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Hallowed Souls
Azlyn Emils has one job—to kill.
As captain of the east, her duty is to eliminate the dark fae that plague her home in Eyribus. But when Divine crystals that nurture the land begin to go missing, Azlyn and her squad are sent on a new mission. Infiltrate the neighboring kingdom of Aesteria to find the thief and prevent war.
Strange magic, secrets of the past and a brooding bastard prince throw Azlyn into a mission she isn't prepared for. Strung between duty and a storm brewing within, Azlyn must complete her task before her soul shatters in the kingdom of the damned.
As captain of the east, her duty is to eliminate the dark fae that plague her home in Eyribus. But when Divine crystals that nurture the land begin to go missing, Azlyn and her squad are sent on a new mission. Infiltrate the neighboring kingdom of Aesteria to find the thief and prevent war.
Strange magic, secrets of the past and a brooding bastard prince throw Azlyn into a mission she isn't prepared for. Strung between duty and a storm brewing within, Azlyn must complete her task before her soul shatters in the kingdom of the damned.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
40 people are currently reading
2072 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 2, 2025
ARC read:
All in all, I’m looking forward to reading the next book especially with that ending!
Pros:
- The prologue immediately pulled me in. It was a strong start to the story.
- I really loved Azlyn and her crew. Their banter was good and I liked the array of personalities.
- Ambrose and Kairo are a welcome addition once the group makes it to Aesteria.
- Seeing Valeria’s wittiness at play
- Kerberos is a gem because who doesn’t love a dog with an attitude
Cons:
- With a prologue like that, I was surprised at the pace of the story. It was a bit slow for my liking, but once they arrived in Aesteria it picked up and was better paced for me.
All in all, I’m looking forward to reading the next book especially with that ending!
Pros:
- The prologue immediately pulled me in. It was a strong start to the story.
- I really loved Azlyn and her crew. Their banter was good and I liked the array of personalities.
- Ambrose and Kairo are a welcome addition once the group makes it to Aesteria.
- Seeing Valeria’s wittiness at play
- Kerberos is a gem because who doesn’t love a dog with an attitude
Cons:
- With a prologue like that, I was surprised at the pace of the story. It was a bit slow for my liking, but once they arrived in Aesteria it picked up and was better paced for me.
March 26, 2025
I really found myself invested in this books emotional depth and thrilling moments. The banter was top-notch, adding just the right amount of humor and charm to balance the darker, more intense scenes.
Azlyn was a total badass, fierce, capable, and more than able to hold her own. I loved seeing her navigate the challenges thrown her way. Kairo, the bastard prince, who brought so much complexity to the story. His layered character and sharp dialogue made every interaction with Azlyn even more entertaining. The chemistry and tension between them were impossible to ignore.
And I can’t forget Kerberos. He was an absolute scene-stealer! Honestly, I’d read an entire side story just about him.
The pacing had a strong start, then slowed down to build tension and develop the characters. While it took its time in the middle, that careful buildup made the big moments land with even more impact.
The world-building was also a standout. It felt vast and immersive, with a rich history woven throughout. There’s so much more I’m eager to explore, and I’m hoping future installments dive even deeper into this world.
Overall, Hallowed Souls was a good read. With its fierce heroine, complex relationships, and moments that just hit, it’s a story that has all the makings of a great series. I can’t wait to see what Cierra Reyes has in store next.
Azlyn was a total badass, fierce, capable, and more than able to hold her own. I loved seeing her navigate the challenges thrown her way. Kairo, the bastard prince, who brought so much complexity to the story. His layered character and sharp dialogue made every interaction with Azlyn even more entertaining. The chemistry and tension between them were impossible to ignore.
And I can’t forget Kerberos. He was an absolute scene-stealer! Honestly, I’d read an entire side story just about him.
The pacing had a strong start, then slowed down to build tension and develop the characters. While it took its time in the middle, that careful buildup made the big moments land with even more impact.
The world-building was also a standout. It felt vast and immersive, with a rich history woven throughout. There’s so much more I’m eager to explore, and I’m hoping future installments dive even deeper into this world.
Overall, Hallowed Souls was a good read. With its fierce heroine, complex relationships, and moments that just hit, it’s a story that has all the makings of a great series. I can’t wait to see what Cierra Reyes has in store next.
March 19, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
Y’all. This is another banger of a read.
I know I’m a simple person. Fantasy, fun banter between characters, and a seemingly straightforward plot that takes a hard left turn? Yeah, I’m into it.
This starts a little slow but trust me, hang in there, the world building is 🤌🏾 and then when we start getting into it? Hang onto your butts. The story just keeps building and then it’s over on one hell of a cliffhanger. Like. Hello??????? Can I get one more chapter, please and thank you.
We get the dual (triple?) POV of our main characters Azlyn (a BA fighter who was found as a baby) and then further in, Kairo (the bastard prince of Aesteria - more on this later) and The Stranger who is.. [REDACTED] 😉. It’s mostly Azlyn as we follow her and her squad in Eyribus before, they’re set on a mission to find out what’s happening to their sacred crystals known as Soul Stones in, you guessed it, Aesteria.
Culturally Eyribus and Aesteria are so wildly different it’s interesting to see Azlyn and her crew deal (mostly poorly and humorously) with culture shock.
So much happens while the cast is in Aesteria but if I were to say anything more we’d be headed into spoiler territory and y’all will want to experience this one for yourselves.
Final thought: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. We love yearning in this house and this story delivers. Like we’re talking 80-90% before ANYTHING happens between Azlyn and Kairo.
Also: Kerberos is the best boy and I will not be taking any notes at this time.
Thank you so much to Cierra Reyes for this ARC 💜💜💜
Brb doing laps in my kitchen over the epilogue until book 2.
————-
Another freaking banger of a book. I am in shambles. Full review soon!
Y’all. This is another banger of a read.
I know I’m a simple person. Fantasy, fun banter between characters, and a seemingly straightforward plot that takes a hard left turn? Yeah, I’m into it.
This starts a little slow but trust me, hang in there, the world building is 🤌🏾 and then when we start getting into it? Hang onto your butts. The story just keeps building and then it’s over on one hell of a cliffhanger. Like. Hello??????? Can I get one more chapter, please and thank you.
We get the dual (triple?) POV of our main characters Azlyn (a BA fighter who was found as a baby) and then further in, Kairo (the bastard prince of Aesteria - more on this later) and The Stranger who is.. [REDACTED] 😉. It’s mostly Azlyn as we follow her and her squad in Eyribus before, they’re set on a mission to find out what’s happening to their sacred crystals known as Soul Stones in, you guessed it, Aesteria.
Culturally Eyribus and Aesteria are so wildly different it’s interesting to see Azlyn and her crew deal (mostly poorly and humorously) with culture shock.
So much happens while the cast is in Aesteria but if I were to say anything more we’d be headed into spoiler territory and y’all will want to experience this one for yourselves.
Final thought: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. We love yearning in this house and this story delivers. Like we’re talking 80-90% before ANYTHING happens between Azlyn and Kairo.
