Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier – a Review

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Description:
Every legend has a beginning.

With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lost mythical isle with the power to save their entire world.

Saoirse yearns to be powerless. Cursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she’s managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.

Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she’ll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse. 

On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan, a feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic, if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle first. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.

But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect if Faolan wants her on his ship, he’ll have to marry her first.

Review:

Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier is the first book in her The Magpie and the Wolf Duology Series. The story revolves between Saoirse and Faolan, who will attempt to find a lost mythical isle to save the world. Saoirse has spent her entire life afraid of her own power, cursed from childhood with a volatile magic. She was able to hide her curse, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. When her father engages her to a cruel king, she escapes and enters a marriage of convenience to Faolan, a pirate (wolf of the wild), who she will help find the lost island of dead souls.

Faolan led his ship and crew, and Saoirse becomes part of the group, as he always watches over her. Faolan promises her to help her rid her magic, if she can use it to locate the lost mythical island. Saoirse cannot control her deadly curse, and she discovers that Faolan needs her help, and together they leave on a long quest to find the secret island.

The romance between Saoirse and Faolan was slow burn, with some steamy and tender moments, as well as witty and sharp.  I really did like them together. Faolan helps her see the best of her issues, as she doesn’t understand her power, fearing the magic she may not be able to control.  As we get closer to the end, Saoirse’s magic system is unique, with her seeing the real thing among the land of the souls, and those who fulfilled the truths.  

Soulgazer was a captivating story, with magic, souls, pirates, slaughtered gods and a land that could absorb Saoirse’s powers.  Soulgazer was well written by Maggie Rapier. Saoirse and Faoland made a great couple, as they neared the end.  I will say that many times I did get confused with the story line.

Reviewed by Barb

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