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The Well of Souls: A YA Paranormal Adventure Novel
Lola Monteux, a treasure-hunting vampire, is betrayed by her crew and sentenced to death. Desperate to evade her fate, she embarks on a daring escape to a haunted island cursed for her kind. Her solitary to unearth the fabled Well of Souls treasure, rumoured to bestow invincibility upon demons like her and grant her the freedom she craves.
But as Lola succumbs to the enchantment of the island, a powerful magic weaves its spell around her. She is inexplicably drawn to Gael, a local boy, and his group of misfit friends. Undercover as a teenager, Lola discovers the joys and vulnerabilities of her long-lost humanity, and begins to lose sight of her original mission—to secure her survival at any cost.
But as Lola succumbs to the enchantment of the island, a powerful magic weaves its spell around her. She is inexplicably drawn to Gael, a local boy, and his group of misfit friends. Undercover as a teenager, Lola discovers the joys and vulnerabilities of her long-lost humanity, and begins to lose sight of her original mission—to secure her survival at any cost.
- GenresParanormalYoung Adult
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
5 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Cordelia Kelly
10 books16 followersCordelia Kelly is the author of the Port of Lost Souls series and the YA fantasy The Sibyl and the Thief.
Her short stories, including “Herbalista” (Prairie Witch) and “Dare to Survive” (Dark & Stormy), have been featured in several horror anthologies. She also self-published a collection of horror stories, Then She Said Hush.
Fun fact: together with her sister, Kelly blogged recaps of the entire Fear Street series on Shadyside Snark, a project that continues to attract over 10,000 hits per month.
Her short stories, including “Herbalista” (Prairie Witch) and “Dare to Survive” (Dark & Stormy), have been featured in several horror anthologies. She also self-published a collection of horror stories, Then She Said Hush.
Fun fact: together with her sister, Kelly blogged recaps of the entire Fear Street series on Shadyside Snark, a project that continues to attract over 10,000 hits per month.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 14, 2024
Special thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity. This was a cute well written middle grade book 📖 which I seem to love their fantasy lately. It gave me just enough adventure to feel those excited tingles you get when things are playing out in a story. I really wish this was in Audio because I feel like it would have made great backdrop while reading this book.
This had a lot of repetition but like my son’s other series he’s read and watched it’s a common theme for the age group because it gives it impact. As always I am and will forever be a vampire queen so this was a wonderful way to spend the last few evenings.
It gave me Pirates of the Caribbean/ goosebump vibes if that makes any sense and I loved that.
Happy reading everyone 😌☺️!!
This had a lot of repetition but like my son’s other series he’s read and watched it’s a common theme for the age group because it gives it impact. As always I am and will forever be a vampire queen so this was a wonderful way to spend the last few evenings.
It gave me Pirates of the Caribbean/ goosebump vibes if that makes any sense and I loved that.
Happy reading everyone 😌☺️!!
December 30, 2023
A playful mix of vampires and treasure hunting! The well of souls follows one vampire on her quest for power and what she finds instead.
This was a wonderful YA fantasy style book. Just enough middle school appropriate romance along with action and adventure which would draw in even my 13 and 14 year old boys.
I found some of it to be redundant on the vampire myth explaining, but that is just my old jaded vampire reading opinion.
A very solid read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a wonderful YA fantasy style book. Just enough middle school appropriate romance along with action and adventure which would draw in even my 13 and 14 year old boys.
I found some of it to be redundant on the vampire myth explaining, but that is just my old jaded vampire reading opinion.
A very solid read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 21, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. This book was disappointing. It doesn't quite live up to its promotion as a Buffy meets Indiana Jones story. First, Buffy is literally a vampire slayer. Lola is literally a vampire. If you mean Buffy in the sense that the vampires in this book seem to be inspired by and yet not at all inspired by Buffy vampires, then sure. Indiana Jones is fast paced and action packed. They dug a hole for 45% of this book. Over the course of weeks and weeks. I felt like I was going crazy. Many parts of this book were repetitive, as noted by other reviewers. This book is supposed to set up a series, but it ended in such a way I don't see the need for it to continue. Towards the end of the book Lola also started talking like she was from the 18th century, which she isn't, and it made no sense. She was talking so formally when previously she was talking simply with some franglais mixed in.
I like the found family aspect of this book, it was very lovely, but I would have preferred if there was no romantic connection with Gael. It didn't feel necessary or relevant to the atmosphere of the book.
Aspects of the world building were interesting, but also not at all. The word "demonic" was used 22 times in this book.
This book feels like it was so close to being 5 stars. It could have been, if it had been less repetitive with more action/more plot, more detailed world building, and slight edits to the characters.
I would probably read the sequel if I received an ARC, but otherwise I do not know if I'd continue the series. Or if the series even needs to continue?
A good start for those getting into younger YA paranormal fantasy.
I like the found family aspect of this book, it was very lovely, but I would have preferred if there was no romantic connection with Gael. It didn't feel necessary or relevant to the atmosphere of the book.
Aspects of the world building were interesting, but also not at all. The word "demonic" was used 22 times in this book.
This book feels like it was so close to being 5 stars. It could have been, if it had been less repetitive with more action/more plot, more detailed world building, and slight edits to the characters.
I would probably read the sequel if I received an ARC, but otherwise I do not know if I'd continue the series. Or if the series even needs to continue?
A good start for those getting into younger YA paranormal fantasy.
March 22, 2024
Okay so I actually came here and read some of these reviews before starting this book as an ARC and felt really disheartened. My take on some of the reviews I read after I have now read this book for myself, is that (I personally) don’t think you can go into a YA book with the same mindset that you would an adult fantasy romance. It’s just not comparable.
I feel like maybe the comparison to this story and Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Indiana jones was maybe not the best, but again this is YA and I feel like some of the reviews are a bit harsh. I totally got some Pirates of the Caribbean / Indiana Jones vibe, and this was honestly a really fresh take on vampires!
Here’s my thoughts;
This story follows Lola, a *SIXTEEN* year old vampire who is on the hunt for the ‘well of souls’ - the ultimate treasure for a hunter / predator like her. Nothing will stand in her way. Until she meets Gael, Nix, Walt & Faye - some of the residents of the island, who make her feel like there is more to life ~ something worth *living* for *ੈ✩‧₊˚
The relationships that develop in this story, the adventure, the character development, it was all BEAUTIFUL. I was really invested and curious about what was going to happen next. This is a super fun, adventure story with vampires, pirates, romance, that I would have LOVED as a teenager and LOVE now ♡︎ !!
If you tend to enjoy YA fantasy I recommend this book. I would totally like to read more of these characters & this universe.
I feel like maybe the comparison to this story and Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Indiana jones was maybe not the best, but again this is YA and I feel like some of the reviews are a bit harsh. I totally got some Pirates of the Caribbean / Indiana Jones vibe, and this was honestly a really fresh take on vampires!
Here’s my thoughts;
This story follows Lola, a *SIXTEEN* year old vampire who is on the hunt for the ‘well of souls’ - the ultimate treasure for a hunter / predator like her. Nothing will stand in her way. Until she meets Gael, Nix, Walt & Faye - some of the residents of the island, who make her feel like there is more to life ~ something worth *living* for *ੈ✩‧₊˚
The relationships that develop in this story, the adventure, the character development, it was all BEAUTIFUL. I was really invested and curious about what was going to happen next. This is a super fun, adventure story with vampires, pirates, romance, that I would have LOVED as a teenager and LOVE now ♡︎ !!
If you tend to enjoy YA fantasy I recommend this book. I would totally like to read more of these characters & this universe.
December 4, 2025
The Well of Souls is a YA vampire book that achieved an impressive feat, holding my full attention for hours on end.
I appreciated the characters complexity and the representation amongst them. (a vampire, a broke kid a neurodivergent, and a lesbian walked into a bar…) The spin on our main character’s demonic stereotypes were fun to learn as the story went on and kept an urban legend from being stale.
Another thing that I think was well done in this book was the emotional aspect. As a vampire, Lola is not prone to feeling emotions as a human would. I think surrounding her with characters that feel so much, teenagers, was very effective in an exposure therapy kind of way.
The only reason this isn’t a 5 star read is purely based on personal attachment. I like the characters, but i’m not consumed by any sort of emotional attachment because of how many times it feels like the characters try to detach from Lola and vice versa.
Overall, the book did what it needed to do and it did it in an entertaining way.
Thank you BookSirens and Cordelia Kelly for a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I appreciated the characters complexity and the representation amongst them. (a vampire, a broke kid a neurodivergent, and a lesbian walked into a bar…) The spin on our main character’s demonic stereotypes were fun to learn as the story went on and kept an urban legend from being stale.
Another thing that I think was well done in this book was the emotional aspect. As a vampire, Lola is not prone to feeling emotions as a human would. I think surrounding her with characters that feel so much, teenagers, was very effective in an exposure therapy kind of way.
The only reason this isn’t a 5 star read is purely based on personal attachment. I like the characters, but i’m not consumed by any sort of emotional attachment because of how many times it feels like the characters try to detach from Lola and vice versa.
Overall, the book did what it needed to do and it did it in an entertaining way.
Thank you BookSirens and Cordelia Kelly for a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2025
“There is no light without darkness. There is no life without death.” This book was a fun read. It kinda gives the vibes of twilight mixed with vampire diaries on a treasure hunt. I enjoyed the inclusive part of having a side charter who is part of the lgbtq as it made the story more interesting and honestly flow better. Overall, I liked this book and would recommend to people who like vampires, treasure hunts, and the found family trope.
March 23, 2024
A fun vampires meets treasure hunt twist (sort of a Buffy meets Indiana Jones vibe), this feels like a YA novel because it does remind us of some things a few times but overall its a fun, fresh view of vampires and all things paranormal and it was just a fun read.
August 7, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
This is an interesting one! It’s got a whole mix of paranormal and vampires, plus some pirate- treasure energy (not really with pirates but that was the feel I got, with the hidden well of souls and the powers it held). Lola is a great character and some of her inner thoughts make me giggle. She’s strong minded and can be quite sly with her remarks and thoughts. I love characters like that.
The Well of Souls is definitely a book intended for young adults in the teen range, and for that it is incredibly strong. My personal preference of course is adult, or new adult, fantasy, but I went into this knowing it was young adult or even verging into middle grade, perhaps for readers from 11-17. Those books are written in a different way, and I definitely disagree with the other reviews that say it repeats itself too much. For the age range, the world building was done very, very well, and I have a bit of a pet peeve with readers who go into a clearly young adult book with the expectations that nothing will be repeated. It’s not accurate when we think of the type of reader this book is targeted for. And for that purpose the Well of Souls hit just the right mark. The world building was touched on enough that younger readers can still get into it and understand, but it isn’t so vague or subtle that newer readers to the genre would feel overwhelmed. Lola is also an incredible character. She’s sixteen, or should I say, sixteen for many years, and though it bugs her and she has her own past she struggles with, she’s still so strong. She starts off in the mindset of a vampire who views humans as lesser than her, or “edibles” (I thought that was funny). She has a kind of no-nonsense, I don’t need anyone, kind of perspective of the world. She is also a girl on a mission! She has her goal to reach the Well of Souls treasure, which she wants because of its powers that will grant her invincibility and freedom. However, on her journey to find it, she meets Gael (another teenager) and his own friends. What she first things is a great mask to her true identity ends up being a pull to belonging and found family she has not felt in a long time.
One thing I thought was quite interesting was the different types of vampires and what their magic allows them to do. Lola has a pull to the sea so she can affect currents and water. It was an interesting take that merged the idea of vampires and witches and I quite enjoyed it! But Lola is not all vampire, she is also deeply human, and that is showcased through her pull to belong with Gael and his friends. This was a very heartwarming part of the novel and sometimes made me emotional. Lola begins closed off, but you can even see in early interactions how she does care for others, like offering Gael advice when she first meets him. For someone who proclaims that humans are just there for her to disguise herself, or use, or consume, she really ends up realizing she can’t pretend that forever. And the side characters are just as great. I immediately liked Gael and Nix, and their relationship and tension felt very real. The drama and tension they have with others like Ethan and Violet felt classic for what you would see in a teen book or movie and I was rooting for Lola to tear Ethan apart! Speaking of drama, there are also more serious moments with the friends that feels real. I appreciated how when Lola messed up with Nix, she actually realized what she’d done and acknowledged it was wrong. It felt like less of a petty fight and became a learning moment for Lola, but also maybe Nix, who had also accused Lola of something that if it were true would have been something to keep quiet or not accuse someone of in front of a group of friends.
I also enjoyed Lola’s growing feelings for her new friends as hard as she tried to fight it. I thought that, especially for a book for teens, the depiction of a girl who has been hardened by betrayal, stuck in a sixteen year old body as a vampire, and sworn herself off from viewing humans as companions was extremely well done. The way Lola’s view of humans evolves over the story and how she constantly fights her inner urge to belong with reminding herself that she doesn’t need friends and that they would simply be taken from her anyway was emotional. Especially the fact that no matter how hard she tries, she just cannot fight the deep human need within her to have friends, a group of people to care about and who care about her. Personally, I enjoyed the way the first part of the book develops, as it takes enough time to let you get to know the island inhabitants and Lola’s own inner story. For readers, teen or older alike, who want to balance the higher stakes with characters and settings you will love, it just right with pacing. At least for me it was! I found myself flying through it even in the slower or quieter moments. And then when Beau finally arrives? Oh my goodness I couldn’t stop! Everything was built up to so well and I love books that do this. I feel the stakes are even more impactful when this happens. Near the end of the book when Lola, Gael, Nix, Walt, and even Beau were in the tunnels, I was deeply hooked. I had a feeling where things would go wrong… or, who would make them go wrong …. But it was still so exciting and heart racing anyway. I also thought the real truth about the Well of Souls and what it could do to humans versus vampires was very interesting. The difference in how Lola and Beau react to it was also interesting. Things tied up very happily for the group, or, for the good guys at least. In a way I was hoping for something a little more realistic. Like at first when Lola drank the well I thought she would really be “free” in the way she thought, but this book had a happier ending. However, for some readers, they like that best. Maybe it says something more about me that I am always looking for the sad or bittersweet, even in a book for teenagers and young adults! Purely a personal preference. That said I did like the new take on freedom, what it means to be alive. And Lola’s last line: “I have everywhere to go.” Oh it was so perfect to finish up her character arc. This was an exciting and addicting book, perhaps for a younger audience, but very good for a variety of ages, as I really enjoyed it. This seems like it is the first book in a series? If so I am so excited to read the rest and see if Lola and her friends go on anymore adventures, if the future books follow the same cast. Either way I’m intrigued and very eager to read more! The Carnival of Fools is high up on my list, that’s for sure!
This is an interesting one! It’s got a whole mix of paranormal and vampires, plus some pirate- treasure energy (not really with pirates but that was the feel I got, with the hidden well of souls and the powers it held). Lola is a great character and some of her inner thoughts make me giggle. She’s strong minded and can be quite sly with her remarks and thoughts. I love characters like that.
The Well of Souls is definitely a book intended for young adults in the teen range, and for that it is incredibly strong. My personal preference of course is adult, or new adult, fantasy, but I went into this knowing it was young adult or even verging into middle grade, perhaps for readers from 11-17. Those books are written in a different way, and I definitely disagree with the other reviews that say it repeats itself too much. For the age range, the world building was done very, very well, and I have a bit of a pet peeve with readers who go into a clearly young adult book with the expectations that nothing will be repeated. It’s not accurate when we think of the type of reader this book is targeted for. And for that purpose the Well of Souls hit just the right mark. The world building was touched on enough that younger readers can still get into it and understand, but it isn’t so vague or subtle that newer readers to the genre would feel overwhelmed. Lola is also an incredible character. She’s sixteen, or should I say, sixteen for many years, and though it bugs her and she has her own past she struggles with, she’s still so strong. She starts off in the mindset of a vampire who views humans as lesser than her, or “edibles” (I thought that was funny). She has a kind of no-nonsense, I don’t need anyone, kind of perspective of the world. She is also a girl on a mission! She has her goal to reach the Well of Souls treasure, which she wants because of its powers that will grant her invincibility and freedom. However, on her journey to find it, she meets Gael (another teenager) and his own friends. What she first things is a great mask to her true identity ends up being a pull to belonging and found family she has not felt in a long time.
One thing I thought was quite interesting was the different types of vampires and what their magic allows them to do. Lola has a pull to the sea so she can affect currents and water. It was an interesting take that merged the idea of vampires and witches and I quite enjoyed it! But Lola is not all vampire, she is also deeply human, and that is showcased through her pull to belong with Gael and his friends. This was a very heartwarming part of the novel and sometimes made me emotional. Lola begins closed off, but you can even see in early interactions how she does care for others, like offering Gael advice when she first meets him. For someone who proclaims that humans are just there for her to disguise herself, or use, or consume, she really ends up realizing she can’t pretend that forever. And the side characters are just as great. I immediately liked Gael and Nix, and their relationship and tension felt very real. The drama and tension they have with others like Ethan and Violet felt classic for what you would see in a teen book or movie and I was rooting for Lola to tear Ethan apart! Speaking of drama, there are also more serious moments with the friends that feels real. I appreciated how when Lola messed up with Nix, she actually realized what she’d done and acknowledged it was wrong. It felt like less of a petty fight and became a learning moment for Lola, but also maybe Nix, who had also accused Lola of something that if it were true would have been something to keep quiet or not accuse someone of in front of a group of friends.
I also enjoyed Lola’s growing feelings for her new friends as hard as she tried to fight it. I thought that, especially for a book for teens, the depiction of a girl who has been hardened by betrayal, stuck in a sixteen year old body as a vampire, and sworn herself off from viewing humans as companions was extremely well done. The way Lola’s view of humans evolves over the story and how she constantly fights her inner urge to belong with reminding herself that she doesn’t need friends and that they would simply be taken from her anyway was emotional. Especially the fact that no matter how hard she tries, she just cannot fight the deep human need within her to have friends, a group of people to care about and who care about her. Personally, I enjoyed the way the first part of the book develops, as it takes enough time to let you get to know the island inhabitants and Lola’s own inner story. For readers, teen or older alike, who want to balance the higher stakes with characters and settings you will love, it just right with pacing. At least for me it was! I found myself flying through it even in the slower or quieter moments. And then when Beau finally arrives? Oh my goodness I couldn’t stop! Everything was built up to so well and I love books that do this. I feel the stakes are even more impactful when this happens. Near the end of the book when Lola, Gael, Nix, Walt, and even Beau were in the tunnels, I was deeply hooked. I had a feeling where things would go wrong… or, who would make them go wrong …. But it was still so exciting and heart racing anyway. I also thought the real truth about the Well of Souls and what it could do to humans versus vampires was very interesting. The difference in how Lola and Beau react to it was also interesting. Things tied up very happily for the group, or, for the good guys at least. In a way I was hoping for something a little more realistic. Like at first when Lola drank the well I thought she would really be “free” in the way she thought, but this book had a happier ending. However, for some readers, they like that best. Maybe it says something more about me that I am always looking for the sad or bittersweet, even in a book for teenagers and young adults! Purely a personal preference. That said I did like the new take on freedom, what it means to be alive. And Lola’s last line: “I have everywhere to go.” Oh it was so perfect to finish up her character arc. This was an exciting and addicting book, perhaps for a younger audience, but very good for a variety of ages, as I really enjoyed it. This seems like it is the first book in a series? If so I am so excited to read the rest and see if Lola and her friends go on anymore adventures, if the future books follow the same cast. Either way I’m intrigued and very eager to read more! The Carnival of Fools is high up on my list, that’s for sure!
May 28, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens for the advanced reader's copy of this book for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"The Well of Souls" by Cordelia Kelly offers a curious blend of paranormal fantasy suitable for young teens, but with a twist of mature themes (i.e. gore, murder, and sexual themes) that can be a bit jarring for a younger audience. I just want to mention that in case any parents are considering this book for a young teen! However, if they are mature and interested in the vampire genre, I would still recommend this book.
The premise of a treasure-hunting vampire, Lola Monteux, navigating a haunted island for the elusive Well of Souls treasure promises an intriguing adventure. The story can cater well to a younger audience, introducing them to the paranormal fantasy genre with an exciting mix of magic, vampires, and otherworldly elements.
I did find many aspects of this book were rather competitive and certain mundane tasks throughout the story could have likely been opted out, but I enjoyed the found-family theme and sense of adventure carried throughout the book!
"The Well of Souls" by Cordelia Kelly offers a curious blend of paranormal fantasy suitable for young teens, but with a twist of mature themes (i.e. gore, murder, and sexual themes) that can be a bit jarring for a younger audience. I just want to mention that in case any parents are considering this book for a young teen! However, if they are mature and interested in the vampire genre, I would still recommend this book.
The premise of a treasure-hunting vampire, Lola Monteux, navigating a haunted island for the elusive Well of Souls treasure promises an intriguing adventure. The story can cater well to a younger audience, introducing them to the paranormal fantasy genre with an exciting mix of magic, vampires, and otherworldly elements.
I did find many aspects of this book were rather competitive and certain mundane tasks throughout the story could have likely been opted out, but I enjoyed the found-family theme and sense of adventure carried throughout the book!
September 12, 2025
Lola Monteux is an eighty-year old vampire stuck in the shell of a sixteen-year old girl. Created by the leader of a treasure hunting crew of vampires, she has learned to be ruthless and view humans only as edibles, but she's about to be challenged against her will.
Although she's smart and very fast, Lola has been deemed weak and unworthy and sentenced to death. Her only chance of survival is the rumor of the Well of Souls, a source of great power buried deep within the bowels of an island that is said to take the immortality of the monsters who enter it.
Her first problem is that the well lies within the land of a human boy who is the only one able to give permission to dig. Her second problem is that, once she convinces him, she begins to find it difficult to view him and his friends as nothing more than edibles. They're humans, and they're starting to make her feel things she shouldn't.
Lola isn't the only one searching, and her growing affection for the motley crew of three puts them at risk.
The first chapter of The Well of Souls grabbed me. I loved the atmosphere that was being created, and the story that was unfolding. It was one of pirate vampires, legends and ancient treasures. Then I was somewhat jarringly yanked from that atmosphere. A few things were said that didn't fit with the time period I thought I was reading about, followed by definitive proof that we were actually in the present. So far into it, in fact, that we got high school bullies and mean girls. It took me several chapters to wrap my brain around the change because of how beautifully it was set up in that first chapter to seem like it was far in the past.
Once I was able to accept the difference, it was a decent story for young adults. I do wish the bully trope would have been left out. I'm not certain it served any sort of real purpose. If it was to create conflict for Lola to protect her friends from, I think there were better ways to accomplish that. There was also a bit too much of drama amongst the friend group. We're good, we're angry, we're fine, we're upset again.
Oh, but just wait, because when the caverns are found, you'll be sucked right back in. I could almost see them around me, and they are fantastic. I'm not quite certain if I want to continue with the series. I didn't end the book feeling as though I was left hanging or that anything was unfinished. There just wasn't a pull to grab straight for the next one, but I do hate to leave anything done only partway…
I received a copy of The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly and made the decision to leave this objective review.
Although she's smart and very fast, Lola has been deemed weak and unworthy and sentenced to death. Her only chance of survival is the rumor of the Well of Souls, a source of great power buried deep within the bowels of an island that is said to take the immortality of the monsters who enter it.
Her first problem is that the well lies within the land of a human boy who is the only one able to give permission to dig. Her second problem is that, once she convinces him, she begins to find it difficult to view him and his friends as nothing more than edibles. They're humans, and they're starting to make her feel things she shouldn't.
Lola isn't the only one searching, and her growing affection for the motley crew of three puts them at risk.
The first chapter of The Well of Souls grabbed me. I loved the atmosphere that was being created, and the story that was unfolding. It was one of pirate vampires, legends and ancient treasures. Then I was somewhat jarringly yanked from that atmosphere. A few things were said that didn't fit with the time period I thought I was reading about, followed by definitive proof that we were actually in the present. So far into it, in fact, that we got high school bullies and mean girls. It took me several chapters to wrap my brain around the change because of how beautifully it was set up in that first chapter to seem like it was far in the past.
Once I was able to accept the difference, it was a decent story for young adults. I do wish the bully trope would have been left out. I'm not certain it served any sort of real purpose. If it was to create conflict for Lola to protect her friends from, I think there were better ways to accomplish that. There was also a bit too much of drama amongst the friend group. We're good, we're angry, we're fine, we're upset again.
Oh, but just wait, because when the caverns are found, you'll be sucked right back in. I could almost see them around me, and they are fantastic. I'm not quite certain if I want to continue with the series. I didn't end the book feeling as though I was left hanging or that anything was unfinished. There just wasn't a pull to grab straight for the next one, but I do hate to leave anything done only partway…
I received a copy of The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly and made the decision to leave this objective review.
January 11, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
‘The Well of Souls’ by Cordelia Kelly is described as a YA paranormal adventure romance set in modern times.
When I read the description for the book as ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Indiana Jones, I was very excited! A treasure hunting vampire escaping to a mysterious cursed island to look for treasure that will reverse the curse laid upon her and give her invincibility!?!? I’m ALL in for that story.
I really wish that it was the story I was expecting. Sadly, it wasn’t.
The first few chapters intrigued me as the story followed the main character, Lola, who is an 80 year old vampire frozen in time in a sixteen year old’s body. The vibes started out spooky and mysterious, which had me turning the pages swiftly. We were off to the races! And then… we came to a screeching halt.
The plot of this story for me was completely lost in the very mundane conversations and basic tasks described between Lola and the friends she makes on the island where the story is set. The main character had the potential to be a very interesting and very, very cool, but for me she never reached that potential. There was a lot of “then they did this, and then they did that”. I will also mention the stereotypical “bullies” that were written and the “females pitting against females” thing that I hate so much in YA book was very much present. Such a bummer.
As far as romance goes, there was scarcely any, which is totally fine, I just wouldn’t categorize this as a romance in any way.
The writing was not bad, but it was not exceptional either. The characters were all very one dimensional, save for Lola who had some interesting qualities, but the rest of the cast was very forgettable.
There were some action scenes that I did enjoy, and had there been more from the jump, I believe I would have enjoyed this book much more than I did. I would recommend this book for beginner YA readers who are looking to dip their toe into paranormal fantasy.
2.5/5 stars
‘The Well of Souls’ by Cordelia Kelly is described as a YA paranormal adventure romance set in modern times.
When I read the description for the book as ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Indiana Jones, I was very excited! A treasure hunting vampire escaping to a mysterious cursed island to look for treasure that will reverse the curse laid upon her and give her invincibility!?!? I’m ALL in for that story.
I really wish that it was the story I was expecting. Sadly, it wasn’t.
The first few chapters intrigued me as the story followed the main character, Lola, who is an 80 year old vampire frozen in time in a sixteen year old’s body. The vibes started out spooky and mysterious, which had me turning the pages swiftly. We were off to the races! And then… we came to a screeching halt.
The plot of this story for me was completely lost in the very mundane conversations and basic tasks described between Lola and the friends she makes on the island where the story is set. The main character had the potential to be a very interesting and very, very cool, but for me she never reached that potential. There was a lot of “then they did this, and then they did that”. I will also mention the stereotypical “bullies” that were written and the “females pitting against females” thing that I hate so much in YA book was very much present. Such a bummer.
As far as romance goes, there was scarcely any, which is totally fine, I just wouldn’t categorize this as a romance in any way.
The writing was not bad, but it was not exceptional either. The characters were all very one dimensional, save for Lola who had some interesting qualities, but the rest of the cast was very forgettable.
There were some action scenes that I did enjoy, and had there been more from the jump, I believe I would have enjoyed this book much more than I did. I would recommend this book for beginner YA readers who are looking to dip their toe into paranormal fantasy.
2.5/5 stars
July 4, 2025
This is a true YA novel, so I'm not technically it's target market. That being said, I still enjoyed the adventure!
I loved the atmospheric setting of a mist-shrouded island, a treasure dig, and a town haunted by a magical legend. Other reviews have given a more detailed summary of the plot, so I won't talk about that. What I would like to mention is the questions it poses to the reader. And you can tell that the author has put thought into the way those questions are presented. Yes, Lola (the main character) is a vampire who has always been outcast, both among her own kind, and humans, but it's used as a catalyst to explore those big "life" questions we all have at one point or another. What does it mean to be alive? Do you ever get to find your place and your people? What would you do for the people you care for, once you find them? What does it mean to be alive, and what do you choose to do with that life?
I enjoyed the main group's dynamics (Lola, Gael, Nix, and Walt), and I appreciated how diverse and well rounded the characters were, but I think some of my favourite moments were between Lola, and Faye, a caring townswoman... if I explain more, there would be spoilers. Oh, and this is an unapologetically Canadian story, which as a Canadian, I love to see.
I hate boiling reviews down to star ratings, but since I have to, personally, it's 4 stars. That being said, the writing is good, the pacing keeps you intruiged, and there's strong character development. The reason it's not 5 stars for me really boils down to the fact that I'm not the target market for The Well of Souls, nothing more. I can absolutely see how this could be a 5 star read for someone else!
If you're looking for a different kind of vampire story, and a pirate-y adventure, I'd definitely recommend The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly!
I loved the atmospheric setting of a mist-shrouded island, a treasure dig, and a town haunted by a magical legend. Other reviews have given a more detailed summary of the plot, so I won't talk about that. What I would like to mention is the questions it poses to the reader. And you can tell that the author has put thought into the way those questions are presented. Yes, Lola (the main character) is a vampire who has always been outcast, both among her own kind, and humans, but it's used as a catalyst to explore those big "life" questions we all have at one point or another. What does it mean to be alive? Do you ever get to find your place and your people? What would you do for the people you care for, once you find them? What does it mean to be alive, and what do you choose to do with that life?
I enjoyed the main group's dynamics (Lola, Gael, Nix, and Walt), and I appreciated how diverse and well rounded the characters were, but I think some of my favourite moments were between Lola, and Faye, a caring townswoman... if I explain more, there would be spoilers. Oh, and this is an unapologetically Canadian story, which as a Canadian, I love to see.
I hate boiling reviews down to star ratings, but since I have to, personally, it's 4 stars. That being said, the writing is good, the pacing keeps you intruiged, and there's strong character development. The reason it's not 5 stars for me really boils down to the fact that I'm not the target market for The Well of Souls, nothing more. I can absolutely see how this could be a 5 star read for someone else!
If you're looking for a different kind of vampire story, and a pirate-y adventure, I'd definitely recommend The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly!
November 22, 2024
Cordelia Kelly’s The Well of Souls offers a refreshing twist on the young adult genre, evoking the adventurous spirit of classic 80s films like The Goonies and The Lost Boys. I was initially concerned that the story might succumb to the clichéd romance subplots often found in young adult fantasy. However, I was delighted by Kelly’s skillful blending of genres, particularly the mixing of fantasy and adventure, which enhances rather than competes with the narrative. The premise is captivating as readers follow Lola, an 80-year-old vampire trapped in the body of a 16-year-old, as she embarks on a quest to locate a legendary treasure on the enigmatic Duchesne Island, rumoured to grant invincibility. While Lola’s character is richly developed, some of the other supporting characters lack the same level of depth, making them less memorable. However, Kelly’s vivid descriptions of Duchesne Island effectively establish a haunting atmosphere without overwhelming the reader with excessive and bloated detail. She strikes the right balance, allowing readers to visualize the characters and setting in their minds. The urban gothic fantasy setting she creates is both immersive and engaging. The Well of Souls is an enjoyable read that will appeal to both young audiences and anyone seeking a compelling adventure. It weaves themes of loyalty and friendship into a supernatural storyline that offers intrigue and excitement. While it may not be flawless, it provides a charming journey that will satisfy fans of paranormal fantasy.
March 29, 2024
Somewhere along the world, there’s this well-hidden secret. An island that is out of bounds for certain kinds of people. Yet, one of them, Lola, dares the unthinkable: when her own kind crosses her condemns her to die, she embarks straight to this island, searching for a legend: the treasure of the Well of Souls, that can grant her a new life.
Unearthing the treasure though has its own set of problems, as Lola needs to assume a normal identity and pose as an everyday girl. On the way, she meets an unexpected group of young people, who, despite her need to stay away, will get under her skin and remind her that plain survival doesn’t mean much sometimes.
Treasure hunters, metaphysical elements, surly youngsters and a mystery that needs to be solved: these are a few things that describe Cordelia Kelly’s novel, that will be available from April 2nd. It was a quick, fun read, that made me forget its supernatural elements quite a few times, as I got sucked in the youngster drama of the island inhabitants. It made me snigger quite a few times with their shenanigans, and other times, to just feel the surprising vulnerabilities of a character that doesn’t belong neither here nor there until the end of the narrative. Overall, I had a good time reading it, and for that I give it 3 and a half stars.
Unearthing the treasure though has its own set of problems, as Lola needs to assume a normal identity and pose as an everyday girl. On the way, she meets an unexpected group of young people, who, despite her need to stay away, will get under her skin and remind her that plain survival doesn’t mean much sometimes.
Treasure hunters, metaphysical elements, surly youngsters and a mystery that needs to be solved: these are a few things that describe Cordelia Kelly’s novel, that will be available from April 2nd. It was a quick, fun read, that made me forget its supernatural elements quite a few times, as I got sucked in the youngster drama of the island inhabitants. It made me snigger quite a few times with their shenanigans, and other times, to just feel the surprising vulnerabilities of a character that doesn’t belong neither here nor there until the end of the narrative. Overall, I had a good time reading it, and for that I give it 3 and a half stars.
April 26, 2024
In Kelly's series kickoff for the Port of Lost Souls series a young vampire imperils her existence as she ventures to a haunted island in pursuit of the legendary Well of Souls treasure. Lola Monteux, a vampire of the sea, is betrayed by her own crew and condemned to death.
In a desperate attempt to escape her doom, she heads to a cursed island in search of the fabled Well of Souls. But as she falls under its spell, Lola's humanity resurfaces and she becomes entangled with Gael and his misfit crew. Her mission for survival begins to blur as she embraces her lost humanity.
Kelly is adept when it comes to weaving tension and suspense into the narrative. From the mention of mysterious legends and treasures surrounding the Well of Souls to the characters' exploration of uncharted territory, every element serves to ignite curiosity and anticipation. The intricate emotional conflicts, particularly Gael and Nix's tumultuous relationship, enrich the plot's depth, while Lola's journey and interactions deepen the complexity of the story.
Atmospheric descriptions, vividly portraying tempestuous weather and the eerie ambiance of Duchesne Island, heighten the suspenseful mood. At its core, the novel explores themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. A gripping read that seamlessly blends adventure and emotion.
In a desperate attempt to escape her doom, she heads to a cursed island in search of the fabled Well of Souls. But as she falls under its spell, Lola's humanity resurfaces and she becomes entangled with Gael and his misfit crew. Her mission for survival begins to blur as she embraces her lost humanity.
Kelly is adept when it comes to weaving tension and suspense into the narrative. From the mention of mysterious legends and treasures surrounding the Well of Souls to the characters' exploration of uncharted territory, every element serves to ignite curiosity and anticipation. The intricate emotional conflicts, particularly Gael and Nix's tumultuous relationship, enrich the plot's depth, while Lola's journey and interactions deepen the complexity of the story.
Atmospheric descriptions, vividly portraying tempestuous weather and the eerie ambiance of Duchesne Island, heighten the suspenseful mood. At its core, the novel explores themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. A gripping read that seamlessly blends adventure and emotion.
May 6, 2024
In Kelly’s series kickoff for the Port of Lost Souls series a young vampire imperils her existence as she ventures to a haunted island in pursuit of the legendary Well of Souls treasure. Lola Monteux, a vampire of the sea, is betrayed by her own crew and condemned to death.
In a desperate attempt to escape her doom, she heads to a cursed island in search of the fabled Well of Souls. But as she falls under its spell, Lola’s humanity resurfaces and she becomes entangled with Gael and his misfit crew. Her mission for survival begins to blur as she embraces her lost humanity.
Kelly is adept when it comes to weaving tension and suspense into the narrative. From the mention of mysterious legends and treasures surrounding the Well of Souls to the characters’ exploration of uncharted territory, every element serves to ignite curiosity and anticipation.
The intricate emotional conflicts, particularly Gael and Nix’s tumultuous relationship, enrich the plot’s depth, while Lola’s journey and interactions deepen the complexity of the story. Atmospheric descriptions, vividly portraying tempestuous weather and the eerie ambiance of Duchesne Island, heighten the suspenseful mood. At its core, the novel explores themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
A gripping read that seamlessly blends adventure and emotion.
In a desperate attempt to escape her doom, she heads to a cursed island in search of the fabled Well of Souls. But as she falls under its spell, Lola’s humanity resurfaces and she becomes entangled with Gael and his misfit crew. Her mission for survival begins to blur as she embraces her lost humanity.
Kelly is adept when it comes to weaving tension and suspense into the narrative. From the mention of mysterious legends and treasures surrounding the Well of Souls to the characters’ exploration of uncharted territory, every element serves to ignite curiosity and anticipation.
The intricate emotional conflicts, particularly Gael and Nix’s tumultuous relationship, enrich the plot’s depth, while Lola’s journey and interactions deepen the complexity of the story. Atmospheric descriptions, vividly portraying tempestuous weather and the eerie ambiance of Duchesne Island, heighten the suspenseful mood. At its core, the novel explores themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
A gripping read that seamlessly blends adventure and emotion.
April 27, 2025
Vampires and magic, pirates and treasure hunts, found family, spooky and mysterious happenings, loyalty and companionship… a fun engaging read that has the vibes of The Goonies with a mix of Indiana Jones. With age-appropriate romance that is a minor point of the plot, which allows the focus is on the adventure and paranormal aspects of the story.
This story follows Lola, an 80-year-old vampire who is perpetually trapped in the 16-year-old body from when she was changed. Determined to escape her death sentence following the betrayal of those who she held closest, she flees to a cursed and spooky island. While she searches herself for any hope that all is not lost, she finds whispers of a Well of Souls that has the ability to grant invincibility. When a group of rag tag teens find their way into her path, she must blend in to learn more about her humanity and her capacity for others than she intended. Just when she finds herself, a villain from her past surfaces and threatens all she has holds dear.
This is a YA fantasy adventure and is a little younger than my typical reads but it was a good read none the less. There was, however, a little bit of repetitiveness that was a little distracting, but I still enjoyed the story overall. The friendship that Lola, Nix, Walt and Gael share is very heartwarming and entertaining. I look forward to book 2!
This story follows Lola, an 80-year-old vampire who is perpetually trapped in the 16-year-old body from when she was changed. Determined to escape her death sentence following the betrayal of those who she held closest, she flees to a cursed and spooky island. While she searches herself for any hope that all is not lost, she finds whispers of a Well of Souls that has the ability to grant invincibility. When a group of rag tag teens find their way into her path, she must blend in to learn more about her humanity and her capacity for others than she intended. Just when she finds herself, a villain from her past surfaces and threatens all she has holds dear.
This is a YA fantasy adventure and is a little younger than my typical reads but it was a good read none the less. There was, however, a little bit of repetitiveness that was a little distracting, but I still enjoyed the story overall. The friendship that Lola, Nix, Walt and Gael share is very heartwarming and entertaining. I look forward to book 2!
April 30, 2025
This one had such a cool setup—a vampire girl on the run, hiding out on a creepy little island while hunting for a mythical treasure. Sign me up!
Lola is immortal but stuck at 16, which makes for an interesting dynamic when she tries to blend in with the local teens. She’s tough and a bit mysterious with centuries of baggage, and I liked watching her slowly open up to the group she meets. The vibe of the island is super atmospheric—kind of timeless. Honestly, I was a little confused about when in time this was set. There were old-school elements, like traveling by sea, but then—someone pulls out a cell phone halfway through. Cue my confused laugh.🥲🥲
The relationship between Lola and Gael moves really fast. He meets her and is basically like, “Sure, let’s dig up my family’s land for buried treasure!” But hey, he's desperate to help his sick sibling, so I kind of rolled with it. Their connection grew on me the more I read.
The first half is a little slow with introducing more characters and setup, but once the mystery and danger really kick in, the second half flies. The stakes get higher, the action kicks in, and the creepy island magic starts making more sense. I found myself genuinely rooting for Lola and her ragtag group of friends.
If you're into YA paranormal with found family, cursed towns, and some vampire treasure-hunting vibes, this one’s worth checking out!
Lola is immortal but stuck at 16, which makes for an interesting dynamic when she tries to blend in with the local teens. She’s tough and a bit mysterious with centuries of baggage, and I liked watching her slowly open up to the group she meets. The vibe of the island is super atmospheric—kind of timeless. Honestly, I was a little confused about when in time this was set. There were old-school elements, like traveling by sea, but then—someone pulls out a cell phone halfway through. Cue my confused laugh.🥲🥲
The relationship between Lola and Gael moves really fast. He meets her and is basically like, “Sure, let’s dig up my family’s land for buried treasure!” But hey, he's desperate to help his sick sibling, so I kind of rolled with it. Their connection grew on me the more I read.
The first half is a little slow with introducing more characters and setup, but once the mystery and danger really kick in, the second half flies. The stakes get higher, the action kicks in, and the creepy island magic starts making more sense. I found myself genuinely rooting for Lola and her ragtag group of friends.
If you're into YA paranormal with found family, cursed towns, and some vampire treasure-hunting vibes, this one’s worth checking out!
April 5, 2024
Thanks for the opportunity to ARC this book, Booksiren! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So, I liked this book! I was kind of scared, because upon receiving an ARC for this book, I immediately took to Goodreads to see what people were already saying. And some people had a lot to say!
I personally try and go into books blind, because I feel like the summaries on the back, and other peoples reviews skew's my review.
Like I said, I liked it!! I liked the vampires, and paranormal feel, and (admittedly, I have never seen Indiana Jones, and that's what the tag like was on Booksirens) I enjoyed the fairy-tale/fantasy/adventure of this book!
I will admit that it took me a while to really get into the book...I would say that I was dragging until about page 60, but after that, I was all in! I do wish that the adventure / action storylines took place a bit quicker, I think it would've helped get the story goin faster.
The writing was great, descriptive (without being over-the-top), and intriguing. I will say that a few of the character lacked some depth, but I think that had more to do with my own personal feelings about them than the characters themselves.
Overall - I'd give a 3.5 / 5 stars (rounded up to four :)
So, I liked this book! I was kind of scared, because upon receiving an ARC for this book, I immediately took to Goodreads to see what people were already saying. And some people had a lot to say!
I personally try and go into books blind, because I feel like the summaries on the back, and other peoples reviews skew's my review.
Like I said, I liked it!! I liked the vampires, and paranormal feel, and (admittedly, I have never seen Indiana Jones, and that's what the tag like was on Booksirens) I enjoyed the fairy-tale/fantasy/adventure of this book!
I will admit that it took me a while to really get into the book...I would say that I was dragging until about page 60, but after that, I was all in! I do wish that the adventure / action storylines took place a bit quicker, I think it would've helped get the story goin faster.
The writing was great, descriptive (without being over-the-top), and intriguing. I will say that a few of the character lacked some depth, but I think that had more to do with my own personal feelings about them than the characters themselves.
Overall - I'd give a 3.5 / 5 stars (rounded up to four :)
October 8, 2025
I was very pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book! I think Kelly did a great job with this YA treasure hunting adventure story. I was really invested in all the characters and just couldn't put the book down. In terms of the genre, I think that it has a lot of potential to be a very loved book for a lot of students. So if you're just looking for a good and easy read, I strongly recommend you pick this series up!
It is a perfect little series to pick up at this time of year as well, I love the paranormal aspect and the woven information about vampires throughout the story. There were no big moments of shock for me, but I felt a lot of care and love for the characters. I was surprised the most by the LGBT representation of a character and thought it was really well done with the signs, although the first conversation around it could be done a bit smoother. The characters seemed to only focus on that part and not ED. There is another twist that bothered me a little towards the end but without spoiling things, I can't properly criticize it, but I will say that in that moment the main characters traits didn't match what we had learned. All in all, it's such a feel good book and it was just what I needed for the season.
Excited to continue the series.
It is a perfect little series to pick up at this time of year as well, I love the paranormal aspect and the woven information about vampires throughout the story. There were no big moments of shock for me, but I felt a lot of care and love for the characters. I was surprised the most by the LGBT representation of a character and thought it was really well done with the signs, although the first conversation around it could be done a bit smoother. The characters seemed to only focus on that part and not ED. There is another twist that bothered me a little towards the end but without spoiling things, I can't properly criticize it, but I will say that in that moment the main characters traits didn't match what we had learned. All in all, it's such a feel good book and it was just what I needed for the season.
Excited to continue the series.
March 24, 2024
(3.5/5 stars)
The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly is a YA/middle grade paranormal adventure featuring a treasure-hunting vampire. It's the first book in the Port of Lost Souls series and the author's debut novel.
Lola may look like she is sixteen, but looks can be deceiving. After being betrayed by the treasure-hunting crew she's been part of for decades, Lola searches to find an island believed to be cursed for her kind. Upon arrival, she starts to succumb to the magic of the island and an enchantment with a local boy and his group of misfit friends.
Overall I enjoyed this and blew through is pretty quickly! It's a good use of the teenage vampire trope. It was pitched to me as YA, but could probably also be read by upper middle-grade readers.
There was a good amount of adventure here, which is great because I've been really into adventure books lately! There's also mystery and a dash of romance.
If you liked Goosebumps or Fear Street or watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you should pick this one up!
I received a copy of this book to review. Thank you to Verse Ventures Tours and the author for the complimentary eARC. All opinions contained herein are my own. The Well of Souls releases on Tuesday, April 2nd.
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, or Twitter.
The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly is a YA/middle grade paranormal adventure featuring a treasure-hunting vampire. It's the first book in the Port of Lost Souls series and the author's debut novel.
Lola may look like she is sixteen, but looks can be deceiving. After being betrayed by the treasure-hunting crew she's been part of for decades, Lola searches to find an island believed to be cursed for her kind. Upon arrival, she starts to succumb to the magic of the island and an enchantment with a local boy and his group of misfit friends.
Overall I enjoyed this and blew through is pretty quickly! It's a good use of the teenage vampire trope. It was pitched to me as YA, but could probably also be read by upper middle-grade readers.
There was a good amount of adventure here, which is great because I've been really into adventure books lately! There's also mystery and a dash of romance.
If you liked Goosebumps or Fear Street or watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you should pick this one up!
I received a copy of this book to review. Thank you to Verse Ventures Tours and the author for the complimentary eARC. All opinions contained herein are my own. The Well of Souls releases on Tuesday, April 2nd.
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, or Twitter.
June 17, 2024
This is my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed the book. Based on how the book ends, maybe this is the beginning of a series, but if not, that is fine too.
I will read or watch anything with vampires at least once, and I am glad I picked this book. It is not your typical vampire book for young adults. The book focuses more on the protagonist's (Lola) life in the current day and references back to her past, but briefly. The author could continue the series by fleshing out her back story.
The author does a wonderful job of describing the island and atmosphere of where the story takes place. I could easily visualize the various scenes, which was great.
The characters are well formed and realistic and act like their age group most of the time. It is not hard to see late teens get into this type of adventure, but some of it is a bit of stretch - but its fiction, so that is not a problem.
To summarize the story in one line: think Goonies, but the main girl is a vampire.
Looking forward to what the author does next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will read or watch anything with vampires at least once, and I am glad I picked this book. It is not your typical vampire book for young adults. The book focuses more on the protagonist's (Lola) life in the current day and references back to her past, but briefly. The author could continue the series by fleshing out her back story.
The author does a wonderful job of describing the island and atmosphere of where the story takes place. I could easily visualize the various scenes, which was great.
The characters are well formed and realistic and act like their age group most of the time. It is not hard to see late teens get into this type of adventure, but some of it is a bit of stretch - but its fiction, so that is not a problem.
To summarize the story in one line: think Goonies, but the main girl is a vampire.
Looking forward to what the author does next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2024
Lola is a vampire on the run, weaker than others of her kind. Her maker has deemed her a liability and wants her dead.....for good this time. So, Lola flees, heading to an island rumored to be cursed to her kind with a hidden treasure known only as The Well of Souls; if she can claim its unimaginable power for herself, she may live to fight another day. Once there, she meets Gael, a local whose great-great discovered the pirate treasure on the island years ago. Gael is haunted in his ways, dealing with family illness and loss. Lola sees this as the perfect opportunity to use Walt and his friends to help her dig for the Well of Souls; it is on his family's property. Over the weeks, though, Lola begins to change. She may still be a predator, but these humans soon become her friends; her powers are more substantial, yet she feels more human. When an old enemy shows up, Lola will do anything to save the people she has come to care about.
Cordelia has created a fun-filled world where vampires, witches, and things that go bump in the night live. The novel was easy to understand, and the characters were relatable and lovable. Lola is brave and caring, Nix is fierce and tenacious, Walt is studious and inquisitive, and Gael is the big brother everyone needs in their life. He would do anything for those he loves. Join this misfit group as they search for buried treasure and learn that friendship can be one of life's greatest treasures.
Disclaimer: While I received a complimentary copy of this novel, the above thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Cordelia has created a fun-filled world where vampires, witches, and things that go bump in the night live. The novel was easy to understand, and the characters were relatable and lovable. Lola is brave and caring, Nix is fierce and tenacious, Walt is studious and inquisitive, and Gael is the big brother everyone needs in their life. He would do anything for those he loves. Join this misfit group as they search for buried treasure and learn that friendship can be one of life's greatest treasures.
Disclaimer: While I received a complimentary copy of this novel, the above thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
April 13, 2024
As far as a young adult fiction book goes, this book was well written. However, for more mature audiences it may seem a bit cliche or on the nose. Despite having enjoyed the concept of a vampire hunting for treasure, it took a long time for me to begin to like the book. (Without spoilers): it took eight chapters for me to understand what Lola, the main female character, looked like, wore, or even that this book took place in the modern day. Having arrived on a ship (at first, I believed a pirate ship) and by the way Lola held herself, I thought this book would be more Pirates of the Caribbean time only to be shown otherwise by the modern-day colloquial dialogue.
To have earned 5 stars, this author would have had to be more forthcoming with the setting, develop the island more, give me more insight into Lola's vampiric habits (which we didn't discover the details of until halfway through), and finish the subplot with the island bullies. Many loose ends were left by the end of the book.
I give three stars because this book would serve a younger audience well enough (i.e ages 8-14)
To have earned 5 stars, this author would have had to be more forthcoming with the setting, develop the island more, give me more insight into Lola's vampiric habits (which we didn't discover the details of until halfway through), and finish the subplot with the island bullies. Many loose ends were left by the end of the book.
I give three stars because this book would serve a younger audience well enough (i.e ages 8-14)
March 31, 2024
A Treasure Hunt with Vampires!
I went into this book forgetting what it was about. I knew that there would be vampires, but I was pleasantly surprised by the pirate/buried treasure storyline. It’s unique—something I’ve never even considered before (but why not?). Vampires and pirates. Sure. As I kept reading, I found that it was a whole lot of fun.
This book is written in third person limited, though it only follows Lola’s journey. It’s also set in past tense, which takes out a bit of the intensity.
Our main character is Lola, a vampire, and while on her journey for buried treasure, she runs into a few humans, the first of which is Gael. She needs Gael because he and his family are the only ones who are allowed to dig for the treasure (since it’s on his property), but with Gael comes his friends. In town, there is also the new police captain Greyson, and a kindly café owner named Faye who takes Lola under her wing.
The relationships within this book are interesting, especially in the ways they change. It really shows their complexities. At first, Lola is only using Gael for the treasure, which she needs for the power it grants so she can be safe. Over time, he and his friends take a different place in her heart, and she doesn’t fight it. Faye also manages to worm her way into Lola’s heart, being a mother figure in a way that Lola’s never had before. Found Family is always a wonderful trope.
This book reads like other Young Adult books. The sentences were more varied but not overly complex, ad there were no words that caused me to pause in my reading and look up for definitions. The action was quick to show up, and there was always something happening—it didn’t include overly meticulous descriptions for the scenery. (That being said, there were still some beautiful locations described.)
Overall, the pacing was quite good. Since I was listening along, it went by quicker than if I’d been reading the old-fashioned way, but at no point did it feel rushed or that it dragged on. The world and characters were also fun to explore and learn more about, which was a plus. My only complaint was how much time we had to spend with Ethan and his cronies, though their involvement is what led to Walt, so oh well.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of young adult vampire fiction! It was a real treat, especially with the added fun of the treasure hunt and the murders that have the police sniffing around. I am so excited for book two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I went into this book forgetting what it was about. I knew that there would be vampires, but I was pleasantly surprised by the pirate/buried treasure storyline. It’s unique—something I’ve never even considered before (but why not?). Vampires and pirates. Sure. As I kept reading, I found that it was a whole lot of fun.
This book is written in third person limited, though it only follows Lola’s journey. It’s also set in past tense, which takes out a bit of the intensity.
Our main character is Lola, a vampire, and while on her journey for buried treasure, she runs into a few humans, the first of which is Gael. She needs Gael because he and his family are the only ones who are allowed to dig for the treasure (since it’s on his property), but with Gael comes his friends. In town, there is also the new police captain Greyson, and a kindly café owner named Faye who takes Lola under her wing.
The relationships within this book are interesting, especially in the ways they change. It really shows their complexities. At first, Lola is only using Gael for the treasure, which she needs for the power it grants so she can be safe. Over time, he and his friends take a different place in her heart, and she doesn’t fight it. Faye also manages to worm her way into Lola’s heart, being a mother figure in a way that Lola’s never had before. Found Family is always a wonderful trope.
This book reads like other Young Adult books. The sentences were more varied but not overly complex, ad there were no words that caused me to pause in my reading and look up for definitions. The action was quick to show up, and there was always something happening—it didn’t include overly meticulous descriptions for the scenery. (That being said, there were still some beautiful locations described.)
Overall, the pacing was quite good. Since I was listening along, it went by quicker than if I’d been reading the old-fashioned way, but at no point did it feel rushed or that it dragged on. The world and characters were also fun to explore and learn more about, which was a plus. My only complaint was how much time we had to spend with Ethan and his cronies, though their involvement is what led to Walt, so oh well.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of young adult vampire fiction! It was a real treat, especially with the added fun of the treasure hunt and the murders that have the police sniffing around. I am so excited for book two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2024
🌟 YA
🌟 Vampires
🌟 Treasure Hunting
🌟 Adventure
🌟 He falls first
🌟 Queer elements
This story had everything I liked: light romance, treasure hunting, vampires, and a dash of adventure.
There was enough intrigue to keep reading, enough romance to keep it swoony, and enough adventure to keep the story exciting.
But the whole mystery around the final objective for Lola was a bit of a turn-down for me. The fact that not even the FMC didn't know what she was chasing was something I didn't fully appreciate.
I'd rather have her think it was something specific and then discover that it was something else than for her to chase an idea of power.
I'd still be excited to read a second book in the series if it ever comes out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌟 Vampires
🌟 Treasure Hunting
🌟 Adventure
🌟 He falls first
🌟 Queer elements
This story had everything I liked: light romance, treasure hunting, vampires, and a dash of adventure.
There was enough intrigue to keep reading, enough romance to keep it swoony, and enough adventure to keep the story exciting.
But the whole mystery around the final objective for Lola was a bit of a turn-down for me. The fact that not even the FMC didn't know what she was chasing was something I didn't fully appreciate.
I'd rather have her think it was something specific and then discover that it was something else than for her to chase an idea of power.
I'd still be excited to read a second book in the series if it ever comes out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2024
At the start I wasn’t sure what I had picked to read and thought maybe this was going along the buccaneer route! But within a few chapters the story became clearer although the characters supporting Lola were a little 2D at times the descriptions of the environment and the underlying themes were good.
This was a different take on a coming of age story and another version of vampire mythology. It was written well and was easy to read. I enjoyed the story and would’ve interested to know what happened next to Lola and Gael.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a different take on a coming of age story and another version of vampire mythology. It was written well and was easy to read. I enjoyed the story and would’ve interested to know what happened next to Lola and Gael.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2024
I am very proud of my friend, Cordelia Kelly, for releasing her first YA novel! I feel very grateful to be able to dive into the world that is The Well Of Souls. Knowing the author personally, I felt her sophistication and knack for storytelling come through the pages. I enjoyed the build-up within the story. From Lola first arriving on the island to how she interacts with the humans around her, I enjoyed how the storyline evolved over each chapter. I feel that CK is such a talented writer that at times I forgot I was reading a YA novel. I loved the vampire and Indiana Jones-esque vibes. I think this was a very smart and creative work of fiction.
October 5, 2025
The Well of Souls is a powerful opener to the Port of Lost Souls series, carried by Cordelia Kelly's exceptional atmospheric writing. The prose is sharp and detailed, making the setting spring to life immediately. The atmosphere is a character in itself—thick with ancient history and shadowy secrets, it grounds the narrative in a truly tangible place. This rich sense of locale, while initially lighthearted in its promise of adventure, develops a deep, reflective quality as the story unfolds. It’s an absorbing read that offers an unforgettable sense of place. I can't wait to continue Lola's story.
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily]
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily]
January 6, 2024
This book definitely gave me a whirlwind of emotions! The mythology and take on vampires was new for me and I really enjoyed the elemental aspects to the story. However it’s only getting 4 stars from me because the characters were hard to connect to and did seem slightly two dimensional at points where the writing may have been a bit too fast paced for my liking. Overall I’m really glad I read it and look forward to more from this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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