The Veil of Smoke: TimeDrifter Series Book II
By Lauren Lynch
Yet another wonderful adventure from Lauren Lynch. I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more, than the other pieces in the TimeDrifter series. I'm proud to say I had the thrilling honor of reviewing the other books that make up this awesome series, A Spark in the Wind and The Place of Voices--you can find the reviews for those books by clicking on the titles.
Lynch’s writing is spot on, one of the best I’ve ever read with a style that’s deeply original and full of in-depth detail. I’m someone who loves reading as many words as possible. I want to feel like I’m right there with the characters, I want to feel what they feel, see what they see, and even smell what they smell. Lynch does that and even more. She has a gift for detail and a crazy awesome imagination. It’s not that her writing is a new reminder of the famed work by CS Lewis, it’s that it takes on the same atmosphere and breathtaking adventure while maintaining its own sense of originality.
Of course I can’t give a review about a Christian fantasy without mentioning the wonderful aspects and value of the underlying religious message throughout the text. The religious tone was definitely there and played an important role in the book but it wasn’t overbearing. I actually think the use of religion was unique in this series and I personally believe it will be attractive enough to entice readers of other belief systems or even none at all.
Another great part about Lynch’s writing is her effort to stay as realistic as possible even in the midst of a fantasy setting. This author does a great job at staying true to the historical frame of an AD period in time. The language, descriptions, and locations were done expertly. I could easily tell the author put a great amount of thought and even research into this book.
The characters develop very well in this story. Sometimes in books where there’s high emotion or life threatening situations, some of the characters can easily get out of character but I was pleased to see none of that in this book—or this series at all. I thought the reactions from Brendan and Anna were realistic and stayed true to their personalities. There was emotion where there should be and there was a smooth flow in the entire story that carried the mood to the end.
If you liked the first book and the short teaser in the TimeDrifter series then you will love this addition. Even if you haven’t read the other books, Lynch’s writing is detailed enough to clue you in exactly where you need to be. I would highly recommend this, actually, I’d insist that readers of all ages and all belief systems pick up a copy of any book in the TimeDrifter series. Fans of the Chronicles of Narnia will fall head over heels in love with Lynch’s striking world and intriguing story. Anyone who even remotely enjoys fantasy or at least has an imagination will not be disappointed by this wonderful book.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*