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The Veil (2011)

by Cory Putman Oakes(Favorite Author)

3.91 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0982913168 (ISBN13: 9780982913161)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Octane Press

review 1: Cory Putman Oakes' debut novel, The Veil, has all the elements it needs to be a successful paranormal romance: a strong paranormal element that is as interesting as it is unique (thank goodness no more vampires or angels!), strong characterization and Point of View choice, and a plot that is enticing.First: The paranormal element. The idea of the Annorasi and a parallel universe that exists literally "under the veil" of the human world is completely new to me. I cannot think of another story that did this as well as Oakes. Since the story is in the point of view of the main protagonist, Addy (who doesn't have any knowledge of the Annorasi or their secret world), there is a fair amount of explanation for how Addy is a PART of the world, but there still isn't any clear ex... moreplanation for the existence of the Annorasi world as a whole. That is possibly my only problem with the narrative, that there isn't any explanation for HOW the Annorasi came into existence, and why it is such a huge deal to keep the human world separate. (I'm not sure if there is going to be a follow-up novel that might explain more of this, but I will be speaking with the author soon so I WILL be asking.) Second: The characterization and POV. It is refreshing to read a young adult novel (in the plethora that I've read lately) that has one stable point of view! Addy's point of view was refreshingly honest and thank goodness for Oakes paying attention to how real teenagers talk to one another. I think that the narrative would have been stronger had Addy not taken a few moments to "talk" directly to the reader, but I still loved her as a narrator. I honestly believe that the story wouldn't have been as concrete had the point of view switched between Addy and Lucas, or Addy and Damon. Third: The plot. There are a few questions or holes that I noticed, but it is possible that those answers are reserved for a sequel, I'm not sure. The deception that Addy dealt with during her childhood and the secrets kept from her by Gran, and even Lucas, was completely enthralling. I couldn't put it down. (No, really, I kept trying to sneak it out at my desk at work)Overall, I'm giving it 4 stars, not because I didn't like it enough to give it 5 stars, but because there are significant questions I have regarding the Annorasi and the future of these characters. Should you read it? Definitely.
review 2: This book took me literally a few hours to read and let me tell you - I love a quick read. One minute I am sitting reading in my bed (on page 42) and it is 9:00pm, the next time I look up it is midnight and I’m almost done. The plot moves quickly (which is awesome) and the characters have almost tangible personalities. Addy’s Gran is protective, yet hilarious - and there were quite a few places in the book where I caught myself giggling uncontrollably. It was really interesting to see Addy’s internal conflicts with herself about Lucas (who is delicious and mysterious) and her family (who died when she was younger). The emotions she runs through is such a realistic way for anyone to process certain trauma or surprises. The author definitely gave Addy a unique voice and thought-process which makes her an easy character to relate to. The transition between Addy’s [relatively] normal, every day life of an angsty high school teenager to suddenly being able to see through “the veil” to the Annorasi world is mercifully paced. I find that sometimes authors get a bit too antsy about hurrying up the process of integrating their main character into a strange, new world (or secret) that they forget that it should probably happen gradually instead of throwing it all at them at once. [Most teens would probably need to be committed if they saw the things Addy saw all at once instead of a silver orb every now and then].Although this work is obviously a work of fiction, having a realistic timeline of how things should play out is incredibly important in making the story FEEL real even when it is not. The whole point of reading fiction is to get pulled into that world and away from the one in which we live. The action and suspense throughout The Veil can be credited to the author’s ability to hide certain things from the main character as well as the readers. If she threw all of the info out at once, there wouldn’t be the sense of urgency or that nagging feeling that something is going on that keeps us powering through the book. The setting of the story is wonderfully described using beautifully crafted imagery that could only be described by someone that lived in that part of California. The two worlds are meshed in such a perfect way and “the veil” is well thought-out so that I wasn’t questioning their coexistence. Now, let’s talk about the other characters. You will meet a well-loved grandmother, others that are quirky, adorable friends, and some downright nefarious enemies. Oh and of COURSE a fiercely protective (and dreamy) love interest. I was very thrilled with how much I enjoyed this book and the Annorasi world that Cory Putman Oakes created! I'm unsure if there is another installment but I am crossing my fingers that there is! less

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