In Torstein Beck’s dystopian science-fiction novel, The Veil, a young man struggles to survive after losing everything to the creation of the vicious attempt of a science project. This is an amazing, chilling and suspense filled story that readers will love and revel in.

Set one hundred years from now, The Veil features leading scientist Florian Gertlinger who spearheads an ambitious project that goes horribly wrong. The Varas, which are powerful savage predators, become the result of the team’s vision. Meanwhile, after having their beautiful baby Lila, Emilie and Aaro Emmerson are more than happy and content. What Aaro would never have foreseen, however, is a break-in by a murderous monster that kills and devours his wife and child. Aaro is left with nothing to live for. Years pass and Oslo’s streets become even more dilapidated and its residents more desperate to survive. When Aaro is presented with an opportunity to change his life and save his people, he takes it even though he knows he is about to come face to face with death.

The novel focuses on the main characters Aaro and Gertlinger, showing the creation and the result of the project. Aaro struggles to survive through everything. During his mission to Murmansk, Russia to collect a nuclear reactor that could possibly save the people, he faces imminent danger at every turn. Several aspects of the novel make it stand out. First, it does not aim to create a grandiose end, rather, death in the story becomes a form of escape from an undefeatable predator. It also focuses on ethical and policy issues in science. Government and political systems do not play a central role in the plot. Descriptions are graphic and shocking, painting a vivid image of the monsters while the characters are few and each plays an important role throughout the story. The plot does not follow a chronological order but shifts from the future to current times which creates penetrating suspense in the novel.

Horrifying yet thrilling, The Veil, is concisely written. It is driven by the incidents of each scene rather than a culmination of events at the end. Fast paced, excellent characters and a plot to die for, Torstein Beck has written a surprising and believable story that will have readers on the edge of their seats, filled with various intense emotions from start to finish. Highly recommended by Chick Lit Café.

Don’t miss this amazing 5 star dystopian science-fiction novel!