The Veil

by Karli Rush

The Veil
Dystopian fantasy fiction novel
Book One
In the far reaches of a distant universe, there was once a supreme, cultivated planet teeming with vibrant life. Still, it was mercilessly ravaged by a sudden, devastating impact from a solar storm. The violent storm birthed a cataclysmic polar shift, tearing open a dimensional pathway and dragging a significant portion of the planet into eternal darkness. Those who managed to survive were thrust into the unknown realms—worlds of treacherous plights and bizarre encounters—but no matter the odds, they were forced to fight for their very existence. And now… they have arrived on Earth, a mere shadow of their former glory.

The town of Everton, nestled at the foothills of the Ozarks, is a haven of tranquility. Selene Marley sees her future so clearly. Her organic food and natural remedy store has been in her family for generations, and she plans to continue that tradition. Her fiancé, Rayden Hendrix, has her heart all wrapped up and ready for a walk down the aisle. It’s a life any woman would dream of, but her corner of the world is about to turn into a day of reckoning with the terrifying appearance of a mysterious veil. Everton, a once beautiful place filled with a sense of security and love, will now be shattered— a destructive force will hit the town, pulverizing lives, tearing families apart, and shattering their reality. Men, women, and children will be forever scarred, but none as profoundly as Rayden and Selene.

They will face their battles, one against the chaos and madding riots that threaten to consume their town and the other… a nightmarish reality where the laws of nature are twisted, and the line between life and death is blurred. What will it take to preserve their sanity, their humanity, and their love? Or will it be too late?

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2024

About the author

Karli Rush was born in the heart of Cherokee Nation and lives in its capital. Her Native American heritage holds sway over her writing in many ways. She has the patience of a brain surgeon operating under fire in a war zone. You can chalk that up to her being the mother of an autistic kiddo. With the passion of a starving artist, she writes. The obsession to tell her tales have led her to write novels in the worlds of Dark Paranormal Romance, Dystopian, and Vampires. She walks in two worlds, one grounds her and the other frees her imagination.

Reviews

[BrookLynn Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent! I've been in a reading slump and this book has brought me out of it. The twists and turns, the descriptions that bring the characters and scenery to life, the action-packed plot, and the steamy scenes make this book an easy 5 star read.

[Mick C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy whirlwind of a story! Fate has a way of determining what life you will have, no matter what world you live in. But when two worlds or realms collide, what happens next is utterly crazy. Monsters are not monsters, but they are. Learning a new way of life and finding out you could be the change - this book sucks you in and doesn't spit you out until the end. Then you are just sitting there with your jaw falling open. I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from these characters.

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review!

I love it! It's fresh and new it has a story line like none other! With so many books out there it seems like there's too many books with similar stories and concepts but this book is completely different!!!
A thrilling intriguing book! From the very start you're hooked and the more you get into the story the more mysterious it becomes and you're
excited to find out what's going to happen next! With "on the edge of your seat", "adrenaline pumping" twist and turns you won't be able to put the book down!!! The author created this really awesome world with very descriptive scenes you feel as if you're really there alongside the characters! It's easy and fun to read with each page flowing easily into the next! The characters are unique, strong, and brave. And I found myself loving them and their dynamics!

