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Beyond the Veil
When she falls for a man from a forbidden kingdom, will her magical gift betray her heart?
Gillian of Adelar has spent her whole life stuck behind her society’s walls. Fed up with her horrible and forced betrothal, the young woman’s only solace for the lonely song buried in her soul lies in her people’s few surviving artifacts. Needing an escape, she steps through an outlawed enchanted veil…and meets a handsome knight riding a majestic, gemstone-eyed eagle.
After returning home with only his secret letters to keep her newfound passion alive, Gillian fears the prejudices between their realms could mean a violent end to their off-limits love.
Can their desires defeat a poisoned history and sing a happily ever after?
Beyond the Veil is an epic short story of magic, courage, and love, and a prequel to Schulze's YA fantasy series, The Gailean Quartet. If you like bold characters, beautifully detailed worlds, and ancient rivalries, then you’ll adore Christine E. Schulze’s peek behind the curtain.
Read Beyond the Veil to see the splendor on the other side today!
Gillian of Adelar has spent her whole life stuck behind her society’s walls. Fed up with her horrible and forced betrothal, the young woman’s only solace for the lonely song buried in her soul lies in her people’s few surviving artifacts. Needing an escape, she steps through an outlawed enchanted veil…and meets a handsome knight riding a majestic, gemstone-eyed eagle.
After returning home with only his secret letters to keep her newfound passion alive, Gillian fears the prejudices between their realms could mean a violent end to their off-limits love.
Can their desires defeat a poisoned history and sing a happily ever after?
Beyond the Veil is an epic short story of magic, courage, and love, and a prequel to Schulze's YA fantasy series, The Gailean Quartet. If you like bold characters, beautifully detailed worlds, and ancient rivalries, then you’ll adore Christine E. Schulze’s peek behind the curtain.
Read Beyond the Veil to see the splendor on the other side today!
- GenresFantasy
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2013
34 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Christine E. Schulze
65 books406 followersHullo there, dear reader! Christine E. Schulze here, author of YA fantasy, as well as a few kids’ books about special needs. I’ve been living in castles, exploring magical worlds, and creating fantastical romances and adventures since I was too young to even write of such stories. My collection of YA and children's fantasy books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books that can all be read separately but also weave together to create a single, amazing fantasy.
One of my main aspirations for The Amielian Legacy is to create grand fantasy adventures with characters that connect with readers from diverse backgrounds. My current focus is to include racially diverse characters, as well as those with disabilities. The latter is inspired by my day job working with adults who have autism and other developmental disabilities at Trinity Services in Southern Illinois.
I draw much of my inspiration from favorite authors like Tolkien and Diana Wynne Jones, favorite games like The Legend of Zelda, and especially from the people in my life. Some of my exciting ventures include the publication of my award-winning Bloodmaiden, as well as The Gailean Quartet, my first series with Words Matter Publishing. My books for younger readers include In the Land of Giants and The Amazing Captain K.
I love connecting with new raeders! Come find me on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or at my author website: http://authorchristineschulze.com
On that note, God bless, happy reading, and may you be truly inspired! I’ll see you in my next book.
- Christine E. Schulze
One of my main aspirations for The Amielian Legacy is to create grand fantasy adventures with characters that connect with readers from diverse backgrounds. My current focus is to include racially diverse characters, as well as those with disabilities. The latter is inspired by my day job working with adults who have autism and other developmental disabilities at Trinity Services in Southern Illinois.
I draw much of my inspiration from favorite authors like Tolkien and Diana Wynne Jones, favorite games like The Legend of Zelda, and especially from the people in my life. Some of my exciting ventures include the publication of my award-winning Bloodmaiden, as well as The Gailean Quartet, my first series with Words Matter Publishing. My books for younger readers include In the Land of Giants and The Amazing Captain K.
I love connecting with new raeders! Come find me on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or at my author website: http://authorchristineschulze.com
On that note, God bless, happy reading, and may you be truly inspired! I’ll see you in my next book.
- Christine E. Schulze
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 29, 2015
Beyond the veil is a short magical tale of love and oppression set in a truly magical environment.
This story has a number of impressive strengths that make it an enjoyable read. Firstly, the writing style itself is very good, to the point and the diary format works well for this story. There are only a few characters but each are strong and easy to remember. I felt bad for Gillian and her oppression, which drew me into the story well. The characters have unique voices that make the story very realistic. What I liked most about this story was the original ideas. This consisted of the magical ideas in the world-building and the magical aspects in the love story. They were unique ideas and very beautiful.
There were a few things that didn’t sit right for me personally, but they are subjective and as I’m not really the target audience shouldn’t really be of any concern to the writer. The things I struggled with was the almost too fast pace of the love story, but as I said that’s just my opinion. Another thing I struggled with was wanting more background and context. I know this is just one short tale in a broad series so I’m sure the other tales clarify more about things like, why the different groups of people were separated? And, what exactly those who were suppressing certain people were doing that needed a rebellion?
Overall this is a very well written story and for the reasons mentioned above I did really enjoy it and found it interesting. Those within the target audience, and who really like a magical romantic story should certainly give this a read.
P.S the cover is beautiful.
This story has a number of impressive strengths that make it an enjoyable read. Firstly, the writing style itself is very good, to the point and the diary format works well for this story. There are only a few characters but each are strong and easy to remember. I felt bad for Gillian and her oppression, which drew me into the story well. The characters have unique voices that make the story very realistic. What I liked most about this story was the original ideas. This consisted of the magical ideas in the world-building and the magical aspects in the love story. They were unique ideas and very beautiful.
There were a few things that didn’t sit right for me personally, but they are subjective and as I’m not really the target audience shouldn’t really be of any concern to the writer. The things I struggled with was the almost too fast pace of the love story, but as I said that’s just my opinion. Another thing I struggled with was wanting more background and context. I know this is just one short tale in a broad series so I’m sure the other tales clarify more about things like, why the different groups of people were separated? And, what exactly those who were suppressing certain people were doing that needed a rebellion?
Overall this is a very well written story and for the reasons mentioned above I did really enjoy it and found it interesting. Those within the target audience, and who really like a magical romantic story should certainly give this a read.
P.S the cover is beautiful.
September 21, 2020
A riveting tale from a new to me author.
Feeling much like a bargaining chip in her father's attempt to forge an alliance, Gillian seeks to escape her unwanted betrothal by journeying through the veil. In the glen beyond, she meets Callum with whom she forms an immediate friendship, but since the two come from different worlds, falling in love would brand them both as traitors. With mounting threats against them, Gillian makes a desperate attempt to build a new life for herself with Callum, but is such a thing even possible? With a rebellion on their hands and enemies eager to force them apart, will they have a shot at the future they long for together?
This story offers a vivid and compelling introduction to the Gailean Quartet series - a wonderful fantasy adventure romance that will leave you eager for more.
Feeling much like a bargaining chip in her father's attempt to forge an alliance, Gillian seeks to escape her unwanted betrothal by journeying through the veil. In the glen beyond, she meets Callum with whom she forms an immediate friendship, but since the two come from different worlds, falling in love would brand them both as traitors. With mounting threats against them, Gillian makes a desperate attempt to build a new life for herself with Callum, but is such a thing even possible? With a rebellion on their hands and enemies eager to force them apart, will they have a shot at the future they long for together?
This story offers a vivid and compelling introduction to the Gailean Quartet series - a wonderful fantasy adventure romance that will leave you eager for more.
May 22, 2024
As part of her duty as Princess, Gillian must marry someone she does not love. Then one day after meeting someone from a foreign land, she decides she does not want to follow what the rules say and attempts to run away to follow her heart.
I understand this is a prequel, but I have a lot of questions. I feel like it jumped around a lot and all sense of time was lost. I also am interested to see how this ties in to the series.
I understand this is a prequel, but I have a lot of questions. I feel like it jumped around a lot and all sense of time was lost. I also am interested to see how this ties in to the series.
December 28, 2018
Love comes in all different forms, so too does prejudice in this case. It's interesting to see that not all things in the Time Dancers Anthology was rainbows and butterflies, some stories such as this has darker undertones of the sort of prejudices that regular people face in their daily lives whether approving of the type of people someone wants to marry, a change in religion, etc.
Not only is the idea of prejudice and fighting prejudice interesting but there is something about this story that seems like Dream Catcher, Heart Listener in the sense that a "veil" as a door to the other world is something that can only be speculated at like a person who is not blind can only speculate if someone who is blind dreams and can see in their dreams. The authors stories convey a message and in this case that message redefines the ability of human kindness in loving without fear and fighting the ideas of those who are more narrow minded and set in their ways, sometimes the greatest triumph is not shown through direct conflict but through prejudice which has shown itself more often in this anthology than in some of the other stories by this author showing the adaptability of her skill as a writer.
Overall Beyond the Veil is an enchanting adventure filled with challenging tasks such as standing up to those who wish to control your life and allowing love to shine through and conquer the day.
Not only is the idea of prejudice and fighting prejudice interesting but there is something about this story that seems like Dream Catcher, Heart Listener in the sense that a "veil" as a door to the other world is something that can only be speculated at like a person who is not blind can only speculate if someone who is blind dreams and can see in their dreams. The authors stories convey a message and in this case that message redefines the ability of human kindness in loving without fear and fighting the ideas of those who are more narrow minded and set in their ways, sometimes the greatest triumph is not shown through direct conflict but through prejudice which has shown itself more often in this anthology than in some of the other stories by this author showing the adaptability of her skill as a writer.
Overall Beyond the Veil is an enchanting adventure filled with challenging tasks such as standing up to those who wish to control your life and allowing love to shine through and conquer the day.
December 3, 2020
This novela was very interesting. It was my first time reading this series but I have already downloaded Prelude of Fire and can not wait to dive into this series. Thanks #goodreadsgiveaway for introducing me to this series!
December 5, 2020
Interesting story
Interesting story involving magic and forbidden love. It definitely intrigued me enough that I will check out the rest of the series.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
Interesting story involving magic and forbidden love. It definitely intrigued me enough that I will check out the rest of the series.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
January 27, 2021
This book was pretty good!
The only reason why I gave it 4 stars was because I'm not into fantasy.
But other that that it would diff be a 5 stars.
The only reason why I gave it 4 stars was because I'm not into fantasy.
But other that that it would diff be a 5 stars.
December 12, 2024
Epic!!!! What a fabulous little Prequel. I did read Prelude of Fire first and I feel its okay to do it (read them) either way, like whoch ever one comes to your hands first, lol.
But it did leave me wanting more! Like what happens next?!?!?
But it did leave me wanting more! Like what happens next?!?!?
December 13, 2024
Awesome little prequel!! Love Christine’s writing ✨ I absolutely loved prelude of fire so now going back to the origin stories is amazing my only ‘complaint’… it was to short 🤣❤️
November 18, 2020
Interesting fantasy world
This read was such a great tease. I want to know more about the races, the magic, the creatures, and even the geography. How did the world get like that? I loved that part of the romance was a series of letters over time. All in all a fun hour. Thank you.
This read was such a great tease. I want to know more about the races, the magic, the creatures, and even the geography. How did the world get like that? I loved that part of the romance was a series of letters over time. All in all a fun hour. Thank you.
April 24, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I have read and enjoyed several short stories and novellas by this author before, so when I was approached about reading another short story, I immediately jumped at the chance... and I did really enjoy reading this short story.
I have to say, though, that this felt more like a teaser. Using the diary entry format to tell Gillian's story was a good style choice, but it did mean that a lot of the relationship between her and Callum was just glossed over. I felt that this story could have been extended a bit longer and it would have been good to see some of the letters they'd exchanged.
The concept of Gillian's kind being changed when they started to develop feelings for someone outside their race was a pretty intriguing one. I also liked her magical ability. The fact that she could use her voice to charm people was something I would have liked to see a bit more of, so I could see more of the limitations and how well-rounded her ability was.
I did think that Gillian and Callum were more open with each other than they probably should have been. I could understand that with Gillian, in a way... but it didn't seem to work so well with Callum blurting everything to someone he didn't know.
I would have liked to see a bit more of Gillian's father as a more well-rounded character, as some attempt was made to do that with the man Gillian was supposed to marry.
This short story did succeed in firing my interest to read more of the books by this author. This was a really quick and easy read and I felt it was a good introduction for someone new to this author's writing. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I have read and enjoyed several short stories and novellas by this author before, so when I was approached about reading another short story, I immediately jumped at the chance... and I did really enjoy reading this short story.
I have to say, though, that this felt more like a teaser. Using the diary entry format to tell Gillian's story was a good style choice, but it did mean that a lot of the relationship between her and Callum was just glossed over. I felt that this story could have been extended a bit longer and it would have been good to see some of the letters they'd exchanged.
The concept of Gillian's kind being changed when they started to develop feelings for someone outside their race was a pretty intriguing one. I also liked her magical ability. The fact that she could use her voice to charm people was something I would have liked to see a bit more of, so I could see more of the limitations and how well-rounded her ability was.
I did think that Gillian and Callum were more open with each other than they probably should have been. I could understand that with Gillian, in a way... but it didn't seem to work so well with Callum blurting everything to someone he didn't know.
I would have liked to see a bit more of Gillian's father as a more well-rounded character, as some attempt was made to do that with the man Gillian was supposed to marry.
This short story did succeed in firing my interest to read more of the books by this author. This was a really quick and easy read and I felt it was a good introduction for someone new to this author's writing. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
April 23, 2015
I really liked the story and I was able to enjoy it during one sitting. It is a great story for those of us who don't want to or have the time to go through 300+ pages. The relationship between Gillian and Callum is very sweet. One of the things I liked about the story was that although Gillian could see that Donyon had some sort of affection for her she still stayed strong in her decision not to marry him. Gillian is intuitive, but strong in her beliefs. In Callum we see someone who holds strong beliefs and a great passion for what would be for the greater good of his home kingdom. With the two and the creativeness of the author we get a wonderful short story which will hopefully grow into a longer series so we can watch the progress of Gillian and Callum.
*I received the advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review*
*I received the advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2020
I don’t usually read short stories. Sometimes they have a bad habit of rushing to conclude and they leave me unsatisfied. That said, I enjoyed Beyond the Veil. It was a quick read and I finished it in less than an hour. The story is a simple one about a girl whose father is forcing her to marry a man she despises. Her only sanctuary is the Veil, a magical portal that transports her to a place of safety and freedom.
I really appreciate the choices made with the antagonist in this story because he’s not just evil for the sake of being evil. He’s bad, yes, but there’s still some humanity to him. Her dad won’t get the same sympathy from me though.
I also like that this story ends, and yet nods to a much bigger and more complex world.
Pick this one up if you’re looking for a quick fantasy read that won’t tie your brain in knots. There’s definitely something interesting going on here.
April 6, 2015
"Beyond The Veil" is a magical story about love that can be found in unexpected places. Jillian of Adelar sneaks beyond the veil and discovers a magical place where she meets Callum. They are intrigued and fascinated with each other and make plans to meet again. Jillian knowing she is doing something that is forbidden, but can't seem to stop. She is just so unhappy about being forced into marrying a man she detests. Going beyond the veil is her way of escaping from her fears and thoughts about her future.
"Beyond The Veil" is a well written short story about prejudicey and how unjust people can be towards other races.
"Beyond The Veil" is a well written short story about prejudicey and how unjust people can be towards other races.
October 9, 2020
This was an interesting tale. It is a prequel to the authors book series.
The magic and races in the world are very interesting. I really like the idea of the race changing appearance as they fall in love.
There were a lot of sections and scenes that I would have liked to see more developed, but were glossed over due to the short story format.
I recieved this for free through voracious readers.
The magic and races in the world are very interesting. I really like the idea of the race changing appearance as they fall in love.
There were a lot of sections and scenes that I would have liked to see more developed, but were glossed over due to the short story format.
I recieved this for free through voracious readers.
July 31, 2019
A magical story, filled with heart-stopping moments and incredible world-building. I am keen to read further in the series to discover more of the places described. The incredible eagle, and the veil itself both captured my imagination. The darker elements of this story are hinted at, but I am hoping to discover more in the rest of the series. A great prequel.
March 27, 2015
This short story was beautifully written. It is fantasy and the
world is so well described that I felt I could see it. I will definitely be reading most books and stories by this author to see more of this world!
world is so well described that I felt I could see it. I will definitely be reading most books and stories by this author to see more of this world!
September 18, 2020
This was a sweet quick story that has a lot of options. I enjoyed reading this. There is room for improvement with setting and character development, but it wasn’t bad. I think the magic systems and structure of the locations were interesting and creative. Definitely left me wanting more.
March 30, 2015
I really enjoyed reading Beyond the Veil
I only wished that it was longer =)
Cant wait to read more.
I only wished that it was longer =)
Cant wait to read more.
January 9, 2019
A fantastic read, complex characters, the right touches of fantasy and some amazing, gritty conflict are explored
Could not reccommend highly enough
Could not reccommend highly enough
March 29, 2024
Gillian is the sheltered princess of Adelar and her father the king has promised her hand in marriage to a man she did not want to spend her life with. She dreamt of the world outside the castle's walls which had become like a prison to her, so one day she ventured into a prohibited chamber and walked through the veil into another kingdom. There she met Callum, a young scintillate who was rousing a rebellion in Rosa against the King and the close-minded people. They found they had so much in common wanting to live a life in freedom, however she could not remain with the boy she was falling in love with so she went back across the veil. Following the Adelarian way though she started to change and feared that Donyon, her betrothed would realise and know why she was changing in appearance. If this was brought to the notice of her father she would be severely punished but love and desperation lent her wings - literally. I really enjoyed this romantic and courageous tale whereby two young idealists strive for what they believed in, and I love Spectrum the beautiful eagle.
July 7, 2021
A great glimpse to an upcoming rebellion.
"It was a beautiful story to read. From their very first awkard encounter to the blossom of their friendship it was sweet and so romantic. How says letters are a waist of time? I mean it's old school romance so a classic.
The plot, it was a slow burn rebellion waiting to explode. I completely understood decision to rebel against the prision of her place. The arranged marriage was so unfair. Team Callum all the way! *wink wink*
But mostly it was an introduction to like I said a rebellion that's gonna change everything. More than being a romance story it was like having a special friend that encourages you to be strong and speak for yourself."
"It was a beautiful story to read. From their very first awkard encounter to the blossom of their friendship it was sweet and so romantic. How says letters are a waist of time? I mean it's old school romance so a classic.
The plot, it was a slow burn rebellion waiting to explode. I completely understood decision to rebel against the prision of her place. The arranged marriage was so unfair. Team Callum all the way! *wink wink*
But mostly it was an introduction to like I said a rebellion that's gonna change everything. More than being a romance story it was like having a special friend that encourages you to be strong and speak for yourself."
December 10, 2020
I honestly found this cheesy and not very well written, but it was heartfelt and sincere in a way that made it charming anyway. I've never read any of the author's other works, but I suspect part of the problem is that Schulze may be better suited to longer novels -- we were told too much that needed to be shown / explored in depth for us to be really invested, I think.
July 6, 2021
Have you ever wanted to just get away from the things in your life that your being forced into? This story is a young women who wants to escape her life and knows only one way to do it. Go through the veil, A fantasy that gives two people a chance at a new life, in a different place , perhaps a better future
February 29, 2024
I loved getting to read Beyond the Veil. This adorable romantasy is fast paced and can easily be read in an afternoon. It is the prequel to Prelude of Fire, the first book in The Galilean Quartet, and gives you just enough of a taste of the story to leave you wanting more. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking for an easy read that has both elements of fantasy and romance.
April 20, 2021
Capture my interest in the first few pages and has enticed me to read the rest of the series. The characters are compelling and I enjoy stories involving magic and forbidden love. And I especially like the idea of a way to travel to new worlds without using the airport.
April 24, 2021
I won this book free through goodreads. I liked the story and I liked Gillian and Callum. I just wanted more. Even though it's a novella and I liked it, it just wasn't enough for me. I'm hoping the next book has more.
July 1, 2021
Gillian wants to run from her controlling father and her betrothed. She decides to break the rules and travel through the Veil where she meets Callum. Callum is riding on an eagle when he meets the beautiful Gillian. Both of them long for freedom. Can they find it together?
July 4, 2021
This prologue of Gillian and Callum's story adeptly describes their differing worlds, including Gillian's physical changes and why. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about them, their struggles, and plans for the future.
July 5, 2021
Beyond the Veil what an awesome prequel! I loved reading it. Meeting Gillian and Callum and finding out their story had my heart reeling. I am so excited to see where this story will go from here. This is a total must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews