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Beyond Series #2
Beyond the Veil
Tempus, warrior-servant to the fickle god of storms and war, and his mercenary soldiers are forced into an alliance with Cimi the Mage Killer, Askalon the Lord of Dreams, and the Rankan Third Commando
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
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506 people want to read
About the author
Janet E. Morris
108 books383 followersJanet Ellen Morris (born May 25, 1946) is a United States author. She began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 20 novels, many co-authored with David Drake or her husband Chris Morris. She has contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell. Most of her work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written several works of non-fiction.
Morris was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1980.
In 1995, Morris and her husband and frequent co-writer Christopher Morris founded M2 Tech. Since that time, their writing output has decreased in proportion to the success of the company, which works with U.S. federal and military agencies on non-lethal weapon systems and software.
Morris was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1980.
In 1995, Morris and her husband and frequent co-writer Christopher Morris founded M2 Tech. Since that time, their writing output has decreased in proportion to the success of the company, which works with U.S. federal and military agencies on non-lethal weapon systems and software.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 2, 2014
Beyond the Veil is the second book in the Beyond Sanctuary Trilogy. And once again, Janet Morris does not disappoint in this stirring novel of political and religious intrigue, dark magic, gods and men, witches and mages, and the price of love and war. This is a pivotal book in the trilogy, where foreshadow and story threads begin to weave in and out to form a tapestry, telling a tale of friends who become foes, enemies who become allies, and what Fate lies in store for certain demigods and mortals. Now, after the battle to win Wizardwall that took place in book one, Beyond Sanctuary, Tempus, Niko and the Sacred Band are caught between the local rebels and the empire of Mygdonia’s blackest magic. Once again, “War is coming, sending ahead its customary harbingers: fear and falsity and fools.”
It begins with the murder of a courier on his way to meet with Tempus, and the arrival of a young woman named Kama, of the 3rd Commandoes, (a unit of special rangers originally formed by Tempus) who seeks audience with Tempus, who is also known as Riddler. Her mission is to take 11-year old Shamshi, the young wizard-boy back home to Mygdonia. Shamshi, once a pawn in the game played by the late sorcerer Datan in the previous novel, is still under the spell of Roxane the witch, but is now being held as a guest-hostage by Tempus and the Sacred Band. Though he may be a child in the eyes of men, Shamshi is already plotting against Tempus and Niko. He is guided and goaded by the “voice” of Roxane, who has been in hiding since the death of Datan, her former partner in crime, and the loss of Wizardwall at the hands of Tempus and his Stepsons. Roxane has her own agenda, of course: she is one of the most seductive, dangerous and deadly foes in this trilogy.
To further complicate matters, Shamshi is in love with Jihan, Froth Daughter of the weather god, Stormbringer; she has come to earth to spend one year as a mortal, and Shamshi can’t wait to grow into manhood so he can take her for his own. Even though Roxane has already introduced him to the pleasures of the flesh, Shamshi knows he must wait to seduce Jihan, wait until he is a man full-grown when she will accept him as such, or so he believes. Jihan, however, loves and cares for Shamshi only as if he was her own son. But she has fallen in love with Tempus, much against her father’s wishes, and wants to stay with him, permanently. Relationships, plots and counterplots are complicated in this series and, oh . . . what tangled webs these mortals and immortals weave. “When men and mages fought gods in perverted theomachy, no one was safe, not on earth or in the heavens.”
Tempus, still without the patronage of Enlil, the Storm God of the Armies, is weakened and uncertain, and concerned for Niko, his right-side partner, whose life and fate hang in the balance. He sends young Randal, the seventh-level Hazard Class mage who proved his worth in the battle of Wizardwall, to the Bandaran Isles to find Niko, who has gone into retreat there. Together, Niko and Randal then travel to mystical and mysterious Meridian, where they meet with Askelon, Dream Lord and regent of the seventh sphere, who seeks Niko’s aid and offers him his patronage. Reluctantly, Niko agrees to become the avatar of Askelon who says he wants “to secure the stability of the seventh sphere through its human connection, to prevent the possibility of someone threatening the right of man to dreams of comfort and healing.” But is that all the entelechy of dreams and shadows wants? Or does Askelon have a hidden agenda that is yet to be revealed? Are gods to be trusted any more than men? And let’s not forget about Roxane, the snake-eating, soul-devouring witch whose grim shadow hovers over all: she wants Niko for her own; she seeks to regain Wizardwall for all her kin, and “to find out if Tempus is truly immortal and whether a Froth Daughter might be turned to drizzle upon the air.” And young Shamshi is her tool, her weapon against Tempus and Jihan.
As I stated earlier, this is a complicated novel, rich and complex in the machinations of its characters, whether they’re mortal, divine or numinous, whose motives may or may not be what they seem. It begins with a mystery and keeps that going throughout the story: the reader knows only as much as what the characters know and learns things only when the characters learn them. When the answers and revelations come, they hit fast and hard. There is also wisdom and philosophy in this novel, and a wealth of wonderful quotes. Janet Morris was determined that Beyond the Veil not suffer from what I call MBS—Middle Book Syndrome, and she has succeeded. More than that, halfway through the story this novel goes from being as solid as its predecessor to upping the ante and raising the bar.
Tempus, Morris’ most famous character, her legacy character, is a stoic hero, a great warrior, a demigod . . . and philosopher. We get to know him, but not as well as we get to know the other members of the Sacred Band. Morris keeps the mystery, the enigma of him there to tease us. He is not called Tempus the Obscure for nothing.
And for all the glory of its flesh and blood characters, the beauty of prose, the literary depth and textures and levels of this classic, there is no shortage of inhumans, once-humans, half-humans, magic-working, mortals fighting in the streets, mage war, embattled gods, fire-spitting demons, shape-shifters, and a rousing night raid that reaches a powerful crescendo. Oh, yes . . . there’s also a golden homunculus, a creepy little thing that becomes the whispering master of one recurring character, and nearly succeeds in doing to Tempus what few men, few mages have ever attempted. The final scenes involving a young warrior-woman who has found herself pregnant, and who is torn between keeping the baby or having an abortion, is played out perfectly, with restraint and delicacy, with compassion and humanity, and a deft touch that neither underplays nor overwhelms.
Once again, as I highly recommended the first book in this magnificent trilogy, I say that you will not be disappointed in this second book, Beyond the Veil.
It begins with the murder of a courier on his way to meet with Tempus, and the arrival of a young woman named Kama, of the 3rd Commandoes, (a unit of special rangers originally formed by Tempus) who seeks audience with Tempus, who is also known as Riddler. Her mission is to take 11-year old Shamshi, the young wizard-boy back home to Mygdonia. Shamshi, once a pawn in the game played by the late sorcerer Datan in the previous novel, is still under the spell of Roxane the witch, but is now being held as a guest-hostage by Tempus and the Sacred Band. Though he may be a child in the eyes of men, Shamshi is already plotting against Tempus and Niko. He is guided and goaded by the “voice” of Roxane, who has been in hiding since the death of Datan, her former partner in crime, and the loss of Wizardwall at the hands of Tempus and his Stepsons. Roxane has her own agenda, of course: she is one of the most seductive, dangerous and deadly foes in this trilogy.
To further complicate matters, Shamshi is in love with Jihan, Froth Daughter of the weather god, Stormbringer; she has come to earth to spend one year as a mortal, and Shamshi can’t wait to grow into manhood so he can take her for his own. Even though Roxane has already introduced him to the pleasures of the flesh, Shamshi knows he must wait to seduce Jihan, wait until he is a man full-grown when she will accept him as such, or so he believes. Jihan, however, loves and cares for Shamshi only as if he was her own son. But she has fallen in love with Tempus, much against her father’s wishes, and wants to stay with him, permanently. Relationships, plots and counterplots are complicated in this series and, oh . . . what tangled webs these mortals and immortals weave. “When men and mages fought gods in perverted theomachy, no one was safe, not on earth or in the heavens.”
Tempus, still without the patronage of Enlil, the Storm God of the Armies, is weakened and uncertain, and concerned for Niko, his right-side partner, whose life and fate hang in the balance. He sends young Randal, the seventh-level Hazard Class mage who proved his worth in the battle of Wizardwall, to the Bandaran Isles to find Niko, who has gone into retreat there. Together, Niko and Randal then travel to mystical and mysterious Meridian, where they meet with Askelon, Dream Lord and regent of the seventh sphere, who seeks Niko’s aid and offers him his patronage. Reluctantly, Niko agrees to become the avatar of Askelon who says he wants “to secure the stability of the seventh sphere through its human connection, to prevent the possibility of someone threatening the right of man to dreams of comfort and healing.” But is that all the entelechy of dreams and shadows wants? Or does Askelon have a hidden agenda that is yet to be revealed? Are gods to be trusted any more than men? And let’s not forget about Roxane, the snake-eating, soul-devouring witch whose grim shadow hovers over all: she wants Niko for her own; she seeks to regain Wizardwall for all her kin, and “to find out if Tempus is truly immortal and whether a Froth Daughter might be turned to drizzle upon the air.” And young Shamshi is her tool, her weapon against Tempus and Jihan.
As I stated earlier, this is a complicated novel, rich and complex in the machinations of its characters, whether they’re mortal, divine or numinous, whose motives may or may not be what they seem. It begins with a mystery and keeps that going throughout the story: the reader knows only as much as what the characters know and learns things only when the characters learn them. When the answers and revelations come, they hit fast and hard. There is also wisdom and philosophy in this novel, and a wealth of wonderful quotes. Janet Morris was determined that Beyond the Veil not suffer from what I call MBS—Middle Book Syndrome, and she has succeeded. More than that, halfway through the story this novel goes from being as solid as its predecessor to upping the ante and raising the bar.
Tempus, Morris’ most famous character, her legacy character, is a stoic hero, a great warrior, a demigod . . . and philosopher. We get to know him, but not as well as we get to know the other members of the Sacred Band. Morris keeps the mystery, the enigma of him there to tease us. He is not called Tempus the Obscure for nothing.
And for all the glory of its flesh and blood characters, the beauty of prose, the literary depth and textures and levels of this classic, there is no shortage of inhumans, once-humans, half-humans, magic-working, mortals fighting in the streets, mage war, embattled gods, fire-spitting demons, shape-shifters, and a rousing night raid that reaches a powerful crescendo. Oh, yes . . . there’s also a golden homunculus, a creepy little thing that becomes the whispering master of one recurring character, and nearly succeeds in doing to Tempus what few men, few mages have ever attempted. The final scenes involving a young warrior-woman who has found herself pregnant, and who is torn between keeping the baby or having an abortion, is played out perfectly, with restraint and delicacy, with compassion and humanity, and a deft touch that neither underplays nor overwhelms.
Once again, as I highly recommended the first book in this magnificent trilogy, I say that you will not be disappointed in this second book, Beyond the Veil.
August 7, 2014
The title, Beyond the Veil, suggests to me an uncertain, mysterious world, where you must guess at the shape of things by their somewhat misleading impressions. It is a world of fantasy, where deceit abounds. Expecting treachery, an empty armor can be sent to battle as a counter-measure, to fool the eyes of the enemy, veiling them to the truth.
In spite of his resistance Randal is dragged across town, to aid the Stepsons investigate the murder of an assassin, Belize, whose last gasp we have just felt, turning open the first few pages. Randal, the sorcerer who wishes to ascend through the ranks of magic, must read the dead, visit whatever is left of his fading mind. “Even before his palms had gone to the temples of the corpse, as his fingertips touched those cool lips, he got an impression.”
Meanwhile, his reluctant partner, Niko, has withdrawn rather abruptly from Tyse and from the Sacred Band camaraderie. “Here, in windswept Ennina, Nikodermus had repaired to heal his soul and put his life in order.” Randal is charged with bringing Niko back for active duty, with the directive, “Serve as you’re bid, the best you can… Go fetch Niko home.” Despite exchanging ritual salutations when they meet, “Life to you, left-side leader,” “And everlasting glory, right man,” Niko and Randal are comrades by assignment only, and it would take a great effort for them to learn to work together.
Then there’s Tempus, the immortal commander of the Sacred Band. “With all the portents teasing him and events goading him, with Jihan plaguing him and the Mygdonian hostage Shamshi worrying him, he chafed to be upon his way.” In a world where trust can lead into danger, Tempus is careful to examine strangers with a cool mind, until proven worthy. Of his long-lost daughter, Kama, he says at first, “She might just be a child of mine. If so, she bears watching… She’s full of deceit… Keep clear of her,until I decide whether we’ve any use for her.”
“Sacred bands required loyalty beyond question, to their ethos, their commanders and to one another: shoulder to shoulder, to the death, with honor.” Indeed, loyalty is the antidote to deceit, it guides you beyond the veil. In this sweeping epic, you will meet heroes that seem to have stepped out of the pages of Greek mythology—and yet, from time to time, you may find a note that brings a smile to your lips, because the humor in it reflects our own, more prosaic world. When Tempus thinks of his lover, Jihan, the wind-charmer, Froth Daughter born of the sea at the edge of time, “As a bedmate, he found her suitable; as a companion, she wore upon his nerves.”
Five Stars.
In spite of his resistance Randal is dragged across town, to aid the Stepsons investigate the murder of an assassin, Belize, whose last gasp we have just felt, turning open the first few pages. Randal, the sorcerer who wishes to ascend through the ranks of magic, must read the dead, visit whatever is left of his fading mind. “Even before his palms had gone to the temples of the corpse, as his fingertips touched those cool lips, he got an impression.”
Meanwhile, his reluctant partner, Niko, has withdrawn rather abruptly from Tyse and from the Sacred Band camaraderie. “Here, in windswept Ennina, Nikodermus had repaired to heal his soul and put his life in order.” Randal is charged with bringing Niko back for active duty, with the directive, “Serve as you’re bid, the best you can… Go fetch Niko home.” Despite exchanging ritual salutations when they meet, “Life to you, left-side leader,” “And everlasting glory, right man,” Niko and Randal are comrades by assignment only, and it would take a great effort for them to learn to work together.
Then there’s Tempus, the immortal commander of the Sacred Band. “With all the portents teasing him and events goading him, with Jihan plaguing him and the Mygdonian hostage Shamshi worrying him, he chafed to be upon his way.” In a world where trust can lead into danger, Tempus is careful to examine strangers with a cool mind, until proven worthy. Of his long-lost daughter, Kama, he says at first, “She might just be a child of mine. If so, she bears watching… She’s full of deceit… Keep clear of her,until I decide whether we’ve any use for her.”
“Sacred bands required loyalty beyond question, to their ethos, their commanders and to one another: shoulder to shoulder, to the death, with honor.” Indeed, loyalty is the antidote to deceit, it guides you beyond the veil. In this sweeping epic, you will meet heroes that seem to have stepped out of the pages of Greek mythology—and yet, from time to time, you may find a note that brings a smile to your lips, because the humor in it reflects our own, more prosaic world. When Tempus thinks of his lover, Jihan, the wind-charmer, Froth Daughter born of the sea at the edge of time, “As a bedmate, he found her suitable; as a companion, she wore upon his nerves.”
Five Stars.
January 20, 2014
I had to break down and google the word entelechy. Here is the third definition I found "Something complex that emerges when you put a large number of simple objects together" This book is that precisely that.
In the beginning of the book, Niko has gone back to Bandera to regain his maat, the balance he is a master of. Tempus is neck deep in the politics of war, having almost destroyed the Black Nisibisi mages in Beyond Sanctuary. Toss in a daughter that Tempus didn't know he had, (Kama), a very pissed off Roxanne, the continued absence of Vashanka, Mygdonians massing for war, magic,Interfering gods, temperamental Froth Daughters, double agents and wow, this book is what you get. There was a TON of events in this book, each one of critical importance to the outcome. Each of those could be simple if they were a lone occurrence, but when massed all together, they become a complex mess that Tempus, Crit, Strat, Randal and Niko try to sort out.
It is a good thing I have been so sick lately. Seriously..a good thing! I was able to read straight through this one. To me, this was Niko's book, and in a way, maybe Randal's as well. There is so much that Niko goes through. I felt the whole gamut of emotions in this book. I think I ran through them all and am utterly drained right now. Niko is by far my favorite Stepson and is quite possibly my favorite character in a fantasy book ever. (Beating out Hanse, Rand Al Thor and all of the Malazan Empire characters) He is complex beyond belief, but in his heart, he craves a simple balance, maat. We see Randal evolve into a stronger mage with more developed morals, and watch his friendship with Niko become more cemented.
I loved this book,. I don't think I have ever come across such a delicious character, so complex on one hand and so simple on the other. Niko is an easy character to like. I found myself talking to the book during several parts, all the characters became so real, I didn't even realize I was talking to the book until I woke up my husband. He thought I was talking to him. I got the "I wonder if it is time for a straight jacket" look before he went back to sleep. To me, that is a sign of a well written, thoroughly plotted book, when the characters remain with you for more years than you care to admit and finding them again, after all those unmentionable years makes you giddy like a teen with her first crush. yeah, this book evoked those feelings for me. Now to devour Beyond Wizardwall!
In the beginning of the book, Niko has gone back to Bandera to regain his maat, the balance he is a master of. Tempus is neck deep in the politics of war, having almost destroyed the Black Nisibisi mages in Beyond Sanctuary. Toss in a daughter that Tempus didn't know he had, (Kama), a very pissed off Roxanne, the continued absence of Vashanka, Mygdonians massing for war, magic,Interfering gods, temperamental Froth Daughters, double agents and wow, this book is what you get. There was a TON of events in this book, each one of critical importance to the outcome. Each of those could be simple if they were a lone occurrence, but when massed all together, they become a complex mess that Tempus, Crit, Strat, Randal and Niko try to sort out.
It is a good thing I have been so sick lately. Seriously..a good thing! I was able to read straight through this one. To me, this was Niko's book, and in a way, maybe Randal's as well. There is so much that Niko goes through. I felt the whole gamut of emotions in this book. I think I ran through them all and am utterly drained right now. Niko is by far my favorite Stepson and is quite possibly my favorite character in a fantasy book ever. (Beating out Hanse, Rand Al Thor and all of the Malazan Empire characters) He is complex beyond belief, but in his heart, he craves a simple balance, maat. We see Randal evolve into a stronger mage with more developed morals, and watch his friendship with Niko become more cemented.
I loved this book,. I don't think I have ever come across such a delicious character, so complex on one hand and so simple on the other. Niko is an easy character to like. I found myself talking to the book during several parts, all the characters became so real, I didn't even realize I was talking to the book until I woke up my husband. He thought I was talking to him. I got the "I wonder if it is time for a straight jacket" look before he went back to sleep. To me, that is a sign of a well written, thoroughly plotted book, when the characters remain with you for more years than you care to admit and finding them again, after all those unmentionable years makes you giddy like a teen with her first crush. yeah, this book evoked those feelings for me. Now to devour Beyond Wizardwall!
April 19, 2014
Once again, I was delighted to read a tale that had depth, breadth, murder, intrigue and double-crosses left right and centre.
But what to say without giving too much away?
Someone is trying to send Tempus secret messages, vital to the stability of the region. However, 'someone else' is equally as determined to make sure those messages never get through. But who?
The only person who may hold a key to what is happening is a victim of murder, so the Stepsons are forced to turn to their Hazard Mage, Randal, for help. What he learns sets in motion a series of events that indirectly leads to alliances neither Tempus - or his beloved men really want. Treachery abounds. But who among the Tysian locals, Rankan soldiers, and Mygdonian refugees and defectors can be trusted?
And what happens when Tempus realizes just how effective fighting fire with fire - or in this case - magic with magic - can actually be? Will the Stepsons be happy?
Janet creates a fantastic world with characters you can readily relate to, (and those you just want to strangle - Roxanne!), and blends them into a most entertaining story.
Sorry if this review doesn't give much of the plot away. I never do that. However, what I can say, is you won't be disappointed. If you enjoy great fantasy stories with great plots, I can guarantee you'll love this series.
I've already brought the following 2 books - Beyond Wizardwall and The Sacred Band, and can't wait to get into them.
But what to say without giving too much away?
Someone is trying to send Tempus secret messages, vital to the stability of the region. However, 'someone else' is equally as determined to make sure those messages never get through. But who?
The only person who may hold a key to what is happening is a victim of murder, so the Stepsons are forced to turn to their Hazard Mage, Randal, for help. What he learns sets in motion a series of events that indirectly leads to alliances neither Tempus - or his beloved men really want. Treachery abounds. But who among the Tysian locals, Rankan soldiers, and Mygdonian refugees and defectors can be trusted?
And what happens when Tempus realizes just how effective fighting fire with fire - or in this case - magic with magic - can actually be? Will the Stepsons be happy?
Janet creates a fantastic world with characters you can readily relate to, (and those you just want to strangle - Roxanne!), and blends them into a most entertaining story.
Sorry if this review doesn't give much of the plot away. I never do that. However, what I can say, is you won't be disappointed. If you enjoy great fantasy stories with great plots, I can guarantee you'll love this series.
I've already brought the following 2 books - Beyond Wizardwall and The Sacred Band, and can't wait to get into them.
November 2, 2014
My first book by Janet Morris was "The Sacred Band." I was captivated by the depth and maturity of writing. With that, I became a fan and have moved on to this book, "Beyond the Veil." This entry provides masterful story telling on a level comparable to James Patterson, full of conflict, intrigue, and edginess, this one is held my attention from beginning to end. All the elements are here and in the right balance, from characters to the flow of the plot. It's an easy read to get caught up in. I must say I am grateful for discovering Janet Morris as I move through her catalog. Simply fascinating and entertaining.
May 27, 2015
Strife follows the Riddler and that is especially true here. With dissention among his Stepsons, traitors in the camp, silence from his god and civil war brewing this is a rollercoaster ride of emotion, mayhem and, of course, exceptional fantasy.
Some new characters are introduced, namely Kama, a feisty female warrior who is not all she seems. Better still there is a lot of character development here, particularly for Niko and Randall; at times heartbreaking and at times enlightening the story draws the reader in from the beginning. This is the middle book of the trilogy so it does help to have read the previous one, however the characters are so rich and the world so well-crafted it is not essential.
June 8, 2009
I really liked Morris's characters.
November 2, 2014
Janet Morris has done an awesome job with this book again. I have read her books and I am a fan. This is the Cut edition of “Beyond the Veil” which contains new scenes, details and insights.
I love science fiction fantasy so this is the book for me. The author provides a mixture of deceit, magic, mystery and romance. I did not put the book down until I got to the last page and then I was sad that it was over.
I would recommend the book to all that love science fiction and spending time with a great book.
I love science fiction fantasy so this is the book for me. The author provides a mixture of deceit, magic, mystery and romance. I did not put the book down until I got to the last page and then I was sad that it was over.
I would recommend the book to all that love science fiction and spending time with a great book.
April 30, 2016
Definitely a middle book in a series, without as much closure as I'd like. However, this novel offers a really wonderful character study of a few of the main characters, which makes it well worth while.
September 1, 2016
Not a reader of fantasy, I was enthralled with this book. The world created in this series of novels is incredible, so alien and different but so real, so easy to relate to. The characters are beyond mortal powers but their emotions are the most lethal weapon, if turned against them.
I love how the author makes it all so real. You feel yourself hurled straight into this other world, accepting its rules wholeheartedly. A masterful storytelling combined with compelling plot, battles, political intrigues and human dilemmas, mystery, magic and romance - it has it all. A wonderful novel!!!
I love how the author makes it all so real. You feel yourself hurled straight into this other world, accepting its rules wholeheartedly. A masterful storytelling combined with compelling plot, battles, political intrigues and human dilemmas, mystery, magic and romance - it has it all. A wonderful novel!!!
November 1, 2014
I love this author's works. She is a wonderful storyteller. If you are a fan of science fiction fantasy, this one does not disappoint!
It has heroes, deceit, love, magic, misleading impressions... you'll not want to put it down. I give this book high marks. It was given to me by the author for an honest review.
It has heroes, deceit, love, magic, misleading impressions... you'll not want to put it down. I give this book high marks. It was given to me by the author for an honest review.
November 9, 2014
This is such a powerful series. And Beyond the Veil (Sacred Band of Stepsons: Beyond Trilogy, Author's Cut Editions Book 2) by Janet Morris is another powerful fantasy written by an author with command over her world and the character who populate it. It is unpredictable and engaging. Certainly a series worthy of, or even too good for, film adaption. Looking for more from this author.
November 9, 2014
Janet Morris paints a beautiful picture with her words and takes us to another intriguing world in this epic science fiction/fantasy tale. This book captivated me from the beginning and held my interest throughout. I can't forget to mention the stunning cover which complements the book perfectly. I will be reading more from this author for certain.
November 6, 2014
Fantasy made believable is fantasy at its best. Janet Morris made me believe. Well-written, beautifully presented, and highly recommended.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free digital copy in exchange for a review.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free digital copy in exchange for a review.
November 1, 2014
Great book. Made me dream of being more than just a mere mortal, even if I would have to wrestle with the angst that comes with it. Recommended.
November 4, 2014
Well-written epic tale for fans of Science Fiction/Fantasy. This one is a real page-turner!
November 5, 2014
A great science fiction fantasy novel!
Beyond the Veil is a very interesting adventure in a fantasy world full of warriors, wizards, and Gods, with fascinating characters and a unique storyline.
Beyond the Veil is a very interesting adventure in a fantasy world full of warriors, wizards, and Gods, with fascinating characters and a unique storyline.
November 6, 2014
The book is very descriptive and it allows you to see yourself in the story. This is definitely something that's worth reading. I recommend it.
December 31, 2014
Into another world!
Beyond the Veil (Sacred Band of Stepsons: Beyond Trilogy, Author's Cut Editions Book 2)
by Janet Morris
Yet another brilliant book from Morris - The Sacred Band delivers again as expected as those know that have read the stupendous works in this series.
“Beyond the Veil” takes you to places you have only dreamed of, into another world of heroes ,battles, death, victory and rewards.
Clash of the Titans meets Gladiator with a mix of wizardry.
Pure brilliance in this highly engaging 5***** read.
Beyond the Veil (Sacred Band of Stepsons: Beyond Trilogy, Author's Cut Editions Book 2)
by Janet Morris
Yet another brilliant book from Morris - The Sacred Band delivers again as expected as those know that have read the stupendous works in this series.
“Beyond the Veil” takes you to places you have only dreamed of, into another world of heroes ,battles, death, victory and rewards.
Clash of the Titans meets Gladiator with a mix of wizardry.
Pure brilliance in this highly engaging 5***** read.
December 15, 2014
see book 1
October 10, 2016
The world Morris has created in this series of novels is incredible. The characters all have some degree of mystical or magical powers. It's a world in which gods cohabit with human and give or take power on a whim. I was impressed with the way the author was able to weave together this fantasy world and make it so believable. I particularly liked the role of Tempus and his relationship with the Stepsons, especially with Crit. Although even Crit is guilty of the betrayal and lack of loyalty that proliferate this world where there's a constant fight for power and supremacy, as the Tysian locals, Rankan soldiers and Mygdonian refugees, all vie for power and control. Into this mix, throw in the anger and hatred between the gods, and you have a book so full of excitement that it's almost alive. As a case, when the god, Stormbringer, confronts Tempus while he is riding on account of his rage because his daughter, Jihan, is married to Tempus. Tempus maintained his cool as he challenged him in the following:
“Scare my horse, will you, inhuman lord of turbulence? I’ve cast off godly love for affront to my mount before. Begone, if You’ve no purpose here. I’ve no time to—“
And Stormbring responded: “Silence! Mortal toad. Spawn of dirt and blood. Have you not said the soul is water and from water comes the soul? You know your danger!”
Tempus came right back at him: “So You think to affright me? Am I not plagued with Your daughter? Is it not enough to torture me, that You must threaten me into the bargain? I’ve called it quits with gods and their untimely aid and comfort. Get Thee back to Thine unearthly home!”
Stormbringer will not be denied: “My daughter, mortal-lover, is with you. More, she craves to stay with you, at any cost. Her power and her heritage she petitions to forfeit, to be a wife to you and spread her legs for you and bear a child to you when, but for you, she would be the honored consort of the entelechy of dreams! I hold you responsible for this! Dissuade her, affected demigod, or the sufferings of your wasted youth will be nothing to the torture of your endless old age! Be warned!”
I can go on and on. This is excellent stuff. The work of a brilliant storyteller, with compelling plot, and masterful dialogue – battles, politics, wars, romance, it has it all. Great series!
“Scare my horse, will you, inhuman lord of turbulence? I’ve cast off godly love for affront to my mount before. Begone, if You’ve no purpose here. I’ve no time to—“
And Stormbring responded: “Silence! Mortal toad. Spawn of dirt and blood. Have you not said the soul is water and from water comes the soul? You know your danger!”
Tempus came right back at him: “So You think to affright me? Am I not plagued with Your daughter? Is it not enough to torture me, that You must threaten me into the bargain? I’ve called it quits with gods and their untimely aid and comfort. Get Thee back to Thine unearthly home!”
Stormbringer will not be denied: “My daughter, mortal-lover, is with you. More, she craves to stay with you, at any cost. Her power and her heritage she petitions to forfeit, to be a wife to you and spread her legs for you and bear a child to you when, but for you, she would be the honored consort of the entelechy of dreams! I hold you responsible for this! Dissuade her, affected demigod, or the sufferings of your wasted youth will be nothing to the torture of your endless old age! Be warned!”
I can go on and on. This is excellent stuff. The work of a brilliant storyteller, with compelling plot, and masterful dialogue – battles, politics, wars, romance, it has it all. Great series!
November 12, 2022
If you've been following the series from the original Thieves World books then this is an excellent continuation of the story of the near-god Tempus and his mercenary band. We are introduced to new elements and the world is fleshed-out just a little bit more. The action picks up a lot in this volume, but still many of the characters survive, as if the author was hesitant to kill them off. If you are not familiar with the series, this is not the place to begin. You suffer from an explosion of names, where characters and places are mentioned without context, and it can get quite confusing.
September 19, 2024
Part of a series of novels written adjacent to the Thieves' World anthology series. In some ways it is nice because you get a novel length story. But Thieves' World is also my favorite anthology series of all time. So it is missing the "variation" of all the different authors and different characters that the anthology books bring and the wild free for all as they use and abuse each other's characters in Sanctuary.
February 26, 2016
The second in a trilogy, these are the continuing adventures of Tempus (a character from the Thieve's World anthologies) with his current military unit, the Stepsons including Niko & Randal, Straton & Critias as they battle Roxane, evil Nisibisi Death's Queen and most powerful witch.
Roxane still has power over Shamshi (son of the chief evil wizard, Datan, in Beyond Sanctuary) and corrupts Grillo, leader of the Tyse Specials.
We meet other characters from Beyond Sanctuary, including Tempus' wizard slaying sister Cime, who is consort of Askelon ("Ash"), a wizard so powerful he is entelechy of dream (where entelechy means the complete realisation and final form of some potential concept).
We also meet Kama, Tempus' daughter, and a member of the Rankan Third Commando, an earlier elite military unit that formed about Tempus, who wish to reunite with their former commander.
This is an enjoyable, over the top, complex fantasy story, where you see a little character development in the main characters, especially Niko & Randal who come across as the most interesting characters in this story.
Roxane still has power over Shamshi (son of the chief evil wizard, Datan, in Beyond Sanctuary) and corrupts Grillo, leader of the Tyse Specials.
We meet other characters from Beyond Sanctuary, including Tempus' wizard slaying sister Cime, who is consort of Askelon ("Ash"), a wizard so powerful he is entelechy of dream (where entelechy means the complete realisation and final form of some potential concept).
We also meet Kama, Tempus' daughter, and a member of the Rankan Third Commando, an earlier elite military unit that formed about Tempus, who wish to reunite with their former commander.
This is an enjoyable, over the top, complex fantasy story, where you see a little character development in the main characters, especially Niko & Randal who come across as the most interesting characters in this story.
October 8, 2014
A novel set in the Thieves' World setting.
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