I cannot wait for book 2 to find out where the story takes us next!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Veil" plunges readers into a gripping dystopian fantasy where Selene, our protagonist, faces a world shattered by cataclysmic events. The story unfolds in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that transforms Selene's hometown into a haunting landscape of survival and uncertainty. The novel begins with a powerful hook as Selene navigates through the chaos of the earthquake's aftermath, only to witness survivors being ensnared by a mysterious entity known as The Veil. This sinister force transports victims into a nightmarish realm, setting the stage for Selene's harrowing journey of survival and discovery. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its vivid portrayal of The Veil itself—a realm that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare. The author skillfully crafts a dystopian setting filled with eerie landscapes, menacing creatures, and existential threats, keeping readers on edge throughout Selene's quest for escape and understanding. Selene emerges as a resilient and relatable heroine, grappling not only with external dangers but also with internal struggles and doubts. Her character development is a highlight, as she confronts fear, loneliness, and the daunting task of unraveling the mysteries surrounding The Veil. However, the novel's chaotic pace may prove challenging for some readers. The narrative often jumps abruptly from one scene to the next, leaving little room for certain plot developments and character depth. This frenetic pacing occasionally detracts from the immersive experience, making it difficult to fully engage with Selene's emotional journey and the broader implications of The Veil's existence. Thematically, "The Veil" explores profound questions about identity, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to endure in the face of adversity. It delves into the psychological toll of surviving in a world where reality itself is uncertain, inviting readers to contemplate the boundaries between perception and truth. The pacing of the narrative is well-crafted, propelling the reader through suspenseful sequences and moments of introspection alike. The author's descriptive prose creates a vivid atmosphere, immersing readers in the unsettling world of The Veil and evoking a range of emotions from tension to awe. Overall, "The Veil" is a captivating dystopian fantasy that combines suspense, psychological depth, and imaginative world-building. It will appeal to readers who enjoy exploring dark, thought-provoking narratives where the line between reality and nightmare is tantalizingly thin. If you're looking for a gripping read that challenges perceptions and keeps you on the edge of your seat, "The Veil" is an excellent choice.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't really know what to say about this book other than it was a great read. This book was not what I expected, although I don't really know what I was expecting. I solely chose this book based on the cover without reading the synopsis. It started off innocent enough but before you know it things turn into chaos. I have been venturing away from romance more often so this genre and author are both new to me. This kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages to see what was going to happen. I look forward to book two coming out and seeing where this series is going to take us.

[Jayme Raffauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. Good world building with the Realms inside the Veil. I wasn’t sure about the storyline at times, but it ended up connecting well and as the reader, you get invested in the characters like Selene and Rayden right from the beginning. And then you begin to get attached to others like Sirius, Nevaeh and Tiffany. This is a dystopian fantasy fiction novel and the first in the series. Overall, I found it very interesting and a good read.

[Alison Risher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hop on board for a futuristic ride. This is a tale that can reach readers where they are. It’s a tale of relationships. It’s a tale of choices and decisions. There are various fantastical creatures. Set among the stars and planets, there are enough scientific factoids to capture the reader’s imagination.

[LaliLovely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was highly interesting ... I'm not quite sure how I feel about it . I went in thinking it was a fae story , but it's actually more vampiric/something I've never heard of . Very quick pace with something constantly happening . Not much time to get to know any of the characters or understand beyond the basics , so there wasn't any emotional involvement for me . Even with the speed of movement , the writing style felt like taking the looong, scenic route . Left me feeling a bit like Marty McFly . But hey , time is an illusion ! Definitely a unique experience .

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. It did skip time a bit without much explanation but it was a good story. I liked the characters and the descriptions. It had a couple sexual descriptions but what was the most descriptive was the gore and the creatures on the planet. I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to a new world! We start off with a brief glimpse of Selene's life with all the promise of a thriving business and a new life-to-be with her fiancée. We get a little foreshadowing of what's to come in the opening scene, just a little hint, that stuck with me as I launched into this book. Everything goes from sunshine and roses to chaos and immense change. I love how the author dives deep into this new world while giving the reader wonderful characters throughout. Get ready for a new series, filled with action, monsters, and fantastic adventures!

[Lile · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing! I just wanted to keep reading and couldn't put it down. I need the 2nd book ASAP ;)

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A collision of two worlds, two realms now joined. What once was a haven is now anything but. What they thought they knew was turned upside down. Everything they had, gone in the blink of an eye. Now it was survival and that was just hope.
The Veil is captivating, it's new, it's unique, and refreshing. What a great start to a series. It is nice to read something different from the norm. This engrossing read was hard to put down.
You will find twists, turns, and surprises on every page. What a journey. It is a dystopian fantasy sci-fiction, romance that has everything you need to keep you entertained. Invasion, wars, Warlords, monsters, alternate dimensions, veil between worlds, prisoners/slaves, and romance of a different kind and so much more.
Karli invites us into worlds with her unique, vividly rich descriptions. She writes great characters, an exciting and action-packed story that is a well-thought-out, cleverly woven plot.
No spoilers here.
I absolutely can't wait to get stuck into more from this author.

[Jennifer Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my attention right from the first word to the last word in the book. This book really gave me the feelings of being in the book, it was so detailed I was like a fly on the wall. The world was well thought out and felt like you were living right along with everything happening, it was unique in its own way. the characters are so well developed that I even felt like I know them a little bit on a personal level. The book starts off with foreshadowing and it was captivating that this book gripped me and held me till the end. It’s a fantasy world with monsters and adventure, romance, and so many twists and turns that I was wondering if Selene could get, thou it all. I can’t wait to read more into this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The town of Everton, nestled at the foothills of the Ozarks, is a haven of tranquility. Selene Marley sees her future so clearly. Her organic food and natural remedy store has been in her family for generations, and she plans to continue that tradition. Her fiancé, Rayden Hendrix, has her heart all wrapped up and ready for a walk down the aisle. It’s a life any woman would dream of, but her corner of the world is about to turn into a day of reckoning with the terrifying appearance of a mysterious veil. Everton, a once beautiful place filled with a sense of security and love, will now be shattered— a destructive force will hit the town, pulverizing lives, tearing families apart, and shattering their reality. Men, women, and children will be forever scarred, but none as profoundly as Rayden and Selene.
They will face their battles, one against the chaos and madding riots that threaten to consume their town and the other… a nightmarish reality where the laws of nature are twisted, and the line between life and death is blurred. What will it take to preserve their sanity, their humanity, and their love? Or will it be too late?" What will happen with their town, what will happen with their relationship, will have to read the book to find out. Great storyline, great characters, if you like stories about vampires, dark romance this book is for you. I give this book 4 stars.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - 3 Stars

The Veil is the first book in the Veil Series by Karli Rush. I was so excited when this book popped up on my recommended book suggestions on social media- as it promised everything that I love to find in an engrossing read.
Fantasy is one of my favourite genres, and add in some dystopian elements, action, and adventure- and I am hooked. So, I went into this with great expectation for all the promise that the synopsis held. And hello, look at that gorgeous cover!
But I have to be honest here and say, that while the ‘story’ component itself was quite intriguing, I just couldn’t find my ‘groove’ with the writing style- which was sooo disappointing, as I really wanted to LOVE this book so hard. Instead, I found it a very frustrating read.
Let me try to explain myself. The author has a VERY descriptive writing style, which is VERY heavy with adjectives. I mean, she has a VERY HEAVY hand when it comes to her adjectives, and not all of them were used appropriately for the context they were in. It made for a very frustrating and choppy flow – as well as being quite distracting from the ‘actual’ story that was being told. I find that writing that overuses adjectives, especially when they are not always correctly used, really makes the story ‘feel’ cluttered, and therefore, less impactful, because the excessive use of adjectives really ‘dilutes’ the overall impact of the ‘story’ and makes it much harder to read. I feel a little sorry for the author, as her editor could have and should have picked up on these issues and helped correct them- therefore letting the author down. This story could have been quite stellar- but unfortunately it misses the mark for me. See example below-
“Dashing through the enfeebling doorway, I race down the vine-covered steps, but before I can even reach the tree line, Rayden is chasing me down like a mountain lion on the hunt. Before I know it, I’m lying on the ground with him on top. Familiar with his kind of torture, I scramble to free myself. His hands grip my sides, pinning me in place, and then his malevolent fingers begin tickling me with no mercy in sight. My contagious laughter rivets throughout the silent woods as Rayden straddles over me. He taunts, “Do you give up?” Writhing beneath him, I try to speak, but it’s no use, so instead, I nod, confirming my submission. His controlled hands measure their way up my body, and his affectionate lips explore mine.”
-‘vine-covered steps’
-‘enfeebling doorway’ (does the doorway make you weaker by passing through it, or is it meant to describe a dilapidated, crumbling, rickety, or unsound doorway?)
-‘malevolent fingers’
-‘contagious laughter’
-‘Silent woods’
-‘controlled hands’
-‘affectionate lips’
I’m not saying that SOME of these aren’t appropriate to use - but using them ALL in such a short passage makes for a frustrating reading experience, for me. It felt like the author was ‘trying way too hard’. And the story reads like this, pretty much, the whole way through.
I also found that the ‘tenses’ chopped and changed in parts, was quite ‘wordy’, and there were a few other editing issues- which, again, distracted from the storyline.
Instead of feeling immersed in the story, all these issues made it hard to read, hard to connect with, or invest in the characters and/or their story.
As this is the first book in a series, I am really hoping that the author has better luck with her ‘editor’ (etc) for future instalments, as the premise does have a lot of potential.
But looking at some of the other reviews here, I seem to be the only one who had any issue with the book- so you should probably read the story for yourself and make up your own mind about it.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Karli Rush!

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selene Marley is a woman who owns a small shop in the town of Everton, near the Ozarks where she has a comfortable life and a partner in crime, Rayden Hendrix, the shop has some regular customers who peruse her natural herbal remedies and organic food. She has her future planned out with Rayden and it is everything she could want, security, love and happiness and maybe even a wedding, not to mention good friends and beautiful scenery.

One day, all that changes when a pearlescent veil splits the town into two causing earthquakes and destroying the homes and businesses in their street, but the most terrifying thing is when everyone is separated. All the women are grouped together and the men all disappear, never mind where the children have gone and so when Selene starts to become accustomed to the new life she is having to make, she discovers her resilience.

As the days pass and Selene learns more about the ones around her, she comes across hints of a world not unlike hers, but more progressive and with different flora, fauna and traditions, but just when she has lost hope of seeing Rayden again, he reappeared in a sorry state, beaten and bruised, but they are still grateful to find each other again.

As the ramifications of the veils appearance and their new lives sink in, can Selene and Rayden navigate this new existence while also keeping their sanity in tact? This is a sci-fi adventure where worlds collide and lives intertwine to create a present fraught with danger, in this emotional rollercoaster.

[Darla Yocom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seriously started out cute and calm, then all hell broke loose. Get ready for non stop trials and twists for the closeted badass main character, Selene. In the beginning, Selene is happy with her life and her man, Rayden. On a day that started out normal as usual, it quickly spun into something beyond chaotic. The world shook, she witnessed the immediate death of a coworker and lost contact with Rayden.

Quickly Selene realizes that she must make a run for safety and finds herself and another young lady having to hide from what they assume are Warrior type beings that are taking women hostage. She wonders why she has not seen any males taken.

You’ll find yourself emerged into the strangest circumstances that will give you creepy underground tunnels and bunker vibes with a twist. Combat training, underwater competitions, a disgusting choice for delicacies for sustenance and so much more.

The dystopian aspect of the world building reminded me a bit of Mad Max, maybe a bit of hunger games and the scary bits of every single horror book by the king of horror. You will be highly entertained, scared and a bit grossed out from page to page. I think all fans of this genre will find themselves staying up a bit late to finish up one more chapter as long as the lights stay on!

I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oh my. After more than two weeks of my best friend telling me I have got to read this book I finally got the chance to dive in. This is the first book I have read by Karli Rush and lordy it was a-mazing. I hate that it took me so long to get the chance to begin.
It all started with a quake, followed by a hunt and everything ran from there. It was just another day in a hard to find on a map town when Selene was gathering supplies for her shop and returning to work. A tremor made things fall then a quake that put a ravine down the middle of main street. When the hazy veil came in, she thought it would be sheer that her hand would go through it only to find it more like glass, a containment around half the town and her fiancé Rayden outside it watching. Screams, ghostly arrows, and a river of blood follow as she runs for her life. Suddenly the men are gone, the dead are gone and all that remains is running women and ghostly darts following them. The earth has rotated a hundred and eighty degrees opening to another dimension and the creatures that inhabit it.
Will Selene survive? Can she find her way back to Rayden? Has Sirius truly claimed her? From page one it had me hooked one moment it was five p.m. the next it was eleven thirty I couldn’t bring myself to put it down until I knew what happened and now, I sit and wait for book two. We need more. I need more.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book on The Veil Series. This is a dystopian fantasy adventure which had me hooked from the beginning. The author has done a great job of creating a unique story and the way the author tells the story and builds the worlds really brings it to life. I love the main character Selene. She is a very strong, determined character who is set on surviving this strange realm she now finds herself in. Her journey isn't an easy one. It is a fast paced dangerous journey as she has to battle time and again for her survival. Even when she thinks she can't go on anymore she always finds the strength from somewhere.

When a cataclysmic earthquake hits Selene's small town she finds herself transported to another place with beings that aren't human. Now she is in a constant battle for survival against creatures she doesn't know about and a world where reality as she knows it no longer exists.
This is a story about overcoming adversity, striving to survive, and learning to function in a place that makes no sense at all. It is also a journey of discover for Selene, not only discover of the people and the place she now finds herself in but also a discovery of herself and finding out just how strong and resilient she can be when she has to be.
I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selene’s life is that of a small-town girl, newly engaged. She owns and runs her family’s herbal store, until her life is abruptly thrown into chaos the day that a veil rips through the center of her town. She is stuck on one side while her fiancée is on the other. Terrified she is taken into another realm with other women from her town. As she learns more about her new surroundings and species of people, she begins to understand that to survive she is going to have to adapt quickly. When her fiancée is taken and he sees the changes in her, can he love her despite the changes? Can she still love him? Or will she choose to stay and explore this new life that she has found?

I can honestly say, I had no idea what was coming next in this book. It kept me guessing from chapter to chapter as the story progressed very quickly. The cover didn’t give anything away either. About the time that I felt comfortable with what I knew, it changed. I would have liked to have had more information but that is only because I like to have a full picture. However, I found that in the end, I didn’t really need more information. There was enough for me to figure out what was happening. All in all, I liked this book. It was not my normal type of read, but I enjoyed it!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Veil by Karli Rush is a dystopian fantasy following an earthquake that alters everything. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Selene traverses the chaos that is now her hometown. Next a haziness seeps in, but it is not like a typical fog or like anything anyone has ever seen. The sinister Veil is a place of nightmares, menacing creatures and screams of agony lurk therein. Rayden, Selene's boyfriend is entrapped on the other side. Will Selene be able to save him...will she even be able to save herself? This book is full of non-stop action, twists and turns, and danger at every corner. The characters are believable and I love that the focus is on a strong female heroine. The scenery and the world that is pictured is nothing like we have seen before, somewhere between Earth and Hell. I love the descriptive scenes that put you into the plot and make you feel for the characters as they traverse this unknown world. I would say this is a fun read for anyone that enjoys dystopian fantasy.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cow!!! No words can even describe this book. This went from cute and tame one chapter to run for your life the next… to the point where I literally screamed “WHAT THE HELL” at work. (Thankfully no one was around lol)

A veil comes down and separates Selene and Rayden. Selene is taken by warriors and brought to a new world. She has to go through trials that Sirius trains her for to stay alive and earn her place, which she does and Sirius claims her as his. After everything her fiance Rayden is captured and then their journey begins with her trying to get Rayden back to safety.

