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The Bowl of Souls #6
Tarah Woodblade
A Bowl of Souls Novel
The war is over, but there is a void of power that must be filled and no shortage of souls eager to fill it.
Tarah Woodblade was the best guide and tracker in the land, but she ran away from the war. She returns to Dremaldria expecting to be labeled a coward, but finds herself lauded as a hero. It seems a hero is needed too, because someone is hunting rogue horses . . .
The war is over, but there is a void of power that must be filled and no shortage of souls eager to fill it.
Tarah Woodblade was the best guide and tracker in the land, but she ran away from the war. She returns to Dremaldria expecting to be labeled a coward, but finds herself lauded as a hero. It seems a hero is needed too, because someone is hunting rogue horses . . .
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2014
79 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Trevor H. Cooley
32 books251 followersI was born in South Carolina and have lived all around the United states. Utah, New Mexico, Michigan and Tennessee.
I started reading novels in second grade and my love of Fantasy started with Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain series. I couldn't get enough, continued with David Eddings, Tolkein, Robert Jordan. All I wanted was to become a published writer.
The characters and concepts that eventually became the Bowl of Souls series started in my teens. I wrote short stories, kept notebooks full of ideas, and generally dreamed about my world constantly. There were several attempts at starting a novel over the years.
Not long after I was married, my wife told me to stop talking about the story and write it down. Here I am, many years and rewrites and submissions and rejection letters later taking the plunge into self publishing.
The Bowl of Souls Series:
THE MOONRAT SAGA
1. Eye of the Moonrat
2. Messenger of the Dark Prophet
3. Hunt of the Bandham
1.5. Hilt's Pride
4. War of Stardeon
5. Mother of the Moonrat
THE JHARRO GROVE SAGA
1. Tarah Woodblade
2. Protector of the Grove
3. Ogre Apprentice
4. The Troll King
5. Priestess of War
6. Behemoth (2017)
THE DARK PROPHET SAGA
1. Sir Edge (Upcoming)
TALLOW JONES
1. Tallow Jones: Wizard Detective (Fall 2017)
NOOSE JUMPERS
1. Noose Jumpers: A Mythological Western
2. (Upcoming)
I currently live in Idaho with my wife and four children.
I started reading novels in second grade and my love of Fantasy started with Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain series. I couldn't get enough, continued with David Eddings, Tolkein, Robert Jordan. All I wanted was to become a published writer.
The characters and concepts that eventually became the Bowl of Souls series started in my teens. I wrote short stories, kept notebooks full of ideas, and generally dreamed about my world constantly. There were several attempts at starting a novel over the years.
Not long after I was married, my wife told me to stop talking about the story and write it down. Here I am, many years and rewrites and submissions and rejection letters later taking the plunge into self publishing.
The Bowl of Souls Series:
THE MOONRAT SAGA
1. Eye of the Moonrat
2. Messenger of the Dark Prophet
3. Hunt of the Bandham
1.5. Hilt's Pride
4. War of Stardeon
5. Mother of the Moonrat
THE JHARRO GROVE SAGA
1. Tarah Woodblade
2. Protector of the Grove
3. Ogre Apprentice
4. The Troll King
5. Priestess of War
6. Behemoth (2017)
THE DARK PROPHET SAGA
1. Sir Edge (Upcoming)
TALLOW JONES
1. Tallow Jones: Wizard Detective (Fall 2017)
NOOSE JUMPERS
1. Noose Jumpers: A Mythological Western
2. (Upcoming)
I currently live in Idaho with my wife and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 13, 2020
Tarah Woodblade
(The Bowl of Souls #6/Jharro Grove Saga #1)
by Trevor H. Cooley
This introduces Sarah and her adventures which crosses with the rogue horses. There are new characters and great adventures! I really enjoyed this book! A tough gal but flawed. Her traveling companion she ends up with is really cool too!
Loved it!
(The Bowl of Souls #6/Jharro Grove Saga #1)
by Trevor H. Cooley
This introduces Sarah and her adventures which crosses with the rogue horses. There are new characters and great adventures! I really enjoyed this book! A tough gal but flawed. Her traveling companion she ends up with is really cool too!
Loved it!
March 16, 2014
As I have read all of the books in the first bowl of souls series I was looking forward to reading Tarah Woodblade I have to be honest I was not disappointed in reading this book.
I like it that while we are introduced to a new leading lady we are meeting characters who have been mentioned in the previous books it is helping to broaden this world that has been created.
It's good to still see that justin the leading man from the first series makes an appearance in this book. You don't want to forget about him and hopefully he will make more appearances in future books in this series.
Without spoiling the book one character who returns in this surprised me and I can't wait to see what this will mean.
Tarah as a Character intrigues me. Here's a woman who while considered a hero sees herself as a coward (you find out why in the book). She has abilities that are unique and we'll hopefully have them fully explained to see how she'll use them.
Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the next book in the series.
I like it that while we are introduced to a new leading lady we are meeting characters who have been mentioned in the previous books it is helping to broaden this world that has been created.
It's good to still see that justin the leading man from the first series makes an appearance in this book. You don't want to forget about him and hopefully he will make more appearances in future books in this series.
Without spoiling the book one character who returns in this surprised me and I can't wait to see what this will mean.
Tarah as a Character intrigues me. Here's a woman who while considered a hero sees herself as a coward (you find out why in the book). She has abilities that are unique and we'll hopefully have them fully explained to see how she'll use them.
Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the next book in the series.
October 9, 2016
Tarah struggles with who she is. She doesn't understand who's inside because she's left other people's thoughts of her affect her. She comes to learn from Djeri, who becomes dear to her, that she's who she is through actions not what people think of her. This is a strong lesson for Tarah, and what readers can take from the story too.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
The land of Dremaldria has been ever changed due to the war. It's over now, and people try to rebuild.
Tarah returns to her home land expecting to be seen as the coward who ran from the war. She hopes, the guild will accept her because she's one of the best trackers around. When she returns home she finds the exact opposite. She's viewed by the people as a hero.
Tarah had taken what appeared to be a magically spelled sword from a bandit on her way to Sampo. With no post of someone looking for it, Tarah agrees to take it to the Mage School for a finders fee. And while on her way there, she agrees to take an easy job of escorting a couple and their son to the school. Easy money... right? Tarah sees the tracks to a rare, unbelievable beast but keeps moving with the family. At the Wizard Academy, Tarah's asked to be a specialist on a contract job. To help track a Rogue horse. For the money and easy sound of the job, she takes it.
I've grown to really like background music when narrators read the title page of a book. Sets the mood for what's to come. Andrew is a narrator I've listened to and enjoyed. When I see a book in the genre I enjoy, I have to have it. This book holds true to his fantasy narrations. He does different tones and emotions for each character, making them distinct for us. I do enjoy his different inflections and timber for individualizing the characters. His voice is clear and easy to listen to.
Tarah knows what she did when the war was happening. She ran. People died. She wasn't here to help them. And it all weighs on her mind because they think her a hero for what she did in Pinewood. Tarah also has her Papa and Grampa Rolf in her mind reminding her how she should act and what she should do. They are like her conscious.
There's Djeri. He becomes Tarah's travel companion, co-worker in a sense. But Djeri the Looker becomes much more than just that to Tarah. They both start to realize it as they are there for each other through this travel and obstacles of threats. I like how this relationship evolves through the book.
When we meet Arkon I'm caught by him. It's a quick intro to him and Melinda. Their connection is a unique one here in this world, and I'm getting the feel an unwanted one. The magic and assassins sent after them are wild. I love it! Arkon is a mage and has his own tricks. I'm thinking he might be my favorite character but because of the mystery surrounding him.
I've not read or listened to any of The Bowl of Souls series, though I'm wanting to. I've started in with this book with fresh eyes. I'm not aware of the ways of this world or the war that has ravaged the lands, but it was easy to understand the world. Tarah is even haunted by her past during the war, those that she didn't save and how she ran. It leaves a mysterious feel to Tarah and keeps me wondering the whole story with her past, keeping me listening to learn.
There is a moral to the story, it's tied to Tarah struggling with who she is. She doesn't understand who's inside because she's left other people's thoughts of her affect her. She comes to learn from Djeri, who becomes dear to her, that she's who she is through actions not what people think of her. This is a strong lesson for Tarah, and what readers can take from the story too.
The epilogue introduces new characters and new troubles to be followed in the next book. I'm curious how this will cross with Tarah Woodblade's next mission, which we know of by how this book ends.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
The land of Dremaldria has been ever changed due to the war. It's over now, and people try to rebuild.
Tarah returns to her home land expecting to be seen as the coward who ran from the war. She hopes, the guild will accept her because she's one of the best trackers around. When she returns home she finds the exact opposite. She's viewed by the people as a hero.
Tarah had taken what appeared to be a magically spelled sword from a bandit on her way to Sampo. With no post of someone looking for it, Tarah agrees to take it to the Mage School for a finders fee. And while on her way there, she agrees to take an easy job of escorting a couple and their son to the school. Easy money... right? Tarah sees the tracks to a rare, unbelievable beast but keeps moving with the family. At the Wizard Academy, Tarah's asked to be a specialist on a contract job. To help track a Rogue horse. For the money and easy sound of the job, she takes it.
I've grown to really like background music when narrators read the title page of a book. Sets the mood for what's to come. Andrew is a narrator I've listened to and enjoyed. When I see a book in the genre I enjoy, I have to have it. This book holds true to his fantasy narrations. He does different tones and emotions for each character, making them distinct for us. I do enjoy his different inflections and timber for individualizing the characters. His voice is clear and easy to listen to.
Tarah knows what she did when the war was happening. She ran. People died. She wasn't here to help them. And it all weighs on her mind because they think her a hero for what she did in Pinewood. Tarah also has her Papa and Grampa Rolf in her mind reminding her how she should act and what she should do. They are like her conscious.
There's Djeri. He becomes Tarah's travel companion, co-worker in a sense. But Djeri the Looker becomes much more than just that to Tarah. They both start to realize it as they are there for each other through this travel and obstacles of threats. I like how this relationship evolves through the book.
When we meet Arkon I'm caught by him. It's a quick intro to him and Melinda. Their connection is a unique one here in this world, and I'm getting the feel an unwanted one. The magic and assassins sent after them are wild. I love it! Arkon is a mage and has his own tricks. I'm thinking he might be my favorite character but because of the mystery surrounding him.
I've not read or listened to any of The Bowl of Souls series, though I'm wanting to. I've started in with this book with fresh eyes. I'm not aware of the ways of this world or the war that has ravaged the lands, but it was easy to understand the world. Tarah is even haunted by her past during the war, those that she didn't save and how she ran. It leaves a mysterious feel to Tarah and keeps me wondering the whole story with her past, keeping me listening to learn.
There is a moral to the story, it's tied to Tarah struggling with who she is. She doesn't understand who's inside because she's left other people's thoughts of her affect her. She comes to learn from Djeri, who becomes dear to her, that she's who she is through actions not what people think of her. This is a strong lesson for Tarah, and what readers can take from the story too.
The epilogue introduces new characters and new troubles to be followed in the next book. I'm curious how this will cross with Tarah Woodblade's next mission, which we know of by how this book ends.
August 12, 2016
Tarah, a Dwarf, and a Red Staff Adventure
Terah Woodblade is the sixth book in the “The Bowl of Souls” series and the first book in the “The Jharro Grove” saga, however it is the first book I have read in the series. Because this was my entry into the series, there were a few plot items I believe I missed had I read the previous five books. The author does a good job of providing enough backstory to assist readers with some high-level details to better understanding events from the earlier books. After reading this book, I will defiantly go back and read the others in the series; I enjoyed it that much. It is cliché, but I would say that you can judge this book by its cover, both are great.
Fantasy is one of my favorite book genres, but I have often stuck to more traditional or contemporary fantasy books written by authors like Brandon Sanderson. I was unsure what to expect from this book as it appeared to be more fantasy focused. Wow is all I can say after finishing the book. It exceeded all my expectations and it had me engaged from start to finish. The pace of the story was well done and at no time did I feel I wanted to skim over sections to get past slow periods. The author is able to tell a great adventure story by including flashbacks, dream sequences, and even a few twists and surprises. For me, the book was enjoyable and unpredictable; which is not an easy thing to accomplish with so many other fantasy books available. There was a good amount of excitement, humor, sub-plots, etc. to give the reader a deep experience. The regular battle between good and bad, but it is well told on this book.
The author painted a very believable story and included many fantasy character types while injecting a few unique creatures. The development of the main characters in the story was done very well; not too much or too little. Terah in my opinion would be classified as either a ranger or huntsman (huntswoman) based on simple RPG type classifications. And I would say that her adventure did not disappoint. One aspect I found strange was that she often would refer to herself in the third-person when speaking with others. This took some getting used to, but stick with the story as you will learn a few reasons why nearer the end of the book.
The author is able to tell a very compelling and exciting story without having to resort to the use of vulgar language as many other contemporary fantasy authors do. Language of this type would not have existed in the time the book takes place, which for me keeps it more realistic. I would like to personally thank the author for providing a deep and adventurous story that my teenager can read and enjoy and I feel comfortable allowing her too. The author expresses his characters through other means than stooping to such words. It is not a big deal, but a word that somewhat grated on my nerves was used by one of the main character. It is not a crass word, but again more a modern word which I would not think used during that period.
Regarding the audiobook narration. Andrew Tell does an excellent job of reading the book and bringing the many characters of the book to life. For a story that could have been read in a monotone way, Mr. Tell reads in a way that is expressive, inflective, and flowing. Even with the main character being female, Mr. Tell does a good job of voicing her which does not seem overly breathy or falsetto; like other narrators do.
Andrew is one of my new favorite narrators, and I will be listening to more material by him. He seems to do many other fantasy narrations along with other genres.
Disclaimer: This book was provided to the reviewer by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for a non-bias review.
Terah Woodblade is the sixth book in the “The Bowl of Souls” series and the first book in the “The Jharro Grove” saga, however it is the first book I have read in the series. Because this was my entry into the series, there were a few plot items I believe I missed had I read the previous five books. The author does a good job of providing enough backstory to assist readers with some high-level details to better understanding events from the earlier books. After reading this book, I will defiantly go back and read the others in the series; I enjoyed it that much. It is cliché, but I would say that you can judge this book by its cover, both are great.
Fantasy is one of my favorite book genres, but I have often stuck to more traditional or contemporary fantasy books written by authors like Brandon Sanderson. I was unsure what to expect from this book as it appeared to be more fantasy focused. Wow is all I can say after finishing the book. It exceeded all my expectations and it had me engaged from start to finish. The pace of the story was well done and at no time did I feel I wanted to skim over sections to get past slow periods. The author is able to tell a great adventure story by including flashbacks, dream sequences, and even a few twists and surprises. For me, the book was enjoyable and unpredictable; which is not an easy thing to accomplish with so many other fantasy books available. There was a good amount of excitement, humor, sub-plots, etc. to give the reader a deep experience. The regular battle between good and bad, but it is well told on this book.
The author painted a very believable story and included many fantasy character types while injecting a few unique creatures. The development of the main characters in the story was done very well; not too much or too little. Terah in my opinion would be classified as either a ranger or huntsman (huntswoman) based on simple RPG type classifications. And I would say that her adventure did not disappoint. One aspect I found strange was that she often would refer to herself in the third-person when speaking with others. This took some getting used to, but stick with the story as you will learn a few reasons why nearer the end of the book.
The author is able to tell a very compelling and exciting story without having to resort to the use of vulgar language as many other contemporary fantasy authors do. Language of this type would not have existed in the time the book takes place, which for me keeps it more realistic. I would like to personally thank the author for providing a deep and adventurous story that my teenager can read and enjoy and I feel comfortable allowing her too. The author expresses his characters through other means than stooping to such words. It is not a big deal, but a word that somewhat grated on my nerves was used by one of the main character. It is not a crass word, but again more a modern word which I would not think used during that period.
Regarding the audiobook narration. Andrew Tell does an excellent job of reading the book and bringing the many characters of the book to life. For a story that could have been read in a monotone way, Mr. Tell reads in a way that is expressive, inflective, and flowing. Even with the main character being female, Mr. Tell does a good job of voicing her which does not seem overly breathy or falsetto; like other narrators do.
Andrew is one of my new favorite narrators, and I will be listening to more material by him. He seems to do many other fantasy narrations along with other genres.
Disclaimer: This book was provided to the reviewer by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for a non-bias review.
September 30, 2016
Good action, strong characters, an interesting plot and good narration work together to make this an engaging listen. My rating 4.5.
Tarah Woodblade drags herself back to her home town expecting to be scorned because she ran when war broke out. She is surprised when she is hailed as a hero. After all she did lead many people to safety that fateful night before she disappeared. Now she just has to reconcile with her own guilt.
Before she can even make it to her off the path home, she is pulled in for a new assignment. The local guild hires her to work for them to track rogue horses. Tarah is one of the best trackers around even though she carefully hides the secret of her success.
Rogue horses are not really horses. Well, parts of them might be. But other parts are gorilla or lion or unicorn or many other creatures. They are rogue because they have been constructed by the magic of a fierce magician who is no longer around to create more. The few rogue horses still hiding possess great power and are extremely valuable for more reasons than suspected. Tarah is more than willing to track these wondrous creatures to try to get them away from the bandit dwarves who are selling them knowing they will be slaughtered.
Tarah is teamed with Djeri (Jerry with a D) and neither is thrilled with the teaming at first. But as they move forward they begin to recognize and appreciate each other’s skills. I enjoyed how their reluctant pairing grew to a caring team. Djeri stands by Tarah and supports her as she faces current danger and trauma and deals with the dark emotions of her past. Most important, he believes in her and helps her change her attitude.
Tarah is an annoying character at first. It is clear she has spent a lot of time alone as she is constantly speaking to herself within her head. She especially repeats dialogue from her steady and logical father which is offset by the crafty strengths of her grandfather. I enjoyed how Mr. Cooley ‘grew’ Tarah’s character through the book. I really liked her tracking skills and the fighting skills of both Tarah and Djeri which were displayed through plenty of action.
Tarah Woodblade is the 6th book in the Bowl of Souls series but the first in The Jharro Grove Saga. I was worried about coming in at the 6th in a series but the book stands well on its own. There was enough backstory that I felt I got a sense of some of the adventures that must be covered in the earlier books. There are moonrats whose queen was apparently killed by Tarah. But the spirit or essence of the queen lives on in a bizarre location. There are nasty wizards and dwarves who are a threat to the horses and a threat to Tarah and Djeri.
This is good fantasy with magic, dwarves, gnomes, and an assortment of creatures. I would definitely be interested in reading or listening to more in the series as this was fun and engaging.
Audio Notes: Andrew Tell did an excellent job with this narration. He provided different voice accents and emotional levels that fit the characters, even the female protagonist. His narration was clear and flowed well. It added to my enjoyment of the story.
I received this audio title from the narrator for an honest review.
Tarah Woodblade drags herself back to her home town expecting to be scorned because she ran when war broke out. She is surprised when she is hailed as a hero. After all she did lead many people to safety that fateful night before she disappeared. Now she just has to reconcile with her own guilt.
Before she can even make it to her off the path home, she is pulled in for a new assignment. The local guild hires her to work for them to track rogue horses. Tarah is one of the best trackers around even though she carefully hides the secret of her success.
Rogue horses are not really horses. Well, parts of them might be. But other parts are gorilla or lion or unicorn or many other creatures. They are rogue because they have been constructed by the magic of a fierce magician who is no longer around to create more. The few rogue horses still hiding possess great power and are extremely valuable for more reasons than suspected. Tarah is more than willing to track these wondrous creatures to try to get them away from the bandit dwarves who are selling them knowing they will be slaughtered.
Tarah is teamed with Djeri (Jerry with a D) and neither is thrilled with the teaming at first. But as they move forward they begin to recognize and appreciate each other’s skills. I enjoyed how their reluctant pairing grew to a caring team. Djeri stands by Tarah and supports her as she faces current danger and trauma and deals with the dark emotions of her past. Most important, he believes in her and helps her change her attitude.
Tarah is an annoying character at first. It is clear she has spent a lot of time alone as she is constantly speaking to herself within her head. She especially repeats dialogue from her steady and logical father which is offset by the crafty strengths of her grandfather. I enjoyed how Mr. Cooley ‘grew’ Tarah’s character through the book. I really liked her tracking skills and the fighting skills of both Tarah and Djeri which were displayed through plenty of action.
Tarah Woodblade is the 6th book in the Bowl of Souls series but the first in The Jharro Grove Saga. I was worried about coming in at the 6th in a series but the book stands well on its own. There was enough backstory that I felt I got a sense of some of the adventures that must be covered in the earlier books. There are moonrats whose queen was apparently killed by Tarah. But the spirit or essence of the queen lives on in a bizarre location. There are nasty wizards and dwarves who are a threat to the horses and a threat to Tarah and Djeri.
This is good fantasy with magic, dwarves, gnomes, and an assortment of creatures. I would definitely be interested in reading or listening to more in the series as this was fun and engaging.
Audio Notes: Andrew Tell did an excellent job with this narration. He provided different voice accents and emotional levels that fit the characters, even the female protagonist. His narration was clear and flowed well. It added to my enjoyment of the story.
I received this audio title from the narrator for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
My Thoughts:
Here we are introduced to a totally new character (Tarah Woodblade) that this book seemed like a tangent series to The Bowl Of Souls , which of course it can be viewed as such, but it is at the same time a continuation of the old one, which to me is great! So new character and all,... reading this book was kind of anti-climactic after the big war in book 5, Mother Of The Moonrat . However, these books are also sequential so I have to read this book if I want to read the rest of the books in the world of Sir Edge. The other reason I wanted to read this book is that I was hoping to know what happened to Talon but there was no mention of her whatsoever in this book. (Bummer!) Fist however is still my favourite character. Of course by now I am a big fan of Edge's world and quite forgiving of it's many little faults. In fact, I don't see them anymore... faults? what faults?...
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4
Plot = 3.5
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2017...
Here we are introduced to a totally new character (Tarah Woodblade) that this book seemed like a tangent series to The Bowl Of Souls , which of course it can be viewed as such, but it is at the same time a continuation of the old one, which to me is great! So new character and all,... reading this book was kind of anti-climactic after the big war in book 5, Mother Of The Moonrat . However, these books are also sequential so I have to read this book if I want to read the rest of the books in the world of Sir Edge. The other reason I wanted to read this book is that I was hoping to know what happened to Talon but there was no mention of her whatsoever in this book. (Bummer!) Fist however is still my favourite character. Of course by now I am a big fan of Edge's world and quite forgiving of it's many little faults. In fact, I don't see them anymore... faults? what faults?...
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 4
Plot = 3.5
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2017...
August 27, 2016
Hurray! I found a new author. Great characters. Now I will start with book 1...
first sentences of chapter 1
“You got money on ya?” asked one of the scruffy men, an evil gleam in his eye. Tarah fought down her nerves and breathed in the situation using all the training her papa and grampa had given her. She sensed three men altogether, but the two standing in front of her were the immediate threat. They were unshaven and filthy and wore cast-off armor that had been badly damaged and messily repaired. She couldn’t see the third man, but she could hear him shifting his feet behind the bushes. “Money? Why, are you beggars?” Tarah asked, arching one eyebrow coolly. This wasn’t good. These men were likely leftovers from the war. They wore swords, but didn’t move like trained soldiers so that meant they were probably Ewzad Vriil’s men. “Beggars?” said the man, frowning. He wore a leather half-helm and his eyes were as yellow as his teeth.
Cooley, Trevor H. (2014-03-10). Tarah Woodblade: The Jharro Grove Saga (The Bowl of Souls - Volume Six) (Kindle Locations 264-270). . Kindle Edition.
first sentences of chapter 1
“You got money on ya?” asked one of the scruffy men, an evil gleam in his eye. Tarah fought down her nerves and breathed in the situation using all the training her papa and grampa had given her. She sensed three men altogether, but the two standing in front of her were the immediate threat. They were unshaven and filthy and wore cast-off armor that had been badly damaged and messily repaired. She couldn’t see the third man, but she could hear him shifting his feet behind the bushes. “Money? Why, are you beggars?” Tarah asked, arching one eyebrow coolly. This wasn’t good. These men were likely leftovers from the war. They wore swords, but didn’t move like trained soldiers so that meant they were probably Ewzad Vriil’s men. “Beggars?” said the man, frowning. He wore a leather half-helm and his eyes were as yellow as his teeth.
Cooley, Trevor H. (2014-03-10). Tarah Woodblade: The Jharro Grove Saga (The Bowl of Souls - Volume Six) (Kindle Locations 264-270). . Kindle Edition.
December 19, 2014
Tarah Woodblade is a gal with a self image problem. That includes a talking father and grandfather inside her head after they have passed to the other side some time ago. Tarah is hired by the Mage School to find a rogue horse, a magical creature nearly as intelligent as humans. Tarah can touch tracks and traces and get feedback as to who and when what she is tracking left the imprint. Great start to a continuing saga of "The Bowl of souls".
April 19, 2015
Great entertainment
The writer wraps his story around his characters they come to life very quickly in such realistic ways. They show strengths and weaknesses and reasons why they do the things they do. They are such a lovely group of people which shows what must truly be in the heart of the writer. Mr Cooley is someone I could easily become friends with. The stories and plots keep you on the edge of your seat and you can hardly wait to see what is going to happen next.
The writer wraps his story around his characters they come to life very quickly in such realistic ways. They show strengths and weaknesses and reasons why they do the things they do. They are such a lovely group of people which shows what must truly be in the heart of the writer. Mr Cooley is someone I could easily become friends with. The stories and plots keep you on the edge of your seat and you can hardly wait to see what is going to happen next.
May 31, 2014
I can not wait
he said the second book of this series will be out by summer 2014. I can not wait. I really want to know what happens next especially considering the ending. this book is as good as the other bowl of souls series. I can not wait.
he said the second book of this series will be out by summer 2014. I can not wait. I really want to know what happens next especially considering the ending. this book is as good as the other bowl of souls series. I can not wait.
November 1, 2014
This is a really fun first book for this new saga. Tarah is a very interesting character.
February 26, 2015
New characters, but same great writing. Excellent read.
October 21, 2016
Pretty slow to get into this one, but about half way through the author called himself out on a couple of things that had been bothering me (3rd person self-referencing, "turds"), and things got easier to follow after that.
The story has some interesting things - the idea of rogue horses (magically created chimeras) is interesting and I wish they'd been more active characters in the story. The take on gnomes is a new one, and the interaction of gnome and human societies was fun to see. Overall story was decent.
The writing was pretty rough though. He could really use some quality editing to avoid phrasing like "it was as if like a" and "the shirt was a better fit but fit too tight".
The story has some interesting things - the idea of rogue horses (magically created chimeras) is interesting and I wish they'd been more active characters in the story. The take on gnomes is a new one, and the interaction of gnome and human societies was fun to see. Overall story was decent.
The writing was pretty rough though. He could really use some quality editing to avoid phrasing like "it was as if like a" and "the shirt was a better fit but fit too tight".
August 6, 2017
This was a fun fantasy adventure. The characters are realistic and likable (and not stuck in stereotypes). The only reason I give four stars is because the story stayed focused on the personal growth of the eponymous lead character and only at the end did we connect to a larger story.
Note: while it's not essential that you read the previous Bowl of Souls series, it is highly recommended as there are multiple spoilers for those books.
Note: while it's not essential that you read the previous Bowl of Souls series, it is highly recommended as there are multiple spoilers for those books.
September 17, 2017
I downloaded Tarah Woodblade as a free book from Amazon. I really enjoyed the world-building for this fantasy story. The characters were fascinating, and the ploy kept me interested from the first chapter. Although Tarah Woodblade didn't end in a cliffhanger, there were some threads left open--I'll be looking for the next book of this series, as I'd love to see what happens next.
July 20, 2017
Irritating
The characters habit of referring to herself by her full name quickly becomes so irritating that it detracts from the story.
The writing is good and otherwise the story seemed engaging but this foible just irritated me enough to spoil N otherwise great read.
The characters habit of referring to herself by her full name quickly becomes so irritating that it detracts from the story.
The writing is good and otherwise the story seemed engaging but this foible just irritated me enough to spoil N otherwise great read.
May 18, 2021
I will likely have to read this again, but frankly I don't think I am. It was good enough, but not something I enjoyed enough to finish it.
March 10, 2017
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. FAST READ! THE NEXT IN THE SERIES IS "PROTECTOR OF THE GROVE" AND I LOVED IT AS WELL. I'M READING THE 3rd ONE, "OGRE'S APPRENTICE" NOW.
September 3, 2016
Tarah Woodblade, is the first book of "The Jharro Grove Saga" however it is the sixth book in "The Bowl of Souls series". That said I would recommend avoiding this book, that is unless you are already a fan of the series and Trevor H. Cooley's work in general. This story did not have the depth of character development needed, to both pull the reader in and advance the story line. There are at least two moderate side stories going on during this book, with no perceptible correlation to the rest of the book. The biggest turn-off of the book is that Tarah Woodblade converses with the memories of her father and grandfather; these conversations, are always phrased 'Tarah Woodblade dosen't give up', Tarah Woodblade dosen't back down', 'Tarah Woodblade doesn't take advantage of others generosity'. If you can get past reading 'Tarah Woodblade' eighty-some-odd times in the first five chapters the only perk is that... well I'm not sure there is one.
July 20, 2017
Warning to all those thinking of starting into this Saga!
1. Its awesome, and the finale is nearly perfect.
2. This book begins and ends with a brand new character. Very few of the people from the original Saga appear here. So go into it with a fresh mind.
At the time of writing this review, I have read the entire Saga. As I had stated prior to, the finale is amazing the new villain that sees his beginning here, is probably one of the most interesting I have seen in a novel. His tale alone is enough to justify reading to the very end.
Tarah Woodblade herself took me a very long time to attach to. Multiple volumes, but seeing her "birth" and progression that begins here, makes who she turns into a joy.
What I am saying, is this book is a new beginning for a new set of stories. Go into it knowing such, and you will greatly enjoy it.
1. Its awesome, and the finale is nearly perfect.
2. This book begins and ends with a brand new character. Very few of the people from the original Saga appear here. So go into it with a fresh mind.
At the time of writing this review, I have read the entire Saga. As I had stated prior to, the finale is amazing the new villain that sees his beginning here, is probably one of the most interesting I have seen in a novel. His tale alone is enough to justify reading to the very end.
Tarah Woodblade herself took me a very long time to attach to. Multiple volumes, but seeing her "birth" and progression that begins here, makes who she turns into a joy.
What I am saying, is this book is a new beginning for a new set of stories. Go into it knowing such, and you will greatly enjoy it.
Read
August 13, 2016This was a good listen. The pace was steady and the narration excellent. The epilogue hints at what I assume is the beginning of the next book in the series.
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom"
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom"
February 18, 2016
Poor start. Decent overall.
February 27, 2016
Romantic story line killed whatever plot and character building this story had.
The Archon and Dark queen story arch is hilarious though. The protagonist's is not, however.
The Archon and Dark queen story arch is hilarious though. The protagonist's is not, however.
April 24, 2016
I'm intrigued to see how this all fits in with the rest of the series. You don't see too much overlap with the other books.
August 7, 2016
Growing up a Woman in a Man's World
A. Good adventure story! It got a little gory and vicious, then it got a little romantic. I would read it again, not age specific.
A. Good adventure story! It got a little gory and vicious, then it got a little romantic. I would read it again, not age specific.
April 25, 2015
Loved the entire series. Just a lot of fun the entire ride.
February 7, 2016
New characters, exciting.
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