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The Valor of Valhalla #1
Beneath the Veil
In a battle between two ancient evils, can one naïve young man become the last hope against powerful creatures of legend?
David Dolan thinks he’s already got the world figured out. But when a collapsed bridge plunges him into the icy Hudson, he’s pulled deep into the deadly realm that exists between life and death. And with his earthly form trapped in a coma, he’s vulnerable to the horde of demons hell-bent on his utter destruction.
Traversing the road to the afterlife, David seeks the wisdom and skills he needs to fight the demonic forces reigning havoc on his allies above ground. But as one hellish threat closes in on his defenseless body, David must defeat another terrifying fiend waiting in the shadows to use him…
Can David escape the world beneath the veil in time to stop the bloodshed?
Beneath the Veil is the gripping first book in The Valor of Valhalla dark urban fantasy series. If you like reluctant heroes, infernal myths, and bloody epic clashes, then you’ll love Martin Kearns’s formidable foray into the unknown.
David Dolan thinks he’s already got the world figured out. But when a collapsed bridge plunges him into the icy Hudson, he’s pulled deep into the deadly realm that exists between life and death. And with his earthly form trapped in a coma, he’s vulnerable to the horde of demons hell-bent on his utter destruction.
Traversing the road to the afterlife, David seeks the wisdom and skills he needs to fight the demonic forces reigning havoc on his allies above ground. But as one hellish threat closes in on his defenseless body, David must defeat another terrifying fiend waiting in the shadows to use him…
Can David escape the world beneath the veil in time to stop the bloodshed?
Beneath the Veil is the gripping first book in The Valor of Valhalla dark urban fantasy series. If you like reluctant heroes, infernal myths, and bloody epic clashes, then you’ll love Martin Kearns’s formidable foray into the unknown.
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First published October 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 6, 2022
While most of us were stockpiling toilet paper during the 2020 quarantine, Martin Kearns was writing a book. I wanted to finish this book in one day but also I wanted to savor it. The imagery, the characters, and the mythology. *chefs kiss* I enjoyed the romance between the main character and his girlfriend, and the new found romance between David’s mother and the detective. There are many nods to pop culture, books, and music in this book. I want this author to get the recognition he deserves so that we can all see this series come to life on the big screen!
October 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Beneath the Veil is a dark urban fantasy story set in the US, book one of the Valor of Valhalla series. It opens with the dramatic aftermath of a road bridge collapse; David’s car is sinking into the Hudson river.
Watching the episode are a pair of supernatural beings; events get stranger when David is found upstream. He is taken to hospital but remains in a coma.
David’s girlfriend Rose works as a waitress; her shift is unusually quiet, but one customer is eating his way through the menu. When his behaviour turns nasty, horrors erupt which few could have anticipated. All around strange incidents are happening and people are disappearing.
David’s coma is also unnatural as he is gaining muscle and height, and his vital signs have the doctors excited about new medical history data.
The story provides the reader with a great mix of mythology and the supernatural, with a focus on Norse mythology. The narrative goes between David’s story from his position in a coma and the ‘real-world’ for his mother Chelsea, Rose and a retired detective. Of the two parts, I found that I preferred David’s adventures as they followed the mythological path, where the real world setting tended towards the horror genre.
I liked the Valhalla scenes particularly, while some of the journey to that point got a bit tedious. I wasn’t a fan of the constant mentioning of shows, films and books because I hadn’t seen or read them, so certain references meant nothing to me. A few times I thought that David came across as rather too perfect; even a hero needs to stay believable. However, these were just small issues.
Overall, a good start to a series and one recommended for fans of Norse mythology.
Beneath the Veil is a dark urban fantasy story set in the US, book one of the Valor of Valhalla series. It opens with the dramatic aftermath of a road bridge collapse; David’s car is sinking into the Hudson river.
Watching the episode are a pair of supernatural beings; events get stranger when David is found upstream. He is taken to hospital but remains in a coma.
