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Through the Veil

(Aisling Chronicles #1)

Colleen Halverson (Goodreads Author)

3.73 · Rating details · 565 ratings · 107 reviews

Elizabeth Tanner is no Tinkerbell, and her life is no fairy tale. Broke and drowning in student loans, the one thing she wants more than anything is a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation. But after the ancient Irish text she's studying turns out to be more than just a book, she becomes their prisoner instead. And when Trinity reveals Elizabeth is half-Fae, she finds he ...more

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Paperback, 447 pages

Published February 22nd 2016 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Select Otherworld)

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· 565 ratings · 107 reviews

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Dec 19, 2015 Michael Mammay rated it it was amazing

Through the Veil is one of the best things I've read in a long time. I got a chance to read an advanced copy, and I'm glad I did.

When you read a fantasy romance, often you get one or the other. You get a great fantasy story with a token love interest, or maybe you get an awesome love story in a half developed world. Through the Veil is both. It would be a great fantasy even without the romantic elements, and the love story of Elizabeth and Finn would sparkle no matter where you set it.

But I have Through the Veil is one of the best things I've read in a long time. I got a chance to read an advanced copy, and I'm glad I did.

When you read a fantasy romance, often you get one or the other. You get a great fantasy story with a token love interest, or maybe you get an awesome love story in a half developed world. Through the Veil is both. It would be a great fantasy even without the romantic elements, and the love story of Elizabeth and Finn would sparkle no matter where you set it.

But I have to start with the thing that sets this book above its peers: the characters. Elizabeth is both strong and flawed, but always endearing. I found myself rooting for her from the first few pages. When you throw Finn in the mix...while he's not my favorite male lead of all time (hey...I don't fall for hot Irish dudes...what can I say?) he's absolutely perfect as a compliment to Elizabeth. Two individual characters who get better when you put them together. The chemistry jumps off the page.

The pace of the story is unbelievable. It grabbed me from the first chapter and never let go. Just when you think things couldn't get any more intense, the author turns it up another notch. The plot is full of well thought out twists and turns, and through it all walks Elizabeth. She's an unlikely heroine surrounded by a cast of richly developed secondary characters and a phenomenal world, both real and the imagined that lies Through the Veil.

The story itself revolves around a secret society hidden within the modern day world. A dark, dangerous place of fae and magic, steeped in Irish lore. Elizabeth gets dragged into that world against her will, then has to fight to get out, or establish her place there in a web of alliances and double dealings.

The one negative for me in the book was the sex. While it doesn't overwhelm the plot at all (I think there were 3 or 4 scenes, maybe) I prefer my reads a little tamer. If you like your books 'PG' this probably isn't going to be your thing.

I can't recommend this book enough. ...more

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Feb 04, 2016 Jaclyn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, sent-for-review, fantastically-fae, favorites

I knew two things. One: I was on my own. And two: I wasn't going out like this.

The Good

Fae! I love stories with the Fae because they have some amazing magic and are generally not to be trifled with.

I can't even imagine where the story will go from here. It starts off with Elizabeth noticing strange things around her and throughout she's kidnapped numerous times, tortured, married, and it ends with her right back where she started. Through the Veil had twist after twisty twist and leaves you wond ...more

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Dec 19, 2015 Claudette Booker rated it it was amazing

First of all, in the interest of full disclosure, this is not my normal genre for books, but when your daughter writes a novel, it's required reading, and I'm so glad that I read it! What a great story! (And I'm not just saying that because she's my amazing daughter.) I couldn't put it down. The characters are incredible. I loved watching Elizabeth grow into such a powerful woman. The Celtic mythical monsters are truly brought to life. I have to admit that some of those creatures found themselve ...more

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Feb 08, 2016 Kate rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-stars, annoying-heroines, gives-me-the-tingles, kick-ass-heroine, law-and-order-uniform, time-dimension-travel, guys-be-a-steaming, broody-alphas, age-gap, pnr-uf-fantasy-steampunk

I’m really torn on how to rate this book. When I usually finish a book I know exactly how many stars it deserves. When I finished this book I had no fucking clue how to rate it.

In the end though I give it 2.5 Stars.

The blurb was good and it makes you want to read the book BUT…….

In some places just fell flat for me. The first third was good the middle dragged on a bit, okay a lot. And the ending was a cliffhanger in regards to Finn and Elizabeth and there was just too much back and forth in this ...more

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Feb 07, 2016 Pragati Chaudhari rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2016-reads

*The author provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Okay, guys, I'll be honest. I'm a sucker for fantasy. So, yeah, I loved this. Of course I did. There was no way I couldn't have.

The story is fast paced, well written and completely engaging. It has you down on your toes till the end. There's never a dull moment. That's what I love most about this. In many stories, the build up to the actual conflict is long and tedious. It somewhat reduces the essence of the book. But not this one. No *The author provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Okay, guys, I'll be honest. I'm a sucker for fantasy. So, yeah, I loved this. Of course I did. There was no way I couldn't have.

The story is fast paced, well written and completely engaging. It has you down on your toes till the end. There's never a dull moment. That's what I love most about this. In many stories, the build up to the actual conflict is long and tedious. It somewhat reduces the essence of the book. But not this one. No sir!

Through The Veil is intriguing from the get go. There's new characters, a new plot, new twist or turn at every point which continues to engage you. Yes, at times this can be a little overwhelming, but it works out great in this one. Also, Irish folklore isn't something that I'm familiar with, so that element makes the story even more interesting as far as I'm concerned.

The characters are smart, receptive and always on the lookout. They're all complex characters who feel a ton of emotions at any given point of time. Their conflict is has been portrayed amazingly throughout the story, especially Finn's. All characters are amazingly written and I love how their personalities unveil through the course of the story.

Liz, the heroine, is content working on her thesis on an ancient Irish folklore that her professor bought home after a vacation. However, things start to go down south when the words start to rearrange themselves and form new sentences each day. Add to that, the day Finn O'Neil, their financier visits them, the book kills her professor. She wakes up in an unfamiliar place with Finn the only person she can trust. However, they're soon kidnapped by someone who claims to be the king of a kingdom which forms part of the Trinity and he tortures her to get answers as to how she let the Dark tyrant, Thornton into their safe haven. Unsure of how she did it herself, Liz does everything in her power to convince them she didn't mean to do ti but nobody apart from Finn believes her. Her life turns from bad to worse when she finds out that she's a Fairie princess and that her grandparents have pledged her to the evil king Bres in order to save their kingdom. All through the trials in her life, Liz faces them head strong. She never falters in her path. She gets scared at times, but that doesn't stop her from fighting for what's right. That is what I love about her. She never gives up, even in the face of failure. She's ready to go to any length to protect herself and those she loves.

Finn, our hero, is the commander of the army at Trinity Chicago. He's tasked with the protection of Liz. He's great at his job, but things get bad when he finds himself falling in love with her. When he finds out that his affections are returned, there's no stopping him. Liz and Finn fall into a sort of dysfunctional relationship. They care for each other and always have the other's back. They're ready to kill and die for each other. He's a tad bit overprotective and possessive when it comes to Liz and can to do anything to keep her safe. He's out for blood when someone so much as hurts a hair on Liz's head. In short, he's totally head over heels for his girl. But, he's been hiding a secret. A secret that means the end of their relationship. And for good. So, what happens when this secret is brought out in the open?

Through The Veil is an amazing read. One that I would recommend to everyone out there, especially if you're into hardcore fantasy!

Rating - 5/5 ...more

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Dec 27, 2015 Notadinosaur rated it really liked it

I've not read a lot of romance, my memories of the genre hearken back to friends of my mother reading books with covers embossed with half naked sailors clutching bosom and ships wheel (I'm assuming both equally important to their quest?). My interest never really went any further than that, nor if I'm honest, has I ever felt any great love for fairies.

So when I was given an ARC of Through The Veil, the debut novel of Colleen Halverson I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Leather cod pieces and I've not read a lot of romance, my memories of the genre hearken back to friends of my mother reading books with covers embossed with half naked sailors clutching bosom and ships wheel (I'm assuming both equally important to their quest?). My interest never really went any further than that, nor if I'm honest, has I ever felt any great love for fairies.

So when I was given an ARC of Through The Veil, the debut novel of Colleen Halverson I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Leather cod pieces and bosoms on every page? No, well not exactly, but what I got instead was a book that nuzzled all my interests, with just the right amount of cod pieces (The right amount of cod pieces, thankfully, is still quite a lot).

Elizabeth, our heroine and incredibly well written protagonist is thrust into a world of Celtic folk law and fae after the murder of her professor, and theft of an ancient manuscript. Finn, the leather codpieced hero is thrust into the journey, and their stories entwine until the entire magical world is put on a knifes edge.

It's not an all unfamiliar story, a hidden power in an unknowing vessel, secret realms and the dark vs the light. What sets this book apart however, from not only others in the romance genre, but also the fantasy genre in general is how brilliantly its put together. This is not some two dimensional world where things exist simply because they do for plot devices and because it is required. This is a living world, with totalitarian dictatorships as vibrant and living as Elizabeth herself, with a thorough well thought out magic system, and tendrils of stories that branch out to Celtic folk lore that Colleen has yet to touch on. With a sequel already in the works, I'm incredibly excited to see what elements of Celtic history is going to be brought in; there really is a world waiting to be discovered beyond what we've already seen.

Elizabeth and Finn are wonderfully fleshed out, especially Elizabeth. It's refreshing to have a brilliant, strong, flawed, and empowered female protagonist. Her humanity shines through, which is difficult given the other worldly setting and all that leather.

Fantasy stuff aside, lets move onto the romance, for this is a romance novel after all. Colleen knows what she's doing, it's sensual and tender, its hot and steamy, it's exactly what you want from paranormal romance and more. It's what you want from romance, and how it mixes with the other elements is great.

It's a great thing finding a book like this, in a genre you didn't expect you'd like. For a novel it's great, and for a debut novel it's exceptional. Colleen knows the genre, and if you're a fan of it I thoroughly believe you'll enjoy Through The Veil.

I give Through the Veil 4.5/5 ...more

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Feb 22, 2016 Suze Lavender rated it it was amazing

Elizabeth is a hardworking student. She has applied for a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation and is spending a lot of time on research for her thesis. She's translating a book written in old Irish. There's something strange though as the book never stays exactly the same. A visit from the Trinity people changes Elizabeth's world forever. She's suddenly a prisoner and they know more about her ancestry than she does. The people who are holding her captive don't show her much kindness. There's Elizabeth is a hardworking student. She has applied for a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation and is spending a lot of time on research for her thesis. She's translating a book written in old Irish. There's something strange though as the book never stays exactly the same. A visit from the Trinity people changes Elizabeth's world forever. She's suddenly a prisoner and they know more about her ancestry than she does. The people who are holding her captive don't show her much kindness. There's only one man, Finn, a commander of the trinity elite warriors, who seems to care what happens to her.

Elizabeth is now a pawn in the war between magical races. She's supposed to be very powerful, but she also doesn't know much about the world she's now living in. That's a great disadvantage. Her power can play a crucial role and others want to benefit from it, which means she's being forced into a horrific situation. Will Elizabeth be able to get out of it again? And can her life ever go back to normal now that she has all that new information about her lineage?

Through The Veil is a great story about a student who's half Fae and half human. Working with a magical manuscript is only the beginning of a series of terrible events. Elizabeth is strong and resourceful and she doesn't lose her head in a difficult situations. She's a fabulous and powerful heroine. Finn is a sweet guy, but his hands are tied. He can't be there for Elizabeth all the time and they learn about the consequences of that the hard way. Some of the scenes are awful and dark. There are plenty of creepy and cruel characters who are making life difficult for Elizabeth. The story is an interesting adrenaline rush and I loved reading about the different worlds and their inhabitants.

Colleen Halverson's world building is really good. I could easily picture everything she describes. There's a lot of action in this story and it's never boring. Things go from bad to worse, but Elizabeth is resilient and she keeps plotting her escape. There's a depressing part that almost breaks Elizabeth, I both loved and hated it. Fortunately Elizabeth can handle a lot and this part gives the story some extra depth. I'm curious to read more about Elizabeth and can't wait to see where her next journey will bring her. I really enjoyed reading this fast-paced fantasty book and I think Through The Veil is amazing. ...more

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Jan 28, 2016 Beth rated it liked it

Shelves: tour, romance, fantasy, paranormal

Elizabeth Tanner goes from seeking a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation to becoming a prisoner and a pawn in a battle for power between the magical races. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, she is half fae. It is her heritage that enables her to be tricked into releasing a Dark Fae plot and forced into helping the Trinity’s agenda she must find the power inside to survive.

Halverson scripts a highly imaginative and magical tale. I found Through the Veil enjoyable, well-paced and containing a good ba ...more

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Feb 21, 2016 Elaine rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, paranormal, thriller, mystery, military, romance, adventure, suspense, authors-to-look-out-for, irish

This is a definitely different story, with Irish mythology, an American student, three magical Irish races interconnected yet separated by the Veil, a plethora of double dealing, manipulative beings, lots of fighting and romance. What a combination!

Elizabeth is studying a recently obtained ancient text but it keeps changing. Sometimes it may be the illustrations that change and at others it might be the text, but whatever it is, the only person who seems to notice it is her so she's starting to ...more

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Feb 14, 2016 1-Click Addict Support Group rated it really liked it

When I found out we had the opportunity to review a Fae book, I jumped on the chance. I am so glad I did! If you are a fan of Irish mythology and things we may not be able to see, you need to do yourself a favor and check out this book.

While working on her Master’s Thesis, and praying for a grant from the Trinity Foundation, Elizabeth thinks she may be losing her mind. She is drowning in debt, and lack of sleep has her believing she is seeing things that can’t possibly be true. When it turns ou ...more

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Feb 16, 2016 Rachel Caplinger rated it it was amazing

******I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review*****
5 Stars!!
The painted veil is what paranormal series strive to be. An articulate and exciting world of Faeries and Irish Lore come to life— I couldn’t put it down from the first page. I was enraptured with the story line, impressed with the cross referencing and the complexity of the story line. For fun-zies i tend to try and guess how a book is going to end, just to see how predictable an author is going to be, and while there we ...more

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Feb 02, 2016 Katrina Berry rated it it was amazing

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Through the Veil by Colleen Halverson is a gem and definite must-read! I just couldn't put this book down! Ms. Halverson has created a fantasy/paranormal romance that seriously delivers with exceptional characters and chemistry that leaps right off the pages with a well-developed world and an absolutely divine storyline that you just don’t want to see end. Bravoooooooooo Ms. Halverson, bravo! ...more

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Dec 19, 2015 Charles Booker rated it it was amazing

Great book! Got a chance to read an advance copy!!! I could not put it down until I finished it. The characters are fully developed and plot is riveting!!!! This book should be on everyone's list to read!!! ...more

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Feb 03, 2016 Cody rated it liked it

Elizabeth Tanner is a student who enjoys deciphering long forgotten ancient texts, she’s applied for a once in a lifetime scholarship that will make her dreams come true; going to Ireland and learning more about the rich Irish folklore. However when one of her books starts to change and come to life, Elizabeth is thrown into a world filled with dangerous faerie politics, ruthless royalty and she may just discover some shocking secrets about her past.

Through the Veil evolves around The Book of A Elizabeth Tanner is a student who enjoys deciphering long forgotten ancient texts, she’s applied for a once in a lifetime scholarship that will make her dreams come true; going to Ireland and learning more about the rich Irish folklore. However when one of her books starts to change and come to life, Elizabeth is thrown into a world filled with dangerous faerie politics, ruthless royalty and she may just discover some shocking secrets about her past.

Through the Veil evolves around The Book of Arranmore; this old manuscript holds the answers to the entire Fae world and powerful secrets that will help the Dark Fae control the weak, slaughter the innocent and win an on-going war. There’s no denying that Halverson has done her homework with Through the Veil, from the very beginning you are thrown into a rich world steeped in folklore and magic. While this was fascinating to read about, I found myself on the wrong end of some info-dumping, the pacing slowed down too much and I struggled with the Irish mythology.

Elizabeth was an interesting protagonist, I loved that she was already an independent and self-sufficient woman. It was a breath of fresh of air to not have to watch her grow into something better; she was already a feisty but well rounded character. However I felt that the romance somehow lessened her, or maybe it was the relationship between the two, either way the constant back and forth was not making me love her more.

The romance was all-wild and lust driven in the beginning and as much as I loved these steamy moments between Elizabeth and Finn, I don’t fully ship them just yet. I suppose this will take time as there wasn’t many moments that were perfect for romance to bloom, understandably given their surroundings so I’m hoping book two will have me cheerleading for them to make it.

Overall Through the Veil is a great debut and start to a brand new fantasy series. Lovers of complex plots, rich setting’s and tricky characters and relationships will enjoy this.

Literary-ly Obsessed (Blog) | Twitter | Instagram ...more

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Dec 30, 2015 jmh rated it it was amazing

Since I love a good paranormal romance novel, imagine how thrilled I was when my amazing daughter-in-law wrote one! I was able to read an advanced copy and I was hoping to like it...well…for the obvious reasons, but I have to honestly say I could not put it down! The characters are incredibly well-developed and believable, the plot twists are gripping and well thought out, and the chemistry and love story between Elizabeth and Finn is sizzling!!

To like a book I also have to like the protagonist, ...more

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Jan 27, 2016 Isabel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: w-b

Through the Veil (the Aisling Chronicles Series) by Colleen Halverson is coming out February 22nd!

Check out the new cover, read an exclusive excerpt and enter the Amazon gift card giveaway hosted on Wanderlust & Books!

http://wanderlustandbooks.weebly.com/...

...more

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Feb 13, 2016 MartyAnne rated it it was amazing

One minute, Elizabeth Tanner is working on her thesis. The next minute, an Irishman from the Trinity Foundation is trying to walk off with the book...and a dragon is attacking her advisor. She's not easily convinced of what she sees in the days that follow... but three things become clear:

She is in deep trouble as a pawn in the games around her.
She is herself magical, and also a half-fae princess. Yeah, that leads to trouble, too.
She's never been more attracted to anyone as she is now to Finn O ...more

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Jan 15, 2016 Carmel (Rabid Reads) rated it liked it

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

THROUGH THE VEIL had some really superb aspects and a few incomprehensible ones which is why my rating is split right down the middle. The world-building was extensive with its fusion of American, Irish and Fae cultures along with the implicit politics that the latter brings without fail. Elizabeth, the heroine, came out swinging which I loved, but the timeline to get from point A to B, especially where the romance was concerned, simply didn’t jive.

Colleen Halverson acut ...more

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Feb 07, 2016 Chanelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars, paranormal-fantasy-scifi

ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Through the Veil is an enchanting debut novel written in first person of the heroine, Elizabeth's POV.

Working on her masters thesis, the story starts off with Elizabeth studying an ancient Irish manuscript called the book of Arranmore. This is where life as she knows it changes very quickly and dramatically.

Did mention anything about the Fae yet? Yes, I love me some good books about Fae! Elizabeth finds herself suddenly thru ...more

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Dec 30, 2015 Kim rated it it was amazing

Some of the other reviews highlight some plot points and a bit more of the world in THROUGH THE VEIL, so I'll build on some points that didn't get covered as much.

So let me first say, I'm not normally a fan of Fae paranormal romance books. I don't know why. Just more of a fan of vampire/werewolf stuff. But that's okay, because this book has it all - Fae, Druids, vampires, and werewolves, oh my! Another irritation of mine sometimes with fantasy books is that they can tend to info-dump to the poi Some of the other reviews highlight some plot points and a bit more of the world in THROUGH THE VEIL, so I'll build on some points that didn't get covered as much.

So let me first say, I'm not normally a fan of Fae paranormal romance books. I don't know why. Just more of a fan of vampire/werewolf stuff. But that's okay, because this book has it all - Fae, Druids, vampires, and werewolves, oh my! Another irritation of mine sometimes with fantasy books is that they can tend to info-dump to the point of exhaustion. Yeah, you won't find that in here either. The world building is amazing and not overbearing, and where one chapter ends, you can't help but click to the next to find out what happens. It was impossible for me not dive headlong on this journey with Elizabeth, the heroine.

Another gripe of mine with a lot of paranormal romance is that it's 2016 -- I don't want the heroines to always be in need of rescuing. I don't want her sobbing and broken, needing a man to "complete" her. I want a heroine with complexity, with strengths and flaws, like the rest of us mere mortals. I want a heroine who I want to enjoy a cuppa or a glass of wine with. And I would definitely hang with Elizabeth. Unlike so many heroines, E is no fainting violet. She's tough and smart and funny. She stands her ground. She can level armies. And she is Finn's equal (and dare I say it, maybe even more powerful than he is!). And Finn, as hot as he is all smelling of leather and clean laundry (can there be a better and more delicious description of a love interest?), also has his flaws that he needs to come to terms with. But even he isn't the typical alpha male, by which I mean as a compliment.

Finally, kind of my favorite part...this book is about a magical book. I'm a sucker for magical artifacts, especially of the book variety and especially books that hinge on unlocking secrets hidden within a magical book/artifact.

This book is not the typical romance or the typical fantasy. It takes what both genres do well and gets rid of the rest. Can't wait to read Book 2! ...more

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Feb 05, 2016 Carrie rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

Elizabeth Tanner is your regular broke college student, she’s applied for a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation to go to Ireland to continue her studies and hopes to make a good impression. Unfortunately, when Elizabeth and her professor forget about the meeting with Finn O’Connell from the Trinity Foundation things between Finn and Elizabeth get off to a bit of a rocky start.

Finn demands to see the ancient Irish text that Elizabeth has been transcribing but there something a bit different a Elizabeth Tanner is your regular broke college student, she’s applied for a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation to go to Ireland to continue her studies and hopes to make a good impression. Unfortunately, when Elizabeth and her professor forget about the meeting with Finn O’Connell from the Trinity Foundation things between Finn and Elizabeth get off to a bit of a rocky start.

Finn demands to see the ancient Irish text that Elizabeth has been transcribing but there something a bit different about this book. When Elizabeth has been working with it things have been changing on the pages. She thinks she’s just overworked or might be going a bit crazy but the next thing you know there is a monster attacking her professor and she’s bitten during the fight.

Waking up a week later in a strange place Elizabeth finds herself a prisoner and in the middle of plot to save the magical races of Ireland from a brutal civil war. Finding out that her mother was Fae and had immense powers, Elizabeth finds that she is half Fae and the Dark Fae want to control her for her powers.

Through the Veil is the beginning to what should end up being an amazing fantasy series. Full of Irish mythology it’s a bit different than anything I’ve read. I was immediately caught up in the story as it started off reminding me a bit of the Mortal Instruments series which I love with Elizabeth seeing things and then finding she has this connection to a magical world she didn’t know about. But the similarities are very very few, it was just a feeling I had when reading but it made me realize very early on I was going to enjoy this series.

I really wanted to give this first book five stars but it did have a few slow moments for me when reading. I think maybe it’s just the learning all about this new world with the Irish mythology that maybe slowed me down a bit. But I really wouldn’t of wanted any of it to be left out either as I did enjoy the details in the end. I decided on four stars for this one and hoping the rest of the series will only get better.

Overall, a great new fantasy series that I will be looking forward to continuing. Definitely recommend checking this one out!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress.... ...more

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Jan 29, 2016 Margaret rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-won

Elizabeth Tanner begins her journey in the library, studying an ancient text about the Fae. She's started to see strange things in the book, like images moving, and words changing from one viewing to the next. But she doesn't really think anything of it until a dragon comes out of the book and attacks her professor. In the chaos, the book is stolen by a man who vanishes into thin air.

Elizabeth then finds herself at the Trinity Foundation, which she thought was a charitable organization until she Elizabeth Tanner begins her journey in the library, studying an ancient text about the Fae. She's started to see strange things in the book, like images moving, and words changing from one viewing to the next. But she doesn't really think anything of it until a dragon comes out of the book and attacks her professor. In the chaos, the book is stolen by a man who vanishes into thin air.

Elizabeth then finds herself at the Trinity Foundation, which she thought was a charitable organization until she realizes that she's surrounded by warriors with magical weapons and lots of secrets. Finn, their leader, gives off a Barrons sort of vibe at first, equal parts attractive and intimidating, though Elizabeth comes to see him differently by the end. But Finn's Trinity headquarters in just one stop on a journey that will eventually lead Elizabeth into Faery where the magic she inherited from her mother, who may not be dead after all, puts her in the middle of a war.

Halverson's Faery features a few of the expected supernatural creatures - I was especially interested in the way she portrayed vampires. But most of the monsters have human faces. Elizabeth finds herself with few allies, and all of those are prisoners just like she is. Even Finn, who wants to help her, is constrained by the rules of the Trinity. Elizabeth must learn to be her own champion in this strange and brutal new world which reminded at times of the demon realm in Diana Rowland's Kara Gillian series.

I was completely sucked in to Through the Veil - I finished it at 3:30 A.M. which is something I hardly ever do anymore. But so much happens in this book, I feel like anything I say will be a spoiler. It's a fairy tale, but the dark kind where the princess gets locked in a tower and no one gets a HEA. But I'm rooting for Elizabeth and I'm glad that there's more to her story, even though so much has happened already. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Originally published at Goldilox and the Three Weres and based on a copy provided by the publisher. ...more

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Feb 15, 2016 Tracey rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-copy, pnr, fae

I was totally pulled into this fae world created by Colleen Haverson.

I have to say the story doesn't always run at a fast pace, there's world building and characthers to get to know but it kept me hooked.

Elizabeth is an Epic characther, just an ordinary girl studying literature, then pulled into a world she didn't know existed.

Finn is her main sidekick and love interest - not that you would imagine that at the beginning of the book! Finn is a Fae, his a soldier of sorts.

Finn and Elizabeth have ...more

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Feb 07, 2016 Carla rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: provided-for-review, series-to-continue

**I received a free eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Elizabeth Tanner is a broke student working on her master's thesis, which involves analyzing and translating an ancient Irish book. After the book starts changing, Elizabeth thinks she's losing her mind, until a member of the Trinity Foundation appears at her mentor's front door, and even crazier things start to happen.

I love, loooove stories that are about the Fae or that involve them somehow. And this o ...more

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Feb 23, 2016 Kara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sci-fi-fanatsy-dystopia, paranormal

I thought the world Colleen Halverson created in this story was amazing and I loved this book!

Elizabeth is studying a ancient Irish folk lore text hoping to get a scholarship from the trinity foundation when all hell breaks lose and she discovers more about herself and the world around her then she has ever has known before..

I loved the authors pretense of this story and the characters too! Life has not been easy for Elizabeth at all and with as many bad things that happen to her in this book ...more

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Feb 17, 2016 SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc

4 ½ ★

This was one book that really surprised me… in a very good way. Being (I think) Colleen’s first book I wasn’t sure what to expect but the blurb sounded interesting so I went for it.
Boy am I glad I did not miss out on this book. It was a page turner from page one and I had a hard time putting it down.
It has very good world and character building and easy to read even with the complex world and characters.
I really liked Elizabeth, she is a strong kick#ss female character and will not stay do ...more

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Feb 21, 2016 Kae Thomas Hawk rated it really liked it

I was excited to read a book about the Fae. This one went into a lot of detail about the different fractions and the fight between them. Unfortunately for our heroine, who was dropped into the middle of it all ,she learns first hand. Luckily for her she is a college student and just happened to be translating an Irish book that might be able to give her some answers.
You learn of her mother that left her and that it really wasn't her choice, I couldn't decide if I liked the love interest for her ...more

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Feb 17, 2016 Nichole rated it liked it · review of another edition

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Elizabeth is a poor college student, working on her thesis. That thesis is a translation of an ancient Irish book. A book that appears to change at will. Although she thinks she might be losing it, she plods on. With so much debt, she is hoping to get a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation. Little does she know, the Trinity Foundation is not what it appears, nor is she. Thinking her mother died when she was a baby, Elizabeth knows nothing about h ...more

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Dec 19, 2015 Heather Fleet rated it it was amazing

Hello feisty heroine meets broody, dark, and entirely to sexy for his own good, hero.

I'm kind of at a loss for words as to how much I adored Through the Veil. Normally I shy away from fantasy novels. Not because I don't like them, but because I'm more of a contemporary girl. But let me just say...Colleen weaves just the right amount of humor, magic, fantasy, and contemporary aspects (along with some ooo-baby-that-some-hot sex) I couldn't put this one down.

This is the story of Elizabeth. A norm ...more

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Feb 23, 2016 Elisabeth Hamill rated it it was amazing

I judge books by two things: how quickly they grab me and suck me into the story, and whether I finish the book, close it, and start it again immediately. I'm thrilled to say that Through The Veil had me from page one. Twice.

Elizabeth is a smart and strong character whose passion for Irish literature drags her unexpected heritage into the light. With one of the hottest men in fiction in the person of Fianna warrior Finn *sigh* she finds herself embroiled in a war between the magical races of the ...more

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About Colleen Halverson

Colleen Halverson

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As a child, Colleen Halverson used to play in the woods imagining worlds and telling stories to herself. Growing up on military bases, she found solace in her local library and later decided to make a living sharing the wonders of literature to poor, unsuspecting college freshmen. After backpacking through Ireland and singing in a traditional Irish music band, she earned a PhD in English with a sp ...more

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Aisling Chronicles (3 books)

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Children of the Veil (Aisling Chronicles #2)

The Wild Irish Girl (The Wild Romantics)

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“You are a good person, and something terrible happened to you. Forgive yourself for the rage, the bitterness. It’s all right to feel that, but if you push it down, sweep it away, it will only grow. Look at it. Confront it. Love it, even. It’s the only way you will survive this. At least, that’s the only way the good in you will survive.” The” — 0 likes

“I had sworn off jerks and other variations of inappropriate men for New Year’s, and I had only faltered once. Well, maybe twice. I would never know for sure what happened after the fall mixer with what’s-his-name? Steve?” — 0 likes

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Through the Veil

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