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Veilwalker Trilogy #2

Through the Gloom

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Lyric Yama’s life is starting to feel as bleak as the purgatory in which she spends her days.

The line between enemy and ally has blurred. To unravel a heinous murder, she’s agreed to exploit her veilwalking gifts for her new coven leader.

But as the Lyric sinks deeper in the quicksand of lies and deceit, she’s forced to re-evaluate exactly what she signed up for.

Is the pursuit for truth worth becoming the very evil she’s been running from? And if so, can she survive the soul-crushing loss that truth will ultimately reveal?

This is the second installment of Jennifer R. McDonald’s Veilwalker Trilogy.

244 pages, ebook

First published November 9, 2013

1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer R. McDonald

4 books46 followers
I reside in Canada with my husband and two adorably rebellious children. Urban Fantasy is my favorite genre to write but I enjoy reading Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and anything with great antiheroes, cunning villains, and flawed characters.

Into the Veil, Through the Gloom, and Across the Blood Red River complete my Veilwalker Trilogy, and I’m currently working on more magical world shenanigans in my next series: The Helios Chronicles.

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Blair.
Author 22 books219 followers
June 11, 2014
*contains spoilers from book one*

If you have not started this series yet, why not?!

The second book of the Veilwalker Series that began with Into the Veil (Veilwalker Trilogy, #1) by Jennifer R. McDonald , Through the Gloom picks up where we left off after the shocking conclusion of the first book. Lyric Yama is stuck in a house full of warlocks who mistrust her almost as much as she distrusts them. Even though her father has been freed from his imprisonment by the Hathor coven, and her twin and fellow Veilwalker, Lincoln is also by her side, their relationship has been strained by Lyric's new doubts about her father and what really happened the night her mother was murdered. Doubts she is determined to get to the bottom of.

But her family is not the only relationship Lyric has damaged irrevocably. Aiden, Hathor conjurer may have feelings for Lyric, but after finding evidence that she risked his family's lives to get the help she needed, Aiden is far from being her ally. Lyric is all alone in a very very hostile world.

I love the world the author has created here, but what really sparkles are the characters. You can't help but get invested in Lyric and her journey. Not to mention the complex relationship between Lyric and Aiden get ratcheted up to heartbreaking levels in this installment.

But what will really blow you away is the nail biting, heart-in-your-throat conclusion. You will be left breathless and wanting MORE!

There are still an awfully lot of grammatical errors throughout the book, but that didn't keep my from giving it 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for J.S..
Author 2 books56 followers
May 19, 2014
I am so on board with this trilogy. It's seriously wheedled a special place in my affections.

The plot is intriguing, the characters are well drawn and the writing style is enviably strong.

Breakdown:

The plot.
I harboured suspicions of where the plot was headed, of which the main ones came through true. But the twist and turns leading to them, and the way in which it all played out proved an exhilarating ride of surprises.
While the conclusion brings some major closure to the big questions so far, so many new ones are raised. In fact, the ending did have me cursing somewhat (I was warned that would be the case, and it was no lie), though definitely not in disappointment, rather frustration that I have to wait for the concluding part. I have theories of where book 3 might go and, whether they prove true to the mark or way out, I am so very much looking forward that journey of discovery.

Characters.
Although I've enjoyed many books, I do find it hard to form solid attachments to the female protagonists (I blame my innate bitchiness). Lyric, though, is such a perfect balance of independent bad-ass, misguided screw-up and loyal, sensitive sweetheart I absolutely adore her. She's not unbreakable but she's super determined and that's what gives her depth I can relate to.
I enjoy the complexities of her relationships with others. Lyric really does not have an easy time of it with anyone in this second installment. Even her tight bond with Lincoln is shaken at its core. Her dad proves to be far from an endearing fellow. Her difficult relationship with Aiden, interspersed with utterly adorable tender moments, has me deeply involved (I so badly want good things for them).

Gemma only gets more awesome in this book (given intriguing complexities all of her own) and I've also developed quite the soft spot for Trey.

Writing.
The dialogue is spot on -used well to forward the plot, define character and provide explanation in a way that feels natural. The book is well paced and balanced. The story feels well developed and effectively described.
There's still a minor issue with spelling, grammer and punctuation but far less of one than with the first.

This trilogy deserves a lot of attention!
Profile Image for Ember Shane.
Author 3 books94 followers
May 31, 2014
There's something about this series that strikes a chord with me. I've never used the word "GRIPPING" in a book review before. But I feel that time has come. I do not know how else to describe it. If I'd been sitting in a chair while reading, I'd only have been using the edge.

Through the Gloom is fast-paced and full of energy - never a dull moment. It continues to follow Lyric's POV as the tensions escalate between the Hathor, Tyr, and Yama families. Lyric and Aiden's cold and hot relationship left me in a state of agitation - but in a good way. At one point, I found myself yelling, "Just bloody kiss her!" I am not British, and I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm crazy. Almost as much as I wanted them to get lip-locked, I wanted to see Aiden beat the living daylights out of Jeremy. Hello? Can I get a witness? In a sick, disturbing way, I enjoyed his scenes with Lyric. But only because I desperately hoped for an upcoming smack down.

While there were a few noticeable errors in grammar/spelling, it was quite a bit less than the first book, and never distracted me in the least. I rank this series as being in the same class as some of my all-time favorite novels. I will be on pins and needles until the release of the third book in the series. FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Raquel V.
371 reviews36 followers
November 15, 2014
Don't you hate it when you wake up at six o'clock in the morning to pee and end up waking up for good because you can't fall asleep because you HAVE to know what happens in the book you're reading? I don't. I love it!

This book in an incredible sequel to Into The Vail. It is every bit as thrilling as the first one, but with twists I didn't expect. I don't usually mind that much that I guess the ending before the author intends me too, but its great being surprised, isn't it?

This world Jennifer McDonald created is incredibly consistent. It's so rock solid that for the most part things get explained without her having to spell it all out. You learn about something that happened and you just think: "yep, that makes sense!" I also think that is why she is able to surprise us with her chatacters actions without it being forced. Much like people who aren't fictional, they go about their own lives fluidly. They feel extremely real and are absolutely aware of their shortcomings. They aren't superheroes, even though they have supernatural powers - and that is a very hard thing to accomplish.

I still love Lyric, even though she continues to make some questionable choices. It's all about her voice, I think, that makes it work. She is strong and willed, and she levels things in her own mind (meaning: to the reader) in a very natural and logical way. Even when she makes a stupid choice (which is not that often, by the way), you understand why she is making it. She is a smart girl trapped in an impossible situation, and you can see how someone would think like she does.

I also understand all the other characters effortlessly. I love them and want to shake them to their senses in equal amounts. They draw you in, like they're your own loved ones. And Aiden... (pause for swooning)... even though I don't appreciate the back and forth in their relationship (I just want to see them together already!), I can't help but love them and cheer for them. Their love is magnetic and it makes me feel like someone replaced my internal organs with puffy little clouds when they are together.

The only (very minor) criticism I would have is all the explaining in the beginning of the book. I do understand that the author has to explain somethings about the first novel, but really these are not stand alones by any means, so what's the point? If you haven't read Into the Vail yet, you have to before reading this. It's an amazingly interesting book and you won't regret it. As well as you won't regret reading this sequel.

Now I have to go and start reading the third one!!

My rating: 4.7/5
Would I read it again? Yes
Do I recommend it? Yes! To any YA and Paranormal lovers. Do yourself a favor and pick this up!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
757 reviews9 followers
January 10, 2015
**I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. You’re never too old for YA & NA books (goodreads.com)**

A second book in the series that matches if not surpasses its predecessor is rare to find however I feel this book does exactly that. It is only now after finishing the book that I appreciate the expert way the book is written, it is a seem less story that allows your imagination to run wild making the book easy to get sucked into. In short I loved this book and don’t want this series to end.

The main character is Lyric, she is a teenage girl with the paranormal ability to walk through the veil (purgatory). Lyric’s story picks up a little while after where the first book ends, after her long awaited kiss with Aiden after hearing a new version of the story of her mother’s death. Now, at the start of the second book the relationship between Lyric and Aiden is difficult, Lyric has her dad back with herself and Lincoln and sparks are flying. I loved Lyric in this book, she was strong and independent despite Aiden and her father’s attempts to dampen her spirits as well as her search for the truth behind her mother’s death turning up mostly blanks.

The secondary characters I found the most noteworthy in this book include Lincoln, Jack, Aiden and Gemma. Lincoln is Lyric’s twin brother, it is evident in this book that there is beginning to be a rift between the two siblings as Lyric suspects her dad is involved in the death of her mother. Jack is Lyric’s dad; he doesn’t like the situation his family are currently in, he makes this blatantly obvious by disagreeing with Lyric at every point sometimes leading to physical violence. Aiden in this book is blowing hot and cold on Lyric leaving her confused and upset a lot of the time, I would love for these two characters to come together in the end but I honestly can’t see that happening following the end of this book. Gemma really comes into her own in this book advancing her powers into the physical realm and saving Lyric’s life on a number of occasions.

The pacing was fantastic keeping the book moving along at a steady pace and saving enough of the story back until the very last minute giving us a cliff-hanger ending and making us want to continue to read more.

The storyline was great and as original as the first giving us lots of twists and turns and surprise endings. This book offered a brand new mix of issues that Lyric has to face and actually I felt that Lyric faced a lot of these issues on her own which is why we see a slight change in her character.

A great book 4 stars.
Profile Image for Jason Crawford.
Author 22 books104 followers
October 22, 2014
Today, I am reviewing the Paranormal story Through the Gloom by Jennifer R. McDonald. This is the sequel to Into the Veil, continuing the story of the veilwalkers Lyric and Lincoln, their father and mage Jacken, and the Hathors, a family of conjurors who can summon objects from afar and who are fiercely loyal to one another. If you haven’t read the first in the series, check out my review on that, then go read it!

I give this book a 4.75/5. Here is my breakdown.

Characters: 5/5. As in the last book, Jennifer explores her characters thoroughly and well. I enjoyed the changes that Lyric went through, her doubts and absolute dedication to finding out the truth about her mother’s death. Her relationship with conjuror Aiden Hathor made me want to bang my head against the wall…but only because it was so clear that the two of them are perfect for each other in every way, yet each trying to be overly noble to “protect” the other.

I’m also very curious about Gemma now.

Plot/Storyline: 5/5. Compelling. Consistent. Lyric’s saga takes a darker turn as betrayal upon betrayal, some hers and some not, begin to take their toll. Her relationships with others become strained, but she presses on, determined to find the truth. I believed every step of this story and was never pulled out of my immersion. The magics presented make sense in the context of the world, and I was never confused by any of it. Well done, Jennifer!

Flow: 5/5. Onward, ever onward, with the perfect balance of slowdown and action. Tension was thick throughout this novel, and I often felt like I was trapped in the fog of the veil, unable to see what was coming next, my heart tripping as I waited for the next development.
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. Better this time. Jennifer has made significant improvements in her structure and grammar since the last book. In fact, I have it on good authority that she’s gone back to Into the Veil and fixed up some of the things I mentioned last time. A much smoother read.

Overall: 4.75/5. Fantastic. Outstanding. Thrilling. Jennifer spins a tale of betrayal, deceit, innocence lost and love to be fought for. Gloom is even better than its predecessor. I will be purchasing the third book, Across the Blood Red River, as soon as my TBR list winnows down a bit. Jennifer is one of my favorite authors now, and her work is exemplary!

Profile Image for Sakina.
315 reviews
July 23, 2014
Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. It was Amazing. I LOVED IT!!

From drama to action packed scenes to hot kisses this book had me raging with emotions.

