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Veiled
"I have always existed, not just me but all of us, the un-embodied spirits who wait to live.”
Tess is an unborn spirit, who is about to embark on a much awaited journey into mortality to a brand new planet called Earth. She is chosen by the Eternals for an important mission, and is put under a rigorous training by a half-human, half-lion Seraph. This training exposes Tess to some of her darkest fears and insecurities. These experiences force Tess to work on her gift as a discerner of thoughts and reader of auras—thus helping her become one of Heaven’s most powerful angels. But even angels falter, and deep inside her a gnawing fear is growing. Will she meet her soul mate in life? Will their love be strong enough to overcome the forgetting effects of the Veil? And, is she prepared to take on the responsibility of keeping the most dangerous renegade and leader of the Fallen Angels at bay during mortality?
Tess is an unborn spirit, who is about to embark on a much awaited journey into mortality to a brand new planet called Earth. She is chosen by the Eternals for an important mission, and is put under a rigorous training by a half-human, half-lion Seraph. This training exposes Tess to some of her darkest fears and insecurities. These experiences force Tess to work on her gift as a discerner of thoughts and reader of auras—thus helping her become one of Heaven’s most powerful angels. But even angels falter, and deep inside her a gnawing fear is growing. Will she meet her soul mate in life? Will their love be strong enough to overcome the forgetting effects of the Veil? And, is she prepared to take on the responsibility of keeping the most dangerous renegade and leader of the Fallen Angels at bay during mortality?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
21 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
S.B. Niccum
5 books52 followersS.B. Niccum was born in Rosario, Argentina and raised in Buenos Aires. Her family immigrated to the US, when she was fourteen. She attended the University of Utah and studied Spanish Literature. Silvina now lives in Dallas, TX. with her husband and her three homeschooled children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 12, 2011
Have you ever read a novel that hit a nerve deep inside you? “Veiled”did just that and had me wondering and speculating long after I’d finished reading because it touched on issues I’d often wondered, even vaguely, about.
Supernatural. YA, Inspirational are all genres I’d normally never read, but there was something about the write-ups and blurb that drew me to buy “Veiled”. For anyone shying from inspirational, let me make it clear that the story is far from preachy. On the contrary, it’s full of analogies which both adults and YA can interpret and ponder on as they like.
Did you never wonder where you might have been before you were born? And where you’re going after you die? No, no, I’m not talking about the Bible here – this is something fresh, new and innovative. “Veiled” takes the reader to an area of being (I can’t call it Heaven, and I can’t find another word to use) where the characters are real enough to relate to – they have feelings, relationships, moods, fears and insecurities and mundane names like Tess just like you or me. In fact, they are us.
At the opening of the story, the characters are in their pre-birth phase when they are prepared for life on a brand-new planet (Earth). This preparation includes stints at being Guardians to those already living and breathing. If you’ve ever experienced dejà vu, or thought you’ve met a person before, or that someone’s watching you, you might be right, it might be a Guardian. Good and Evil exist and need to battle it out, but not in the sense I’m familiar with. “Veiled” is, though, far from being outside my sphere because there’s much in it that touches home, such as my firm belief that I have lived before, and the comforting thought that the “clans” who exist in the spirit world might just be the people you’re closest to here on Earth.
This is a work of pure genius and I so envy Ms Niccum’s powerful imagination and her courage at taking on such an epic. Yes, it’s a long read, but never boring; it might be slow reading because there’s much to digest but it’s certainly not out of the range of YA who will appreciate the simplicity of the prose. I continued avidly until the last page but wasn’t disappointed that I’d finished because I have a sneaky feeling there’s going to be a sequel (I’ll buy it) and also because I often dip into it again.
I was impressed by “Veiled” because it’s liberating and provoking. Congratulations to Ms Niccum on an excellent debut novel.
Supernatural. YA, Inspirational are all genres I’d normally never read, but there was something about the write-ups and blurb that drew me to buy “Veiled”. For anyone shying from inspirational, let me make it clear that the story is far from preachy. On the contrary, it’s full of analogies which both adults and YA can interpret and ponder on as they like.
Did you never wonder where you might have been before you were born? And where you’re going after you die? No, no, I’m not talking about the Bible here – this is something fresh, new and innovative. “Veiled” takes the reader to an area of being (I can’t call it Heaven, and I can’t find another word to use) where the characters are real enough to relate to – they have feelings, relationships, moods, fears and insecurities and mundane names like Tess just like you or me. In fact, they are us.
At the opening of the story, the characters are in their pre-birth phase when they are prepared for life on a brand-new planet (Earth). This preparation includes stints at being Guardians to those already living and breathing. If you’ve ever experienced dejà vu, or thought you’ve met a person before, or that someone’s watching you, you might be right, it might be a Guardian. Good and Evil exist and need to battle it out, but not in the sense I’m familiar with. “Veiled” is, though, far from being outside my sphere because there’s much in it that touches home, such as my firm belief that I have lived before, and the comforting thought that the “clans” who exist in the spirit world might just be the people you’re closest to here on Earth.
This is a work of pure genius and I so envy Ms Niccum’s powerful imagination and her courage at taking on such an epic. Yes, it’s a long read, but never boring; it might be slow reading because there’s much to digest but it’s certainly not out of the range of YA who will appreciate the simplicity of the prose. I continued avidly until the last page but wasn’t disappointed that I’d finished because I have a sneaky feeling there’s going to be a sequel (I’ll buy it) and also because I often dip into it again.
I was impressed by “Veiled” because it’s liberating and provoking. Congratulations to Ms Niccum on an excellent debut novel.
August 6, 2011
When I first learned of Veiled, I assumed it was just another supernatural young adult fiction book about ghosts. I was hesitant to start, wondering how many new types of ghost stories there could possibly be, but began reading anyway. And boy, am I glad I did.
Veiled is the story of Tess and her friends in a world like none I’ve seen before. Here, beings start out simply as intelligences and gradually evolve through the spirit stage before being born. That’s right, there is a whole life each experiences before they are ever even born into existence. Friends are made, soulmates are found, and gifts are discovered. The only problem is that when you are born, you are veiled from this previous life and everything you have ever learned. And that is exactly what Tess is afraid of.
When the world they have been waiting eons for is finally created, Earth, they begin training for their upcoming lives. This causes a rift in Tess’s group of friends as each gets sent to do different tasks and rarely sees the others. At the same time, a darker spirit has set out on their own tasks to stop the spirits from ever evolving to mortality. Does Tess ever become a human? You have to read to find out.
S.B. Niccum did a wonderful job on this story. With her wonderful descriptions, I was able to feel like I was right with the spirits no matter where they went on Earth or in the heavens. My favorite part of the story was getting to see what became of the different spirits. My only problem was getting to the end and still wondering what comes next. Once you read Veiled, you will be begging for a sequel just like me.
Veiled is the story of Tess and her friends in a world like none I’ve seen before. Here, beings start out simply as intelligences and gradually evolve through the spirit stage before being born. That’s right, there is a whole life each experiences before they are ever even born into existence. Friends are made, soulmates are found, and gifts are discovered. The only problem is that when you are born, you are veiled from this previous life and everything you have ever learned. And that is exactly what Tess is afraid of.
When the world they have been waiting eons for is finally created, Earth, they begin training for their upcoming lives. This causes a rift in Tess’s group of friends as each gets sent to do different tasks and rarely sees the others. At the same time, a darker spirit has set out on their own tasks to stop the spirits from ever evolving to mortality. Does Tess ever become a human? You have to read to find out.
S.B. Niccum did a wonderful job on this story. With her wonderful descriptions, I was able to feel like I was right with the spirits no matter where they went on Earth or in the heavens. My favorite part of the story was getting to see what became of the different spirits. My only problem was getting to the end and still wondering what comes next. Once you read Veiled, you will be begging for a sequel just like me.
April 28, 2011
Unlike any other I have read. Very thought provoking and original. I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I cried, need I say more? Can't wait till the next one!
November 17, 2016
My original Veiled audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Imagine a world before Earth’s creation – imagine a world where there is nothing but spirits dividing themselves into clans and bonding together under the watchful eyes of the Eternals. Imagine being given the choice of being a human and choosing to make a difference or not; taking the easy road or not; choosing to follow the First (Christ) or the Second (Lucifer).
All these decisions to make while also learning how to deal with various “gifts” such as the power of calming, discernment, reading auroras, mind reading, clairvoyance, wisdom, etc. Being a young spirit, Tess seeks her soul mate as well as finding her reason for being. She knows she’s different from everyone but she has no clue just how different or why one of the Second’s followers has it in for her specifically.
Tess has a mission and it is dangerous but in order to be a powerful angel she must overcome her fears, doubts and accept her training. Tess has one thing in her mind and that is finding her soul mate and hoping to find him yet again on earth should they choose to be born. Doubts are Tess’s worst enemy. Can Tess be strong enough to complete the mission before her? Make the right decisions? Be all that she needs to be for herself and her friends?
S.B. Niccum put a new spin on the fears, desires and doubts that face young adults. She has the story take place in a unique location and builds the world slowly but in great detail drawing the listener in deeply. She expresses the fears and doubts teenagers and young adults are faced with daily and brings them together significantly to prove that we’re not perfect, we all have doubts and fears.
I was impressed with Andrea Emmes, narrator. She moved through this book effortlessly owning each and every character she gave voice to. Her voice resonates with emotion and excitement as the story moves forward. She never missed a beat and spoke clearly and with passion. I loved listening to her.
The story itself was slow at first but then picked up momentum capturing the listener’s attention fully. Niccum is a masterful storyteller and creator of worlds. I enjoyed this story and look forward to hearing more in the series.
There were no issues with the production quality of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
Imagine a world before Earth’s creation – imagine a world where there is nothing but spirits dividing themselves into clans and bonding together under the watchful eyes of the Eternals. Imagine being given the choice of being a human and choosing to make a difference or not; taking the easy road or not; choosing to follow the First (Christ) or the Second (Lucifer).
All these decisions to make while also learning how to deal with various “gifts” such as the power of calming, discernment, reading auroras, mind reading, clairvoyance, wisdom, etc. Being a young spirit, Tess seeks her soul mate as well as finding her reason for being. She knows she’s different from everyone but she has no clue just how different or why one of the Second’s followers has it in for her specifically.
Tess has a mission and it is dangerous but in order to be a powerful angel she must overcome her fears, doubts and accept her training. Tess has one thing in her mind and that is finding her soul mate and hoping to find him yet again on earth should they choose to be born. Doubts are Tess’s worst enemy. Can Tess be strong enough to complete the mission before her? Make the right decisions? Be all that she needs to be for herself and her friends?
S.B. Niccum put a new spin on the fears, desires and doubts that face young adults. She has the story take place in a unique location and builds the world slowly but in great detail drawing the listener in deeply. She expresses the fears and doubts teenagers and young adults are faced with daily and brings them together significantly to prove that we’re not perfect, we all have doubts and fears.
I was impressed with Andrea Emmes, narrator. She moved through this book effortlessly owning each and every character she gave voice to. Her voice resonates with emotion and excitement as the story moves forward. She never missed a beat and spoke clearly and with passion. I loved listening to her.
The story itself was slow at first but then picked up momentum capturing the listener’s attention fully. Niccum is a masterful storyteller and creator of worlds. I enjoyed this story and look forward to hearing more in the series.
There were no issues with the production quality of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
February 5, 2012
I got this book as a free download and was really excited to read it. I thought the premise of Angels from two sides was a good one and for the most part it was. It took me a bit to realize the premise of the story was set before and during the fall of the 1/3 of the angels in heaven. I have to say that there were too many characters to follow in this book and sometimes it felt like there was too much going on. This made the story tough to follow at times. For instance, there was one coupling between one character Tess who is the main angel in the story and Alex, another angel that she falls in love with. Each angel had a specific gift such as clairvoyance, healing, etc. This made for a good read and as someone who enjoys paranormal stories I found it good.
The one major complaint I had with this book was that not only was there too much going on, but I found the pairing of Tess and Agatha's souls as essentially linked a bit of an issue. I had a hard time separating the two at times. Tess, being able to read auras and discern the thoughts and actions of those around her was a nice gift but it was sometimes too much. The amount of side stories that seemed to be going on within the larger story was another issue. As I said, it made things a bit tougher to follow.
Given all of this I will check out SB Niccum's other work and I hope I do enjoy it. Ms Niccum, thank you for a nice story and a great escape from reality for a while.
The one major complaint I had with this book was that not only was there too much going on, but I found the pairing of Tess and Agatha's souls as essentially linked a bit of an issue. I had a hard time separating the two at times. Tess, being able to read auras and discern the thoughts and actions of those around her was a nice gift but it was sometimes too much. The amount of side stories that seemed to be going on within the larger story was another issue. As I said, it made things a bit tougher to follow.
Given all of this I will check out SB Niccum's other work and I hope I do enjoy it. Ms Niccum, thank you for a nice story and a great escape from reality for a while.
April 26, 2011
Have you ever wondered if spirits are eternal? If they just spontaneously generate from the day we are born?
This novel is the first of its kind that I've ever laid hands on. I found Heaven a fascinating place where Angels guard their charges with fierce devotion. I lived their joy as mortals succeeded in their righteous choices and experienced their sorrow for wrong.
Meet Tess, a determined Angel that endures conflict even before she is born on Earth! The dark angels are determined to stunt her growth, but will her soul mate save her in time?
The world in which Niccum creates, starts before the beginning of time, and grows richer with every step of the way. She did a fantastic job with making her characters come to life. The world she built makes sense, and I fell in love with every one. I worried for them as they stumbled along in their choices. I cried for the joy and peril the characters endured.
This book makes me think about life in general, how the Angels really work around us. I find Niccum's world fascinating to read, enchanting and enjoyable.
I'm looking forward to reading its sequel!
Visit S.B. Niccum's blog, and website!
January 26, 2012
This was a fantastic read! I thought the story line was incredible. Veiled is loosely based off of life in Heaven before Creation. A spiritual world filled with characters evolving into Heavenly creatures before their assignment on Earth. Angels, Seraphims, and Cherubims are included as well as the story of the fall of Angels and their leader Beezlebub. I think Niccum did a fantastic job bringing this story to light and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Read
December 27, 2015Unfortunately this story wasn't for me. I found it quite boring and dull. I had to put it aside for a while and go back to it to see is I liked it any better, but it didn't. I struggled to finish. Even though I didn't like it, the narration was amazing! Andrea Emmes never fails to deliver.She has such an easy going voice and it's easy to listen to. She always gives it her all and it shows.
*I received a copy of this for review, this in no way affects my thoughts.*
*I received a copy of this for review, this in no way affects my thoughts.*
July 8, 2011
Can't wait to read this one again. It is a great science fiction concept of what life before life may have been like, with a little fantasy thrown in for fun. I am also looking forward to reading the sequel as soon as it is available.
Want to read
April 26, 2011Silvina is a friend of mine - I'm so excited for her accomplishments with getting one of her books published. Can't wait to read it!
April 26, 2011
very good !
March 22, 2025
There are so many unique & clever takes on scriptural ideas that I still hold dear to me. I love the way their stories intertwine, not the way they wanted or we expected, but the way they needed to go. I love the idea of family being there before & during life. Beautiful story about family & (pre mortal) life!!
April 1, 2013
Review Posted on Reading Lark 8/26/11: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/...
Have you ever wondered what went on before your spirit was sent to Earth? Have you ever wanted to know what happened during the seven days of creation? If so, then Veiled is the book for you.
Veiled is the story of the spirits, a race of celestial beings who are waiting to inhabit the Earth. Each of these beings is gifted in some way. For example, the main character, Tess, has the gift of discernment. Also, many of these beings meet their soul-mates in the heavenly world before entering their earthly bodies. Once they are sent to Earth, they will retain no memories of their former spirit lives and experiences. In addition, each spirit must choose to follow the First One or the Second One.
I honestly went into this one thinking it was going to be just another paranormal read focusing on angels. However, I didn't bargain for it to be right along the line that separates Christian fiction from secular fiction. The book isn't overly preachy, but some readers will avoid it for the Christian undertones. The writing is solid and Niccum has invested a vast amount of creativity and time into creating her world.
However, I will say that although I appreciated the complexity of the spirit world it was overwhelming for me as a reader at times. There were so many characters to keep track of and they each had different gifts. Niccum is nice enough to provide a list of characters and their gifts in the beginning, but I found it to be annoying to have to keep jumping from where I was reading on my Kindle to the first page to figure out who the character was again. I felt like I needed to copy this chart on a piece of paper and keep it with my Kindle at all times. I think this book would have been stronger if there were less minor characters. Also, I had trouble connecting with the characters. I just thought the main character was a bit too whiny and immature.
As I read this one, I found myself asking lots of questions and I don't think I got answers to all of them. I really wanted to know how the gifts are chosen for each spirit. Who decides who gets what? Also, what if you had a gift you didn't like or want? Could you switch it somehow or learn another? The questions were minor, but I did enjoy that Veiled caused me to generate so many. I also really enjoyed the concept of the soul-mate. I thought it was interesting that part of the spirit's task on earth was to find their perfect mate.
However, I did have trouble with the beginning of this one because it felt like the time in the spirit world lasted too long. There was so much information and world building for the reader to digest, but very little action. I would have liked to see more happening in this section to drive the plot forward.
Overall, this was a good read and I enjoyed the amount of creativity that went into its creation. Niccum is a solid writer with a lot to offer readers. I am interested to see what she has in store for us next.
One Last Gripe: I didn't like how Tess always moped instead of dealing with her problems
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The soul-mate concept
First Sentence: I have always existed.
Favorite Character: Alex
Least Favorite Character: Agatha
Have you ever wondered what went on before your spirit was sent to Earth? Have you ever wanted to know what happened during the seven days of creation? If so, then Veiled is the book for you.
Veiled is the story of the spirits, a race of celestial beings who are waiting to inhabit the Earth. Each of these beings is gifted in some way. For example, the main character, Tess, has the gift of discernment. Also, many of these beings meet their soul-mates in the heavenly world before entering their earthly bodies. Once they are sent to Earth, they will retain no memories of their former spirit lives and experiences. In addition, each spirit must choose to follow the First One or the Second One.
I honestly went into this one thinking it was going to be just another paranormal read focusing on angels. However, I didn't bargain for it to be right along the line that separates Christian fiction from secular fiction. The book isn't overly preachy, but some readers will avoid it for the Christian undertones. The writing is solid and Niccum has invested a vast amount of creativity and time into creating her world.
However, I will say that although I appreciated the complexity of the spirit world it was overwhelming for me as a reader at times. There were so many characters to keep track of and they each had different gifts. Niccum is nice enough to provide a list of characters and their gifts in the beginning, but I found it to be annoying to have to keep jumping from where I was reading on my Kindle to the first page to figure out who the character was again. I felt like I needed to copy this chart on a piece of paper and keep it with my Kindle at all times. I think this book would have been stronger if there were less minor characters. Also, I had trouble connecting with the characters. I just thought the main character was a bit too whiny and immature.
As I read this one, I found myself asking lots of questions and I don't think I got answers to all of them. I really wanted to know how the gifts are chosen for each spirit. Who decides who gets what? Also, what if you had a gift you didn't like or want? Could you switch it somehow or learn another? The questions were minor, but I did enjoy that Veiled caused me to generate so many. I also really enjoyed the concept of the soul-mate. I thought it was interesting that part of the spirit's task on earth was to find their perfect mate.
However, I did have trouble with the beginning of this one because it felt like the time in the spirit world lasted too long. There was so much information and world building for the reader to digest, but very little action. I would have liked to see more happening in this section to drive the plot forward.
Overall, this was a good read and I enjoyed the amount of creativity that went into its creation. Niccum is a solid writer with a lot to offer readers. I am interested to see what she has in store for us next.
One Last Gripe: I didn't like how Tess always moped instead of dealing with her problems
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The soul-mate concept
First Sentence: I have always existed.
Favorite Character: Alex
Least Favorite Character: Agatha
July 1, 2011
Tess and her clan are angels who have been developing together over a long period of time. First they were intelligences, whizzing around the universe, and now they're spiritual beings about to begin training for their angelic duties before becoming mortals. Each one of them has a special gift which they must further develop as well. Tess's gift is discernment--she can read minds and see auras. As the novel begins, all of the angelic beings are gathering to choose sides in a heavenly conflict between two forces. Tess and her clan, along with the majority of spirits, choose to follow the First One, while the ones who follow the Second One become Fallen Angels. Tess had managed to persuade the former Queen, Agatha, of the renegade group to remain allied to the First One, but Agatha still feels disgruntled and ends up plotting a new uprising with other renegades who stayed behind yet remain loyal to the Second One.
While the story focuses on Tess and her relationships, the world of heaven features prominently in the novel, which makes it both esoteric and interesting but also somewhat offputting. One of Tess's chief worries is that she won't recognize her family members, especially her special friend Alex, once she is living on earth. All of the angels are told that once they cross the Veil they won't remember anything from before. Because of the novel's title, Veiled--in the past tense--I expected more of the novel to occur once Tess had become mortal. The tagline for the novel, "Can love survive the forgetting effects of the Veil?", also made me think more of it would be about Tess and Alex's relationship once they both crossed over. Instead, Tess goes to classes, develops her gifts with the help of some superangels (Cherubs and Seriphs), gets involved in foiling the plot of the renegade angels, and goes on a few relatively brief earthly missions as an angel. She's even the guardian angel to one of the females in her clan at one point. The story ends just as Tess and Alex enter the Veil and begin crossing over.
The treatment of time throughout the novel is fascinating and compells the reader to consider the philosophical stance of viewing mortal existence as merely a brief interlude in the life of the soul. This is obviously pretty abstract stuff, so this novel will not appeal to all readers. Similarly, the physical appearance of the angels is left somewhat undetermined. They're insubstantial spirits, but they can embrace and seem to have human body parts. This remained a little sketchy for me. Other angelic beings do have specific physical attributes of height and weight. Overall, this is a unique and enjoyable novel. It seems an unlikely choice for teens because it is so highly abstract for the most part, but it is suitable for readers over age 12.
While the story focuses on Tess and her relationships, the world of heaven features prominently in the novel, which makes it both esoteric and interesting but also somewhat offputting. One of Tess's chief worries is that she won't recognize her family members, especially her special friend Alex, once she is living on earth. All of the angels are told that once they cross the Veil they won't remember anything from before. Because of the novel's title, Veiled--in the past tense--I expected more of the novel to occur once Tess had become mortal. The tagline for the novel, "Can love survive the forgetting effects of the Veil?", also made me think more of it would be about Tess and Alex's relationship once they both crossed over. Instead, Tess goes to classes, develops her gifts with the help of some superangels (Cherubs and Seriphs), gets involved in foiling the plot of the renegade angels, and goes on a few relatively brief earthly missions as an angel. She's even the guardian angel to one of the females in her clan at one point. The story ends just as Tess and Alex enter the Veil and begin crossing over.
The treatment of time throughout the novel is fascinating and compells the reader to consider the philosophical stance of viewing mortal existence as merely a brief interlude in the life of the soul. This is obviously pretty abstract stuff, so this novel will not appeal to all readers. Similarly, the physical appearance of the angels is left somewhat undetermined. They're insubstantial spirits, but they can embrace and seem to have human body parts. This remained a little sketchy for me. Other angelic beings do have specific physical attributes of height and weight. Overall, this is a unique and enjoyable novel. It seems an unlikely choice for teens because it is so highly abstract for the most part, but it is suitable for readers over age 12.
February 10, 2016
Unfortunately, Veiled did not work for me. I almost DNF'd this book twice (but instead took a break and listened to something else and then came back to it to try again).
The idea was an interesting one - a story of the Earth's creation from the perspective of the spirit world. From the casting out of the "Second one" to the training and guardian angel projects, to finally the spirits being born as mortal beings. The fallen angels subplot was curious, but there was very little about it. I was interested in seeing the conflict between Tess and Agatha but it really didn't get fleshed out very much.
These are the issues I had with the book in general:
1. For the most part, the world building is infodump rather than "showing". The book reads like a historic text rather than a fictional novel, and that is a boring style.
2. It mostly feels like an outline rather than a developed novel. There are too many things happening but they happen quickly, now you read about it, now it is resolved.
3. Too many characters but none of them developed enough to get attached to.
Here is what I liked:
1. The scenes where our characters were guardian angels were really interesting. I liked how they influenced and helped their charges to shape the lives they needed to live. I enjoyed those stories, but they were short.
As far as the audio narration, I have mixed feelings there as well. The narrator is really good at various voices and accents, and I did like that. However, her normal narration voice is really dull and monotone. Kind of like listening to a news bulletin. Maybe that is part of my issue rased above.
Overall, I was not impressed with the style or execution of this story, even if the premise intrigued me.
I was given a complimentary copy from Audiobook Blast in exchange for my review.
The idea was an interesting one - a story of the Earth's creation from the perspective of the spirit world. From the casting out of the "Second one" to the training and guardian angel projects, to finally the spirits being born as mortal beings. The fallen angels subplot was curious, but there was very little about it. I was interested in seeing the conflict between Tess and Agatha but it really didn't get fleshed out very much.
These are the issues I had with the book in general:
1. For the most part, the world building is infodump rather than "showing". The book reads like a historic text rather than a fictional novel, and that is a boring style.
2. It mostly feels like an outline rather than a developed novel. There are too many things happening but they happen quickly, now you read about it, now it is resolved.
3. Too many characters but none of them developed enough to get attached to.
Here is what I liked:
1. The scenes where our characters were guardian angels were really interesting. I liked how they influenced and helped their charges to shape the lives they needed to live. I enjoyed those stories, but they were short.
As far as the audio narration, I have mixed feelings there as well. The narrator is really good at various voices and accents, and I did like that. However, her normal narration voice is really dull and monotone. Kind of like listening to a news bulletin. Maybe that is part of my issue rased above.
Overall, I was not impressed with the style or execution of this story, even if the premise intrigued me.
I was given a complimentary copy from Audiobook Blast in exchange for my review.
May 22, 2016
Veiled is a story of Tess who is an unborn spirit. Through the story, it begins with the voting of the Chosen and the Second. Readers/Listeners will know that the Chosen is Christ and the Second is Lucifer. Each unborn spirit create a clan to which they belong to.
As the story progress, Tess is discovering herself with her clan and also with another unborn spirit, Alex. Her clan does encountered in resisting the pull of the Second and those that followed him. Tess also witness the creation of Earth and the spirits that go into the Veil to be born and live their lives on Earth.
Veiled is an unique story of explaining the existence of angels and the divided choice of choosing whom to follow. Readers/Listeners will be able to recognize the Christianity with the implied existence of angels before Earth was created. It is a very interesting view of fiction mixing theology in the Veiled Series.
I am interested in reading about Tess and Alex when they entered into the Veil to be born on Earth and then later reborn as Angels. Readers/Listeners who have an interest in theology will enjoy reading/listening to this story.
The narrator Andrea Emmes does a wonderful job of narrating the story. The narrator gives Eternal, a synchronized voices to sound as one. For this series, I do hope she does come back as the narrator.
I was given this audiobook by the author via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.
As the story progress, Tess is discovering herself with her clan and also with another unborn spirit, Alex. Her clan does encountered in resisting the pull of the Second and those that followed him. Tess also witness the creation of Earth and the spirits that go into the Veil to be born and live their lives on Earth.
Veiled is an unique story of explaining the existence of angels and the divided choice of choosing whom to follow. Readers/Listeners will be able to recognize the Christianity with the implied existence of angels before Earth was created. It is a very interesting view of fiction mixing theology in the Veiled Series.
I am interested in reading about Tess and Alex when they entered into the Veil to be born on Earth and then later reborn as Angels. Readers/Listeners who have an interest in theology will enjoy reading/listening to this story.
The narrator Andrea Emmes does a wonderful job of narrating the story. The narrator gives Eternal, a synchronized voices to sound as one. For this series, I do hope she does come back as the narrator.
I was given this audiobook by the author via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.
December 13, 2015
What an amazing story! This story that S.B. Niccum has written is unique and it shows that the authors talent for writing is perfect and the details she wrote in this story is pure perfection. This story was vivid, intriguing and unlike any other story that I've listened to. There were many things about this story that was fascinating. It has specific details that fits each and every character. There's mystery, suspense, love, and many twists along the way. I can't wait to see where this author will take me next. I do hope to find out so I hope she adds the other books to Audible. I won't find out any other way unless I listen to it. If she does add the entire series to Audible, I suggest she keeps Andrea Cenna as the narrator.
Andrea Emmes Cenna did another fantastic job as she breathed life into this story, Veiled. She really brought life into this story. I loved how soothing and comfortable her voice was. Andrea's voice was made for a story like this one. She did a magnificent job distinguishing each character's accents and voices and that made it easy to listen to. I was able to identify each character as they changed throughout the story. A very enjoyable story and I give it a perfect 5 star rating. This is a story I highly recommend and I really hope the author will add the other books to Audible.
Andrea Emmes Cenna did another fantastic job as she breathed life into this story, Veiled. She really brought life into this story. I loved how soothing and comfortable her voice was. Andrea's voice was made for a story like this one. She did a magnificent job distinguishing each character's accents and voices and that made it easy to listen to. I was able to identify each character as they changed throughout the story. A very enjoyable story and I give it a perfect 5 star rating. This is a story I highly recommend and I really hope the author will add the other books to Audible.
December 8, 2015
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I will admit, I was bored in the first half of this book...nothing really grabbed me till I was a little over 50% done...and If Andrea wouldn't have been the narrator, I may have put it down and not finished it, but I am glad I hung in there...because the second half was really great! I loved how it told the story of all these little spirit friends. and how there lives intermingled even when they came to earth as new babies...and how they were such loving and caring guardian angels to each other...and how we really do have soul mates...that spirits know who they are meant to be with....I do believe this...I also like how they got to kind of choose the path they wanted to walk down, but had to let free will and destiny guide them...I liked the second half so much, I cant wait for book two now!
Andrea did an excellent job with her narration of this book...it was a perfect performance!
I will admit, I was bored in the first half of this book...nothing really grabbed me till I was a little over 50% done...and If Andrea wouldn't have been the narrator, I may have put it down and not finished it, but I am glad I hung in there...because the second half was really great! I loved how it told the story of all these little spirit friends. and how there lives intermingled even when they came to earth as new babies...and how they were such loving and caring guardian angels to each other...and how we really do have soul mates...that spirits know who they are meant to be with....I do believe this...I also like how they got to kind of choose the path they wanted to walk down, but had to let free will and destiny guide them...I liked the second half so much, I cant wait for book two now!
Andrea did an excellent job with her narration of this book...it was a perfect performance!
May 11, 2012
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this story. Interesting concept. One I've never read before so I thought I'd give it a try.
I've never really been one for angels but this was something new. It started out slow, almost boring to me. I had to force myself to finish part of it though. I just wasn't so interested in it as much as some other stories I've had a hand in reading. I must say though I honestly didn't mind the end. The thought of love that strong. Wow.
I did like that the story wasn't a religious book in a sense. Eternals, Angels, Seraphs, and Cherubs. The First and the Second. Interesting concepts but not preachy.
All in all it's interesting. Not very spectacular or worth a five star. But three is good. Three is very good when I just wanted to read it to get through it.
I've never really been one for angels but this was something new. It started out slow, almost boring to me. I had to force myself to finish part of it though. I just wasn't so interested in it as much as some other stories I've had a hand in reading. I must say though I honestly didn't mind the end. The thought of love that strong. Wow.
I did like that the story wasn't a religious book in a sense. Eternals, Angels, Seraphs, and Cherubs. The First and the Second. Interesting concepts but not preachy.
All in all it's interesting. Not very spectacular or worth a five star. But three is good. Three is very good when I just wanted to read it to get through it.
May 14, 2012
I only give it two stars as a courtesy to the author as this is her first book. I cant finish it. I am at twenty percent and find myself bored. There are too many characters to have any real development. The book really needed a strongveditor to help tighten up the writing. But for a first try it is a good attempt. Her story is creative and unique. I hope the author is able to get it edited and release a new version. I would be willing to give it another shot.
As a side note, this story is not based on mainstream Christian theology of the creation story but rather Mormon theology. This is not a criticism but rather a clarification as readers who are unfamiliar with Mormonism may find themselves confused.
As a side note, this story is not based on mainstream Christian theology of the creation story but rather Mormon theology. This is not a criticism but rather a clarification as readers who are unfamiliar with Mormonism may find themselves confused.
January 17, 2016
"This is a very special book. Not because it is considered a christian book, but because it has so much more. I have to say that unfortunately, my fellow romance readers, The Veil can't be classified as a romance book, but a different approach to a fantasy novel based on love.
I liked this books for reasons I can't fully explain or describe. What I know is that it has an incredible depth and message of love. While I understand what the concept is trying to express, some technical issues made it difficult to follow the story. (...)"
Read the full review here: http://wp.me/p1sYYP-qd
July 14, 2012
For those of us who have lost someone, someone dear, we all hang on to that thought, that feeling... the hope that one day we will meet again. It hardly matters if you believe in heaven or reincarnation. What matters is that you have that hope. It's what gets us through the funeral and the days that lead after. But what if you did see them again, not just see them, but repeat your whole life with them again? We're not talking reincarnation. I'm talking you being born to the same parents, meeting the same people and starting all over again. It's a nice thought, isn't it?
Read the rest of the review At my website!
Read the rest of the review At my website!
July 15, 2014
The author did a great job in several areas, including rules-based world development, drawing excellent parallels with real life, inclusion of religious themes into a cohesive plot, and the morals or lessons learned along the ride. There was also a lot couples drama, which probably appeals more to the female reader :)
I chose this book because I am the same religion as the author, wherein we are taught about our pre-mortal existence and the world of spirits, and I was curious how she would use this canvas for her work. I was glad I read the book, and happy with her treatment of a subject which is kind of held sacred. Definitely a lot of fun.
I chose this book because I am the same religion as the author, wherein we are taught about our pre-mortal existence and the world of spirits, and I was curious how she would use this canvas for her work. I was glad I read the book, and happy with her treatment of a subject which is kind of held sacred. Definitely a lot of fun.
unfinished
June 12, 2012I feel bad that I haven't gotten very far in this book and that I'm moving it to my unfinished shelf, but I have every intention to hopefully someday pick it up again and have a greater appreciation for it. At this point I would probably have to start to book over again anyway since it's been such a long time since I have actually read any of it. But, enough is enough. There is no need for it to stay on my currently-reading shelf when I just don't see myself trying to read it in the near future.
January 19, 2012
A very interesting premise for a novel - how angels are trained before they come to earth. Some come as guardian angels, others are born as humans (that have completely forgotten they are angels) I found some parts of the story quite confusing and had to reread several portions to make sure that I hadn't missed anything. The ending in particular was not very satisfying. The characters enter the Veil and then the book is over. Assuming there will be a sequel?
March 15, 2014
I loved this book. It was a great page It is also was one of my favorite because it makes you think beyond this point in life. It by far surprised me on how well the book was written. It made you have mind blowing thoughts that change your thinking about life.
You should read this book if you like awesome reads. This is the first book of its series. You should also read this because my aunt wrote this and I had no idea that she could write such a wonderful book.
You should read this book if you like awesome reads. This is the first book of its series. You should also read this because my aunt wrote this and I had no idea that she could write such a wonderful book.
August 19, 2011
I liked the writing style and the characters were easy to follow. The plot seemed very open ended and unclear. At some points it seemed like the story was going to go off in one direction then it changed to another and never finished up the first. It did this a few times leaving many things hanging. There wasn't really a climax on any of the story lines and then it ended. kind of disappointed.
dnf
September 12, 2016I was so excited to start this one. I thought the concept was a unique one, for me at least. It fell short for me primarily because the voice of the protagonist sounded so child like. These are spirit forms but they are older. In the end I just couldn't get into it no matter how many times I put it down and started up again.
February 15, 2012
The idea of this book was interesting but I found it hard to get into initially. Most of the books I read, the story has to grab in the first couple of chapters and I found this book slow going at times. An okay read but I did find the beginning hard to follow with the spirits all flying around everywhere at random and the story was slow to grab my interest.
July 7, 2013
Unexplained actions, unrealistic reactions and feelings... Veiled has it all. Just put a little of kindergarten style of writing and you will be compelled to excomungate this book.
It's horrible. I don't care if it's the author's debut, but there is no excuse. This book could be much more, but it flails all over and shoots the readers in the ass. Plus, it reads like a fanfic.
It's horrible. I don't care if it's the author's debut, but there is no excuse. This book could be much more, but it flails all over and shoots the readers in the ass. Plus, it reads like a fanfic.
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