The world Karli Rush made in this story is one I would never want to be in… I wouldn’t even know how I would handle it or what I would do. I am not sure how to feel about this book, but one thing I do know is, I can’t wait for the next one.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been this excited about a new series in quite a long time! This is the first book in The Veil Realms series and the first I had read by this author. The cover is gorgeous and made me start reading before I even knew what it was about. Once I opened this book, I was transported to a hauntingly dystopian world where an earthquake devastates our main character’s hometown. Selene is, in a word, legendary. She is independent, tough, and overall, an admirable individual. The amount of time spent developing these characters is obvious as they certainly seem as real as the person sitting right next to me. The flow of the story is quick but still unfolds naturally without any choppiness to distract. I will be (impatiently) waiting for the second book in this series because I absolutely need more of this author’s writing!

[Katie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Veil was such an exciting read for me, from the very first page. I loved how this story was completely unlike anything I had ever read before. It didn't have that feel of a recycled story whatsoever. The characters were wonderfully crafted, the world was expansive and unique. The author did an excellent job giving me, as the reader, a visual of all the beauty and chaos taking place inside this fantastic tale. I love a good rollercoaster, and this story was nothing short of ups, downs, and twisty turns. I felt like this is a very strong beginning to this series, and I hope there's many more to follow!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a brilliant dystopian fantasy that really caught my attention with ease. I was intrigued just from the description and knew I would have to read this book. The author has successfully created an imaginative and exciting story. It pulls you in and keeps you guessing as to what might happen. I never felt like I had a full grasp on the direction the story might take which made it so much more exciting to read.
I love the characters and their dynamic. They way they developed as the book progressed made the storyline even better. As this first book in what appears to be a new series, this is a strong start and I cannot wait to see what is to come.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopian stories aren’t usually my thing, but I decided to give it a whirl and I am quite glad that I did! This is definitely a book you won’t want to put down until the last page. The author created a vivid and descriptive world that draws you in and makes you feel like you are right there in the story. Anytime I thought I have an idea of how things would go, the author threw out another twist and turn into the plot that just made it that much more exciting and thrilling. Selene and Rayden had such a bright future before the veil appeared. The trials and battles they must face had me all twisted up in anticipation of what would happen. I can’t wait to see what happens in the series.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Veil was an adrenaline filled story from start to finish with plenty of twists and turns. Selene is ripped away from her life and thrust into a completely unknown world with an alien race, after climatic events. I highly enjoyed how original the story was and enjoyed reading how Selene would overcome the challenges she is faced with. It remained me of War of the Worlds. It is a survival story with an unknown alien threat. I was confused when the perspective changes without warning a few times throughout the story. Overall it is worth the read and look forward to the next book in the series.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. The writing was excellent. It had a nice fresh feel. Not the same old storyline written and regurgitated into a new story. I was able to get into this story and escape for awhile as you felt the worlds collide and the clash begin. You couldn't help but feel for them when you saw that no matter what world, fate plays a part in what you get to have. It's a really good story with fantastic characters written with such detail. Even the story is so detailed that you feel like you could be there, I feel that's it's a must read.

[Jamie Truex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy dystopian books and I really liked the cover if this book. I wasn't really sure what I was getting into but I thought The Veil was a new take on dystopian stories. It was really interesting in my opinion. I also really liked Selene's character. The writing took me some time to get used to. I felt like there were a lot of "extra" words and a bit chaotic. However, I would still recommend this book. I think it's worth it and am looking forward to finding out what comes next.

[Kat Mellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Veil by Karli Rush was really good! When it started off, I actually forgot for a second what genre of book I was reading and was a little thrown when the invasion started! So, that was a fun little twist. The world building was really cool, the characters were really well written and very relatable. The ending was not what I expected to be. Still a HEA, but not in the way I was expecting. Really enjoyed and would def recommend.