrey was treating Fallon.. Most still treat her like crap at the end of the book. And that pisses me off, but I get it. Overall, a great book to read & I quite enjoyed it but it wasn't THAT amazing! But still a really great book!
January 23, 2012
When I first started reading Dark Veil, I was not sure what to expect. I love the new characters. Definitely glad to give the vampires a rest and embark on a different type of adventure. Love S.L. Naeole and all her writings, definitely a great read.
October 17, 2014
Oh mylanta this book is amazing and I need a second one!! That was the worst cliffhanger of my life....."Id already caught my prey. The hard part was trying not to kill her" what? Really? Ugh please come out with the second book soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2012
Review to come.
[S.L. I can't help but to fawn over anything you write.]
[S.L. I can't help but to fawn over anything you write.]
February 25, 2012
So fricking awesome! I need the next one...right now!
April 24, 2012
Just... great. Better than great.
I'm totally in love with it.
Amazing!
I'm totally in love with it.
Amazing!
August 10, 2012
When is book 2 coming out????
August 13, 2012
Didn't like the characters or find them to be realistic. When the good guys keep human meat in the fridge it's hard to relate.
April 29, 2016
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 26, 2012
Super-Duper good X) i just love the characters!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews