What do you think?
Rate this book
Victorian Gothic Collection #2
Veil of Shadows
Newly married, Adelaide Llewellyn, is struggling to find her place in her distant husband's life and in his ancestral home of Cysgod Lys. Surrounded by bitter enemies, lies and the dark secrets that have haunted his family for generations, there is much to be feared. But the danger she faces is as much from the living as the dead. There are dark and unnatural things lurking within the walls of Cysgod Lys and on the moor that flanks it. They've made their presence and their power known to her. But Adelaide will not be ruled by fear and she will not simply give in to it. She means to fight for her home and for her husband, no matter what may come.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2018
284 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
142 books523 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 2, 2019
Love, paranormal and suspense!
I usually don’t care for multiple books in one story, but I have loved both book one and book to in this three book series. While book one introduces you to the story in a fantastic way, book 2 sets you up for the finale. This story keeps you turning the pages and I can’t wait for book 3!
I usually don’t care for multiple books in one story, but I have loved both book one and book to in this three book series. While book one introduces you to the story in a fantastic way, book 2 sets you up for the finale. This story keeps you turning the pages and I can’t wait for book 3!
January 6, 2019
I have anxiously been waiting for this second book in this three book series and I was not disappointed. I began my reading of historical romance with dark Gothic Victorian stories when I was younger, so this was like seeing an old friend again!
Picking up from book one, Adelaide is at her husband's ancestral home and is trying to figure out how to deal with her husband, who is so distant. She feels alone and enmeshed in the dark secrets and enemies who have continued to haunt his family forever. Be prepared to feel the paranormal haunting that seem to be part of the house and surroundings.
Adelaide is a strong heroine who is determined to find out what is happening and why. There were times I felt a little tense and guessing what would happen next. Be prepared to be pulled in from the first page and not let go until the last as this author is a master at writing the unpredictable that will keep you entranced until the end.
Picking up from book one, Adelaide is at her husband's ancestral home and is trying to figure out how to deal with her husband, who is so distant. She feels alone and enmeshed in the dark secrets and enemies who have continued to haunt his family forever. Be prepared to feel the paranormal haunting that seem to be part of the house and surroundings.
Adelaide is a strong heroine who is determined to find out what is happening and why. There were times I felt a little tense and guessing what would happen next. Be prepared to be pulled in from the first page and not let go until the last as this author is a master at writing the unpredictable that will keep you entranced until the end.
January 6, 2019
3.75 stars. I liked the first chapters of the book however I felt the story dragged in the middle but in the last chapters the story regained its pace. This gothic/horror romance is similar to House of Secrets and House of Shadows by Darcy Coates.
I found the book a little bit creepier than the first book. Looking forward to book three!
I found the book a little bit creepier than the first book. Looking forward to book three!
June 24, 2024
Wonderfully written, gothic at its best. Still, I feel that all three books should have been one. I enjoyed it pretty much.
February 5, 2020
Okay, so book one was a three star-not a bad beginning. BUT nothing like this installment! Oh no, Veil of Shadows has redeemed this series.
Will I continue to book three?
Yes, yes, yes!
Even as my finger hovers over the buy now button, I must first share the highs and lows of Veil of Shadows.
HIGHS:
* The dots were beginning to connect on the spirits residing in the Llewllyn mansion. Every story needs a great antagonist and Frances has the stage. The wicked sister-in-law is effortlessly reaching the pinnacle of evilness. She's more than willing to spill blood to achieve her goals. She'll stop at nothing. She's a bad bad seed, folks!
* New characters were introduced. A pair of spiritualists come to the aide of Adeline and Eldren, upping the ante. And oh boy, do things get interesting!
* Eldren gives in to his 'no hanky panky' policy. Thank goodness he makes his poor, neglected wife a non neglected wife in every sense of the word. I was so tired of Adelaide's whining about it.
* Presumably, Eldren and Adelaide have a unique solution to their haunted house problems. Who needs holy water when an arsenal of dynamite will blast the spooks away?
LOWS:
* A single afternoon with a fortune teller grooms Adelaide to be a seasoned spiritualist. Suddenly, she develops the ability to decode ancient writings and discern a murder in the works when only weeks earlier, she boarded a ship that was destined to sink.
Obviously the editor of this book (assuming there was an editor...although I have to wonder) realized that Adelaide's newly developed talents were too much for the reader to swallow at this early stage. The author does some damage control through Eldren's dialogue. He mentions to Adelaide on several occasions that he doesn't understand her newly found talents. So, the fortune teller reveals to Adelaide that she's always had the gift, but wasn't coached on how to use it.
Okay, this is only fiction so I'll give the author some wiggle room, but there were other timeline discrepancies in the first book that have not been addressed. I was hoping they would be resolved by now, but that's not the case. (It's always a good idea to pay an editor before publishing anything)
* A relationship between the spiritualists blossoms into a full blown marriage material in ten seconds flat. Not sure why this is a plot point or why it's written into the story. Perhaps the answer will come in book three.
THE WRAP UP:
Frances is in cahoots with the entities haunting the estate (she confessed to the murder of the footman who impregnated her). We are left in suspense...will Frances have the ability to cause more problems from the walls of a sanitarium?
Ah, can't wait to find out in book three!
THE RATING:
Single Shot of Espresso was needed the next morning = Four Stars
Will I continue to book three?
Yes, yes, yes!
Even as my finger hovers over the buy now button, I must first share the highs and lows of Veil of Shadows.
HIGHS:
* The dots were beginning to connect on the spirits residing in the Llewllyn mansion. Every story needs a great antagonist and Frances has the stage. The wicked sister-in-law is effortlessly reaching the pinnacle of evilness. She's more than willing to spill blood to achieve her goals. She'll stop at nothing. She's a bad bad seed, folks!
* New characters were introduced. A pair of spiritualists come to the aide of Adeline and Eldren, upping the ante. And oh boy, do things get interesting!
* Eldren gives in to his 'no hanky panky' policy. Thank goodness he makes his poor, neglected wife a non neglected wife in every sense of the word. I was so tired of Adelaide's whining about it.
* Presumably, Eldren and Adelaide have a unique solution to their haunted house problems. Who needs holy water when an arsenal of dynamite will blast the spooks away?
LOWS:
* A single afternoon with a fortune teller grooms Adelaide to be a seasoned spiritualist. Suddenly, she develops the ability to decode ancient writings and discern a murder in the works when only weeks earlier, she boarded a ship that was destined to sink.
Obviously the editor of this book (assuming there was an editor...although I have to wonder) realized that Adelaide's newly developed talents were too much for the reader to swallow at this early stage. The author does some damage control through Eldren's dialogue. He mentions to Adelaide on several occasions that he doesn't understand her newly found talents. So, the fortune teller reveals to Adelaide that she's always had the gift, but wasn't coached on how to use it.
Okay, this is only fiction so I'll give the author some wiggle room, but there were other timeline discrepancies in the first book that have not been addressed. I was hoping they would be resolved by now, but that's not the case. (It's always a good idea to pay an editor before publishing anything)
* A relationship between the spiritualists blossoms into a full blown marriage material in ten seconds flat. Not sure why this is a plot point or why it's written into the story. Perhaps the answer will come in book three.
THE WRAP UP:
Frances is in cahoots with the entities haunting the estate (she confessed to the murder of the footman who impregnated her). We are left in suspense...will Frances have the ability to cause more problems from the walls of a sanitarium?
Ah, can't wait to find out in book three!
THE RATING:
Single Shot of Espresso was needed the next morning = Four Stars
October 28, 2020
The Plot Thickens!
Chasity Bowlin, the author and the pair of amazingly talented narrators, Lillian Yves and Vincent Lee Grayson have continued their excellence in their combined production of the continuation of this serialized story.
I am really loving the two main characters, Adelaide and Eldren. We are beginning to see Adelaide's strength of character coming to the fore as well as a change in attitude in Eldren.
I love it when an author is able to get one to really hate the evil characters and what they do in a story and is is certainly one of Chasity's in this book.
I still maintain what I said about the narration in my audio review of the first part of this serial, "Seriously, I think this is one of the best pair narrated audios which I have listened to so far.
"Well matched voices, superb expression and even a bit of eery background thrown in at appropriate moments."
There is one more part to this and I can hardly wait for it to be released.
My review is based on my thoughts and impressions after listening to a promotional copy of the audiobook version and it is unbiased and given voluntarily.
Chasity Bowlin, the author and the pair of amazingly talented narrators, Lillian Yves and Vincent Lee Grayson have continued their excellence in their combined production of the continuation of this serialized story.
I am really loving the two main characters, Adelaide and Eldren. We are beginning to see Adelaide's strength of character coming to the fore as well as a change in attitude in Eldren.
I love it when an author is able to get one to really hate the evil characters and what they do in a story and is is certainly one of Chasity's in this book.
I still maintain what I said about the narration in my audio review of the first part of this serial, "Seriously, I think this is one of the best pair narrated audios which I have listened to so far.
"Well matched voices, superb expression and even a bit of eery background thrown in at appropriate moments."
There is one more part to this and I can hardly wait for it to be released.
My review is based on my thoughts and impressions after listening to a promotional copy of the audiobook version and it is unbiased and given voluntarily.
June 30, 2019
Book Two of this Victorian gothic paranormal book, takes up where book one stopped. There is more murder, and attempted murder. Her father' s friend Mr. Mortimer has come with a woman who has great psychic ability. They are able to learn more about the house, or ancient castle, and what is going on. The heroine is also finding her way, with help from her new friends and her husband. Evil still lurks everywhere though, and despite the attempt on his life, Warren still wants France's his wife, treated fairly. I am anxious to see what will happen in the last book, of this gothic serial. It is still chilling to read. It goes way past most gothic mysteries, adding witch craft, a demonic lure in the moors, people at risk, and hoping that the evil can be destroyed. I hope there can finally be peace, and love for our couple. Only answers revealed in book three will tell. It still is very creepy, and the church he grew up in, but has not been thought about in a while is suddenly very involved in the story. It gives some hope to seeing God take down evil. 5 stars.
December 31, 2018
Pure Genius! Veil of Shadows by Chasity Bowlin is book 2 in The Victorian Gothic Collection. This is not a standalone and you must read House of Shadow, book 1, as this is a continuous story and what a story it is!! Chasity has really out done herself in this collection and the creativeness and writing of this story is remarkable. I am in awe over this and I cannot wait for the final book. This gothic victorian story will keep you on the edge of your seat and you will never guess what will happen next. Her characters are wonderful and exciting. Can you tell how much I just love this book. This story has an evil entity, kindness, new love, coldness, greed, power, murder, assault, an ancient book, hidden tunnels, confession and so much more. This is a must read and I highly recommend that you do. You won’t be disappointed.
December 22, 2020
This is the second book in The Victorian Gothic Trilogy, a brilliantly written Dark Gothic Victorian Paranormal Romance. You have to listen to this series in order. Adelaide and Eldren's story continues where the first book left off. The storyline is suspenseful, intriguing, and captivating, filled with twist and turns, secrets, danger, mystery and romance. The mystery is intricate. The supporting characters are intriguing. The world building is original, and enthralling. Lillian Yves and Vincent Lee Grayson are fantastic narrators. They have a great range of voices, and some are chilling! I love their voices together. The audio quality is spectacular. I HIGHLY recommend it. Now, I can't wait to listen to the conclusion of this amazing trilogy, Passage of Shadows. The team author/narrators is awesome!
October 27, 2020
I am completely enthralled with this series. This is book 2 and it may be read as a stand alone but really - I highly recommend you read book 1 first to get the most from it. This storyline is captivating. The narration is perfect - I love when a book has dual narration, it just adds more, and these two narrators come thru flawlessly. The secrets that are reveled in this book only add to more mystery and questions. Adelaide is fighting for her place in her husbands cursed home and with new friends becomes more aware of herself but to what end we have yet to know...ending on a suspenseful note I can't wait for book 3 in this romance read.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this book
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this book
November 23, 2020
3.5 stars
Violence- moderate
Language-light profanity
Sex- moderate. Awkward talking about sex at the beginning and one sex scene that is not graphic, but is still there.
The questions from the first book are answered pretty thoroughly in this one. I have to admit annoyance at the sex scene because the first book lulled me into the false sense that there wouldn't be one. It's short and not very graphic, but still. I felt like dues ex machina was relied on a little too heavily in this second book, but figuring out the mystery was still interesting.
Violence- moderate
Language-light profanity
Sex- moderate. Awkward talking about sex at the beginning and one sex scene that is not graphic, but is still there.
The questions from the first book are answered pretty thoroughly in this one. I have to admit annoyance at the sex scene because the first book lulled me into the false sense that there wouldn't be one. It's short and not very graphic, but still. I felt like dues ex machina was relied on a little too heavily in this second book, but figuring out the mystery was still interesting.
May 17, 2019
I adored the first book - House of Shadows...this book did not disappoint. It was gripping, riveting, unexpected and drat it just not long enough...I wanted more. Happily there was a 3rd book!
This is a most excellent series of books and Chasity Bowlin a most excellent writer with great character depth with curiously interesting points of view. What a great beach read or even a great rainy summer day on the porch to pass the time and feel the soft breezes.
This is a most excellent series of books and Chasity Bowlin a most excellent writer with great character depth with curiously interesting points of view. What a great beach read or even a great rainy summer day on the porch to pass the time and feel the soft breezes.
October 28, 2020
An Excellent Tale For The Season
Despite the fact that this is the second book in the trilogy and the story is unresolved, I loved it! I want more. The performance of the two narrators was stepped up from book 1. They both cover many different voices that really show their talent. The chills in Book 2 are intensified and Adelaide Llewellyn's home, Cysgod Lys is, alive with intrigue. Chastity Bowlin wrote an excellent follow up story and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
Despite the fact that this is the second book in the trilogy and the story is unresolved, I loved it! I want more. The performance of the two narrators was stepped up from book 1. They both cover many different voices that really show their talent. The chills in Book 2 are intensified and Adelaide Llewellyn's home, Cysgod Lys is, alive with intrigue. Chastity Bowlin wrote an excellent follow up story and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
January 4, 2021
Audio book
Book 2 in the series. This Victorian romance is great. Chasity Bowen really outdone herself . It has strong characters, very detailed events . You will be listening till the end , wondering what is going to happen next You will see all the emotions, love , jealousy, and evil.
Lillian Yves, and Vincent Lee Grayson performance is great. Very strong and steady and smooth. They did the characters great
Book 2 in the series. This Victorian romance is great. Chasity Bowen really outdone herself . It has strong characters, very detailed events . You will be listening till the end , wondering what is going to happen next You will see all the emotions, love , jealousy, and evil.
Lillian Yves, and Vincent Lee Grayson performance is great. Very strong and steady and smooth. They did the characters great
April 19, 2022
Book 2 of a 3 book series, not standalone, each book has a cliffhanger except book 3. This continues the story of Adelaide and Eldren, the mystery and mystical happenings at their home, and their plan to resolve it. A quick read (not as long as book 1), but fills in more of the story. Adelaide and Eldren make some new friends and continue to resolve the ghostly events at Cysgod Lys. Well worth the purchase of all three books.
December 4, 2024
I enjoyed the atmosphere, ending felt anti climactic. Also idk if true for anyone else, I got my copies from Kindle and the atrocious grammatic errors and the change of one of the characters name was baffling. I wish that we could've explored some themes more in depth. Some of the motivations sounded like they could've made everything more gripping and make the reader conflicted had they been examined.
January 4, 2019
Good but not great
I love the story but hate that it’s broken up. With so long in between each book I forget what happened in the last one. Plus there were several spelling errors and the section were they stated two days had passed but then in the next section it was only hours, confusing. You would think someone had prof read this before putting it out.
I love the story but hate that it’s broken up. With so long in between each book I forget what happened in the last one. Plus there were several spelling errors and the section were they stated two days had passed but then in the next section it was only hours, confusing. You would think someone had prof read this before putting it out.
August 7, 2019
At about 150 pages, Veil of Shadows is less a novel than the middle chapters of a story, but it is an enjoyable read.
January 11, 2020
It’s a decent story, but all of the typos and wrong information (Eldren became Cornelius for one segment. Charles the footman became James) make it a little difficult to follow. It really needs to be gone through again and edited in a better fashion. I enjoyed the plot line, just got tired of having to correct things as I read them.
January 26, 2020
And so the saga continues...I'm loving this story! Even with its occasional editing issues (i.e. typos/missing words, etc).
Adelaide and Eldren are falling in love, and poor Warren seems to be getting a break.
With each revelation, something new pops up to keep the H/h and their small group of friends on their toes.
Adelaide and Eldren are falling in love, and poor Warren seems to be getting a break.
With each revelation, something new pops up to keep the H/h and their small group of friends on their toes.
December 4, 2020
audible:This was another wonderfully told part of Adelaides story.She is trying to fit in at her home where she still can't get what she wants from her husband and her sister in law will go to any length to make her life difficult. Lillian Yves and Vincent Lee Grayson were terrific narrators.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
April 20, 2024
I read the second in this series about a month ago and frankly I'm trying to remember anything about it. The writing was ok but it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. I do recall thinking as I was reading this installment that it easily could have been combined with book 1. There was a bit more action in this one.
December 31, 2018
Captivating
This book continues the series and keeps your attention from cover to cover. This book has quite a few typos however. It is full of action and I can't wait for the final book t come out.
This book continues the series and keeps your attention from cover to cover. This book has quite a few typos however. It is full of action and I can't wait for the final book t come out.
January 3, 2019
Veil of Shadows
The second installment of The Victorian Gothic Collection was just as enthralling as the first. More details and intrigue have been added to keep one wanting more.
Cannot wait until book 3!
The second installment of The Victorian Gothic Collection was just as enthralling as the first. More details and intrigue have been added to keep one wanting more.
Cannot wait until book 3!
January 6, 2020
Coming too light!
The plots are still afoot evil still rains
Within the shadows, with Christmas
Approaching, will the inhabitants of
Shadow hall be able to dispel
The evil within?
Thank you
The plots are still afoot evil still rains
Within the shadows, with Christmas
Approaching, will the inhabitants of
Shadow hall be able to dispel
The evil within?
Thank you
April 10, 2021
Veil of Shadows
The story continues with help from friends. A ancient books has been found hidden behind a secret door. It tells of how the house is used and the witch who continues to control it. Plans are in place to destroy it.
The story continues with help from friends. A ancient books has been found hidden behind a secret door. It tells of how the house is used and the witch who continues to control it. Plans are in place to destroy it.
July 5, 2021
Grammar
The story was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, both of my parents were English teachers. Consequently I am more conscious of mistakes in grammar use than perhaps I should be. Maybe new proof readers are needed. I do recommend the two books in this series.
The story was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, both of my parents were English teachers. Consequently I am more conscious of mistakes in grammar use than perhaps I should be. Maybe new proof readers are needed. I do recommend the two books in this series.
September 15, 2022
Fascinating, exciting, wonderful love story. The growth of hero and heroine is impressive Chasity is overwhelmingly talented. Can’t say enough good about it. Congrats and bravo. Hope it wins an award or gets on a bestseller list.
January 5, 2019
Flawed but good
While there are too many typos and some very convoluted sentences, the story and the telling of that story are both excellent.
While there are too many typos and some very convoluted sentences, the story and the telling of that story are both excellent.
May 17, 2019
Keep reading
I am enjoying the character development of Adelaide and Eldren as well as Madame Leola and Lord Malcolm. The whole plot is an interesting concept.
I am enjoying the character development of Adelaide and Eldren as well as Madame Leola and Lord Malcolm. The whole plot is an interesting concept.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews