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Blood Veil #2
Beyond the Shallow Grave
Take down one baddie, and another dozen rear their ugly heads…
It’s bad enough that I’m now a vampire. But why did I have to be one of the worst?
My night now consists of finding blood, appeasing my talking cat’s musical obsessions, and hunting down the rest of the monsters smuggling children.
They’re still out there. Hiding in plain sight. But now, I can do something about it. I’ve got allies. I’ve got powers.
And even if my powers make me a monster among monsters, I’ll do what it takes to take them all down.
Or die trying…
Again.
Beyond the Shallow Grave is book 2 in the Blood Veil Series, starring the determined and tad mad Kali Black in her adventure across a secret world of vampires, the paranormal and the fantastical.
It’s bad enough that I’m now a vampire. But why did I have to be one of the worst?
My night now consists of finding blood, appeasing my talking cat’s musical obsessions, and hunting down the rest of the monsters smuggling children.
They’re still out there. Hiding in plain sight. But now, I can do something about it. I’ve got allies. I’ve got powers.
And even if my powers make me a monster among monsters, I’ll do what it takes to take them all down.
Or die trying…
Again.
Beyond the Shallow Grave is book 2 in the Blood Veil Series, starring the determined and tad mad Kali Black in her adventure across a secret world of vampires, the paranormal and the fantastical.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
About the author
Nicholas Woode-Smith
187 books160 followersNicholas Woode-Smith is a fantasy and science fiction author from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been writing since the age of twelve, writing short stories, novels, and RPG campaigns. In 2013, he published his first book, Fall of Zona Nox. Five years later, he published it again after greatly improving his skills.
Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.
Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.
Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.
Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 12, 2025
Blood Veil
This was book two in the Blood Veil series, and against my will I find this series intriguing. Maybe it’s her talking demon cat?
Kali is a vampire who now has a foot in both worlds; paranormal and human. Kali has friends on both sides of the veil helping her to find out why children are going missing.
I love the humor and the inventive story as well as the unique locale of South Africa. This was a solid four star read.
This was book two in the Blood Veil series, and against my will I find this series intriguing. Maybe it’s her talking demon cat?
Kali is a vampire who now has a foot in both worlds; paranormal and human. Kali has friends on both sides of the veil helping her to find out why children are going missing.
I love the humor and the inventive story as well as the unique locale of South Africa. This was a solid four star read.
January 31, 2025
This is the second book in the series, and it was a thoroughly captivating read. Following on from the first book, this book delves deeper into Kali's Dracul heritage, as she begins to use her new powers. The narrative effectively develops her relationships with a compelling cast of new allies as she embarks on a perilous mission to rescue abducted children. The author masterfully weaves together elements of paranormal fiction, seamlessly integrating vampires, ghosts, and fey creatures into a richly imagined world. This is a highly enjoyable and well-written work within the clean paranormal romance genre.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2025
**BETA/ARC Reader— All opinions are my own!**
Once again, we walk the streets of Cape Town, South Africa. A city rife with crime, corruption, dizzying wealth, abject poverty, and places where ye must not tread, for there be demons, vampires, and shapeshifters, oh my!! Kali Black is a born-and-raised Capetonian and has lived there all her life. Unlike most, she has not turned a blind eye to the danger, misfortune, and corruption that permeate her city; instead, she’s spent the past 12 years trying to fight it any way she can while trying to find out what happened to one of her childhood best friends and fight the corruption that’s deep-rooted in her hometown.
12 years ago, Kali’s best friend, Nigel, disappeared. He’d been at school that day but then was gone that evening. Attempts to find him have been unsuccessful. The police, though their efforts have been minimal at best, are stumped, and not even his remains have turned up. Kali’s spent the last 10 years digging metaphorically and literally into the trash and back alleys of Cape Town, trying to find out what happened to her friend. His disappearance changed her life forever, driving her to enter a career in journalism eventually.
Kali’s innate curiosity has led her to look where others don’t, to tread where others won’t, and in time, she’s found a trustworthy bunch… even Nigel! Things have changed over the last 10 years, but he’s still her Nigel. Now what to do about this pesky bloodline business…?
The intrigue is high, the stakes (sharp) even higher, and Gumede is still trying to destroy the world from within. Time to get to work!
“Beyond the Shallow Grave” is the second book in Nicholas Woode-Smith’s brand new, soon-to-be-published “Blood Veil” series. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s funny, it’s surprising, and trust me, if you don’t already, you’re going to LOVE Fredward! Kali is fun, determined, never backs down, and refuses to give up on the people who matter. So what if she’s a blood-sucking fiend? There’s sure to be a cure for this…right? Well… maybe it’s not so bad… I think you’ll love everything going into this series and understand when I say that I can’t wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once again, we walk the streets of Cape Town, South Africa. A city rife with crime, corruption, dizzying wealth, abject poverty, and places where ye must not tread, for there be demons, vampires, and shapeshifters, oh my!! Kali Black is a born-and-raised Capetonian and has lived there all her life. Unlike most, she has not turned a blind eye to the danger, misfortune, and corruption that permeate her city; instead, she’s spent the past 12 years trying to fight it any way she can while trying to find out what happened to one of her childhood best friends and fight the corruption that’s deep-rooted in her hometown.
12 years ago, Kali’s best friend, Nigel, disappeared. He’d been at school that day but then was gone that evening. Attempts to find him have been unsuccessful. The police, though their efforts have been minimal at best, are stumped, and not even his remains have turned up. Kali’s spent the last 10 years digging metaphorically and literally into the trash and back alleys of Cape Town, trying to find out what happened to her friend. His disappearance changed her life forever, driving her to enter a career in journalism eventually.
Kali’s innate curiosity has led her to look where others don’t, to tread where others won’t, and in time, she’s found a trustworthy bunch… even Nigel! Things have changed over the last 10 years, but he’s still her Nigel. Now what to do about this pesky bloodline business…?
The intrigue is high, the stakes (sharp) even higher, and Gumede is still trying to destroy the world from within. Time to get to work!
“Beyond the Shallow Grave” is the second book in Nicholas Woode-Smith’s brand new, soon-to-be-published “Blood Veil” series. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s funny, it’s surprising, and trust me, if you don’t already, you’re going to LOVE Fredward! Kali is fun, determined, never backs down, and refuses to give up on the people who matter. So what if she’s a blood-sucking fiend? There’s sure to be a cure for this…right? Well… maybe it’s not so bad… I think you’ll love everything going into this series and understand when I say that I can’t wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2025
After the cliffhanger at the end of book one, book 2 brings us right back in a short time later while the gang are continuing to systematically attack convoys and free as many children as possible.
The jig is up though when a trusted lead turns into a trap and they barely escape with their lives. Secrets divide them and cause issues of trust begins to affect their group dynamic and Kal has to make some decisions and come up with a way to move forward.
Bargains are made, tragedy strikes and we meet a new monster as well as a new ally as they work to stop the trafficking once and for all.
The book does not end with a cliffhanger this time although our main character's life as she knew it is completely upended and she has no choice but to accept she can't go back to living as she did while human, she has changed and there are bigger events on the horizon that she knows not where they will lead.
I enjoyed this one, the story was engaging and there was a good balance of reveals and future plot point mysteries being dangled. Looking forward to the next one and hoping that there will be more supporting cast character development to look forward to, what are Thalias secrets, how will Nigel find himself and will we find our more about our geeky human hacker's activities?
The jig is up though when a trusted lead turns into a trap and they barely escape with their lives. Secrets divide them and cause issues of trust begins to affect their group dynamic and Kal has to make some decisions and come up with a way to move forward.
Bargains are made, tragedy strikes and we meet a new monster as well as a new ally as they work to stop the trafficking once and for all.
The book does not end with a cliffhanger this time although our main character's life as she knew it is completely upended and she has no choice but to accept she can't go back to living as she did while human, she has changed and there are bigger events on the horizon that she knows not where they will lead.
I enjoyed this one, the story was engaging and there was a good balance of reveals and future plot point mysteries being dangled. Looking forward to the next one and hoping that there will be more supporting cast character development to look forward to, what are Thalias secrets, how will Nigel find himself and will we find our more about our geeky human hacker's activities?
January 31, 2025
Book 2 starts shortly after the previous book has ended. Kali, Thalia, Amber and Nigel are still trying to end Gumede’s child trafficking ring. While Amber is the tech support, the rest are putting themselves into danger to save these kids. And dangerous it is! From a mission gone wrong to a warehouse massacre things just keep going from bad to worse. And when Kali’s friend and former boss goes missing, she just knows it’s connected. Can she save the kids and find Billy before it’s too late?