David’s girlfriend Rose works as a waitress; her shift is unusually quiet, but one customer is eating his way through the menu. When his behaviour turns nasty, horrors erupt which few could have anticipated. All around strange incidents are happening and people are disappearing.
David’s coma is also unnatural as he is gaining muscle and height, and his vital signs have the doctors excited about new medical history data.
The story provides the reader with a great mix of mythology and the supernatural, with a focus on Norse mythology. The narrative goes between David’s story from his position in a coma and the ‘real-world’ for his mother Chelsea, Rose and a retired detective. Of the two parts, I found that I preferred David’s adventures as they followed the mythological path, where the real world setting tended towards the horror genre.
I liked the Valhalla scenes particularly, while some of the journey to that point got a bit tedious. I wasn’t a fan of the constant mentioning of shows, films and books because I hadn’t seen or read them, so certain references meant nothing to me. A few times I thought that David came across as rather too perfect; even a hero needs to stay believable. However, these were just small issues.
Overall, a good start to a series and one recommended for fans of Norse mythology.
September 26, 2021
Beneath The Veil by Martin Kearns is a unique urban fantasy book that has bucket loads of demons, epic battles and some old as well as new myths that makes it a very entertaining read.
I loved the world-building in this book and the writing was great and complimented the plot very well. The characters were solid and well-developed making it a very engaging and intriguing read, keeping me at the edge of my seat throughout the story. The ending was great and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I'd definitely recommend this book to all urban fantasy readers as well readers who are looking to explore a new dark fantasy series by a new author.
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com
I loved the world-building in this book and the writing was great and complimented the plot very well. The characters were solid and well-developed making it a very engaging and intriguing read, keeping me at the edge of my seat throughout the story. The ending was great and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I'd definitely recommend this book to all urban fantasy readers as well readers who are looking to explore a new dark fantasy series by a new author.
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com
February 19, 2023
Well written fantasy novel with great description and intriguing characters. Looking forward to reading book 2
February 25, 2022
Very well written with a lot of action and build up. It has a lot of mythology and legends involved. Can’t wait to read part 2!
December 11, 2023
This intriguing tale of mythological beings introduces what promises to be an exhilarating saga.
A bridge collapse drops David Dolan and numerous other upstate New York drivers into the ice-cold river below. David winds up in a coma at a local hospital. Though he’s very much alive, he awakens in a world seemingly between life and death. A ferryman takes him to Jacob, a kindhearted angel, who guides him to an unknown destination. According to Jacob, David is “important,” but the angel otherwise remains cryptic. This realm teems with lost souls and various entities, from chimeras to archangels and monsters. Some of these have made their ways to Earth, like the vicious demon that attacks and eats diners at the Hooters-style restaurant where David’s girlfriend, Rose, works. Such unexplained assaults overwhelm the state of New York, and Rose and David’s mother, Chelsea, take it upon themselves to investigate. They’re capable women who align with Chelsea’s romantic interest, Department of Homeland Security Det. Brendan Dodd, who looked into the bridge collapse. Back in “the macabre purgatory,” David’s meandering journey leads him to Valhalla, where he mingles with dead warriors from different countries and eras. Some train David in weapons and combat, as the young man harbors a “fighting spirit.” He joins others in battling monsters to make it past Valhalla, where David believes his destiny awaits. But if David dies on the battlefield, will he be “reborn” like the warrior souls of Valhalla? And will he ever return to his reality and see Rose and Chelsea again?
Kearns deftly introduces an epic and avoids cramming this engaging series opener with characters and plot. David’s odyssey, for example, consists of a relatively quiet hike with Jacob, and his time in Valhalla zeroes in on only the few warriors he befriends. Similarly, the author keeps the real-world action primarily in New York and, despite hordes of murderous beasts, ensures that one memorable, scheming baddie stands out. The narrative aptly fuses mythologies. Alongside Norse myths, there are Islamic jinns (spirits) as well as the ferocious, water-dwelling bunyip of Australian Aboriginal folklore. Theologies, too, share the spotlight. Jacob describes earthly religions as alternative versions of the same story. While the varied beliefs spark copious scenes of characters explaining things (courtesy of Jacob or a demonologist friend of Chelsea’s), action intermittently bursts in New York and Valhalla. These kinetic sequences feature Kearns’ tightly paced battles and training episodes: “Without thinking, David flipped his weapon to the other hand, stepped back from the snare of the spearhead, and ran down the length of its shaft. The pikeman’s head rolled through the sand before David could take the measure of his own actions.” Valhalla boasts a diverse batch of warriors, including a katana-wielding samurai and a Russian soldier who was killed by a Nazi sniper. Throughout the story, David questions why he’s in this ostensible purgatory, and the novel’s ambiguity may confuse readers as much as it does the hero. But the frenzied final act hints at David’s purpose and makes it clear where the sequel is headed. - Kirkusreviews
“There’s something happening out there. It’s hard to explain, but you can feel it.” What is happening begins with a bridge collapsing into the murky depths of the Hudson. David Dolan is an easygoing guy known for his warmth, kindness, and wry sense of humor. He has no idea that the horrific destruction of a bridge filled with oblivious commuters was perpetrated specifically against him. When his unconscious body is found on the bank of the river, his longtime girlfriend and no-nonsense mother are immediately notified. An intense investigation surrounding the collapsed bridge leaves David as a person of interest. Rumors of strange things happening around the city become real life horrors, all while David’s physical body remains in a coma. Neither dead nor alive exactly, David embarks on a journey that will change everything. His eyes are opened to truths about himself and about realms unseen, revealing a plot and purpose larger than any mere mortal can bear.
Beneath the Veil is an entirely original novel that brings together elements of fantasy, mystery and dark horror. The premise is broadly about good versus evil, however very few characters fall wholly into either category. So often, writers exploit religion as an easy source of derision and mockery, but Kearns utilizes religions such as Christianity and Buddhism in a respectful manner. Furthermore, he adds in a generous measure of mythology and fable to create a sturdy urban fantasy filled with a likable cast that is punctuated by one particularly abysmal villain. Especially impressive is the skill Kearns displays in his rich and disturbing descriptions. It’s been a while since a book really scared me, but Beneath the Veil is legitimately frightening as graphic battles between unimaginable creatures are waged on earth and beyond. And the characters in David’s life are meticulously constructed, so much so that readers will be emotionally invested in even the tiny kernel of a relationship that is developing between an open-minded detective and David’s mother. A supernatural detective story with earth-shattering ramifications, Beneath the Veil is brilliantly conceived and fiercely told. - R.C Gibson ~ Indies Today
A bridge collapse drops David Dolan and numerous other upstate New York drivers into the ice-cold river below. David winds up in a coma at a local hospital. Though he’s very much alive, he awakens in a world seemingly between life and death. A ferryman takes him to Jacob, a kindhearted angel, who guides him to an unknown destination. According to Jacob, David is “important,” but the angel otherwise remains cryptic. This realm teems with lost souls and various entities, from chimeras to archangels and monsters. Some of these have made their ways to Earth, like the vicious demon that attacks and eats diners at the Hooters-style restaurant where David’s girlfriend, Rose, works. Such unexplained assaults overwhelm the state of New York, and Rose and David’s mother, Chelsea, take it upon themselves to investigate. They’re capable women who align with Chelsea’s romantic interest, Department of Homeland Security Det. Brendan Dodd, who looked into the bridge collapse. Back in “the macabre purgatory,” David’s meandering journey leads him to Valhalla, where he mingles with dead warriors from different countries and eras. Some train David in weapons and combat, as the young man harbors a “fighting spirit.” He joins others in battling monsters to make it past Valhalla, where David believes his destiny awaits. But if David dies on the battlefield, will he be “reborn” like the warrior souls of Valhalla? And will he ever return to his reality and see Rose and Chelsea again?