Lyric had to deal with a lot in this book. Searching for her mother, her doubts for her father, her rocky relationship with her brother, her feelings for Aiden, she had a emotional ride through this book. But she dealt with everything well. I liked Gemma and how she supported Lyric, even though some of it may be because of her own gain. I do suspect a romantic relationship between Gemma and Lincoln but Miss Jennifer has done a great job at keeping things secretive, so I can't tell for certain if something romantic is going on between Gemma and Lincoln.

Aiden and Lyric's relationship had me jumping with feels. With their fights to passionate kisses I was on a roller coaster of feels and emotions.


I was a little annoyed with Aiden's overprotective streak. And that was only for the way he acted in front of Ezhno. I didn't mind his overprotectiveness regarding Lyric's father or any other thing. It actually gave me Lyden feels!! (Sorry I couldn't come up with a better name for Lyric and Aiden) But their relation is more clearly understood and seen in this book than the first one.

I adored Trey, he was so cute! I wished there was more of Darian and Piper. I hated Jeremy. There were quite a few times I wished Aiden would punch Jeremy for the way he looked at Lyric.

The ending left me frustrated. Because now I am left wondering what will happen next. I can't wait to read the last book in Veilwalker Trilogy. And I even want to see what happens with Aiden and Lyric. I want to see more of them especially after how Miss Jennifer ended Through the Gloom. I wish Aiden and Lyric live happily ever after.

A really great book and an amazing series!! Glad to have come across it and receive an ARC.
Profile Image for Amanda Robinson.
72 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2014
Liked the first book a lot, but this one takes it to a whole new level!!!! I can not wait for the next book. This has everything you could ask for in a second installment and more. The author has done an amqzing job at continuing theplotfrom the first novel, developing the charachters, and grabbing the readers attention.
This was definatly a page turner. There is so much to woncer about and it is packed with action and adventure. The charachters are incredibly defined and most loveable, even the ones we love to hate. Lyric makes for an incredibly strong female lead and the whole idea behind veilwalkers snagged my attention from the start. Mrs. McDonald definatly has a nack fir leaving you wanting more. The first book leaves you needing to know what happens next and this installment is no different!
The love story behind Lyric and Aiden may be one if my favorite parts of the book. Kind of a forbidden romance and without the instant love factor. It has developed slowly and has all the complications of real life (ok probably a whole lot more). But both are strong, loyal and loving charachters and I find myself rooting for them, maybe that's what has me in su h turmoil with this ending (I won't spoil it but its definatly a great cliffhanger!).
I can't wait to see where the next nivel gakes us. It seems there are always surpises around every corner (Lyric ay be the only other "person" I know of with luck as bad as me!). Will Lric and Lincoln ever find their mother in the veil? Will Gemma return to the veil ir decide to stay? What's going to happen to Aiden and what is in stofe for he and Lyric? What will the Hathors do? Ahh so many questions and I hope the next book is out soon, I'm not a very patient person :) I usually wait till all books are availble just for this reason!

A must read series!
309 reviews11 followers
November 20, 2014
Through the Gloom picks up shortly after Into The Veil, and if you loved the first book, like I did, you are going to just going to want to die and stay in this world forever with the second. First off can I just say how much I loved the prologue. It was wonderful getting to see a scene from Aiden’s eyes that we just heard about in the first book. And I think that it really sets the whole tone for this book - this is going to be the same adventure as Into the Veil but told in a very different way.

Don’t get me wrong Lyric is still the center of this book but this world is - more open. You see and actually get to interact with so many more of the characters - in particular Aiden, Lincoln, Gemma, Jack, and Trey. And I love them all (although I am a little terrified of Jack). There is a deepening here, this is a darker, richer novel then the first. The stakes I think are a lot higher and we definitely see that here. The connections between everyone are more volatile, tenuous, and passionate. (And the passion is well searing - searing but subtle much like Lyric herself). I don’t want to give too much away because I think that the mysteries in this are just as important, if not more so than in the first book. But I will say that I found myself laughing and crying. Shocked and on the edge of my seat. Contemplating not going to work just to see what was going to happen next and as soon as I finished I had to start the third book.

Jennifer has this wonderful way of writing. You fall in love with her characters. You want to see and know them, you cannot to stop reading until the last page because for every question answered there are two more to ask - in a good way. There is never a dull moment and it is just so, so thrilling. I can definitely see here taking her place in urban fantasy royalty.
Profile Image for Cheryl La Pa.
395 reviews66 followers
November 11, 2014
I am so hooked on this fantastic series! Through the Gloom is the second book in the Veilwalker series and I loved it even more than the first.

I loved:

•The main characters. Lyric is strong yet vulnerable. She is determined to be independent and not let others manipulate and bully her. I love how her choices are a constant battle between her heart and her head, and how she has to deal with the consequences of those choices. Aiden is so strong and protective, yet torn between his loyalty to his family and his love for Lyric. I was caught up in Lyric and Aiden’s burning hot attraction for each other. And I enjoyed seeing Lincoln play a more active role in this story now that he has recovered. He is Lyric’s rock and she knows that he will always be on her side.

•The great secondary characters– Trey, Darian and Roman to name a few. They add depth, humour and complement the storyline. And Gemma has a special place in my heart – she is so protective, feisty and outspoken. I would love a loyal friend like her.


•The plot. It was suspenseful and convincing with ups and downs, twists and turns leading to an unexpected, spectacular ending. I had my own ideas as to how everything would play out, but I was so wrong.

An outstanding series! I have already started Book 3 because I just have to know what happens next!

Author 5 books52 followers
May 27, 2014
First of all, OH MAH GAAAAAHHD!!! One of the BEST DAMN BOOKS EVER! I have to say that the second book was better than the first, but only by a little. The romance between Lyric and Aiden has heated up to new levels.
This book literally picked up where the first book left off. And the plot line was very interesting. I was hooked from the beginning.

Now Gemma. WOW what a change! She went from being bossy and mean to, well, still bossy and mean, but with a protective side for Lyric. And that was just a big AWWWW factor.

And the plot twists. Oh my god I was so shocked and yet so entertained. I highly recommend this book, and I guarantee the manliest of men will fangirl. Oh Lyric <333333

This book deserves a longer review, but I can't think after finishing this book! I just want to read the third right now.

I can see these books becoming a best seller. And I am glad to have recieved this book for free in exchange for an honestly honest review.

FIVE STARS!
520 reviews14 followers
November 10, 2014
I really loved this series. The story keeps getting better than the last one.

This was a past paced story that I had to finish reading it in one sitting. There were some secrets that were revealed during book 1 but there's more in this story but at the same time while some were answered others were not.

Not too mention Lyric's journey through all this and her (not-so-really-good) relationship with the other characters especially Aiden. There scenes kind of frustrated me with the back and forth movement.

And did I mention Gemma? I totally loved her character in this book since in the last book not so much. But here, just WOW.

What made this book more interesting was the twist and turns which I totally never saw it coming especially the ending. But there was some part of me that thought, "should have known it". The ending makes me crave for luckily Across the Blood Red River is just around! :)

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Katy H.
265 reviews42 followers
March 1, 2015
Oh dear, the second book in this series is indeed "gloomy"! I think I cried @ least 4 times!

And may I just say, I don't want to give anything away but, unless Eve's murderer was just a complete lunatic, claiming credit for a murder committed by someone else I kind of called it. Only kind of because I also included 3 other possible suspects, but still.

There was upheaval in Lyric's relationships with...well...seemingly everyone from Lincoln, to Aiden, to Gemma, to even Charles, and obviously Jack. It was interesting to see a bit more of Trey (and I suppose Dash too) though I could have done without that creep, Jeremy.

Once again, there were some editorial issues, but honestly the story was good enough that I just fixed them and moved on. Also once again, the ending has left me waiting with baited breath to start the third book! I sure am glad I got the set!
Profile Image for Bridget.
41 reviews
June 26, 2020
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal).
The word 'gripping' is something I would use to describe this novel. I definitely got invested in the story and the characters. From the previous ending, I could already tell that things were not going to start well in this one. Lyric's mother's 'lover' told Lyric about that her father was the one to kill her mother. Her father told her that Roman did it. That was bound to cause some problems. The author did a awesome job at making a second book. Sometimes they do a horrible job and make a reader not want to finish out the series. Miss McDonald managed to make Through the Gloom just as enticing or more so than Into the Veil. In my opinion, that is an accomplishment. :)
Profile Image for Amber-marie.
130 reviews
October 9, 2014
I was given this book from the author and from Lovers of paranormal in exchange for an honest review.

This book was quite the page turner. I mean it was beyond fantastic! The plot, the characters the descriptions the ANGST! The love! Just flawless!! I love how everything is tying together! I love the CONFLICT!!! Seriously it doesn't get much better then this! Fantastic series so far and I can't wait to read the last one (in my possession!) Thank you so much for the opportunity!!
Profile Image for Wren Figueiro.
Author 2 books38 followers
May 27, 2014
I downloaded COHF today (for which I have been waiting 2 years!) but I haven't started it yet because I just had to finish Through the Gloom. It's that awesome!
Profile Image for Zoë Ann Book Queen.
1,004 reviews55 followers
June 14, 2017
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Can I just start by saying I ship Lemma? Because I soooo do, I may have a new OTP soon...

The action in this book was a lot more exciting that the last book. There was definitely a lot more going on which I loved and lots of clues as to action that may happen later on or in the next book. The parts involving Lena were a tad on the boring side although necessary I think a little more could’ve happened there.

My biggest problem with the last book was definitely the romance, but being a strong believer in Soul Mates I have to admit it is definitely growing on me. This book helped give a much stronger feel to the romance and show’s how much they care for each other. Aiden was really great as he was so conflicted between his duty to his family and his love for lyric. Lyric however I still feel is a little too needy with him and perhaps still doesn’t fully understand the extent of what she’s feeling.

I loved the end of this book. The sort-of-cliffhanger style of it is something that all the really powerful YA books have and with the revelations at the end of this book there is no way you wouldn’t want to read on. It was a very intense and ending, very captivating and well written.

I’m still a little confused on the Juggernaut issue but as a whole this book was definitely a good read and I’m glad it has improved on some things.
Profile Image for Kat Nicholson.
52 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lyric is finding it harder and harder to figure out who's side she is on. Is she losing herself in her search to find what she's looking for?

I read the entire Veilwalker trilogy in two days, so I'm going to say very little content wise to be sure I don't leave any spoilers.

I loved this entire series, and I think the second book was my favourite. Lyric's character was even more sarcastic and teenager-y. (it's a word!). I could feel her exhaustion and her confusion. I really felt for her, I was terrified to put the book down in case something bad happened to her while I wasn't looking. I also liked the way that Gemma and Lincoln's characters were further developed in this book.

There were a few editing errors in this book, and I felt that it could have benefited from a little more editing. This particular instalment seemed a little bit rushed. But that is seriously my only complaint. An excellent book. 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Kasey.
1,326 reviews31 followers
November 5, 2014
So this book ended on THE worst cliffhanger ever. It's why it's losing a star even though it ended up being pretty fantastic. I did have the next book available, but books that end in cliffhangers are one of my *admittedly* many pet peeves. However I did really like this book, even as Aiden and Lyric's relationship just gets more complicated. I was excited at the thought of Lyric finally being able to meet other veilwalkers, but that was definitely a disappointment that they turned out to be so foul. There was a big revelation in regards to Lyric's mother that answered alot of questions. I had briefly entertained the notion but dismissed it thinking it was too far fetched. Nope, nope it wasn't. This was still a really good book. 4 out of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Cheryl Duval.
466 reviews14 followers
December 17, 2013
This is a very different type of story, exciting and well written. The story moves fast. The characters are wonderful. Lyric and Aiden have a relationship with its ups and down and waiting to find out what finally happens didn't happen in this book. The ending left me wanting to know the rest of the story right now!! The next book comes out Spring 2014 and I'm not sure I can wait that long. I wasn't happy with the ending of the book, I can't tell you why without giving out spoilers. I very much enjoyed this book. I was a very fast read for me.
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