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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
A Veil of Spears is the third book in Beaulieu’s Song of the Shattered Sands series and I must say, it’s still going strong. There’s no stopping the Ceda-train and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Some books really start to drag and become more and more ridiculous and unbelievable (yes I know it’s fantasy) as the story progresses. Not so with this series as Beaulieu doesn’t just blurt out answers to the questions that have been burning in your mind. He hoards his story’s secrets, doling them out a few at a time.
I continue to enjoy each character’s perspective, particularly Ceda and Ramahd. I’d be lying if I said their chapters didn’t have me worried from time to time as both make risky moves that keep me on the edge of my seat. The introduction of the healer Brama as a new POV was particularly interesting as it revealed more about the ehrek as well as Brama’s own past. The ehrek are really awesome mythical-type beings that just seem really terrifying. I would love to see them illustrated – perhaps we can hope for a beautiful illustrated edition from Subterranean Press. I’d totally buy all of them.
I like the new turmoil in the House of Kings as well. These books are by no means small and Bradley Beaulieu never makes them too heavy or leaves the reader feeling as if they’re slogging along. It’s easy to lose yourself in these books because of the massive of amount of action and devious plotting which abounds. The Kings of Sharakhai are down in number, but it seems as if those who remain have redoubled efforts to overthrow one another. Onur is now subjugating the desert tribes while Ihsan continues to plot dastardly deeds of devious nature. There’s just so much going on, especially now that Sukru has Davud and Anila in his “care”. On the flip side of the madness in Sharakhai, there’s the Thirteenth tribe regrouping in the desert, trying to establish a presence…
A Veil of Spears is an excellent book that I would say is on par with the first two as far as enjoyment and quality go. Bradley Beaulieu doesn’t get much hype in the fantasy community (that I’ve noticed) but he certainly deserves more recognition. If you want an ambitious fantasy series with a rich, desert setting, great characters, and loads of action then I’d say this would be a perfect fit. This will be a six books series, so we’re at the midpoint – plenty of time to catch up before the rest of the series comes out!
I continue to enjoy each character’s perspective, particularly Ceda and Ramahd. I’d be lying if I said their chapters didn’t have me worried from time to time as both make risky moves that keep me on the edge of my seat. The introduction of the healer Brama as a new POV was particularly interesting as it revealed more about the ehrek as well as Brama’s own past. The ehrek are really awesome mythical-type beings that just seem really terrifying. I would love to see them illustrated – perhaps we can hope for a beautiful illustrated edition from Subterranean Press. I’d totally buy all of them.
I like the new turmoil in the House of Kings as well. These books are by no means small and Bradley Beaulieu never makes them too heavy or leaves the reader feeling as if they’re slogging along. It’s easy to lose yourself in these books because of the massive of amount of action and devious plotting which abounds. The Kings of Sharakhai are down in number, but it seems as if those who remain have redoubled efforts to overthrow one another. Onur is now subjugating the desert tribes while Ihsan continues to plot dastardly deeds of devious nature. There’s just so much going on, especially now that Sukru has Davud and Anila in his “care”. On the flip side of the madness in Sharakhai, there’s the Thirteenth tribe regrouping in the desert, trying to establish a presence…
A Veil of Spears is an excellent book that I would say is on par with the first two as far as enjoyment and quality go. Bradley Beaulieu doesn’t get much hype in the fantasy community (that I’ve noticed) but he certainly deserves more recognition. If you want an ambitious fantasy series with a rich, desert setting, great characters, and loads of action then I’d say this would be a perfect fit. This will be a six books series, so we’re at the midpoint – plenty of time to catch up before the rest of the series comes out!
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
Perhaps it's me or perhaps this book is just not as compelling as the one before it. I enjoyed it, of course, but not to the same extent.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Veil of Spears lifted my spirits again for the series. I felt like this third entry was much on the same level as book one was. I will say though the biggest issue for me still is pacing. I feel like some of the POV chapters are not as interesting as some. My biggest highs have always been Ihsan and Ramahd and that remains true even now. A Veil of Spears though slightly turned my feeling around for Emre, while a new character became one I didn't really care for.
A Veil of Spears picks up pretty much right after the events of book two. Ceda is on the outs and trying to figure out the next move. Sharakai is in shambles trying to pick up the pieces. Bradley continues to shine when it comes to world building and the craft of this story. He makes everything feel like fresh and vibrant in a not so vibrant situation. This world and the people controlling it are toxic and people like Ceda are doing any and everything in their power to make it right. I think in A Veil of Spears everyone's actions are finally taking center stage.
This series, while it does have it's issues, is going to be one I will remember for years to come. Bradley P. Beaulieu is having the time of his life with this series and it shows. The Shattered Sands seems like a passion project for him and one you can tell he is extremely proud of. I am sure I will repeat that statement again once I finish the series next month.
A Veil of Spears picks up pretty much right after the events of book two. Ceda is on the outs and trying to figure out the next move. Sharakai is in shambles trying to pick up the pieces. Bradley continues to shine when it comes to world building and the craft of this story. He makes everything feel like fresh and vibrant in a not so vibrant situation. This world and the people controlling it are toxic and people like Ceda are doing any and everything in their power to make it right. I think in A Veil of Spears everyone's actions are finally taking center stage.
This series, while it does have it's issues, is going to be one I will remember for years to come. Bradley P. Beaulieu is having the time of his life with this series and it shows. The Shattered Sands seems like a passion project for him and one you can tell he is extremely proud of. I am sure I will repeat that statement again once I finish the series next month.
I had the opportunity to read a draft of this novel for the author and fans of the series are going to love it when it drops in 2018! Per usual, I love Beaulieu's character and world development! So happy that the contract has been extended on this series because there are so many threads in this story that I cannot wait to see where they end. I will post a more detailed review once the book is available for purchase. (also note that I hardly ever give any books 5 stars so 4 stars is not a knock on this book).
A great third installment for the series, complete with epic battles, magic, political intrigue and betrayals. I'm really enjoying the journey of the characters and even found myself feeling bad for some of the villains! Can't wait to pick up the 2 short novellas after this one and move on to book 4.
This book is a fantastic rollercoaster ride! Every time I read one of these books I fall more in love with this world and its complex characters.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Review after rereading:
This book was perhaps my favourite of the series so far, but it still suffered from the same problems I felt book 2 had.
Part of what elevated this book was the side characters - in particular Brama. They had richer storylines and good character development. I really enjoyed their POVs, their thoughts, and their plot-lines.
I wish the same could be said for our main character Ceda. She felt far more one-dimensional this book. The reason why, to me, was because we threw away her morals, so that she can become the prophetic plot driver we need her to be. Part of why I admired Ceda in the first book was because of her dislike of the Moonless Host. It gave us some sense of where Ceda's boundaries where, and added a really interesting dynamic - how much was she willing to work with those who had a common goal, but a method that was against her principles. Now, Ceda happily works with them, with no internal complaints beyond arguing with her grandfather. It's a bit trite.
Something else that's trite for the exact same reason is the romance. In books 1 & 2 there was a growing divide between Emre and Ceda as their morals drew them to different paths, and actions the other found repulsive or cowardly. Yet, every time they share the same space they are making out and kissing as if they never had these disagreements. It makes it extremely boring to me.
Ceda's quickly becoming a facimile of a character in order to fit the role she's been given in the series, and it's tiring.
This book was perhaps my favourite of the series so far, but it still suffered from the same problems I felt book 2 had.
Part of what elevated this book was the side characters - in particular Brama. They had richer storylines and good character development. I really enjoyed their POVs, their thoughts, and their plot-lines.
I wish the same could be said for our main character Ceda. She felt far more one-dimensional this book. The reason why, to me, was because we threw away her morals, so that she can become the prophetic plot driver we need her to be. Part of why I admired Ceda in the first book was because of her dislike of the Moonless Host. It gave us some sense of where Ceda's boundaries where, and added a really interesting dynamic - how much was she willing to work with those who had a common goal, but a method that was against her principles. Now, Ceda happily works with them, with no internal complaints beyond arguing with her grandfather. It's a bit trite.
Something else that's trite for the exact same reason is the romance. In books 1 & 2 there was a growing divide between Emre and Ceda as their morals drew them to different paths, and actions the other found repulsive or cowardly. Yet, every time they share the same space they are making out and kissing as if they never had these disagreements. It makes it extremely boring to me.
Ceda's quickly becoming a facimile of a character in order to fit the role she's been given in the series, and it's tiring.