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Soul Reader #3

Grave Watch

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Meeting long-lost siblings should be awesome, right?

Well, when you happen to be on the wrong side of the law and have every intention of staying there, having a cop for a sister isn’t exactly ideal. And teaming up with said sister? Well, that is just the cherry on top of the craptastic pie that has been my life.

But when our brother decides to attack us head on, banding together is the least of our problems. 

Because in our family? Being the hunter also means being the hunted.

Paperback

First published September 28, 2021

344 people are currently reading
1766 people want to read

About the author

Annie Anderson

57 books2,397 followers
Annie Anderson is the author of the international bestselling Rogue Ethereal series. A United States Air Force veteran, Annie pens fast-paced Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels filled with strong, snarky heroines and a boatload of magic. When she takes a break from writing, she can be found binge-watching The Magicians, flirting with her husband, wrangling children, or bribing her cantankerous dogs to go on a walk.

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5 stars
723 (53%)
4 stars
407 (30%)
3 stars
170 (12%)
2 stars
36 (2%)
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9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,809 reviews288 followers
July 25, 2022
Honestly, this would be a 5 star book if not for the fact that like the first half was a re-read of the 3rd book in Darby's series, just from Sloane's POV. It was too much, having these series overlap so much is weird, especially when we're not given any new info. Look, I love when author's release bonus content that is like a chapter from a different character's POV. It's fun flavor. But this was way, way too much. Especially when, imo, Sloane's series is the better series and this book is the finale of her series. Get off Darby's crap, please, and give me Sloane's story.

Once the book did that, it was so much better. But too fast through all the Underworld stuff - fascinating interactions and new characters - because so much time got wasted on the retread of Darby's book.

So I'm giving it 4 stars.

I'm sad to see Sloane's story wrap - she's so great, and her awesomeness (and Bastian's awesomeness vs Bishop in Darby's series) has made me like Darby's series in this world less by comparison. I'm not sure whether I'll continue it, honestly. Maybe after a break.
Profile Image for Lydia Wallace.
523 reviews106 followers
November 16, 2021
The soul reader series is the first I've read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What an adventure! I don't want Sloane's story to end. Annie has brought out her best in this series. Lots of mystery, sassy super naturals and lots of feelings. It was such a good story. I could not put it down, and was sad when it ended. I don't want to leave this world. Hopefully she will share these characters again in her other books as they are wonderful.



Profile Image for Alice.
1,907 reviews104 followers
March 6, 2022
The first third of the book was basically a recap of Darby's book Dead Calm, but from the FMC Sloane's POV. It was rather boring until that was over, but once we finally got caught up and Sloane had to travel to the Underworld to , the pacing picked up. Admittedly, we didn't learn too much more about the characters, but we did meet some new gods and monsters, and the ending tied up nicely for a HEA for Sloane and most of her family.

Overall, it was an enjoyable series, and I look forward to finishing Darby's crossover series as well.
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Ratings - completed series:
#1 Night Watch: ★★★★★
#2 Death Watch: ★★★★☆
#3 Grave Watch (this book): ★★★★☆
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,947 reviews29 followers
May 25, 2025
Ughh I wish this series was longer. Sloan got her HEA after going through the challenges and into the underworld. This has been a great trilogy and I much prefer this series to Darby’s but oh well.
Profile Image for Shirley.
988 reviews232 followers
October 6, 2021
Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Annie Anderson!

Grave Watch is the third and final book in the Soul Reader series and tells the story of Sloane and the night watch.

I’m so sad that Grave Watch is already the last book in the Soul Reader series. Annie Anderson has created such an interesting world with amazing characters, and it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to Sloane and her friends. Luckily I can still read some more about Darby in the Grave Talker series! I really liked that Annie Anderson mixed the Soul Reader series with the Grave Talker series. I just love the world she has created for Sloane and Darby.

Grave Watch continues Sloane’s story and I love her. She’s such an amazing, funny and badass character, and it’s so nice to read in her perspective. I also really like Bastian, he’s an amazing boyfriend. And Sloane and Bastian together is just the cutest ever! I also want to mention that I started to like Azrael a bit more. He’s always been so secretive and he didn’t tell Sloane everything, but I like him now.

Grave Watch was another amazing book by Annie Anderson, and I really enjoyed it. If you’re a fan of Paranormal Romance, then I highly recommend the Soul Reader series and the Grave Talker series. Both series are fast paced, have an amazing story and badass characters!

42 reviews
October 1, 2021
Aaaaah this book is a fantastic fast paced ending to Sloane's journey. I've really loved her story and the characters in the Night Watch. While I'm sad her story is over, I'm patiently waiting for Darby's book next.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
September 27, 2021
“Grave Watch”, the third installment in the “Soul Reader” series by Annie Anderson, is solid classic procedural/urban fantasy story, whose main character (Sloane Emerson Cabot) who lost almost everything after being murdered one year ago (‘Night Watch’ Book 1) and has slowly adapted to her new situation and somehow reluctantly joined the Night Watch. Sloane kept on looking for clues about what really happened to her the night her all family was murdered and the reasons behind it (‘Dead Watch’ Book 2).

Sloane’s family continues to be a bottom-less well of trouble, which keeps spouting siblings without end. The last ‘exemplar’ is Darby, who unexpectedly appears at Sloane’s door looking for help, which Sloane is only eager to give; the slight detail of Darby being on the wrong side of the law, shouldn’t be a problem for an ABI agent, or should it? Darby and Sloane are a sibling match made on the other side of Heaven 😉, which is only fitting as Sloane is about to embark into a journey into the Underworld, accompanied by Bastian and Azrael, and speaking of Azrael… I know we shouldn’t like him but…. he is sooooo bomb, charming against better judgement and funny at the most awkward moments. This story will have you, laughing in fits, at the most inappropriate moments. Grab the beverage and snack of choice and prepare to shamelessly enjoy Sloane’s family shenanigans, and rejoice you are not part of the clan 😉

Annie Anderson has a penchant to create fully credible series, spiked with some supernatural tropes and multifaceted characters that fit seamlessly with each other, like a somehow dysfunctional but nevertheless pretty credible family. Sloane is a wonderful character, who even sharing some qualities with Darcy [the main character of her parallel series ‘Grave Talker’], particularly her snarky, witty, and strong character, is much different from her. Wouldn’t be fun to get them to work together, just saying 😊 and don’t let us forget about the gang, Bastian first forward… and Azrael a close second 😉
93 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2021
DNF 37% There were a couple of instances where it feels like the author left out vital information but then talked about the vital information as if it had been mentioned. For instance Darby ingesting souls, while the act was happening you the reader were not clued in to her absorbing the souls (that whole scene could have been explained better it was disjointed), I got the impression that she was having a vision or something, only later after Darby's father's funeral is it mentioned by Sloane that "her (Darby's) options were hamstringed by the souls rattling around in her body." Immediately I'm confused, like when did she get souls in her body? This is the first time I'm hearing about souls being in her body or that that is what happened when she went comatose while holding the death ring. Then in the next paragraph Sloane says in her head "yeah, those souls didn't kill her right away or anything, but this isn't good. No one save a deity is supposed to have that much power."
Again, this is the first time we're even learning about her ingesting souls much less that its life threatening to her or even that Azrael's ring (why isn't it in his possession, how did it get out of his possession?) is capable of housing souls and that the souls can be a power source. A power source that their brother somehow knows they have (not explained how he would even know this) and will want for himself, again not explained well AT ALL. It feels like certain parts that explained these things got cut by mistake in the editing process or something.
I had to stop reading because now it seems like the rest of the book is going to be surrounding this soul/death ring and considering how confusing the story surrounding this ring I can't bring myself to bother. It's like the rest of the story is automatically not going to make sense because things aren't being explained well or vital chapters that explained everything were edited out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cambria.
147 reviews
September 28, 2025
I learned from other reviews on this book that the first half of this book was apparently a recap of events that happened in the main Grave talker series that Sloan's sister Darby is in. So I was confused when some major events with her sister weren't explained well. The twists at the end of this book were interesting. I'm still annoyed with half of everything Sloan says and her inner dialogue just rubs me the wrong way with the way she tries to be relatable or something. The audiobook's narrator 's voice is still a bit too extra for this inner dialogue and for when Sloan is from being sassy/rude/sarcastic/irreverent. I'm surprised Sloan never really gets called out for it. Everyone takes her thorny personality in stride and basically responds in the same way, "I'm gonna like her/ I already like her/ Where did you find her?"

Not that Sloan doesn't have an incredibly traumatic past with a dysfunctional family but she never really heals from it. She just gets thrown into one mess after another and gets placed with bigger responsibilities. Maybe she can't extend grace to others because she doesn't know how to extend grace to herself. Honestly, I kinda like Bastion more than Sloan but he should also be more mature having lived hundreds of years (doesn't always go hand in hand I know) and Sloan died in her early 20s and plenty of women in their early 20s are immature. I will say Sloan is incredibly loyal and self-sacrificing once people are in her inner circle and she has a strong sense of justice, hence her vigilante work and wanting to protect the public from predators.
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,709 reviews51 followers
March 4, 2022
not for me

2.5 for me.

I like the idea and the things that occurred for us to have the story we did.

There’s a series before this, I think, because throughout this book, scenes have time skips and you’re left catching up by reading paragraphs of recollections. And that’s not my cup of tea.

I felt so confused and stupid reading this, thinking I missed something, irritated that I hadn’t stopped to read the other books before carrying on.

Sloane is very different from when I first met her. She’s very sassy but she’s all talk and no action unless her life’s in danger or someone she cares for is about to bite it. Otherwise it’s just complaining and criticizing and whining and oogles of “what ifs” that paralyze her until someone tells her to keep moving. It’s exhausting.

Darby is confusing. Darby’s existence here is confusing. I’m not a fan of instant love if it isn’t done “right” and I wasn’t sold on it here. I’m just told they’re sisters and have The Bond. The end. I don’t see anything myself about Darby that would make me agree so readily. So there’s that.

Confusion. Building irritation. My general experience when reading. I tried enjoying the story cause there were great parts like the Greeks and the team and Darby’s crew, but Sloane would say something (or not do something) and yeah… just not for me I guess.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
October 1, 2021
5 Cranky Stars


I'm sad. My little dark heart is sad but it ended in the best way. Sloan and her love and finding her long lost relative. It had all I hoped for.


Sloane has just suffered a major blow to the Night Watch and they are still recovering when a knock sounds on their door. It's someone Sloane would have never thought existed. She needs to help stop her brother Essex once and for all. Along with her group and some new friends they team up but it's not without a major loss.


I'm sad this is over. I'm ready for new adventures and new characters though. I love Sloane and Bastian. I even grew to love Azrael for all his mishaps and faults. Another winning series by Annie Anderson
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,093 reviews
September 28, 2021
The story picks up where Death Watch left off and we find Sloane dealing with the shock of having an older sister. But Darby Adler’s arrival to the doorstep of the Night Watch also brings impending danger.

I enjoyed Sloane’s journey with her father, Azrael, and, in particular, the fantastical creatures of Greek mythology they encountered. While I was glad to gain more insight into the enigmatic Azrael, the discovery of why he had acted as he had regarding his children, was quite bittersweet. I also enjoyed seeing how Darby’s epic battle in Dead Calm, (in the author’s Grave Talker series) unfolded here through Sloane’s POV, as the sisters joined forces against their half-brother.

There’s plenty of action, magic, mystery and suspense throughout this well written urban fantasy. There’s also some drama, violence, anguish, and several twists along with some humour, sarcasm and steamy encounters. I look forward to seeing Sloane pop up in future Grave Talker stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,855 reviews21 followers
October 3, 2021
Good

This is the final book in the Soul Reader trilogy, companion series to the Grave Talker series, which needs to be read alongside this for the best experience.

Sloane is finally getting to meet one of her siblings… at least Darby doesn’t want to kill her! The two of them have a murderous brother to apprehend, some battles to fight, and Sloane will have to work with her father, the Angel of Death, Azrael.

Lots of things happen in this book. And some of them are really big events- keep your tissues handy!
All’s well that ends well though, I won’t spoil anything except to say that it seems that most loose ends (or at least those not tied to Darby’s story) are tied up, and the reader is left satisfied.

It’s an excellent urban fantasy series, plenty of magic, a few gods, lots of magical beings, and magical adventures for all involved.

If you’re an urban fantasy fan, you’ll enjoy this series… but go back to Gravetalker book 1 and start there if you haven’t read any of the books in either series yet!
2,669 reviews12 followers
September 24, 2021
A woman claiming to be her sister has unexpectedly shown up on Sloan’s doorstep with a couple of ABI agents. The last time a surprise sibling turned up it was Essex; a source of unprecedented evil and in the ensuing battles she almost lost Bastian forever. If the past is any indicator it pays to be suspicious of new family members but Darby seems nice and has unexpected powers. Their reunion is short-lived when arcane evil sends Sloan, Azreal, and Bastian on a quest through the underworld.

This book is packed with paranormal action. It is the final book in the series and I wish it wasn’t. What a series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dayzee.
931 reviews14 followers
September 29, 2021
💀🖤🤍

I have loved this series so much since DAY ONE! i can’t even explain How good this series is!!! Sloan is my sister from another mister! I was hooked and became obsessed with this world as it speaks to me in so many ways! Potty mouth ? F- yea!! . Action? most definitely! death 💀? you know it! and heart-wrenching-OMg-did that just happened scenes?! Hell to the yes! Not only are the characters real but its amazing when you connect to them and they become part of you. I cried for Sloan. I cried almost for everyone but especially for Sloan. There were times i couldn’t see the words as my eyes were filled with tears. Tears of happiness, tears of sadness, sorrow and grief. The unfairness of it all and the sacrifices made. My ♥️ was broken multiple times but brought back to life when characters like Sloan made up for it. This series is a must read!!! ALL THE FEELS!!! I LOVED EVERYTHING!! thank you annie! i freaking love you!
Profile Image for Nance.
1,127 reviews17 followers
September 24, 2021
Grave Watch is the fantastic conclusion to the Soul Reader Series and it was one emotional roller coaster ride.

The first part of the story is told from Sloane’s point of view which begins with meeting her sister, Darby. Then we have the emotional twist which I will only say I didn’t see coming at all. I really can’t even say much else about the story without spoiling anything other than it kept me entertained to the very end.

I really loved this story and the characters and if you’re are a fan of paranormal romance with vampires, witches, gods and other supernatural creatures then you definitely should check out this great series!
Profile Image for Ashlee Olson.
352 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2021
As always this author has blown me away. This book was wonderfully written and flowed so well. I honestly could NOT put it down. I don’t know how she does it. This is the last book in this series and I’m so sad to see it end, but the author ends it off strong!

Sloane as always had me dying the whole book. She has such a strong personality. I can honestly see that her and Darby are sisters. Together they are funnier and more fierce than ever! I had a blast with them alone. Bastion is back and together they set out on one heck of an adventure. Along side Azreal of course. Bastion is an easy character to love. He’s loyal, protective, a alpha male but has such a sweet and caring side to him. I love Sloane and him together. They are the person each of them needs. And Azreal. I know we are supposed to have some hard feelings toward him but I absolutely love him. He had me laughing so hard, mostly at times we shouldn’t have been laughing. He kept the book light and fun. And of course X. Who just makes me so mad and irritated.

We take on quite the adventure in this book. Traveling to the underworld and so much more. Keeps you on your toes and gasping in shock. Action packed from the get go. I definitely can’t wait to see what comes next.

Profile Image for K.A. Graham.
Author 22 books119 followers
September 25, 2021
Grave Watch (Soul Reader #3)
by Annie Anderson

***5 stars***

I swear, Darby and Sloane are a sisterly match made in Heaven...or Purgatory? I absolutely love them, and together, they're an unstoppable force.

The gang's all back to take on Darby's mother aka Mommy Dearest, and the girl's slimier than a slug, brother X. Annie definitely knows how to pack a dark and powerful punch when it comes to villians.

There was plenty of laughs (albeit at not so funny times), mayhem, tears, and a boatload of family drama, to keep you glued to the edge of your seat.

The biggest surprise for me, has to be the fact that I became a fan of Azreal, the girl's black winged father. He's made a mess of things at times, but by the end of this story, I feel he redeemed himself with my tears. And...my sweet and naughty, Bastian. What can I say...I would go to Hell and back for that sexy piece of man!
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
February 6, 2022
(3.5 Stars)
When I was in 6th grade I learned to love all types of mythology. However, in recent years, the book market has been flooded with book after book themed in various myths. Now, I will confess that I attempt to avoid any book steeped in mythology. I am at my saturation point. With that being said, "Grave Watch" was my least favorite book in the soul reader series because of all of the mythology.
What I did enjoy was Sloane and Darby becoming acquainted, the issues with the witch coven and Sloane facing Essex.

I only enjoyed parts of this read but quickly grew tired of all of the Underworld drama. It was good to see Sloane grow into her confidence and strength and the support she receives from Bastian. This book is pivotal for me because I will most likely not be continuing on with Grave Talker series as well. Oh well, it was okay while it lasted.
Profile Image for Ani Conda.
107 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2021
This last instalment in Sloane’s story was emotional from the beginning to the end. All your hopes were immediately stuck in your throat, afraid to be let free because you just weren’t certain they would come true. This last book incapsulates familial love, the happiness and heart break that family can represent. A healthy dose of fantasy and this book is a perfect ending to a remarkable story.

I want more! More Sloane, more Darby more of the night watch and deities.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alina.
967 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2021
The third installment in this phenomenally witchy series that continues to bring the heat and magic to give you the most entertaining and fun reading experience it can give. Filled with action, adventure, and humor, 'Grave Watch' is quirky, exhilarant, and exciting thrills for anyone who wants to read.
Really enjoy this story and the characters. Annie Anderson is one of a favorite authors in recent history.
9,375 reviews140 followers
October 5, 2021
This is the final book in the series and brings an end to Sloane's story. The author brings tons of twists and turns and delivers an amazing story that had me glued to the pages from start to finish. Loved it!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Annelie.
684 reviews25 followers
December 19, 2021
Enough is enough, DNF 25%

Ok, now I'm tired of this story becoming more and more illogical. Is it still the story of Sloane or the one of Darby? Apparently, the author wrote a serie "The Grave Talker" about Darby and now, everything is about Darby and the storyling is completely stuck! No way I continue reading it.
Profile Image for Erin.
562 reviews23 followers
October 1, 2021
I love everything that Anderson writes and this was no exception. Sloane’s final book takes us on a surprising adventure. Sloane was such a fabulous character with so much depth. Anderson definitely put me through a whole range of emotions with this story: I cried, laughed, yelled, swooned, and more. I have loved every minute of Sloane’s journey and was devastated this would be her final book until I learned that she, Bastian, and the rest of the Night’s Watch will be back in Darby’s books and Thomas’s too!!
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,802 reviews18 followers
December 15, 2022
Grave Watch

I really enjoyed reading this book. This world is amazing and I am loving the cross over with her sister
So much action and suspense in this one
Profile Image for S.M..
Author 5 books25 followers
Read
September 24, 2023
Three chapters in, and not even the excellent narrator can help the fact that nothing is happening. DNF.
Profile Image for Dawne.
423 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2021
What an epic ending to this series. I have been waiting impatiently for this book and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. So many twists, with questions answered and an awesome ending. I’m sorry that this is the end of the series.
Profile Image for Alaysia.
664 reviews10 followers
October 2, 2021
Amazing

Fantastic series. Fantastic writing. Loved every minute of it and I will read it again and again!
Sloane is my hero!
Profile Image for Katrina.
88 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2021
Annie Anderson did a great job finishing Sloans story. I’m sad to see her and all her family go. I’m hoping we will still get to see them in Darby’s stories. This book will definitely tug your heart strings. Make sure you have tissues ready.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather.
28 reviews
October 2, 2021
Am I happy to see Sloane’s story come to a close? Of course not! But am I more than satisfied with how it finishes? Yes! Twists and turns and hold your breath moments all the way to the end. Another amazing ride!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews

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