A Veil of Spears

The Song of the Shattered Sands, Book 3

By: Bradley P. Beaulieu

Narrated by: Sarah Coomes

The third book in The Song of Shattered Sands series - an epic fantasy with a desert setting, filled with rich worldbuilding and pulse-pounding action.

Since the Night of Endless Swords, a bloody battle the Kings of Sharakhai narrowly won, the kings have been hounding the rebels known as the Moonless Host. Many have been forced to flee the city, including Çeda, who discovers that the King of Sloth is raising his army to challenge the other kings' rule.

When Çeda finds the remaining members of the Moonless Host, now known as the thirteenth tribe, she sees a tenuous existence. Çeda hatches a plan to return to Sharakhai and free the asirim, the kings' powerful, immortal slaves. The kings, however, have sent their greatest tactician, the King of Swords, to bring Çeda to justice for her crimes.

But the once-unified front of the kings is crumbling. The surviving kings vie quietly against one another, maneuvering for control over Sharakhai. Çeda hopes to use that to her advantage, but whom to trust? Any of them might betray her.

As Çeda works to lift the shackles from the asirim and save the thirteenth tribe, the kings of Sharakhai, the scheming queen of Qaimir, the ruthless blood mage, Hamzakiir, and King of Swords all prepare for a grand clash that may decide the fate of all.

©2018 Bradley P. Beaulieu (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

LOVE this series!

I haven't even got to the end of the series and I love it so much I had to write reviews for it right now! Narrator is sublime. I can't get over how good she is. This is a kind of game of Thrones in the desert. She's so excellent - and loving the story, in love with Ceda! Just eating this up...

Immersive and emotional

I freakin LOVE it when books make me cry. The story flows right along without a noticeable change in tone or storytelling mastery (as sometimes happens over the course of very long tales). Our heroine is inspiring, and nobody’s role is clear-cut or unchangeable. Twists abound.

Ms. Comes’ performance is stellar. She holds up not only the emotional weight of the storytelling, but flawlessly keeps track of and transitions between a host of distinct voices and accents. Amazing.

amazing writing, excellent plot

I stumbled on this series by accident but I have enjoyed every single volume up to now. the story is gritty and realistic, while at the same time providing the necessary fantasy to escape this world. Ceda is a lively and true character, with a mind of her own and a no nonsense attitude. Her entourage a well developed side cast with their own stories and truths. It is a world of sacrifice and politics, magic and struggle, heroism and love. Our author knows how to write and weave a story, and can stand up there with Brandon Sanderson and Jim Butcher.

good series, each books gets better

Good series, took a little bit to get me hooked in the first book, the way it kept switching past to present to past. this book doesn't do that as much and more things going on pertaining to the main story line. and finally getting some magic in the story. definitely worth a listen.

I literally clapped at the end

In all honesty, I was a bit hesitant to read VoS. So many series I started a few years ago have disappointed one after the other with recent releases. And Ceda has become one of my all time favourite characters, so you know.. I just didn't want to go through it again. Anyway, I'm happy to report - NOT DISAPPOINTED! In fact, fell more deeply in love with the settings, characters, battles..

I got a little worried when there was some back and forthing, Ceda running around with her head cut off, with me wondering if she'd lost her mind a little.. But then, it came together and *kisses fingers*. Then it was on. And gave me some scenes to get weepy at, scenes to cheer at, scenes to yell at, and scenes to go "naaaaaaw" at.

And Sarah Coomes, the narrator, deserves an Audie. So so good! Expressive, clear characterisation, fantastic pacing.. Only a truly talented narrator can pull tears out of me. I literally clapped at the end. Then felt like a dork...

Beaulieu keeps nailing, and for once I am incredibly happy that the series has been stretched.