The Veil by Chloe Neill
Series: Devil's Isle #1
Published by NAL
Published on: August 4, 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle.
Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.
Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.
But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…
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I’m usually one of the first in line whenever a new Urban Fantasy series is announced, and if it’s by an author I love, better make that front-and-center. So, THE VEIL + Chloe Neill = I’m there. I’ve read ALL eleven CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES installments, and as much as I love Merit & co., I was excited to break bread with the inhabitants of DEVIL’S ISLE. I liked the Dystopian elements, and NOLA is a rock solid setting for any Paranormal title, but the characters, and story are definitely a work-in-progress.
The nitty-gritty wasn’t especially cutting-edge; fae with ulterior motives trying to gain a foothold in the human realm has been done, however the addition of the Magic Act, Paranormal Combatant Command, Sensitives, the Counsularis, etc made sure that this novel wasn’t your average bear. Granted, some of the logistics didn’t exactly add up (I’ll get to that in a minute), but as a whole it was a good introduction—not too over the top, yet sufficiently intricate to keep me turning the pages.
The characters were all right, although I can’t say that I was particularly attached to any of them when the conclusion rolled around. Now, that most likely falls under the “book 1’s are never perfect” umbrella, however there were a couple of things about Claire that simply didn’t sit right with me. Exhibit A: Connolly came in to her powers eight months ago, and yet by the wrap-up she’s single-handedly doing the job of seven tenured Sensitives after only a couple of weeks of training. Not buying it.
The romance was one of the more enjoyable aspects of this story, that is up until worlds collided, and certain priorities shifted as a result. It was a bit of a one-step-forward-two-steps-back type of scenario that gave off a mild Merit / Ethan vibe which I wasn’t overly thrilled about, but it would take a lot more than that to turn me off of this series completely, so for the time being I’m calling dibs on the #1 spot in the book 2 queue, and then I’ll revisit my standing reservation shortly afterwards.
THE VEIL wasn’t a gutter ball, although it wasn’t a strike either. Best out of two? I’m in.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
NOOOOO I know I am in the minority but I wanted this to have no hints of being like CV. I totally disliked Merit and that romance (in the few books I read) made me want to scream. I am still going to try this but will keep my expectations in check 🙂
Felicia The Geeky Blogger recently posted…TBR Thursday: TBRJar pulls July 30 2015
I love her Chicagoland Vampires series! (just finished reading Wild Things) Can’t wait to give this one a try.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Where a Suggestion and Writing Meet
I’m almost done with this one. Will say so far it is more about the story than the characters. Some of the side characters have grabbed my attention more than the main ones have.
Kristina D recently posted…Thursday Randomness
I just finished this one and I agree with your rating and assessment. Pretty solid series starter, but just slightly rough around the edges.
Mogsy recently posted…Tough Traveling: Flying Rides
wow this one looks awesome! I’m adding it in GR right now! 🙂 Thanks for the review Carmel 🙂
Daniela recently posted…Blogging Tip: How to Write a Book Review Part VI: Oh, that Voice!â
I’ve yet to read Neill but she’s on my shelf. I like the sound of The Veil and I’m thinking it might work for me since I haven’t met Merit and Ethan? At least where the romance is concerned. NOLA *is* a great setting for paranormal and I like the fae are involved. So I suppose this is going on my tbr! Nice review, Carmel. 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…That’s What HE Said #32 ~ Thirty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #11
I really liked this one, more than you did I think but I am glad that you did like it. I think this will be a really interesting and fun series. 😉
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Slammed by Colleen Hoover
So since I have only read book one in the CV series I might like this one more than you? Maybe..I guess we shall see as I have it for audio review. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Review of Phantom Evil
It’s been a while since I read one of her books but after reading your review, I think I need to read some more of them.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Product Review: Tiny Toys Bath Toy Organizer
I was on the fence about this one and while the setup sounds interesting I’m not sure about the suddenly super powerful thing. I think I’ll wait for reviews on book two. Nice review!
Molly Mortensen recently posted…Chains of Water and Stone by Katherine Hurley
Bummer this one was kind of lack luster. I find that the first book in a UF are *usually* jsut okay for me, save for Kate Daniels and Chicagoland. But still, I am excited to start this series!
tonyalee recently posted…Beyond the Books | The Real Me
Glad to hear that you found things to enjoy but there were problems.
Brandi Breathes Books recently posted…Review: Song of Summer by Laura Lee Anderson
Skipping review for now. I want to go into this novel with no expectations. I meant to start it the other day then Magic Shifts was delivered so I put it down to read it. I will read it this weekend.
Jennifer recently posted…Excerpt + Giveaway | Dragon Fall by Katie MacAlister
Maybe, just maybe
blodeuedd recently posted…The Raven Queen – Jules Watson
I gave up halfway through book one of CV, I don’t know I just didn’t enjoy it. But, I read The Dark Elite by Chloe Neill and enjoyed that. So, maybe I should give her another try. Great review Carmel! 🙂
We gave this one the same rating! I really enjoyed this one but I wasn’t blown away by it… it felt a lil bot slow at first, but like you, I’m very much eager for the next book!!
Pili recently posted…Tell Me Tuesdays #29!!
OMG you totally shredded this! LOL
Braine recently posted…Loved It: The Veil by Chloe Neill
I think I’m one of those person that can hold a grudge for quite sometime, because I haven’t been able to move forward with any of Neill’s books after she did the “resurrection plot” with Ethan. That includes even this new series. No Neill books for me.
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