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Pool of Souls #1
Eye of the Soul
Escape.
That should be Hyla’s first thought as her people are chained and imprisoned for no imaginable reason.
Instead, Hyla finds herself traveling through a land void of Natives, with human soldiers pillaging in desperate pursuit of her, and in search of the mystical Pool of Souls—home to the one man who can save her people.
Or so she believes.
Led by her faith in the deity Fadir, Hyla is met along her journey by Jadon—a human male and fierce King’s warrior, and his childhood best friend Conlin—one of the few Natives aware of his Fadir-given Talents.
Protected by Jadon, guided by Conlin, and with an unfailing belief in the purpose of her pilgrimage, Hyla carries on.
Like her, though, another searches for the Pool, and should he gain access first, everyone she loves, and everything she knows, could be lost.
Forever.
That should be Hyla’s first thought as her people are chained and imprisoned for no imaginable reason.
Instead, Hyla finds herself traveling through a land void of Natives, with human soldiers pillaging in desperate pursuit of her, and in search of the mystical Pool of Souls—home to the one man who can save her people.
Or so she believes.
Led by her faith in the deity Fadir, Hyla is met along her journey by Jadon—a human male and fierce King’s warrior, and his childhood best friend Conlin—one of the few Natives aware of his Fadir-given Talents.
Protected by Jadon, guided by Conlin, and with an unfailing belief in the purpose of her pilgrimage, Hyla carries on.
Like her, though, another searches for the Pool, and should he gain access first, everyone she loves, and everything she knows, could be lost.
Forever.
- GenresFantasy
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2013
1 person is currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Terri Rochenski
13 books171 followersTerri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.
Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.
Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 12, 2013
I really loved reading this story. It is a Fantasy but I believe it is going to be a romance also but not so much in this book. This one is mainly just a fantasy story. I enjoyed reading this book to get away. I am not having a very good week right now and I really appreciated how this book was able to sweep me away on Hyla’s adventure.
I liked how the author wrote the characters. You are able to get a clear picture of them in your mind not only by their descriptions but also in their actions. Jadon seems to be a love em and leave em sort and usually those type of men are not that responsible nor have honor and integrity. However Jadon has all of that and it shows in his actions. Conlin is a Native held captive for his gifts but is able to visit his best friend and eventually Hyla as well to help them on their quest. He seems to be a brave individual and not as scared of humans the way Hyla is. Hyla doesn’t trust anyone. With her gift she can see emotions and intent. This has made her not trust anyone in her life and she feels completely alone. The only one she trusts is Fadir the god of all.
Hyla has only met Conlin through his soul image and I look forward to them actually meeting in person. She also was distrusting of Jaden when she met him but he has slowly earned her trust. I enjoyed watching this unfold and watching how Hyla grew as a person and started to learn that she can trust others. I enjoyed getting to see what was going on in different parts of the different kingdoms and this book switched back and forth effortlessly without getting the reader confused as to where they were or who they were listening to.
I didn’t like Soroco. She is the leader of Hyla’s Natives and also the one who raised Hyla. She is so stubborn and negative that I just wanted to shake her so she might wake up. She makes Hyla feel like she is worthless and argues over everything with everyone. Laine which is a little boy who was also taken captive is a breath of fresh air at the end of the book. He is so full of enthusiasm and excited about what his gift will be when he is older.
All in all I can’t wait for the next book to come out so I can see how this war will start and end. I also can’t wait to see Hyla and Conlin meet.
*I received this free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I liked how the author wrote the characters. You are able to get a clear picture of them in your mind not only by their descriptions but also in their actions. Jadon seems to be a love em and leave em sort and usually those type of men are not that responsible nor have honor and integrity. However Jadon has all of that and it shows in his actions. Conlin is a Native held captive for his gifts but is able to visit his best friend and eventually Hyla as well to help them on their quest. He seems to be a brave individual and not as scared of humans the way Hyla is. Hyla doesn’t trust anyone. With her gift she can see emotions and intent. This has made her not trust anyone in her life and she feels completely alone. The only one she trusts is Fadir the god of all.
Hyla has only met Conlin through his soul image and I look forward to them actually meeting in person. She also was distrusting of Jaden when she met him but he has slowly earned her trust. I enjoyed watching this unfold and watching how Hyla grew as a person and started to learn that she can trust others. I enjoyed getting to see what was going on in different parts of the different kingdoms and this book switched back and forth effortlessly without getting the reader confused as to where they were or who they were listening to.
I didn’t like Soroco. She is the leader of Hyla’s Natives and also the one who raised Hyla. She is so stubborn and negative that I just wanted to shake her so she might wake up. She makes Hyla feel like she is worthless and argues over everything with everyone. Laine which is a little boy who was also taken captive is a breath of fresh air at the end of the book. He is so full of enthusiasm and excited about what his gift will be when he is older.
All in all I can’t wait for the next book to come out so I can see how this war will start and end. I also can’t wait to see Hyla and Conlin meet.
*I received this free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
October 8, 2013
This was a pleasant read. Not saying there was anything pleasant about the mistreatment of the Natives at the hands and mystifying power of the cruel High Priest, mind you. But I mean, I did get through the whole book in one day, so that ought to tell you something.
Speaking of High Priest Belwig, he was a good bad guy – properly ruthless and creepy, with a plausible motivation behind his horrendous acts.
Meanwhile, on the side of right, I enjoyed the friendship between Jadon and Conlin, as well as the characters themselves. Both were brave and self-sacrificial, which I love in a hero. And poor Hyla may not have felt so brave or equipped to face her dire circumstances, but soldiered ahead the best she knew how, never surrendering to legitimate fear, self-pity, and doubt. For that, I commend her.
A little political (but not to the point where my eyes completely glazed over), a little inspirational (but not to the point where it read like a sermon disguised as a novel), and with an ending that had me sighing with tension relieved and questioning what was to come on the same breath, I’m game to follow Hyla, Jadon, and Conlin into their next book of adventure.
Speaking of High Priest Belwig, he was a good bad guy – properly ruthless and creepy, with a plausible motivation behind his horrendous acts.
Meanwhile, on the side of right, I enjoyed the friendship between Jadon and Conlin, as well as the characters themselves. Both were brave and self-sacrificial, which I love in a hero. And poor Hyla may not have felt so brave or equipped to face her dire circumstances, but soldiered ahead the best she knew how, never surrendering to legitimate fear, self-pity, and doubt. For that, I commend her.
A little political (but not to the point where my eyes completely glazed over), a little inspirational (but not to the point where it read like a sermon disguised as a novel), and with an ending that had me sighing with tension relieved and questioning what was to come on the same breath, I’m game to follow Hyla, Jadon, and Conlin into their next book of adventure.
October 20, 2013
4.5 stars
I’m not a fan of *most* fantasy books, so I headed into Terri Rochenski’s Eye of the Soul with some reservation and a slight hesitation. To begin, I kind of thought my reservations might be justified, but the more I read on, the more I changed my mind.
In this first book in Rochenski’s Pool of Souls trilogy, we are taken on Hyla’s journey. Hyla is part of a race of people, ones with abilities that set them apart to others, and as the only one of her village to escape capture by the more monetarily people who take them, Hyla finds herself on a journey she hopes will save them. Luckily for her, she doesn’t end up having to do so alone. Because a chance meeting with the King’s fierce warrior, Jaden, lands her a companion, and possibly a protector, and meeting Jaden leads to her inadvertently meeting his best friend Conlin. And the reader automatically goes from hoping something romantic will happen between Hyla and Jadon, to watching with intrigue the subtle shift in her behaviour toward Conlin. This development has left me hoping they will finally get to meet in the next book (though, I guess the author might keep us waiting until the third), because the romance is so subtly and sweetly done, I can imagine it will be exactly that, intermingled with even more of their personalities, once we’re actually given the goods. These three are definitely the driving force of this story—or they were for me, at least—and they were a pleasure to spend time alongside.
Now, as for those reservations I mentioned in my opening, let me just try to explain, and then to nullify. You see, whilst the opening draws you in, and does a great job of ensuring you connect with Hyla enough to want to spend more time with her, there are moments within the book where you might feel it’s getting repetitive. All I can say is: hang in there, and open those eyes of yours a little wider, because there’s so much more going on beneath the surface; so much more that isn’t said; you’ve just got to be receptive enough to figure it out for yourself. Because Hyla does a LOT of travelling in order to reach the Pool of Souls. At first glance, it appears that not much is occurring during those travelling chapters. However, the development isn’t about kick-butt action scenes and epic battle after epic battle; it’s about the journey of Hyla’s growth as a character. And that is, I have to say, extremely well done.
And then, when Hyla reaches the Pool? Man, that was when it hit me—just how spiritual this book truly is. The depths to which the reader can connect within this scene is amazing, if they just allow themselves to. Me? I cried like a baby. And, oddly enough, felt refreshed for having sheds those tears. That is how deeply this book, in its entirety, affected me. So, really, give it a go. I can see myself wanting this trilogy in its entirety, just so I can sit down and read these back to back—because that, I imagine, will be an experience in and of itself. Even those of you who love the action and sexual tension, and convoluted characters with shadows on their souls—shove down those barriers and let this book into your heart. Because in the readers heart is where Eye of the Soul truly belongs.
I’m not a fan of *most* fantasy books, so I headed into Terri Rochenski’s Eye of the Soul with some reservation and a slight hesitation. To begin, I kind of thought my reservations might be justified, but the more I read on, the more I changed my mind.
In this first book in Rochenski’s Pool of Souls trilogy, we are taken on Hyla’s journey. Hyla is part of a race of people, ones with abilities that set them apart to others, and as the only one of her village to escape capture by the more monetarily people who take them, Hyla finds herself on a journey she hopes will save them. Luckily for her, she doesn’t end up having to do so alone. Because a chance meeting with the King’s fierce warrior, Jaden, lands her a companion, and possibly a protector, and meeting Jaden leads to her inadvertently meeting his best friend Conlin. And the reader automatically goes from hoping something romantic will happen between Hyla and Jadon, to watching with intrigue the subtle shift in her behaviour toward Conlin. This development has left me hoping they will finally get to meet in the next book (though, I guess the author might keep us waiting until the third), because the romance is so subtly and sweetly done, I can imagine it will be exactly that, intermingled with even more of their personalities, once we’re actually given the goods. These three are definitely the driving force of this story—or they were for me, at least—and they were a pleasure to spend time alongside.
Now, as for those reservations I mentioned in my opening, let me just try to explain, and then to nullify. You see, whilst the opening draws you in, and does a great job of ensuring you connect with Hyla enough to want to spend more time with her, there are moments within the book where you might feel it’s getting repetitive. All I can say is: hang in there, and open those eyes of yours a little wider, because there’s so much more going on beneath the surface; so much more that isn’t said; you’ve just got to be receptive enough to figure it out for yourself. Because Hyla does a LOT of travelling in order to reach the Pool of Souls. At first glance, it appears that not much is occurring during those travelling chapters. However, the development isn’t about kick-butt action scenes and epic battle after epic battle; it’s about the journey of Hyla’s growth as a character. And that is, I have to say, extremely well done.
And then, when Hyla reaches the Pool? Man, that was when it hit me—just how spiritual this book truly is. The depths to which the reader can connect within this scene is amazing, if they just allow themselves to. Me? I cried like a baby. And, oddly enough, felt refreshed for having sheds those tears. That is how deeply this book, in its entirety, affected me. So, really, give it a go. I can see myself wanting this trilogy in its entirety, just so I can sit down and read these back to back—because that, I imagine, will be an experience in and of itself. Even those of you who love the action and sexual tension, and convoluted characters with shadows on their souls—shove down those barriers and let this book into your heart. Because in the readers heart is where Eye of the Soul truly belongs.
November 8, 2013
Know those books that you just keep on thinking about long after you finish them? The ones you had become so engrossed in, you ponder what will happen with the characters much like you would wonder how a troubled friend is doing? Yup, EYE OF THE SOUL is so one of those books.
What an incredible world Terri Rochenshi builds in EYE OF THE SOUL! She balances guiding her reader through discovering this world, introducing amazing characters and thrilling with griping action perfectly right from the start. While you are immediately thrown into the action of the plot, you never feel lost or confused. Oh yes, there's plenty of mystery or veiled motives, but you never think "huh?" as you go along; "gasp!" yes, but not "huh?"
I really enjoyed the story of EYE OF THE SOUL. I was so engrossed by the plot and I fell in love with the characters. Hyla is incredible! Really, all the characters are amazing. I'm super excited to read the next installment of the Pool of Souls! EYE OF THE SOUL closes with a great cliff hanger and so much yet to be discovered. Write faster, Terri, please!!!!
What an incredible world Terri Rochenshi builds in EYE OF THE SOUL! She balances guiding her reader through discovering this world, introducing amazing characters and thrilling with griping action perfectly right from the start. While you are immediately thrown into the action of the plot, you never feel lost or confused. Oh yes, there's plenty of mystery or veiled motives, but you never think "huh?" as you go along; "gasp!" yes, but not "huh?"
I really enjoyed the story of EYE OF THE SOUL. I was so engrossed by the plot and I fell in love with the characters. Hyla is incredible! Really, all the characters are amazing. I'm super excited to read the next installment of the Pool of Souls! EYE OF THE SOUL closes with a great cliff hanger and so much yet to be discovered. Write faster, Terri, please!!!!
August 15, 2020
I'm not really a fan of fantasy stories but this is a beautifully written one that I enjoyed. It takes the reader on a journey that will keep you turning the pages. If you enjoy fantasy, please get this book and take an afternoon off to settle back and read it!
December 1, 2014
This story gets a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from me.
Hyla, a nineteen-year-old orphan, is away collecting roots and herbs for the healers when the attack comes. Right away, we see she is fearful, which makes the reader wonder why. That back story is sprinkled in at all the right moments.
Through a number of narrators, the story unfolds. A High Priest with a vendetta against the deity of the Natives emerges as the villain. We want to hate him; his despicable misuse of power and authority begs it. Yet, we see he has a secret past – a motivation not unlike that of Mr. Freeze (of Batman fame).
Jadon and Conlin enter the story as childhood friends who share the spotlight as the male heroes in the story. They are like night and day, but their camaraderie and realistic interactions pull the reader further in to this fictional realm.
Conflict unfolds and the course is clear. Who will make it to the Pool? What does the Pool actually do? Will Hyla accept her calling? And, will she choose Conlin or Jadon?
The characters are well-formed and realistic. Although the motivations of some of them are unclear or questionable, most of them acted and reacted consistently. Intrigue surrounds the powers of a few “non-Native” people in the story: where did their powers come from? Why do humans have these “gifts”?
The problem is straight-forward and the plot un-convoluted. We know the goals of the characters, and except where they are keeping a secret, we understand what motivates them. This is by no means a simple story, it is just easy to follow. Rather than shrouding information, the author shares it – to the end that it creates more questions and adds tension.
. It took me awhile to decide I liked Hyla – needed to understand what made her so mistrustful. Although Jadon is likable, he seems rather stereotypical. If it weren't for his friendship and interaction with Conlin, I might have written him off as an egotistical, womanizing jerk.
Give these characters the chance to grow on you and you won’t be disappointed. Nothing about the story line or premise (racial discrimination, anti-religion and revolutionary tendencies) disappoints.
If you like magic, sword fighting and quests, this is a book you’ll want to read. Whether you’re looking for a great story or a deep story, Eye of the Soul grants your wish.
Hyla, a nineteen-year-old orphan, is away collecting roots and herbs for the healers when the attack comes. Right away, we see she is fearful, which makes the reader wonder why. That back story is sprinkled in at all the right moments.
Through a number of narrators, the story unfolds. A High Priest with a vendetta against the deity of the Natives emerges as the villain. We want to hate him; his despicable misuse of power and authority begs it. Yet, we see he has a secret past – a motivation not unlike that of Mr. Freeze (of Batman fame).
Jadon and Conlin enter the story as childhood friends who share the spotlight as the male heroes in the story. They are like night and day, but their camaraderie and realistic interactions pull the reader further in to this fictional realm.
Conflict unfolds and the course is clear. Who will make it to the Pool? What does the Pool actually do? Will Hyla accept her calling? And, will she choose Conlin or Jadon?
The characters are well-formed and realistic. Although the motivations of some of them are unclear or questionable, most of them acted and reacted consistently. Intrigue surrounds the powers of a few “non-Native” people in the story: where did their powers come from? Why do humans have these “gifts”?
The problem is straight-forward and the plot un-convoluted. We know the goals of the characters, and except where they are keeping a secret, we understand what motivates them. This is by no means a simple story, it is just easy to follow. Rather than shrouding information, the author shares it – to the end that it creates more questions and adds tension.
. It took me awhile to decide I liked Hyla – needed to understand what made her so mistrustful. Although Jadon is likable, he seems rather stereotypical. If it weren't for his friendship and interaction with Conlin, I might have written him off as an egotistical, womanizing jerk.
Give these characters the chance to grow on you and you won’t be disappointed. Nothing about the story line or premise (racial discrimination, anti-religion and revolutionary tendencies) disappoints.
If you like magic, sword fighting and quests, this is a book you’ll want to read. Whether you’re looking for a great story or a deep story, Eye of the Soul grants your wish.
October 13, 2013
4.5 Stars for this wonderful fantasy series debut!
I have to premise this review with a short statement of truth.
I've known the author for a few years, and have seen this story grow and flourish over the course of that time. I am baised in my joy for Terri in getting this tale published, and for all of you for getting the opportunity to enjoy it. That being wholeheartedly admitted to, here is my review.
I'm an epic fantasy geek, and this story really appealed to this part of my nature. While reading, I was often reminded of the epic adventures I would take with my fellow gamers in some RP world or another. (Yes, that much of a geek...) Beyond the fabulously described world, the diverse cast of characters came to life in a way that appealed to that sort of group quest mentality.
Hyla, the faithful, spiritual one. Set on her mission and the good of her people, despite all obstacle and self doubt. Her two male counterparts, Jadon and Conlin, each with their own set of enviable traits, and personality "drawbacks". They're the best of friends, both virile, handsome... Room for romantic tension in later novels, perhaps? This thought bounced around in the back of my head throughout the adventure.
But, every band of potential heroes needs a nemesis. A bad guy to fight against.
This is where a story either rocks of flops in my book. Yes, for me, a story is only as good as its bad guy character. And, this is where, Ms. Rochenski's debut novel really shined for me. The High Priest, Belwig, is perfectly ruthless, deadly in his intentions, and ominous to get my attention and keep it. He gave me the creeps, and I just love when that happens. I don't write any spoilers in my reviews as a rule, so I have to leave it there, but I really, really liked the Belwig character. I do like my bad guys...
Anyway, if you are a fan of fantasy with some romantic potential peppered in, I would give this one high marks, and make it a highly recommend novel to pick up. A stellar debut from Ms. Rochenski, and I am looking forward to more from her and her Pool of Souls series.
I have to premise this review with a short statement of truth.
I've known the author for a few years, and have seen this story grow and flourish over the course of that time. I am baised in my joy for Terri in getting this tale published, and for all of you for getting the opportunity to enjoy it. That being wholeheartedly admitted to, here is my review.
I'm an epic fantasy geek, and this story really appealed to this part of my nature. While reading, I was often reminded of the epic adventures I would take with my fellow gamers in some RP world or another. (Yes, that much of a geek...) Beyond the fabulously described world, the diverse cast of characters came to life in a way that appealed to that sort of group quest mentality.
Hyla, the faithful, spiritual one. Set on her mission and the good of her people, despite all obstacle and self doubt. Her two male counterparts, Jadon and Conlin, each with their own set of enviable traits, and personality "drawbacks". They're the best of friends, both virile, handsome... Room for romantic tension in later novels, perhaps? This thought bounced around in the back of my head throughout the adventure.
But, every band of potential heroes needs a nemesis. A bad guy to fight against.
This is where a story either rocks of flops in my book. Yes, for me, a story is only as good as its bad guy character. And, this is where, Ms. Rochenski's debut novel really shined for me. The High Priest, Belwig, is perfectly ruthless, deadly in his intentions, and ominous to get my attention and keep it. He gave me the creeps, and I just love when that happens. I don't write any spoilers in my reviews as a rule, so I have to leave it there, but I really, really liked the Belwig character. I do like my bad guys...
Anyway, if you are a fan of fantasy with some romantic potential peppered in, I would give this one high marks, and make it a highly recommend novel to pick up. A stellar debut from Ms. Rochenski, and I am looking forward to more from her and her Pool of Souls series.
July 23, 2020
Magical story which Highly Entertained!!
Oh My! This just proves an excellent author is just that is any genre. I started reading Ms. Burke’s books fairly recently, and when this early book of hers became available I jumped on it.
If I were to compare it to another book, I would select The Hobbit, but truthfully this was more “fun” and I derived more enjoyment from it. In a well-developed world that we are introduced to here, there are beings called Natives, many who have an underlying magic. When they are captured and their magic is “forced” there are those who work to free them.
They also “missed” one very important Native. It is a fabulous journey, with terrific characters and an exciting storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and recommend it!
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Oh My! This just proves an excellent author is just that is any genre. I started reading Ms. Burke’s books fairly recently, and when this early book of hers became available I jumped on it.
If I were to compare it to another book, I would select The Hobbit, but truthfully this was more “fun” and I derived more enjoyment from it. In a well-developed world that we are introduced to here, there are beings called Natives, many who have an underlying magic. When they are captured and their magic is “forced” there are those who work to free them.
They also “missed” one very important Native. It is a fabulous journey, with terrific characters and an exciting storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and recommend it!
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
March 23, 2017
Eye of the Soul is an easy to read fantasy with an endearing and sympathetic main character in Hyla, who has first to deal with the capture and mistreatment of her people, and then set out on a difficult journey to the pool of souls to save them before the evil protagonist gets there first.
I enjoyed the story, which is told from other points of view as well as Hyla's, allowing the reader to understand the motivations of both the good and the bad characters, and added depth.
Terri Rochenski has created a detailed and believable world in this fantasy and the ending left me very keen to find out what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the genre.
I enjoyed the story, which is told from other points of view as well as Hyla's, allowing the reader to understand the motivations of both the good and the bad characters, and added depth.
Terri Rochenski has created a detailed and believable world in this fantasy and the ending left me very keen to find out what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the genre.
July 12, 2017
Enjoyable and evocative
An enjoyable fantasy with well crafted and likable characters,a healthy dose of humour, and written in an evocative and beautiful style.
An enjoyable fantasy with well crafted and likable characters,a healthy dose of humour, and written in an evocative and beautiful style.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews