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Among the Veils
Clay Durward has always been able to read the minds of young children. When he is asked to protect a six year old boy, he learns the child carries the spirit of a ten thousand year old energy locked in his subconscious. In trying to help his ward, Clay finds himself embroiled in a civil war between two factions of Ancient Egyptian deities fighting out their rivalry among the darkest streets in America’s crumbling cities.
- GenresFantasy
444 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2013
8 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Bret Alexander Sweet
2 books15 followersBret Alexander Sweet was born in San Francisco, California. He was raised between Oakland and Sacramento, settling in San Francisco in 1997. Bret graduated from Berkeley High School in 1995. He is the son of prominent Bay Area civil rights attorney and social entrepreneur, Clifford Charles Sweet.
Bret combined his passion for music and entrepreneurship at a young age by earning himself an internship at PolyGram Group Distribution’s San Francisco office in the summer of 1995. Three months later he was an artist development rep focusing on the company’s urban division associated with Island Def Jam artists. He left PolyGram shortly after the merger to focus more on his college career at San Francisco State University and open his own label. Throughout his studies, Bret invested his time working in various community development organizations as well as running his own independent record label, House Kemetic Suns. Although House Kemetic Suns never reached platinum status with its artists, Bret had established the first online music distribution channel when he was 19; 6 years before Steve Jobs would bring iTunes to market.
In 2002, Bret began teaching entrepreneurship to youth and young adults from under-developed communities. In 2003, he signed on as Lead Entrepreneurship Instructor at BUILD, a non-profit organization in Menlo Park that uses entrepreneurship as vehicle for college admission for first generation students. In 2004, Bret was awarded Certified Teacher of the Year by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. In fall of 2007, Bret retired from teaching to pursue his life long dream of an MBA at the University of San Francisco. In 2008, Bret began certifying new cohorts of future NFTE instructor as a NFTE CETI (Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher Instructor). Bret graduated from the University of San Francisco in May 2009 with his Master’s of Business Administration with a dual emphasis in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. In December 2008, he received the USF School of Management’s Dean Circle Scholarship for exemplary service in his community.
In 2007, Bret founded the Dualism Group which is early stage venture capitalism firm and consulting arm geared toward helping underserved entrepreneurs launch and expand their companies in order to bring jobs to lower income communities. One of his clients is Robert Simpson of Back A Yard Corporation which led to Bret being instrumental in the founding of Coconuts Palo Alto and the expansion of Back A Yard into San Jose. In addition he established his own property management firm called Sweet Rentality which creates tech innovations for the property rental market.
Bret combined his passion for music and entrepreneurship at a young age by earning himself an internship at PolyGram Group Distribution’s San Francisco office in the summer of 1995. Three months later he was an artist development rep focusing on the company’s urban division associated with Island Def Jam artists. He left PolyGram shortly after the merger to focus more on his college career at San Francisco State University and open his own label. Throughout his studies, Bret invested his time working in various community development organizations as well as running his own independent record label, House Kemetic Suns. Although House Kemetic Suns never reached platinum status with its artists, Bret had established the first online music distribution channel when he was 19; 6 years before Steve Jobs would bring iTunes to market.
In 2002, Bret began teaching entrepreneurship to youth and young adults from under-developed communities. In 2003, he signed on as Lead Entrepreneurship Instructor at BUILD, a non-profit organization in Menlo Park that uses entrepreneurship as vehicle for college admission for first generation students. In 2004, Bret was awarded Certified Teacher of the Year by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. In fall of 2007, Bret retired from teaching to pursue his life long dream of an MBA at the University of San Francisco. In 2008, Bret began certifying new cohorts of future NFTE instructor as a NFTE CETI (Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher Instructor). Bret graduated from the University of San Francisco in May 2009 with his Master’s of Business Administration with a dual emphasis in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. In December 2008, he received the USF School of Management’s Dean Circle Scholarship for exemplary service in his community.
In 2007, Bret founded the Dualism Group which is early stage venture capitalism firm and consulting arm geared toward helping underserved entrepreneurs launch and expand their companies in order to bring jobs to lower income communities. One of his clients is Robert Simpson of Back A Yard Corporation which led to Bret being instrumental in the founding of Coconuts Palo Alto and the expansion of Back A Yard into San Jose. In addition he established his own property management firm called Sweet Rentality which creates tech innovations for the property rental market.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 5, 2013
Well Well Well....I must say that the material thus far measures up to the cover (which by the way is phenomenal). Without giving away too much-Clay has such a strong character intro that I couldn't help but to visualize him as an actual person telling me all about himself. With his straight forward, but descriptive speech, I was able to settle eright into the personality and tone of this story through the eyes of Clay. It's off to a perfect pace for me and I can't put it down!
Standby for more-I am impressed with this much anticipated newly released piece.
Good stuff.
Standby for more-I am impressed with this much anticipated newly released piece.
Good stuff.
November 14, 2013
(No spoilers) At first Among the Veils feels like a noir detective novel, appropriately set in the gritty and dark streets of San Francisco. Clay, while technically a psychiatrist and educator, seems like the classic detective character from the noir genre, a man with a miraculous ability to solve the problems of others, while constantly battling his own personal demons. His dependence on cigarettes to ease his mental anguish further emphasizes his inner turmoil. But as the story unfolds, the novel reveals itself to be so much more than a simple detective story.
Early in the book, Clay gives a lecture on the gods of ancient Egypt, which sets the stage for a highly engrossing story that meshes the modern urban landscape of San Francisco with that of mythical ancient Egypt. The author, Bret Sweet, emphasizes the foggy streets and mysterious aura of San Francisco, which makes for a perfect setting for the war between ancient Egyptian Deities to ensue. In Among the Veils, Mr. Sweet makes the streets of San Francisco come alive, almost becoming a separate character in the novel.
The novel features memorable and sinister villains and a highly relatable protagonist in the form of Clay Durward. The reader is offered an intimate connection into the mind of Clay. Using first person narration, Clay describes himself with complete candor, readily admitting his personal flaws and shortcomings. The author’s ability to create such an honest and relatable character sets Veils apart in the genre of modern literature.
Finally, Mr. Sweet helps advance the fantasy genre by using an African-American protagonist. While the issue of race is not the focus of this book, the novel has a distinct African-American perspective. In this sense, Among the Veils further sets itself apart. I think this novel will appeal to a wide demographic, to young and older readers alike. I will be looking forward to Bret Sweet’s next novel in the series.
Early in the book, Clay gives a lecture on the gods of ancient Egypt, which sets the stage for a highly engrossing story that meshes the modern urban landscape of San Francisco with that of mythical ancient Egypt. The author, Bret Sweet, emphasizes the foggy streets and mysterious aura of San Francisco, which makes for a perfect setting for the war between ancient Egyptian Deities to ensue. In Among the Veils, Mr. Sweet makes the streets of San Francisco come alive, almost becoming a separate character in the novel.
The novel features memorable and sinister villains and a highly relatable protagonist in the form of Clay Durward. The reader is offered an intimate connection into the mind of Clay. Using first person narration, Clay describes himself with complete candor, readily admitting his personal flaws and shortcomings. The author’s ability to create such an honest and relatable character sets Veils apart in the genre of modern literature.
Finally, Mr. Sweet helps advance the fantasy genre by using an African-American protagonist. While the issue of race is not the focus of this book, the novel has a distinct African-American perspective. In this sense, Among the Veils further sets itself apart. I think this novel will appeal to a wide demographic, to young and older readers alike. I will be looking forward to Bret Sweet’s next novel in the series.
February 22, 2014
Book received through Goodreads First Reads.
Being a fan of fantasy books about ancient civilisations, this book definitely piqued my interest. From the onset the main character Clay is highly intriguing and becomes more so just a few chapters in, making his ability to read the minds of children seem almost normal. The author has done a great job in making one of the most intricately detailed and enjoyable storylines I have ever read, written in a way that makes you lose yourself in a world of mystery. One thing that I found difficult understanding were the business analogies used in the book but the media section of the books website helped tremendously. Everyone reading this book should visit the website www.paperhrones.com for pictures of the characters and a soundtrack that is sublime. All these extra details just make the experience of reading much more enthralling.
Something that could be added to include in a second edition is a glossary including details about the various characters and creatures. Maybe even adding a few pictures of systems described in the book. So now I am waiting for the next book in the series to be released, hopefully including more adorable Desta.
Being a fan of fantasy books about ancient civilisations, this book definitely piqued my interest. From the onset the main character Clay is highly intriguing and becomes more so just a few chapters in, making his ability to read the minds of children seem almost normal. The author has done a great job in making one of the most intricately detailed and enjoyable storylines I have ever read, written in a way that makes you lose yourself in a world of mystery. One thing that I found difficult understanding were the business analogies used in the book but the media section of the books website helped tremendously. Everyone reading this book should visit the website www.paperhrones.com for pictures of the characters and a soundtrack that is sublime. All these extra details just make the experience of reading much more enthralling.
Something that could be added to include in a second edition is a glossary including details about the various characters and creatures. Maybe even adding a few pictures of systems described in the book. So now I am waiting for the next book in the series to be released, hopefully including more adorable Desta.
April 2, 2014
Dr. Clay Durward (Sekhem Ka of Kemet, son of Ma’at, son of Djeuti, carrier, ATP energy) works in San Francisco as a psychiatrist & also a Professor at a University. Dr. Xochi Cervantes (f, married) is an associate. Cynthia is also an associate. Samuel (Sam) is the CFO, Joyce is the development director. All 5 of them are in the mental health (MH) field. The MH agency is involved in a lot of fundraisers.
Clay seems to have the hot’s for Athena & Neith? He enjoys working with young kids. He also seems to have his own psychological issues Arachnophobia (spiders) & OCD.
Clay arrives at an apartment in the Geneva Towers. A mother (3 boys, under 7) had been cutting/packaging coke for a local dealer. The woman & her kids had both taken some of the Coke for their own pleasures. The dealer came over to collect the packaged goods. The mother & the dealer began to quarrel. Her 3 sons decided to defend their mother, & threw the dealer off the balcony onto the top of a car below.
Lieutenant John Avalos, Detective Alicia Porter, & Detective Tim are doing the investigation. Horace William Mack Marshall (The Hunter, Horus, Ra, Djeuti) is watching the investigation of the crime scene.
Horace is being held at the Moreland facility for killing 5 PPL He was later murdered in a riot while incarcerated before being transferred to a maximum facility.
Clay is asked to protect a 6 yr. old boy Desta. He soon learns Desta is an exceptionally gifted child similar to him. They carry the spirit of a 10,000 yr. old deity (Heru, ATP energy, carrier) all locked up in their subconscious. Desta stays with Dr. Xochi Cervantes.
Cornelius, Nigel & Candace are going to babysit Desmet because Dr. Xochi Cervantes is on a trip.
Clay flips back/forth between several realities (the Veil) of San Francisco & Ancient Egypt.
If I was diagnosing the good Dr. I would have to say he/grandma & maybe mom suffered from schizophrenia. The book was more about him than Desta.
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written exciting very mind boggling bizarre mysterious sci-fi or paranormal psychological thriller. Filled with well thought out historical (famous PPL) + pharaoh era (Heru, Neteru & their Civil War; Apep & the Isfet) + cultural facts (Greek, Chinese, Egypt, Aztec deities) all jamb packed into this book. Never read the works of the author before it wasn’t very easy to read/follow from start/finish. But none the less never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios & a huge set of unique characters to follow & keep track of. A book you must read to the very end. This could make a great thriller movie or mini TV series. Wow I just don’t know if I got the whole story content. Not sure bibliography (references, etc.) should have not been included in text. All said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Clay seems to have the hot’s for Athena & Neith? He enjoys working with young kids. He also seems to have his own psychological issues Arachnophobia (spiders) & OCD.
Clay arrives at an apartment in the Geneva Towers. A mother (3 boys, under 7) had been cutting/packaging coke for a local dealer. The woman & her kids had both taken some of the Coke for their own pleasures. The dealer came over to collect the packaged goods. The mother & the dealer began to quarrel. Her 3 sons decided to defend their mother, & threw the dealer off the balcony onto the top of a car below.
Lieutenant John Avalos, Detective Alicia Porter, & Detective Tim are doing the investigation. Horace William Mack Marshall (The Hunter, Horus, Ra, Djeuti) is watching the investigation of the crime scene.
Horace is being held at the Moreland facility for killing 5 PPL He was later murdered in a riot while incarcerated before being transferred to a maximum facility.
Clay is asked to protect a 6 yr. old boy Desta. He soon learns Desta is an exceptionally gifted child similar to him. They carry the spirit of a 10,000 yr. old deity (Heru, ATP energy, carrier) all locked up in their subconscious. Desta stays with Dr. Xochi Cervantes.
Cornelius, Nigel & Candace are going to babysit Desmet because Dr. Xochi Cervantes is on a trip.
Clay flips back/forth between several realities (the Veil) of San Francisco & Ancient Egypt.
If I was diagnosing the good Dr. I would have to say he/grandma & maybe mom suffered from schizophrenia. The book was more about him than Desta.
Cool book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written exciting very mind boggling bizarre mysterious sci-fi or paranormal psychological thriller. Filled with well thought out historical (famous PPL) + pharaoh era (Heru, Neteru & their Civil War; Apep & the Isfet) + cultural facts (Greek, Chinese, Egypt, Aztec deities) all jamb packed into this book. Never read the works of the author before it wasn’t very easy to read/follow from start/finish. But none the less never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios & a huge set of unique characters to follow & keep track of. A book you must read to the very end. This could make a great thriller movie or mini TV series. Wow I just don’t know if I got the whole story content. Not sure bibliography (references, etc.) should have not been included in text. All said I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 17, 2014
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about Egyptian deities fighting for power in modern times.
The story started with a scene the reader sees three times from three different points of view. The author was trying to be cryptic and not give too much away too early. For a good portion of the book I was left wondering how much Clay, the main character, actually knew. He would have vast knowledge of what was happening then the next page he would need to have everything explained to him. There was a lot of description where after reading it I was left thinking I didn't learn anything.
Almost every conversation in the book ended up feeling like a classroom lecture. I realize I committed to reading the story, but I didn't necessarily go into a book half expecting to be graded on an essay. I feel like I should be describing the potential impact the story could have within our world.
I will admit the action sequences were very well done. Honestly, I think this is the first time I have ever thought this, but I think this would have been a better movie than book.
There were quite a few characters I really liked. Clay's boss Xochi was fantastic. The four teenagers, who were very comfortable with violence, were an interesting mix. I liked the scene with Clay's cats, how they were able to say duh to him and still be feline about it.
There were a lot of culture references. I will admit to being excited about the oblique West Wing reference, but for all the ones I did pick up on I know there were many I didn't. I just don't have the life context to pick up on them all.
The story is about Egyptian deities fighting for power in modern times.
The story started with a scene the reader sees three times from three different points of view. The author was trying to be cryptic and not give too much away too early. For a good portion of the book I was left wondering how much Clay, the main character, actually knew. He would have vast knowledge of what was happening then the next page he would need to have everything explained to him. There was a lot of description where after reading it I was left thinking I didn't learn anything.
Almost every conversation in the book ended up feeling like a classroom lecture. I realize I committed to reading the story, but I didn't necessarily go into a book half expecting to be graded on an essay. I feel like I should be describing the potential impact the story could have within our world.
I will admit the action sequences were very well done. Honestly, I think this is the first time I have ever thought this, but I think this would have been a better movie than book.
There were quite a few characters I really liked. Clay's boss Xochi was fantastic. The four teenagers, who were very comfortable with violence, were an interesting mix. I liked the scene with Clay's cats, how they were able to say duh to him and still be feline about it.
There were a lot of culture references. I will admit to being excited about the oblique West Wing reference, but for all the ones I did pick up on I know there were many I didn't. I just don't have the life context to pick up on them all.
April 6, 2014
An absolutely fascinating read! Never a dull moment throughout its entirety! Your in for an adventure the moment you crack this book open. Its full of abundant imagery and humor. I found the book to be very interdimensional as the author brings out different aspects of existence, while telling the story on what Clay will get into next. Grab this book it will leave your imagination flowing wild.. I'm way to anxious to get my hands on book 2. I can visualize there being movies made based upon the Paper Thrones series... possibly. Among the Veils is way too good!!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews