After losing everything he has known, Ayn finds himself living a new life as he struggles with whether he is truly a god reborn or if he is a mere mortal. Meanwhile, Yol Notama hatches his epic plans on Deius as Reese and Pei lurk in the shadows as Lirhan spies.In Book Two of the Shiva XIV Series, the stakes are high, and the battle for survival has only just begun!
Other books in the series:…
Other books in the series:
Shiva XIV: Book 1
The Riddle of the Gods: Book 3
The River of Time: Book 4 Coming Soon!
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When I wrote my review of the first book in the Shiva XIV series, I said that ‘Shiva XIV’ could easily become the next space epic series, and that it would easily fill the void that Star Wars fans would experience after the final episode.
Having just finished ‘The Veil of Truth’, the second book in the series, I stand wholeheartedly by those words. This epic space opera series really is a gift that keeps on giving.
Following directly from the action and story of of ‘Shiva XIV’, this book is once again woven from highly original and engaging stories in which the characters find themselves in a web of conflicted love, loyalties and ambitions that develop and unfold as the they pursue justice and discover truths about themselves that are not always either welcome or pleasant.
Shanti’s magic envelopes the reader, not just in the magical realism that is blended so beautifully with the sci-fi elements of this book, but also in her writing itself. The reader is swept along, easily visualising the worlds and characters that are central to the story. The worlds are intricate and complex, each with individual qualities that make it unique from the others. Shanti then plays these worlds off against one another, adding to the personal stories of the characters so that the reader truly understands that there is much more at stake than the fates of individuals.
Shanti really is a very gifted storyteller who takes the reader on a new and often surprising journey. The plot lines are well developed and strong, woven so skilfully together that the reader doesn’t always realise how intricately and significantly the characters’ stories contribute to one another.
The book ends not with a cliffhanger as the first did, but rather with a surprise and a very strong sense that there is more to learn and discover before the story can really end. I’m very much looking forward to reading book 3, ‘The Riddle of the Gods’, and continuing this fantastic journey.
Months ago, I had completed reading the first book of this series. I didn’t know what to expect, but since the beginning, I knew that something magical was happening, I fell in love with each of the characters, and I couldn’t see the time to start reading the book two.
With this second book, I fell in love with the opposite personalities of Ayn and Zin, as the story assumes darker tones, gets into more serious issues and gives you something to think about. It is a story that will stay with you even when you are far from the book. I have to admit that I was also dreaming about it, and this is the first time that a book gets into my mind so deeply as “The Veil of truth” did. The two main characters will meet new friends to trust and new enemies to fear, meanwhile also battling their internal conflicts.
It is a highly recommended read that will keep you awake at night wanting to see “what’s happening next?”
I cannot wait to read the next one, which is waiting its turn on my kindle.