Rogue Souls

by Rania Faris

Revenge is one heartbeat away

In a world fractured by oppression, six kingdoms bow to the ruthless King Ronan of Eldoria.

Betrayed by Dax, her only ally, childhood confidant, and fiercest rival, Irene Delmare embarks on a relentless quest for the Divine Sapphire, a lost treasure said to hold the power to rewrite fate itself. The Sapphire is Irene's only hope for revenge and a chance to settle the score with the man who shattered her trust.

But as destiny draws Irene and Dax together in a deadly race, their obsession reignites a bitter rivalry and an undeniable pull between them. Two broken souls, bound by ambition and survival, destined to destroy or save each other, but never both.

With the enigmatic Captain Jessalyn and a crew of outcasts by her side, Irene sails treacherous seas, locked in a perilous chase with Dax, who remains bound to the tyrant king’s will.

Unwitting pawns in a game as old as the world itself, their hunt awakens an ancient curse, a darkness that once brought ruin and now threatens to rise again. In a land where betrayal is currency and loyalty a weapon, Irene and Dax hurtle toward a reckoning that could set the world ablaze or drown it in blood.

This treasure will cost their soul.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Pirates, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Dark Fantasy

628 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2025

Reviews

[macy 🪸 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rania babe… you forgot to take the chatGPT response out of your book.

[LV · Rating 1 out of 5]

Apparently from this author’s “work”:

Irene's impatience flared. Her gaze turned to Zahra. "The ashes?"


This is already quite strong, but it can be tightened for a sharper and more striking delivery while maintaining the intensity and sardonic edge you're aiming for. Here's a refined version:


YUP. ChatGPT lmaooo

[Lauren Rogers · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s apparent that no human read this book front to back before it was released - the amount of times the same sentence is repeated twice in a row, or a sentence is left unfinished, is crazy. I honestly regret not highlighting all the errors in this book and offering to send it to the author.

Lack of editing aside, it’s a boring book. I wanted to love it, for the sake of the new author, but it was really bad. Characters aren’t likeable or relatable or consistent, and I was never drawn in.

Anyone raving about it or rating it highly has not read it.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Rania Faris for this arc!! This is my first ever arc (and probably my last after this review) nonetheless, I’m still very grateful for this opportunity.

Rogue Souls is the first book in a trilogy and follows six people who come together to find a lost treasure said to grant wealth and has magical properties. There’s multiple POV’s, a heist, friends to enemies to lovers, love triangle, found family, unhinged MC, etc.

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of my favourite trilogies, so this was very much up my alley. Unfortunately, I do have some critiques.

THIS IS JUST MY OPINON! If you loved this book, great! I'm happy you enjoyed it.

The characters ~ (the ones slightly relevant to bring up)

Lorax: LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE
Lorax is Dax' deceased father.

Irene:
Irene is our main MC, and although the premise of her character seemed interesting to me, (unhinged, badass, morally grey, female wrath and inspired by Jinx from Arcane) she just fell so flat for me. I found her to behave like a child, and there was nothing about her that intrigued me. She was throwing tantrums and working off of the half brain cell she has. She did become less annoying toward the last 200 page mark, but still not a character I cared for.

Dax:
Dax is a Pirate Lord, and Irene’s rival and love interest and together, they make one whole brain cell.

Jace:
Jace is a Prince and also a love interest of Irene. I don’t have anything to say about him really, because he was just that unmemorable. I only brought him up because he’s Irene’s love interest lol

Jessalyn:
Jessalyn’s only memorable quality is she humbled Irene.

The story ~

I felt like there was no chemistry between any of the characters, romantically or platonically. Irene and Dax are childhood friends, but for two people who are supposed to know each other inside and out, that's simply not the impression I got. If we weren't told they were childhood friends, I literally never would've known.

Dax was constantly surprised by the shit Irene pulled and for some reason never expected it. If he used an ounce of his brain power, he literally could've avoided every single situation. Neither one of them were very smart. He also pulled out the ''who did this to you'' trope which is so funny to me because he was the reason Irene was hated by the pirates and thus wanted to harm her, like Dax that's on you babe. Also, he's just cringe and icky.

Now, I'm gonna be honest and say I did do some skimming, so there might've been some stuff I didn't catch, but sometimes the plot made no sense. You're telling me Irene had wanted posters all over the city, yet she was able to show up at the King's ball and not get caught? Alright bet.
Also, she was able to knock two soldiers unconscious, drag them to a secluded area and tie them up. How'd she manage to do that lol

[Lianne Drogi · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAMA A FIVE STAR BOOK BEHIND YOU 💜

My brain’s chemistry was altered by Rogue Souls. I was fed. I was shocked. I was giggling. I was screaming. Oh god.

I’ve been following the author on TikTok for a while and kinda lost track, but when I saw ARC sign-ups open, I threw my name in there, and somehow the universe chose me. Bless.

Not gonna lie, I was in the worst reading slump before this. I read like five mafia romances where the love interests were as interesting as my left sock, three “enemies to lovers” fantasies that gave me zero actual enemies-to-lovers, and I swear, every fantasy romance I picked up recently had the writing level of a toddler’s bedtime story.

So when I got the ARC email, I hesitated. Was this going to be another letdown? Should I wait it out? THANK THE GODS I DIDN’T. This book resurrected my soul.

WE ARE SO BACK. FANTASY IS SO BACK.

First things first: this is a real enemies-to-lovers. Like, they hate each other to their core. It’s not that “oh, he stole my seat” kinda hate. No. This was deep, real, bone-chilling animosity with a valid reason behind it. The kind that makes you question your morals and think, “Wait, am I the villain? Would I do this in real life?”

The FMC and MMC? Chef’s kiss. They are unhinged. Both of them. I mean, they were constantly trying to unalive each other, and somehow, it was hot??? Butterflies were straight-up throwing a rave in my stomach.

Dax. Oh my god, Dax. He carried this book on his broad, piratey shoulders. Every time he wasn’t on the page, I was like, “Okay, but when’s he coming back?” This man has dimples, people. DIMPLES. I haven’t blushed and kicked my feet like this since Aaron Warner.

Dax is a broody, sarcastic, (HOT) cunning pirate captain with a real agenda and a real goal that isn’t just her. His mind? He was so smart and calculating. Every line he delivered was a punch to my soul. I needed more of his chapters, honestly.

And Irene? My girl was INSANE. She’s not weak. She’s not a pick me. She’s darkness itself. She’s funny, dangerous, and beautifully tragic. She’s raw, real, and her mental health struggles were portrayed so well. She hears voices, she’s impulsive, and things work out for her because she’s just that unhinged. She’s not for the weak hearted readers and I could understand why she might not be for everyone and the reason why I say this it’s because… Irene reminded me of Fang Runin, and if you know, you know.

What really struck me was how human she felt. She wasn’t a “strong female character” stereotype. She was flawed, messy, and made mistakes. She cried, she feared, but she also terrified me sometimes. (the chapter after the beach 🤯😶‍🌫️)

She was real.

And don’t get me started on Blade. This man was the backbone of the crew. Strong, sweet, and somehow still held everything together. I loved him.

The writing? Wow. I’m not usually picky with prose, but this book made me realize I am a sucker for beautiful, raw, and unique writing. The descriptions weren’t overly flowery or dragging—they were real. I felt everything. I saw everything. It’s like Six of Crows meets Pirates of the Caribbean, but darker, rawer, with hot enemies and with life lessons that hit hard.

Even King Ronan’s chapters (ew, I know) had me hooked. The writing gave his character this haunting dimension. I hated him, but I couldn’t stop reading.

Favorite chapters: 42 & 51 (THAT BATTLE?! I’m still recovering.)

Memorable quotes:

“Their faces were relics of an ancient continent, their bloodlines shaped by queens and seers who had once walked with gods.”

“You and I, little siren,” Dax whispered. “We are made of the same poison. Always remember that…”

In conclusion: if you love Six of Crows, Pirates of the Caribbean, looking for a real enemies to lovers trope and unapologetically unhinged female leads, pick this up. Right now. You won’t regret it.

[Elizabeth Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Rania for my ARC copy! I have been looking forward to this book for a long time and was so excited to be part of the team.

In saying all of that...it's with a heavy heart that I have more negatives than positives.

I may come across preachy and morally superior here, but this is just my opinion. I CANNOT condone the use of AI in any form of media. Not in movies or art, and most of all books. I think it is massively damaging and hinders the success of the dedicated, hardworking people in these industries who put so much effort and time into the things they create.

The funny thing is, I might never have known this author used AI, but unfortunately she left a segment in that was very clearly a prompt she had asked.

If it had not been for that, this book would've been closer to 3.5 or 4 stars. The writing had moments where it truly shone, some quotes that were harrowing and beautiful, but they were littered in repetitive purple prose.

And that was only the start of my unfortunate issues with this book.

The plot took a little too long to get going, and when it did it was disjointed. The same as the world building. It wasn't cohesive and was a little all over the place and yet, again, sprinkled in there were some interesting concepts and solid ideas that I feel weren't done enough justice.

I found the constant pov changes jarring. We weren't given a lot of time to learn the true nature of the characters (things are rather chaotic and the story flips on its head a lot, flitting from one person and scenario to the next), so there wasn't really a whole lot of development going on with any of the cast, which of course is a problem when it became clear this was more a character driven story.

It's a shame, because I know she put a lot of hard work into this, which is why I'd like to finish on more of a positive.

This was a very refreshing break from the copy and paste fae fantasy romance-and Dax and Irene were true enemies to lovers (well...lovers to enemies, really). Rania clearly has a lot of love for these characters and it does shine through, and I massively enjoyed the deviation from the formula, because while enemies to lovers is a trope we see a lot, it was done well. I will add that I also appreciated that Irene and Dax were truly deplorable people at times. REAL morally grey characters.

So if you want something new and you don't mind any of the problems I've discussed here, give it a shot, especially if you like things like Pirates Of The Caribbean, Arcane, TOG & GOT. (Although I must mention that sometimes it took HEAVY inspiration from and once or twice copied stuff from these things...)

Who doesn't love a treasure hunt, giant sea serpents, a mystical sapphire and two deranged, delusional pirates in love and yet trying to kill each other?

[ronny poy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was my first ARC ever, and I can’t express how grateful I am to Rania Faris for this opportunity! it truly means so much to me, and I will always cherish this experience. not only was Rogue Souls my first ARC, but it was also my first pirate fantasy, which made me even more excited to dive into this world. this was 3,75 out of 5 for me.

there was so much to love about this book! the adventurous atmosphere immediately pulled me in, and the worldbuilding was rich and immersive—I could vividly picture the vast sea, the perilous yet exhilarating voyages, and the intriguing places the characters explored. the writing had a poetic, almost magical quality that made certain moments feel cinematic and alive. i also really enjoyed the themes of betrayal, destiny, and freedom, which fit perfectly within the pirate setting.

one of my favorite aspects was the strong and determined protagonist, Irene Delmare. she was such a fierce and resilient character, and I loved watching her navigate the challenges thrown her way. her strength, intelligence, and adaptability made her an incredibly compelling heroine. I also really liked Jace—the prince with a complex and layered personality. His dynamic with Irene kept me hooked, and their interactions were some of my favorite moments in the book. Javier was another standout for me; he brought a sense of fun to the story, though I had a feeling there was much more depth to him than we got to see. and then there was Dax—his chemistry with Irene was intense, though at times, I found it difficult to fully grasp the shifts in his emotions toward her. one moment he seemed to despise her, and the next, he was willing to sacrifice everything for her, which left me a little conflicted.

I also really appreciated the way mystery and mythology were woven into the story. the unraveling of secrets kept me engaged, and the myths surrounding the goddess and her sisters were fascinating to read about. The relationships between the characters—filled with trust, betrayal, and shifting alliances—added an extra layer of tension that made the journey even more gripping.

tgat being said, there were a few things that I personally found a bit challenging. the multiple POVs were an interesting and unique choice, but at times, they made it harder to form a strong connection with the characters. while I appreciated seeing different perspectives, some transitions left me feeling a little lost. there were also a few plot points—like the voices Irene was hearing—that seemed to fade into the background for most of the book, only to be revisited at the end. additionally, there were moments where I struggled to fully visualize certain scenes, which occasionally made it harder to stay immersed.

abother thing that caught my attention was the influence of The Hunger Games series, particularly in Hazra’s character. She reminded me a lot of Effie, especially in the scene with the rings and with the scene where Egobor says the phrase about remembering one’s true enemies.

I also found myself more drawn to the connection between Jace and Irene than between Dax and Irene—their hatred was written well, but Jace’s dynamic with her felt more emotionally resonant to me.

despite these small points, I truly admire the creativity and ambition behind this book. it’s evident that so much heart and passion went into crafting this world, and I have so much respect for that. I loved the sense of adventure, the way the story slowly revealed its secrets, and the magical undertones woven throughout. the search for the sapphire kept me invested, and even though some twists were a bit predictable, I still enjoyed the journey.

I’m incredibly grateful to have had the chance to read Rogue Souls, and I know many readers will fall in love with its thrilling adventure. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity!

[Irma:) · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️ Im so sorry I really really tried to get into it but it just isn’t it.

Not sure how to describe it but it was trying to be something that it wasn’t. Too much happening and the plot got messy, dialogue was messy, the characters were so lost to me. And speaking of characters…also too much. I understand they all played a role but the introduction of them of THREW me, and that’s probably my own fault.

I’m super disappointed because I was really looking forward to this book…

[Rachelle Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me an arc. I had a fun time from beginning to end reading it. If you like pirates, a morally grey slightly unhinged fmc, a love triangle between a pirate lord and a prince, and multiple povs, this book might be for you. I wasn't a huge fan of all the povs, but I still enjoyed it and did not expect the ending.

[rookiebookie . · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, a big thank you to the author for sending me this ARC. It took me a while to finish the book.

The book had great potential and started off strong. The first 30% had me completely hooked. But after that, it just fell flat. I suspect AI was used, especially because of passages like this:

“Irene’s impatience flared. Her gaze turned to Zahra. ‘The ashes?’

This is already quite strong, but it can be tightened for a sharper and more striking delivery while maintaining the intensity and sardonic edge you’re aiming for. Here’s a refined version:

Zahra stood, holding up the necklace of ashes she was using to decipher the maps. Irene’s eyes locked onto it. ‘Keep them in your sight at all times,’ she ordered.”

This is literally copy-pasted from the book. I completely understand the use of AI in writing, but this just felt sloppy—and unfortunately, it only got worse. It’s a shame that the story wasn’t developed to its full potential because I could see the vision. The execution, however, was disappointing.

That said, the ending was actually good. The author clearly wanted to offer something different from the typical happily-ever-after. But the build-up to the last two chapters didn’t quite land. The whole storyline with Jessalyn felt out of place, and the epilogue seemed misplaced, too short, and unfinished. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if less time had been spent on the constant repetition of Dax and Irene’s rivalry—why they hate each other, why they’re so drawn to each other, Irene’s anger at the world, and so on—the story could have felt more complete.

Despite these issues, I’m still giving it 2.5 stars because the author has real potential. She writes with beautiful detail, transporting the reader right into the ocean. I truly hope she continues writing original stories, but takes the time to fully develop them.

[Logan MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books entertain. Some books linger in your mind for a while before fading. And then there are books like Rogue Souls—books that shake you to your core, consume your every thought, and leave you utterly changed.
From the very first page, I was completely immersed in this world, following Irene and her companions on their journey for the sapphire. But Rogue Souls is so much more than just an adventure—it’s an exploration of pain, rage, and resilience. Irene’s emotions felt raw and real, and I connected deeply with her struggles, her anger, and the moments when she felt like she was losing herself. It was a rare experience to see a character so deeply and unapologetically human, and it made every part of her journey feel personal.
The plot twists? Absolutely wild. Just when I thought I had a grasp on where the story was going, Rania Faris would completely flip the narrative in a way that was both shocking and masterfully executed. Every twist made sense in hindsight, yet I never saw them coming. And the way all the threads came together by the end? Breathtaking.
Beyond the gripping plot, Rogue Souls is filled with some of the most relatable characters I’ve ever encountered. They weren’t just heroes or villains—they were people, shaped by their experiences, their losses, and their own forms of suffering. The depth of emotion in this book is staggering. It doesn’t shy away from pain, but instead makes you feel it right alongside the characters.
I wish I could experience this book again for the first time. I wish I could feel that overwhelming sense of awe all over again. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, lingering in your thoughts long after you turn the final page. Rogue Soulsis beautiful, devastating, exhilarating, and utterly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel everything, this is it.

[justmylibrally · Rating 4 out of 5]

*SPOILERS BELOW*

Firstly, thank you so much to the author for allowing me the ARC to read. I have been so excited to read it and it did not disappoint.
My first real pirate read and it was just amazing as I thought it would be with a lot tension and pain throughout this story. I loved the multiple different POVs, i felt it gave you more clues of the story without actually spoiling anything. It’s always nice to get a POV from other characters, especially when they all have different views and opinions. Ranias writing is absolutely amazing and so detailed. Throughout the whole book I could imagine every scene so clearly due to her detailed explanations of the surroundings. I was so invested in the story.
It wasn’t like any other book I’ve read, especially the way the main protagonist was. She was very reckless and impulsive with a hint of unhinged but when you come to the ending you understand exactly WHY she is like that. In saying that, the ending wtf? I was expecting someone to have ulterior motives but not to the extremities that came to light. I was so hooked in the last few chapters I could not take my eyes away from the kindle.
The tension between Irene and Dax was amazing and it’s definitely a very very SLOW BURN. It’s also the true definition of ENEMIES TO LOVERS (hopefully they’ll be lovers). But that’s what I want to read, how much they hate each other and would kill one another but still can feel the charged force between them 😩
I also really enjoyed the fact the book wasn’t solely based on romance and that it was more based on the adventure, desire and vengeance. But I hope in the next book we get more romance between Irene and Dax and that the truth comes out 🤞🏼😂
I do think we skipped a chapter on Egobor and Edwina 😭
Overall, for my first ever ARC, I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was so fun and chaotic in such a great way and I can’t wait to read more of Ranias books 🫶🏼

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boooooo

[Ava Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAY!!! Officially time for my review. I've taken some time to fully digest this beauty of a book and do I have some things to say!

I would first of all like to thank the author for gifting me early access to Rogue Souls with the ARC. I'm very honoured to have been chosen <3 I'd also like to make clear that I am so incredibly fussy when it comes to rating books, so this being a 5 star read for me means that Rogue Souls was beyond amazing.

Diving into Rogue Souls was like finding something my soul has been searching for but never exactly knew what it was. A mix between Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and the phenomenon that was The Pirates of The Caribbean, this book was unputdownable. A race between time and fate, Irene and Dax, childhood rivals to enemies and maybe even something more, the reader is thrust into this world of high stakes, adventure, betrayal and obsession.

CHARACTERS
The author said we were getting an unhinged and insane FMC, and oh my god did we get that. Irene has single handedly become one of my favourite characters from a book. The way she was written was just *chefs kiss*. The beautiful thing about Irene is that she too has so much depth and her character unfolds the more the story goes on. Surface level she's seen as this very trigger happy, ruthless character. But it doesn't take much to find that everything she is, is just a product of her upbringing. Moulded into this being that everyone is meant to fear. I LOVE IT!

Dax however, I do not feel is as complex as Irene. Maybe this is just me, but everything that he is, is right there for the reader to see and you don't have to read between the lines to figure him out. I believe that's a good reprieve though, having Dax be a lot easier to understand as a character and have his actions spoken for makes it for a less confusing ride for the reader.

AND JACE!!!! Awwwww Jace. He is that little bit of light in a room that's had all the lights turned off and windows blocked. Every time I read his POV or another character mentioned him I couldn't help but just pout. He is that typical character that is so unlike any other person in the book, has very little in common with others and you can't help but just root for him in every way. His relationship that he strikes up with Irene is also very interesting, because on paper they are the complete opposite, but they just work so well together.

One thing I do want to touch on, because I saw someone say this somewhere. Is that the characters have NO chemistry. In my opinion, that's just not true. I believe the tension built between Dax and Irene was so intense that there was no way someone could say that their relationship (however one may perceive it) lacks any chemistry what so ever. As for Irene's chemistry with the rest of the characters, it makes sense that there is a lack. Irene is one track minded, I would find it very out of character to see her sitting down with any of the other crew and having a nice little conversation with them and getting to know them... her mind is set on revenge, there's no way she's wasting her time with people she's only just me. And honestly, that makes me love her all that bit more.

PLOT
I LOVED THE PLOTTTTTT. If you're a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean then this book is definitely for you. It's your classic high stakes hunt for treasure story! Two childhood friends turned enemies racing through the sea to find a hidden treasure (a magical Sapphire that people have been hunting down and dying over for years!)? And did I mention that Irene was practically left for dead BY Dax?
The plot contains so much, and with the page count of the book you can only surmise that it is a hefty story, which it is! But it was done with such grace, and not once did I find myself confused or having to retrace my reading in order to remember or understand what was happening.
The magical element as well was done in a way that didn't feel unnecessary. So many times I find fantasy stories adding magic just so they can classify it as fantasy, and not because It actually fits. But I loved the unfolding story of how important and magical the Sapphire really is!

Overall, it was such a beautiful experience to witness an authors vision come to life, and I really did enjoy every second of this book. It was all that was running through my mind during and now, after. If you have ever been persuaded by anything I recommend, let it be known that THIS book right here should be at the top of your list!

[Nada Nour El Hak · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ WHAT A JOURNEY!!!!! It took me more than two months to finish this book and I couldve read another 600pages because it was such an immersive read. 🌊⚔️ The way I had to stop every couple of chapters because the story felt so poignant and filled with emotions. It felt like I was reading a story of my own life in another realm or dimension.

I’ll try to keep it as brief as possible but lets talk about the writing first. This is NOT a love story like youve read before! You will find that this book is written quite like nothing you’ve precedently read, the way that this book is written is made to make you FEEL. You’ll feel the rage, the love, the betrayal, the hurt, the sadness, the excitement and all in matters of a couple of pages - i absolutely loved it.

Now lets quickly talk about characters. Shall we start with the star of the story? Irene Delmare, the embodiement of female Scorpio (aka me), the most badass, mentally unstable, insane, hilarious and confident fmc out there❤��‍🩹 our girl goes through SO MUCH and I’ll always vouch for her.

As for Dax, lets just say he is NOT your regular morally grey mmc. 😬 you either LOVE or HATE him and you’d be right to both feelings. Last but not least Jace. If we are being honest, I didn’t like Jace at first, but reading about his backstory made me feel so protective of him over the chapters, ugh😭❤️‍🩹

As for the side characters, I love them all so much (Javier, Zahra and Blade have a special place in my heart) I hope we get more and more of them in the next books because I feel like they have so much to bring to the story.

That ending? CRIMINAL👹

[mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d burn for you. I’d burn with you. Death won’t take you from me—because your life is mine to claim.” ROGUE SOULS — RANIA FARIS

thank you Rania for this ARC ❤️

firstly, i discovered Rania’s page because someone i am following shared one of her posts. right away, i was obsessed. the tropes of this book were calling my name so LOUDLY. i’ve never read a book about pirates before — though i like pirates (especially Jack Sparrow 🤫). also the fact that the two main characters are enemies to lovers?? who does not love that trope?? i think it is my favourite lol.

through the time i found her page, i started to discuss with her time to time. she’s such a genuine nice person and i appreciate her alot. i was so excited to be a part of her ARC team and i can not wait to see what she writes next. her writing was incredible, i have read a couple of ARCs before and sometimes they disappoint me because i feel like the writing isn’t on point, but hers? i couldn’t really tell it was her first book.

now for the book — wow. i just loved it. Irene, what a WOMAN. i love to see characters like her, women that got wronged and they just don’t care anymore, they are MAD. they want revenge and i just loved it. i loved that she didn’t really show weakness, but inside her head, it was all different. she has been struggling and been through SOO much. she was brayed by her only real friend, the guy she loves.. Dax. what can i say about him besides that i am 🧎‍♀️. what a man. he made me mad, but his words?? he needs to go to jail.

i won’t go into too much details but JUSTICE FOR MY BOY JACE. PLEASE.

the only thing i enjoyed the least about this book was all the multiple POVs. i was getting a little lost at times, but that’s pretty much the only thing that bothered me a little. some characters, we only got 1 or 2 chapters, and wish we knew more about them.

congratulations Rania, i’m sooo sooo proud of you! 🫶🏻

overall, for me this book was :
5✨
1🌶️ (for all the TENSION BETWEEN IRENE AND DAX 😮‍💨)

[Claire Bajowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rogue Souls was a book I have been absolutely DYING to read for quite a while after I stumbled across the author on my TikTok for you page. I am so grateful for getting an ARC copy of this book and getting the opportunity to step into the world the author created and watch the characters I've seen in her videos come to life.

We were promised pirates, a deadly treasure hunt and hidden mysteries, which were all delivered throughout the novel, and although I liked the book and plot, I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would and was a tiny bit disappointed as it didn't live up to the hype I had from the sneak peeks on TikTok.

The storyline was good but I felt that it moved a bit too fast and didn't really world-build except for a few pages every now and again. I didn't really feel any chemistry between the characters and they all seemed to lack a certain depth and their own flare. I was very confused throughout a large chunk of the book because it didn't delve into the important details very much and switched up from one scene to another so quickly, with no other mention of it ever again.

There was just so much going on in both the plot and the introduction of characters that I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and what was what. There were also a lot of details missing and forgotten, with the focus completely on Irene and Dax, the other characters seeming to just disappear and not exist, excluding their own chapters and some of the things they did to help.

With all that being said I didn't hate the book and would potentially read the next in the series.

[Ashley Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Rogue Souls by Rania Faris
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If Jack Sparrow were a badass female, you’d get Irene—ruthless, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore. She is everything I love in a morally gray character: cunning, dangerous, and driven by a fury that makes her both terrifying and mesmerizing. But underneath all that fire and madness, she’s just a broken girl searching for something—to make her feel whole — even if she disguises it as revenge. Her complexity is what makes her so unforgettable.

And then there’s Dax. His desperation to save Irene, even before he fully understands why, is heartbreaking in the best way. From the very beginning, you can feel the intensity between them. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed so well—full of tension, longing, and moments that had me holding my breath. Their dynamic is electric, fueled by sharp banter, conflicting loyalties, and an undeniable pull that neither of them can escape.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the multiple point of views in this story, as they added depth and dimension, allowing the legend to unfold through each character’s perspective. It felt like pieces of a map coming together, revealing the full scope of the legend in a way that made the story even more immersive.

But Rogue Souls is more than just its phenomenal characters. The pirate elements are everything I could have hoped for—treacherous waters, dangerous legends, and a world that feels as vast and mysterious as the sea itself. The adventure is non-stop, and just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, Rania Faris hit me with mind-blowing revelations that left me reeling. The twists are expertly woven, making every discovery feel both shocking and inevitable.

This book is a masterpiece of fantasy and adventure, brimming with legend, danger, and heart-wrenching emotion. I loved every second of it and highly recommend it to anyone who loves fierce heroines, high-stakes, a bit of dangerous romance and a story that will stay with you long after the final page.

[Alexa CSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am finally FINALLY reviewing this beautiful incredible story that I have been following since i started this account. The Rogue Souls team was one of the first ARC teams I applied for honestly having NO IDEA what it would even entail. I was so lucky to be chosen to receive an ARC and Rania was such an incredible author and I have loved building such a special author-reader relationship with her. Her debut novel Rogue Souls was more than I could ever expected and I am so excited to see more of her works. The summary is in the post because too many words and mini review below

REVIEW - I enjoyed this book so much more than I could’ve ever expected. Irene is actually an insane character and I loved that so much it was one of the books where you’re like ok this main character actually LOATHES everyone PROPERLY AND i was like yes here we go.

One thing I’ll say is this is NOT a “romantasy “there are romantic elements which were beautifully written but i think there is a more important plot which is the heist for the sapphire, and the complicated character that is Irene that were WAY more important than the ‘romance’ (though the ‘romance’ had me STRESSING)

If i’m being nitpicky I do think some characters POVs weren’t as necessary but I also think it was because i just wanted the POV of Irene (best character). However I do think it would’ve been a bit better if the POVs were limited to 2-3 maybe 4 characters just to prevent the build up of a character who we only ended up getting 1-2 chapters from.

I think at its heart, this book shows how betrayal can turn into madness, and pirate’s deadly race against time, their enemies and themselves can turn into one of the greatest stories. I think it also could be potentially defined as a ‘heist’ novel as well as a ‘pirate fantasy’ novel for those who are missing Six of Crows but make them pirates. Thank you Rania for trusting me with your story, I cannot wait to see what comes next💙

[ChaFay Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

First want to thank the author for allowing me to arc read her book! It has truly been an honor. Just from the prologue and the first chapter, it pulls me in immediately. The way Irene acts and talks reminds me of Jinx. I fell in love with her immediately. Just her whole personality is amazing. Her aura is to die for. She is such a strong, unhinged FMC. Dax? That’s my man right here. 😍 I love how the chapters switches pov’s, introducing new characters and how they all tie up to what’s going on. I also love the characters and their unique personalities. The journey was amazing. It was beautiful, wild, unhinged, funny, tense and so much more and the plot twist!? The plot twist!? The gasp I let out. I should have seen it coming but I didn’t. Then the tears came. This book was a masterpiece and I loved every second of it.

[lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book felt like a warm hug that takes you to the fantasy world you didn’t know you craved to experience. this book was my first ARC and i’m so lucky that Rania came to my life on her pirate ship and took me away with her. it was one of the MOST ANTICIPATED reads in 2025 for me. world building was very well-written and you can just dive right in. i absolutely loved how all details made so much sense at the end, foreshadowing was on its peak! Irene stole my heart and i’m not sure i want it back. Dax and Jace made me question my morals and i was switching sides more often than breathing 😭 multiple povs confused me first but i grew fond of side characters and their little romances. the ending made me gasp, sit on the edge, cry and shake my head in disbelief. the desire to become a pirate increased DRASTICALLY. i’m so intrigued to read second and third book 🤞🏻aye, captain Delmare, see you in the vastness of the endless sea 🌊🏴‍☠️

*Irene strongly associates with the song Dream girl evil by florence + the machine in my mind

[LisaJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are made to hold your attention briefly before you move to another, while other books tangle themselves within your mind, they coil around your heart and they grip hard branding you with their ink. Rogue Souls is such a book and I am most definitely hooked.

Faris created a world of diverse and indept detail with a host of characters that each held my attention in their own quirky ways. Irene was such a breath of fresh air of a female lead, so different to the recent ones I’ve read I found myself entrapped with her struggles and turmoil and watching her sanity almost slip in and out as she sought the Sapphire. Her emotions were raw and Faris took me on an emotional journey not just an epic adventure.

The plot twists kept coming and when I thought I’d figured it out another twisted the world around me. The filled tension, the banter, the action, the adventure! This story had it all! I could go on and on about all the characters but I don’t want to give anything away.

Honestly I am so blessed to have been able to be an ARC reader for this story and I am so keen for all else the author has in store. Rania Faris has created an amazing world, a story worth reading over and over and I already have planned my reread to catch the little pieces I have missed.

If you ever wanted to get into Pirate fantasy, if you’ve been chasing those Pirates of the Caribbean vibes but want Jack Sparrow as a girl then you need to read this. I promise you will not be disappointed.

It’s time to step off the dock, hoist the flag and set sail as a Rogue Soul.

Also, lastly thank you so much to the author, Rania Faris for allowing me the honour of reading your story early. I am truly blessed and lucky to have stumbled across your tiktok. Your writing is truly inspiring and it has relit my love of reading and fantasy.

