BEYOND THE VEIL

A fantasy adventure debut aimed at young readers about a 15-year-old boy who discovers that he’s much more than just his school’s loner “freak.”

Cael Collins’ life isn’t like that of most teenagers. Instead of having free time to hang with friends, Cael has to take care of his three younger brothers, mainly because his foster mother, Ida, isn’t responsible enough to care for children, let alone herself. But other aspects differentiate him from kids his age: For some inexplicable reason, he can see in the dark, run incredibly fast, and has almost supernatural healing abilities. When monstrous black dogs destroy his home, Cael is saved when a mysterious woman pulls him through a magical rift into another dimension. Cael soon realizes that he is the only person who can protect the Veil, a magical barrier that has enabled the Fae to conceal themselves from humans for thousands of years. If the deteriorating Veil falls, countless lives on both sides will be lost. With an emotionally fragile boy named Brendon as his guide on a seemingly impossible quest, the two set out to save both Fae and human realms. The novel’s fantasy world is wholly believable; creatures from many mythologies are featured—barghests, gnomes, dryads, kelpies, sprites, selkies, etc. And the author keeps his foot on the narrative gas, as the action and adventure are relentless throughout. A line from the novel describes this story fittingly: “It’s not the destination that matters in life; it’s the journey.” But while young reader themes are explored with compassion and insight—including finding one’s place in the world, how to handle bullying, and the power of family—Brendon and his melodramatic outbursts get old quickly. That minor criticism notwithstanding, young readers should enjoy the first installment of this action-packed series, particularly the ending’s bombshell plot revelations.

A rollicking beginning to what will no doubt be an entertaining YA saga.