Soulsmith picks up exactly where Unsouled left off. Unfortunately for me, I’d had about 18 months break between the two books and the story did not pander to my bewildered mind. The madra-based magic system is complex and if you’ve not read the books in a continuous/timely fashion, it can get confusing. That’s my fault though, not the author’s. Although I did find myself racing as fast as the thousand-mile cloud that bears the protagonists away from the Sacred Valley. That’s right. A speeding, red, horse-sized cloud, ladies and gentlemen. That’s the sort of cool stuff you’ll find here!
Book 2 builds on the things I enjoyed about book 1 with the main character, Lindon, starting to become someone to be reckoned with. Wight also introduces some interesting new characters and factions. As this is book 2 in a 7? book series, I find it difficult to nail this review down, but if you like progression fantasy with intricate magic systems, lots of quotable lines and an oriental vibe to the cultures and clans, then there’s loads here for you to enjoy!

Soulsmith