Spencer Bailey has spent his entire life under government oversight for something he can't change: his magic's affinity for breaking souls. After surviving the end of the world, Spencer joins the Supernatural Operations Agency with the intention of keeping his head down and his hands clean.
Tasked with tracking down a stolen artifact, Spencer wants to run his first case with the SOA by the book. The master vampire of the Seattle Night Court won't make that easy. Takoma is demanding and possessive, used to getting what he wants, and he lures Spencer into his Night Court with the seductive promise of freedom. In the Pacific Northwest, ghosts are crawling out of the woodwork, demons are on the rise, and Spencer can't afford to make a mistake. Torn between the life he should lead and the one Takoma is offering, Spencer has to make a choice that won't break his soul, but it might just shatter his heart.
Hailey Turner is a big city girl who likes to spoil her cats rotten. She writes science fiction and fantasy with lots of action, epic plots, and romantic relationships that satisfy the heart. Hailey lives in sunny California when she isn’t adding stamps to her passport.
To keep up-to-date with Hailey's future projects, join her mailing list, where you can download free Metahuman Files and Soulbound short stories: https://www.subscribepage.com/haileyt...
I can't wait for you to see how much Spencer fails at not falling into bed with Takoma. Like, if they gave out gold medals for that skill, he'd win them all.
Now we are down to just 2 months until Wade’s book! Ugh I just love all these characters! I do wish the ending was longer, but maybe we see them pop up in Wade’s book? Haha either way, a great addition!
Reread/Relisten #2: February 2024
Even though this says it is a standalone, but I would say you’d love it way more after reading the “Soulbound” series!
I love these books so much!!
Reread/Relisten #1: November 2023
Did I do a reread after only 2 months? Yes. Do I care? No.
I think I loved this book more the second time around. I wanted a quick time back with the Soulbound universe and this didn’t disappoint.
I now am even more excited for Wade’s book next year!!
Original Review: September 2023 Audio: 5 stars, duh it’s Gary Furlong Book: 4.5-5 stars
Wow, wow, wow! After my reread of the “Soulbound” series and seeing Spencer and Takoma together briefly in book 7 made me excited to start this one.
Like the “Soulbound” series, this book had many twists and turns that go together seamlessly I am always in awe of Hailey Tuners writing and how she can weave these stories!
The one thing that I wished was a tad better was having more of Takoma’s POV, he is such an interesting character that I wanted more of his thoughts.
Even with that said I love Spencer and it was great to get to see his dynamic with Fatima.
And we can’t forget the cameos from Wade!!!! I really hope he gets a book, he’s one of my all time favorite characters!
It was good to get some updates after book 7 to see how our favorite New York God Pack was doing.
I already miss these characters and will be doing a reread soon haha, don’t be too surprised, this series/universe is truly one of a kind!
December 2022 announcement
100% screamed and almost started to cry when i saw this! The audiobook (by Gary Furlong) to be released at the same time!!!! September 2023 come faster!!!!
Whilst very technically a standalone book set in the ‘Soulbound’ universe I think you would be kind of bonkers to go into this blind to the rest of the series. I imagine that there would be a lot of questions about the magic system, creatures and characters that would fluctuate between being information overload and massive knowledge gaps. That being said, I think if you enjoyed the Soulbound series you will also enjoy this because they are cut from VERY similar cloths.
The story here picks up 2 years after the events in main storyline where Spencer is now a special agent for the SOA himself and being put on a case to track down another stolen artefact with the power to summon a powerful demon. Spencers investigation puts him back into the crosshairs of the Master Vampire Takoma, who we also met in the main story.
I really enjoyed Spencer’s character in the ‘Soulbound’ books and found his tendency to be attracted to men who could kill him very entertaining. I wasn’t super sold on Takoma as a love interest initially, but he and Spencer grew on me throughout the book and by the end of it I was a convert. This was probably assisted by the quality of chemistry and spice that Turner is able to spin because it hits every time.
Gary Furlong does a fantastic job with this audiobook as always. Theres really nothing more to be said about his performance.
These stories are always a fun time if you are after an adventure/PNR and I didn't have to hear Spencer say 'watch your six' even ONCE (looking at you Patrick).
I'm a BIG fan of the author's Soulbound Series A Ferry of Bones & Gold - these books are such entertaining and well written stories. I was so sad when the series came to an end. Like everyone else I was looking forward to the author's next series, which unfortunately didn't work for me at all. So, I was extra excited to get another Soulbound Universe book, even if it's a standalone novel. Honestly I would love to read even more in this Universe, because Resurrection Reprise was fantastic.
It was no surprise that I devoured the book.
The entire book was enjoyable. Spencer and Takoma were a great couple, with the perfect amount of chemistry and attraction. The plot was something new, and I loved that the story was set in the North West and that Seattle was the city of choice.
I could see new and interesting couples popping up in this new location. Also, the amount of cameos was just perfect. And that Wade was a supporting character was just the icing on the cake.
Overall, the book was everything I could have wanted. Looking forward to more of it.
I was so happy to revisit the Soulbond universe again. I loved Spencer from the moment he appeared in the series, and I was eager to know him better. Hailey Turner did not disappoint. Spencer got HIS book and HIS story, not a regurgitation as Patrick 2.0. This book had the Soulbound familiarity, welcome feel, and wonderful cameos, but it stayed true to Spencer. Mad respect because that balance is not easy to strike. As with all HT books, the storyweaving was impeccable. You can tell just how much energy, research, and passion goes into her works. Action, intrigue, and brilliant prose abounds on every page.
Five stars? More like five hundred million. "Resurrection Reprise" was freaking perfection. By far, one of my favourite reads of the year.
I've been a huge Spencer Bailey fan since the first time he appeared, in all his horny, messy glory, in Hailey Turner's "Soulbound" series. Imagine my absolute joy when she finally announced he was getting his own story (and his own romance! WITH A VAMPIRE, much to Spencer's, and his danger kink loving heart's, delight). I knew I was going to love this novel; it still managed to surpass all my expectations in a way I didn't even know was possible.
Spencer first appears in "On the Wings of War", and his soulbreaking magic, so chilling and powerful (and highly regulated), and of course, his bond with his psychopomp Fatima, intrigued from the very start. I was also intrigued by Spencer's own fascination with the undead (because, seriously, same). His story did not disappoint, at all.
Spencer's new career with the SOA, and a mysterious case about a dangerous, stolen artifact, takes him to a rainy Seattle, where he has to deal with werecreatures, rogue magic, cult-like covens, poltergeists, demonic possessions, and of course, the Seattle Night Court and its very dangerous, very ancient, very sexy (and very possessive and very, very commanding) Master, Takoma. And the unfortunate, but very delicious, chemitry he and Takoma seem to have heaps of.
So yes, Spencer's new career takes off with a lot of danger, a lot of magic, and a whole lot of messy, messy feelings; and oh god, what a ride this book was. It's packed with action and mystery, murder and magic, darkness and adventure, and just the right amount of swoon-inducing, gut-wrenching, panty-melting, romance.
Spencer's and Takoma's romance stole my freaking soul: it's darker, messier than what Patrick and Jono had (and that says it all, considering how complicated Patrick's life was before his much-deserved HEA), but it's still teeming with feelings, heart and swoonworthy moments. It's not sweet in the usual sense; but Takoma promising mayhem, murder and bloody violence to protect Spencer? I'd call that sweet, okay? *nods*
< Spencer tongued at his teeth as his head was yanked back, showing off the line of his throat. His pulse kicked up, but he couldn’t decide if it was out of fear or sheer arousal. He’d always been attracted to highly competent, sometimes murderous people, whether they were human or not. Fatima had always despaired of the times Spencer followed his dick and not his brain. >
Also, oh god. Takoma. Takoma is deliciously, ridiculously, unforgettably HOT. Yes, okay, he's a vampire and quite possibly a mass murderer; yes, his morals are very skewed and he only cares for few select people. But he's so freaking delicious. He's commanding and possessive, dangerous and violent, but also so damn protective, and his past is riddled with heartbreak and violence, injustice and abuse, and it broke my heart quite a bit. He's fiercely protective of his Night Court, of his past and his origins, and I loved that he was so unapologetic in that: he's got a job to do, people to defend, and laws, morals and an unjust government aren't going to stop him. And the way he was with Spencer was *melts* gawd, their romance isn't sweet and fluffy, but it made my heart beat out of my chest. Both of them are such kinky bastards and their chemistry, inside and outside the bedroom, was seriously fire.
< “You want to be good for me, don’t you?” Spencer closed his eyes, breathing sharply through his nose at those words, and couldn’t stop the way his head jerked into a nod. “So keep being good." >
Spencer is an unforgettable protagonist. He's spent all his life being used and abandoned and feared by the people who should have protected him, because of his particular brand of magic. He's used to it, but god, his aching loneliness was heartbreaking to witness. He deserves every single good thing in the world, and the fact that he finally found a home, somebody to belong to, with Takoma, a vampire who'd probably light the world on fire just to protect him, was beautiful to witness: he deserves to be happy and worshiped and protected. Both of them do. I loved the fact that despite the horrible cards he was dealt, he still managed to be sunny and funny and nice and honorable; and his bond with Fatima was the cutest thing ever. I loved their snarky banter, and you could see how deep the affection between them run.
This book had a few unexpected, and memorable, appearences from familiar faces of the previous "Soulbound" series, and no spoilers, but it was so so good to meet them again and get updates on how the New York god pack is doing. The other side characters, even the minor ones. were nuanced and masterfully created (and I freaking loved Takoma's whole Night Court), and the writing was FANTASTIC. The plot was riveting, dark and thrilling, and packed with so much action, magic and twists I got wiplash. I devoured this book, start to finish, and I already cannot wait to read it again. And again. AND AGAIN.
Thank you GRR and Hailey Turner for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
While I know it hasn’t been that long since I read the last book of the Soulbound series, I kept missing this universe; it’s really one of the best world-building series I’ve ever read.
This one is *technically* a standalone, but it refers a lot to the events of the series, both Spencer and Takoma appear there and have enough interactions that work as the basis for the relationship they have in this book, so I wouldn’t recommend reading this one without reading the Soulbound series first.
Having said all that, I have to say I had the best time reading this book. Even if Spencer and Takoma are no Patrick and Jono, we still get the same amazing writing style, their chemistry is easy to notice, and the mystery of the case is entertaining and interesting.
I loved seeing Wade again and can’t wait to read this book next.
What a fucking delight to be back in this Universe! I had no idea what to expect but this seriously exceeded my expectations and just made me want more, more, more.
More = Wade, haha. My God do I want WADE.
Alas, this is not about Wade even though he is such a scene stealer, this is about Spencer and Takoma. Two unlikely allies that just fit. Demons, Ghosts, Witches, Wolves and Vampires OH MY! There were so many twists and turns, and it was truly an adventure. The location, the weather and of course the magic. Everything played a part, and it was such a page turner. This was set in a world we are familiar with, but this was its own story and it felt fresh.
Spencer was so much more, and I already thought he was a lot. It’s no wonder he is one of Patrick’s most trusted and loyal friends. That’s exactly what he is, through and through. Loyal. He’s strong and determined. I loved everything about him. And I loved him being at center stage for this absolutely exciting story. His life has never been his own, but it has never stopped him from doing the right thing. He works and he fights and he feels.
Takoma too was a great character, and he too had such depth, of course, he’s ancient after all, but he has stayed with his beliefs. Years and years later and he still is fighting for what is right. And now, he has someone to fight alongside him. And well, someone to fight for.
This was such a great story of finding home built around a battle set in motion years ago.
I couldn’t review this without at least mentioning Fatima. She too is a scene stealer and I love, love, love that Spencer has her. She’s a beast full of comfort and I LOVE HER!
Hailey Turner is a brilliant author and I believe she deserves more recognition. Her stories are so well written and her knowledge of well, everything, is mind blowing. Intelligent and sweet, fun and terrifying. She really just brings it all and gives it all and I can’t wait to see what is next. Wade?
This was just an amazing story set in a Universe that I love.
**This book was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.**
(Re-read) This is still 5+++ stars for me. Re-read August 2025 as a comfort read during a rough patch.
5+++ ⭐️
I can't get enough of the Soulbound verse, and I'm gutted that I'm almost finished.
I absolutely devoured this one, and am so in love with both Spencer, and Takoma.
I accidentally read Seconhand Skin before this one, when it was that I was supposed to read after book 7. That only leaves the short novella, book 7.5 to go now. I loved this universe so much.
I listened to the audiobook of this, as with all the others, and I'm so glad I did. Gary Furlong always does such an amazing job
I honestly expected more from this book. Takoma and Spencer's relationship was very surfave level. We were told that they were attracted to each other but we don't actually experience this attraction.
They spend alot of the book not even together and the ending was very abrupt. Spencer was relocating to Seattle to be with Takoma but he also states that they weren't in love yet. They were talking about forever and immortality...but they weren't in love yet.
It was very weird imo. You don't do that with someone you're only in lust with.
Overall I wanted more depth. The book is perfectly fine, but from Hailey, I've come to expect alot more than perfectly fine.
This book, along with the rest of the Soulbound series, should be on a big screen!
It's so cinematic in the storytelling, the visuals are bright and clear, the action and sense of danger is vivid, the emotions are visceral and the relationship between Spencer and Takoma, the millennia-old vampire, is possessive and powerful.
I adored Hailey's trip back into this world of Gods and Goddesses, of vampires, werecreatures, magic and the dangers of the denizens of Hell. It was like returning to a favourite holiday destination, the feelings of familiarity being heightened by the new adventures.
Spencer is a rare mage indeed, he's a soulbreaker, one of the few who can send demons back to the depths from where they came, his magic is feared, he's carefully monitored and controlled and, following the Battle of Samhain in A Veiled & Hallowed Eve he's had to move to the Supernatural Operations Agency and his first case seems like a fairly straight-forward one.
Yeah, no!
Spencer and his psychopomp Fatima have to work together to discover just what's going on inside a socialite's coven all the while dealing with the insane attraction he has to the Master Vampire in control of Seattle's Night Court.
They're all explosive heat, submissive desire, Takoma knows what he wants and Spencer's his target. When the UST finally combusts, lets just say it's pants meltingly hot.
But, of course, the danger never stops threatening, certainly not long enough to give the two men a break.
No plot spoilers here but lets say this book goes through a multitude of different avenues before all threads pull together in an epic battle against a wicked alliance of magic users, vampires, hunters, demon possessions all working together in a devious collaboration.
I was so happy when Hailey said she had secretly written Spencer's book and what she's delivered is a triumph! There's a few guest appearances that will make people smile and I really hope this isn't the last time we walk in this world.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Valentine PR. I am voluntarily leaving a review
I hate to say it but I didn’t love this. I know I’m in the minority with my opinion but despite likeable main characters and a well established world, this just sort of fell a little flat for me. I struggled to connect to the romance element of the story. Somehow it lacked a little depth for me, there is no real build up or justification beyond instant attraction for why these two are suddenly so deeply devoted to each other and it just left me a bit unexcited whilst reading. Maybe my taste is evolving , this just sadly didn’t quite hit the mark for me :(
I liked Spencer upon meeting him in the main series. I think he's interesting, and I'm entertained by his attraction to dangerous, sometimes criminal vampires.
Takoma was a fairly standard vampire character. Powerful. A bit murderous. Commanding. Confident. Possessive, but not overly so. Protective of those he cares about. I liked him, but still, fairly standard.
I enjoyed the romance. I felt their connection, I believed their feelings, and their sexual connection was HOT. The sex was the kind of dominant commanding thing I don't always like, but it was just written really well here. Spencer loved it, and I felt that.
Also, the vampire biting? *chef's kiss* This author must be a real bonafide vampire lover herself because she gets it. She gets it that the biting can be the sex. It's just as hot. The biting was pleasure and pain and just so good.
I'll be honest, I zoned out some with the government case stuff because I was distracted by real life and I always struggle with that sort of stuff in books regardless, but I had no trouble understanding the necessary stuff.
This is a separate story from the main series, a sort of standalone, however I do think you'll be confused about some things if you haven't read the other books. Like the government agencies, past events being referred to, how the magic works in this world, and a few characters. But if you don't mind and just want sexy vampire *shrug*
The audiobook narration by Gary Furlong was great! In the couple audiobooks I listened to for the main series, I felt like he sounded a bit flat and always wondered if that was a purposeful choice for Patrick's character. Now I'm thinking it was, because Spencer sounded livelier to me. Or maybe I've just forgotten because it's been a while. Regardless, I really liked this audiobook. It sounded natural, it captured the characters well, characters sounded different enough, and it was enjoyable to listen to.
Overall, a solid 4-star book for me that I really enjoyed with fun characters, hot sex, and even hotter vampire biting!
Recommended For: Fans of Hailey Turner's Soulbound series. Anyone who likes paranormal romance, a bit of crime solving mystery, and sexy vampires with sexy biting.
I didn't even know. Started on another narrative of a hated member of the magic community. A book about a necromancer. But he isn't like what you are thinking. A pretty chill guy.
Abandoned at age 4 because he got an friend. Well more like got a familiar. Connecting him to the living and the kingdom of the no longer breathing. Now the government uses his talents. While tightening that hangmans noose.
His powers are incredibly. Yet it's connected with binding souls. He might be one bad day away from bringing back the dead.
Then mugs keep mentioning that he saved the world. Well at least New York from zombies, hunters, and witches. Teamed up, after setting their beef aside. In order to bring a dimensionional being into this world.
Felt like I missed out. So I got some searching to do. Gonnat get book one of the soulbound universe.
This might be better suited for readers that have read other books in the Soulbound Universe series. It was my first book by the author, and there's quite a bit of spoilers and info dumping of past events the MC was involved in. Technically though, I think this is a standalone? Set in the same world? I was confused and/or trying to catchup for the first quarter of the story.
Gary Furlong is one of those narrators that I forget exists until I start listening to something and remember that I enjoy their voice! Pleasant surprise.
I realized I was over halfway into the story and didn't care about the plot, nor the relationship between the MCs. I also kept finding myself annoyed that the same words were being used again and again and was noticeable, lol. Very very very specific yet unimportant things were included into the story. Lots of getting into the weeds, and I wasn't invested enough to care.
Highly recommend reading other books in the series to get a better idea of what the heck is happening.
Hailey Turner writes the best urban fantasy, and not only in the mm genre. The book had it all: outstanding worldbuilding, MCs with their own distinctive personalities that you route for from the start, humor, adventure, engaging plot, memorable and likable secondary characters. Fingers crossed, there will be more books about Spencer and Takoma as their story just began. Wade is still my favorite secondary character out there, can't wait for his book
Back to the Soulbond universe again and I loved it. There was no doubt about the narration quality and action-wise Hailey Turner always delivers, so downloading the book was a no-brainer for me and I wasn't disappointed. You don't necessarily have to read the Soulbond series first but it helps when some things from the past are mentioned and you certainly enjoy the cameo entries a lot more but there are not that much that it distracts from the actual story.
This time we don't get any gods but vampires, shifters, ghosts and demons are really enough to suck you into this story. There are a lot of twists but nothing too complicated and then there are always characters with real personality to keep you grounded when the action level explodes. There are also those light sparks of fun with Fatima and her dry humor and of course there's Wade, always Wade who steals every scene he enters. Can't get enough of that dragon (funny how time flies, he's now already 22 and so much more confident than he was when he first appeared).
If there is something I can't exactly praise then it's the thing between Spencer and Takoma. I get it, Takoma pushes all of Spencer's buttons and there was already a connection visible in the last Soulbond book, so I totally see them getting together horizontally and that it's a match on that level but for a romantic connection I need to be more to be convinced of. Takoma defines Spencer as interesting, entertaining and is obviously impressed by his empathy and loyalty and certainly he also sees him and his unique magic as an asset but where this wish to spent eternity with him comes from, I don't know. At the end it's an odd HFN but both guys deserved more.
Loved it! I was so looking forward to Spencer's story and the author didn't disappoint. We get plenty of action, all kinds of paranormal creatures and a new couple whose feelings will only deepen with time. I enjoyed reading about the vampires and how the court operated plus I really liked Tacoma. He was the perfect blend of possessive and sensitive to Spencer's needs and those who served him.
I enjoyed every page of the story. Ms Turner spun a wonderful story that stayed true to Soulbound Universe. I loved Fatima and her inner voice and shenanigans. There were also cameo appearances that I didn't expect but loved so much. Overall, this was the story worth waiting for.
I LOVED the novel in the Soulbound universe. Takoma and Spencer are officially my favourites and I would love to read more of them Q_Q I loved their dynamic to no end and the fact that we also got some Wade was just fabulous <3
(DEUTSCH)
Ich habe die Novel im Soulbound Universum GELIEBT. Takoma und Spencer sind offiziell meine Lieblinge und ich würde so gern mehr von ihnen lesen Q_Q Ich mochte ihre Dynamik unendlich gern und das wir auch eine Portion Wade bekommen haben, war einfach fabulös <3
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals.
I was pleased when I learned Hailey Turner would be returning to her Soulbound universe for a standalone story featuring a popular secondary character from the original series. The action moves from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest, and the storyline is as compelling, fast-moving and action-packed as I’ve come to expect, with plenty of intrigue, magic, steam and high-stakes twists and turns, and the narration is, of course, excellent. Although the story is self-contained, I hesitate to suggest picking it up without having read or listened to at least some of what has gone before, but for fans of the series, Resurrection Reprise is an exciting new story that also gives us the chance to catch up with some of our favourite characters.
Spencer Bailey’s unique soul-breaking magic has earned him a lifetime of government oversight. Given up by his parents at the age of four once it was clear that his magic – an ability to put the dead to rest – was of the kind that could have earned him a death sentence had it been any closer to necromancy, he’s spent most of his life being closely watched and feared and made use of. He’s used to it, but it still sucks. After leaving the Mage Corps (where he served with Patrick Collins) he joined the PIA (Preternatural Investigation Agency), but his involvement in the Battle of Samhain (A Veiled & Hallowed Eve) didn’t endear him to his superiors, and he was on administrative leave for almost a year before they finally bowed to political pressure and removed him from active duty.
Spencer has since been recruited to the SOA (Supernatural Operations Agency) which handles domestic supernatural cases. Not that he had much of a choice, though – it was either work for the government in some capacity or have his passport confiscated and live under perpetual surveillance. He’s in DC to meet with his new boss and be given his first assignment as an SOA agent – which is to track down an artefact missing from the Repository, a highly classified storage facility in Area 51 that houses a collection of magical and supernatural relics and weapons. The item in question is the Orouboros Mirror, which can be used to channel spirits and demons to possess people, and rumour has it that it has made its way, through a black market auction house, to a coven in Seattle. Given that Spencer’s ability to break souls means he can see and exorcise demons, and that his magic means he cannot be possessed, he’s the natural choice for the job.
The team Spencer is assigned to work with has determined the mirror is most likely in the possession of the Cascade Coven, one of the oldest in Seattle, and the founders of the Seattle Museum of Coven History – which happens to be holding a fundraising gala the following evening. Spencer wants to get eyes on the leader of the coven and the rest of the guests, so he goes undercover as one of the wait staff, but before he can do more than serve a few drinks, he’s accosted by a familiar, deep voice – and finds himself face to face with Takoma, the master vampire of the Seattle Night Court.
Takoma and Spencer had fought alongside each other during the fight to stop Ethan Greene and the Dominion Sect from unleashing hell on Earth two years before. He’s as darkly attractive and enigmatic as he’d been then, and Spencer – who has always had a thing for “highly competent, sometimes murderous people” – absolutely does not feel even the tiniest frisson of attraction.(Ha!)
From here, the plot kicks into high gear as Spencer and Takoma have to fight cultish covens, demonic possession and vengeful poltergeists, a rival Night Court and a suspicious godpack as they search for the Oroburos mirror and work out what the coven is planning to use it for. As always, Ms. Turner writes a clever, twisty plot and action scenes that are easy to visualise – expertly choreographed and cinematic in nature – the story is perfectly paced and the characters superbly drawn.
I was impressed with how familiar this story is – and yet how different. On the one hand, the search for a dangerous and powerful magical artefact was an element of the original series, but on the other, this story is one that could only have been written for Spencer and his unique talents. He’s not Patrick 2.0, I suppose is what I mean; even though both of them have had to work under certain obligations (Patrick’s to the gods, Spencer’s to the government) the problems that beset Spencer are very different to those that Patrick had to contend with, and his magic works very differently. I also loved Spencer’s relationship with Fatima, his psycopomp (a mythical being that guides souls to their resting places) – they’ve been together since Spencer was four, and know each other inside out; they work together seamlessly and obviously care a great deal for each other. (Some of the funniest moments come from Fatima berating Spencer over his taste in men!)
Speaking of… Takoma, master vampire of the Seattle Night Court is Spencer’s love interest. When he was alive, he was an indigenous person who lived in Washington long before it was a state, and has seen, first hand, what a government’s promises are worth. He’s as ruthless and bloodthursty as any vampire, but unlike Lucien, Takoma has a moral code that sets him apart; he values loyalty above all else, and his very protective of his human servants, who are just as fiercely protective of him in return. I really liked the way he was so determined to be there for Spencer as well, offering him a way out for the time when – not if – he outlives his usefulness or the government decides he’s too dangerous to keep around. It’s something Spencer has probably known deep-down is on the cards, but Takoma makes him face it head on, making it clear that he will always have a place with him, no matter what – and a big part of Spencer’s journey in this story is facing up to this reality.
But here’s the… well, the BUT. I liked Spencer and Takoma individually, I liked their chemistry and could see they had potentialas a couple, but the romance happens way too fast. I will be honest and say that I can’t remember their meeting in A Veiled and Hallowed Eve, but even though they’ve met before and have been through a lot, they don’t know each other at all – and by the endof this book they’ve spent just a few days together and they’re talking about forever. Hailey Turner knows how to write a good sex scene – the ones here are steamier than most of those in the Soulbound books – but, and I hate to say this, I felt there was more telling than showing when it came to the emotional aspect of their relationship. Perhaps it’s due to the constraints of a standlone as opposed to a series when a relationship can be developed over several books – but this one felt a bit too much like instalove.
I enjoyed catching up with old friends and learning that Patrick and Jono are happy together leading the New York godpack – and I may have squealed with delight at the appearance of everyone’s favourite eating machine and fire dragon at a very important point in the story. I was really pleased at how Wade’s character has grown over the couple of years since we last saw him.
Also returning for this reprise (!) is Gary Furlong, whose vocal talent is such an important part of the Soulbound series. As ever, his pacing is spot on and his vocal acting is flawless – he brings such real and visceral emotion to his performances and is able to marshal a large array of superbly appropriate character voices – I don’t know he does it, but you’d know Fatima is a feline just from the smugness radiating from her voice. Takoma’s dark chocolatey tones and considered delivery depict him perfectly as someone who knows what he wants and doesn’t take no for an answer, and I liked Spencer’s generally upbeat, though cynical, manner. Spencer’s interactions with Fatima are a real highlight – Mr. Furlong’s comic timing is impeccable and it’s obvious that he absolutely gets the depth of the connection they share. My one teeny criticism is that in some of the dialogues that feature both Spencer and Wade they can sound a little too similar, but that really is the only negative point I can make.
Even though I have reservations about the romance in Resurrection Reprise, I liked pretty much everything else about it more than well enough to offer a recommendation. And if Ms. Turner should have the inclination to pen a series about Spencer and Takoma tracking down missing magical artefacts one of these days, I would certainly be Here For It.
I loved every word of this book. Every gasp, every stare, every interaction, every fight, every kiss, every surprise.
Spencer caught my eye immediately in the Soulbound series because he was thirsty for Lucien. He was such an amazing addition to the gang even if he was not in every book. I was so happy when I knew he was going to get his own story and his own vampire seeing as he is very attracted to them and their lack of soul.
Spencer is called to Seattle to look for an artifact and he finds himself being pursued by a possessive vampire who makes his body happy, werecreatures, ghosts and demons. He would've been happy only with Takoma, master of the night court, but sadly he has a job to do and a lot of danger to face.
I loved the banter between Spencer and his psychopomp Fatima. She was so sassy and judged Spencer for his tastes in men, rolling her eyes so much. I love her and I love this duo!
Being back in the Soulbound universe made me so happy. All the details, the mentions of characters and events of the series, just filled me with joy, all the joy!! Hailey knows how to keep you glued to the pages and you can see the care she puts in the story and plot. You really never know where things will go and you get punched with twists and feels. It's excellent and I loved every second of it.
I wouldn't be opposed to infinite Soulbound books!
“Unlike your government, I’d appreciate someone like you. If you ever want a way out of the chains they have you in, I would show you to freedom.”
The Soulbound Universe can’t be real, honestly. How is it possible that every single book gets a five star rating from me? This never happens. I’m confused as hell.
Anyway. This was incredible. In every way possible.
I absolutely loved the possessiveness of Takoma and his no nonsense attitude towards everyone but his Court and now Spencer. It was everything I needed from a romance like this one.
The plot was fantastic as well. I appreciated the lack of similarities between this one and the Soulbound Series. Sure, there were crossovers (which was to be expected, it’s the same universe after all) but it wasn’t overly done. Old characters didn’t play that big of a role either, so Spencer was able to really shine.
The balance between romance and plot was perfect, although the plot was maybe more prominent. To be honest, the romance wasn’t really your typical romance, but it was fitting and honestly still kind of perfect. That Takoma and Spencer had each other's backs and had some picture perfect moments (and were pretty fucking possessive, of course) was enough for me.
Honestly, I can’t seem to find one thing I could criticise. I loved this at least as much as the Soulbound Series.
And now I’m really looking forward to Wade’s story, Secondhand Skin.
Despite my hesitation around this book when it was first announced who Spencer’s love interest would be, I’ve come around and love Spencer and Takoma. However, I am reminded how I don’t love standalone books that much because I feel like I want a MINIMUM of at least 3 books between them. I know my preferred books are series with 25+ hours of audiobooks each, so this felt way short in comparison at 11 hours. It’s been a shift going back to a short standalone book. In my opinion, the romance felt a bit rushed at the end but thankfully there’s no third-act breakup.
I know this book is recommended as a standalone, but I don’t agree. If you’re like me and get easily frustrated when a book keeps referencing events and people you feel like you should know but don’t, then you’re going to want to read the Soulbound series first. Yes, it’s seven books, but this book references what happens in book 5 and book 7 a LOT. Like, all throughout the book.
Spencer first shows up in book 5 in the Soulbound series (On the Wings of War), and Takoma shows up in passing in book 7 (A Veiled & Hallowed Eve). The Soulbound series also needs to be read in order. This book takes place two years after the events of book 7, and for full enjoyment of this book I really think everyone need to be caught up on the series first.
Content notes include torture, graphic violence, deaths, burning alive, dismemberment, kidnapping, and demon possession.
It’s taken me MONTHS to get used to this book being about Spencer and Takoma, and we’re just lucky I really like Takoma after reading this book so I’m okay with it now. But re-reading the Soulbound books just had me wondering WHY Spencer didn’t wind up with Lucien (the master vampire of New York City) and Carmen (his succubus partner) in a polyam relationship. That would’ve made more sense honestly.
I was so set on that pairing that it still feels like I’ve been blindsided by Spencer getting a book with Takoma. Takoma is the master vampire of the Seattle Night Court, and in actuality “owns” much of the state of Washington. I guess I’m still feeling a sort of way about Spencer/Takoma, especially since Lucien and Carmen vanished at the end of book 7 for a trip and no one knows where they are. Here’s a bit of a spoiler, but they don’t show up in this book. I kind of wish they did just so we got SOME closure on that front but Takoma does hate Lucien and I wish we explored that a little more too.
Anyways, this book starts off with Spencer having to leave his job with the PIA, the Preternatural Intelligence Agency which handles international cases, and starting off anew with the SOA, the Supernatural Operations Agency which handles domestic cases. Spencer is a soul breaker and deals with the dead but in a way that’s only one step away from being the bad kind of necromancy, which would be raising the dead. He’s always been watched by the United States government because of his magic, and when they decided they don’t want him leaving the country, it put his career at a standstill with the PIA so now he’s starting over with the SOA, the agency that Patrick worked for (and now only consults for at very high prices).
Spencer’s first case has him returning to the West Coast, but not in California where he keeps a residence, but to Seattle, Washington. He is accompanied always by his psychopomp, Fatima, who likes to take the form of an ocelot and who helps him guide demons back to hell. His case is to find and retrieve a missing magical artifact called the Ouroboros Mirror that was taken from the government’s Repository. The Repository is a facility that houses powerful magical artifacts and the book mentions that a few items were stolen along with the Morrígan’s Staff (something that took place in the Soulbound books).
This is why I feel like Spencer and Takoma could’ve had multiple books together because this laid the groundwork for that. Who is going to retrieve the other artifacts? Who better to help Spencer then a super rich, multimillionaire like Takoma who can get into black market auctions? I know not all of them need the expertise of a soul breaker like in this case for an item involving demon possession but maybe they COULD have and Spencer could help hunt them down? But I digress.
This book isn’t necessarily a Mystery, because we’re not really working with multiple suspects, or much of a case. So, in that sense hunting down who has the Ouroboros Mirror is a straightforward one. But finding it and stopping it from being used to raise demons and possessing humans and those in the preternatural community takes a bit more effort to stop.
I really liked how we explored Spencer’s relationship with Fatima and how differently he uses magic compared to what we’ve seen with Patrick. It’s a very different magic and it’s interesting to see how Spencer and Fatima work together to banish demons, and how Fatima can work of her own accord. The most hilarious bit in this book is definitely how Fatima chastiszes Spencer for starting up a relationship with the Takoma, but still freely gives Takoma Spencer’s cellphone passcode to look through his phone and input his own number into it.
I will say this book felt a bit spicier than the Soulbound books, only because there’s more sex scenes to make up for the fact that this is a standalone I guess. I didn’t mind. This is a little kinky (like a TOUCH of kink, nothing like what you’d see in an erotica or anything), but the praise kink is *chef’s kiss*. Obviously Takoma is a vampire with great power and wealth and has been in possession of the land identified as the state of Washington even before the United States was an idea, he is OLD. There IS an age gap of over 1000 years between them.
Takoma is roughly 1200 years old and Spencer is 33? But I do question making Takoma that old because I thought Lucien is 1000 and he’s one of the direct children created by their mother/goddess vampire Ashanti. Does this make Takoma OLDER than Lucien? I need answers.
Takoma is Indigenous and the vampire that holds more territory and land than any known vampire because he owns most of Washington due to having been there for years and years, no matter what the local Seattle Cascade Coven and god pack think. I can’t really comment on the rep in this book for Takoma, but sometimes it did feel a little forced? But I can see how there’s no lost love between him and the US government if white people started trying to claim Washington as theirs in the mid 1700s and we’re timing Takoma to be over 1200 years old. These would still be quite recent events for him.
Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable book, and slots easily into the Soulbound world. There’s no godly interference in the story like what Patrick and Jono had to deal with, but then you remember that the vampires, magic users, werecreatures, and demons get into enough trouble on their own time without the gods.
I was slightly hesitant about having to learn a whole new cast of characters, what with Spencer working out of the Seattle field office, but the SOA agents weren’t awful even if we didn’t really see THAT much of them since Spencer doesn’t have a partner out with him in the field besides Fatima. We see more of the vampires and werecreatures than the SOA agents just because of who Spencer interacted with more.
I really liked seeing Takoma interacting with his Night Court and you can see how much they love and respect him. Even his human servants are HIGHLY protective of him (which is returned in kind because he is highly protector of his humans as well). We see way more of the Seattle Night Court and their inner workings here than we ever saw from Lucien and the NYC Night Court. But I guess that comes from the nature of who’s telling the story and how much the characters trust (or don’t trust) each other.
We do see (and hear) from characters from the Soulbound books, which I loved. This might be a spoiler, but everyone’s favorite dragon (Wade) does in fact make an appearance and I loved every second and every scene he shows up in. He’s still the Wade we know and love, even if a slightly bit more mature. We’re apparently going to get his book next in the Soulbound world and I have zero idea who his love interest could be. I feel like it’ll have to be someone in NYC rather than anyone we met out here in Seattle since he’ll want to be close to his pack, so who knows if we’ve even met them yet. I couldn’t even guess who it could be. I mean, I would cackle if it winds up being Lucien/Carmen but I know it won’t be. It’ll probably be someone we haven’t met yet.
This book does have POVs from Spencer AND Takoma’s perspectives, but more so from Spencer and just a handful of chapters from Takoma when it was prudent. So, it’s not an even division of POV chapters. I just loved that both had POV chapters at all, so I didn’t mind that Takoma’s chapters only showed up a handful of times. They worked for the scenes we needed from his perspective.
One issue I had with this book, probably stemming from it being a standalone, is how QUICKLY it feels that Spencer falls for Takoma and is suddenly okay with the thought of staying with Takoma forever as his lover? Yes, by that point they’ve been through some very close calls together and Spencer more than proves his loyalty to Takoma and his Night Court, but the time between when they started getting flirty with one another to talks about forever seemed to shift SO suddenly. Maybe other readers don’t see it that way, but the turn felt very abrupt to me. Again, I’m used to longer books so maybe I’m the only one who feels the shift was too fast.
Of course the question remains when a vampire is in the equation is how a HEA will work out if one character is sure to outlive the other. It’s mentioned a few times throughout this book that being a magic user means that Spencer can’t be turned into a vampire, so it definitely had me wondering. But Hailey Turner manages to bring up a nice solution to that at the end that felt satisfactory. I think it would be nice to have a short story or novella in the future to see if what’s mentioned come to pass, and a way to check up with them and their relationship but I am satisfied with how this book ends.
I do wish we saw Patrick finding out about Spencer’s relationship with Takoma though, because it was mentioned that Wade was going to tell Patrick on FaceTime and then by the end of the book Patrick inevitably finds out due to certain circumstances. But it would’ve been nice to see his reaction.
One odd thing I’ve noticed from reading these books back-to-back is that there are no female alpha led god packs, or just really any other queer ones except for Patrick and Jono. Not that the god pack alphas HAVE to be in a relationship, but why aren’t there any packs with just women leading it, or any with maybe even three alphas leading the packs? Just something I’ve noticed because we’ve now met Chicago, London, Paris, and Seattle and those have all been lead by one female and one male alpha. Something to think about.
The one hint at any sapphic relationship in this book (with non-werecreatures) winds up being evil and killed in this book, so the track record for sapphic ones have not been great. There’s actually not that many queer relationships either in this series from side characters if you really think about it. I want to say only one sapphic relationship was mentioned in passing in the Soulbound series, no one of particular significance.
Some inconsequential issues I had with this book is really just with the book’s cover. It’s mentioned time and time again that Spencer’s magic casts a green glow. Dark green a lot of the time. The magic in his hands on the cover is very much NOT green. It’s more orange? That seems like a weird thing to not have the cover artist correct considering how custom made the cover is. Also, Fatima is mentioned to easily fit on an office desk or in the passenger seat in a car. She takes the form of an ocelot, so what’s the deal with her head being as big as Spencer’s body on the cover…and not really looking like an ocelot? I am confused. It’s a pretty cover, just not entirely book accurate.
But some pros of this book is definitely in the audiobook narration. Gary Furlong is back for this book and he has such a great interpretation of the text and what characters should sound like, and his acting is ALWAYS top notch. I wish he narrated more books I want to read. His deep, growly voice for Takoma is EXCELLENT. Totally swoon worthy. I think Fatima’s voice threw me the most because I had her sounding way different in my own head, but I got used to it after awhile.
I always learn so much about how words are pronounced in audiobooks because apparently I’ve been wrong about how “Ouroboros” my entire life? There’s 2 distinct pronounciations and this book uses the one I would never expect, but based on a few online searches, it does seem to be the popular pronunciation. Also, I will never ever get the word “Samhain” right I fear. That one is a lost cause for me. I also forgot that “reprise” is pronounciated differently in a non-musical context, so that threw me off as well when I heard Gary Furlong say the name of this book, but he’s not wrong.
This book is a great addition to the Soulbound series, and Spencer and Takoma are a great relationship pairing even if I never saw them being a thing when I was first reading the Soulbound books. I wish we got more books from them, considering Patrick and Jono had seven whole books together. But maybe I’m just greedy for more Soulbound books that way.
We should really get a book for Nadine as well, but would that be queer? Has the author ever written a m/f romance book? I just want Nadine to find her happy ending as well since she’s been a prominent side character in the Soulbound series and even shows up in this book for a minute. However, we are getting Wade’s book, so I do look forward to seeing where that goes! I can’t wait for that and hopefully Gary Furlong will be back for the audiobook narration!
Enjoyable story set in the Soulbound universe, following characters we briefly met in that series. I'd say while reading that series first isn't an absolute requirement, events & characters from it are referenced enough that this isn't super effective as a standalone. Even having read that series myself, it's been a few years and I basically have no memory of Spencer & Takoma meeting, and I wish I'd read them more closely together to feel a bit more up-to-speed on the context.
The plot here was decently interesting, and I enjoyed the characters quite a lot. Takoma, as a Native American vampire was particular fascinating, and I appreciated his backstory, though I do wish we could have gotten a bit more of it. We actually get his POV a number of times throughout, which I'm almost not sure was the right call, because I still find him to be a bit opaque as a character, which I think would have felt more understandable if we hadn't had his POV, but the fact that we did, and I still don't totally understand how quickly his feelings for Spencer seemed to deepen, is a little frustrating. Fairly slow burn, but the payoff is great when we get it! We also get some cameos from the main series, but not in a way that felt forced or overwhelming.
Not as good as the original books, but still solid and enjoyable!
Also, this is such a petty and weirdly specific pet peeve, but she does this thing throughout the book where she almost gives too much information in an attempt (I assume) to ground the book in the location. So like, she was constantly dropping the specific names of the highways the characters were taking, and saying, like "Seattle-Tacoma International Airport" instead of just "the airport". I think this particularly stood out to me as a local--it wasn't that she was wrong, it just really clearly felt like she had 'done her research' and wanted to prove it, but in the end it kept throwing me out of the story, because who the fuck care what three highways they took to get to a town that is barely relevant in the story??
Amazing. Hailey Turner is the best fantasy writer out there and not only for mm genre. Hope it is the start of a new series. Wade is still the best secondary character out there, can't wait for his book.
For me, not quite as good as the Soulbound series. I had a bit of a hard time warming up to Takoma, being a cold vampire and all that. 🤷♀️ Still had loads of fun listening to it and meeting old favorites again. ❤️
From the moment I heard Spencer was getting a spin-off in RESURRECTION REPRISE I was super excited and this did not let me down. I love the SPELLBOUND world and it was great to see how everything has changed (or not changed) since the end of the previous series. Spencer made a great lead and I really enjoyed learning more about his unique powers and seeing how he navigates the world. Fatmia was also a delight and their love for each other was so evident -- even when Fatmia was abandoning Spencer to get pets from Wade instead.
Spencer was a bit laid back, a hard worker, and hopelessly controlled by his attraction to dangerous men. I loved seeing him with Takoma and I especially loved how Takoma wanted to be a safe space for Spencer. He appreciated him, protected him, and made sure he knew he had a way out from the government which would use Spencer's powers up until he was no longer useful. Takoma might be a deadly and dangerous vampire but he wasn't quite as unhinged as Lucien (for which I'm grateful) and it was obvious how much he cared for his Night Court and all those he considered his. I loved watching Spencer slowly become a part of that group.
In addition to our main couple, it was great to see a little bit of Patrick again and to see how settled he's become with his god pack. We also got lots of Wade and it was nice to see how he's grown up a bit and gotten comfortable in his own skin and gained some confidence. Overall, this was an excellent follow up to the SPELLBOUND series.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Favorite Quotes:
“I don’t like people touching what’s mine.” Takoma’s thumb rested against Spencer’s bottom lip, and it took everything in him not to lick it.
“You think I’m yours?”
Spencer’s head was pushed up, back, baring his throat. “You’re here, aren’t you?”
- - - - -
The flash of fury had Spencer going still, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end, reminding him that for all the kindness Takoma had shown him recently, the master vampire was still a predator.
He really shouldn’t have been turned on by that.
- - - - -
“Did you think I wouldn’t defend you?”
“Your government would rather see me truly dead.”
Spencer licked his lips, voice cracking slightly when he spoke. “I’m not the government. Not here, in your home. In your heart.”
So good to be back to the Soulbound Universe! The main series made me fond of and curious about Spencer, so I'm happy he got his own book.
Just like the previous novels, this one had amazing pacing and tons of action scenes. I really really love the magic system and overall universe Hailey Turner created here, and Spencer and Fatima are just precious (she's the best girl, the fact I can't give her a treat is a crime).
The romance was also surprisingly satisfying and well developed considering everything happened on the course of one book. Spencer and Takoma had met before, with mutual respect established between them, but it was nice to see the attraction forming with Takoma been drawn by the powerful human who had fiercely protected his vampires years before, and Spencer been drawn by... danger and competence, basically. Who am I to judge.
The appearance of beloved characters like Wade and Patrick was the cherry on top, but the book was truly about Spencer and this new chapter in his life as an SOA agent, Seattle resident and vampire master lover.