Soul

Soul(s) #1

by Vera West (Writing as), N.E. Wilson

After awakening in Second-Plane, the dimension souls go to after death on earth, Sariah and Keegan find they have startling new powers, are predestined soul-mates, and have the responsibility of protecting both the world the once new and the one they now belong to. Death and love may be unavoidable, but only one is kinder.

Soul(s) is contemporary novel with elements of science fiction, dystopian themes and romance, inspired by personal feelings on love, death, and the afterlife. Vera West resides in the Mid-West where she is passionately scribbling out her next novel.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2014

About the author

After a messy divorce from music, West fell into a torrid love affair with writing. They’ve been somewhat happily married since 2013, when her first novel was published in partnership with Schuler’s Books & Music Chapbook Press. West graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s of Art in Writing in 2011 with an emphasis on fiction and poetry. Since then, West has indie published multiple novels and collections of poems that tackle themes of love, redemption, cultural identity, social issues and the afterlife. West resides in Michigan with her family and can often be found reheating the tea she forgot she made or reading a good book.

Reviews

[Syvannah Tewes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul(s) captivated me from the moment I began to read it. The characters are amazing, they play well off each other. The plot is refreshingly unique. This isn't just your average fluff piece, it's a breath taking novel about war and love and soul mates, with some refreshingly honest intimacy thrown into the mix. An epic novel I will visit again and again!

[Madalain Ackley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a rule, I don’t read stories that are written with the 1st person point of view. In ways, I find it a little limiting, like I’m not getting the whole story. However, in Soul(s), it worked for me since the point of view switched between the two main characters.

(Some Spoilers Ahead)

This story contains a lot of thought provoking concepts. From the environment of Second Plane to the concept of the Venkus, as well as the development of the three different races that are portrayed.

What began as a seemingly simple “Us vs Them” plot became more and more complex as the situations developed and more was learned. Unfortunately the complications became a little confusing. This seemed to stem from a lack of information and understanding of whom and what the players were, as most of the conflict seemed to be based initially on their racial differences.

It was that lack of information that muted the stakes of the conflicts for me. The sudden shift in alliances came across as too quick or too pat. The seemingly sudden appearance of a new race/enemy with different abilities didn’t increase the tension, but seemed cliche and formulaic.

However, I did enjoy this story. The concepts were fascinating and it could have been much more riveting had they been explored further.

If you are looking for something different, with a unique take on life after death with a sci fi/fantasy feel, then I would recommend this book. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[AC25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the world and characters in this book. Many times books that deal with heavy topics in fiction can drag you down as the author tries to answer all the questions that have been plaguing mankind for eternity. This book managed to take what could be a dark topic (the afterlife) and turn it into a compelling story that I couldn't wait to dive into during each reading session. I can't wait to read more in this world.

[J.C. Maine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's an unique take on love on Earth and the afterlife. The love displayed by the main characters are described in a deep, emotional way. If you like romance, fantasy, and spirituality, this is the book for you.

[Christina McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued from the beginning with this one. The idea that we basically "level up" as we die is curious and thought provoking. But the story doesn't get too bogged down in asking philosophical questions because there is a lot of action as well (as in both a battle to fight and quite a bit of bow-chicka-bow, if ya get me). The story feels a bit like an introduction and indeed it is. The next book apparently delves more into the history of the second plane. I'll be curious to see what we learn.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and would have given it a higher rating but there were so many spelling & grammar errors.. Such a shame!

[AJ Kilpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written novel. Thank you for the great read!