Today I’m reviewing the first book in the Shilund Saga, The Veiled – Expanded Edition by
Jennifer Osborn. It’s an urban
fantasy with a strong romantic subplot involving a species of wolf-humanoids
called the Shilund. Although interaction with humanity is forbidden, one of
them bucks the rules she was born into and takes in a man who is seriously
injured.
I give this book a 3.0/5. Here is my breakdown.
Characters: 4/5. I enjoyed the characters in this story very
much. The late reveal of one of them was a complete surprise yet made total
sense, and the interaction between the two main protagonists was realistic and
fun. I didn’t understand the main villain much; he seemed a little cliché and stereotyped, but
otherwise Osborn did a great job making interesting people.
Plot/Storyline: 4.5/5. This was a real strength of this
novel. I really enjoyed the plot twists and the development of the world of the
Shilund. Coupled with the strong characters, this made the book a very
enjoyable read. I don’t want to give the story away, but I especially liked the
romantic subplot (what can I say, I’m a sucker for romantic subplots) and the
development of the Shilund tribal structure.
Flow: 4/5. Another high point. I was very pleased by the
pacing and the speed the story pulled me through the book. Pages turned at a
rapid pace with nary a boring moment. Well done!
Grammar/Spelling: 2/5. Ah. This was unfortunate. This is an
example of a novel that is badly in need of another proofreader. There are
misspelled words, misused words, missing commas and punctuation errors in many
places. Often, I’ll say here “but it didn’t detract from the story,” but it
did.
Overall: 3.0/5. Osborn has created a wonderful story and I
look forward to the sequel. Please, bring this book in for another edit and
make it into the high-level offering that your readers and your writing talents
deserve!
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