Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo.
And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.
Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood—an ancient forest possessed by souls—to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a soulguide can restrain them. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace, or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for.
Danger lurks within the roots of Forest of Souls, an epic, unrelenting tale of destiny and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Susan Dennard.
MY REVIEW: 4.5 Stars ⭐️
Let’s first give credit to another Charlie Bowater cover! I wish she would put out a book of her art so I could buy it!
I absolutely love this dedication at the front of the book and the little spider hanging down!
I thought this book was awesome and yes, I’m looking forward to the next book!
This isn’t a spoiler so don’t get your panties in a wad, you can read it from the summary 😉
So, Sirscha and Saengo are best friends. They are badass fighters and and they work for the queen so to speak. One day they are going out on a mission with some others but things go horribly wrong. Oh, and everyone rides on these awesome Drakes!
From the awesome glossary at the beginning of the book
*Drake: Most common species of drakonys, large and sturdy, used as pack animals and for transportation by humans.
Anyway, some stuff goes down with these shaman and Saengo is killed. BUT (and still not a spoiler) Sirscha brings her back to life. Apparently seeing your best friend killed can bring your power to life!
Turns out Sirscha is a soulguide.
*Soulguide: A lightwender who can shepherd souls, guiding them to the afterlife or back to life. There has never been a soulguide in living memory. The only one recorded was the founder of Mirram, who created the spell allowing only shamans to enter.
And as the crow flies, Ronan the Spider King hears about Sirscha and she’s summoned to Spinner’s End. And Prince Meilek (sugar plum) and his men escort Sirscha and Saengo there.
Some centuries ago, a shaman who would become known as the Soulless rose against the kingdoms. He had the power to kill by ripping out the souls of his enemies. The history books are always vague about what exactly happened, but not even the armies of Thiy could subdue him. He merely claimed their souls for himself, strengthening his power and his madness.
Then Ronin descended from the north with a massive spider as his familiar, one of the Spinners of his homeland. No shaman had ever possessed a Spinner as a familiar before. Only the union of two such powerful beings could defeat the Soulless.
After the Soulless’s death, the souls he’d claimed scattered, taking root in the trees. Over time, the forest died and became a dangerous place for travelers. For whatever reason, Ronin made his home within the woods, using spidersilk spun from the bond with his Spinner to cloak the restless spirits. Not only that, but he convinced the kingdoms to sign the first and only peace treaty of its kind, one that would ensure peace for centuries to come.
And now, after all this time, the Dead Wood has begun to expand far more quickly than in the past, casting Ronin’s power into doubt.
And naturally, nothing is what it seems and a bit of chaos ensues!
Loved the characters, the atmosphere, and the storyline!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
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