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Growing Veil #3
Bloodlust: A Dark Gothic Coming of Age Fantasy
The Veil descends with monsters in its wake, swallowing the world in wolves and white. Starvation and the promise of monsters threaten humanity as the Veil grows, heralding eternal winter, and if Faron does nothing everyone will die. Armed with secrets to forever change the world, Faron must choose between abandoning humanity to certain extinction, or slaughtering thousands of innocents and subjugating all who remain to save them.
Harrowed by the truth of his family and the weight of nations, Faron must become the thing he hates most if there’s any chance of saving humanity from the growing Veil…
Even if it kills him.
Harrowed by the truth of his family and the weight of nations, Faron must become the thing he hates most if there’s any chance of saving humanity from the growing Veil…
Even if it kills him.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2021
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Howard
4 books246 followersI'm T.S. Howard, and I am, above all else, a storyteller. I see stories with my two children, who I love unreasonably, with my wife, who is a grand adventure by herself, and in my daily duties. I see stories in the world around me and feel them burn inside until I can put them to page. I see stories in the faces of those I pass who I don't know and in the lives of those I do. Stories are my life, and it is my undying goal to make them a part of yours.
Ever since the second grade, I knew what I wanted to be: a bestselling author, and I dedicate most of my time to that pursuit. It isn't a vanity or desire to be a household name that drives me, but that same desire for my characters, their names, and their stories.
Still, we aren't only defined by our largest goals. When I'm not writing, I'm tending to my family, obsessing over the quality of coffee and various cheeses (I am, after all, a millennial), and playing as a hobbyist geologist. I am untenably obsessed with garnets and other gemstones and almost always carry one with me. Similarly, if you see me without my headphones, you can safely understand that I'm having an off-day. Finally, when I'm not writing, reading, cooking, cleaning, looking for something shiny, or listening to music, I'm probably getting my ass kicked in an FPS game online.
I'm T.S Howard and if you'd like to stay updated with my latest work, you can find me at tshoward.co.
Ever since the second grade, I knew what I wanted to be: a bestselling author, and I dedicate most of my time to that pursuit. It isn't a vanity or desire to be a household name that drives me, but that same desire for my characters, their names, and their stories.
Still, we aren't only defined by our largest goals. When I'm not writing, I'm tending to my family, obsessing over the quality of coffee and various cheeses (I am, after all, a millennial), and playing as a hobbyist geologist. I am untenably obsessed with garnets and other gemstones and almost always carry one with me. Similarly, if you see me without my headphones, you can safely understand that I'm having an off-day. Finally, when I'm not writing, reading, cooking, cleaning, looking for something shiny, or listening to music, I'm probably getting my ass kicked in an FPS game online.
I'm T.S Howard and if you'd like to stay updated with my latest work, you can find me at tshoward.co.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 8, 2021
One word to sum this book up. Amazing.
I don't want to say much about the actual story as this is book three of a trilogy and so much happened in the first two to lead us to where we are now. However, I can safely say I laughed, and cried, along with our characters on this journey.
They say 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' will this be the case for them.... the decisions our characters need to make - and live with - are just so difficult and I really felt for them. I felt their turmoil in choosing between right and wrong, and straddling the fine lines between good and evil, and love and hate.
Really a story about family (for better or worse) and finding yourself in the hardest of times. What are you willing to do for what needs to be done...
I don't want to say much about the actual story as this is book three of a trilogy and so much happened in the first two to lead us to where we are now. However, I can safely say I laughed, and cried, along with our characters on this journey.
They say 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' will this be the case for them.... the decisions our characters need to make - and live with - are just so difficult and I really felt for them. I felt their turmoil in choosing between right and wrong, and straddling the fine lines between good and evil, and love and hate.
Really a story about family (for better or worse) and finding yourself in the hardest of times. What are you willing to do for what needs to be done...
October 6, 2021
I can't give too much information about this book in my review because of spoilers but I can say YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES. I thoroughly enjoyed books 1 and 2 in the series and had no idea how TS Howard was going to pull it all together in this last book of the trilogy. But he did - and did so beautifully. I felt like every loose end was wrapped up in such a profound, powerful, and poetic way.
There were moments in this book that enraged me and then those that brought me to tears. Howard really takes the readers on an emotional journey in Bloodlust. The tension remains high until the final chapters. And let me just say the writing in this book was spectacular. Some lines literally took my breath away.
Even if you're not a huge fantasy fan (like me), definitely check this series out. You won't regret it.
There were moments in this book that enraged me and then those that brought me to tears. Howard really takes the readers on an emotional journey in Bloodlust. The tension remains high until the final chapters. And let me just say the writing in this book was spectacular. Some lines literally took my breath away.
Even if you're not a huge fantasy fan (like me), definitely check this series out. You won't regret it.
September 6, 2021
Five Stars, Must read, I promise you it’s worth it! Book three is by far the best book in the series!
Bloodlust, book three In the growing veil trilogy does not disappoint. In keeping with the progression of each book getting better than the last bloodlust sends readers out with a bang. For someone like me who has suffered a lot of personal tragedy, internal moral conflict and questioned many choices and decisions in life, this story truly resonated with me. It has been a beautiful journey. Going in to book three I was nervous about the direction the story could take. I found myself extremely conflicted with what I wanted to happen and what I thought should happen morally. I think that is possibly the whole point of the story, to make the reader feel like they are in the mind of the main character Faron feeling the struggle of his choices and questioning their own morality. Things to look forward to in this book; Synick!!!! If you thought you loved him before buckle up because his story takes on a life of it’s own (spin off novella???) and the revelations we are shown about him and the heartbreaking sacrifices he makes, the love and loyalty he has to his “found family” made this book. Expect to see Revenge, Action, Suspense, Romance and so much more! This book was a beautiful ending to a series that I fell in love with. Do yourself a favor and read this book, you won’t regret it.
Bloodlust, book three In the growing veil trilogy does not disappoint. In keeping with the progression of each book getting better than the last bloodlust sends readers out with a bang. For someone like me who has suffered a lot of personal tragedy, internal moral conflict and questioned many choices and decisions in life, this story truly resonated with me. It has been a beautiful journey. Going in to book three I was nervous about the direction the story could take. I found myself extremely conflicted with what I wanted to happen and what I thought should happen morally. I think that is possibly the whole point of the story, to make the reader feel like they are in the mind of the main character Faron feeling the struggle of his choices and questioning their own morality. Things to look forward to in this book; Synick!!!! If you thought you loved him before buckle up because his story takes on a life of it’s own (spin off novella???) and the revelations we are shown about him and the heartbreaking sacrifices he makes, the love and loyalty he has to his “found family” made this book. Expect to see Revenge, Action, Suspense, Romance and so much more! This book was a beautiful ending to a series that I fell in love with. Do yourself a favor and read this book, you won’t regret it.
September 4, 2021
Phenomenal world building! Deep emotional characters. Evil is evil, even if you chose the lesser evil. How do you choose who lives or dies? Bloodlust has all this wrapped into one book! It's dark and unsettling at points, but the way T.S. Howard has written it brings it all together in a way I did not see coming! Follow Faron and Snyicks journey into the Lost City. Secrets will be unveiled. Blood and chaos are unavoidable and the bond between family is challenged. Will the growing Veil devour all mankind? Or will Faron and Snyick find a way to save them?
September 7, 2021
I delved into this book with a mountain of apprehension: could the author wrap up such a beautifully written series with a third and final volume that equalled the amazement wrought by the first two?
The answer is simple: no. No, he didn't equal it, he -surpassed- it in the best work yet. Bloodlust brings the reader to joy and to tears. Following directly on the heels of its predecessor, it tells the heart- wrenching and yet hopeful end of Faron's journey. I could not put it down. Epic fantasy with addictive metaphor, this book is nothing but a fitting and fulfilling end. Beautifully written, I enjoyed every emotional moment through the Veil with Howard's strength of storytelling and fantasy. I can only suggest you read it at once.
The answer is simple: no. No, he didn't equal it, he -surpassed- it in the best work yet. Bloodlust brings the reader to joy and to tears. Following directly on the heels of its predecessor, it tells the heart- wrenching and yet hopeful end of Faron's journey. I could not put it down. Epic fantasy with addictive metaphor, this book is nothing but a fitting and fulfilling end. Beautifully written, I enjoyed every emotional moment through the Veil with Howard's strength of storytelling and fantasy. I can only suggest you read it at once.
September 10, 2021
Well folks, T.S. Howard has done it again. Another absolute masterpiece! I am not going to say much because I don't want to give anything away, but book 3 of The Growing Veil trilogy is the perfect conclusion to Faron's story.
By far the biggest theme of this series is morality and my man Faron is STRUGGLING. As we know, he was never really given a choice. He was sold into slavery and forced to steal, kill, and destroy for his master. Bloodlust is really no different. He is once again forced into a situation where he must make a choice, and either way people are going to be hurt.
My question to you, dear readers, is how far would YOU go? Would you commit genocide to save the entire world? Would you turn your back and let the world burn? Would you kill innocent people to save the lives of the people you love most in the world?
This epic conclusion gives us romance, BROmance, action, emotions (God the emotions 🥺), and... a choice. If you love epic fantasy, found family, and saving the world, this is the series for you.
(BTW: Tiberius, I'm gonna need a whole ass spin-off series for my man Synick. He deserves to be the main character for a few books 😉)
By far the biggest theme of this series is morality and my man Faron is STRUGGLING. As we know, he was never really given a choice. He was sold into slavery and forced to steal, kill, and destroy for his master. Bloodlust is really no different. He is once again forced into a situation where he must make a choice, and either way people are going to be hurt.
My question to you, dear readers, is how far would YOU go? Would you commit genocide to save the entire world? Would you turn your back and let the world burn? Would you kill innocent people to save the lives of the people you love most in the world?
