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The Fianna Trilogy #3
The Veil
Great stones crack and split. Storms will tell and the world is changed...
Seventeen-year-old Grace has found the archdruid who can teach her to use her power as the veleda—the priestess prophesied to save Ireland. But nothing is as it should be. The archdruid is a dangerous fairy, and Grace can’t learn the spells, no matter how hard she tries. Something is wrong...but what?
Meanwhile, gentleman Patrick Devlin and warrior Diarmid Ua Duibhne both struggle with their love for Grace, their duty to their warring brotherhoods, and their support of Ireland. And New York City is in chaos with protests, immigrant gangs, and police crackdowns. The only hope for the future is the ancient ritual, just weeks away, in which Diarmid must take the life of the girl he loves.
Secrets, legends, and prophecies collide in an explosive finale that will save the world—or destroy it.
Seventeen-year-old Grace has found the archdruid who can teach her to use her power as the veleda—the priestess prophesied to save Ireland. But nothing is as it should be. The archdruid is a dangerous fairy, and Grace can’t learn the spells, no matter how hard she tries. Something is wrong...but what?
Meanwhile, gentleman Patrick Devlin and warrior Diarmid Ua Duibhne both struggle with their love for Grace, their duty to their warring brotherhoods, and their support of Ireland. And New York City is in chaos with protests, immigrant gangs, and police crackdowns. The only hope for the future is the ancient ritual, just weeks away, in which Diarmid must take the life of the girl he loves.
Secrets, legends, and prophecies collide in an explosive finale that will save the world—or destroy it.
366 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
176 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Megan Chance
32 books716 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 6, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Skyscape and NetGalley.)
“The veleda sees, she weighs, she chooses.”
This was an okay end to the series, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book of the series.
Grace spent most of her time in Sidhe in this book, so we didn’t get much interaction between her and the other characters at all, which was a bit disappointing really.
The storyline in this was about Grace going missing, whilst everyone else wondered where she’d gone. The time in Sidhe felt like a bit of a waste of time though, and the whole book just dragged.
The ending was okay, and we did get a bit of a twist (although I expected it to be honest). We did get some deaths, and we got an ending to the love triangle, but I just didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book in the series.
6 out of 10.
“The veleda sees, she weighs, she chooses.”
This was an okay end to the series, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book of the series.
Grace spent most of her time in Sidhe in this book, so we didn’t get much interaction between her and the other characters at all, which was a bit disappointing really.
The storyline in this was about Grace going missing, whilst everyone else wondered where she’d gone. The time in Sidhe felt like a bit of a waste of time though, and the whole book just dragged.
The ending was okay, and we did get a bit of a twist (although I expected it to be honest). We did get some deaths, and we got an ending to the love triangle, but I just didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book in the series.
6 out of 10.
April 22, 2017
A fitting close to the Fianna Trilogy, The Veil holds threads of closure, sacrifice and a sweet hint of promise.
Despite wanting Grace to grow up throughout books 1 and 2, I didn't think the fluctuation of growth in this book was realistic. Her reactions were melodramatic and a bit too much, and then the final chapters were almost as if another character emerged.
Derry also annoyed me in this book, but perhaps that's why it worked. Real people make stupid decisions, and despite wanting to throttle him, I could see why he did as he did.
The climax was okay, the twists somewhat unexpected. Overall though, it felt a bit rushed and brushed over too quickly. The tension up until that point felt wasted.
The ending fitted nicely, perhaps a little too nicely. I wish there had been more closure, but I can understand why it was left as it was. Still doesn't make it any easier to deal with.
The writing was juvenile in tone, but fitting of the story. I think a book for adult audiences by Megan would be enjoyable reading. I will add one to my TBR list soon.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley in return for an honest review.**
Despite wanting Grace to grow up throughout books 1 and 2, I didn't think the fluctuation of growth in this book was realistic. Her reactions were melodramatic and a bit too much, and then the final chapters were almost as if another character emerged.
Derry also annoyed me in this book, but perhaps that's why it worked. Real people make stupid decisions, and despite wanting to throttle him, I could see why he did as he did.
The climax was okay, the twists somewhat unexpected. Overall though, it felt a bit rushed and brushed over too quickly. The tension up until that point felt wasted.
The ending fitted nicely, perhaps a little too nicely. I wish there had been more closure, but I can understand why it was left as it was. Still doesn't make it any easier to deal with.
The writing was juvenile in tone, but fitting of the story. I think a book for adult audiences by Megan would be enjoyable reading. I will add one to my TBR list soon.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley in return for an honest review.**
December 28, 2017
A satisfying end to the series.
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never-read
April 19, 2019Read the first book in the Fianna Trilogy, The Shadows. 1 star, therefore will not continue with the series.
March 17, 2017
I gobbled up Megan Chance's Fianna trilogy like it was candy--reading so quickly through it that I didn't even take the time to review the first book before going on to the second book (and then the third) and by the end of it all, I was kind of overwhelmed by the thought of reviewing the first book in a trilogy when I've already finished the trilogy and so I just never reviewed it at all. But you know, I got to thinking tonight that I'm not sure if anyone actually reads my reviews or not, but if they do, I probably should tell them just how awesome this series was.
Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of the Fianna warriors of Irish mythology. Yes, I'd dabbled into books about Celtic druids and the sidhe, but I had never heard of Diarmid Ua Duibhne or the Fianna leader, Finn MacCumhail, or any of the rest of the warriors and gods of ancient Ireland. The Fianna trilogy was set in 1870's New York, rather than Ireland, as one would expect. While this is somewhat of an urban fantasy/romance novel, there are also a lot of great historical detail that the history junkie in me loved. New York in the late 1800's was a pretty dark and tumultuous city, full of gangs (think "Gangs of New York", that Leonardo DiCaprio film in which literally everybody died in gang fights) and starving immigrants living in filthy tenements. This made for a really awesome setting as New York society's elite clashed with the poor in a fight between ancient warriors and gods.
While I loved all of the above, I must admit that my favorite element of the trilogy was the tale of star-crossed, yet fated lovers, Diarmid and Grace. There was the classic battle between Grace's head and heart and ancient prophecies that made the love triangle that much more suspenseful. I loved every single character. I can even say that I loved the audible narration of this book (I mostly listened to the first book, listened to half of the second, and read most of the third myself). The accents were on point and really enriched the story.
This trilogy is a total winner winner chicken dinner.
And yes, I'm using this review on all three books, which I admit may be cheating.
Although I did not want the series to end, I felt that The Veil offered a very satisfying conclusion.
Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of the Fianna warriors of Irish mythology. Yes, I'd dabbled into books about Celtic druids and the sidhe, but I had never heard of Diarmid Ua Duibhne or the Fianna leader, Finn MacCumhail, or any of the rest of the warriors and gods of ancient Ireland. The Fianna trilogy was set in 1870's New York, rather than Ireland, as one would expect. While this is somewhat of an urban fantasy/romance novel, there are also a lot of great historical detail that the history junkie in me loved. New York in the late 1800's was a pretty dark and tumultuous city, full of gangs (think "Gangs of New York", that Leonardo DiCaprio film in which literally everybody died in gang fights) and starving immigrants living in filthy tenements. This made for a really awesome setting as New York society's elite clashed with the poor in a fight between ancient warriors and gods.
While I loved all of the above, I must admit that my favorite element of the trilogy was the tale of star-crossed, yet fated lovers, Diarmid and Grace. There was the classic battle between Grace's head and heart and ancient prophecies that made the love triangle that much more suspenseful. I loved every single character. I can even say that I loved the audible narration of this book (I mostly listened to the first book, listened to half of the second, and read most of the third myself). The accents were on point and really enriched the story.
This trilogy is a total winner winner chicken dinner.
And yes, I'm using this review on all three books, which I admit may be cheating.
Although I did not want the series to end, I felt that The Veil offered a very satisfying conclusion.
September 2, 2015
ARC kindly provided by Skyscape via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
Review
This series...I LOVE IT! This book was even better than the last two. It was full of surprises and twists and changes than leaves you on the edge of your seat, on the tips of your toes and awake way past midnight - at least I was. 'The Veil' was simple unputdownable. The prophecy we get introduced to takes on a whole new meaning. And the anticipation, the ANTICIPATION. It was so thick I thought that I could cut it! And when it's time for Grace to choose: the Fianna or Fomori; Diarmid or Patrick: you will not expect what your expecting. At least I didn't! Megan Chance has a way of weaving the story into this web that becomes undecipherable. I mean, the end? I did not see it coming. I always had small suspicions but then something else would happen and I would start wondering again.
Chance's writing - as always - was beautiful, flowing and elegant in its simpleness. No errors, typos, grammatical mistakes could be found in this ARC! I also love how she retained the three-character perspective. I know that some authors change how they layout their book from one to another but the consistency of the series was cleverly thought out as it not only enhanced everything, but made it better. 'The Veil' will satisfy even the most jaded of readers. Congratulations to Megan Chance on completing a fabulous, first, young-adult series! She's one to look out for!
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
September 3, 2015
The Veil, Fianna Trilogy (Book 3) by Megan Chance
I jumped into this book not having read the previous 2 books, and I followed the plot well. There was enough backstory that I quickly was inside the world and understood the characters.
I enjoyed reading about both sides of the Irish issue--the Irish immigrants here at home and the struggle of early 20th Century Ireland. I thought from the front of the book that it would be steampunk, but it's a very distinct historical fantasy.
I enjoyed that there was no clear "good-guy" and "bad-guy." Although our heroine Grace had to choose between two men, they were both good men, and they loved her. Each of the men had to make hard choices, and they made them and were true to their characters. The author did a great job describing the challenge each faced, and as a reader, I felt how heavy and hard each was.
Because it's a true fantasy novel, sacrifices were required to save the world, and the characters were brave and strong as they made their final choices. It had a solid ending, and none of the characters chose the "easy" way out. That was refreshing. The end was very satisfying as a reader.
I would recommend this book to my students with one caveat: there's a sex scene that "unlocks" the main character's power, and it is a major, major plot point, so the reader can't overlook it. It probably can't go in my classroom library. However, the main character is 17, and the men she is with are older. That does raise the age of the intended audience.
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
I jumped into this book not having read the previous 2 books, and I followed the plot well. There was enough backstory that I quickly was inside the world and understood the characters.
I enjoyed reading about both sides of the Irish issue--the Irish immigrants here at home and the struggle of early 20th Century Ireland. I thought from the front of the book that it would be steampunk, but it's a very distinct historical fantasy.
I enjoyed that there was no clear "good-guy" and "bad-guy." Although our heroine Grace had to choose between two men, they were both good men, and they loved her. Each of the men had to make hard choices, and they made them and were true to their characters. The author did a great job describing the challenge each faced, and as a reader, I felt how heavy and hard each was.
Because it's a true fantasy novel, sacrifices were required to save the world, and the characters were brave and strong as they made their final choices. It had a solid ending, and none of the characters chose the "easy" way out. That was refreshing. The end was very satisfying as a reader.
I would recommend this book to my students with one caveat: there's a sex scene that "unlocks" the main character's power, and it is a major, major plot point, so the reader can't overlook it. It probably can't go in my classroom library. However, the main character is 17, and the men she is with are older. That does raise the age of the intended audience.
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
April 22, 2017
The Veil is the third book of Megan Chance’s Fianna Trilogy. It follows “The Shadows” and “The Web”.
Grace Knox has to come to terms with her role as a veleda, who must be sacrificed on October 31st during the Celtic festival of Samhain, in order to release her power to those who will fight for Ireland. She must choose between the Fianna and the Fomori, two warring groups who vow they will save Ireland from British rule.
Seventeen year-old Grace is engaged to Patrick Delvin who has joined the Fomori cause but is having second thoughts about their motivations. To complicate matters, Grace is in love with Diarmid Ua Dubhne who is a warrior for the Fianna. Both men are in love with her. She cares for them both but does not know whom to trust.
Having studied with a sidhe (fairy) archdruid, she has learned skills and gathered strength to help her make her choice. With her powers, she can listen to the music within each person and decide who is telling the truth.
This third book of the trilogy is definitely geared towards teens and young adults. Magic, Irish myths, romance and intrigue are interwoven. All of these elements are fascinating, but better editing would have made this a five star. Some of the conversations are a bit cliché, and I lost interest in some sections that could have been eliminated; the first two books were better in this respect. I was somewhat disappointed in this third book, since I found the first two books fascinating.
Grace Knox has to come to terms with her role as a veleda, who must be sacrificed on October 31st during the Celtic festival of Samhain, in order to release her power to those who will fight for Ireland. She must choose between the Fianna and the Fomori, two warring groups who vow they will save Ireland from British rule.
Seventeen year-old Grace is engaged to Patrick Delvin who has joined the Fomori cause but is having second thoughts about their motivations. To complicate matters, Grace is in love with Diarmid Ua Dubhne who is a warrior for the Fianna. Both men are in love with her. She cares for them both but does not know whom to trust.
Having studied with a sidhe (fairy) archdruid, she has learned skills and gathered strength to help her make her choice. With her powers, she can listen to the music within each person and decide who is telling the truth.
This third book of the trilogy is definitely geared towards teens and young adults. Magic, Irish myths, romance and intrigue are interwoven. All of these elements are fascinating, but better editing would have made this a five star. Some of the conversations are a bit cliché, and I lost interest in some sections that could have been eliminated; the first two books were better in this respect. I was somewhat disappointed in this third book, since I found the first two books fascinating.
August 29, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
At last it all will make sense…or wait will it (EVIL LAUGH). No really, this story has taken us down a twisty path I did not see coming. I love the author for it. This story at last gives us the real Grace and her powers and why she is the chosen one. I can honestly say that the end had me in tears and that I did not know who she would chose until she made the choice. For sure this is an author to watch out for other series for. Great series.
At last it all will make sense…or wait will it (EVIL LAUGH). No really, this story has taken us down a twisty path I did not see coming. I love the author for it. This story at last gives us the real Grace and her powers and why she is the chosen one. I can honestly say that the end had me in tears and that I did not know who she would chose until she made the choice. For sure this is an author to watch out for other series for. Great series.
July 4, 2016
Currently feeling:
But in the best way. It's rare that a series leaves me feeling satisfied at the end, but I finished this series with really no questions or concerns about the futures of the characters. I was really impressed by the character development in the series - especially Aidan and Grace. They both stepped up and really helped the book.
I'm also very proud of myself for reading an entire series. :)
But in the best way. It's rare that a series leaves me feeling satisfied at the end, but I finished this series with really no questions or concerns about the futures of the characters. I was really impressed by the character development in the series - especially Aidan and Grace. They both stepped up and really helped the book.
I'm also very proud of myself for reading an entire series. :)
July 5, 2016
well written and a great ending to the trilogy, wrapping up an epic story yet leaving plenty of wiggle room to revisit the charachters. a tale of love, strife, of family, finding the truth and discovering just who one is, how to listen, merging old ways and newer, charachters from myth and legend. I really had difficulty putting this book down, the end of the tale was like getting yanked back to the present a must read
February 1, 2016
Some wizardry, some romance, and a lot of suspense. I enjoyed reading this book. Learning to deal with life is the hardest thing to do. Grace the main character must learn to use her powers but it becomes difficult. Then there are two men who love her. What is a girl to do? Interesting i found her to be a very well developed character and this is a must read book.
February 20, 2021
I've read all three back to back.
Brilliant just brilliant. I had to read all of them. I was gripped from the first page of the first one. Thank you Megan Chance. You are an amazing writer. I lived this trilogy and loved it. One of those you just don't want to end and I find that rare nowadays.
Brilliant just brilliant. I had to read all of them. I was gripped from the first page of the first one. Thank you Megan Chance. You are an amazing writer. I lived this trilogy and loved it. One of those you just don't want to end and I find that rare nowadays.
September 3, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads. It is the third book in this series but the plot is not hard to follow. I would describe the book as historical fantasy, and Irish mythology. The main Character Grace has to learn some special powers to save the world.
September 18, 2015
Good concept, interesting story, generally well-told. I received this book through Goodreads giveaway. This book is good as a stand alone book but I wanted to buy the 1st 2 books in the series and read them as well.
September 17, 2015
I really had fun this trilogy! I "chanced" on Megan Chance at some point a year or so ago and have been thoroughly enjoying her books since. Is it the pinnacle of literary fiction or will it change your life? No, but it's a very fun read and I look forward to her coming out with yet more books!
October 3, 2015
I really wanted to love these books but I just can't get past three stars. I was sucked in by the story but at the same time irritated by some of the characters and the ultimate predictability of the ending. This was probably the best of the three books.
December 22, 2018
Brilliant
Ce!tic lore at its best, though it's not young adult fiction per se? Awesome story but all ages woul!d enjoy...not rife with sexual Syria's which is refreshing and the writing speaks for itself<3 Another outstanding work by Chance!!
Ce!tic lore at its best, though it's not young adult fiction per se? Awesome story but all ages woul!d enjoy...not rife with sexual Syria's which is refreshing and the writing speaks for itself<3 Another outstanding work by Chance!!
January 2, 2021
An addictive series
I could not stop reading book after book and the sadly I got to the end. I have to say I enjoyed every page. The writing is clear and so full of imagination and never was I confused about the characters. A compelling story. Thank you and now what ?
I could not stop reading book after book and the sadly I got to the end. I have to say I enjoyed every page. The writing is clear and so full of imagination and never was I confused about the characters. A compelling story. Thank you and now what ?
March 30, 2019
I thought it was a great book, my only issue is the ending of her and Diarmid. Though they had a good love story, I don’t think it’s realistic that she could overcome his role in the death of her mother, no matter that it was necessary. I think sometimes it’s hard to write the tragedy that is life and love so I think it was a missed opportunity and lessens the impact of her mothers sacrifice. Forgiving him after only months seems unrealistic. Also, the fact that their love was represented with passion and fear doesn’t seem like a good love to me. Though she didn’t love Patrick, she did feel safe with him which I think is what real love should be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
Amazing series
I waited until I finished the series before writing this review; but I enjoyed everyone of the three books in this trilogy. Full of magic and reality, pain, loss, love and uncertainty, the world Megan Chance has created here is wondrous and terrifying, heartbreaking and ultimately full also of joy and hope and the bravery of the human heart. It made me cry; which is a rarity -- it also made me read the three books in a twenty-four hour period. Brava.
I waited until I finished the series before writing this review; but I enjoyed everyone of the three books in this trilogy. Full of magic and reality, pain, loss, love and uncertainty, the world Megan Chance has created here is wondrous and terrifying, heartbreaking and ultimately full also of joy and hope and the bravery of the human heart. It made me cry; which is a rarity -- it also made me read the three books in a twenty-four hour period. Brava.
April 21, 2019
I needed a happy ending for Patrick who I was hoping ended up with someone better than Grace. What a terrible fate to have to protect a woman who cheated and played with your emotions like that. If that was a man, we would be treating her far differently.
Wasn’t a fan of Grace or Derry. I’ve never been. Fan of centuries old men having sex with seventeen year olds.
Wasn’t a fan of Grace or Derry. I’ve never been. Fan of centuries old men having sex with seventeen year olds.
December 8, 2019
i enjoyed this last installment in the series. the main character was able to come into her own and steer her own course to a greater degree (not easy -or even accepted- in that time period). The big reveal at the end of the book felt abrupt but also like the characters should have seen it coming, which was a little disappointing. but the ride was fun, so i largely overlooked it.
January 11, 2023
Loved this series.
All 3 books took me 2 days to read. Just couldn't put it down. And no, they aren't short books. But this series was a combination of genres I really enjoy...both the era, and the magic. If you like historical (with, or without a lot of historical references) fiction, and fantasy, you should enjoy this series too. YA books too young for you? I'm in my 60s
All 3 books took me 2 days to read. Just couldn't put it down. And no, they aren't short books. But this series was a combination of genres I really enjoy...both the era, and the magic. If you like historical (with, or without a lot of historical references) fiction, and fantasy, you should enjoy this series too. YA books too young for you? I'm in my 60s
August 14, 2018
Cute story
Not super intense but pretty well written.
I think I was very intrigued on book one and book two I saw it wasn't taking the leap I was hoping for. Yet, it was good enough to keep me reading until the end.
Not super intense but pretty well written.
I think I was very intrigued on book one and book two I saw it wasn't taking the leap I was hoping for. Yet, it was good enough to keep me reading until the end.
July 29, 2019
Fun Trilogy
If you read to escape to a different place and time then you'll like this. Old New York, Irish legends, and magic. If you like Nora Roberts books with characters that have magic powers, this is very similar. Nothing earth shattering, but fun escapism.
If you read to escape to a different place and time then you'll like this. Old New York, Irish legends, and magic. If you like Nora Roberts books with characters that have magic powers, this is very similar. Nothing earth shattering, but fun escapism.
June 27, 2017
A great ending to this trilogy. Love how Megan Chance brought everything and everyone together in the end.
January 2, 2018
Loved the series...especially the tie-in with the past.
August 7, 2018
Great YA series
September 16, 2020
Amazing conclusion
These books keep getting better.
I've read this series multiple times and it's always enjoyable.
The audio narration is spot on.
These books keep getting better.
I've read this series multiple times and it's always enjoyable.
The audio narration is spot on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews