Looking for books that edify and entertain? Read the TimeDrifter Series — and be transported. THE VEIL OF SMOKE is the second book in the TimeDrifter Series.
- Print Length: 273 pages
- Publication Date: December 31, 2014
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00ROB8Y88
- Age Level 12-18
Have you entered the Giveaway for a free copy of The Place of Voices and a plush koala?
Go here to do that! Today is the last day to enter!
If you read my review of Book 1, The Place of Voices, you likely saw how I came to read the TimeDrifter series. I won’t repeat myself, but I will say that author Lauren Lynch has continued her trend of writing a really good time-travel story. The Veil of Smoke is a book that can be easily read as a stand-alone as well as part of the series, and most readers will appreciate that. This second novel uncovers the disaster at Pompeii. I have always been intrigued by the mystery and the tragedy behind Pompeii, and I was overjoyed to find that Lauren was using that setting.
The story begins with the tale of Marcus, a young man about to embark on a life of adulthood, albeit reluctantly. Marcus isn’t interested in finding a job or continuing education and is offended by his mom’s pressure for him to take on some responsibilities. Soon Marcus finds himself in a situation out of his control, and he wishes that he’d listened to Mom.
Book One introduced the readers to Anna and Brendan, both whom have traveled from the ’20s and the ’50s, respectively. Anna and Brendan return to Book Two and both are well-traveled time travelers in The Veil of Smoke. Once arriving in Pompeii, they realize that they are there to help someone, but they have to figure out who that is.
Narnia-like in style, The Veil of Smoke is a book that has Christian allegory but isn’t super preachy. Additionally, it has a clear good versus evil theme along with moral values and a focus on making good decisions. Over time, the characters experience personal growth that Lauren builds into the story in a seamless fashion.
I was very impressed with the depth of Lauren’s research into the events around the disaster at Pompeii. Her descriptions of the city, their celebratory festivals and worship of the gods was very focused and painted brilliantly in my mind. She clearly is very gifted with description and research.
The characters—primary AND secondary—are very well fleshed out and the scenes played out like a movie in my mind. I had a very hard time putting down The Veil of Smoke, and I have already started reading Book Three, The Tower of Refuge! 
Check back on Wednesday for my review of Book Three AND for my announcement of the winner of a copy of The Place of Voices and a plush koala!
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