[sarah.booklovr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Souls 💙🏴‍☠️
By Rania Faris

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I’ve never read a book that had me stop what I was doing to put on such a specific movie, because that was the only way I could keep reading.

Tropes- revenge arc, slow burn, love triangle, heist, childhood lovers, bada** FMC, pirates, found family, legends, goddess, and realms, epic fantasy, pirate edventure.

I had the opportunity to read this wonderful book by Rania Faris called Rogue Souls. It’s an epic fantasy, pirate adventure, treasure hunt, revenge arc, bada** FMC, childhood friends to enemies that had me captivated. I HAD to put on Pirates of the Caribbean because the FMC, Irene, is so Jack Sparrow coded. This was an amazing book filled with so much adventure and thrill. There were times I was so lost in the book I had to snap my self back to reality.

In some chapters I felt a little lost when it jumped between the different scenes within the timeline. I had to go back a few times and reread to get a grasp of the story line but once I got to the last 20%, I never knew I could read so fast.

This was so beautifully written. I felt the pain Irene felt, I felt the anger and the betrayal through Rania’s writing. I do INDEED need about 2 weeks to recover from the plot twist because when I’m telling you I didn’t see it coming, I did NOT see it coming.

I’m so sad I’ll never be able to read this for the first time, but so honored I was able to get a copy of this book sent to me. This world is breathtaking Rania!!! I’m now going to get every copy possible of this book cause its now AVAILABLE!! Trust me, this is a pirate adventure you do not want to miss.

[Avery Clason · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And what had been sown in greed and betrayal shall be harvested in fire and blood.”

Literal CHILLS!! I love this book so much and am so grateful to have been given an ARC for this lovely novel. This was one of my highly anticipated books of 2025 and it did NOT disappoint. I loved the characters - especially Irene - and the world they were set it. It kickstarted my love for the Pirates of the Caribbean again and I couldn’t be happier for it.

[irem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of getting the ARC for this book and all I can say is, I’ve loved everything second of this book ! It was well written and the tension between the characters was just *chefs kiss*. Rania is a really talented author and I can’t wait to see the day that she signs a deal, because this book was so god damn good !!!! The entire time I was reading it, I was transported into a world where i genuinely didn’t want to leave from. Pirates of the Caribbean vibes to the fullest !!!!! Unhinged FMC x unhinged MMC !!!! The tension is REAL !!!

[Jess M · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I am obsessed. This book had me hooked the whole way through. I loved Irene and how fierce she was. Also, the tension between her and Dax was 🤌🏻.
If you love pirates, enemies to lovers, slowburn and great plots with a plot twist, then this book is for you!

[Evelina Kochubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all let me add- thanks so much to Rania for giving me an ARC

Fast paced, fun, brilliant, enthralling, EMOTIONAL.
Author Rania promised feminine rage and DELIVERED!
I love love loved this book. It was so engaging and written so well. I could feel the emotions pouring out of our author while she was writing the scenes. I absolutely love when Irene (FMC) goes on her rage tantrums and demolishes her enemies hehe

I won’t lie and say pirate themed books are not my favorite but this specific one might’ve changed that for me.

Our MMC has a crazy obsession and calls her his disease and that’s the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.

“We’re going to dance, darling” like not even asking but commanding her and dragging her out on the dance floor was one of my favorite scenes it made me giddy

Tons of betrayals and twists and sadness and anxiety and warmth and happiness all in one book. I can’t wait for book 2. Please please read this, and also read it while listening to the playlist Rania made for her book!

[ava&#x1f380;⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

dnf 75% thru. Lots of potential, but i just think it was really fast paced and didn’t feel the “found-family” vibes. These people JUST met eachother and they’re saying “i would go to hell and back for you”. Interesting. But i do love the true enemies to lovers concept

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a tough read. I saw the authors posts on TikTok and was super captivated by the plot. I kept going back to her page to find out the release dates and finally it came out! Began reading it and I have to say, pretty much from the get go, I struggled to get through it. Though I did carry on reading, and finish the book, there were many plot holes and grammar issues. Additionally, there were repeated paragraphs right under each other multiples times with a slightly different version of the above paragraph (I believe she didn’t remove her edits or forgot to choose a paragraph to use before publishing). The plot itself had a lot of promise but it was not executed well. Irene, as the author specified is a crazy FMC, however there is not much character development throughout the story and, as a reader, you are left confused as to what the whole enemies to lovers arc with Dax is when she’s thinking about Jace. It’s all very confusing and with no clear lines. The rest of the characters have little depth to them, both Jace and Dax are not extremely explored. Overall, the plots lacked depth and exploration, I was very excited for this book and ended up being dissatisfied.

[Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was so hard to read, there were so many editing errors and repeat paragraphs and chat gpt prompts