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Veiled (Veiled #1)

by S.B. Niccum (Goodreads Author)

3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 · rating details · 117 ratings · 41 reviews

"I have always existed, not just me but all of us, the un-embodied spirits who wait to live.”

Tess is an unborn spirit, who is about to embark on a much awaited journey into mortality to a brand new planet called Earth. She is chosen by the Eternals for an important mission, and is put under a rigorous training by a half-human, half-lion Seraph. This training exposes Tess t...more

322 pages

Published (first published June 16th 2011)

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Apr 26, 2011 Elizabeth Mueller rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Have you ever wondered if spirits are eternal? If they just spontaneously generate from the day we are born?

This novel is the first of its kind that I've ever laid hands on. I found Heaven a fascinating place where Angels guard their charges with fierce devotion. I lived their joy as mortals succeeded in their righteous choices and experienced their sorrow for wrong.

Meet Tess, a determined Angel that endures conflict even before she is born on Earth! The dark angels are determined to stunt her g...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

Tess and her clan are angels who have been developing together over a long period of time. First they were intelligences, whizzing around the universe, and now they're spiritual beings about to begin training for their angelic duties before becoming mortals. Each one of them has a special gift which they must further develop as well. Tess's gift is discernment--she can read minds and see auras. As the novel begins, all of the angelic beings are gathering to choose sides in a heavenly conflict be...more Tess and her clan are angels who have been developing together over a long period of time. First they were intelligences, whizzing around the universe, and now they're spiritual beings about to begin training for their angelic duties before becoming mortals. Each one of them has a special gift which they must further develop as well. Tess's gift is discernment--she can read minds and see auras. As the novel begins, all of the angelic beings are gathering to choose sides in a heavenly conflict between two forces. Tess and her clan, along with the majority of spirits, choose to follow the First One, while the ones who follow the Second One become Fallen Angels. Tess had managed to persuade the former Queen, Agatha, of the renegade group to remain allied to the First One, but Agatha still feels disgruntled and ends up plotting a new uprising with other renegades who stayed behind yet remain loyal to the Second One.

While the story focuses on Tess and her relationships, the world of heaven features prominently in the novel, which makes it both esoteric and interesting but also somewhat offputting. One of Tess's chief worries is that she won't recognize her family members, especially her special friend Alex, once she is living on earth. All of the angels are told that once they cross the Veil they won't remember anything from before. Because of the novel's title, Veiled--in the past tense--I expected more of the novel to occur once Tess had become mortal. The tagline for the novel, "Can love survive the forgetting effects of the Veil?", also made me think more of it would be about Tess and Alex's relationship once they both crossed over. Instead, Tess goes to classes, develops her gifts with the help of some superangels (Cherubs and Seriphs), gets involved in foiling the plot of the renegade angels, and goes on a few relatively brief earthly missions as an angel. She's even the guardian angel to one of the females in her clan at one point. The story ends just as Tess and Alex enter the Veil and begin crossing over.

The treatment of time throughout the novel is fascinating and compells the reader to consider the philosophical stance of viewing mortal existence as merely a brief interlude in the life of the soul. This is obviously pretty abstract stuff, so this novel will not appeal to all readers. Similarly, the physical appearance of the angels is left somewhat undetermined. They're insubstantial spirits, but they can embrace and seem to have human body parts. This remained a little sketchy for me. Other angelic beings do have specific physical attributes of height and weight. Overall, this is a unique and enjoyable novel. It seems an unlikely choice for teens because it is so highly abstract for the most part, but it is suitable for readers over age 12. (less)

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Feb 03, 2012 Patricia rated it 3 of 5 stars

I did not know what to expect when I started reading this book so it was a real surprise to me when I discovered so many spiritual references, not that I minded. It actually kind of made sense since this is a story about angels with a whole lot of curve balls.

Niccum really mixes the fantasy and spiritual elements in Veiled. There were enough familiar references that I could pick up out certain religions, but not enough to thwart me from reading the book. FYI, I am a Christian, but that does not...more I did not know what to expect when I started reading this book so it was a real surprise to me when I discovered so many spiritual references, not that I minded. It actually kind of made sense since this is a story about angels with a whole lot of curve balls.

Niccum really mixes the fantasy and spiritual elements in Veiled. There were enough familiar references that I could pick up out certain religions, but not enough to thwart me from reading the book. FYI, I am a Christian, but that does not mean I enjoy reading Christian novels. Honestly, I felt it was more of a science fiction twist than fantasy with all the time spent in space, the angels almost seem alien rather than mythical, though the fantasy elements did prevail.

There is an over arching plot, but it was broad and I was constantly asking myself, " where is the author going with this?" The pace is relatively slow and though there is conflict, there isn't a whole lot of action until the second part of the book. The author's approach to a school for angels was familiar yet different and her interpretation of seraphs and cherubs... let's just say that I couldn't help but laugh and grin with glee.

I think the biggest issue I had with this book was that I kept expecting it to end. I knew there was more since the page counter told me there was more, but there were several instances when I thought, "this is a good ending," only to have the story continue. It made it a little tiresome. BUT, and this is huge but, I loved Niccum for it. I felt like I was watching an entire season of episodes in one sitting. It was great. And yes, I harrumphed when she ended with a cliff hanger. After all those false endings, she gave us a cliff hanger! I felt betrayed, yet here I am, waiting eagerly for the next installment.

Just one final point. I like the cover art, but hate the font. I feel as if I've seen that font on five other covers and it is seriously turn me off. I really hope publisher/designer/whoever of books are paying attention to this fact, especially since there about a ZILLION fonts out there to choose from. Please stop using that font.(less)

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May 11, 2012 Ravwrin rated it 3 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this story. Interesting concept. One I've never read before so I thought I'd give it a try.

I've never really been one for angels but this was something new. It started out slow, almost boring to me. I had to force myself to finish part of it though. I just wasn't so interested in it as much as some other stories I've had a hand in reading. I must say though I honestly didn't mind the end. The thought of love that strong. Wow.

I did like that the story wasn'...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Rob rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this book as a free download and was really excited to read it. I thought the premise of Angels from two sides was a good one and for the most part it was. It took me a bit to realize the premise of the story was set before and during the fall of the 1/3 of the angels in heaven. I have to say that there were too many characters to follow in this book and sometimes it felt like there was too much going on. This made the story tough to follow at times. For instance, there was one coupling be...more

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May 14, 2012 K rated it 2 of 5 stars

I only give it two stars as a courtesy to the author as this is her first book. I cant finish it. I am at twenty percent and find myself bored. There are too many characters to have any real development. The book really needed a strongveditor to help tighten up the writing. But for a first try it is a good attempt. Her story is creative and unique. I hope the author is able to get it edited and release a new version. I would be willing to give it another shot.

As a side note, this story is not ba...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Nikki rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I first learned of Veiled, I assumed it was just another supernatural young adult fiction book about ghosts. I was hesitant to start, wondering how many new types of ghost stories there could possibly be, but began reading anyway. And boy, am I glad I did.

Veiled is the story of Tess and her friends in a world like none I’ve seen before. Here, beings start out simply as intelligences and gradually evolve through the spirit stage before being born. That’s right, there is a whole life each ex...more

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Apr 27, 2011 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Unlike any other I have read. Very thought provoking and original. I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I cried, need I say more? Can't wait till the next one!

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Apr 25, 2011 Erica young rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

very good !

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Mar 31, 2013 Andrea at Reading Lark rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 3-stars, angels, fantasy, read-in-2011, young-adult

Review Posted on Reading Lark 8/26/11: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/...

Have you ever wondered what went on before your spirit was sent to Earth? Have you ever wanted to know what happened during the seven days of creation? If so, then Veiled is the book for you.

Veiled is the story of the spirits, a race of celestial beings who are waiting to inhabit the Earth. Each of these beings is gifted in some way. For example, the main character, Tess, has the gift of discernment. Also, many of the...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Susan Roebuck rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Have you ever read a novel that hit a nerve deep inside you? “Veiled”did just that and had me wondering and speculating long after I’d finished reading because it touched on issues I’d often wondered, even vaguely, about.

Supernatural. YA, Inspirational are all genres I’d normally never read, but there was something about the write-ups and blurb that drew me to buy “Veiled”. For anyone shying from inspirational, let me make it clear that the story is far from preachy. On the contrary, it’s full...more Have you ever read a novel that hit a nerve deep inside you? “Veiled”did just that and had me wondering and speculating long after I’d finished reading because it touched on issues I’d often wondered, even vaguely, about.

Supernatural. YA, Inspirational are all genres I’d normally never read, but there was something about the write-ups and blurb that drew me to buy “Veiled”. For anyone shying from inspirational, let me make it clear that the story is far from preachy. On the contrary, it’s full of analogies which both adults and YA can interpret and ponder on as they like.

Did you never wonder where you might have been before you were born? And where you’re going after you die? No, no, I’m not talking about the Bible here – this is something fresh, new and innovative. “Veiled” takes the reader to an area of being (I can’t call it Heaven, and I can’t find another word to use) where the characters are real enough to relate to – they have feelings, relationships, moods, fears and insecurities and mundane names like Tess just like you or me. In fact, they are us.

At the opening of the story, the characters are in their pre-birth phase when they are prepared for life on a brand-new planet (Earth). This preparation includes stints at being Guardians to those already living and breathing. If you’ve ever experienced dejà vu, or thought you’ve met a person before, or that someone’s watching you, you might be right, it might be a Guardian. Good and Evil exist and need to battle it out, but not in the sense I’m familiar with. “Veiled” is, though, far from being outside my sphere because there’s much in it that touches home, such as my firm belief that I have lived before, and the comforting thought that the “clans” who exist in the spirit world might just be the people you’re closest to here on Earth.

This is a work of pure genius and I so envy Ms Niccum’s powerful imagination and her courage at taking on such an epic. Yes, it’s a long read, but never boring; it might be slow reading because there’s much to digest but it’s certainly not out of the range of YA who will appreciate the simplicity of the prose. I continued avidly until the last page but wasn’t disappointed that I’d finished because I have a sneaky feeling there’s going to be a sequel (I’ll buy it) and also because I often dip into it again.

I was impressed by “Veiled” because it’s liberating and provoking. Congratulations to Ms Niccum on an excellent debut novel. (less)

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Jul 13, 2012 Airicka Phoenix rated it 4 of 5 stars

For those of us who have lost someone, someone dear, we all hang on to that thought, that feeling... the hope that one day we will meet again. It hardly matters if you believe in heaven or reincarnation. What matters is that you have that hope. It's what gets us through the funeral and the days that lead after. But what if you did see them again, not just see them, but repeat your whole life with them again? We're not talking reincarnation. I'm talking you being born to the same parents, meeting...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Deanna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: classmum

A very interesting premise for a novel - how angels are trained before they come to earth. Some come as guardian angels, others are born as humans (that have completely forgotten they are angels) I found some parts of the story quite confusing and had to reread several portions to make sure that I hadn't missed anything. The ending in particular was not very satisfying. The characters enter the Veil and then the book is over. Assuming there will be a sequel?

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Feb 15, 2012 Nereid rated it 2 of 5 stars

The idea of this book was interesting but I found it hard to get into initially. Most of the books I read, the story has to grab in the first couple of chapters and I found this book slow going at times. An okay read but I did find the beginning hard to follow with the spirits all flying around everywhere at random and the story was slow to grab my interest.

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Jan 26, 2012 Kasia Hubbard rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic read! I thought the story line was incredible. Veiled is loosely based off of life in Heaven before Creation. A spiritual world filled with characters evolving into Heavenly creatures before their assignment on Earth. Angels, Seraphims, and Cherubims are included as well as the story of the fall of Angels and their leader Beezlebub. I think Niccum did a fantastic job bringing this story to light and I can't wait to read the next installment.

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Nov 02, 2012 Tabitha Tufts rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I found this book very interesting. The plot was slightly juvenile and some parts were completely unrealistic, but it was still an interesting read. I liked getting a semi-realistic imaginary idea of what existance was like before the veil.

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Sep 18, 2011 Baranie rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was a fun story to read with some cool ideas. I thought a few characters were underdeveloped and I never learned enough about them to keep them straight. It seemed to end halfway through the story, so I hope there is a second book.

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Jul 08, 2011 Jodyjarvis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Can't wait to read this one again. It is a great science fiction concept of what life before life may have been like, with a little fantasy thrown in for fun. I am also looking forward to reading the sequel as soon as it is available.

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Feb 29, 2012 Ashly rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm not sure what it was about this book but I liked it. Even though it was long and it felt like it was jumping I oddly didnt mind which is very unlike me. I can't put my finger on it but I liked the book, and I looked forward to Living Soul

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Jun 02, 2012 Ruby rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is so wonderful, taking you on the journey of what life would be like before we are born..Tess is a lovable character that has many layers and you cannot help but love her. The author leaves you wanting more!

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Sep 07, 2011 K.F. Ridley rated it 5 of 5 stars

A wonderfully different YA. I have never read anything like it. A fantastic read. You will fall in love with the characters. Can't wait to read her next book.

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Sep 26, 2011 Reading Romances added it

"This is a very special book. Not because it is considered a christian book, but because it has so much more. I have to say that unfortunately, my fellow romance readers, The Veil can't be classified as a romance book, but a different approach to a fantasy novel based on love.

I liked this books for reasons I can't fully explain or describe. What I know is that it has an incredible depth and message of love. While I understand what the concept is trying to express, some technical issues made i...more

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Apr 26, 2011 Claudia marked it as to-read

Silvina is a friend of mine - I'm so excited for her accomplishments with getting one of her books published. Can't wait to read it!

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Sep 04, 2012 Kristina Franken rated it 5 of 5 stars

I highly recommend this book for anyone

FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.

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Jan 30, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book. It was interesting story about the war in heaven and what happened while we were waiting to come to earth. Not sure how accurate it was, but still a fun read.

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Feb 25, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fantasy-paranormal, nook-e-books

Wow!! I can't really describe this book. I LOVE the idea though. Awesome. I REALLY hope there will be more to come.

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Jan 25, 2013 Karl Krueger rated it 5 of 5 stars

CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THE 3RD BOOK! THIS IS A CLASSIC!

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Jun 21, 2011 Glenda Alexander marked it as to-read

Sounds like my kind of book, hope I win!

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Feb 06, 2013 LaDawn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, my-ebooks, christian-fiction

Slow start, but it grew on me.

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Jul 27, 2012 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very enjoyable read!

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About S.B. Niccum

S.B. Niccum was born in Rosario, Argentina and raised in Buenos Aires. Her family immigrated to the US, when she was fourteen. She attended the University of Utah and studied Spanish Literature. Silvina now lives in Dallas, TX. with her husband and her three homeschooled children.

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Veiled (Veiled #1)

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