The Veil of a Thousand Tears: The Pearl Book 2    by Eric Van Lustbader Order:  USA  Can Tor, 2003 (2002) Hardcover, Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson If you like a meaty fantasy that you can sink your teeth into and really chew over, then Eric Van Lustbader's Pearl trilogy is the one for you. Though it's a bit over-complicated for my taste, I'm persisting and am impressed by the author's juggling of layers of betrayals and his multiplicity of races - from Kundala and V'ornn to four-legged Rappa Thigpen and godlike Dragons - with varying powers and agendas. Early in this episode, Kundalan sorceress Giyan is possessed by a 'daemon from the Abyss', and the remaining good guys (Dar Sala-at Riane, V'ornn Rekkk, and pregnant Kundalan Eleana) try to find a way to save her before her spirit is totally taken over by the daemon. They learn that they must find the 'Maasra', the 'Veil of a Thousand Tears'. Riane worries about a prophecy that of her allies, 'one will love her, one will betray her, one will try to destroy her.' She quests and finds a teacher, Druuge Perrnodt, who tells her of the Sacred Dragons, trains her, and travels with her (partly 'Thripping') to find the Maasra in the excavated site of Za Hara-at. In the meantime, a possessed Giyan resurrects her evil sister Bartta, and they begin to subvert the Abbey of Floating White. Regent Kurgan, continuing to plot against his inferiors and the Gyrgon, gets more than he bargained for when he meets Pyphorus, lord of archdaemons. And an interesting new character develops a strong role. Kurgan's sister Marethyn, unhappy with women's subservient role in her society, joins the Resistance. Her brother Terrettt, locked up as a madman, struggles to warn Marethyn of 'the End'. Various characters go through transformations. The Veil is won, Giyan is saved, and the scene set for book 3, Mistress of the Pearl. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews