Decision Maker

Anniversary of the Veil #2

by Vanna Smythe

Kae, a warrior Protector, has followed Princess Issa across the Veil separating two worlds. They were told Issa will play a crucial role at the Anniversary of the Veil, but have been mislead! Kae will face a terrible choice once the Anniversary finally comes. He is the Decision Maker and must play his part in a ceremony that will reunite Issa with the man from her dreams, her other half - but in so doing, leave her senseless or worse, dead.

As the King fights to find his daughter, as the Priesthood is falling apart; Kae must make his choice between stopping Issa's Joining and force her into a life of unhappiness, or allow her to Join and thereby leave her a mere shell of herself. Meanwhile friends and foes alike are showing only half-truths to both Kae and Issa, and the right choice depends entirely on who you ask. Will Kae be able to make the right choice?

Genres: Fantasy

ebook

First published December 28, 2012

About the author

Since I can remember, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I've tried my hand at many other professions and studies, but I never felt so fulfilled as when I am writing a story or a novel, creating life-like characters and placing them in complex and difficult situations. I've lived in New York, Lisbon, Dublin and Venice, and have traveled to many more countries. I love history, and while I don't claim that my stories are in any way historically accurate, I do draw inspiration from many cultures, past and present. I like to ask, What if? and let my imagination do the rest. Nothing that I've found so far beats that…except maybe reading a good book.

Reviews

[Bob Craton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this author’s first book ‘Protector’ so I snapped up volume 2 of this series as soon as it became available. If possible, this book is even better than the first. At the beginning, we learn Issa’s true identity, but she can’t remember her past or her real nature while here in the Lesser World. We also find out about her ‘Forever-Husband’ – but who is he exactly?

In part 1, I became attached to the young protagonists Issa and Kae. I spent most of part 2 worrying about what would happen to them. I don’t give spoilers, so you’ll have to read to find out. I will just say that the mystery and tension kept me reading all day long.

Ms. Smythe’s ability to create characters fascinates me. All of them, not just Issa and Kae, are fully formed multi-dimensional people. Even many of those among the seemingly bad characters have good qualities, and the apparent good guys really aren’t so good. After all, they plan to use Issa in a very harsh way. In fact, are there any true heroes other than Kae? Or for that matter, any complete villains except High Priest Rhaldan? The combination of characters is marvelous, and the richness of the world the author has created is fantastic.

The number of superlatives I have used in this review may make some skeptics think I am a relative or friend of the author’s. I am not. I’m just someone who loves this sub-genre of fantasies and who is (obviously) impressed with this author’s talent. Incidentally, the ending left me eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.

[Andy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early in 2012 I read Protector (Anniversary of the Veil, Book 1) and found it to be a brilliant fantasy debut. I had high hopes for this, the second book in the series.....and I was not disappointed.

I usually find that trilogies (as I guess this will turn out to be) consist of a strong first book which sets everything up and gives you all the world-building and information you need, an equally strong third book which brings all the pay offs, climaxes and loose end tie-ups, and a second book. This second book usually consists of a lot of movement and general faffing around to get everything in place for book 3. Book 2's can sometimes be hard work and a bit of a drudge.

This is not the case with Decision Maker, not by a long way.

The story continues to tell of Issa, the Beacon, who is needed for a ceremony that will reinforce the Veil separaing the two worlds, and Kae, her protector, who knows what will happen and does not want her to take part.

With this book there is also a fairly wide cast of side characters, some good, some bad but nearly all a shade of grey between the two poles. People do things for reasons they think are right and, for me, this makes the story even better.

At the heart of all this though is a love story and this is the strongest thread. When all things play out at the end of the book a tear may well be shed, but fear not, all is nicely set up for the third book and I have every faith that the author will make it another wonderful read

[Douglas Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentences -

Prologue The Search She came to meet him as one of them, one of the Lesser beings their leader, Amorannyn, known to the Lessers as Hand of Fate, placed into the weave of the world to amuse them all. Soft, golden colored locks of hair enveloped her face and streamed across her breasts down to her waist. Her bright blue eyes held resolve and a challenge. You will not cause me to change my mind, they seemed to say. Rhyssa's essence filled the lush spring meadow they met in, as it could not all be contained in this Lesser's body she wore. Her essence called his own to her, just as it had so long ago when they first knew each other, first met in this meadow. How she hoped to live without him, Kraytan couldn't imagine. He willed his own essence to form into the body of a Lesser too.

Smythe, Vanna (2014-01-13). Decision Maker (Anniversary of the Veil, Book 2) (p. 3). SBV Publishing. Kindle Edition.

[Karen Lee (Hawkes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had small break after reading the first but the second wasn't difficult to get into at all. Actually by the end of the prologue I was hooked again. Now that I know who Issa and Kae truly are, their story becomes all the more addicting, and I need to know the conclusion.
I found this one more enjoyable than the first, I'm not sure whether it's because I understand the terminology, world and magic system better or if it just displays a faster pace.
The only negative thing I can think to say (at the moment) is that I wished the books had more description. One thing the fantasy genre truly does really well, and that other genres lack, is the description. This might contribute to why I feel this is more a romance than anything.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I won Book 3 from Good Reads and I bought Book 1 & 2 to be fair to Vanna Smythe with an honest review.
Book 2: a lot more exciting because it's the middle of action, the story is coming together and the characters are playing their roles and all the pressure is on Kae to save Princess Issa in time for the Joining of the Anniversary of the Veil. There is a lot going on in this book so read it at a comfortable pace and stay with it cause its getting really good and now on to The Forever Husband, Book 3.
Well Done Vanna Smythe.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done. This is one series that you won't want to pass up!

[Yaritza Trevino · Rating 4 out of 5]

What

How twisted the hand of fate turned out to be. I can't wait to see what happens with Kae and Issa. Purchasing book 3!