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Soul Caller #1
Soul Caller
A lone warrior. A world destroyed. A chance to start again.
Ever since he was little, Merrick had been blessed by the Great Spirits granting him an unusually strong connection to the Song of the World.
With his Warrior Ceremony approaching, Merrick was sure his greatest wish was about to come true, never expecting he was going to be thrown into a torrent of change that would threaten to sweep away his whole world.
Invaders from another world were beginning to creep into his people’s land, intent on devouring every resource they could find, and when Merrick offers to act as a guide for a rich young prospector’s group, he finds he may have bit off more than he can chew.
Fierce wolves stalk the dark, and poisonous insects hide under every leaf, but the true danger lurks in the hearts of his companions as he ventures out into the untamed wilds to seek a treasure he knows nothing about.
Armed with a Guardian Spirit he doesn’t understand and strange knowledge of the future, it will take every ounce of courage and fortitude Merrick can muster to make it out of the mountains alive.
Ever since he was little, Merrick had been blessed by the Great Spirits granting him an unusually strong connection to the Song of the World.
With his Warrior Ceremony approaching, Merrick was sure his greatest wish was about to come true, never expecting he was going to be thrown into a torrent of change that would threaten to sweep away his whole world.
Invaders from another world were beginning to creep into his people’s land, intent on devouring every resource they could find, and when Merrick offers to act as a guide for a rich young prospector’s group, he finds he may have bit off more than he can chew.
Fierce wolves stalk the dark, and poisonous insects hide under every leaf, but the true danger lurks in the hearts of his companions as he ventures out into the untamed wilds to seek a treasure he knows nothing about.
Armed with a Guardian Spirit he doesn’t understand and strange knowledge of the future, it will take every ounce of courage and fortitude Merrick can muster to make it out of the mountains alive.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2024
317 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 13, 2024
Read about 75% and really liked it, but unfortunately I ran out of Kindle Unlimited before I could finish it. Still, I don’t feel too bad about ‘giving up’ because I’m simultaneously giving up on Seth Ring’s Battle Mage Farmer 2 and Nova Terra 2. Those I read a lot less of so I won’t log them. Seth Ring is certainly an admirable businessman, especially for an indie author, but I don't quite know what to think of his series. I also tried a little of Dreamer’s Throne and it’s just more of the same. All the series feel the same, whereas I read about 10% of Dungeon Crawler Carl before losing KU, and found that to be wildly inventive. So take that all as you will - indie books vary in quality. Oh, and I also had to drop some books by Daniel Arenson because of losing Unlimited, most notably Moth (~30%, was shaping up to be a 2/5).
April 17, 2024
DNF I'm a big Seth Ring fan. I devour his books. This one was dryer than Sahara. It was really dull and I could NOT be bothered to force myself to read half way through. There are way too many authors and books to force oneself to waste time on. What I have realized not every book is for everyone, and not every series/book is going to be best sellers. Once in a while your favorite authors are going to deliver a dud.
April 15, 2024
very dull
February 25, 2025
Soul Caller is a big step away from the series I know this author for best, Battle Mage Farmer. In both tone and content, it felt like a completely different novel, but the quality of the writing remains, so I have to give the author credit here. It's refreshing to pick up another series and not just have a carbon copy, or one that is so tonally similar that we might as well have just got a new book in the other series.
That said, this book is not a slam dunk. More on that later, though. For now, let's focus on some positives about this novel.
I enjoyed the main character's journey through the opening of this book. It flowed well, spent far more time showing rather than telling, and allowed the character's growth to happen naturally.
Anyone who has read my reviews before will likely know that I despise stories where the main character is sent off alone to "tutorial" levels where we are forced to watch them learn the system with no real stakes to get us interested. This book also has one of these tutorial sections, but it didn't bother me here for a reason I have been very vocal about in the past; it was an excellent character study.
