Soul and Flame

Thalassic #3

by Liz Shipton

Rock bottom is just a pit stop.

In the aftermath of a devastating showdown thousands of miles from home, Bird sinks into an abyss of despair.

Powerless, abandoned by hope, and plagued by defeat, she faces a moment of reckoning. But when a shocking revelation exposes a sinister plot that jeopardizes the very future of humanity, Bird realizes she can no longer wallow in defeat. The lives of those she loves hang in the balance, and in order to save them she must confront the darkest corners of her soul.

Bird is forced to make a pivotal choice. Will she start down a path of redemption and transform her deepest vulnerabilities into extraordinary strengths? Or will she succumb to the engulfing darkness that threatens to swallow her whole?

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Pirates, Post Apocalyptic

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2023

About the author

Hi! I'm Liz. I'm a writer and off-grid liveaboard sailor. I gallivant about the high seas with my partner and my dog, turning my adventures into speculative fiction.

While I explore the world, my books explore themes adjacent to mental health, the loneliness epidemic, addiction, tech creep, climate change, and the looming collapse of society (but, like...in a fun way.)

When I'm not penning novels about the impending apocalypse, I make money tearing other writers' manuscripts to shreds. Others call this pastime 'editing', and if you're interested, I can do it for you.

On the rare occasion I'm not working, you can find me swimming, complaining about the weather, telling my dog I love her for the bazillionth time today, or watching Taskmaster.

Reviews

[larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the arc🫶🏼
I must say this one is my favourite book in the series😩😍

Not only did we see bird become a responsible young woman but also how she chose to rise from the pain she endured.
Her character development is *chefs kiss*🫶🏼

Review
This story takes place in a world where 99% of the population were killed because of a pandemic…
A world wich is destroyed by climate change and pollution…
A world with no hope for a bright and new future…
A world where the human species might extinct in the next 50 years…

Bird and sargo where hunted down by this secret organistaion and on their journey Sargo got kidnapped by them, so bird sailed the whole salt to look after him…
(If that’s not a love confession 🫶🏼)

After she sailed through storms and thunder, Bird woke up in a hospital in grike…
There in grike she met Sargo again who turns out to be doing pretty well after being kidnapped…
In virtue of a special chip wich was planted into birds brain as an experiment by one of the world leading company’s, she got this special ability wich she learned to control with the help of her therapist…
But now that bird controls this ability and knows the truth behind this whole secret experiment and the sadistic plan of Axomnia, she has become a even more wanted person.
So Bird,Sargo and their friends are now planing to go against them …

Will they succeed taking Axomnia and the whole world leading companies down…?
Can bird and her friends save the world or is it too late…?

Also here are some of my fav quotes/parts of the book:

🌊 Savage is a monster…. But maybe, so am I.
🌊”What do I smell like now?" His eyes glint. "Like me."
🌊 “You smell like home.”
🌊 “why would I want the daughter of the CEO of Zenith, when I can have the leader of the rinky-dink revolution?”
🌊”What are you looking for?” “Girls who can teleport. Obviously.”

One more thing wich really made my heart ache for bird, especially since she sailed the salt and risked her life to look for sargo…💔🥲
It was the moment when sargo left her alone in grike with the people who she didn’t knew and who she doubted…
But this was not the first time when he left her alone …
Bevor that he left her on the kingfisher with a lot of murders and criminals …
But I’m happy that bird and sargo talked things out and now nothing can stand between them.🫶🏼

[Sam VanSantvoord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird getting therapy and actually making progress is a real highlight

Also, why am I such a sucker for a "teen" dystopian novel? WHY?

[Ysmalan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iiiiiii doooon't knoooow.
I will have to come back and do a real review, but yeah. I'm not sure if it deserves objective 3 stars. It was entertaining so that's what I'm giving.
You can read this, but you don't have to.
It's better than a lot of the overhyped crap out there.
It's badly in need of an editor.
The plot doesn't...entirely make sense. It's utter chaos that magically works out in the end, which, I suppose, was kind of the whole premise for our main character Bird.
And this review somehow ended up reading like a train of thought Bird would have. I should now probably run off and do something really stupid for no good reason.

[Maria]

An interesting adventure. I’d have liked it as a single long book but three works as well. Seeing Bird grow as a character is rewarding.

[Heart&SoulBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This series became an instant favorite of mine. There is so much adventure and spirit in these books.

Bird is picking up the pieces deciding what she stands for and kicking some major butt in this book. I can’t wait to read more!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book. I am providing an honest review.

The basics:
After hitting rock bottom, Bird begins to rebuild her life. She makes amends for her wrongdoings and seeks peace from her past. But most importantly, Bird learns to harness her teleportation abilities to work in her favor rather than against her. After discovering the true depth of Zenith’s plans, Bird and Sargo realize they need to act immediately to expose Zenith and protect humanity.

My thoughts:
This book was my absolute favorite in the entire series. Bird has ambition and drive. She is a fierce, thoughtful, and intentional leader. By the end of the book, Bird gained control over herself, her emotions, and her moral compass. Bird finally finds her place in this world and her development from the first book to the last is so incredible. Despite her journey, Bird retains so many of the aspects that made me love her in the first place. She was such a refreshing character to experience over the course of the entire series. Loucaz, Fetch, and Sargo were the perfect additions to this story as well, which made the ending so beautiful and well done.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what other works Liz Shipton writes. She is now one of my go to authors.

[Tessa Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid book in this clever series. I liked the exploration of Bird's mental health in this one, even though I was rolling my eyes a bit at the "ADHD is actually a super power" part. I mean, I liked that whole premise and message, but something about how it was written was a little "after school specially."

We finally get some real relationship stuff in this one, and I thought it all was all lovely, from their awkward talks to their hot hot sex. Mr. Sargo is the best.

When we learn what really has been going on I thought that was smart and an evil plot I could definitely get on board with. Where I struggled was in the rebels' plans. I just didn't find any of them believable. I know part of the idea is that Bird is impulse and her ability to plan is compromised, but in this story in particular, I found it really hard to believe that all her friends would go along with all of this nonsense. But I was mostly able to just ignore that disbelief and go along for the ride, and it was fun.

I'm slightly worried about this being extended for two more books, since I am wary of series that go on for too long. And I think there was a chance to just stop the story here. But this thing is still going, so I'll keep going to and see if this band of misfits can somehow save the world.

[Sian Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

.

It has genuinely taken me two and a half books to even remotely like Bird as a character. And now I feel bad about it because I just read the author’s note stating how Bird is heavily based on herself 😬

But I can’t help how I felt.

She does very much redeem herself once she gets help and takes things seriously. Stops drinking. Her true character finally starts to shine through, and she’s actually a fiercely loyal person with a heart of gold. It just took a really long time for us to get this version of her.

I like how she united so many different factions against a common enemy, but she was still so naive about Axioma and Zenith as a whole. I think many mistakes were made there. Including her particular brand of justice where Axioma is concerned.

The next book seems like all of that is going to blow up in their faces, but there’s enough closure at the end of Soul for me right now. And I need a break from this dystopian world.

I’m still upset about Malarkey from the last book too.

[Ioana Pristoleanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Thalassic Series continues Bird's storyline right as it left off, when she got back to Brume at her mums' house. The first part shows her going through therapy and finally understanding a few things about herself and her "superpower", as she then gathers a group of people to prepare for the big fight.

I found the pacing of this book a bit odd and it's definitely my least favourite of the series so far. While Bird's character development leaps through and that's nice to see, I thought the first part took a bit too long while the ending felt a bit rushed. I also didn't expect this book to finalise the storyline as there's a few more books in the series - although I understand it might be a false ending as definitely there's more left to come...

I can't decide if I like Bird or not, and given that the next book is from Paz's perspective, whatever feelings I might have towards the two of them could change with the POV switch. With Paz I have to remind myself that this is a guy that's a decade younger than me so of course he'll seem immature! Across the series he's been making some weird choices and overall the communication between him and Bird could have been improved - which seemed to have happened in this third book until the very end...

Overall 3/5 stars, but I will continue this series as I want to support the author, and her note at the end of Soul made it clear that the next two books from Paz's perspective are worth reading. I might take a break from this world for a bit though!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: discussion of suicide/suicidal thoughts

We once again pick up with our MCs separated, but this time by choice, on one side at least. Bird is forced to make some big changes to her life. Being back on Brume without Sargo leaves her with a lot of time to think. As expected, this isn’t a good thing, leading to some discussion with her therapist of possible suicidal thoughts. It was hard to read about a character who seems so headstrong, fall so hard. Thankfully, she picks herself up by her bootstraps, gets her shit together and manages to really come into her full potential. Bird and Sargo finally reunite and all is well in love-bird land. The whole conflict comes to an exciting head with sad losses on both sides. Bird is presented with the option to kill her enemy but instead chooses the high road and just abandons them in a different dimension… how fun! I was really sad to be done with Sargo and Bird. I wouldn’t say no to revisiting them!

5 Stars all the way. An action packed finale with emotional highs and lows. We do get a HEA and it was an overall great wrap up to the story.

*I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so good that I can't stop long enough to dwell on the book I just finished and continue reading the next non-stop. Sadly, that means I can't remember specifics about book #3. But it is full of adventure and exploration of unknown places.

What I like best about the series is the superpower of ADHD and how it affects a person. It can cause many problems, but it has surprising benefits when conquered. And even more so in these books.

After reading the author's bio, I can see why she can write about it so believably.

I hope I've convinced you to give this series a try. A word of caution: There are sexy bits, but fast-forward works if you aren't interested, and you won't lose any story. Yet, the scenes don't feel out of place, so they feel natural. These are for Young Adults. So...

Now I can get on with book #4!

[Leslie Hallman · Rating 3 out of 5]

.💻 I really want to like this series more than I actually do and can’t quite figure out why. The writing is fine, the premise is good and fairly unique, and the characters seem moderately well developed. I think I just don’t love the characters or connect with them. Bird just seems like a complete mess and I am shocked anything positive happens for her but truly, in 3 books - not much has gone her way. This book seemed like a primer for basic education on what ADD is and how to deal with it and while I appreciate positive examples of gender, mental health, various health conditions, and neurodiversity… it seemed a bit heavy handed at times. Anyhow, in this book, Bird blunders and blips her way into a revolution against Axioma trying to exclude half the worlds population in her grand design of world saving with no real plan of saving the world herself.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul by Liz Shipton was great!

Bird deals with a lot of her mental health issues by visiting a therapist named Rav. She’s hard headed and resistant at first but when shen realizes that Rav can truly help her and that she can truly trust her, she lets go and gets the help she needs.

Bird is confronted with a startling truth that will affect all those she loves and more, so she makes a decision to stop the plan from going any further.

Birds’ character’s development continues to strengthen and grow, Bird and Sargo get steamy, and there’s plent of action! Recommend for a friends to lovers and fantasy/sci-fi.

[Nikki Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not my favourite in the series so far, and tbh, I think I will take a break before reading the rest.
it all wrapped up too neatly (except for Goliath), but it's clear it's all going to come crashing down. it did come together in a pretty exciting series of events, though, so there's that!!
I was annoyed at how quickly she got over what Sargo did but also got over that quickly.
Bird made so much progress that Paz's 'warnings' that she is hiding things is annoying and Axioma is definitely going to return and cause chaos...a year is more than long enough for her to learn to control the blips!
His attitude towards her neuro-spiciness is pretty shitty too.

[Lisa Sparkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you!

This book has by far been the most accurate portrayal of a female with ADHD. I was diagnosed at 34 (now 37) and I spent many years being reckless, confused, depressed etc. Bird is the first character that I've ever seen myself in and I can't thank Liz enough for pouring herself and her experience into Bird. The average person doesn't realise the inner turmoil that occurs in our minds and bodies and how we can go from being a superhero one minute to a mess the next. Brilliant job Liz. 👏

[Lyla Raine (Author) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I typically like to read spicier books, and I wish this one was, but the action keeps me turning pages. The unlikely hero and her merry band of misfits from all across the salt. I like seeing Bird’s progression through the books, as she becomes stronger, more confident. It’s interesting how all these people who essentially hate each other have managed to come together against a common enemy. I wonder if their relationship will change after Z-Day. I sailed right through this book, and already downloaded the next one. Thanks for the fun story!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I catch my breath and try to calm my heart rate. This did not disappoint and has me questioning if I should read more dystopian, post apocalyptic, or slow burn romances. Bird and Sargo. No spoilers but chefs kiss. I am so glad I got to go on this adventure and watch Bird grow. I highly recommend this series. Well written with amazing character development. I fell in love with the characters, and I will be back to read them over and over and over.

[Lisa-Jane Van Der Walt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an Arc reader. This is where the magic happens! If you have read the first two in the series you will know that the relationship between the two main characters has gotten heated. They finally realize they are in love with each other and things get spicey. But not before it gets complicated. Enjoy the wild ride. Its a good read for sure. This was my favorite out of the series for sure. Adventure, romance and intrigue. What more could a girl need?

[Darian Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to start off with the fact that I read this series in a total of 4 days….. one of the things I love the most about this series was how much it made me realize that my taste in books is a lot broader than I realized. I’m normally a VERY dark spicy reader and so that’s what I’ve always stuck with. I would recommend to anyone. It’s a slow burn, action packed, amazing futuristic technology that I wish we actually had haha, spicy, and really pulls you in.

[Jesseca Moreda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these. They’re so good. They flow really well. I don’t think I got bored once, except maybe when Bird was talking to Rav about science and I got distracted thinking this was probably the conversation the author had to have about science and then we were hearing it through Rav…*squirrel!*

Anyway. Unique characters. Great representation for those who are wired differently. Great representation across the board, honestly.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just not the biggest fan of the FMC, I think that's the reason I put this book on a hiatus for three months at 86%. By the time I picked it up again I'd forgotten who several of the side characters were (so maybe they just weren't that memorable?) but I couldn't be bothered to go back more than a few pages to try and find out (I didn't, but that hardly impacted the ending as that really only included the MCs).
The storyline's pretty good I just wasn't feeling it.

[Candice Brusuelas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, chaotic, hilarious, a group of plucky sailors saving the world from a megacorp. Oh, and sex.

Shipton’s writing is vibrant and accessible, fast-paced but with enough character building and interpersonal moments for the reader to feel a strong connection with the characters. She does a great job navigating issues of mental health and addiction. And the concept of sci-fi climate disaster pirates is too good to pass up.

[Joseph Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues.
While Bird is “free” of Zenith’s influence, her life remains lost, with no idea where to go and what to do.
Learning about herself – and her skill – is not only the key to that, but might be necessary to save the world’s population. But to do so, she must ally with and unify many of her enemies.

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would probably say that this was my favorite book out of the series.
Liz has a way with words and with the way that she writes.
Once again the build up of the story line is what makes this series everything.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH THIS SERIES IS SO GOOD. All the friends (and frenemies) collide in this epic final battle, and it was soooo great... and ended happily ever after... or did it?? I'm nervous for the next book 😅 but excited for Sargos POV 😍

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have enough good things to say about this book & this series! It's exciting, there's tons of action, friendships that form, end, & reform, and the sweetest romance between Bird & Sargo that is as messy as real life. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Elna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a pretty fun and different read compared to a lot of teen dystopia book series. Kind of want to give it a 4 for being captivating, which is helped by the language being easy to swallow.
But it wouldn't be an objective 4.

[Lisa Hough-Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this world and the characters more and more as the series goes on! I really appreciate that the romance is there without being the whole purpose of the story or too ridiculous. Excited for the next one!

[Cassandra Mathieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Can't put them down, the characters very relatable...
One of the first few books in a while I can't predict what's going to happen.

Clawruke21: ...too the next book

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a whole-assed journey, and I am HERE FOR IT