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Soul Keepers #1
The Sound of Nothing
Without a keeper, no soul is safe.
In the peaceful and secluded Konota Valley, every 16-year-old must embark on a sacred journey to find their animal soul keeper. The life-long bond protects their soul from malicious demons that would devour it, leaving behind an empty husk.
As the mostly ignored misfit, Shaya has always felt isolated within her own village, but she hopes finding her keeper will also help her find a purpose. Instead, her return with a bizarre and frightening beast only leaves her more confused. She soon learns her keeper is a drakon, a legendary creature from the northern mountains, but that knowledge does nothing to win her the acceptance she longs for.
When drakon riders invade the valley, Shaya’s people begin to question her loyalty. The invaders might offer what she’s always wanted, but she must decide whether finally belonging is worth betraying the few people who still believe in her.
In the peaceful and secluded Konota Valley, every 16-year-old must embark on a sacred journey to find their animal soul keeper. The life-long bond protects their soul from malicious demons that would devour it, leaving behind an empty husk.
As the mostly ignored misfit, Shaya has always felt isolated within her own village, but she hopes finding her keeper will also help her find a purpose. Instead, her return with a bizarre and frightening beast only leaves her more confused. She soon learns her keeper is a drakon, a legendary creature from the northern mountains, but that knowledge does nothing to win her the acceptance she longs for.
When drakon riders invade the valley, Shaya’s people begin to question her loyalty. The invaders might offer what she’s always wanted, but she must decide whether finally belonging is worth betraying the few people who still believe in her.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2025
7 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Aisling
3 books13 followersNicole Aisling is equal parts biology nerd, animal lover, and story enthusiast. She studied biology in college, but an incurable thirst for knowledge led her astray to philosophy and psychology classes, which inspired stories like Chasing Nightmares. She loves merging magic with science, creating worlds grounded in physics and biology… but still fantastical. When she’s not outside enjoying nature, she can be found cuddled up on the couch with her dogs, settled in for either a good book or the latest TV episode.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 11, 2025
I received this as an ARC from the author.
This book follows the events leading up to, and after the fmc, Shaya, coming of age trial. Shaya has to adventure on her own to find her soul keeper, an animal that will bond to her, complete her and keep her soul protected. These animals range from birds to wolves to wild cats. Shaya is the first of her village to bond to a dragon and the reactions from the village are all over the place and that leads her on her own journey to find where she belongs in her village.
Shaya the fmc, is a 16 year old. She is shy, withdrawn, and a little on the indecisive side. She has more inside thoughts that she has trouble voicing because she is afraid of being different or outed. But she listens and pays attention to detail, she knows who thinks what of her.
She is the second daughter of the tribal chief. Her parents are supportive, and don’t force her in one direction or another which leaves Shaya feeling without a true path. Shaya while it never specifically says, it shows she is a little envious towards her sister and her relationship throughout the book with her is rather rocky. Throughout the book Shaya really shows how much her family influences her decisions and how she always keeps her family in the front of every decision she makes regardless of how they treat her in.
She is not a strong badass fmc, but she always does her best and tries to keep what’s best for everyone as a whole in mind in her decisions. Sometimes that’s not always what is best for her. I enjoyed watching her grow during her journey.
To keep this review as spoiler free as possible, without naming names, there are two main mmc, both influencing Shayla’s journey in very different aspects.
This is my first read by this author, during this book the first 50% of it she had me feeling one way about all the characters, to flipping around and having me feel completely different about them towards the end. The last 40% of the book was nonstop, I needed to know what happens, and am not setting the book down till I finish.
This book follows the events leading up to, and after the fmc, Shaya, coming of age trial. Shaya has to adventure on her own to find her soul keeper, an animal that will bond to her, complete her and keep her soul protected. These animals range from birds to wolves to wild cats. Shaya is the first of her village to bond to a dragon and the reactions from the village are all over the place and that leads her on her own journey to find where she belongs in her village.
Shaya the fmc, is a 16 year old. She is shy, withdrawn, and a little on the indecisive side. She has more inside thoughts that she has trouble voicing because she is afraid of being different or outed. But she listens and pays attention to detail, she knows who thinks what of her.
She is the second daughter of the tribal chief. Her parents are supportive, and don’t force her in one direction or another which leaves Shaya feeling without a true path. Shaya while it never specifically says, it shows she is a little envious towards her sister and her relationship throughout the book with her is rather rocky. Throughout the book Shaya really shows how much her family influences her decisions and how she always keeps her family in the front of every decision she makes regardless of how they treat her in.
She is not a strong badass fmc, but she always does her best and tries to keep what’s best for everyone as a whole in mind in her decisions. Sometimes that’s not always what is best for her. I enjoyed watching her grow during her journey.
To keep this review as spoiler free as possible, without naming names, there are two main mmc, both influencing Shayla’s journey in very different aspects.
This is my first read by this author, during this book the first 50% of it she had me feeling one way about all the characters, to flipping around and having me feel completely different about them towards the end. The last 40% of the book was nonstop, I needed to know what happens, and am not setting the book down till I finish.
October 14, 2025
I’m incredibly grateful to have received this book as an ARC! 📚✨
From the very first page, I was hooked—this beautifully told coming-of-age story swept me into a whirlwind adventure as Shaya, the FMC, embarks on a journey to find her place in the world.
This book took me on a true emotional rollercoaster—one moment warm and fuzzy, the next irate, heartbroken, or completely astonished. 💕💔 It masterfully explores difficult topics in a way that feels authentic to the characters’ ages and experiences, making it a standout in YA fiction.
It also serves as a powerful reminder that just because someone is family or part of your “village” doesn’t mean you truly know their heart and soul. 💭 Sometimes, those connections lift us up—or break us down, and I felt every high and low right alongside Shaya.
Though part of a multi-book series, this installment doesn’t leave you hanging. Instead, it offers a satisfying conclusion while building anticipation for what’s to come. I can’t wait for the next book! 📖🔥
From the very first page, I was hooked—this beautifully told coming-of-age story swept me into a whirlwind adventure as Shaya, the FMC, embarks on a journey to find her place in the world.
This book took me on a true emotional rollercoaster—one moment warm and fuzzy, the next irate, heartbroken, or completely astonished. 💕💔 It masterfully explores difficult topics in a way that feels authentic to the characters’ ages and experiences, making it a standout in YA fiction.
It also serves as a powerful reminder that just because someone is family or part of your “village” doesn’t mean you truly know their heart and soul. 💭 Sometimes, those connections lift us up—or break us down, and I felt every high and low right alongside Shaya.
Though part of a multi-book series, this installment doesn’t leave you hanging. Instead, it offers a satisfying conclusion while building anticipation for what’s to come. I can’t wait for the next book! 📖🔥
March 6, 2025
The Sound of Nothing by Nicole Aisling is a captivating read. I enjoyed following the main character, Shaya, on her adventure and her bond with the drakon. Shaya is very relatable, especially with her envy of her older sister. The book's pace picks up toward the end, making it hard to put down. I highly recommend it!
April 22, 2025
This YA fantasy took me for A RIDE 🐲 (pun intended because...dragons!!) As an animal lover, I love that each person in this world must find their soul bonded animal as a rite of passage to adulthood.
The world is immersive, and I really kept losing myself in the story. I don't want to give too much away, but there is so much to enjoy here--friendships, betrayals, coming of age challenges, family, and finding belonging.
The world is immersive, and I really kept losing myself in the story. I don't want to give too much away, but there is so much to enjoy here--friendships, betrayals, coming of age challenges, family, and finding belonging.
February 25, 2025
I really loved this book and everything about it—the aesthetic, the character interactions, the subtle and thoughtful worldbuilding, the cover, the twists and turns. It’s an adventure story of self-discovery with plenty of magic, beautiful descriptions, myths, fights, and unexpected reveals, along with a fair amount of tragedy and sacrifice. The ambience of the novel was wonderful and I can’t wait to return to this interesting and complex world.
February 21, 2025
First of all, I was completely drawn in by the cover of this book. It's eye catching and beautiful. Then I was drawn even further in by the description. A society where people bond with animal companions? Sign me up. How can I visit?
Shaya was an interesting FMC. The youngest daughter of the tribe chief, Shaya embarks on her journey to find her soul keeper. When she returns to her village, she has bonded with a creature only known in legend, a drakon. From there, Shaya faces fear within her village, betrayal from those she loves, and invaders from a distant territory. This is very much a coming of age fantasy. Shaya feels very much like the 16yo she is trying to navigate relationships and find where she belongs. That means that at times, her judgment and decisions are questionable. There were a few times in this book where I had a hard time understanding her reactions and feelings, which could change rapidly. The story has a lot of potential and I found myself wishing that it had gone more in depth in the characters, their thoughts/feeling, motivations, and relationships. I also think the book would be more satisfying if the world building had been more robust. I think I'm intrigued enough to plan to read the next book in the series when it's released.
Thank you to Nicole Aisling for the gifted eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Shaya was an interesting FMC. The youngest daughter of the tribe chief, Shaya embarks on her journey to find her soul keeper. When she returns to her village, she has bonded with a creature only known in legend, a drakon. From there, Shaya faces fear within her village, betrayal from those she loves, and invaders from a distant territory. This is very much a coming of age fantasy. Shaya feels very much like the 16yo she is trying to navigate relationships and find where she belongs. That means that at times, her judgment and decisions are questionable. There were a few times in this book where I had a hard time understanding her reactions and feelings, which could change rapidly. The story has a lot of potential and I found myself wishing that it had gone more in depth in the characters, their thoughts/feeling, motivations, and relationships. I also think the book would be more satisfying if the world building had been more robust. I think I'm intrigued enough to plan to read the next book in the series when it's released.
Thank you to Nicole Aisling for the gifted eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
March 16, 2025
Sound of nothing gave for me the vibes of Brother Bear, How to train your dragon, and Mulan.
All of my favorites.
We follow the life and coming age of Shaya, a Young girl full of potential, heart and strength she doesn't know she does have.
The system of soul pairs was so good, I loved the beliefs and how different tribes and villages worked. This book has so many things that are worth reading.
Enemies to friends is one of my favorite parts alongside how romance isn't the main plot but actually leads to a growth on both sides. It's hard to sum up this book but it is one of my fav Y.A. of this year. From the beginning to the end it's captivating packed with action, twists and deep meaning.
I recommend it for young and mature audiences and I'll definitely show it to my boy once he is old enough.
All of my favorites.
We follow the life and coming age of Shaya, a Young girl full of potential, heart and strength she doesn't know she does have.
The system of soul pairs was so good, I loved the beliefs and how different tribes and villages worked. This book has so many things that are worth reading.
Enemies to friends is one of my favorite parts alongside how romance isn't the main plot but actually leads to a growth on both sides. It's hard to sum up this book but it is one of my fav Y.A. of this year. From the beginning to the end it's captivating packed with action, twists and deep meaning.
I recommend it for young and mature audiences and I'll definitely show it to my boy once he is old enough.
April 11, 2025
A very refreshing coming of age story that follows a strong FMC coming into adulthood and her journey into finding where she belongs.
I found the story captivating and adventurous with twists and turns you didn’t expect.
I feel it’s a wonderful YA book that will speak to those who feel misplaced in their world, and a beautiful way to show the bond between humans and their “soul animals”.
I found the story captivating and adventurous with twists and turns you didn’t expect.
I feel it’s a wonderful YA book that will speak to those who feel misplaced in their world, and a beautiful way to show the bond between humans and their “soul animals”.
March 29, 2025
Very lucky to have received this book as an ARC, and honestly could not out it down! A fantastic coming of age story; we follow the main character as she discovers herself both during and after her Crossing, defending her village in the process and learning who she is and who she truly cares about. The world building is brilliant, with lore and backstories set up for all the different tribes Shaya encounters on her journey. I loved the concept of the keepers, it’s a brilliant play on soulmates, a metaphor for the journey of self discovery many of us go through as teenagers. And who wouldn’t want an animal friend that is part of you? What I really loved about this is that EVERY character has their own arc, whether they change for the better or worse, and even smaller side characters are given the chance to develop as the story progresses. And a fast moving plot will keep you hooked from the first page! This has all the makings of a YA classic and I’d never hesitate to recommend it to anyone
April 1, 2025
Great storyline, great world-building, and amazing well-rounded characters. I loved all the intensity and was hooked from the first page! It was hard to put down, but worth the read!
March 17, 2025
I received an advanced copy of Sound of Nothing in exchange for an honest review.
Right from the start, I loved the concept of this book. Every person from Konota must go on a journey called the Crossing to find their Soul Keeper and become a full member of Konota . That’s how Shaya found Navi, a creature she’d never heard of before.
This story was filled with adventure! I loved all the action packed in to the pages. The world building was done very well, without taking away from the storyline. I enjoyed the legends that were told throughout.
I can’t say much more about this novel without any spoilers, but I will say I need book 2 immediately! I feel like there’s still so much to anticipate and learn in the next book.
Right from the start, I loved the concept of this book. Every person from Konota must go on a journey called the Crossing to find their Soul Keeper and become a full member of Konota . That’s how Shaya found Navi, a creature she’d never heard of before.
This story was filled with adventure! I loved all the action packed in to the pages. The world building was done very well, without taking away from the storyline. I enjoyed the legends that were told throughout.
I can’t say much more about this novel without any spoilers, but I will say I need book 2 immediately! I feel like there’s still so much to anticipate and learn in the next book.
March 14, 2025
I loved this book so much that I went and supported Nicole's kickstarter. I needed a special edition.
The book delivers. It's immersive, it's giving Disney vibes, it has the right characters, the right development, the right vibes, the right morals and messages.
I absolutely loved Shaya's relationship with Navi and the fact they grew together.
And what can I say, for me Nicole is the Queen of plot twists. I mean, did you see that coming?!? Right after making us fall in love with him?!? Man, that was difficult.
I. LOVED. IT!!!
The book delivers. It's immersive, it's giving Disney vibes, it has the right characters, the right development, the right vibes, the right morals and messages.
I absolutely loved Shaya's relationship with Navi and the fact they grew together.
And what can I say, for me Nicole is the Queen of plot twists. I mean, did you see that coming?!? Right after making us fall in love with him?!? Man, that was difficult.
I. LOVED. IT!!!
July 1, 2025
I love animal familiars and enjoyed that part of the story where Shaya is on her crossing to find her own keeper. I would have liked to have seen more interactions between her and her familiar or an adjustment period as they got to know each other more. I felt it was a bit minimal but I do like Navi and found him sweet. I love the idea of the Drakon and how they look but I would have LOVED to know more about them and why they are different from other species of familiars.
I appreciated the growth the character goes on but I did struggle a bit with her lack of initiative with the circumstances she gets dealt. I may have a preference for stronger characters but can appreciate a quiet character that develops their voice but I think I wanted more from her. I didn't understand why Shaya didn't have a strong relationship with her family who seemed to love her. I definitely found her sister frustrating but her parents seemed to care about her and her feelings.
So....I also struggled with the chemistry of her love interest. I appreciate that the author didn't make the love interest perfect but I personally didn't care too much about him. lol Unfortunately, I didn't find the romance as believable as I'd like and they didn't seem to click for me.
The pacing of the story is good and I found myself curious as to what would happen next. I think that Shaya had a lot of obstacles to overcome and it was not easy for her so I admire her for continuing on when things looked bleak. The ending was good but I feel like it was just the beginning but I had hoped we would see more of the world and character development by the end of the book. I really wanted to know more about the Drakon and the clans up North. I liked who Shaya starts to become at the end but I wished it came a bit earlier. lol
3.3 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)
I appreciated the growth the character goes on but I did struggle a bit with her lack of initiative with the circumstances she gets dealt. I may have a preference for stronger characters but can appreciate a quiet character that develops their voice but I think I wanted more from her. I didn't understand why Shaya didn't have a strong relationship with her family who seemed to love her. I definitely found her sister frustrating but her parents seemed to care about her and her feelings.
So....I also struggled with the chemistry of her love interest. I appreciate that the author didn't make the love interest perfect but I personally didn't care too much about him. lol Unfortunately, I didn't find the romance as believable as I'd like and they didn't seem to click for me.
The pacing of the story is good and I found myself curious as to what would happen next. I think that Shaya had a lot of obstacles to overcome and it was not easy for her so I admire her for continuing on when things looked bleak. The ending was good but I feel like it was just the beginning but I had hoped we would see more of the world and character development by the end of the book. I really wanted to know more about the Drakon and the clans up North. I liked who Shaya starts to become at the end but I wished it came a bit earlier. lol
3.3 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)
January 19, 2026
3.5/5
Shaya is such a wonderful change of pace for a fantasy FMC. I love a loud and sassy FMC any day, but I found Shaya’s quietude and aversion to violence refreshing, relatable, and well done. She also felt entirely her own, and not a direct reaction to any particular media, so she didn’t feel dated, cringe, or disingenuous. She just felt like her, and it was a wonderful experience seeing her grow in a way that enhanced her best qualities and gave her weaknesses less power without having to change her whole self. I enjoyed the introspection and could really sink into the emotional conversations. There is a romance sub plot that I quite liked, though when the love interest was love-interesting, they seemed a little too perfect, when they otherwise acted more naturally. However, they still had me kicking my feet, so I’ll take it! Ayla, the sister, makes me so grateful I have a good relationship with my own sister. I loved the relationship between the keepers and their humans as the other half of each others’ souls. Like “bosom friends” in Anne of Green Gables, but with animals and literal. Side note: the drakons are feathered! The main cast felt very human and full, but the side characters—particularly the various antagonists—did not, with one exception. When it comes to worldbuilding, I loved how—though it takes place in a relatively small space—the peoples we saw felt distinct from each other, and so did the various settings within it. I loved the in-world stories sprinkled throughout, especially how they reflected the events that were happening with Shaya. Strong themes I noticed were loyalty, the need for belonging, and the danger of having a scapegoat. At the end, there was a big moment in the final battle where I felt a character’s actions made them a traitor to their people, but instead they were rewarded, which was jarring. They’ll probably feel the consequences of that in the next installment. This was a great book one, in that it effectively introduced the characters, setting, and magic, and had a fitting end yet left a strong thread for book two. This leaned more on the coming-of-age aspect, and I anticipate the adventure aspect to become stronger as Shaya grows and begins to influence the world around her. I recommend this book to those who want a fantasy adventure that takes its time, just as its main character does (which is a quality I particularly love about her). It has plenty of action and tension, but the characters also check in and talk about how they’re feeling. Definitely wanting to follow this series. I’m most excited to explore more of the world, learn more about their legends and the soulstealers, and experience it all through Shaya as she grows, and to see how she tackles the Drak Clan’s conflict and the plains people’s legend.
Shaya is such a wonderful change of pace for a fantasy FMC. I love a loud and sassy FMC any day, but I found Shaya’s quietude and aversion to violence refreshing, relatable, and well done. She also felt entirely her own, and not a direct reaction to any particular media, so she didn’t feel dated, cringe, or disingenuous. She just felt like her, and it was a wonderful experience seeing her grow in a way that enhanced her best qualities and gave her weaknesses less power without having to change her whole self. I enjoyed the introspection and could really sink into the emotional conversations. There is a romance sub plot that I quite liked, though when the love interest was love-interesting, they seemed a little too perfect, when they otherwise acted more naturally. However, they still had me kicking my feet, so I’ll take it! Ayla, the sister, makes me so grateful I have a good relationship with my own sister. I loved the relationship between the keepers and their humans as the other half of each others’ souls. Like “bosom friends” in Anne of Green Gables, but with animals and literal. Side note: the drakons are feathered! The main cast felt very human and full, but the side characters—particularly the various antagonists—did not, with one exception. When it comes to worldbuilding, I loved how—though it takes place in a relatively small space—the peoples we saw felt distinct from each other, and so did the various settings within it. I loved the in-world stories sprinkled throughout, especially how they reflected the events that were happening with Shaya. Strong themes I noticed were loyalty, the need for belonging, and the danger of having a scapegoat. At the end, there was a big moment in the final battle where I felt a character’s actions made them a traitor to their people, but instead they were rewarded, which was jarring. They’ll probably feel the consequences of that in the next installment. This was a great book one, in that it effectively introduced the characters, setting, and magic, and had a fitting end yet left a strong thread for book two. This leaned more on the coming-of-age aspect, and I anticipate the adventure aspect to become stronger as Shaya grows and begins to influence the world around her. I recommend this book to those who want a fantasy adventure that takes its time, just as its main character does (which is a quality I particularly love about her). It has plenty of action and tension, but the characters also check in and talk about how they’re feeling. Definitely wanting to follow this series. I’m most excited to explore more of the world, learn more about their legends and the soulstealers, and experience it all through Shaya as she grows, and to see how she tackles the Drak Clan’s conflict and the plains people’s legend.
March 3, 2025
I am very honored to be trusted with an advanced copy.
That being said, I also loved the book. The coming of age fantasy story is engaging and captivating. The writing is easy to follow without too many words I needed to look up (English is not my first language). I loved the character development and also the description of the world and the society. The concept with the soul keepers really appealed to me. The fights / battles were engaging but not too long to get boring.
It was almost a 5 star read for me, but there were a few minor details that prevented that – so, 4.5 Stars in the end.
The way Kota acted in the end was not completely logical for me – I think, some more character / relationship development could have helped.
I’m not a big fan of the Prologue – if it hadn’t been an ARC I probably would have put it back on the shelf in the book store, and I would have missed out on this story.
But, all things considered, I’m glad I read it and it’s definitely worth your time if you are into non-smut beautiful fantasy.
That being said, I also loved the book. The coming of age fantasy story is engaging and captivating. The writing is easy to follow without too many words I needed to look up (English is not my first language). I loved the character development and also the description of the world and the society. The concept with the soul keepers really appealed to me. The fights / battles were engaging but not too long to get boring.
It was almost a 5 star read for me, but there were a few minor details that prevented that – so, 4.5 Stars in the end.
The way Kota acted in the end was not completely logical for me – I think, some more character / relationship development could have helped.
I’m not a big fan of the Prologue – if it hadn’t been an ARC I probably would have put it back on the shelf in the book store, and I would have missed out on this story.
But, all things considered, I’m glad I read it and it’s definitely worth your time if you are into non-smut beautiful fantasy.
August 6, 2025
This was quite the adventure and I’m definitely signing up for the next trip.
The world building was full and gave depth to the story while not taking away from the excitement. I loved the life given to these characters- they were full fledged individuals and even surprised me at time. Aisling does an excellent job fully flushing all characters. I even found myself siding, or at least understanding, the antihero and could feel every emotion that brought about their action. I finished it on the road and it felt right traveling with these characters.
The best part of this novel is how the author alliterates the main character through the myths giving through out the book. By using her’s and other culture’s myths to help explain the world, the author has created a depth rarely seen for a first book in a series. While she obviously sets the end up for the next book, the story was good enough to stand on its own. I can’t wait to watch the continuing evolution of these characters in books to come.
Great read.
The world building was full and gave depth to the story while not taking away from the excitement. I loved the life given to these characters- they were full fledged individuals and even surprised me at time. Aisling does an excellent job fully flushing all characters. I even found myself siding, or at least understanding, the antihero and could feel every emotion that brought about their action. I finished it on the road and it felt right traveling with these characters.
The best part of this novel is how the author alliterates the main character through the myths giving through out the book. By using her’s and other culture’s myths to help explain the world, the author has created a depth rarely seen for a first book in a series. While she obviously sets the end up for the next book, the story was good enough to stand on its own. I can’t wait to watch the continuing evolution of these characters in books to come.
Great read.
March 1, 2025
Thank you, Nicole Aisling, for providing a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the connection between humans and animals, especially the ceremony that everyone goes through at a certain age, though it has different names. I also found the concept of dealing with the loss of a bonded animal intriguing—it’s dark and intense.
The book does feature some graphic fight scenes for a YA high fantasy, which didn’t bother me, but it’s worth noting if you’re sensitive to that.
I do wish I could have connected more with the characters. The one I did connect with ended up being the “bad” person, and I still question if all their actions were truly wrong. I tend to like the characters authors want you to hate!
I really enjoyed the connection between humans and animals, especially the ceremony that everyone goes through at a certain age, though it has different names. I also found the concept of dealing with the loss of a bonded animal intriguing—it’s dark and intense.
The book does feature some graphic fight scenes for a YA high fantasy, which didn’t bother me, but it’s worth noting if you’re sensitive to that.
I do wish I could have connected more with the characters. The one I did connect with ended up being the “bad” person, and I still question if all their actions were truly wrong. I tend to like the characters authors want you to hate!
March 9, 2025
I received this ARC from the author, and I am happy to give it five stars. I won’t summarize the story as other reviews have done that for you.
Nicole delivers exactly what she promises with this one! I read it twice, and I can’t remember the last time I did that back to back. I am really excited for the next book which I heard is in the works as I write this! These are characters anyone can relate to and the journey they go on is stressful, intense, exciting, and honestly, sometimes full of sadness. I did tear up at two specific parts, but I can’t explain them without giving too much away. If you haven’t supported the kickstarter you should, but if you can’t… grab this one when it comes out. You will NOT regret it.
Nicole delivers exactly what she promises with this one! I read it twice, and I can’t remember the last time I did that back to back. I am really excited for the next book which I heard is in the works as I write this! These are characters anyone can relate to and the journey they go on is stressful, intense, exciting, and honestly, sometimes full of sadness. I did tear up at two specific parts, but I can’t explain them without giving too much away. If you haven’t supported the kickstarter you should, but if you can’t… grab this one when it comes out. You will NOT regret it.
April 20, 2025
The first thing about this book that caught my attention was the title and the cover. Nicole has taken the best tropes that we all love in our high fantasy and blended them beautifully, masterfully, in the first book of this series. It’s a rich and rewarding tale with a most satisfying ending which leads to the next book in the adventure. Her characters are complex and totally relatable. She has plenty of twists and turns in the plot which will make you want more. Shaya doesn’t feel like she belongs in her clan, and that feeling intensifies as she brings back the most unusual soul keeper which causes others to be suspicious and fearful of her.
I highly recommend this book for any age. I eagerly look forward to the next one!
I highly recommend this book for any age. I eagerly look forward to the next one!
March 21, 2025
This was a well-written and thought-provoking coming of age YA book. Beautiful world building, unexpected twists and turns and a perfect ending to lead into book two. Kota was my favorite character and I look forward to seeing even more character growth from her in book two. I would recommend this to any young readers as well as adults who enjoy low magic fantasy with no spice.
“Love is sacrifice,” Kota replied without hesitation. “Love is giving up everything for another person.”
🏹Hunter gatherer setting
⚔️Dragon-like creatures
🏹Soulbound animals
⚔️Mostly single POV
🏹First love
ARC provided by author. All opinions are my own.
“Love is sacrifice,” Kota replied without hesitation. “Love is giving up everything for another person.”
🏹Hunter gatherer setting
⚔️Dragon-like creatures
🏹Soulbound animals
⚔️Mostly single POV
🏹First love
ARC provided by author. All opinions are my own.
March 25, 2025
This is a great YA fantasy, featuring drakons, clans and battles, as well as live and betrayal.
The story is simple, but the writing is rich and the characters are loveable. Shaya is from a valley tribe, but when she bonds with a drakon, unheard of for her region, she is met with suspicion from her family and friends. And when drakon riders from the north arrive intent of taking the valley, it only gets worse.
Intermingled with folk stories, the book reads like a saga from an oral tradition. It was fun and easy to enjoy, even with some darker themes.
I read this book as an ARC but all views are my own.
The story is simple, but the writing is rich and the characters are loveable. Shaya is from a valley tribe, but when she bonds with a drakon, unheard of for her region, she is met with suspicion from her family and friends. And when drakon riders from the north arrive intent of taking the valley, it only gets worse.
Intermingled with folk stories, the book reads like a saga from an oral tradition. It was fun and easy to enjoy, even with some darker themes.
I read this book as an ARC but all views are my own.
August 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! After a massive reading slump I was so glad to find a book that had me grinning so much.
Soul-bonded animals and dragons?! What more could I want!
I loved Shaya’s journey and character arc throughout the book and all the twists and turns along the way. I adored Navi and all the other soul-bonded animals.
This book kept me engaged throughout and kept me guessing what would happen next. Highly recommend!
Soul-bonded animals and dragons?! What more could I want!
I loved Shaya’s journey and character arc throughout the book and all the twists and turns along the way. I adored Navi and all the other soul-bonded animals.
This book kept me engaged throughout and kept me guessing what would happen next. Highly recommend!
September 4, 2025
This book is nothing short of amazing. It immediately draws you into the spectacular universe that Nicole has created and the characters...mm. Chef's kiss! I love that the dynamics between the characters, but also that it's something NEW. Unlike typical fantasy, The Sound of Nothing is set in a clan atmosphere instead of knights and royalty. The twists, turns, ups, and downs had me gripping my Kindle like a lifeline, and it was SOOO hard to put down (but my eyes started getting blurry and words weren't making sense, so I had to). DEFINITELY recommend picking this book up if you are looking for a new fantasy read.
December 8, 2025
This book had me so engaged… It was packed with action and it was so different and interesting… I loved the idea of them meeting their “Keeper” who their souls are tied to and that bond that is a unique experience for each individual. I’m fascinated by how the world works and I’m ready for the next installment!
4 1/4 💜’s.
4 1/4 💜’s.
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