This is one of the most original and unique fantasy books I've read in the last few years. The worldbuilding is superb, the characters come to live on the page and the story is intriguing.

If you like fantasy with strong characters and stories told from multiple points of view then this is the book for you! ( )

MY Thoughts
Our journey in this story his with Princess Issiyanna and her Warrior and Protector Kiyarran (Kae). They both have a destiny that they are unsure about. When learning about the veil and knowing that they must protect it. Things take a turn and you are in for the journey of your life. I will admit at first I had trouble getting in to the story but by the time I was finished I really enjoyed it. The world building was fantastic and I think the secondary characters gave just as much to this story as our main characters. The love that builds between Issy and Kae is beautiful and well written. ( )

MY Thoughts
Our journey in this story his with Princess Issiyanna and her Warrior and Protector Kiyarran (Kae). They both have a destiny that they are unsure about. When learning about the veil and knowing that they must protect it. Things take a turn and you are in for the journey of your life. I will admit at first I had trouble getting in to the story but by the time I was finished I really enjoyed it. The world building was fantastic and I think the secondary characters gave just as much to this story as our main characters. The love that builds between Issy and Kae is beautiful and well written. ( )

Vanna Smythe's Anniversary of the Veil Book 1 is a showcase of her strong talent of storytelling.

Broken into 3 novels, this first installment quickly builds the world of the primary characters, Kae and Issa- he the young protector with special abilities and she the princess. As the story unfolds, we find ourselves in a realm that was torn apart over 1000 years ago and a veil was placed between 2 worlds. Though the conflict surrounding the Veil seems to be the central theme to be carried through each tale, there is a sub-story that propels you through Book 1- the Priests who desire absolute control of the kingdom, willing to use Kae and Issa as pawns in their game while the 2 play a game of their own- denying their growing feelings for one another. As the political intrigue grows, strangers from beyond the Veil appear and kidnap the princess, forcing Kae to choose between his loyalty to the realm and to his heart.

We are not immediately provided the full history of why the veil was created or how the conflict began; that information is slowly merged into the story as it progresses, which entices you to read further. What also grabs you is the ease of how the world unfolds. Some fantasy stories create such a complex universe that you need March Madness brackets to track who’s who and what’s what. With Anniversary of the Veil, Book 1, the world itself and its people are complex, but not confusing to understand or follow and that’s a credit to Smythe and her writing.

The pace of the story is very well told, from the reveals of the plot and subplots to the character developments themselves. They almost seem to grow together and support each other. The transitions for the characters were natural, as were their dialogue and actions. They had great interactions and their motivations were very clear (even if they were hidden from the other characters). You were immediately drawn to them, good or bad. The scenes themselves moved fluidly. They weren’t forced for the sake of moving the story along and there was enough substance to hold your attention in the scene. Smythe made really smart choices with her details, bring the scenes (and world) to life without inundating you with too much detail or leaving you grasping for more information.

One thing I do wish is that Smythe provided more about Captain Entan. Though I loved both Kae’s and Issa’s characters, the Captain’s was most intriguing to me. Smythe put just enough tease in his back story to give you an idea of the character, but still want to know more. And honestly, I’m too impatient and wanted to know more about him right then and there instead of waiting for Book 2.

There is much to love about this book, especially if you like fantasy. But, even if you are a fan of really good writing, then I definitely recommend this book. I admit that I received this book a few months ago. It took me this long to write a review because I had to reread it and make sure that it was as good a read as I had thought. And it was. I think Smythe did an amazing job for her first book and I know that I have already found time in my schedule to read Books 2 and 3. ( )

This is probably a lot better if you actually like this kind of high fantasy stuff. I really couldn't get past all the Nouns being Capitalized: the Deception, the Veil, the Anniversary of the Veil, Protectors, the Priesthood, Priests, the Keepers, the Decision Makers, the Life Force, the Pure Ones, on and on it went. Everything has to have some ritualistic term applied to it! Anyway, the end was a real letdown as not very much seemed to actually happen. But I suppose that's what sequels are for. ( )