This epic conclusion gives us romance, BROmance, action, emotions (God the emotions 🥺), and... a choice. If you love epic fantasy, found family, and saving the world, this is the series for you.
(BTW: Tiberius, I'm gonna need a whole ass spin-off series for my man Synick. He deserves to be the main character for a few books 😉)
September 10, 2021
I haven’t read a whole series as quick as this one in a long time. There’s so much going on in Bloodlust. The question of morality from multiple points of view is strong throughout and it pulls at you, challenging your own thoughts. What is the right path? There we’re many moments where the pace, the anxiety of the moment made it near impossible to put this book down. There were moments where I loved and hated characters all at once. Faron’s story is one of deep conviction, of absolute love and dedication, one that addresses how much a single person can bear a burden The story arc comes full circle in a very satisfying way, the beginning, the middle, the end, we’re perfect. Lastly , team Synick all the way. For me, Synick was the hero and I feel we all need a Synick in our lives.
October 22, 2021
What a thrilling end to the end of the trilogy! I am absolutly obsessed with the conversation around Morality, and the struggle to walk a corrupted moral path. I love the conversations between the characters so much, because we can see processing new information so well.
September 11, 2021
This is truly one of the most unique fantasy trilogies I have ever read. All three books are so incredibly good. T.S Howard knows how to create the best morally grey characters and world I have ever read.
This book makes you think it makes you feel. The writing is so well done. Every single character even small ones have such depth to them. I love the world building. This series is a must read.
This book makes you think it makes you feel. The writing is so well done. Every single character even small ones have such depth to them. I love the world building. This series is a must read.
September 20, 2021
5 Stars. Must Read. Amazing Conclusion to this adventure. The Growing Veil Trilogy!
I waited after finishing the last book with so many thoughts on how the story would continue. I didn’t expect this book at all. It gave everything it was supposed to and more. T.S. Howard is a genius of an author!
I will forever love and recommend!
I waited after finishing the last book with so many thoughts on how the story would continue. I didn’t expect this book at all. It gave everything it was supposed to and more. T.S. Howard is a genius of an author!
I will forever love and recommend!
October 11, 2021
What an ending!
First off, this book contains a multitude of feelings. Like. Faron is going to feel his feelings, and he’s going to feel them hard.
At first, I wasn’t sure where things were going, and as I progressed further into the book, and they were still working on the first conquest, it dawned on me that things were not going to turn out a particular way.
Synick is still my favourite person ever. Like, I think he’s one of my top literary characters. What a freaking guy!
I was so pleased with the ending. I was not sure if things would tie up well or not, as I was running out of book, but I feel satisfied that things were wrapped up well.
First off, this book contains a multitude of feelings. Like. Faron is going to feel his feelings, and he’s going to feel them hard.
At first, I wasn’t sure where things were going, and as I progressed further into the book, and they were still working on the first conquest, it dawned on me that things were not going to turn out a particular way.
Synick is still my favourite person ever. Like, I think he’s one of my top literary characters. What a freaking guy!
I was so pleased with the ending. I was not sure if things would tie up well or not, as I was running out of book, but I feel satisfied that things were wrapped up well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
Disappointing
The first book was good. The second less so and this one was a struggle to finish. It felt like 50% or more of this book was spent saying the same thing over and over for pages at a time while creating the weakest hero of all time. If the goal was to shine a light on mental illness, abuse, slavery, and other terrible things then congratulations. But it did not make for a good story. I skipped a lot of pages in an effort to get to the dialogue that continued the story.
The first book was good. The second less so and this one was a struggle to finish. It felt like 50% or more of this book was spent saying the same thing over and over for pages at a time while creating the weakest hero of all time. If the goal was to shine a light on mental illness, abuse, slavery, and other terrible things then congratulations. But it did not make for a good story. I skipped a lot of pages in an effort to get to the dialogue that continued the story.
September 6, 2021
Exceptional and heart wrenching, Howard brings us right to the edge with Bloodlust, the climactic end of his Growing Veil trilogy. Bloodlust will have you questioning your own morality, as you face the tough choices right along with Faron, Synick, and Vavelt. How do you weigh the cost of one life against another? How do you live with the choices you are forced to make? With the Evil in the world? Journey through the Veil and find out.
November 5, 2021
The author seems to consider that this book stands as his masterpiece. He is probably right. Coming of age stories are not always my cup of tea. Even if the previous books of the Growing Veil were very interesting, I feared that the end of the road would be boring. I was wrong. This book is simply splendid. Moral issues and depth of the characters improve the plot to such a degree that this story will be difficult to forget for those who will read it.
October 30, 2021
Brilliant
I rarely leaves reviews but these books are so worth it. They need more 5star reviews so here it is.
I rarely leaves reviews but these books are so worth it. They need more 5star reviews so here it is.
March 22, 2022
Amazing ending to the trilogy!
Wow!! I am speechless! This exceeded all of my expectations and more. What a wonderful story and I wish there was more.
Wow!! I am speechless! This exceeded all of my expectations and more. What a wonderful story and I wish there was more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews