Protector (Anniversary of the Veil, Book 1) [Kindle Edition]
Book Description Publication Date: March 9, 2012 Duty versus love is the one battle Kae does not know how to fight. Kae has trained his entire life to become an elite Protector of the Realm. When he finally achieves this honor he finds himself protecting something far greater: the Veil separating two worlds. On one side of the Veil lie unlimited stores of magic. On the Realm's side, magic is all but obliterated, and Kae is one of the few who can use it. The priests who secretly rule the Realm will do everything they can to control his growing magical abilities. Kae's willing to pay the price, even though it separates him from Issa, the girl he loves. But the Veil has weakened over the last thousand years and powers on both sides will stop at nothing to keep it intact. Strangers from the other side have kidnapped Issa to take her across the Veil and sacrifice her to strengthen it. Kae is the only one who can find her. Going to her rescue means forsaking his oaths and duty, and leaving behind the future he always wanted. But if he chooses duty over love, Issa will die.
***DECISION MAKER, BOOK TWO OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE VEIL SERIES, IS NOW AVAILABLE ***
Editorial Reviews Review "That this is a first novel by Vanna Smythe is quite astounding. She not only tells a wonderful story with characters you can't help but care about, she also brings her world to life. This book has certainly left me wanting more and I look forward to the next installment eagerly. - Andy Angel of Ebookwyrm's Book Review Blog "Smythe's world's magic, political structure, and geo-arcana are unique and the conflicts are well done. I enjoyed reading this book a great deal and look forward to the next installment." - Ernie Laurence, Jr. author of Islands of Loar: Sundered "This novel's primary strength is in its worldbuilding and the crafting of this world beyond the Veil where priests rule the king and magic is employed in strong and evil ways. Protector was an enjoyable debut and I will look forward to book two and finding out what waits on the other side of the Veil." - Elloise Hopkins, author, book reviewer and blogger
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series June 12, 2012 By Sparta Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase That this is a first novel by Vanna Smythe is wonderful surprise. She not only tells a great story with characters and she also brings her world to life. The developing relationship between Issi and Kae is brought on steadily and at a pace that fits well with the story -the author expresses the character feelings very well. This book has certainly left me wanting more and I look forward to the next installment eagerly.
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Promising New Series April 27, 2012 By Diana A. Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase Indie books are often hit-or-miss, but judging by author Vanna Smythe's solid writing, you would never know that Protector falls in this category. This first installment in the Anniversary of the Veil series does a great job transporting us into its world and introducing us to the key players. It has great world-building, action, love, magic... what more could you want? Almost a thousand years ago, the world of Protector was split in two by a magical barrier called the Veil. On the Venerated side of the Veil, people with the Life Force thrive; on the other side, anyone who displays magical inclinations is enslaved by the Priests (descendants of the Righteous). Now, as the Anniversary of the Veil approaches, a sacrifice needs to be made to keep the barrier in place. The descendants of the Venerated are already preparing for the event by gathering the people needed. On the other side of the Veil, most of this knowledge has been
lost or kept hidden by the Priests. Meanwhile, on the Righteous side, Princess Issiyanna is seemingly contacted by her mother who has been dead for years. Her Protector, Kiyarran, a young man showing lots of promise both with weapons and with the Life Force, is struggling to find a balance between his duties and the feelings he has for his charge. When Issa is kidnapped by a group sent from the other side of the Veil, Kae will find out just how far he is willing to go to get her back. The story is skilfully written, and the characters believable. They all have distinct voices and most of them avoid being one-dimensional. Some fantasy writers have trouble finding balance in their descriptions - some get lost in the details, while others don't tell us enough. Read more ›
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars A Talented New Voice March 18, 2012 By andy angel Format:Kindle Edition 1000 years ago The Veil was formed that separated two realms and now, as the Anniversary approaches a sacrifice will need to be made to reinforce The Veil. Princess Issiyanna (Issi) is the Beacon, one of the people needed to reinforce The Veil and a group of Keepers cross The Veil to abduct her and lead her to her purpose. Kiyarran (Kae) has wanted to be a Protector all his life. He is a young man with powers that have not been seen for many many years. He is determined to rescue Issi. That this is a first novel by Vanna Smythe is quite astounding. She not only tells a wonderful story with characters you can't help but care about, she also brings her world to life. The developing relationship between Issi and Kae is brought on steadily and at a pace that fits well with the story - when they are happy, you are happy for them, when things are going wrong you ache for them to be ok. The secondary characters also bring something to the story. The Priests, who are the main power in Issi and Kae's world are mainly devious types with only their best interests at heart and their 'asassain branch' The Pure Ones are a particularly evil creation. This book has certainly left me wanting more and I look forward to the next installment eagerly. I had hopes for this book from the offset but I could never have hoped it would be this good.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive novel May 13, 2013 By RFY Format:Kindle Edition The story sets a fairly fast pace into a magical world full of magic wielding priests and protectors. It offers forbidden love, endless adventure, fantasy and fights in one epic story sure to keep you engrossed to the very last page. Smythe's descriptive writing style is strong and powerful and at times can be a little overwhelming to follow, but I appreciated how vividly she paints the world you're being drawn into. So often I come across indie books that should have spent some time with an editor or gone
straight to the garbage, but Ms. Smythe has completely exceeded my expectations with an excellent first novel that has left me wondering when the second book will be out. I received this book free of charge from the author or publisher in return for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Wow what a great debut novel! May 13, 2013 By Jessica Format:Kindle Edition I received a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, and what a fantastic read it was! Skillfully written and with well developed, multi-dimensional characters, it captivated my imagination and kept me turning the virtual pages long after I was supposed to take the chicken out of the oven, oops. The relationship between Kae and Issa keeps you wondering what will happen next, but in my opinion, where it really shines is the richly imaginative world that the author has created, and once I started reading I found it difficult to put down. All five senses are engaged throughout the story and you are quickly drawn into the world of power mad Priests and terrifying assassins, and the vividly written scenes are beautifully brought to life before your eyes. Vanna Smythe's debut novel is impressive on all fronts, and I am eager to see the sequel to Protector. › See all 32 customer reviews (newest first)
More About the Author › Visit Amazon's Vanna Smythe Page
Biography Vanna Smythe is the author of the Anniversary of the Veil fantasy trilogy. She has been writing creatively since her early teens, though one could say her creative writing efforts started long before that. While still in kindergarten, she once tore up a library book to make alphabet soup, and has been fascinated with what words can do, the pictures and worlds they can create, ever since.
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