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Soul Ties: The Oracles Vol. II
Three years after the end of the trials, our three Oracles find themselves living quiet, normal lives. Settled into the peace that monotony can bring and no longer needing to risk their lives for the sake of the planet, they all believed that the whirlwind, chaotic part of their lives was finally over. However, as residual feelings and unresolved conflicts begin to rise to the surface, they realize the tranquil life they’re living may be nothing more than a hollow façade. Claire, faced with a nearly impossible choice, realizes that this state of limbo is no longer sustainable. When Ben is given an opportunity by the universe that he cannot pass up, she quickly finds the chance of changing her mind, if that’s what she truly desires, is slipping through her fingers. As Claire, Kurt, and Ben embark on a journey that will surely change their lives, the indecision and heartbreak being drudged up are emotions they all thought they’d left behind.
525 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2025
8 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 17, 2025
While reading 'Oracles' (book 1 of this series) felt like falling off the cliff, reading 'Soul Ties' felt more like climbing back up...
I was ready to go through the emotional roller-coaster again with this book, but it caught me by surprise. It felt more deep, meaningful, even therapeutic... it felt important.
Probably because this book talked more about working through trauma... than about living it.
It just felt so different...
Exceptional read!
I was ready to go through the emotional roller-coaster again with this book, but it caught me by surprise. It felt more deep, meaningful, even therapeutic... it felt important.
Probably because this book talked more about working through trauma... than about living it.
It just felt so different...
Exceptional read!
August 23, 2025
The grown up version of The Oracles
Slower paced, but with just as many emotional ups and downs. Our favorite threesome is back- a little older, a little wiser, but just as emotionally conflicted as they were before. This is a more mature version of the storyline we started following in The Oracles, but just as entertaining and heart wrenching. Wonderful new twists and characters refresh the story and I hope for more in a third installment.
Slower paced, but with just as many emotional ups and downs. Our favorite threesome is back- a little older, a little wiser, but just as emotionally conflicted as they were before. This is a more mature version of the storyline we started following in The Oracles, but just as entertaining and heart wrenching. Wonderful new twists and characters refresh the story and I hope for more in a third installment.
June 4, 2025
I’m at a bit of a loss when it comes to reviewing this book without giving anything away. I've been mulling over my thoughts for a month now, and I still can't figure out how to express my feelings without revealing spoilers. All I can say is that there was a surprising twist that completely caught me off guard. I'm really grateful to have experienced Ben's perspective, and if you haven't yet embarked on this journey through both of her novels, you definitely should. You'll want to be one of those readers who can say, "I knew Christy Skidmore when..."
March 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of Soul Ties, the sequel to The Oracles by Christy Skidmore. Soul Ties takes place a few years after the end of The Oracles, and as with the first book, this story is completely unpredictable and will have you questioning if ANYTHING is truly as it seems.
In this continuation we follow Claire on her journey of depression/anger with the feeling that her destiny and relationship was not of her own choice, Kurt's battle with PTSD from the trials in the previous book, and Ben's battle with depression with feeling completely alone while still being inexplicably tied to Claire and Kurt. This book adds 2 new members to the group, Mei and Teddy, who become an integral part of everyone's healing journey.
One of my favorite parts of this story was seeing the evolution of Ben and Kurt's friendship. Everyone who read the first book knows about the resentment and jealousy between these two characters, and I really loved seeing them grow so close and honestly become even closer friends than him and Claire. It showed that soulmates are more than just love interests because Ben and Kurt are 100% friends' soulmates.
This book completely sucked me in and made me feel so connected to the characters that I was laughing, crying and throwing my kindle in anger at some situations, even messaging the Author to ask her to please stop hurting these characters who I love so deeply lol.
This series is one that I will definitely reread, and I feel like I could even catch new details I missed the first time. I'm eager to continue this series as new books release and follow these characters as they navigate new experiences and trials to come.
In this continuation we follow Claire on her journey of depression/anger with the feeling that her destiny and relationship was not of her own choice, Kurt's battle with PTSD from the trials in the previous book, and Ben's battle with depression with feeling completely alone while still being inexplicably tied to Claire and Kurt. This book adds 2 new members to the group, Mei and Teddy, who become an integral part of everyone's healing journey.
One of my favorite parts of this story was seeing the evolution of Ben and Kurt's friendship. Everyone who read the first book knows about the resentment and jealousy between these two characters, and I really loved seeing them grow so close and honestly become even closer friends than him and Claire. It showed that soulmates are more than just love interests because Ben and Kurt are 100% friends' soulmates.
This book completely sucked me in and made me feel so connected to the characters that I was laughing, crying and throwing my kindle in anger at some situations, even messaging the Author to ask her to please stop hurting these characters who I love so deeply lol.
This series is one that I will definitely reread, and I feel like I could even catch new details I missed the first time. I'm eager to continue this series as new books release and follow these characters as they navigate new experiences and trials to come.
February 16, 2025
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC copy of this book. It was nothing short of show-stopping.
The book was incredibly well written and was a natural extension of the first novel.
I loved how the author developed the characters and how the cracks in their personalities were highlighted. No one can be perfect, not even Claire.
Soul Ties touches on serious mental health issues and is impeccably written from that perspective. You can tell by reading the book that the author is familiar with these issues and has experienced them - it's not someone who thinks they know the struggles of depression. The author has done all those who have struggled with depression such glorious justice; words can't express this.
There was a treasure trove of new characters brought in during this novel, and, without giving too much away, it dealt with the supernatural in a way I've never experienced. One character who was brought in I was particularly impressed with - the way he was written, the way he impacted the storyline, the way he impacted the characters - everything about him was extraordinary.
As someone who cried tears of both happiness and sadness when reading The Oracles, partially because of how much I loved the story and partially because I felt the raw emotion of the author seeping through the pages, I can honestly say I think Soul Ties is better than the original. I never thought that I would type those words.
I give this book a 6 out of 5.
The book was incredibly well written and was a natural extension of the first novel.
I loved how the author developed the characters and how the cracks in their personalities were highlighted. No one can be perfect, not even Claire.
Soul Ties touches on serious mental health issues and is impeccably written from that perspective. You can tell by reading the book that the author is familiar with these issues and has experienced them - it's not someone who thinks they know the struggles of depression. The author has done all those who have struggled with depression such glorious justice; words can't express this.
There was a treasure trove of new characters brought in during this novel, and, without giving too much away, it dealt with the supernatural in a way I've never experienced. One character who was brought in I was particularly impressed with - the way he was written, the way he impacted the storyline, the way he impacted the characters - everything about him was extraordinary.
As someone who cried tears of both happiness and sadness when reading The Oracles, partially because of how much I loved the story and partially because I felt the raw emotion of the author seeping through the pages, I can honestly say I think Soul Ties is better than the original. I never thought that I would type those words.
I give this book a 6 out of 5.
February 17, 2025
We've all read those love stories that make us crave knowing what life after happily-ever-after looks like. In the follow-up to her amazing novel, The Oracles, author Christy Skidmore reminds us that HEA doesn't always mean happily-ever-forever (until it does).
This book follows Claire, Kurt, and Ben a few years after their Trials as Oracles have ended, and they have settled into their lives. But everything isn't perfect. Lingering feelings and doubts still manage to worm their way between our Oracles, forcing them to confront what love means to them and how it shapes their relationships going forward.
This story sings with love, heartbreak, and the highs and lows of the human emotional spectrum. It does mention anxiety, depression, and sexual assault, but Christy handles these topics delicately and with grace and understanding, creating even more depth in her characters and story. I loved how REAL these characters were, building off of the strength they found in the first book and navigating these new challenges in the most human ways possible.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy and I devoured it. This book was an emotional roller-coaster - I laughed, I cried, I cringed with secondhand embarrassment. I thought it was a truly beautiful exploration of the connections people make throughout their lives, the strings of fate that tie us all together, and how the relationships we form are in fact what make us human.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
This book follows Claire, Kurt, and Ben a few years after their Trials as Oracles have ended, and they have settled into their lives. But everything isn't perfect. Lingering feelings and doubts still manage to worm their way between our Oracles, forcing them to confront what love means to them and how it shapes their relationships going forward.
This story sings with love, heartbreak, and the highs and lows of the human emotional spectrum. It does mention anxiety, depression, and sexual assault, but Christy handles these topics delicately and with grace and understanding, creating even more depth in her characters and story. I loved how REAL these characters were, building off of the strength they found in the first book and navigating these new challenges in the most human ways possible.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy and I devoured it. This book was an emotional roller-coaster - I laughed, I cried, I cringed with secondhand embarrassment. I thought it was a truly beautiful exploration of the connections people make throughout their lives, the strings of fate that tie us all together, and how the relationships we form are in fact what make us human.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
December 28, 2025
Soul Ties, Christy Skidmore's follow-up to The Oracles, is a wonderful conclusion I didn't know I needed. While everything feels neatly closed out at the end of the Oracles, Soul Ties picks up with Ben's discontent at being a dangling thread in Claire's life; a misplaced soulmate without a soulmate. And so the search begins.
Beseeching Tenoch and Citlali, the strange otherworldy guardians of the Oracles for assistance, Ben finds himself on a trip with Claire and Kurt to find a new soulmate. Everything quickly goes south (as should be expected) when his soulmate turns out to be more than any of them bargained for, putting everyone at various times in severe jeopardy.
I'm Team Ben (Sorry, Kurt!). I fucking loved this book. As a dude who sometimes feels unappreciated, Christy portrayed these men well. Just something about having two guys caught in their feels resonated with me, and I felt seen. More often than not, guys get written up solely to be arrogant, tough assholes without a care in the world. Christy managed to capture the softness within the masculine without taking away their strengths or ignoring their pains. I appreciated that.
Between the two books, I Ioved Soul Ties way more, but that wouldn't have been possible without the foundations laid in The Oracles. Where the first book had world-saving dimensions to it, the second focused more on the repercussions of that conflict and was more personal. No good hero (or heroes) go through their trials unscathed.
Beseeching Tenoch and Citlali, the strange otherworldy guardians of the Oracles for assistance, Ben finds himself on a trip with Claire and Kurt to find a new soulmate. Everything quickly goes south (as should be expected) when his soulmate turns out to be more than any of them bargained for, putting everyone at various times in severe jeopardy.
I'm Team Ben (Sorry, Kurt!). I fucking loved this book. As a dude who sometimes feels unappreciated, Christy portrayed these men well. Just something about having two guys caught in their feels resonated with me, and I felt seen. More often than not, guys get written up solely to be arrogant, tough assholes without a care in the world. Christy managed to capture the softness within the masculine without taking away their strengths or ignoring their pains. I appreciated that.
Between the two books, I Ioved Soul Ties way more, but that wouldn't have been possible without the foundations laid in The Oracles. Where the first book had world-saving dimensions to it, the second focused more on the repercussions of that conflict and was more personal. No good hero (or heroes) go through their trials unscathed.
January 25, 2025
Souls Ties: A gripping sequel that deepens the emotional impact of The Oracles.
Skidmore masterfully weaves a captivating narrative in Souls Ties, the sequel to The Oracles. While retaining the core essence of its predecessor – the poignant exploration of agony, joy, love, and laughter – this installment boldly diverges, offering a fresh and unexpected journey.
The author's masterful foreshadowing casts a long shadow, subtly manipulating expectations and forcing readers to question the motives of beloved characters from the first book. This element of suspense keeps the pages turning, culminating in a plot that unravels with breathtaking intensity, leaving readers breathless and possibly screaming in frustration (in the best way possible).
Just as in The Oracles, Skidmore sensitively tackles the complexities of mental health. Souls Ties offers a powerful and authentic portrayal of depression and PTSD providing a sense of profound understanding and validation for anyone who has ever struggled with these invisible afflictions. This novel serves as a testament to the power of literature to offer solace and connection during times of emotional turmoil.
Skidmore masterfully weaves a captivating narrative in Souls Ties, the sequel to The Oracles. While retaining the core essence of its predecessor – the poignant exploration of agony, joy, love, and laughter – this installment boldly diverges, offering a fresh and unexpected journey.
The author's masterful foreshadowing casts a long shadow, subtly manipulating expectations and forcing readers to question the motives of beloved characters from the first book. This element of suspense keeps the pages turning, culminating in a plot that unravels with breathtaking intensity, leaving readers breathless and possibly screaming in frustration (in the best way possible).
Just as in The Oracles, Skidmore sensitively tackles the complexities of mental health. Souls Ties offers a powerful and authentic portrayal of depression and PTSD providing a sense of profound understanding and validation for anyone who has ever struggled with these invisible afflictions. This novel serves as a testament to the power of literature to offer solace and connection during times of emotional turmoil.
February 11, 2025
I loved the continuation of this story, set several years after her first book The Oracles, we get to follow the characters more closely and get a deeper understanding of them. This story dives deeper into their struggles and their fight for their mental health and depression, and when you love someone you fight for them. I was so involved with this book and took my time to absorb it. It’s emotional and it will suck you in and make u feel like you’re the one actually on the page with these characters. There is a lot to unpack and comprehend in this book, if you listen to what you’re reading. I don’t want to say too much because you need to read book 1 to fully understand what all Christy was trying to bring out in these books. In my opinion they shld be read back to back so you still have everything fresh in your mind. Thank you Christy for writing a story I didn’t know i needed until I read it. If you love someone, no matter what, fight for them and along with them. I can’t wait until I can get physical copies of both of these books! I will def re read and annotate them!
February 21, 2025
5 stars, the depression and PTSD representation in this book was so real and I appreciated every second of it as a person who suffers from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Again, like you did in the first book, you made me feel things and cry over fictional characters and the absolute devastation you bestowed upon them. I laughed, cried, and kicked my feet like a school girl because the romance was so so so dreamy and everything everyone looks for in their soul tie/partner. Thank you for giving me the ending that I didn’t know I needed (I was a heavy Ben and Claire shipper in the beginning and was very very angry with you) but I love the way you tied everything together and now it’s just bittersweet that it’s over. I want more but I know this was such a good way to send off the characters. THANK YOU FOR FINALLY TREATING MY BEN RIGHT! TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH. I still stand by giving you a swift kick to the shin because of what you put the characters and me through in the first book and the beginning of this one but I loved every second of reading these books.
February 3, 2025
Soul Ties was a delight to read! Having finished the first book just a few weeks ago, I could immediately see the improvements in writing style—huge progress! The prose flows more smoothly, making the story even more engaging from beginning to end.
Beloved characters return, once again fighting for their lives, and their journeys are both gripping and emotionally compelling. The narrative keeps the reader invested, delivering a well-crafted continuation of the series.
The only thing I found myself missing was the unexpected plot twists and the blurred lines between trials and reality that made The Oracles so unique. Those elements added an extra layer of unpredictability that I wished had carried over more.
That said, Soul Ties is a fantastic read—full of heart, tension, and surprises. It’s definitely not what you’d expect, in the best way possible!
I received it as an ARC copy in exchange for the honest review.
December 26, 2025
Set three years after their trials, Claire, Kurt, and Ben have settled back into the routine of everyday life, but it seems the universe is not quite done testing them or their patience.
Soul Ties had me just as much on the edge as The Oracles did—always feeling like something monumental could happen at any moment.
I really enjoyed getting Ben’s perspective in this story. The banter between him and Kurt was great, and I loved seeing their friendship grow. The new characters that made their appearance in book two were all incredible. Teddy had me cheesing so big. Christie has this way of making you love her side characters just as much as the main characters.
I had been wanting to get around to this book for a hot minute, and I’m so glad I got to close out the year with this beautiful story with such strong friendship bonds and found family.
If you enjoyed The Oracles, you will love Soul Ties!
February 16, 2025
Emotional, Character Driven, W/ A Sprinkle of Demon!😈
I reccomend Soul Ties to a variety of readers as it is a blend of several different genres in one; from fantasy to adventure & romance.
Soul Ties continues the story of Oracles Claire, Ben & Kurt as they navigate their complicated love triangle. This book explores the complex relationship these three characters share. We reach a much anticipated resolution concerning this triangle but take a wild ride to get there!♥️♥️♥️
I adore Christy’s writing style. She continues to be an auto-buy author for me.
I required several breaks while reading this book as it does delve into some heavy emotions & topics. If you want to feel all the feelings; Soul Ties is definitely the perfect match for you!
I reccomend Soul Ties to a variety of readers as it is a blend of several different genres in one; from fantasy to adventure & romance.
Soul Ties continues the story of Oracles Claire, Ben & Kurt as they navigate their complicated love triangle. This book explores the complex relationship these three characters share. We reach a much anticipated resolution concerning this triangle but take a wild ride to get there!♥️♥️♥️
I adore Christy’s writing style. She continues to be an auto-buy author for me.
I required several breaks while reading this book as it does delve into some heavy emotions & topics. If you want to feel all the feelings; Soul Ties is definitely the perfect match for you!
November 9, 2025
The first Oracles felt like humans versus environment (PvE, if you will). And Soul Ties felt like humans versus self (PvP?). And it was in the BEST way.
I love how the author does not shy away from showing flaws of characters we love. It makes them more human and feel real, which is why I was bummed I finished it because now I miss the characters. She handles really hard topics of SA and depression extremely well. This book sort of felt like a mystery at times because there is a low hum of something feeling -off- and I found myself scrambling for clues. I can't say anymore without spoiling, but I highly recommend this book. It's a very clear view into human emotion while using a sort of magic (and demon???!). I cannot wait for her next book!
I love how the author does not shy away from showing flaws of characters we love. It makes them more human and feel real, which is why I was bummed I finished it because now I miss the characters. She handles really hard topics of SA and depression extremely well. This book sort of felt like a mystery at times because there is a low hum of something feeling -off- and I found myself scrambling for clues. I can't say anymore without spoiling, but I highly recommend this book. It's a very clear view into human emotion while using a sort of magic (and demon???!). I cannot wait for her next book!
January 30, 2025
I cannot get over Christy’s writing! She tells a love story so beautifully it almost feels real. Not only did Claire and Kurt grow as people but so did Ben, Grace, and even Ian. Seeing the growth from the first book to now and seeing the struggles Ben was facing during these times was very enlightening. The way the romance is written it feels very deep and connected even in the beginning. Christy’s characters are so well rounded, they have flaws and feel like real true people. Showing how one relationship dynamic changes another is such a strong point in this book and it’s so detailed. I cannot wait for more!
October 22, 2025
I have to say that I definitely liked the second book more than the first! The stakes were high and the author gave us the action and tension to go with it! Again, the author does a great job of making the characters completely relatable even though there are supernatural elements present in the story. I felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotion as the story unfolded. Curse you Christy for giving me hope just to have it all taken from me! Haha. There was definitely a twist in here that I was not expecting. I like that it was unpredictable! Will we see more from the four? I hope so…or at least the next generation of Oracles perhaps?
January 28, 2025
The trials of Claire, Kurt, and Ben continue... Soul Ties was BEYOND what I expected!! There were many more tense moments in this one, and I found myself practically sitting on the edge of my seat (and holding my breath a time or two)!! The trauma, self-doubt, love, and sacrifice are just a few of the feels that you will experience in this book. And boy...much like book 1, this one is going to take you on one heck of a roller coaster ride! Fantastic job all around, Christy!! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us!!
January 29, 2025
Just as The Oracles was, this book is filled with unexpected twists and turns, it is a fantastic read and really immerses you into the world of the characters. Highly Recommend to all! If you haven't read The Oracles then you'll probably want to read that first to understand the characters journey.
The book also finds a way of tackling hard subjects without feeling too heavy as it keeps the story moving at a good pacing throughout, allowing for character growth and realistic emotions to emerge.
The book also finds a way of tackling hard subjects without feeling too heavy as it keeps the story moving at a good pacing throughout, allowing for character growth and realistic emotions to emerge.
October 22, 2025
One of the beautiful things this author does is to bring her readers to an emotional depth that few other authors can do. What her characters experience, the reader does, but even though the topics are heavy, it doesn't feel overwhelming. I really enjoyed Soul Ties, and I went into this second book with no expectations as I did with the first. The surprise twists and turns of the plot, and the fate of her characters, kept me reading. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic sequel, and I'm looking forward to a third (if there is one).
February 16, 2025
Christy strikes again. Another soul crushing, emotion turmoiling book. I could go on and on about this woman and her talent, however this is about the book. I felt so bad for the male main characters through both of this book. Kurt and Ben forever will hold my heart. Claire our female main character pissed me off so much throughout a majority of the book. Highly recommend this one too. Read book one first though.
May 28, 2025
I honestly don’t think I could love a sequel more! I absolutely love The Oracles but Soul Ties went far beyond my love for The Oracles! I loved all of the lessons each of the characters learned and the love that they found. The mental health awareness brought through Ben’s story was absolutely wonderful and so important for people to relate. The writing is Chef’s Kiss 💋 and I absolutely love Teddy!!
May 15, 2025
My mind is blown. I want more of their stories. The way mental health is addressed in a way that makes it real but not graphic or glorifying it is amazing. Depression and trauma are themes that are easy to do wrong, but this was done so, so right. I now need some fluffy stories with these characters now that I’ve seen them at their worst. Simply amazing.
June 25, 2025
I dove into this after finishing The Oracles because I had to see a happier ending for Ben. While my ship did not fully sail still, I was really happy with the bonds at the end. Ben is my fav because of how relatable he was, Teddy is my dfav. What a lad.
Good job and I am ever so thankful for a chance to read these.
Good job and I am ever so thankful for a chance to read these.
April 2, 2025
I can’t say much about this amazing book and I can’t say enough!!!
The love and trials continue for Kurt and Claire.
The adventures take them to Jackson, Colorado, where they meet another Oracle, Mei.
If you have not read The Oracles..you need to…incredible.
The love and trials continue for Kurt and Claire.
The adventures take them to Jackson, Colorado, where they meet another Oracle, Mei.
If you have not read The Oracles..you need to…incredible.
April 21, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it pulled me in. I love Ben’s character, especially his humor. And what happened near the end with Grace 🫣😂 Oh, it was great! The ending was satisfying and cathartic, and much needed for these characters. ❤️
April 5, 2025
The chokehold this book has on me is unreal!!!!!!!!
10/10 Reccomend!
10/10 Reccomend!
July 28, 2025
I have been mulling over this review for some time. Soul ties is everything you would want from a sequel and more.
The story picks up with Claire, Kurt, Ben and family three years after the trials in the first book.
Let's just say the complicated dynamic between the trio is making life hell for all three of them.
I don't want to delve too much into the story, as I feel it will ruin a lot of the twists and turns of the book. But what I can say is that Christy delves into feelings and emotions and the complications of choices beautifully. Your heart will ache for the characters and the situation (and adventure) the trio find themselves embarking on.
You meet old friends and some new and each of them have their own importance within the story and dynamic. This book was very thoughtfully constructed and Christy explores mental health themes with depth, thoughtfulness, empathy and care.
I highly recommend this series, and can't speak highly enough of what I feel for these two outstanding novels!
The story picks up with Claire, Kurt, Ben and family three years after the trials in the first book.
Let's just say the complicated dynamic between the trio is making life hell for all three of them.
I don't want to delve too much into the story, as I feel it will ruin a lot of the twists and turns of the book. But what I can say is that Christy delves into feelings and emotions and the complications of choices beautifully. Your heart will ache for the characters and the situation (and adventure) the trio find themselves embarking on.
You meet old friends and some new and each of them have their own importance within the story and dynamic. This book was very thoughtfully constructed and Christy explores mental health themes with depth, thoughtfulness, empathy and care.
I highly recommend this series, and can't speak highly enough of what I feel for these two outstanding novels!
August 19, 2025
Soul Ties is everything I wanted in a sequel and more. I always worry that a second book in a series won’t live up to the first, but this absolutely delivers. It’s a long book, but every page is necessary. There’s no filler, no lag, just story. And at no point did I predict what would happen next. This book kept me fully engaged, with plenty of gasp! “no way” moments that made it impossible to put down.
Ben has always been a great character, but this book made me fall in love with him completely. His journey is a rollercoaster! And I also loved the new character Mei. She is an absolute force! Strong, capable, and exactly the kind of character I love to root for.
What makes this book stand out, beyond the unpredictable plot, is how well-developed the characters are. Even the new ones feel fully realized, with their own quirks and personalities. The emotional depth is impressive. It’s never a matter of being told how a character feels; it’s woven into their actions and dialogue in a way that feels completely natural. That’s a rare skill, and it makes the storytelling even stronger.
And then there’s Teddy. I thought he was just a quick minor character plot device at first and I was thrilled when he reappeared. His presence just fits. The airport scene? Perfection. His newness to this realm is handled so well, and he might just be my favorite character (though choosing a favorite feels impossible when they’re all written this well).
I also loved how dreams played a role in the story without overpowering it. I want to go back and reread because I feel like I would pick up even more on a second round read. But that’s another reason this book is so strong - it’s worth revisiting, not just for enjoyment but to pick up on the little details that make it even richer.
I’m honestly blown away by how well everything flows in both books, especially knowing this is an independently crafted series. The writing feels effortless, yet it’s clear how much care and precision went into every aspect of the story. This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading; immersive, emotional, and completely captivating.
I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Ben has always been a great character, but this book made me fall in love with him completely. His journey is a rollercoaster! And I also loved the new character Mei. She is an absolute force! Strong, capable, and exactly the kind of character I love to root for.
What makes this book stand out, beyond the unpredictable plot, is how well-developed the characters are. Even the new ones feel fully realized, with their own quirks and personalities. The emotional depth is impressive. It’s never a matter of being told how a character feels; it’s woven into their actions and dialogue in a way that feels completely natural. That’s a rare skill, and it makes the storytelling even stronger.
And then there’s Teddy. I thought he was just a quick minor character plot device at first and I was thrilled when he reappeared. His presence just fits. The airport scene? Perfection. His newness to this realm is handled so well, and he might just be my favorite character (though choosing a favorite feels impossible when they’re all written this well).
I also loved how dreams played a role in the story without overpowering it. I want to go back and reread because I feel like I would pick up even more on a second round read. But that’s another reason this book is so strong - it’s worth revisiting, not just for enjoyment but to pick up on the little details that make it even richer.
I’m honestly blown away by how well everything flows in both books, especially knowing this is an independently crafted series. The writing feels effortless, yet it’s clear how much care and precision went into every aspect of the story. This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading; immersive, emotional, and completely captivating.
I cannot wait to see what comes next.
September 7, 2025
"Soul Ties," the second book in The Oracles series by Christy Skidmore, is a breathtaking continuation that grips the reader from start to finish. The emotional depth and complex connections between the characters are nothing short of extraordinary, as Skidmore masterfully crafts relationships that are as intense as they are heart-wrenching. This book doesn't just tug at the heartstrings; it plays a symphony on them, effortlessly ripping my heart out, squeezing it, and tossing it back in my chest. Each step of the journey is beautifully painful yet exhilarating, leading to a climax and resolution that left me utterly satisfied and yearning for more. The ending was my favorite—perfectly executed and lingering long after I turned the last page. For fans of emotional storytelling and intricate character dynamics, "Soul Ties" is a must-read, making it a memorable addition to Skidmore’s series.
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