Review – Veiled Mist by Eleanor T. Beaty

Title: Veiled Mist

Author: Eleanor T. Beaty

Series: Veiled Mist #1

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Published: July 9^th 2012

Book Description

On the Caribbean island of Maurray, spoiled-rotten, fifteen-year-old Hanna wakes up to a nightmare. She is not the daughter of an aristocrat but the orphan of a Gypsy. She is the descendant to a mystical Gypsy tribe. Their magic is strong and has lasted six hundred years. Ornella, the tribe’s guardian, arrives at the island with her mutt, Count Dracula, to guide Hanna. Hanna is told she must embrace her heritage or die at the ripe age of seventeen. But Hanna does the unthinkable, she chooses death. She hates Gypsies and would rather die. What she doesn’t know is that her death will destroy the entire tribe. What she also doesn’t know is how persuasive Ornella can be. The nightmare begins.

My Review

When I started to read this book, my heart wasn't into it. Initially, I didn't like the main character Hanna, she was a spoilt teenager who looked down her nose at people and thought she was better than everyone else. The old Gypsy, Ornella was a bit of a pain, but was able to wield some great magic. But the longer I read the book, I was able to learn more about the characters and they both grew on me. They end up building a great relationship and work together to fulfil Hanna's destiny. Secrets are unlocked, enemies are exposed and friendships, old and new are formed.

The magic aspect of this book was awesome. Ornella uses lots of unusual ingredients to perform spells and rituals, even down to various types of pee. The author has put a great deal of thought into the different spells and it was definitely entertaining. The use of the dolls throughout the book was unusual too, but also intriguing. The dolls are not only important to the people that Hanna gives them to, but they help Hanna discover the true person that she is.

Hanna is a typical teenager and in the beginning, appearances and reputation play a major role in how she acts. Once she gets past this, she becomes a better person who I really liked. A lot of her immediate family have big roles in her development as well and I enjoyed getting to know them too. Veiled Mist is a beautiful story of self discovery and I enjoyed Hanna's journey.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.