This story takes the time to set up the main character before isolating him, and then when he is alone, every action is set to show the reader who this character is and develop him further. It wasn't some bland avatar with no back story learning about a system so the story could eventually start. Instead, it was an integral part of a larger story that progressed the plot, the world-building, and the main character's growth in equal measure.
However, as mentioned before, there are some issues. The main one for me is that the protagonist feels a little too emotionally removed from the people of his village. He is shown to care for them when he is with them, but often, he is left stranded or takes courses of action that take him away from these people, and he doesn't seem to care about that. Even when he finds out that his village has been through a dangerous situation, his thoughts don't go to the safety of his loved ones.
I also thought there was an abrupt tonal shift in the story. What begins as a coming-of-age narrative suddenly transforms into a an advanced civilisation conquering a primitive society (told through the perspective of the natives) story. The transition between the two is nearly instant, and the change in the protagonist's motivations is almost as sudden.
This change made the second half of this novel much less interesting to me than the first. It didn't feel like the author had finished setting up his story before we went straight into this new one, and it washed away the interest that had been naturally building to that point.
Overall, I think this was a bit of a mixed bag. Other than the narrative shift, it's a well-written story and the plot is more than interesting enough to maintain your attention. However, I think the book could have done with being twice as long to focus more on the character's coming-of-age story and developing his life in the village. Making that longer and bringing in the invaders from another world storyline towards the end of the book, where it could end on the realisation that these people don't have good intentions, would have set up a great hook to lead into book two.
So, I think this is a 3.5-star book that I will round up as it was just good enough to scrape its way into a 4. I'm curious to see what happens next and to find out what this series turns into.
That said, this book is not a slam dunk. More on that later, though. For now, let's focus on some positives about this novel.
I enjoyed the main character's journey through the opening of this book. It flowed well, spent far more time showing rather than telling, and allowed the character's growth to happen naturally.
Anyone who has read my reviews before will likely know that I despise stories where the main character is sent off alone to "tutorial" levels where we are forced to watch them learn the system with no real stakes to get us interested. This book also has one of these tutorial sections, but it didn't bother me here for a reason I have been very vocal about in the past; it was an excellent character study.
This story takes the time to set up the main character before isolating him, and then when he is alone, every action is set to show the reader who this character is and develop him further. It wasn't some bland avatar with no back story learning about a system so the story could eventually start. Instead, it was an integral part of a larger story that progressed the plot, the world-building, and the main character's growth in equal measure.
However, as mentioned before, there are some issues. The main one for me is that the protagonist feels a little too emotionally removed from the people of his village. He is shown to care for them when he is with them, but often, he is left stranded or takes courses of action that take him away from these people, and he doesn't seem to care about that. Even when he finds out that his village has been through a dangerous situation, his thoughts don't go to the safety of his loved ones.
I also thought there was an abrupt tonal shift in the story. What begins as a coming-of-age narrative suddenly transforms into a an advanced civilisation conquering a primitive society (told through the perspective of the natives) story. The transition between the two is nearly instant, and the change in the protagonist's motivations is almost as sudden.
This change made the second half of this novel much less interesting to me than the first. It didn't feel like the author had finished setting up his story before we went straight into this new one, and it washed away the interest that had been naturally building to that point.
Overall, I think this was a bit of a mixed bag. Other than the narrative shift, it's a well-written story and the plot is more than interesting enough to maintain your attention. However, I think the book could have done with being twice as long to focus more on the character's coming-of-age story and developing his life in the village. Making that longer and bringing in the invaders from another world storyline towards the end of the book, where it could end on the realisation that these people don't have good intentions, would have set up a great hook to lead into book two.
So, I think this is a 3.5-star book that I will round up as it was just good enough to scrape its way into a 4. I'm curious to see what happens next and to find out what this series turns into.
December 22, 2025
Avatar meets the American Gold Rush frontier
Soul Caller is very much a frontier fantasy, set in a myth-layered version of America at the point where land, belief, and power are being violently contested. Ring frames the story around Indigenous tribes, spirit magic, and the deep bond between people and territory, while outside forces push inward with familiar Gold Rush energy. Expansion is not painted as heroic here. It is invasive, hungry, and destabilising, and the tension between survival and tradition drives much of the narrative weight.
What stood out most is the emphasis on spirits, souls, and ancestral connection. Magic feels cultural rather than mechanical, rooted in ritual, memory, and sacrifice. The book is darker and more contemplative than a typical progression fantasy, with conflict that mirrors real historical displacement without turning preachy. Victories are costly, choices linger, and the land itself feels like a living participant in the story. If you like fantasy that blends history, spirituality, and moral unease, this one delivers a grounded, quietly powerful read.
Soul Caller is very much a frontier fantasy, set in a myth-layered version of America at the point where land, belief, and power are being violently contested. Ring frames the story around Indigenous tribes, spirit magic, and the deep bond between people and territory, while outside forces push inward with familiar Gold Rush energy. Expansion is not painted as heroic here. It is invasive, hungry, and destabilising, and the tension between survival and tradition drives much of the narrative weight.
What stood out most is the emphasis on spirits, souls, and ancestral connection. Magic feels cultural rather than mechanical, rooted in ritual, memory, and sacrifice. The book is darker and more contemplative than a typical progression fantasy, with conflict that mirrors real historical displacement without turning preachy. Victories are costly, choices linger, and the land itself feels like a living participant in the story. If you like fantasy that blends history, spirituality, and moral unease, this one delivers a grounded, quietly powerful read.
April 5, 2024
Soul Caller is the first book in a series about an average person on his world who we find out later isn't human. The story is done very well, and the fact that the main character isn't human doesn't enter the picture until about halfway through the book. This puts the book squarely in the well done category. It's a rare author who tells a story so well that the main characters race doesn't affect the story in a major way before humans show up to throw everything out of balance. This part of the story was masterfully done. The rest of the story is normal human greed mixed with friends, enemies, prospectors, companies, and worlds all coming together to tell a heck of a story. I liked this one, and look forward to the next one in the series.
April 6, 2024
I find that along, with Merrick, I'm excited to find out what happens next! I really, really can't wait for book2...
The book begins when the MC takes his rites of passage test that all teens half'a take before entering adulthood. Of course Merrick is sure he'll pass, because hasn't he heard the World Song his whole life. So ta' him this is just a formally, a stepping stone. But, something went wrong, while running he slips out of control, off the path and into a raging river, seemingly tumbling down forever and into a boxed canyon! This is where the fun really begins. Grab the audiobook to see if Merrick can climb outta his calamity and power up. Plus there's lots more fun too.
Serious Peter Kenny has a way of delivering the lines which are a little like Jackie Meloche a narrator I dislike, but Peter's narration somehow sounds unoffencively... so yeah it turns out that I like him!
The book begins when the MC takes his rites of passage test that all teens half'a take before entering adulthood. Of course Merrick is sure he'll pass, because hasn't he heard the World Song his whole life. So ta' him this is just a formally, a stepping stone. But, something went wrong, while running he slips out of control, off the path and into a raging river, seemingly tumbling down forever and into a boxed canyon! This is where the fun really begins. Grab the audiobook to see if Merrick can climb outta his calamity and power up. Plus there's lots more fun too.
Serious Peter Kenny has a way of delivering the lines which are a little like Jackie Meloche a narrator I dislike, but Peter's narration somehow sounds unoffencively... so yeah it turns out that I like him!
July 8, 2024
Book one
For me this took a while to really pull me into the story.
It's a good setup, I just didn't care.
Think Native American hunting down a white man who killed a tribe member. Now turn them green and give them fangs. Also this won't be bound to just one world.
Now the majority of this book is just the MC having to survive on his own. If this sounds good to you then grab a copy.
As always with Seth Ring's work, it is nicely edited. I did mark a few locations were more words would have made reading a little bit smoother. I will list it on Goodreads.
6/10 I'm off to read book two. I think the pace should really pick up.
For me this took a while to really pull me into the story.
It's a good setup, I just didn't care.
Think Native American hunting down a white man who killed a tribe member. Now turn them green and give them fangs. Also this won't be bound to just one world.
Now the majority of this book is just the MC having to survive on his own. If this sounds good to you then grab a copy.
As always with Seth Ring's work, it is nicely edited. I did mark a few locations were more words would have made reading a little bit smoother. I will list it on Goodreads.
6/10 I'm off to read book two. I think the pace should really pick up.
April 17, 2024
Best Yet
I’ve read each of Seth Ring’s series and I enjoyed each one. This first installment of Soul Caller is my favorite and the best so far in my opinion. Great MC, which will be no surprise to those who’ve read his other works, who gets well fleshed out as he spends a lot of time alone. While other characters are introduced, this is mostly about the MC ‘s coming of age and first interactions with the wider world/universe, including a game like interface. Great read!
I’ve read each of Seth Ring’s series and I enjoyed each one. This first installment of Soul Caller is my favorite and the best so far in my opinion. Great MC, which will be no surprise to those who’ve read his other works, who gets well fleshed out as he spends a lot of time alone. While other characters are introduced, this is mostly about the MC ‘s coming of age and first interactions with the wider world/universe, including a game like interface. Great read!
May 16, 2024
Best yet!
I enjoy these coming of age weak to strong progression fantasy novels. I’ve also read books by this author, and this might be my favorite. I can tell that the author is improving and feel more immersed in work than I have before.
This story is about a young man starting his journey to become a warrior with elements of Native American type mythology and spirituality. I highly enjoyed it. Please give it a try!
I enjoy these coming of age weak to strong progression fantasy novels. I’ve also read books by this author, and this might be my favorite. I can tell that the author is improving and feel more immersed in work than I have before.
This story is about a young man starting his journey to become a warrior with elements of Native American type mythology and spirituality. I highly enjoyed it. Please give it a try!
September 3, 2024
This is an addictive story, initially, I was a bit concerned since the RPG elements only seem to apply to the hero, but damned if I wasn't fully hooked by the third chapter and now I'm around a third through the next book. Decent action, the leveling and skill upgrades are interesting, and the SciFi elements are intriguing. I'm having a hard time putting the books down as I'm truly immersed in this series.
April 6, 2024
A great new LitRPG
This is an interesting new take on a story. A fish out of water mixed with a regression story. Merrick is a young member of his tribe going through a rite of passage that leads to unexpected events for him, his village, and his world. A great start and I look forward to the rest
This is an interesting new take on a story. A fish out of water mixed with a regression story. Merrick is a young member of his tribe going through a rite of passage that leads to unexpected events for him, his village, and his world. A great start and I look forward to the rest
March 14, 2025
Not the best Seth Ring start, but respectable.
The world building shows real promise. I'd like to know more about the swarm-like enemy.
The core of my interest is drawn to the enormous challenge. Not only does Merrick have to find a way for his world to survive the alien infestation but he must also undermine the empire's exploitation. Fun times ahead.
The world building shows real promise. I'd like to know more about the swarm-like enemy.
The core of my interest is drawn to the enormous challenge. Not only does Merrick have to find a way for his world to survive the alien infestation but he must also undermine the empire's exploitation. Fun times ahead.
April 4, 2024
soul caller: book1
This was a different flavour from the other lrvel up stories. It definitely keeps your interest throughout the book. Once I started it this morning. I could not put it down.
This was a different flavour from the other lrvel up stories. It definitely keeps your interest throughout the book. Once I started it this morning. I could not put it down.
April 7, 2024
Engaging, well written adventure!
I don't normally write reviews, but this one is well worth it. Takes the time to establish a good plot, but doesn't skimp on the action and adventure. Highly recommend.
I don't normally write reviews, but this one is well worth it. Takes the time to establish a good plot, but doesn't skimp on the action and adventure. Highly recommend.
April 7, 2024
Excellent story!
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get started on the next one. The writing was so vivid, I felt I was there walking beside the characters as they interacted and accomplished tasks. Great reading!!
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get started on the next one. The writing was so vivid, I felt I was there walking beside the characters as they interacted and accomplished tasks. Great reading!!
April 9, 2024
Expectations
I thought the would eventually pick up from the prologue, it never it. I usually enjoy his books, not so this time. I will glance at the next book. If it continues I think I'll skip this series.
I thought the would eventually pick up from the prologue, it never it. I usually enjoy his books, not so this time. I will glance at the next book. If it continues I think I'll skip this series.
April 12, 2024
Mc is not a human and im glad i pushed myself to read this book till the end. Its all about surviving, mc got stranded im wildness for 2 times and he was forced to defend himself. Im sad about barack though. Nice read but the story is too slow. Maybe 2nd book will be better.
August 25, 2024
great new storyline
Was a good read. Steady character development and and interesting new world.
Hopefully the author won’t rush things, as low level toons are the most interesting
Was a good read. Steady character development and and interesting new world.
Hopefully the author won’t rush things, as low level toons are the most interesting
August 28, 2024
Great mis of high tech and magic.
Really enjoyed this book. Nice mixture of magic and tech. Honestly cannot wait for the next book. The story is a great point from a "savage" that is no way stupid. Can wait to see more interactions between low tech and civilization
Really enjoyed this book. Nice mixture of magic and tech. Honestly cannot wait for the next book. The story is a great point from a "savage" that is no way stupid. Can wait to see more interactions between low tech and civilization
September 30, 2024
Different and excellent!
Seth Ring does it again folks! The story of Merrick is much different from his other LitRPG in great ways. So far it is much more survival based and less guild/group based. Very exciting read!
Seth Ring does it again folks! The story of Merrick is much different from his other LitRPG in great ways. So far it is much more survival based and less guild/group based. Very exciting read!
November 8, 2025
Merrick a warrior from a world that has yet to attain industrialized era finds himself guiding outworlders that seek Mana stones. After a hard trek they betray the local warriors. Merrick makes it but he is out for blood. Now he must grow if he wants to get his revenge.
April 12, 2024
Good book
Basically a Litrpg Sci fi western. Native meets cowboys etc. Will definitely continue reading the series. I would recommend it.
Basically a Litrpg Sci fi western. Native meets cowboys etc. Will definitely continue reading the series. I would recommend it.
May 4, 2024
Enjoyable
Seth Ring always entertains. Has a bit of a Jack London feel. Good story and I can't wait for more.
Seth Ring always entertains. Has a bit of a Jack London feel. Good story and I can't wait for more.
June 3, 2024
well done and different
Good story and different plot line then your average lit rpg book. Merrick is a bit one dimensional though. Joseph was more interesting
Good story and different plot line then your average lit rpg book. Merrick is a bit one dimensional though. Joseph was more interesting
July 23, 2024
Nicely created main character and a good world build but it was short on story. And there were some technical issues with the hunting portrayed in the book.
August 10, 2024
Very good
I'm a bit late to the party on this one. It was quite an excellent read. Of course, that is par for the course for Mr. Ring.
Highly recommended.
I'm a bit late to the party on this one. It was quite an excellent read. Of course, that is par for the course for Mr. Ring.
Highly recommended.
September 30, 2024
I'm a big fan of Seth rings books
This one just fell flat for me... will I read book 2 sure.. I have hopes it will get better.
This one just fell flat for me... will I read book 2 sure.. I have hopes it will get better.
January 4, 2025
Great Stuff
This story is kind of a do over, but is more of the jaded old warrior infecting his younger self to grow up faster and less innocent.
This story is kind of a do over, but is more of the jaded old warrior infecting his younger self to grow up faster and less innocent.
March 3, 2025
I felt like the survival parts of the story were pretty repetitive and just not needed, but besides that I really like the book and think the story is moving in a good direction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews