Into the Fire

The Thin Veil #2

by Jodi McIsaac

Cedar McLeod would like nothing more than to return to Tír na nÓg, help rebuild the mythical kingdom, and start a new life for herself and her daughter, Eden. But peace is isn’t what Cedar finds after being reunited with her little girl.

Nuala—who kidnapped and terrorized Eden in her previous bid for power—has returned and is making a persuasive claim for the vacant throne. The devastation such a ruler would bring upon both the kingdom and the human world is unthinkable. With no one else to stake a convincing counter-claim, Cedar steps forward . . . but first she must prove her worth beyond a doubt.

Her opportunity comes when she is charged with finding an ancient treasure, the Stone of Destiny, and returning it to its rightful home. It is a quest that will lead her to question her beliefs, and push her loyalties to their limits. If she succeeds, Cedar could grant her new world and her new family a chance to flourish again. If not . . . destruction may be the only path ahead.

Into the Fire, the second book in the Thin Veil series, is a captivating blend of Celtic myth, mystery, and adventure that delves deeper into the ancient world first explored in Through the Door.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Fae, Magic

Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2013

About the author

Jodi McIsaac is the author of the Irish contemporary fantasy series The Thin Veil (47North) the thriller A Cure for Madness (Thomas & Mercer) and the Revolutionary series (47North).

She grew up in New Brunswick, on Canada's east coast. After abandoning her Olympic speed skating dream, she wrote speeches for a politician, volunteered in a refugee camp, waited tables in Belfast, and earned a couple of university degrees. When not writing novels, she runs a boutique copywriting agency serving the non-profit sector.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to get lost in the mystery and mayhem of Tír na nÓg once again, as author Jodi McIsaac magically transports us back through the Veil in book two of the series, Into the Fire. Cedar McLeod has Eden back and with Finn at her side, she is learning her way around her new world. When the realm seeks a new ruler, the evil and self-serving Nuala steps forward, convincing the council she is the best qualified. Knowing Nuala’s rule spells nothing but disaster for both the magical and human realm, Cedar is compelled to challenge her for the crown. Doubtful of her ability to rule, the council gives Cedar an impossible task and little time to fulfill their demands. The Stone of Destiny has been missing for eons and finding it would be similar to finding a needle in a haystack. Will Cedar succeed? Can she trust those who claim to be her allies? What secrets will the stone reveal if its legendary powers are still intact?

From the start, Jodi McIsaac plunges us back into the world of Celtic legends and myth, as she takes us on a journey that spans thousands of miles, and ramps up the tension as the clock counts down! With a cast of characters who have distinct traits and personalities, Ms. McIsaac has brought the story to life with her own brand of magic. Each scene feels real, I wasn’t looking in on the story, I was there and felt like I was visiting all of the places the characters did! Ever want to fly with a dragon? Go undercover with a butterfly? Face off against powerful beings? Test your commitment to your beliefs, your love for family and friends, at the same time as the characters do? You can do that, all while being lost between the covers of Into the Fire!

I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review as part of the Into the Fire book Tour stopping at Tome Tender and I honestly wished I had the magic to make book three appear immediately!


Series: The Thin Veil, Book 2
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: 47North
ISBN: 1477808698
Number of Pages: 259
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, the author is my cousin and kinda also a little bit my boss, so I'm not sure how seriously you'll take my review. Can you trust me that I'm going to be honest? Because I promise that I am. :)

I really enjoyed Into the Fire, you guys. I'm a huge fan of the urban and contemporary fantasy genre, and this novel is a fun addition to it. It's your classic "quest for a mythical object" plot, with some entertaining twists and lots of neat tales and lore along the way.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the fact that Cedar has trouble adjusting to life among the Tua. While she's happy to be reunited with Finn and wants to make a place for herself and Eden, it's not a smooth transition. This is something that many other "Hey look, I'm suddenly in a new world" books seem to forget to take into account.

This isn't a heavy read - don't go into it expecting a lot of angst (though there is some) or darkness. Instead, it's fast-paced, fun and full of adventure.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I devoured this book in 2 sittings! I started it while waiting in the car while my husband had the kids in the toy store and I finished it in just a couple hours after I got off work. I literally did not want to put it down. I loved the first book in the series when I read it way back when it was self-published and I happened to run across it on a blogger website back when Jodi was looking for reviewers. It was a breath of fresh air in a time where I was reading a lot of self published stuff that really wasn't that great.

Recently I have been reading a lot of books that are the 2nd in the series and quite frankly, I have been having an awful time finding one that lives up to the first book. SO not the case with this book and I am so happy about that. This book was everything that a really good sequel should be. None of the magic of the first book was lost as the story progressed. The characters were all just as good as I remember them to be even though I didn't have time to re-read the first book. I didn't need to, the set up was just enough to jog my memory without being a re-hashing of everything that happened previously.

Cedar and her family return to Tír na nÓg to set right the destruction caused by the previous leader. A surprise awaits them, one that causes them to take stock of just what they are willing to do to help their land. Cedar is give a quest, if you will, and she must succeed in order to take her rightful place as their new queen. This story is full of action and really with this one it's pretty non-stop right from the beginning. The world of Tír na nÓg is captivating and full of wonder. The descriptions are so vivid as are the action sequences. And don't even get me started on Felix...I would love a whole story about just him!

Jodi has really outdone herself with this one and I loved that it didn't end on a cliffhanger. I really loved this book, I loved the setting and the magic. I loved seeing Cedar transform in this book and I can't wait to see more of who Eden will become. We got a little glimpse of it in this book and I hope we see more in the next one. Since Finn and Cedar are already a couple this book stuck more to the fantasy and less romance, but it's clear that it's there.

So, I loved the book and I can't wait for the next one. If you like Fantasy or Paranormal books you should definitely read this series. If you enjoyed the first book then you will not be disappointed in this one!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Into the Fire, the second in The Thin Veil series, is a continuation of Through the Door, which introduced us to Cedar and Eden, mother and daughter. Although Eden has discovered she's one of the Tuatha de Dannan, or Fae, Cedar discovered that in order to live on Eriu (Earth), her adopted Druid mother made her human, although she is the daughter of the former King and Queen. In this second installment, Cedar comes to Tir Na Nog, the land of her people, to stop Nuala (the bad guy) from using her powers of influence to make herself Queen and start a war with humans to conquer Earth. Those friendly to Cedar and her lover Finn want Cedar, as the daughter of royals, to rule. Cedar agrees but Nuala convinces the high council to make Cedar pass a test, namely to find The Stone of Destiny, a magic stone said to roar when a true King or Queen stands upon it. Cedar accepts and a journey with friends and loved ones begins.
I enjoyed the development of Cedar's character in this book very much. She comes into her own, in more ways than one, and she strikes me as an interesting balance between human and Dannan. I was not as impressed with Finn's character. He needs more fleshing out, as he mostly stands behind Cedar, then occasionally turns into a dragon or some other animal when necessary.
The return of some known characters helped the story along a bit, but I didn't really get Liam's character. Without giving away plot points, I thought his involvement was a bit ridiculous.
The "fight" scene at the end was fun, but a bit convenient, as was the resolution of the problem back in Tir Na Nog.
In all, this was fun, and I enjoyed it, but it had its drawbacks, too.
ARC provided by NetGalley

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

**SPOILER ALERT- some plot points may be insinuated**

This is not going to be my typical review. This book was a complete disappointment. The plot was forced, the characters were not authentic, and quite frankly- they were stupid. I'm not sure how you trust a druid who just turns up, especially since you know druids are trying to kill you. I'm not sure how you keep dragging your young daughter into dangerous situations. What makes you decide to dig up a person to powerful to kill, and had to be trapped, just so he can tell you where a magical object is? They even go to a tourist attraction, see that it is empty (which they all agree is highly unlikely) when they spot a person over by some trees that seemed to be calling Finn, they assume that person is a tourist- FOR REALS???

Sometimes so much love and effort is put into the first release (and this seems to be true for both books and albums) the second release pales in comparison. In this case, I can barely believe the same author wrote these books. To me, this is the worst book I've read all year (and I've completed my cannonball).

[John Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing the adventures of Cedar, Eden and now Finn. Some interesting themes and characters, but seems to lose the impact of the first book. Not sure if the final volumn will regain some of the magic.

[Barbara Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series is entitled "Through the Door". I read it quite a while ago and surprisingly I rembered a lot of it. I may read it again at some point but for now will just move on with these next two. I had trouble finding the these...my library did not carry them for some reason and I am not one to purchase books. I finally broke down and bought the next two and I am glad I did.

Jodi McIsaac has done it again with an wonderfully riveting story. Into the Fire continues the story of Cedar, Eden, and Finn as they make the decision to live in the land of Faerie. In order to do this, they must defeat Nuala, who is still threatening them at every turn. McIsaac takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure as they cross between worlds in search of a Faerie artifact that has been missing since before written history. There is plenty of conflict to keep your interest and with breaks in between the conflict to let you catch your breath.

The main characters continue to grow and become more "real" while the secondary characters begin to show lives of their own. I would like to see, in some future continuation, the stories of some of the secondary characters. I have already started the next one and cannot wait to see what happens.

[Charity Fester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed

So. Good. I'll be starting the 3rd book next! Then onto ALL other books by Jodi McIsaac! Definite read for all!

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Fire, The Thin Veil (Book Two), Jodi McIsaac
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
So we're on to book two in the trilogy. I loved book one with its Fae and human worlds and charaters, so wondered where Jodi would take the story next. You'd think after she'd despatched the wicked Lorcan the Fae coucil would be pleased to see Cedar, but Nuala once again is persuading people things aren't as they seemed. She's come up with a plan to be Queen, and the only way to stop her is for Cedar to stand too....she knows its devastation for the human world if Nuala wins, but she's not going to fight Cedar fairly of course so the challenge is tough.
Cedar is once again thrust into a world of magic and mayhem, along with Eden, Finn and their friends. They find help from unexpected sources, and get denied help from others they thought they could rely on. Add to that they need to decide just who they can trust as there's some dounble dealing going on. It all adds up to a gripping ride, with adventures and incidents that feel real - within the realms of fantasy of course. Jodi doesn't rely on that favourite but much derided standby of hero/heroines getting new powers just at the right moment, but makes us wait, makes us work out just how things can end, and I really enjoyed this trip into fantasy. Paranormal is full of vampires and shifters, and though some of the Fae here can shift the world is mostly Fae and magics, something that's fun and more unusual.
A great read, and i'm looking forward to how the story ends.
Stars: Four and a half – a good fun read, I'd have liked a bit more romance...but that me :-) it's not classed as romance but it adds to the enjoyment for me, but not for everyone. It's a book adults and teens alike can enjoy.
ARC supplied via Netgalley

[Bevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I must say that my new job gives me ample time to read. 8hrs and about 6hrs is me reading because it's so slow and there's nothing for me to do.
So I ended up finishing this book in approximately two days.

Anyway... about the book.
This is one of those series where you have to read them in order or else you won't understand Jack that's being said. I'm sure you could stumble through, but it might not make a bit of sense. So luckily I read these two close together.
Some of these names, I just fumble over and my tongue is tied in knots and I just make up something in my head. Felix's name, for instance. How the frick do you even begin to spell that? Or the name of a succubus. Granted, their is a handy dandy little spot at the beginning of the book that helps you pronounce things. BUT I tend to forget about that when I'm in the middle of a page. When Finn is having his life sucked by the succubus, and this massive 'OHEMGEE we must save him' flight of panic Ceder succumbed to is taking place, I tend to forget that there's that handy dandy little key at the beginning that I bookmark to remind myself about. So granted that's probably my fault, but I still find it annoying.
Other than my own personal pretty annoyance, I enjoyed this book. It was a bit better IMO than the first, and maybe because most of the characters were already introduced, so I didn't feel rushed to remember who all these people were (and there are a bit). The way they all talk still has me lost as to where these people actually live. I must be missing something. Eden calling Ceder mummy (and other lingo) makes me think they live in/around/by Ireland, yet I thought they lived on the other side of the lake.

Either way, it was enjoyable. Predictable of course, but enjoyable. 3.5 stars, but I'll be picking up the third book, so I will bump it up to 4 for that reason.

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly believe the quality of some stories is inherent and that appreciation may veer off for personalized factors. There is such a thing as amazing books people did not grasp, if they were disliked without reasons. Readers are also swayed into liking weak stores; due to e-copies being distributed for free on-line. Propagation causes the illusion of popularity. I grant that sometimes, quality is up in the air and the pleasure of those tales varies broadly.

Jodi McIsaac’s series is such a one. I do not like the heroine but am impressed with the originality, the talent I relish the most profoundly. Jodi’s creativity is boundless. The treats of her magical realm amaze me; not major world rules, logic, or government but details of their citizens’ home life.

Your home is as peaceful and beautiful as you want it to be. It can be in a field or in a tree. Your bed can rest upon a river. The power to imagine your living space is a wondrous respite from a sickness in their land’s natural flora. No harm befalls anyone. You feel the water, flowers, or breeze if you want to.

Second to everyone’s marvellous homes with safe and approved entry protecting all of them, I appreciate the quests. These mysteries are on our dear old Earth, modernly, which is when I like adventures to be. The magical family keeps the ancient flavour humming. Solving a legend is satisfying by itself.

I removed one star for a combination of critiques. Villains regularly locating the parties who solve quests, are an annoying trope. Constant running or danger dampened the pleasure and credulity. Relatives should not frequently be hiding or kidnapped. Finally, Canadian literature should be counted on for the relief of spelling colour with U, towards with S, etc.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Positively captivating! I stayed up until the wee hours to finish, because I couldn't put it down. The first book in the series, Through The Door was my first introduction to Jodi McIsaac's writing. It didn't take me long to get hooked and she immediately went on my "authors to follow" list, so I would know the minute the next book in the Thin Veil series was released.

I re-read Through The Door before reading Into the Fire. The character development continues for Cedar, Eden, and Finn while you reconnect with their family. You will also meet a few new ones and explore more of Tír na nÓg and the race of Tuatha De Danann. Their adventures to retrieve the Stone of Destiny and save their dying kingdom will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the read. Jodi's writing really bring this Celtic world and it's "magical" characters to life in your imagination. It was a hard choice between which book I enjoyed more but I believe, by the end, I loved Into the Fire a little better than even Through The Door (and it's been near the top of my favorite reads list through over a hundred books since!)

Pick it up ASAP, you won't be disappointed. In fact, I believe you'll be so drawn in, you'll be waiting impatiently for more!

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Silas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first book in this series, this is a fun adventure story, but like the first book, there are some oddities, as well. Part of the premise of this book is that Celtic mythology is more or less literally true, which is fine, except apparently, nobody has ever heard of any of it. I found that detail a little hard to manage, since I didn't encounter much of anything here that I wasn't already familiar with. Still, if I can put that aside, the story is a good bit of fun, despite the main character being a bit laden with all-powerful wish fulfillment. If you can put that aside, and in the places where that is less of an issue, this is well written and a fun adventure story that doesn't rely overmuch on violence as a mode of overcoming problems for the most part, which is refreshing in a fantasy story, where so often the preferred solution to most problems is genocide. This certainly isn't a bad story, and it has a different take than is often seen in fantasy, and I expect to continue on to the next book, despite the issues that I had with the first two books.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

This well written fantasy is about Cedar, her daughter and Husband. They are traveling back to Tír na nÓg. Cedar's parents were once King and Queen of these magical people. Cedar wants to help save her people from the hands of the evil Nuala. Cedar is sent on a quest to prove her worth as the true Queen of the people of Tír na nÓg. She is sent to recover "The Stone of Destiny", which has been missing for eons, and return to to its rightful place. Knowing that finding it would be similar to finding a needle in a haystack Cedar accepts the challenge and heads out to discover the hiding place of the "Stone". Along the way they are attacked by Druids that have been convinced by Nuala to help her in her quest for the Crown and in return they will be granted access to Tír na nÓg.

Though I have not read the first book in this series, I feel compelled to do so. I will be certain to keep an eye out for Book 3.

[Tori Meskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi McIsaac has done it again with an absolutely riveting story. Into the Fire continues the story of Cedar, Eden, and Finn as they make the decision to live in the land of Faerie. In order to do this, they must defeat Nuala, who is still threatening them at every turn. McIsaac takes the reader on a wonderful adventure as they cross between worlds in search of a Faerie artifact that has been missing since before written history. There is enough conflict to keep you interested and reading with enough break in between the conflict to let you catch your breath. The main characters continue to grow and become more "real" while the secondary characters begin to show lives of their own. I would like to see, in some future continuation, the stories of some of the secondary characters. I am absolutely ready for the next one!

[Justin Sherwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! A spectacular follow up the "Through the Door" by Jodi McIsaac. The second book in the Thin Veil series is a winner.

Another seamless blend of real world meets the magical world of Irish mythology. Like "Through the Door", it's creative and exceptionally well written. The character development is awesome too. Cedar comes into her own in this instalment which was thrilling and there are some unexpected developments with other old friends too. The action is intense as Cedar desperately seeks out the mystical Stone of Destiny with world-changing consequences at stake. It's a another page-turner you'll find hard to put down. This series just keeps getting better. Bring on book #3!

Well done Jodi. Highly recommended.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through the door, book one in this series and I loved it! I love Scottish mistical magical books! I received this book as an advanced readers copy and I loved it more than the first book! Cedar really comes to find herself in this book! She takes charge of the grim situation she and her family are in, even though she doesn't yet believe she can fulfill her destiny! Cedar, Finn, and Eden face many challenges throughout the book while trying to restore rightfull order back to the throne! If you like ethereal and mystical books then you will love into the fire! Beautifully written and a great story!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Fire is the eagerly awaited sequel to Through the Door. The story continues with Cedar and her newly reunited family. They do not get to relax long and are soon on a quest to find the stone of destiny and stop Nuala from taking the throne in Tir na nog. I really liked this book and was not disappointed. Jodi McIsaac is a fantastic story teller and her descriptions really bring the story to life.

It did not take me long to read this book because I couldn't put it down and was up way past my bedtime. The only thing I didn't like was it was over too quickly and now I have to wait for book number three.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again another gorgeous cover, absolutely love it! The story picks up where it left off in Through The Door. In Into the Fire we learn more about Cedar’s friend Jane, and a lot more about Finn’s family and friends. We also get to know a very interesting new character named Liam, who gives some in site about Maeve.

It’s very interesting to watch Cedar’s daughter, Eden, grow into her powers. She’s strong and yet vulnerable at the same time due to her age.

In Into the Fire, Cedar is put to an impossible task by the council in Tir na nog. And of course Nuala is right there to foil everything.

Into the Fire was as intense, adventurous, and mysterious as Through the Door.

[Heather Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

After eagerly awaiting this release, I was thrilled to find it just as good (if not better!) than the first in the series. I didn't re-read Through the Door before diving into this, and I was delighted to find I fell right back into the story. Once again, I found myself staying up way past my bed time to finish up in one sitting. In particular, I found myself drawn to the stories within the story, which really serve to bring history and depth to both the characters and the setting. Naturally, I am already impatiently anticipating the next book!

[Rodger · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTO THE FIRE by Jodi McIsaac is a book filled with myth, legend and magic. I really enjoyed the way she weaved in and out of two worlds in her book. The story takes place in present times and many of the things she writes about like “The Hobbit” are well known to many. It helped me to feel like I was a part of the story. I was entranced by her writing from beginning to end and highly recommend anyone with a taste for fantasy to read her book. Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book for free from the Goodreads First Reads book giveaway. This was an excellent book. Even though I had not read the first book - which I definitely plan to do soon - it basically stands on its own. Very well written, good character development and storyline, with character and plot twists that keep you guessing as to who is really the "good" (or "bad") guy. Bravo, on a very good story, and I cannot wait to see what is in store in the author's next creation!

[Susan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick-moving and original story. I really like all the mythological and historical details. However, it seemed like twist followed complication too quickly to become very invested in the characters. There were also a few too many magical creatures - not that they weren't cool, but it was too much going on. I enjoyed it, but I would have liked to get a little deeper into some of the moments instead of always rushing forward.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book directly from the author, and have gobbled it up in a few days. It's an excellent book! I love the story, the characters, the whole thing. This is the 2nd book in a trilogy, the first being Through The Door. This is definitely a must read if you're into the more contemporary fantasy, then this is exactly for you.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

DO NOT listen to the audio book!! The narrator is TERRIBLE!!! She completely ruined this book for me. I enjoyed the first book very much so I thought I would download the audio book so I could take it to work. Wow, was I wrong!! I was totally disappointed. It was painful to get through and I came close to shutting it off more than once. Book 3 is only going to be a maybe for me.

[Joni Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one has it all!

This one has it all!

Celtic mythology, romance, magic, betrayal...this novel has it all. Who doesn't like an action-packed story that teaches you something at the same time? This book has characters that you truly care about. It was a great read and I look forward to the next book in the series!

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are so many things that are either unexplained or just don't make sense. I'm not sure I'll read the third one to find out if the ends are tied up. Why wouldn't each "applicant" to the throne be given a quest? Why just one?

Also, some of the characters are remarkably static and/or flat, such as Finn.

[Kcparrot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this story. I love the descriptions of the worlds and the characters. Twists and turns really kept my interest. I actually had a hard time putting the book down and I upon finishing, I immediately purchased Book 3 in the series. I will be looking for more from this author.

[Ravencrantz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unnecessary, poorly written, and unejoyable. Making a self harm joke? Why would you do that? Why would you think thats okay? Not bothering with book three, especially since it's even more pointless than this book. What could they possibly cover? Waste of my time.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come