Kali has finally accepted what she is and drank human blood, begrudgingly. She has learned what type of vampire she is, even though she must hide it to protect herself (Which she feels really about!). She’s trying to learn how to use her gifts but it always seems to be on the fly. I love that even though she’s a vampire, she’s retaining her humanity. She even goes so far as to get “free-range” human blood. (You just have to read it to know!)
Her friends are also great characters. Thalia is an enigma that Kali is slowly figuring out. Despite his outward appearance, Nigel is not the monster you would believe. And he helps Kali understand her nature better in this book as well. Amber is the best friend anyone could ask for and has amazingly taken this better than even Kali! And I’m still trying to figure Theo out. Is he her friend or is he a really good liar?
There is a lot of action in this book. There are some very descriptive action scenes, not for the faint of heart! You can really imagine yourself there in both the good and the bad scenes. There are new “villains” introduced as well as new allies. And I absolutely adore Francesca!! I hope we get to see more of her in future books!
I was excited to beta read this book and can’t wait for the rest of you to get to read it next year!
Kali has finally accepted what she is and drank human blood, begrudgingly. She has learned what type of vampire she is, even though she must hide it to protect herself (Which she feels really about!). She’s trying to learn how to use her gifts but it always seems to be on the fly. I love that even though she’s a vampire, she’s retaining her humanity. She even goes so far as to get “free-range” human blood. (You just have to read it to know!)
Her friends are also great characters. Thalia is an enigma that Kali is slowly figuring out. Despite his outward appearance, Nigel is not the monster you would believe. And he helps Kali understand her nature better in this book as well. Amber is the best friend anyone could ask for and has amazingly taken this better than even Kali! And I’m still trying to figure Theo out. Is he her friend or is he a really good liar?
There is a lot of action in this book. There are some very descriptive action scenes, not for the faint of heart! You can really imagine yourself there in both the good and the bad scenes. There are new “villains” introduced as well as new allies. And I absolutely adore Francesca!! I hope we get to see more of her in future books!
I was excited to beta read this book and can’t wait for the rest of you to get to read it next year!
May 4, 2025
Kali has stopped one of the child traffickers but not the worst one. She has also discovered that her vampire bloodline is Draculi – the group that was supposedly destroyed because they had too much power over everyone. Still unable to find her sire, she is still winging it – no idea of the things she can do behind the veil or how her powers work.
In this book she is still learning as she investigates more child abductions with help from Thalia and Nigel. Fredward, her demonic, Swifty fanatic, cat is also keeping everyone company.
This book has some dark spots but usually Fredward lightens them up.
There are also a couple of new characters, Francesca, is unusual to say the least.
There is action, suspense, mystery, surprises and humour.
This is a fast, easy read but not too easy as it has some very serious spots.
Definitely worth reading and book three is right beside me to start.
In this book she is still learning as she investigates more child abductions with help from Thalia and Nigel. Fredward, her demonic, Swifty fanatic, cat is also keeping everyone company.
This book has some dark spots but usually Fredward lightens them up.
There are also a couple of new characters, Francesca, is unusual to say the least.
There is action, suspense, mystery, surprises and humour.
This is a fast, easy read but not too easy as it has some very serious spots.
Definitely worth reading and book three is right beside me to start.
January 19, 2025
This follow up didn't emotionally draw me in quite as much as book 1, but it's stil very good. I like the focus on "bad cop", there are so many of them these days.
I really like the development of the Thalia charachter, Nigel is also a well developed character.
In this "universe" there are several species of vampires, & our heroine is from the once thought extinct & most powerful' the "Draculs's". Mr Smith is likely a serious Taylor Swift fan; her songs are constantly being quoted by the "Demon Cat", "Fredward" (great name). Fredward's pet parent purrfers her music grunge.
As the series unfolds, I am certain we will find out the Draculs's purpose. Right now we are learning.
The main female protagonist had no magic power until a couple week's ago, & now she is the most powerful Vampire who has ever lived; & doesn't understand how or why. I suspect we'll all learn soon!
I really like the development of the Thalia charachter, Nigel is also a well developed character.