Also: Kerberos is the best boy and I will not be taking any notes at this time.
Thank you so much to Cierra Reyes for this ARC 💜💜💜
Brb doing laps in my kitchen over the epilogue until book 2.
————-
Another freaking banger of a book. I am in shambles. Full review soon!
March 25, 2025
ARC Review of Hallowed Souls by @cierrareyes_writing
5/5 Stars ✨
0/5 Spice 🌶️
Hallowed Souls is a high fantasy high stakes political intrigue novel with a romantic subplot. It follows the story of Azalyn and her comrades as the visit a neighboring kingdom trying to discover if they are preparing to wage war against Azalyn’s home country. But along the way, Azalyn discovers more than she ever thought was possible.
This book was an incredible roller coaster ride of emotions from beginning to end. From the beginning I had so many theories going, and it was fun to constantly have to be adjusting them as I got farther into the book. The plot was constantly twisting and turning; it was like walking through one of those wacky mirror houses where everything is distorted and always changing.
One of my favorite things about this whole book was that Azalyn is a truly grey MMC, giving into her baser nature at times, but she is always striving to be better. And the banter between all of them is top tier (although Donavan might be my favorite).
This book is easily one of my top reads for 2025 so far!
Hallowed Souls is book 1 in the Divine Souls series. It’s available is in paperback and KU.
#hallowedsouls #cierrareyes #fae #foundfamily #morallygrey #darkfantasy
5/5 Stars ✨
0/5 Spice 🌶️
Hallowed Souls is a high fantasy high stakes political intrigue novel with a romantic subplot. It follows the story of Azalyn and her comrades as the visit a neighboring kingdom trying to discover if they are preparing to wage war against Azalyn’s home country. But along the way, Azalyn discovers more than she ever thought was possible.
This book was an incredible roller coaster ride of emotions from beginning to end. From the beginning I had so many theories going, and it was fun to constantly have to be adjusting them as I got farther into the book. The plot was constantly twisting and turning; it was like walking through one of those wacky mirror houses where everything is distorted and always changing.
One of my favorite things about this whole book was that Azalyn is a truly grey MMC, giving into her baser nature at times, but she is always striving to be better. And the banter between all of them is top tier (although Donavan might be my favorite).
This book is easily one of my top reads for 2025 so far!
Hallowed Souls is book 1 in the Divine Souls series. It’s available is in paperback and KU.
#hallowedsouls #cierrareyes #fae #foundfamily #morallygrey #darkfantasy
March 25, 2025
I read this as an arc reader and let me tell you, I am obsessed. Ate this book up. Azlyn is one badass fmc and the world building is a class act. I was here for the banter, the tension and the slow burn. I loved the differences between the two cities and how our characters navigated their time in Aesteria. I 10/10 recommend this boom. I am dying to get my hands on book 2!
April 13, 2025
There’s honestly nothing cooler than getting lost in an amazing book multiple times and thinking “wow, my childhood best friend wrote this.” I knew I was going to enjoy the book before I even read it. Can’t wait for the next one Cierra :)
June 24, 2025
Cierra blew me away with her writing, her story, and the mark her characters left on me. I’m beyond proud to know her and so honored to read her first book. Hallowed Souls had plot, fantasy, little bit of romance, bad ass characters, and it made me want more. I loved it
February 28, 2025
This is 3.5 stars for me because of how long it took for me to get into it. It did pick up eventually though and the end was a bit of a cliffhanger but not enough to leave me reeling.
March 7, 2025
*ARC*
This was definitely a wild ride from the beginning. Azlyn is the badass FMC that we all love to see! She can take down fighters larger than her and she has no fear in taking down her enemies. Kairo is the MMC we all wish we knew. He is so fiercely loyal and I love to see how much he just cares and is supportive throughout this whole book.
From the beginning there was intrigue and mystery. Death, destruction, love, betrayal. You get all of it in Hallowed Souls.
I loved how Cierra Reyes created her characters with so much feeling, you could feel their turmoil, their pain and suffering. I was so heartbroken and filled with pain at the end of this book, I needed a good cry.
So much loss and devastation, but also so much hope for the future of these characters.
I enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store for these characters in the next books!
This was definitely a wild ride from the beginning. Azlyn is the badass FMC that we all love to see! She can take down fighters larger than her and she has no fear in taking down her enemies. Kairo is the MMC we all wish we knew. He is so fiercely loyal and I love to see how much he just cares and is supportive throughout this whole book.
From the beginning there was intrigue and mystery. Death, destruction, love, betrayal. You get all of it in Hallowed Souls.
I loved how Cierra Reyes created her characters with so much feeling, you could feel their turmoil, their pain and suffering. I was so heartbroken and filled with pain at the end of this book, I needed a good cry.
So much loss and devastation, but also so much hope for the future of these characters.
I enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store for these characters in the next books!
April 8, 2025
Wow.
Do not pick this up if you're looking for a book that is going to be fast paced start to finish.
Do pick it up if you want a crescendo type book... that's literally the only word my brain can think of to describe it... the depth and energy of the story build slowly but steadily.
The book starts with you getting to know Azlyn. Then you add in members of her squad and their interactions. Then you get new characters that come to be important to her and her squad. Add in dashes of trying to solve a mystery in a foreign land. Identify a baddie. Then pretty cool fight scene with assassins. Then more mystery solving. Then BAM chaos is happening quickly and the next thing you know you have 4% to go and realize this just went from 4.25-4.5 to 5 stars because of how the ending was written to play out. The beauty is in the specifics... the devil is in the detail.
Azlyn is the fierce captain of the east in Eyribus. She's been raised as a warrior and is certainly a force to be reckoned with. She's unpredictable but highly effective. The members of her squad have distinctly unique personalities and strengths. They are sent to the neighboring kingdom of Aesteria to find out who is stealing crystals that keep their land fertile.
Kairo is the bastard prince of Aesteria. He lives as a shadow inside the castle but feels a sense of duty to those suffering in the kingdom. When he crosses paths with Azlyn, he's blown away by the strength of her character, the fierceness of how she fights for what she believes, and the way her squad respects her.
There is murder, betrayal, unforgettable characters both main and supporting cast, death, mysterious magical powers, mythological world building, and the most beautiful of slow burn romances in this book.
I HIGHLY recommend. I cannot wait to read the next book and embrace these characters in the next piece of their adventure.
Thank you Cierra Reyes for the opportunity to read this before it is published in exchange for my honest opinion.
Do not pick this up if you're looking for a book that is going to be fast paced start to finish.
Do pick it up if you want a crescendo type book... that's literally the only word my brain can think of to describe it... the depth and energy of the story build slowly but steadily.
The book starts with you getting to know Azlyn. Then you add in members of her squad and their interactions. Then you get new characters that come to be important to her and her squad. Add in dashes of trying to solve a mystery in a foreign land. Identify a baddie. Then pretty cool fight scene with assassins. Then more mystery solving. Then BAM chaos is happening quickly and the next thing you know you have 4% to go and realize this just went from 4.25-4.5 to 5 stars because of how the ending was written to play out. The beauty is in the specifics... the devil is in the detail.
Azlyn is the fierce captain of the east in Eyribus. She's been raised as a warrior and is certainly a force to be reckoned with. She's unpredictable but highly effective. The members of her squad have distinctly unique personalities and strengths. They are sent to the neighboring kingdom of Aesteria to find out who is stealing crystals that keep their land fertile.
Kairo is the bastard prince of Aesteria. He lives as a shadow inside the castle but feels a sense of duty to those suffering in the kingdom. When he crosses paths with Azlyn, he's blown away by the strength of her character, the fierceness of how she fights for what she believes, and the way her squad respects her.
There is murder, betrayal, unforgettable characters both main and supporting cast, death, mysterious magical powers, mythological world building, and the most beautiful of slow burn romances in this book.
I HIGHLY recommend. I cannot wait to read the next book and embrace these characters in the next piece of their adventure.
Thank you Cierra Reyes for the opportunity to read this before it is published in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 26, 2025
Hallowed Souls | Cierra Reyes
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
Strange magic, dark fae, secrets of the past and a bastard prince; Hallowed Souls by Cierra Reyes is so many of my favorite things in one story, leaving me a VERY happy ghoul.
When the divine stones that ensure connection and abundance in Azlyn Emils' home of Eyribus start going missing, it’s up to her and her team to travel into enemy territory to find the thief and retrieve the stones (without angering the king and disrupting peace between kingdoms in the process). But that task proves difficult when new magical abilities, a brooding prince and curious enemies get thrown into the mix. 🔮
I’ve been slowly building my own mental pantheon of incredible FMCs and Azlyn has secured her place among it. Found as a baby in a war ravaged kingdom and raised to kill, her life is dedicated to being Captain of the East and leading her band of lovable idiots, er squad, in hunting the dark fae. Az is the kind of heroine who'll make you want to put on your fighting leathers and do one arm pull-ups. And if you know me, you know I love a plucky gang of heroes (sometimes anti-heroes). The squad dynamics are incredibly heartwarming, which is so necessary in such a hopeless and dangerous land. From their teasing banter to their unwavering loyalty of one another, these characters are a family and it's clear they grow together or not at all. 🤗
As soon as this team enters neighboring Aesteria, sparks fly and things start to burn, ever so slowly. Enter Kairo, the sullen bastard prince who is so much more than he’s ever been given credit for. When Kairo and Azlyn meet, you can feel their intrigue for one another in your bones. He is enamored by her ferocity and strength of character and she's enraptured by the feeling of having someone offer comfort and care for her. Their connection ebbs and flows along with the story and the yearning that manifests between these pages is intoxicating. 💞
In this story, Reyes’ writing demands your empathy for an intricate world built upon magic, the divine and all of the creatures given life within it. Each character called to me and gave me a reason to love (or hate) them, and the mythology of this world feels ancient and astonishingly revered.
Now, I’m not a spoiler kind of ghoul, so I will not provide context, but I can't write a review that doesn't include my love for Kerberos. Kerberos is the BEST BOY and I would die for him. 🐾
Trope time:
🤝 Found family
🔥 Slow burn
👑 Robin Hood coded MMC
🗡️ Stab first, ask questions later FMC
🕵️♀️ Hidden abilities
✨ Chosen one
🐶 Shadow dog
💜 Divine, magic and Seelie/Unseelie fae
🗡️ Quest x band of lovable heroes
Hallowed Souls is a masterful debut novel and it made my heart grow 3 sizes bigger. Even better? It’s out NOW! Thank you to Cierra Reyes for the opportunity to read and relish an ARC of this book.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
Strange magic, dark fae, secrets of the past and a bastard prince; Hallowed Souls by Cierra Reyes is so many of my favorite things in one story, leaving me a VERY happy ghoul.
When the divine stones that ensure connection and abundance in Azlyn Emils' home of Eyribus start going missing, it’s up to her and her team to travel into enemy territory to find the thief and retrieve the stones (without angering the king and disrupting peace between kingdoms in the process). But that task proves difficult when new magical abilities, a brooding prince and curious enemies get thrown into the mix. 🔮
I’ve been slowly building my own mental pantheon of incredible FMCs and Azlyn has secured her place among it. Found as a baby in a war ravaged kingdom and raised to kill, her life is dedicated to being Captain of the East and leading her band of lovable idiots, er squad, in hunting the dark fae. Az is the kind of heroine who'll make you want to put on your fighting leathers and do one arm pull-ups. And if you know me, you know I love a plucky gang of heroes (sometimes anti-heroes). The squad dynamics are incredibly heartwarming, which is so necessary in such a hopeless and dangerous land. From their teasing banter to their unwavering loyalty of one another, these characters are a family and it's clear they grow together or not at all. 🤗
As soon as this team enters neighboring Aesteria, sparks fly and things start to burn, ever so slowly. Enter Kairo, the sullen bastard prince who is so much more than he’s ever been given credit for. When Kairo and Azlyn meet, you can feel their intrigue for one another in your bones. He is enamored by her ferocity and strength of character and she's enraptured by the feeling of having someone offer comfort and care for her. Their connection ebbs and flows along with the story and the yearning that manifests between these pages is intoxicating. 💞
In this story, Reyes’ writing demands your empathy for an intricate world built upon magic, the divine and all of the creatures given life within it. Each character called to me and gave me a reason to love (or hate) them, and the mythology of this world feels ancient and astonishingly revered.
Now, I’m not a spoiler kind of ghoul, so I will not provide context, but I can't write a review that doesn't include my love for Kerberos. Kerberos is the BEST BOY and I would die for him. 🐾
Trope time:
🤝 Found family
🔥 Slow burn
👑 Robin Hood coded MMC
🗡️ Stab first, ask questions later FMC
🕵️♀️ Hidden abilities
✨ Chosen one
🐶 Shadow dog
💜 Divine, magic and Seelie/Unseelie fae
🗡️ Quest x band of lovable heroes
Hallowed Souls is a masterful debut novel and it made my heart grow 3 sizes bigger. Even better? It’s out NOW! Thank you to Cierra Reyes for the opportunity to read and relish an ARC of this book.
March 31, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
4.5⭐
Hallowed Souls by Cierra Reyes is an epic fantasy novel featuring a stabby FMC, brooding bastard prince, and a rag tag group of friends. You'll find yourself swept up in a world brimming with gods and goddesses, a whole lot of witty banter, and nods to Celtic mythology, all while enjoying a romance subplot that's definitely an extreme slow burn (like, seriously slow – I’m not kidding).
Honestly, this book is an emotional rollercoaster that takes you through so many feelings. You'll laugh, sigh, maybe even roll your eyes, and definitely gasp at some moments. There were times I found myself messaging Cierra in disbelief (or anger – whichever)! Hallowed Souls really took me on a journey that has stayed with me.
I absolutely loved the cast of characters! Their witty exchanges and camaraderie had me chuckling and highlighting bits of dialogue in my Kindle. The twins, Liam and Leah totally stole my heart with their sharp wit and playful banter.
Highlights (anything in italics in internal thought):
- “Me? Cause trouble? Never.”
- “The prince sent her a wink. She refrained from enlightening him about the fact she could kill him bare handed.”
- “Who are you being such a hard ass with?” Orange hair pushed by the giant and froze with a gaping mouth. “Oh, shit. Listen, whatever she did, it was probably…maybe an accident.” [Liam]
- “Because you bother me.”
“I bother you?” She snapped. It was official. Every man in the royal family was deranged. In what world could that be an acceptable explanation?
- “I’m…me.”
“Yes,” he said
“and that… bothers you.”
“Yes.”
What am I supposed to make of that?
- Idiots… I am surrounded by idiots.
- “We all got a past. Can’t really live unless you look forward.” Donovan spoke with a certainty that made Kairo’s chest ache.
- Oh, isn’t this a big basket of awkward.
But just as there were moments that had me in stitches, there were definite moments that pulled on my heartstrings:
- Dedication: “For those who are not guided by darkness or light but live in the gray. May your kindness touch the stars, and your rage unleash their fears.”
- “I am Zuri, and Revan is the only child I’ve been blessed with… I want my boy returned home safely. You are the teacher he chose, the one he believes will get him to where he wants to be. I have trust in my son and so I’m putting my trust in you… Keep him safe.” (As a mom to twin boys, this pulled at my heartstrings and had me tearing up).
There's so much happening in Hallowed Souls—from the intriguing plot to rich world-building and character arcs, as well as unexpected twists. Fair warning though, some readers might find the pacing at the beginning slow and takes time to get going. I can see why, but for me, getting lost in the setup was totally worth it. Once the action kicks in, buckle up because it’s quite a ride!
Friendly reminder: this has a romance sub plot and is extremely slow burn. Please don’t throw your kindle… it will get there… eventually… please send an invoices for emotional damage, or kindle repairs directly to the author, @cierrareyes_writing LOL.
Big thank you to Cierra Reyes on the gifted ARC!
4.5⭐
Hallowed Souls by Cierra Reyes is an epic fantasy novel featuring a stabby FMC, brooding bastard prince, and a rag tag group of friends. You'll find yourself swept up in a world brimming with gods and goddesses, a whole lot of witty banter, and nods to Celtic mythology, all while enjoying a romance subplot that's definitely an extreme slow burn (like, seriously slow – I’m not kidding).
Honestly, this book is an emotional rollercoaster that takes you through so many feelings. You'll laugh, sigh, maybe even roll your eyes, and definitely gasp at some moments. There were times I found myself messaging Cierra in disbelief (or anger – whichever)! Hallowed Souls really took me on a journey that has stayed with me.
I absolutely loved the cast of characters! Their witty exchanges and camaraderie had me chuckling and highlighting bits of dialogue in my Kindle. The twins, Liam and Leah totally stole my heart with their sharp wit and playful banter.
Highlights (anything in italics in internal thought):
- “Me? Cause trouble? Never.”
- “The prince sent her a wink. She refrained from enlightening him about the fact she could kill him bare handed.”
- “Who are you being such a hard ass with?” Orange hair pushed by the giant and froze with a gaping mouth. “Oh, shit. Listen, whatever she did, it was probably…maybe an accident.” [Liam]
- “Because you bother me.”
“I bother you?” She snapped. It was official. Every man in the royal family was deranged. In what world could that be an acceptable explanation?
- “I’m…me.”
“Yes,” he said
“and that… bothers you.”
“Yes.”
What am I supposed to make of that?
- Idiots… I am surrounded by idiots.
- “We all got a past. Can’t really live unless you look forward.” Donovan spoke with a certainty that made Kairo’s chest ache.
- Oh, isn’t this a big basket of awkward.
But just as there were moments that had me in stitches, there were definite moments that pulled on my heartstrings:
- Dedication: “For those who are not guided by darkness or light but live in the gray. May your kindness touch the stars, and your rage unleash their fears.”
- “I am Zuri, and Revan is the only child I’ve been blessed with… I want my boy returned home safely. You are the teacher he chose, the one he believes will get him to where he wants to be. I have trust in my son and so I’m putting my trust in you… Keep him safe.” (As a mom to twin boys, this pulled at my heartstrings and had me tearing up).
There's so much happening in Hallowed Souls—from the intriguing plot to rich world-building and character arcs, as well as unexpected twists. Fair warning though, some readers might find the pacing at the beginning slow and takes time to get going. I can see why, but for me, getting lost in the setup was totally worth it. Once the action kicks in, buckle up because it’s quite a ride!
Friendly reminder: this has a romance sub plot and is extremely slow burn. Please don’t throw your kindle… it will get there… eventually… please send an invoices for emotional damage, or kindle repairs directly to the author, @cierrareyes_writing LOL.
Big thank you to Cierra Reyes on the gifted ARC!
March 24, 2025
While this was a 3.5 read for me, I have no doubt it will be a favourite for many others! Before diving into my thoughts, thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions presented here are 100% my own.
One thing that stood out for me was the prologue. It's rare for me to enjoy a prologue so much. I tend to read them, of course, but usually they don't hook me right away. In this book, it was quick, intriguing and well-executed and definitely got me excited about what’s to come. So much so that it left me wanting to read a prequel from Curren POV.
The pacing of the story does slow down quite a bit afterwards (until about the 19% mark if I recall correctly) as the FMC is introduced along with her gang. At first, their teasing felt overly frequent and a little too silly, but the more I got to know them, the more I appreciated their bond. Honestly, isn’t that how real friends are together? You quickly realize just how much they all mean to one another, and I personally started loving the dynamic.
Leah and Liam were standout characters for me, but my absolute favourite character in the whole book has to be Valeria. Her personality and her character development throughout the book was impressive. She was always quietly strong, and I was rooting for her to discover more of her inner strength.
The plot and worldbuilding were also highlights. The reveal towards the end was wonderfully executed where you *could* tell something was coming, but it still catches you enough by surprise.
My biggest hesitation with the book was the romance. I tend to prefer slow-burn, subtle relationships in fantasy, which was one of the reasons I got excited about the book when I first came across its announcement on social media. While the romance is technically a side plot, and it is slow-burn in that no spice happens between the MMC and FMC, it felt more prominent than I originally expected, and the attraction developed much faster than I had anticipated considering the characters' backgrounds.
That said, the chemistry is definitely there, and their playful dynamic was enjoyable. Though it might not have worked for me, I know many readers will absolutely swoon over their relationship. I know I'm in the minority.
Overall, this was a wonderful debut and I'm very excited to see what the author writes next. If this book is anything to go by, I have no doubt we're in for some amazing stories by the author!
P.S: Where can I sign up for a real-life Kerberos?
One thing that stood out for me was the prologue. It's rare for me to enjoy a prologue so much. I tend to read them, of course, but usually they don't hook me right away. In this book, it was quick, intriguing and well-executed and definitely got me excited about what’s to come. So much so that it left me wanting to read a prequel from Curren POV.
The pacing of the story does slow down quite a bit afterwards (until about the 19% mark if I recall correctly) as the FMC is introduced along with her gang. At first, their teasing felt overly frequent and a little too silly, but the more I got to know them, the more I appreciated their bond. Honestly, isn’t that how real friends are together? You quickly realize just how much they all mean to one another, and I personally started loving the dynamic.
Leah and Liam were standout characters for me, but my absolute favourite character in the whole book has to be Valeria. Her personality and her character development throughout the book was impressive. She was always quietly strong, and I was rooting for her to discover more of her inner strength.
The plot and worldbuilding were also highlights. The reveal towards the end was wonderfully executed where you *could* tell something was coming, but it still catches you enough by surprise.
My biggest hesitation with the book was the romance. I tend to prefer slow-burn, subtle relationships in fantasy, which was one of the reasons I got excited about the book when I first came across its announcement on social media. While the romance is technically a side plot, and it is slow-burn in that no spice happens between the MMC and FMC, it felt more prominent than I originally expected, and the attraction developed much faster than I had anticipated considering the characters' backgrounds.
That said, the chemistry is definitely there, and their playful dynamic was enjoyable. Though it might not have worked for me, I know many readers will absolutely swoon over their relationship. I know I'm in the minority.
Overall, this was a wonderful debut and I'm very excited to see what the author writes next. If this book is anything to go by, I have no doubt we're in for some amazing stories by the author!
P.S: Where can I sign up for a real-life Kerberos?
March 24, 2025
{4.5/5}
CW: violence, gore, death, attempted/implied SA, some others.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! “Hallowed Souls” releases March 25, 2025!
The book was great, but I just can’t get over how pretty that cover is!
Twenty six years ago, Aesteria marched into Eyribus, slaughtering the Seelie living there. Now, divine soul stones are going missing, and Eyribus’ captain of the east, Azlyn, has been tapped to journey into enemy territory to see what’s going on. Known for her ferocity and maverick nature, Azyln isn’t exactly envoy material. Greater strength lurks within, though, and not all threats are so easily thwarted.
This review was weirdly hard to write, and I don’t know why. My best guess is that it has to do with the pacing. It’s not slow, nor fast, it just…is. Things happen when they happen and the in-between keeps the flow steady. Because of this, it took a minute to get into the story, but it’s also why it was so easy to stay engaged when we moved into the more plot-oriented sections. A strange dichotomy, sure, but it gave the book a really distinctive feel that I quite enjoyed.
It’s a little difficult to explain how this book actually feels without risking this review becoming a weirdly rambling collection of odd statements, but if I had to narrow it down I’d call it a ‘river’ book– there’s more depth than you can immediately see, but you can feel that big things are moving just beyond the pages. It’s easy to follow, it’s enjoyable and fun, but it resonates like a book that should require intense study and scholarly discourse.
As I mentioned, the pacing is distinctive but well done, slow and steady with spurts of action placed just right. All the right amounts of emotions; dark and a little bit soul crushing perfectly balanced with these bright, sparkling moments of levity that keep you going. It’s a unique feel that isn’t going to work for all readers, but if you’re willing to give it a few chapters it’s highly rewarding.
The characters are lovely, each one feeling like they have a whole story behind them instead of just feeling like extra names to learn. They bring the story to life, and I got so attached to each of them.
The world, the storyline, and the characters all combine to form a book that kept me reading far later than I should have been. It’s all beautiful, and the plot holds the potential to continue being a really stand-out sort of story. I want to know what happens next, and I want to know now. If fantasy with a lot of world behind it is your jam, you should check out this one.
CW: violence, gore, death, attempted/implied SA, some others.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! “Hallowed Souls” releases March 25, 2025!
The book was great, but I just can’t get over how pretty that cover is!
Twenty six years ago, Aesteria marched into Eyribus, slaughtering the Seelie living there. Now, divine soul stones are going missing, and Eyribus’ captain of the east, Azlyn, has been tapped to journey into enemy territory to see what’s going on. Known for her ferocity and maverick nature, Azyln isn’t exactly envoy material. Greater strength lurks within, though, and not all threats are so easily thwarted.
This review was weirdly hard to write, and I don’t know why. My best guess is that it has to do with the pacing. It’s not slow, nor fast, it just…is. Things happen when they happen and the in-between keeps the flow steady. Because of this, it took a minute to get into the story, but it’s also why it was so easy to stay engaged when we moved into the more plot-oriented sections. A strange dichotomy, sure, but it gave the book a really distinctive feel that I quite enjoyed.
It’s a little difficult to explain how this book actually feels without risking this review becoming a weirdly rambling collection of odd statements, but if I had to narrow it down I’d call it a ‘river’ book– there’s more depth than you can immediately see, but you can feel that big things are moving just beyond the pages. It’s easy to follow, it’s enjoyable and fun, but it resonates like a book that should require intense study and scholarly discourse.
As I mentioned, the pacing is distinctive but well done, slow and steady with spurts of action placed just right. All the right amounts of emotions; dark and a little bit soul crushing perfectly balanced with these bright, sparkling moments of levity that keep you going. It’s a unique feel that isn’t going to work for all readers, but if you’re willing to give it a few chapters it’s highly rewarding.
The characters are lovely, each one feeling like they have a whole story behind them instead of just feeling like extra names to learn. They bring the story to life, and I got so attached to each of them.
The world, the storyline, and the characters all combine to form a book that kept me reading far later than I should have been. It’s all beautiful, and the plot holds the potential to continue being a really stand-out sort of story. I want to know what happens next, and I want to know now. If fantasy with a lot of world behind it is your jam, you should check out this one.
May 15, 2025
Azlyn is the modern female heroin we want to see in contemporary fantasy and Reyes truly delivers the archetype. Her tension was the prince was well paced and fantastically written. We really get to see her character develop before a romance – which so many fantasies miss. The descriptive language that developed the characters is loud and impactful. You can really hear their conversations through each chapter of the book.
The world building is phenomenal. When the pacing is slow the environment being built makes up for it. I can really picture the realms and the kingdom. It felt like reading a dungeons and dragons campaign with a very well-built map. This just adds to the quirky charm that Reyes is clearly a queen of.
When the narrative shifted to talks about God I was worried the story would deteriorate – but it was unique and well structured into the story line. I felt like each event was purposeful for the buildup. The splattering of Celtic lore was a bonus for me as the fae creatures are beautifully written and researched. I appreciate fae lore that goes beyond the typical pretty Tinkerbell aesthetics.
If the cover art does not grab you I promise you the descriptive world-building and character relationships are worth the try. Aesteria is wicked fun and you are going to love this adventure. This narrative really tackles what it means for women to go beyond the expectations and develop into their own identity. The prince admires her fierceness and serves to compliment instead of overshadowing her character.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and you will be stuck with me waiting for the second book in the series. I appreciated the handwritten note when I ordered this directly from the author herself. SUPPORT INDIE AUTHORS! Thankful this was recommended to me by a friend and I absolutely loved this wild ride!
The world building is phenomenal. When the pacing is slow the environment being built makes up for it. I can really picture the realms and the kingdom. It felt like reading a dungeons and dragons campaign with a very well-built map. This just adds to the quirky charm that Reyes is clearly a queen of.
When the narrative shifted to talks about God I was worried the story would deteriorate – but it was unique and well structured into the story line. I felt like each event was purposeful for the buildup. The splattering of Celtic lore was a bonus for me as the fae creatures are beautifully written and researched. I appreciate fae lore that goes beyond the typical pretty Tinkerbell aesthetics.
If the cover art does not grab you I promise you the descriptive world-building and character relationships are worth the try. Aesteria is wicked fun and you are going to love this adventure. This narrative really tackles what it means for women to go beyond the expectations and develop into their own identity. The prince admires her fierceness and serves to compliment instead of overshadowing her character.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and you will be stuck with me waiting for the second book in the series. I appreciated the handwritten note when I ordered this directly from the author herself. SUPPORT INDIE AUTHORS! Thankful this was recommended to me by a friend and I absolutely loved this wild ride!
April 2, 2025
4/5⭐
Hallowed Souls fulfilled my love of lore, magic and bloodlust with additional sprinkles of betrayal and romance.
Cierra Reyes paints a elaborate world that is part mystical and part dark. The landscapes and cultural customs between Eyribus and Aesteria are stark, and I'm here for it. I absolutely adore the vividness of the Seelies and Unseelies and how each one brings a sense of dread and (sometimes) sympathy.
Each character is full of personality and plays an emotional role in every aspect of the story. From the main FMC, Azlyn, who is a seasoned warrior and captain (mother hen) of her squad. To Kairo, the righteous bastard prince trying to make the kingdom a little less horrible. They're all perfectly flawed yet balance each other beautifully.
I can't fully say that it's slow burn, since I tend to like my slow burn at a snail's pace. However, the romance between Kairo and Azlyn develops in such a sweet and wholesome way. They go from curious strangers to (slight) lovers that continuously supports each other. The dynamic between the two are super fun with comedic quips and flirting by combat.
All that being said, it does seem like something is missing to really punch the impact of the story. The political intrigue and customs in the court of Aesteria was slightly brushed aside with some mentions but nothing too detailed. The pacing did slow down a bit, but there is still enough happening that the story still moves along.
Honestly, this was such an enjoyable read and I can't wait to dive back into the world of Hallowed Souls.
Thank you so much to Cierra Reyes for the ARC and the included pronunciation guide.
Hallowed Souls fulfilled my love of lore, magic and bloodlust with additional sprinkles of betrayal and romance.
Cierra Reyes paints a elaborate world that is part mystical and part dark. The landscapes and cultural customs between Eyribus and Aesteria are stark, and I'm here for it. I absolutely adore the vividness of the Seelies and Unseelies and how each one brings a sense of dread and (sometimes) sympathy.
Each character is full of personality and plays an emotional role in every aspect of the story. From the main FMC, Azlyn, who is a seasoned warrior and captain (mother hen) of her squad. To Kairo, the righteous bastard prince trying to make the kingdom a little less horrible. They're all perfectly flawed yet balance each other beautifully.
I can't fully say that it's slow burn, since I tend to like my slow burn at a snail's pace. However, the romance between Kairo and Azlyn develops in such a sweet and wholesome way. They go from curious strangers to (slight) lovers that continuously supports each other. The dynamic between the two are super fun with comedic quips and flirting by combat.
All that being said, it does seem like something is missing to really punch the impact of the story. The political intrigue and customs in the court of Aesteria was slightly brushed aside with some mentions but nothing too detailed. The pacing did slow down a bit, but there is still enough happening that the story still moves along.
Honestly, this was such an enjoyable read and I can't wait to dive back into the world of Hallowed Souls.
Thank you so much to Cierra Reyes for the ARC and the included pronunciation guide.
November 21, 2025
Hallowed Souls give me very similar vibes to Shadowhunters. But it has so many other elements that make it draw you in.
There is found family, mysteries to uncover, heartbreak. The FMC is Azlyn, and she is one of the most badass FMCs I've had the pleasure of reading about. She is a Captain of the East, which is a high ranking. She has subordinates below her that she takes care of. They all trust her explicilty. But she's snarky, and tough, and kindhearted.
The romance between the FMC and MMC builds throughout the whole book. I like that it's not just immeditately "boom" and they're in love. They build a friendship, and rapport. They build trust, and make a solid foundation for the relationship to prosper. There's no mention of fated mates; while I love that trope, I like when authors take a different approach from time to time in a fantasy setting.
I cried with the characters, and I laughed with them. I giggled when there were moments that the main characters interacted, or when the side characters made snarky remarks. I got swept up with the story and the world, and I can't wait to see how the story further unfolds. There was moments I didn't see coming, things I thought would go differently, and things I expected. It was a good mix.
If you're looking for a book with Shadowhunter vibes, found family, and emotional turmoil, read this book.
There is found family, mysteries to uncover, heartbreak. The FMC is Azlyn, and she is one of the most badass FMCs I've had the pleasure of reading about. She is a Captain of the East, which is a high ranking. She has subordinates below her that she takes care of. They all trust her explicilty. But she's snarky, and tough, and kindhearted.
The romance between the FMC and MMC builds throughout the whole book. I like that it's not just immeditately "boom" and they're in love. They build a friendship, and rapport. They build trust, and make a solid foundation for the relationship to prosper. There's no mention of fated mates; while I love that trope, I like when authors take a different approach from time to time in a fantasy setting.
I cried with the characters, and I laughed with them. I giggled when there were moments that the main characters interacted, or when the side characters made snarky remarks. I got swept up with the story and the world, and I can't wait to see how the story further unfolds. There was moments I didn't see coming, things I thought would go differently, and things I expected. It was a good mix.
If you're looking for a book with Shadowhunter vibes, found family, and emotional turmoil, read this book.
March 7, 2025
This was an amazing read! I was completely immersed in the story through the author's phenomenal worldbuilding! The little details and elements of description make you feel like you are on the journey along with Azlyn and her squad! I also loved how the world she created was rich with lore and mythology, adding even more depth to the narrative. The slow-burn subplot and the MMC's gentle tenderness for the FMC was so endearing. The characters were very thought out and diverse. I loved the complexity of Azlyn's character, though she comes off as slightly unhinged and tough she has a soft side and cares deeply for the ones she loves. Her inner thoughts and sarcastic humor had me giggling to myself. The banter with her loyal comrades was great. They are the definition of found family! I also really enjoyed all of the surprises; their whole world is turned upside down multiple times! There is so much that happens throughout the book, and I can't wait to see where the characters go next!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
March 21, 2025
⚔️ Adventure
💜 Friendships
✨️ Magic
🐺 Cù Sìth
🔍 Mystery
❤️🔥 Slooooow Burn
This book. Oh my god this book. One of my favorite reads this year! 😍 It managed to bring tears out of my eyes at 94%. It was such a fun read.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest feedback about the book as an avid reader.*
"For those who are not guided by darkness or light, but live in the gray. May your kindness touch the stars and your rage unleash their fears."
I loved that every character had a chance to grow on you. The bond that they all shared. The new bonds created along the way. How dare you make me cry though Cierra. 🤣
The Cù Sìth was a really cool being. I loved it. It's like, exactly what I would want if I were in a fantasy book, as my companion. 🐺💜
This book has left me DESPERATE for more. Seriously when do we get book two?! Sign me up! 😍 I need more! I need more Azyln & Kairo. I need to know the adventures of Val. I need moooooore. 🤣 Well done. 💜
💜 Friendships
✨️ Magic
🐺 Cù Sìth
🔍 Mystery
❤️🔥 Slooooow Burn
This book. Oh my god this book. One of my favorite reads this year! 😍 It managed to bring tears out of my eyes at 94%. It was such a fun read.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest feedback about the book as an avid reader.*
"For those who are not guided by darkness or light, but live in the gray. May your kindness touch the stars and your rage unleash their fears."
I loved that every character had a chance to grow on you. The bond that they all shared. The new bonds created along the way. How dare you make me cry though Cierra. 🤣
The Cù Sìth was a really cool being. I loved it. It's like, exactly what I would want if I were in a fantasy book, as my companion. 🐺💜
This book has left me DESPERATE for more. Seriously when do we get book two?! Sign me up! 😍 I need more! I need more Azyln & Kairo. I need to know the adventures of Val. I need moooooore. 🤣 Well done. 💜
March 26, 2025
The slowest of slow burns
Strangers to friends to more
Found family
Magic and magic powers
Gods among men
Interesting world building
Heavy mysterious lore
A mysteriously talented and young captain who seems to take in the untalented or helpless causes to protect their homeland is sent off on a seemingly suicidal quest to maintain peace and to solve a mystery plaguing her home.
In a different place in the world that she has no knowledge of, Azlyn discovers more about herself that she thought was even there while experiencing new situations and meeting an entirely different culture.
If you like Shadows and Bones for the close knit highly skilled group of people, Divine Rivals for the appearance of gods and goddesses among mortals and magical powers, or the slow burn of finding someone you just seem to click with from first meeting; you will enjoy Hallowed Souls. Personally I am very excited for the continuation of this series as I need to know what happens with Azlyn and her crew.
Strangers to friends to more
Found family
Magic and magic powers
Gods among men
Interesting world building
Heavy mysterious lore
A mysteriously talented and young captain who seems to take in the untalented or helpless causes to protect their homeland is sent off on a seemingly suicidal quest to maintain peace and to solve a mystery plaguing her home.
In a different place in the world that she has no knowledge of, Azlyn discovers more about herself that she thought was even there while experiencing new situations and meeting an entirely different culture.
If you like Shadows and Bones for the close knit highly skilled group of people, Divine Rivals for the appearance of gods and goddesses among mortals and magical powers, or the slow burn of finding someone you just seem to click with from first meeting; you will enjoy Hallowed Souls. Personally I am very excited for the continuation of this series as I need to know what happens with Azlyn and her crew.
March 28, 2025
I got this as an ARC, but all opinions are my own!
What a ride, omg! This started off a little slow, but once the journey to Aesteria started it picked up and the pacing was perfect. There’s a lot of world building and character building in this and I think it really helped me connect with the story because I was invested in everyone. Azlyn is a really complex FMC and she’s so much more than she seems. Or maybe she becomes more than she was. Kairo is like a walking green flag and I absolutely love him. The tension between these two is freakin palpable and the “f it” moment is absolutely beautiful and perfect for them. This is a slow burn romance, no spice, but you’re not left feeling like it’s lacking. There’s so much more to their relationship than the physical aspect and I loved that. Azlyn’s whole squad is amazing and I love how loyal they are to their Captain. Some of the characters in this are really going to surprise you, some in good ways and some in bad ways. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this and I absolutely cannot wait for book two!
What a ride, omg! This started off a little slow, but once the journey to Aesteria started it picked up and the pacing was perfect. There’s a lot of world building and character building in this and I think it really helped me connect with the story because I was invested in everyone. Azlyn is a really complex FMC and she’s so much more than she seems. Or maybe she becomes more than she was. Kairo is like a walking green flag and I absolutely love him. The tension between these two is freakin palpable and the “f it” moment is absolutely beautiful and perfect for them. This is a slow burn romance, no spice, but you’re not left feeling like it’s lacking. There’s so much more to their relationship than the physical aspect and I loved that. Azlyn’s whole squad is amazing and I love how loyal they are to their Captain. Some of the characters in this are really going to surprise you, some in good ways and some in bad ways. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this and I absolutely cannot wait for book two!
November 12, 2025
I was hooked by the end of the prologue. This book hits all the marks for me. I loved the world building, character development, chemistry, plot.. it all was on point! I want go grow up to be like Azlyn because she's a badass. BONUS! There's a gorgeous map.
Thirty years ago, Aesteria invaded Eyribus, fulfilled a Seelie genocide, and left the mortal Eyribeans to pick up the shattered pieces of their kingdom.
Azlyn has grown up in training rings; honed to be a killer, she’s climbed the ladder of Eyribus’s military. As Captain of the East, her responsibility is to keep the UnSeelie from overrunning, but they are growing more restless, and the sacred ‘soul stones’ that keep Eyribus prosperous are disappearing.
Before their world is torn apart by magic, hidden enemies, or Azlyn herself, Azlyn and her team must determine whether Aesteria is behind this or whether someone within their own ranks is responsible for this ultimate betrayal.
⚔️Elemental Magic
⚔️Multiple POV
⚔️Morally Grey FMC
⚔️Banter
⚔️Found Family
⚔️Epic Fantasy
⚔️Betrayal
Thirty years ago, Aesteria invaded Eyribus, fulfilled a Seelie genocide, and left the mortal Eyribeans to pick up the shattered pieces of their kingdom.
Azlyn has grown up in training rings; honed to be a killer, she’s climbed the ladder of Eyribus’s military. As Captain of the East, her responsibility is to keep the UnSeelie from overrunning, but they are growing more restless, and the sacred ‘soul stones’ that keep Eyribus prosperous are disappearing.
Before their world is torn apart by magic, hidden enemies, or Azlyn herself, Azlyn and her team must determine whether Aesteria is behind this or whether someone within their own ranks is responsible for this ultimate betrayal.
⚔️Elemental Magic
⚔️Multiple POV
⚔️Morally Grey FMC
⚔️Banter
⚔️Found Family
⚔️Epic Fantasy
⚔️Betrayal
December 18, 2025
Wow. For starters, love a MFC that is not a damsel in distress, but a lady who can kick mega prince butt and win.
Cierra has a talent when it comes to story telling. when I say I was transported into Aesteria with Azlyn and her squad, I mean I could almost smell the air and feel the heat.
I laughed at all the good parts, I cried at all the sad parts. My soul is singing.
I will not spoil this book. But, the world building, character development, dialog, just everything was incredibly crafted. You can definitely tell Cierra poured her soul into this masterpiece!
Did I mention that for once, there's a romance that isn't ridiculous and it makes sense? The typical "I've known you for 3 days, I'm in love" is not a thing. This isn't a slow burn either. it just makes sense and I love it!
I also feel like I need my own Kerberos. Personally, he's my favorite. I cannot wait to see his and Azlyn's relationship grow. Their dialog in specific is very fun to read.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this book.
Cierra has a talent when it comes to story telling. when I say I was transported into Aesteria with Azlyn and her squad, I mean I could almost smell the air and feel the heat.
I laughed at all the good parts, I cried at all the sad parts. My soul is singing.
I will not spoil this book. But, the world building, character development, dialog, just everything was incredibly crafted. You can definitely tell Cierra poured her soul into this masterpiece!
Did I mention that for once, there's a romance that isn't ridiculous and it makes sense? The typical "I've known you for 3 days, I'm in love" is not a thing. This isn't a slow burn either. it just makes sense and I love it!
I also feel like I need my own Kerberos. Personally, he's my favorite. I cannot wait to see his and Azlyn's relationship grow. Their dialog in specific is very fun to read.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this book.
December 29, 2025
Spoiler-free review
This book had no business getting me this invested.
It’s dark, moody, and atmospheric in a way that just works. The kind where you tell yourself “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s way past bedtime. The worldbuilding eases you in, so nothing feels confusing or info-dumped — you’re just vibing and then realize you’re emotionally attached.
The characters?? Messy. Emotional. Making choices that had me staring at the page like be so serious right now. I loved how much of the story lives in their heads — the internal conflict, the guilt, the tension — it all hits. And the slow burn relationships? Painfully good. Subtle, angsty, and absolutely worth the wait.
Overall, this is a moody, character-driven fantasy that balances darkness with heart really well. If you like emotionally heavy stories, slow burn tension, and characters that will live rent-free in your head, add this to your TBR immediately.
This book had no business getting me this invested.
It’s dark, moody, and atmospheric in a way that just works. The kind where you tell yourself “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s way past bedtime. The worldbuilding eases you in, so nothing feels confusing or info-dumped — you’re just vibing and then realize you’re emotionally attached.
The characters?? Messy. Emotional. Making choices that had me staring at the page like be so serious right now. I loved how much of the story lives in their heads — the internal conflict, the guilt, the tension — it all hits. And the slow burn relationships? Painfully good. Subtle, angsty, and absolutely worth the wait.
Overall, this is a moody, character-driven fantasy that balances darkness with heart really well. If you like emotionally heavy stories, slow burn tension, and characters that will live rent-free in your head, add this to your TBR immediately.
March 6, 2025
Wow! So I want to start by saying this is not a fast read, at least wasn’t for me. It was written to fully submerse you into the world. The entire time, I felt like I was watching a show! (In the best way) my mind was so encompassed with the way the world was written, the characters were built, the main and the side characters! The transitions between scenes/ places were amazing.
There is so much emotion behind these characters, that shows strength but also such vulnerability, even in the characters portrayed as the strongest, which you don’t see often.
Absolutely adored this book and cannot wait for the second!
*also for those who are no spice, this is an amazing fantasy for you!*
There is so much emotion behind these characters, that shows strength but also such vulnerability, even in the characters portrayed as the strongest, which you don’t see often.
Absolutely adored this book and cannot wait for the second!
*also for those who are no spice, this is an amazing fantasy for you!*
March 14, 2025
3.5 Star
Thank you Cierra for an ARC copy for an honest review!
For me, I loved the world building and found at the 25% mark (Haleos), I became more intrigued with the storyline. The political intrigue is there, and Azlyn is a strong female character and you want to cheer for her! However, the star rating reflects the slow start. Unfortunately it seemed too slow at the beginning and I had a really hard time wanting to continue. Once I got past that transition to the new city, the story became better paced. I would be still be interested to see how the sequel plays out if the pace continues how it left off.
Thank you Cierra for an ARC copy for an honest review!
For me, I loved the world building and found at the 25% mark (Haleos), I became more intrigued with the storyline. The political intrigue is there, and Azlyn is a strong female character and you want to cheer for her! However, the star rating reflects the slow start. Unfortunately it seemed too slow at the beginning and I had a really hard time wanting to continue. Once I got past that transition to the new city, the story became better paced. I would be still be interested to see how the sequel plays out if the pace continues how it left off.
April 21, 2025
Hallowed Souls is an amazing debut. I could not put this down and would like Book 2 in my hands IMMEDIATELY. Azlyn is a delightful female lead, who has trained hard for years to be a captain. It is so refreshing to see a character who isn’t mysteriously strong or who suddenly comes into strength - she is strong because she put in the time. Her squad is a beautiful found family. The romance is a sub-plot, but those lines are BEAUTIFUL. You root for these characters from the very beginning and you never stop. The pacing throughout is A+. The story moves at a clip that makes sense. Nothing is rushed, nothing drags on.
Put this on your TBR!
Put this on your TBR!
September 5, 2025
3.5-4 stars
I received a free copy from Goodreads. I ended up liking the book more as I read on than I did at the beginning. I liked the relationship between Azlyn and her soldiers/teammates. I liked Kairo and the dynamic he brought to the team as well. It was interesting when Azlyn started developing powers. It did get annoying how often Donovan was referred to as the “giant” (especially since it referred to his height, and not a species), or how often Kairo was referred to as the “bastard prince.” There were some things I also noticed in the book that needed a little more proofreading/editing.
I received a free copy from Goodreads. I ended up liking the book more as I read on than I did at the beginning. I liked the relationship between Azlyn and her soldiers/teammates. I liked Kairo and the dynamic he brought to the team as well. It was interesting when Azlyn started developing powers. It did get annoying how often Donovan was referred to as the “giant” (especially since it referred to his height, and not a species), or how often Kairo was referred to as the “bastard prince.” There were some things I also noticed in the book that needed a little more proofreading/editing.
March 24, 2025
5 stars isn't enough! This book deserves 6 at least! The plot and characters kept me hooked the entire time, but the emotions in the last 15% sealed the deal. The fiercest FMC ever and she doesn't weaken or change her personality when she meets the MMC. Also, feminine rage at its finest! The best crew of friends and comrades you could ask for. The banter between them is amazing! ... And the romance, omg, the romance! (No spice but the tension is so worth it) Such a refreshing relationship between the MCs. They are in my Top 3 book couples now! Top read of this year so far! 1000% Recommend!
June 15, 2025
“I am devastated by you.”
Do you ever have so many thoughts on a book that you are speechless? I sat in silence for a good 10 minutes after I finished this to process what I had just read. The pace of the writing is perfection, the found family was beautiful, and the betrayals are brutal. Prepare to be fully immersed and buckle in for an emotional rollercoaster.
(For my spice girlies there is none - but we yearn for the slow burn okay!)
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
Do you ever have so many thoughts on a book that you are speechless? I sat in silence for a good 10 minutes after I finished this to process what I had just read. The pace of the writing is perfection, the found family was beautiful, and the betrayals are brutal. Prepare to be fully immersed and buckle in for an emotional rollercoaster.
(For my spice girlies there is none - but we yearn for the slow burn okay!)
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
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