Beyond the Veil (Sacred Band Series Book 3)

The world Morris has created in this series of novels is incredible. The characters all have some degree of mystical or magical powers. It's a world in which gods cohabit with human and give or take power on a whim. I was impressed with the way the author was able to weave together this fantasy world and make it so believable. I particularly liked the role of Tempus and his relationship with the Stepsons, especially with Crit. Although even Crit is guilty of the betrayal and lack of loyalty that proliferate this world where there's a constant fight for power and supremacy, as the Tysian locals, Rankan soldiers and Mygdonian refugees, all vie for power and control. Into this mix, throw in the anger and hatred between the gods, and you have a book so full of excitement that it's almost alive. As a case, when the god, Stormbringer, confronts Tempus while he is riding on account of his rage because his daughter, Jihan, is married to Tempus. Tempus maintained his cool as he challenged him in the following:“Scare my horse, will you, inhuman lord of turbulence? I’ve cast off godly love for affront to my mount before. Begone, if You’ve no purpose here. I’ve no time to—“And Stormbring responded: “Silence! Mortal toad. Spawn of dirt and blood. Have you not said the soul is water and from water comes the soul? You know your danger!”Tempus came right back at him: “So You think to affright me? Am I not plagued with Your daughter? Is it not enough to torture me, that You must threaten me into the bargain? I’ve called it quits with gods and their untimely aid and comfort. Get Thee back to Thine unearthly home!”Stormbringer will not be denied: “My daughter, mortal-lover, is with you. More, she craves to stay with you, at any cost. Her power and her heritage she petitions to forfeit, to be a wife to you and spread her legs for you and bear a child to you when, but for you, she would be the honored consort of the entelechy of dreams! I hold you responsible for this! Dissuade her, affected demigod, or the sufferings of your wasted youth will be nothing to the torture of your endless old age! Be warned!”I can go on and on. This is excellent stuff. The work of a brilliant storyteller, with compelling plot, and masterful dialogue – battles, politics, wars, romance, it has it all. Great series!

Once again, I was delighted to read a tale that had depth, breadth, murder, intrigue and double-crosses left right and centre.But what to say without giving too much away?Someone is trying to send Tempus secret messages, vital to the stability of the region. However, 'someone else' is equally as determined to make sure those messages never get through. But who?The only person who may hold a key to what is happening is a victim of murder, so the Stepsons are forced to turn to their Hazard Mage, Randal, for help. What he learns sets in motion a series of events that indirectly leads to alliances neither Tempus - or his beloved men really want. Treachery abounds. But who among the Tysian locals, Rankan soldiers, and Mygdonian refugees and defectors can be trusted?And what happens when Tempus realizes just how effective fighting fire with fire - or in this case - magic with magic - can actually be? Will the Stepsons be happy?Janet creates a fantastic world with characters you can readily relate to, (and those you just want to strangle - Roxanne!), and blends them into a most entertaining story.Sorry if this review doesn't give much of the plot away. I never do that. However, what I can say, is you won't be disappointed. If you enjoy great fantasy stories with great plots, I can guarantee you'll love this series.I've already brought the following 2 books - Beyond Wizardwall and The Sacred Band, and can't wait to get into them.

Free of Sanctuary, the Sacred Band of Stepsons rides into Tyse, below Wizardwall, and learns first hand to be careful what you wish for. In a darker, war-torn town full of preternatural forces, rival military contingents, power struggles and legendary sorcerers, Tempus and the Sacred Band of Stepsons fight to keep Nisibis free. Never have the loyalties of the Band to one another and to their commander been so sorely tested. Lives and loves are on the line for the Band in this second 'Beyond' novel. New characters spice the mix of myth, war-fighting, romance and philosophy that mark the Janet Morris Stepson books. Be warned: the Sacred Band pairs are loyal only to one another and their commander; the ending may surprise you, but as always, this ancient cavalry squadron gave me a great ride.

If you've been following the series from the original Thieves World books then this is an excellent continuation of the story of the near-god Tempus and his mercenary band. We are introduced to new elements and the world is fleshed-out just a little bit more. The action picks up a lot in this volume, but still many of the characters survive, as if the author was hesitant to kill them off. If you are not familiar with the series, this is not the place to begin. You suffer from an explosion of names, where characters and places are mentioned without context, and it can get quite confusing. Otherwise good,

Just when you start to feel sorry for Roxanne, she goes and messes it up. Nice insight into the main characters!!

Strife follows the Riddler and that is especially true here. With dissention among his Stepsons, traitors in the camp, silence from his god and civil war brewing this is a rollercoaster ride of emotion, mayhem and, of course, exceptional fantasy.Some new characters are introduced, namely Kama, a feisty female warrior who is not all she seems. Better still there is a lot of character development here, particularly for Niko and Randall; at times heartbreaking and at times enlightening the story draws the reader in from the beginning. This is the middle book of the trilogy so it does help to have read the previous one, however the characters are so rich and the world so well-crafted it is not essential.