Kearns deftly introduces an epic and avoids cramming this engaging series opener with characters and plot. David’s odyssey, for example, consists of a relatively quiet hike with Jacob, and his time in Valhalla zeroes in on only the few warriors he befriends. Similarly, the author keeps the real-world action primarily in New York and, despite hordes of murderous beasts, ensures that one memorable, scheming baddie stands out. The narrative aptly fuses mythologies. Alongside Norse myths, there are Islamic jinns (spirits) as well as the ferocious, water-dwelling bunyip of Australian Aboriginal folklore. Theologies, too, share the spotlight. Jacob describes earthly religions as alternative versions of the same story. While the varied beliefs spark copious scenes of characters explaining things (courtesy of Jacob or a demonologist friend of Chelsea’s), action intermittently bursts in New York and Valhalla. These kinetic sequences feature Kearns’ tightly paced battles and training episodes: “Without thinking, David flipped his weapon to the other hand, stepped back from the snare of the spearhead, and ran down the length of its shaft. The pikeman’s head rolled through the sand before David could take the measure of his own actions.” Valhalla boasts a diverse batch of warriors, including a katana-wielding samurai and a Russian soldier who was killed by a Nazi sniper. Throughout the story, David questions why he’s in this ostensible purgatory, and the novel’s ambiguity may confuse readers as much as it does the hero. But the frenzied final act hints at David’s purpose and makes it clear where the sequel is headed. - Kirkusreviews
“There’s something happening out there. It’s hard to explain, but you can feel it.” What is happening begins with a bridge collapsing into the murky depths of the Hudson. David Dolan is an easygoing guy known for his warmth, kindness, and wry sense of humor. He has no idea that the horrific destruction of a bridge filled with oblivious commuters was perpetrated specifically against him. When his unconscious body is found on the bank of the river, his longtime girlfriend and no-nonsense mother are immediately notified. An intense investigation surrounding the collapsed bridge leaves David as a person of interest. Rumors of strange things happening around the city become real life horrors, all while David’s physical body remains in a coma. Neither dead nor alive exactly, David embarks on a journey that will change everything. His eyes are opened to truths about himself and about realms unseen, revealing a plot and purpose larger than any mere mortal can bear.
Beneath the Veil is an entirely original novel that brings together elements of fantasy, mystery and dark horror. The premise is broadly about good versus evil, however very few characters fall wholly into either category. So often, writers exploit religion as an easy source of derision and mockery, but Kearns utilizes religions such as Christianity and Buddhism in a respectful manner. Furthermore, he adds in a generous measure of mythology and fable to create a sturdy urban fantasy filled with a likable cast that is punctuated by one particularly abysmal villain. Especially impressive is the skill Kearns displays in his rich and disturbing descriptions. It’s been a while since a book really scared me, but Beneath the Veil is legitimately frightening as graphic battles between unimaginable creatures are waged on earth and beyond. And the characters in David’s life are meticulously constructed, so much so that readers will be emotionally invested in even the tiny kernel of a relationship that is developing between an open-minded detective and David’s mother. A supernatural detective story with earth-shattering ramifications, Beneath the Veil is brilliantly conceived and fiercely told. - R.C Gibson ~ Indies Today
December 25, 2021
A thrilling ride from start to finish! Almost a modern retelling of Dante's Inferno with clever pop culture references, comic relief, and chilling creatures. Wonderfully written and incredibly descriptive, this book takes you into the world beyond the living and throws you into battle between good and evil. Definitely recommending this book to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy realism and ancient mythologies. Brilliant book!
November 6, 2021
See if I don't come back for the next one!
This is by far, not your average horror story. To start, you have an event straight out of a combination of final destination, flavored with a dash of Mothman Prophecies. But if you think that is the only wicked fierce blend of fiction seasoning, you are in for a shock. In the movie territory alone, I could easily imagine a minimal of five. That I could imagine it so clearly is what hurled me through page after page in a frenzy. This book is high on action, lore, and character growth and content.
If there is anything to complain about, it is that there is an event that might have pulled my heartstrings better, if it was witnessed. But these kinds of events have been tricky for a lot of story tellers to wield, anyway, so it will be given a pass from me.
But with so much looking like something from the Prophecy movies, (which I thoroughly enjoyed) I will be paying attention for the next book in the Valor of Valhalla series. Great work from Martin Kearns!
This is by far, not your average horror story. To start, you have an event straight out of a combination of final destination, flavored with a dash of Mothman Prophecies. But if you think that is the only wicked fierce blend of fiction seasoning, you are in for a shock. In the movie territory alone, I could easily imagine a minimal of five. That I could imagine it so clearly is what hurled me through page after page in a frenzy. This book is high on action, lore, and character growth and content.
If there is anything to complain about, it is that there is an event that might have pulled my heartstrings better, if it was witnessed. But these kinds of events have been tricky for a lot of story tellers to wield, anyway, so it will be given a pass from me.
But with so much looking like something from the Prophecy movies, (which I thoroughly enjoyed) I will be paying attention for the next book in the Valor of Valhalla series. Great work from Martin Kearns!
January 25, 2022
I received this book for free.
I thought this story was rather odd and somewhat confusing in parts. I did like the writing and the concept. The philosophy was sound and certainly thought-provoking. However, not everything concluded in a linear sense - but maybe that was just me not understanding?
David is part of a tragedy - a bridge collapses and there are numerous casualties; and questions. Why? We follow David's strange journey...
There are other characters connected to David, but their stories were inconclusive. The descriptions of the 'underworld' were atmospheric and mesmerising in places.
An odd story but worth a look.
I thought this story was rather odd and somewhat confusing in parts. I did like the writing and the concept. The philosophy was sound and certainly thought-provoking. However, not everything concluded in a linear sense - but maybe that was just me not understanding?
David is part of a tragedy - a bridge collapses and there are numerous casualties; and questions. Why? We follow David's strange journey...
There are other characters connected to David, but their stories were inconclusive. The descriptions of the 'underworld' were atmospheric and mesmerising in places.
An odd story but worth a look.
April 28, 2022
“Beneath the Veil” introduces David Dolan, a pretty normal guy. He’s a little impulsive, but he loves his family. His life changes when the bridge his car is on collapses into the Hudson River. David risks his life to try and save a young boy and then collapses. His body washes on shore upstream shortly after.
Overall, I found this story really intriguing and enjoyable. The author does a great job in including mythology and philosophy from different backgrounds and ideas. He also does a nice job in weaving together the fantastical portions of the story with the more realistic/present scenes. The main protagonist of David is well-developed as are the main ancillary characters of Rose, Chelsea, and Dodd. I truly enjoyed the banter between and amongst the four of them. The full blog post can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review. I ended up checking out the story on mixed platforms of audiobook and ebook.
Overall, I found this story really intriguing and enjoyable. The author does a great job in including mythology and philosophy from different backgrounds and ideas. He also does a nice job in weaving together the fantastical portions of the story with the more realistic/present scenes. The main protagonist of David is well-developed as are the main ancillary characters of Rose, Chelsea, and Dodd. I truly enjoyed the banter between and amongst the four of them. The full blog post can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review. I ended up checking out the story on mixed platforms of audiobook and ebook.
June 23, 2023
Great storyline... this tale allowed my imagination to wander in many directions as I made my way to the final pages.
January 12, 2023
Martin can turn a phrase and makes some interesting analogies that I enjoyed, having said that those same analogies took me out of the book.
He makes an interesting plot choice at the end of the book that I did not expect.
I liked the portrayal of valhalla to an extent, however I didn't feel there was any weight to the storylines there.
The monster scenes are well done and the best part of the book for me, some interesting plot choices in there too.
That's the good.
None of his characters feel distinct and they are all hyper-competent.
David the main character appears to be a completely perfect person and never seems to struggle.
Side characters often have the perfect recollection of very specific information to further the plot or had the perfect item to help the characters on hand. It didn't sell for me. (Spoiler example: the most egregious example of this was the witness, a random dog walker, who was able to explain that the driftwood was laying at the bank of the river in an unusual manner and also knew enough about thermite to advise on the temperature needed to mark the ground in such a way. He was also of course completely willing to divulge all of this information with little to no prompting from the detectives. He never showed up again)
Martin makes too much effort to ground the story of this book in the modern day real world, so much so that it takes me out of the books world. Mentions of reddit are not necessary.
I will also note that I listened to the audiobook and the reader was absolutely shocking. That perhaps tainted my view of the book.
Why you would choose an english reader to voice a cast of predominantly american characters is beyond me. The reader also chose some very odd ways to read certain lines eg. reading "911 what's your emergency?" as "nine eleven what's your emergency?" genuinely had me laughing out loud.
I wanted to like this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
He makes an interesting plot choice at the end of the book that I did not expect.
I liked the portrayal of valhalla to an extent, however I didn't feel there was any weight to the storylines there.
The monster scenes are well done and the best part of the book for me, some interesting plot choices in there too.
That's the good.
None of his characters feel distinct and they are all hyper-competent.
David the main character appears to be a completely perfect person and never seems to struggle.
Side characters often have the perfect recollection of very specific information to further the plot or had the perfect item to help the characters on hand. It didn't sell for me. (Spoiler example: the most egregious example of this was the witness, a random dog walker, who was able to explain that the driftwood was laying at the bank of the river in an unusual manner and also knew enough about thermite to advise on the temperature needed to mark the ground in such a way. He was also of course completely willing to divulge all of this information with little to no prompting from the detectives. He never showed up again)
Martin makes too much effort to ground the story of this book in the modern day real world, so much so that it takes me out of the books world. Mentions of reddit are not necessary.
I will also note that I listened to the audiobook and the reader was absolutely shocking. That perhaps tainted my view of the book.
Why you would choose an english reader to voice a cast of predominantly american characters is beyond me. The reader also chose some very odd ways to read certain lines eg. reading "911 what's your emergency?" as "nine eleven what's your emergency?" genuinely had me laughing out loud.
I wanted to like this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
July 9, 2022
A bridge collapse plunges young David Dolan headlong into the freezing waters of the Hudson River. The cause of the collapse is under investigation, but it seems like there may have been foul play involved of the supernatural variety. A rash of monster sightings, demonic entities really, seems to suggest that the coincidence is anything but. As David’s loved ones, his mother and girlfriend, Rose, struggle to survive the demonic onslaught in his absence, David, in his comatose state, begins his own journey through the underworld and toward his ultimate destiny.
“Beneath the Veil” was an intriguing introduction to the “Valor of Valhalla” series by Martin Kearns. I really enjoyed how the lore weaved together many different variations of religion and the afterlife into a cohesive conglomerate. The demons that the protagonists faced all had their own gruesome abilities which I found uniquely disturbing and quite liked. David’s journey through the land of the dead did feel a bit tedious and drawn out in the first half, but in the land of the living, his mother and Rose’s storyline carried the plot and the action well enough to keep me engaged. Overall, the story was very well written and I plan on checking in on this series again sometime soon.
“Beneath the Veil” was an intriguing introduction to the “Valor of Valhalla” series by Martin Kearns. I really enjoyed how the lore weaved together many different variations of religion and the afterlife into a cohesive conglomerate. The demons that the protagonists faced all had their own gruesome abilities which I found uniquely disturbing and quite liked. David’s journey through the land of the dead did feel a bit tedious and drawn out in the first half, but in the land of the living, his mother and Rose’s storyline carried the plot and the action well enough to keep me engaged. Overall, the story was very well written and I plan on checking in on this series again sometime soon.
October 17, 2022
Beneath the Veil by Martin Kearns is a beautifully written urban fantasy novel about a seemingly normal young man named David Dolan who is thrown into a journey of self discovery after a bridge collapse. The story also follows his mother Chelsea, girlfriend Rose, and Detective Dodd as they navigate and fight mythical monsters invading the modern world. Kearns gives a refreshing and interesting new take on religion, mythology, and theology that had me absolutely absorbed. The imagery in this book was top tier; I could see the story in my head as clearly as if it was playing on my TV. The characters are wonderfully written with distinct personalities and motivations. I was never bored while reading, whether it be a monster fight scene or a philosophical discussion between David and different characters. The end was a complete shock to me and honestly a bold choice for the first novel in a series. This has easily become one of my Top Five books! I can’t wait to read the sequel and see where the series is going!
February 25, 2025
Excellent fusion of dark fantasy and mythology.
This is a well-crafted read fusing different world mythologies into a cohesive whole. The protagonist, David, is a likeable lad who develops into a formidable fighter. I enjoyed the spiritual aspects of the tale and how the action progresses in both this world and the unseen realms.
There’s a frisson of horror and a tragic ending with enough loose threads to carry the reader into book 2. The characters are well drawn and there’s LOTS of humour. I particularly enjoyed the hero tempting the serpent as he seeks to leave Valhalla!
You don’t have to be au fait with Milton’s Paradise Lost, know Norse Mythology or be aware of Biblical imagery to appreciate this story. But if, like me, you are into the above-mentioned literature, you will have a deeper insight into one of the best Messianic Dark Fantasy tales I’ve read in a while!
This is a well-crafted read fusing different world mythologies into a cohesive whole. The protagonist, David, is a likeable lad who develops into a formidable fighter. I enjoyed the spiritual aspects of the tale and how the action progresses in both this world and the unseen realms.
There’s a frisson of horror and a tragic ending with enough loose threads to carry the reader into book 2. The characters are well drawn and there’s LOTS of humour. I particularly enjoyed the hero tempting the serpent as he seeks to leave Valhalla!
You don’t have to be au fait with Milton’s Paradise Lost, know Norse Mythology or be aware of Biblical imagery to appreciate this story. But if, like me, you are into the above-mentioned literature, you will have a deeper insight into one of the best Messianic Dark Fantasy tales I’ve read in a while!
August 23, 2025
Beneath the Veil hooked me right from the start with its eerie premise a young man slipping between life and death and stumbling into a war between ancient evils. David is the kind of protagonist I love: a little naïve, way out of his depth, but determined to fight back anyway. Watching him navigate the underworld while his body lies comatose on Earth added so much urgency and tension to the story.
The worldbuilding is vivid and unsettling, full of demons, mythological echoes, and high-stakes battles that feel both epic and personal. What I appreciated most was that the story isn’t just action it also digs into courage, identity, and what it really means to stand against overwhelming darkness.
The worldbuilding is vivid and unsettling, full of demons, mythological echoes, and high-stakes battles that feel both epic and personal. What I appreciated most was that the story isn’t just action it also digs into courage, identity, and what it really means to stand against overwhelming darkness.
February 1, 2023
Received arc from Books Go Social and Netgalley for honest read and review,this review is my own.
This is an urban fantasy book, that going by the blurb sounded interesting.It was an enjoyable read,but I could not quite get my head round sporting the hand at times it got quite confusing, there are hints at mythology and other ideas and ideals and it was maybe too many for the one story.
There were two storylines running, David in a coma and his mum and girlfriend, I preferred David's I think,experience Angel.
In all a good read and it was worth reading.
This is an urban fantasy book, that going by the blurb sounded interesting.It was an enjoyable read,but I could not quite get my head round sporting the hand at times it got quite confusing, there are hints at mythology and other ideas and ideals and it was maybe too many for the one story.
There were two storylines running, David in a coma and his mum and girlfriend, I preferred David's I think,experience Angel.
In all a good read and it was worth reading.
April 21, 2022
Author embellishes too much
The author embellishes a scene with five sentences when it could have been done in one.
Using phrases and words that makes no sense to make poetry out of every mundane concept.
Reading the story became a chore… If you like reading attempts at poetry when you are reading a novel then I guess this is for you.
1 star out of 5 because there is no real coherent flow to the plot.
The author embellishes a scene with five sentences when it could have been done in one.
Using phrases and words that makes no sense to make poetry out of every mundane concept.
Reading the story became a chore… If you like reading attempts at poetry when you are reading a novel then I guess this is for you.
1 star out of 5 because there is no real coherent flow to the plot.
June 2, 2022
This is a novel that occurs in an ancient time. A battle is occurring between two ancient evils. What will happan to mankind in this overwhelming evil? Beneath the Veil is the first novel in The Valor of Valhalla dark urban fantasy series. As the battle pursues there is one young man that might become the last hope against these ancient creatures? Who we are thought were just myths!
September 23, 2022
This was a great start to the Valor of Valhalla series, it does what I was hoping for from the description. It was such a great start to this fantasy novel, and I was hooked in this world. The characters were great and did what they were suppose to. I was excited to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2022
Martin Kearns book was fascinating! Riddled with love, danger & fear, fast moving scenes that made me read on & on! So picturesque that the read was like watching a film.
Intriguing! Intellectual! Leaving you wanting more! Living in NY, the setting enticed my interest. The worldly dimension between life & death was compelling. So real & engaging.
Bravo!
Intriguing! Intellectual! Leaving you wanting more! Living in NY, the setting enticed my interest. The worldly dimension between life & death was compelling. So real & engaging.
Bravo!
December 25, 2022
This is a much darker story than I usually enjoy. It blends many faith traditions and folklore into an interesting journey that is definitely fraught with tragic outcomes. And this is only the beginning of the story…
There is violence and a small amount of language. The story would be appropriate for teens and adults.
There is violence and a small amount of language. The story would be appropriate for teens and adults.
March 2, 2024
Excellent first book from Martin Kearns. I found the imagery and character development to be very compelling. Kearns develops a fantasy world that is both relatable and imaginative.
While fantasy fiction is not usually my genre of choice, I found this book to be a nice gateway into the genre. Looking forward to reading Kearns' other titles.
While fantasy fiction is not usually my genre of choice, I found this book to be a nice gateway into the genre. Looking forward to reading Kearns' other titles.
April 4, 2022
Excellent start to a new series! The mix of religions and dieties is magical.Nathaniel Priestly was a terrific narrator.I plan to come back for book 2! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 23, 2022
This storyline is interesting, and for the most part I liked it. I did struggle with the way the author ‘embellished’ descriptions with excessive verbiage making the sentences at times confusing and difficult to read.
December 10, 2022
Well thought out fantasy involving Nordic mythology. Sprinkle on dark supernatural elements and mystery while following along with the hero on his journey. Fast paced and fun. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read the book for an honest review
January 7, 2023
This was a good beginning for a series. The creative creation of wonderful characters was a nice touch. I look forward to other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2023
Not for me.
Maybe I just didn't understand the book fully. But the timeline felt kind of all over the place. The back and forth between characters, I wasn't sure what was going on there. Just think it wasn't the book for me.
Maybe I just didn't understand the book fully. But the timeline felt kind of all over the place. The back and forth between characters, I wasn't sure what was going on there. Just think it wasn't the book for me.
September 25, 2024
I love this book!
I have a hard time finding books I really love. This one is a book I will always remember. It has so many lines and thoughts that I would have no problems re reading it and finding something new. This book is amazing!
I have a hard time finding books I really love. This one is a book I will always remember. It has so many lines and thoughts that I would have no problems re reading it and finding something new. This book is amazing!
October 8, 2023
This is a book based on some fantasy paranormal storyline types. The book is good for young adult readers. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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