In this "universe" there are several species of vampires, & our heroine is from the once thought extinct & most powerful' the "Draculs's". Mr Smith is likely a serious Taylor Swift fan; her songs are constantly being quoted by the "Demon Cat", "Fredward" (great name). Fredward's pet parent purrfers her music grunge.
As the series unfolds, I am certain we will find out the Draculs's purpose. Right now we are learning.
The main female protagonist had no magic power until a couple week's ago, & now she is the most powerful Vampire who has ever lived; & doesn't understand how or why. I suspect we'll all learn soon!
April 25, 2025
I enjoyed this second installment so much more than the first one. I’ve warmed to Kali, and more pieces are falling into place about being a Dracul. Kali’s friends are getting more fleshed out, including—
* Demon cat Fredward, her constant (and very vocal) companion
* Best friend Amber
* Nyxari vampire Thalia, who can teleport but carries a lot of secrets
* Old friend and Nosfar vampire Nigel, a monster-like vampiric race
The plot for BEYOND THE SHALLOW GRAVE is a continuation of BEYOND THE BLOOD VEIL. Kali is still trying to find out more about her Dracul heritage while endeavoring to save the kidnapped children. The pacing was fast, and the plot moved along nicely.
I liked the setting of South Africa. The world is a bit confusing, so a recap would have been helpful. Even so, this book was very refreshing. I can’t wait for the finale!
* Demon cat Fredward, her constant (and very vocal) companion
* Best friend Amber
* Nyxari vampire Thalia, who can teleport but carries a lot of secrets
* Old friend and Nosfar vampire Nigel, a monster-like vampiric race
The plot for BEYOND THE SHALLOW GRAVE is a continuation of BEYOND THE BLOOD VEIL. Kali is still trying to find out more about her Dracul heritage while endeavoring to save the kidnapped children. The pacing was fast, and the plot moved along nicely.
I liked the setting of South Africa. The world is a bit confusing, so a recap would have been helpful. Even so, this book was very refreshing. I can’t wait for the finale!
February 15, 2025
Kali is starting to come to terms with her status as a vampire. Not just any vampire, but a Dracul. She still has no idea what the strengths and weaknesses of a Dracul are; she still does not know her sire. Because of the lack of trust between the different vampire families, she doesn't know whether or not she can trust even her closest friends with her identity.
Despite her lack of knowledge about herself, when she is needed to help save the children who are being captured for sale as vampire food, she is more than ready. But when and where are the children being kept? Are there more children elsewhere? Is she going to have to do this by herself?
Learn the answers to the above questions and more with Kali in this dramatic tale.
Despite her lack of knowledge about herself, when she is needed to help save the children who are being captured for sale as vampire food, she is more than ready. But when and where are the children being kept? Are there more children elsewhere? Is she going to have to do this by herself?
Learn the answers to the above questions and more with Kali in this dramatic tale.
February 18, 2025
The second book basically starts where the first book leaves off. It is such an intriguing and interesting story. I really enjoyed the second book a little more than the first. We get so many answers to questions that plague us in the first book. The story has so much action, drama, and suspense. Poor Kali goes from one mess to another. As journey alongside her and Fredward, absolutely love that cat, we see so much in a short time. The side characters are all amazing and truly add to the story. The writing is excellent and the story well developed. I throughly enjoyed the story and we get to the end where it is not so much of a cliffhanger but a shocking moment that has me excited to see what is going to come next.
May 25, 2025
I loved book 1. I liked book 2. There were some parts that stretched believability, but com'on, it's vampires and they do NOT glitter, so it works. 🤣
I have an image in my head that Kali looks exactly like Jessica Jones as played by Krysten Ritter, black jacket and ripped jeans and all, then shifts into Warframe's Garuda when fighting. Also her cat's voice is Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Francesca is Sybill Trelawney from (movie version) Harry Potter.
That mental cast combo makes me laugh every fight scene, so it is not the author's fault I cannot take the drama seriously this time around. 😅😂
I still adore the fact this series is set in South Africa and not Europe or New York.
I have an image in my head that Kali looks exactly like Jessica Jones as played by Krysten Ritter, black jacket and ripped jeans and all, then shifts into Warframe's Garuda when fighting. Also her cat's voice is Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Francesca is Sybill Trelawney from (movie version) Harry Potter.
That mental cast combo makes me laugh every fight scene, so it is not the author's fault I cannot take the drama seriously this time around. 😅😂
I still adore the fact this series is set in South Africa and not Europe or New York.
February 13, 2025
Reading a Nicholas Woode-Smith book is always fun, and the second book in the Blood Veil series didn’t disappoint. I love the characters, each unique, well written and fleshed out; the world is vivid, and the narrative is compelling. We meet more of the Veiled and its dealings, and politics with the UnVeiled. Kali learns more about her bloodline, and adds new friends to her growing new found family. With plenty of action, twists, and high stakes this book is a must read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2025
Beyond the Shallow Grave: A Vampire Urban Fantasy Novel (Blood Veil), my tenth read from author Nicholas Woode-Smith, the second book in the Blood Veil series. Reminiscient of Theophilus Monroe's work. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading Beyond the Crimson Haze: A Vampire Urban Fantasy Novel (Blood Veil Book 3) due out on May 1. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 17, 2025
Beyond the Shallow Grave Book 2 in the Blood Veil series by Nicholas Woode-Smith reminds me of Mercy from Theophilus Monroe's books. Kali is coming to terms with her status as a vampire, not just any vampire but a Dracul. Kalil has no idea what gifts she's been given as a Dracul and still doesn't know her sire. There's lots of action, lots of mystery and Mr. Wood-Smith does a wonderful job of spinning it! I'm looking forward to Kali's development and all the characters coming into play...it's going to be epic!
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and am leaving my review freely.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and am leaving my review freely.
February 28, 2025
Kali continues her quest. Book 2 continues Kali's quest to end child trafficking in Cape Town. Now that she's a vampire, she has some new tools at her disposal to aid her in her quest. She's willing to do just about anything to put a stop to the repugnant practice. She's also learning new things about why it exists in the first place. But first, she might want to learn more about her new existence.
March 31, 2025
this was a strong sequel in the Blood Veil series, it had that element that I wanted from the first book. It was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the way this was written. Nicholas Woode-Smith wrote this perfectly and left me wanting to read more like this. I was engaged with what was happening and hope there is more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book for review and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book for review and am voluntarily leaving a review
May 7, 2025
Nicholas has created another intriguing series.
Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. His take on vampires and other mystical creatures while not completely new is fresh enough that I'm loving it. Our heroine, Kali, continues with learning how to deal with her new life while at the same time trying to fight for the innocent children that have been kidnapped. Lots of action and character development with interesting supporting characters.
Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. His take on vampires and other mystical creatures while not completely new is fresh enough that I'm loving it. Our heroine, Kali, continues with learning how to deal with her new life while at the same time trying to fight for the innocent children that have been kidnapped. Lots of action and character development with interesting supporting characters.
February 5, 2025
Kali is still trying to come to terms with her undead status and trying to rescue the kidnapped children. No job, no prospects, no clues until Theo pops up. Can she trust him?
The story has lots of action, suspense and humor which makes it hard to put down. Woode-Smith writes such lovely characters. I enjoy all his books.
The story has lots of action, suspense and humor which makes it hard to put down. Woode-Smith writes such lovely characters. I enjoy all his books.
March 26, 2025
I know Kali has fought her vampirism with every fiber of her being, but I think that she is needed. I look forward to when she forces Gumede to face repercussions for being the nasty horrible being he is. He deserves to be visited with all the terror, pain and anguish he has caused. I loved this book. I love Kali, Nigel, and Thalia, they are awesome characters. I highly recommend!
April 8, 2025
Beyond the shallow grave
This series is amazing ! Second book and it's not letting Kali get any rest she battles on to get rid of the scrum of the earth brilliant book its gritty and thrilling not scared of taboo subjects it grabs you from the word go I highly recommend these books a very well deserved 5 stars
This series is amazing ! Second book and it's not letting Kali get any rest she battles on to get rid of the scrum of the earth brilliant book its gritty and thrilling not scared of taboo subjects it grabs you from the word go I highly recommend these books a very well deserved 5 stars
February 12, 2025
A great continuation from the first in series. There's a lot to learn about being a vampire especially one of the Dracul bloodline. Lots of twists again and even some progress. More veil creatures revealed and explained. Love the take on the veil. Roll on number three.
February 24, 2025
This is Kali’s second book and get to learn more about her heritage in this one as well as following her on her new adventures. The story keeps you interested and wondering what will happen next until the end.
April 29, 2025
This series is great and gets better and better.
Kali, Fredward and her friends are working hard to stop the child trafficers, but then they find a new enemy. Unfortunately, the new enemy was someone she knew. Now she had to help them too.
I am looking forward to the next book.
Kali, Fredward and her friends are working hard to stop the child trafficers, but then they find a new enemy. Unfortunately, the new enemy was someone she knew. Now she had to help them too.
I am looking forward to the next book.
April 16, 2025
Improving
February 15, 2025
So, book two and it’s as good if not better than book one. I loved every word from beginning to end. This is a fantastic series, as good if not better than the Kat Drummond series, and I’ve read every one of those. What is Kali going to do next I wonder, I think we all know don’t we. I’m so ready for book three, cannot wait. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2025
One of the things I really love about this author, his opening paragraph always hooks me in, irrespective of which book of his I'm reading, that first sentence is like jam on freshly baked bread, yummy! The thinly veiled (yes... I did THAT...) political references to corruption and abuse of power, while hidden in a fantastical story, hits home, hard! And that's another reason this author gets my attention, he never skirts real issues, he draws attention to them, subtly. When I start reading a Nicholas Woode-Smith book, I'm always surprised that I've 'suddenly' gotten to the end of the book, without realising time has passed, it's like I've fallen into a black hole, seeing nothing other than the story before me until the last word... which was a tail spinner BTW! Like HECK!!!!
There's an awesome lightness to this story, don't get me wrong, it's a dark tale, but there's an undertone of humour that I really enjoy. Fredward is particularly hilarious, he's actually...particular himself, he's obsessed with Taylor Swift and references her any opportunity he gets, which is often! But he also has moments of wisdom, like this one 'Everyone is dealt their cards. But you choose how to play them'. He's a great 'friend' even though he's snarky and sassy, he's the coolest cat come demon. There is a great supporting cast, Amber, an entirely human friend, Nigel and Thalia, 'other' like she, are enigmatic, not so much Nigel who was given a raw deal 12 years previously, but Thalia knocked the socks off me! She showed a side, through her stoicism, of a caring, protective and overall fab friend.
Gee whiz do I LOVE Kali! A wanna be detective who had to make do with being a journalist, who's whole life went belly up in a heartbeat (oops, I've done it again!😁) Although...her primary aim is to find a 'cure' for her condition, she really refuses to accept she'll be like this for eternity, I mean, just the thought of consuming blood makes her gag. Pffttt, right!!! As the story unwinds, we start to see a resolute Kali, a determined Kali, a fierce Kali and I loved it! A far cry from the insecure, uncertain Kali, barely making ends meet. Well she's still kind of in the same boat financially, for now, a golden opportunity is dangled in front of her, by someone she viewed as the enemy....but is he really? How awesome that snippets of WHAT happened to Kali surface, although, my jaw dropped when I saw WHO had been the instigator and why... so brilliantly depicted, realistic, well ok, it IS about vampire's but you know what I mean. What started out as a burning need to find her friend Nigel, Kali is now 'other' and she finally has proof that the Commissioner of police is perpetrator number one in a scheme that's beyond repulsive and reprehensible. But bringing that proof to light is challenging, so, armed with her friends, a human, 2 vamps that are constantly at each others throats (not literally!!!) a cat who's a demon....a motley crew at best, she sets out to thwart the officials responsible and free kids being held for the vilest of purposes....Let's talk about action for a sec, geez was there action! Heart in throat action, gory and gruesome action and surprised littered throughout.
I'm loving the new characters popping up, especially Francesca, oh glory is she a hoot, even more so than Fredward! And goodness, when Billy turned up, as NOT Billy, yikes, my heart jumped in terror! This is how Nicholas keeps me engaged, this is how Nicholas keeps me riveted, I don't know what he's going to come up with next, where he's heading until it hits me in the face! Where I thought it was going and where it actually went, well, gobsmacked is what I was! There was some vital information relinquished by this author, each time I'm caught saying 'oh....' or 'heck!' What an incredible plot! And what an amazing pace! Characters I could sink my teeth into (oh boy ...here I go again...) but honestly, these characters are all extreme, in their awesomeness, in their description, in their prowess. The cherry on top is, as a South African, I LOVE reading a book and series set in South Africa, where I understand every single word and phrase, where I know every single place mentioned. And not only that, when I read a book I couldn't move my eyes off for a few hours, you can bet your bottom Rand(South African currency folks...)it's a frigging winner!
There's an awesome lightness to this story, don't get me wrong, it's a dark tale, but there's an undertone of humour that I really enjoy. Fredward is particularly hilarious, he's actually...particular himself, he's obsessed with Taylor Swift and references her any opportunity he gets, which is often! But he also has moments of wisdom, like this one 'Everyone is dealt their cards. But you choose how to play them'. He's a great 'friend' even though he's snarky and sassy, he's the coolest cat come demon. There is a great supporting cast, Amber, an entirely human friend, Nigel and Thalia, 'other' like she, are enigmatic, not so much Nigel who was given a raw deal 12 years previously, but Thalia knocked the socks off me! She showed a side, through her stoicism, of a caring, protective and overall fab friend.
Gee whiz do I LOVE Kali! A wanna be detective who had to make do with being a journalist, who's whole life went belly up in a heartbeat (oops, I've done it again!😁) Although...her primary aim is to find a 'cure' for her condition, she really refuses to accept she'll be like this for eternity, I mean, just the thought of consuming blood makes her gag. Pffttt, right!!! As the story unwinds, we start to see a resolute Kali, a determined Kali, a fierce Kali and I loved it! A far cry from the insecure, uncertain Kali, barely making ends meet. Well she's still kind of in the same boat financially, for now, a golden opportunity is dangled in front of her, by someone she viewed as the enemy....but is he really? How awesome that snippets of WHAT happened to Kali surface, although, my jaw dropped when I saw WHO had been the instigator and why... so brilliantly depicted, realistic, well ok, it IS about vampire's but you know what I mean. What started out as a burning need to find her friend Nigel, Kali is now 'other' and she finally has proof that the Commissioner of police is perpetrator number one in a scheme that's beyond repulsive and reprehensible. But bringing that proof to light is challenging, so, armed with her friends, a human, 2 vamps that are constantly at each others throats (not literally!!!) a cat who's a demon....a motley crew at best, she sets out to thwart the officials responsible and free kids being held for the vilest of purposes....Let's talk about action for a sec, geez was there action! Heart in throat action, gory and gruesome action and surprised littered throughout.
I'm loving the new characters popping up, especially Francesca, oh glory is she a hoot, even more so than Fredward! And goodness, when Billy turned up, as NOT Billy, yikes, my heart jumped in terror! This is how Nicholas keeps me engaged, this is how Nicholas keeps me riveted, I don't know what he's going to come up with next, where he's heading until it hits me in the face! Where I thought it was going and where it actually went, well, gobsmacked is what I was! There was some vital information relinquished by this author, each time I'm caught saying 'oh....' or 'heck!' What an incredible plot! And what an amazing pace! Characters I could sink my teeth into (oh boy ...here I go again...) but honestly, these characters are all extreme, in their awesomeness, in their description, in their prowess. The cherry on top is, as a South African, I LOVE reading a book and series set in South Africa, where I understand every single word and phrase, where I know every single place mentioned. And not only that, when I read a book I couldn't move my eyes off for a few hours, you can bet your bottom Rand(South African currency folks...)it's a frigging winner!
April 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book, the second in a new series by one of my favourite authors. As ever, Nicholas has created a world that is compelling and believable, populated by characters that you want to meet in real life.
Kali is finally coming to terms with her new status as a vampire. And now she is more determined than ever to solve the mystery of why children have been disappearing from the streets of Cape Town for over a decade. With the perfect mix of action, snark, mystery, and humour, this book had me completely enthralled right up to the very last page.
The Blood Veil series takes an intriguing approach to imagining a vampire society, with different castes of vampire having different talents and limitations. And there are more than vampires beyond the veil – including shape-shifting demons, one of whom has been living with her for years in the guise of her pet cat, Fredward.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kali is finally coming to terms with her new status as a vampire. And now she is more determined than ever to solve the mystery of why children have been disappearing from the streets of Cape Town for over a decade. With the perfect mix of action, snark, mystery, and humour, this book had me completely enthralled right up to the very last page.
The Blood Veil series takes an intriguing approach to imagining a vampire society, with different castes of vampire having different talents and limitations. And there are more than vampires beyond the veil – including shape-shifting demons, one of whom has been living with her for years in the guise of her pet cat, Fredward.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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