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Wellspring
She has a past she’d like to forget, but destiny has other plans.
Raised within an ancient sect that safeguards the world against demons, I grew up blissfully ignorant of my importance to the Heavenly war machine. At nineteen, I uncovered the horrifying truth.
I barely escaped with my life.
A decade later, I’ve perfected existing beneath the White Order’s radar, teaching preschool and living a quiet life. Until the day an elite demon-slayer tracks me down and invokes an oath I conveniently forgot I made, imploding my carefully cultivated reality.
Now I’m on the hook to find three missing women before they’re sacrificed to bring an ancient demon to our world.
The list of people I trust is short. My patience for the Order’s politics is shorter. And the only thing killer about our main suspect is his charisma and the way I feel when I’m around him.
With time running out and innocent lives at stake, I have to decide if I’m ready to become the very thing I swore I’d never be.
Heaven’s ultimate weapon.
Wellspring is the first installment in a new, action-packed Urban Fantasy series. While it is not considered paranormal romance, there is a love story that develops over several books. Intended for mature readers. This is not religious fiction.
Raised within an ancient sect that safeguards the world against demons, I grew up blissfully ignorant of my importance to the Heavenly war machine. At nineteen, I uncovered the horrifying truth.
I barely escaped with my life.
A decade later, I’ve perfected existing beneath the White Order’s radar, teaching preschool and living a quiet life. Until the day an elite demon-slayer tracks me down and invokes an oath I conveniently forgot I made, imploding my carefully cultivated reality.
Now I’m on the hook to find three missing women before they’re sacrificed to bring an ancient demon to our world.
The list of people I trust is short. My patience for the Order’s politics is shorter. And the only thing killer about our main suspect is his charisma and the way I feel when I’m around him.
With time running out and innocent lives at stake, I have to decide if I’m ready to become the very thing I swore I’d never be.
Heaven’s ultimate weapon.
Wellspring is the first installment in a new, action-packed Urban Fantasy series. While it is not considered paranormal romance, there is a love story that develops over several books. Intended for mature readers. This is not religious fiction.
- GenresRomance
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
46 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 4, 2023
Thank you to Laura Hall for providing me an ARC of Wellspring!
Wellspring introduces us to Evie. A character who is seeking to simply live a quiet life as a teacher without any outside interference or meddling especially by members of the White Order. In the beginning of the novel, she has been commanded to assist with the disappearance of 3 women key to the structure and continuance of the White Order.
Although she is initially reluctant due to her history with the White Order and the Paladin who was sent to seek her out, Asher, we eventually do see her grow in her understanding around why she is the only one who can really save the world. I really enjoyed getting to see her learn more about what it truly means to be a Wellspring and how to control her abilities.
I really enjoyed getting to know all of the different characters, and they truly were all different. I also really liked how Evie interacted with all the characters she came into contact with - how she interacted with other individuals was consistent with what her personality was presented to be. She felt really realistic, and I liked that she is the kind of character who may have needed a bit of a cry or simply time to process information but after that, she was able to put her feelings aside and really see the bigger picture.
Another thing I really liked was that the romance of the story did not completely take over the plot. There was crossover between the plot and the romance parts of the story, but it was very plot driven. I also really, really appreciated the development of the relationship between Evie and Asher. It was nice to have a story where a pair of characters who were previously romantically attached did not just immediately fall back into each other's arms at first contact. In particular, the fact that the event that led to their lengthy separation was something that was acknowledged and recognised by both characters as being something that neither of them (especially Evie) could come back from. Yet even with this acceptance, the normal human feelings of sadness, guilt and regret may still be present no matter what.
On another note, I loved the naming of the characters. The magic system was interesting and I liked the way things were explained through a combination of showing and telling. There was some information dumping in the beginning but once the storyline began proceeding, it was definitely more explaining done through things actually happening.
I thought the ending also presented some interesting ideas and could lead to some intriguing scenarios down the line (I also teared up quite heavily at the ending, thanks Laura). On an emotional note, it really warmed my heart that Evie was able to form a genuine connection with a character like Ricardo. I really got the feeling that she had never had a connection with like that with anyone before and he was so good to her, and reading their interactions actually made me tear up a little. As someone who is a fan of Laura Hall's Ascension series, the relationship between them reminded me a lot of Fiona and Declan's relationship.
Wellspring did remind me a lot of reading the Ascension series - the prose and structure of the story in particular. I do think Evie and Fiona are somewhat similar characters, at least the Fiona in the first Ascension book, which I really, really loved. I am a sucker for a character who is exceptionally strong, but is reluctant to fully engage with their abilities, other individuals and the outside world due to previous events. These are all things I found really awesome!
All in all, I think this was a great introduction to these characters, this world and its structure and the magic system. I am super keen to fully get into the series! While I am here, I would also fully recommend reading the Ascension series if you have not already :)
Wellspring introduces us to Evie. A character who is seeking to simply live a quiet life as a teacher without any outside interference or meddling especially by members of the White Order. In the beginning of the novel, she has been commanded to assist with the disappearance of 3 women key to the structure and continuance of the White Order.
Although she is initially reluctant due to her history with the White Order and the Paladin who was sent to seek her out, Asher, we eventually do see her grow in her understanding around why she is the only one who can really save the world. I really enjoyed getting to see her learn more about what it truly means to be a Wellspring and how to control her abilities.
I really enjoyed getting to know all of the different characters, and they truly were all different. I also really liked how Evie interacted with all the characters she came into contact with - how she interacted with other individuals was consistent with what her personality was presented to be. She felt really realistic, and I liked that she is the kind of character who may have needed a bit of a cry or simply time to process information but after that, she was able to put her feelings aside and really see the bigger picture.
Another thing I really liked was that the romance of the story did not completely take over the plot. There was crossover between the plot and the romance parts of the story, but it was very plot driven. I also really, really appreciated the development of the relationship between Evie and Asher. It was nice to have a story where a pair of characters who were previously romantically attached did not just immediately fall back into each other's arms at first contact. In particular, the fact that the event that led to their lengthy separation was something that was acknowledged and recognised by both characters as being something that neither of them (especially Evie) could come back from. Yet even with this acceptance, the normal human feelings of sadness, guilt and regret may still be present no matter what.
On another note, I loved the naming of the characters. The magic system was interesting and I liked the way things were explained through a combination of showing and telling. There was some information dumping in the beginning but once the storyline began proceeding, it was definitely more explaining done through things actually happening.
I thought the ending also presented some interesting ideas and could lead to some intriguing scenarios down the line (I also teared up quite heavily at the ending, thanks Laura). On an emotional note, it really warmed my heart that Evie was able to form a genuine connection with a character like Ricardo. I really got the feeling that she had never had a connection with like that with anyone before and he was so good to her, and reading their interactions actually made me tear up a little. As someone who is a fan of Laura Hall's Ascension series, the relationship between them reminded me a lot of Fiona and Declan's relationship.
Wellspring did remind me a lot of reading the Ascension series - the prose and structure of the story in particular. I do think Evie and Fiona are somewhat similar characters, at least the Fiona in the first Ascension book, which I really, really loved. I am a sucker for a character who is exceptionally strong, but is reluctant to fully engage with their abilities, other individuals and the outside world due to previous events. These are all things I found really awesome!
All in all, I think this was a great introduction to these characters, this world and its structure and the magic system. I am super keen to fully get into the series! While I am here, I would also fully recommend reading the Ascension series if you have not already :)
March 22, 2023
Wow! What a mind blowing story! A definite 10 star plus read! This first in the series will keep you enthralled and on the edge of your seat throughout! If you weren’t a lover of a PNR style story before, this will completely change your thinking. Evelyn is a young woman who has a purpose in life that she isn’t fully aware of. When her past comes to her to tell her of what her future will be, she is not prepared, but knows it is her duty. She is such a strong, endearing character who you can’t help but fall in love with. Samuel is another character who I wasn’t sure how I felt about until I read further and he became one of my favorites. He’s charismatic and handsome and has no idea what is about to happen in his life, especially when he meets Evelyn. These two have such a unique relationship and I enjoyed their interactions. The chemistry between them is sizzling and the feelings they have for each other jumps off the pages at you.
This author wrote this story with such detail that I could envision what the characters looked like, and it is awe inspiring. The depths of emotions I felt was unreal, I laughed and I even cried. I need more of these characters and this story and can’t wait until the next book to find out what happens! It’s a phenomenal story that everyone needs to read! Brilliant!
This author wrote this story with such detail that I could envision what the characters looked like, and it is awe inspiring. The depths of emotions I felt was unreal, I laughed and I even cried. I need more of these characters and this story and can’t wait until the next book to find out what happens! It’s a phenomenal story that everyone needs to read! Brilliant!
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September 22, 2023This fell flat for me. Parts of it were interesting, well written and unusual. Others were trite, wordy and unintentionally creepy.
I wasn't invested in the main players, several of the twists were obvious miles in advance, and I'm apparently not a fan of the mashup of religion and fantasy. Or rather, religion as the magic system.
Anyway. I read all the way through, so there's that, but I will not be picking up the sequel.
I wasn't invested in the main players, several of the twists were obvious miles in advance, and I'm apparently not a fan of the mashup of religion and fantasy. Or rather, religion as the magic system.
Anyway. I read all the way through, so there's that, but I will not be picking up the sequel.
November 12, 2025
Wellspring was a very good book, and is one I couldn't put down! If anyone has read Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Claire, or watched the shadow hunter TV show, this book reminded me a lot of that series, so if you are a fan of the Mortal instrument books this is definitely the read for you! The book does take a twist, in the middle and kind of towards the end, and after reading the beginning of the second book it gets better, I promise!
July 27, 2025
Wellspring is an action-packed urban fantasy drawing on the stories around angels and demons. With plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing into book 2, this book includes a slow-burn romance and a cliffhanger.
Laura Hall is the alter-ego of one of my auto-buy authors and although a completely different genre, this book did not disappoint.
Laura Hall is the alter-ego of one of my auto-buy authors and although a completely different genre, this book did not disappoint.
December 24, 2023
Quite exceptional.
January 22, 2024
It would have been a 4 or even. 5* book but unfortunately insta love ruined it all... World building was so interesting and up till the love interest showed up like a freaking meteor I was engrossed.
March 17, 2025
Wonderful
This book was an unexpected delight of a unique plot and world building and great characters. Highly recommend! Looking forward to part two!
This book was an unexpected delight of a unique plot and world building and great characters. Highly recommend! Looking forward to part two!
March 15, 2023
Fantastic new Urban Fantasy series from one of my most favorite authors!! If you are new to this author, I will say her ability to write in different genres is amazing.
This book is the series opener, showing Evelyn, who has narrowly escaped her position in the White Order. She has reinvented herself and is living a peaceful life away from the chaos of her past.
Just when she has allowed herself to let her guard down, they come calling to bring her back. The powers she possesses are required to help find some of the missing women from the Order.
This first book is groundbreaking, but so captivating! I was immediately drawn in to the characters and their unique plight. The world building is phenomenal, with so much character development and attention to detail. I cannot wait for the next book to release to see what will become of Evelyn!!
This book is the series opener, showing Evelyn, who has narrowly escaped her position in the White Order. She has reinvented herself and is living a peaceful life away from the chaos of her past.
Just when she has allowed herself to let her guard down, they come calling to bring her back. The powers she possesses are required to help find some of the missing women from the Order.
This first book is groundbreaking, but so captivating! I was immediately drawn in to the characters and their unique plight. The world building is phenomenal, with so much character development and attention to detail. I cannot wait for the next book to release to see what will become of Evelyn!!
March 31, 2023
4.5 stars!!!
I really liked Wellspring. I'm a huge fan of Laura Hall and find her writing draws me in. Her storyline for this book has a lot of details in it but it's written in such a way that I feel pulled along in the story rather than struggling to keep up.
I'm not a big of books that have a religious/Bible theme to them and tend to stay clear of "Christian" storylines. This had lots of references linked into the story but it was woven through with fantasy elements. This is an Urban Fantasy book, not a plot line based on the Bible. The author has taken elements to enhance the fiction writing to make the story more plausible.
I loved the Heroine and how strong she was. I also enjoyed the various paranormal elements.
I am SO looking forward to the next in the series.
I really liked Wellspring. I'm a huge fan of Laura Hall and find her writing draws me in. Her storyline for this book has a lot of details in it but it's written in such a way that I feel pulled along in the story rather than struggling to keep up.
I'm not a big of books that have a religious/Bible theme to them and tend to stay clear of "Christian" storylines. This had lots of references linked into the story but it was woven through with fantasy elements. This is an Urban Fantasy book, not a plot line based on the Bible. The author has taken elements to enhance the fiction writing to make the story more plausible.
I loved the Heroine and how strong she was. I also enjoyed the various paranormal elements.
I am SO looking forward to the next in the series.
March 23, 2023
Wellspring is not my typical genre, but Laura Hall has made me a fan. In the first installment of the fantasy series we meet Evelyn who has left everything she has know to live a normal life, away from the Order and the hidden world that most do not know about. When she is forced to be brought back in and assist with some major problems that are arising she learns a great deal about herself and others she thought she knew. This is an amazing story that introduces us to demons, orders, and magic. I cannot wait for the next one!
March 9, 2023
Amazing start to this new series. Secret Orders and magical gifts working to keep demons from Earth.
Evelyn just wanted a normal life but now she’s sucked back in to help solve the disappearance of girls from her Order and ends up so much deeper into the secrets of the history of her kind.
Great read and cannot wait for the next book!
Evelyn just wanted a normal life but now she’s sucked back in to help solve the disappearance of girls from her Order and ends up so much deeper into the secrets of the history of her kind.
Great read and cannot wait for the next book!
March 25, 2023
I savored reading this story. It is that good and you immediately are drawn into this new world. This is not my type read or genre, but I gave it a chance and I’m so glad I did. I want more. I need more. I’m drawn to these characters and loved every minute. Grab this and prepare to immerse yourself in one unforgettable story.
March 24, 2023
I have also been a fan of a huge fan of this author and whenever she releases a new book I can’t wait to read it.
This book was not different.
I liked the world building, you can visualise the characters and places. Great character development and the romance didn’t take away from the story. This was a great start to the series and I can’t wait for the 2nd book.
This book was not different.
I liked the world building, you can visualise the characters and places. Great character development and the romance didn’t take away from the story. This was a great start to the series and I can’t wait for the 2nd book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews