VEIL, by Dylan Farrow, Wednesday Books, April 26, 2022, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
Veil is the eagerly anticipated sequel to the young adult fantasy, Hush, Dylan Farrow’s debut novel.
Shae’s entire world has been turned upside down, and everything she’s ever believed is a lie. More determined than ever, she sets out to the mysterious land of Gondal ― a place forbidden to mention and resigned to myth ― in search of a dangerous magical book that could alter the fabric of the world.
Following the trail of Ravod, the boy she thought she knew and trusted, Shae discovers there is far more to the young man who stole the Book of Days than she ever realized. Together, with her friends, Mads and Fiona, and a newfound ally in her fierce former trainer, Kennan, Shae crosses the borders of the only home she’s ever had and into a world ruled not by magic, but technology and industry ― one fraught with perils of its own.
In a world shrouded in lies, Shae is desperate for answers and to restore peace, but who will lift the veil? —Synopsis provided by Wednesday Books
It’s been a year and a half since Hush came out, and when it did, I read the entire novel in one day. The same cannot be said for Veil the second book in Dylan Farrow’s duology, which took me a couple of days.
In other words, I should have reread Hush before picking up Veil. You lose a lot by not reading them in quick succession. I’m sure I missed some nuances, and it took a while to really get to know the characters again.
That said, once I got back in the groove, the pace picked up considerably.
There are a number of things that set Veil apart from its predecessor, namely the setting. Hush has a more medieval tone while Veil has a sort of steampunk vibe. It’s a large contrast between a dark age and enlightenment/industrial period.
What connects the two narratives are the characters with Shae at the center. Shae continues to be a strong character worth rooting for. Her growth, and that of her supporting characters, really move the story forward.
Farrow’s decision to make this into a duology was smart, as it didn’t feel as if the author was trying to draw things out. Hush is a stronger book, but the two combined offer a satisfying story arc that is sure to appeal to a large cross-section of readers.
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