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Soul Keeper #2
Destroyed
From the second book in the Soul Keeper Series…
Now I lay me down to sleep,
Whom shall I trust my soul to keep?
If I should die before I wake,
I leave to fate my soul to take.
The seal has been broken and the Soul Keeper Prophecy set in motion. Marcus and Nicolas are battling for the heart of one woman, Pandora’s only daughter; however, not everyone is playing by the rules. With interference from both sides of the lines and too many deities with hidden agendas, the trio must take matters into their own hands and look for another ending, one that removes control from fate.
Can they find the missing page from the prophecy that has the ability to change everything?
Will the new stranger they’ve been given as a guide assist or mislead them?
Will Samantha make a decision on who it is that she truly loves, saving one and destroying the other?
What if her choice is no choice at all?
Now I lay me down to sleep,
Whom shall I trust my soul to keep?
If I should die before I wake,
I leave to fate my soul to take.
The seal has been broken and the Soul Keeper Prophecy set in motion. Marcus and Nicolas are battling for the heart of one woman, Pandora’s only daughter; however, not everyone is playing by the rules. With interference from both sides of the lines and too many deities with hidden agendas, the trio must take matters into their own hands and look for another ending, one that removes control from fate.
Can they find the missing page from the prophecy that has the ability to change everything?
Will the new stranger they’ve been given as a guide assist or mislead them?
Will Samantha make a decision on who it is that she truly loves, saving one and destroying the other?
What if her choice is no choice at all?
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
95 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Starkey
14 books280 followersLA Starkey or Laurie is the author of the Amazon Best Selling series, The Soul Keeper, a supernatural young adult series, and The Liarus Detective Series, a supernatural middle-grade series.
She is a former-CPA turned full-time fiction writer. Writing and reading are passions she just can’t help but indulge in on a daily basis. She lives with her husband and teenage son in Nashville, TN, and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and coming up with new ideas!
Come find me:
Facebook => https://www.facebook.com/L.A.StarkeyA...
Email => la@lastarkeybooks.com
She is a former-CPA turned full-time fiction writer. Writing and reading are passions she just can’t help but indulge in on a daily basis. She lives with her husband and teenage son in Nashville, TN, and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and coming up with new ideas!
Come find me:
Facebook => https://www.facebook.com/L.A.StarkeyA...
Email => la@lastarkeybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 12, 2015
The story continues where it left off.... Sam woke up in a hospital after she collapsed during the dance. Her last thought was about her talking to Julie in a rest room, warning her that nothing was as it seemed. When she regained consciousness, she was told Julie was already dead for a week, causing her to freak out and wail and scream.
Meanwhile, in Mount Olympus, Prometheus revealed something that would eventually break the prophesy of the Soul Keeper, the hidden piece to the puzzle. But the very beautiful and cunning goddess Aphrodite had another thing in mind. She journeyed to Hades' lair and soon, together with Persephone, they descended to Earth and took matters in their own hands.
Brothers Nick and Marcus, both fighting for Sam's feelings, realized they had to work as One, because that's what and how they should be.
Just when I thought I was already hit with bombs in book 1, Destroyed Book 2 hit me with a lightning that shocked the beejessus out of me. LA Starkey valiantly transformed Samantha and had become the woman she was prophesied to be. I love her character development, from whiny scared little girl to brave and determined woman. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn't know either which one to choose - Nick or Marcus. But I know things will have to change in Book 3.The cliffhanger ending really jolted me wide awake, had me breathing hard as I anticipate what happens next to Sam and the brothers. This series sure got me fired up! Greek Gods and titans, be damned!
Meanwhile, in Mount Olympus, Prometheus revealed something that would eventually break the prophesy of the Soul Keeper, the hidden piece to the puzzle. But the very beautiful and cunning goddess Aphrodite had another thing in mind. She journeyed to Hades' lair and soon, together with Persephone, they descended to Earth and took matters in their own hands.
Brothers Nick and Marcus, both fighting for Sam's feelings, realized they had to work as One, because that's what and how they should be.
Just when I thought I was already hit with bombs in book 1, Destroyed Book 2 hit me with a lightning that shocked the beejessus out of me. LA Starkey valiantly transformed Samantha and had become the woman she was prophesied to be. I love her character development, from whiny scared little girl to brave and determined woman. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn't know either which one to choose - Nick or Marcus. But I know things will have to change in Book 3.The cliffhanger ending really jolted me wide awake, had me breathing hard as I anticipate what happens next to Sam and the brothers. This series sure got me fired up! Greek Gods and titans, be damned!
June 17, 2018
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
So, I read Deceived recently, and while it didn't really live up to my expectations, the immersion in Greek mythology kept me reading into the second book, Destroyed. It takes up right where the first book ended, and it basically continues the story. Marcus and Nick are still fighting over Sam, but there might be a way to change the prophecy, if only they can stop fighting long enough to look for it.
This book took forever, or so it seemed. The pacing was really slow and when I'm looking back at what happened in this book, I thought it was not so much. What also didn't help was that to me it seems like Sam made up her mind about which brother she likes ages ago, so that is not exciting to read either. This series isn't really for me, so with Destroyed it will end for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
So, I read Deceived recently, and while it didn't really live up to my expectations, the immersion in Greek mythology kept me reading into the second book, Destroyed. It takes up right where the first book ended, and it basically continues the story. Marcus and Nick are still fighting over Sam, but there might be a way to change the prophecy, if only they can stop fighting long enough to look for it.
This book took forever, or so it seemed. The pacing was really slow and when I'm looking back at what happened in this book, I thought it was not so much. What also didn't help was that to me it seems like Sam made up her mind about which brother she likes ages ago, so that is not exciting to read either. This series isn't really for me, so with Destroyed it will end for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 10, 2015
THIS ISN'T FAIR. YOU CAN'T END BOOK 2 LIKE THAT. GAAHHH
Book 2 in the Soul Keeper Series was freakin' fantastic. I can't say much about the plot because I don't want to spoil anyone. But book 2 continues the story of Sam as she navigates her relationship with Nick and Marcus.
More mythological elements are added to this novel and the author tied in more detailed storylines beautifully. I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1 and can't wait for book 3 to come out!
These covers keep getting more and more gorgeous and LA Starkey is just a fantastic person. If you are looking for a fun, quirky, but pretty intense series to pick up then I would highly recommend the Soul Keeper Series.
I cannot say enough good things about these books!
Book 2 in the Soul Keeper Series was freakin' fantastic. I can't say much about the plot because I don't want to spoil anyone. But book 2 continues the story of Sam as she navigates her relationship with Nick and Marcus.
More mythological elements are added to this novel and the author tied in more detailed storylines beautifully. I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1 and can't wait for book 3 to come out!
These covers keep getting more and more gorgeous and LA Starkey is just a fantastic person. If you are looking for a fun, quirky, but pretty intense series to pick up then I would highly recommend the Soul Keeper Series.
I cannot say enough good things about these books!
May 9, 2016
I want the third book right now! I sure hate to wait until January to read more of this wonderful story. It has everything you could want in a fantasy, Love, hate, Waring God's and more. The Story of three young people tears at your heart and puts you emotionally in the story. Just an all around great story.
May 21, 2015
I am enjoying this series. I found out about it while at the Teen book festival. The best part about this series is that you don't have to wait a year for the next book to come out. Finally, someone is getting it right!!!
February 1, 2015
So we have a continuation, finally of the ending at book one. Yes, we finally know what happens from book one, only to be DESTROYED at the end of this one. HAHAHA Yes I am warning you at the beginning that there's a crazy seriously devastating cliff hanger at the end of this one too. And I am sad because now as I wait for book three to come out, it's the end. This is not a long series but a trilogy. So low and behold, we're ALL gunna know what's to happen to Sam, Marcus, and Nicolas. And I am still on pins and needles to know how it's gunna play out. Devastated, you hear me. I want my team to win, but NOW, there's a little twist, if my guys wins, the guy I DON'T want to win will. yes I know that's confusing, but you see, we are finally learning what the prophecy means and how it happened. How it affects these three teenagers. Well, Sam is a teen for real LOL. And who had their hands in who's pockets. And who is just a mean old man. :) Yes, I know, I am calling the powerful Gods meanies, but they are. And all of them surrounding each other need to get a damn life instead of messing with others who can't control things.
But Sam is also learning about the prophecy, and she is figuring things out, no she isn't crazy, she is somehow connected, and she's a powerful person, she just didn't realize how crazy powerful. And she's learning who her parents are. WOAH!!! I think I peed my pants when I found out about her mommy, and JUST WAIT til you catch on who her daddy is. Oh Yeah, it's gunna get seriously crazy! Like, I wanna chew every pencil in sight waiting, since my nails are already chewed. :) And Sam is finally getting to spend time with Nic and Marc and figuring out who and what they are. I loved their uncles having a bigger part in this one, and that you get to see all of the "behind the scenes" players, like who exactly started the war, the prophecy, the guardians, and how they are all intertwined. Greek mythology can make me crazy LOL. I don't know who she is going to chose, or how this new little "exit" is going to play out, and now with everything is Sam will even be able to stay alive and save herself. I don't know how to say this, but I seriously need book three. I have so many things I want to say but I know they would ruin something with spoilers, so with that, I say just get the start of this series, because it's pretty darn awesome :) 5 PAWs
But Sam is also learning about the prophecy, and she is figuring things out, no she isn't crazy, she is somehow connected, and she's a powerful person, she just didn't realize how crazy powerful. And she's learning who her parents are. WOAH!!! I think I peed my pants when I found out about her mommy, and JUST WAIT til you catch on who her daddy is. Oh Yeah, it's gunna get seriously crazy! Like, I wanna chew every pencil in sight waiting, since my nails are already chewed. :) And Sam is finally getting to spend time with Nic and Marc and figuring out who and what they are. I loved their uncles having a bigger part in this one, and that you get to see all of the "behind the scenes" players, like who exactly started the war, the prophecy, the guardians, and how they are all intertwined. Greek mythology can make me crazy LOL. I don't know who she is going to chose, or how this new little "exit" is going to play out, and now with everything is Sam will even be able to stay alive and save herself. I don't know how to say this, but I seriously need book three. I have so many things I want to say but I know they would ruin something with spoilers, so with that, I say just get the start of this series, because it's pretty darn awesome :) 5 PAWs
February 8, 2015
Destroyed, the only thing destroyed was my emotions! By that, it’s a long story indeed. The book continues right after the first one, because we were shocked after that 1st ending. Quite the journey this sequel was, from the dream shifting, to the scenery, and quarreling on Mount Olympus. The plot is combined so smoothly, it’s like a never ending soap opera, but the conversations and emotions only grew immensely. The climax reaching closer and closer, and then, it happens. It was nice to see how Sam finally came to the realization of where she truly came from. This was quite cruel of the gods to manipulate that knowledge from her. The fun thing is that, to think this is a trilogy, what surprises await us all? With so much going on, one could expect that series of events to grow more impactful. Prediction wise, I feel this whole chain of events is nothing more than a dream. Could someone be dreaming these events that are toying with our emotions? I hope not, because that’ll be unfortunate. I loved this one as much as the first and I am so looking forward to the third and final installment. I’m on a streak at finding novels that are written so beautifully in threes. I’m sure the momentum and suspense will be just as impactful in the third and final novel. It’s sad in a sense too; Sam’s journey is almost over! L.A. Starkey I loved what you did with the 2nd part, here’s to the emotionally filled 3rd! ^_^
February 20, 2015
Destroyed is book 2 in the Soul Keeper fantasy series, it's a YA read but very suitable for adults too. In the first book we met Sam an adopted teenager. She's had dreams with a couple of love interests who have recently appeared at her local school. Her best friend has just died in a traffic accident and she's finding it really hard to come to terms with this, whilst she's been given an interesting book about a prophecy and the Greek Gods. It all seems rather vaguely familiar to her but Sam can't quite put her finger on it and she has a lot of questions.
In book 2 the story continues, Sam accepts Marcus and Nicholas into her life, she has been told that she is their Soul Keeper and that they are all about to live out the prophecy which looks like it may have a tragic ending unless they can find an alternative. There may just be one spark of hope as the teenagers head off on a trail to find a lost exit clause.
The author does a really good job of helping the reader get their heads around all the complicated relationships between the Greek Gods, all the sons, daughters, half sisters, cousins, nephews etc that Greek history has thrown at us. I like the pace of the book and the love triangle is intense and tantalising. This book ends on a cliff hanger which will have fans screaming NO!!! But book 3 is now available so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
In book 2 the story continues, Sam accepts Marcus and Nicholas into her life, she has been told that she is their Soul Keeper and that they are all about to live out the prophecy which looks like it may have a tragic ending unless they can find an alternative. There may just be one spark of hope as the teenagers head off on a trail to find a lost exit clause.
The author does a really good job of helping the reader get their heads around all the complicated relationships between the Greek Gods, all the sons, daughters, half sisters, cousins, nephews etc that Greek history has thrown at us. I like the pace of the book and the love triangle is intense and tantalising. This book ends on a cliff hanger which will have fans screaming NO!!! But book 3 is now available so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
March 2, 2015
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2015/03/0...
Publisher: Patchwork
Publishing Date: November 2014
ISBN: 9781503104204
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.6/5
Publisher Description: The seal has been broken and the Soul Keeper Prophecy set in motion. Marcus and Nicolas are battling for the heart of one woman, Pandora’s only daughter; however, not everyone is playing by the rules. With interference from both sides of the lines and too many deities with hidden agendas, the trio must take matters into their own hands and look for another ending, one that removes control from fate.
Review: The prose comes off stilted and the story takes forever to develop. It just drags on an on, from page to page, like your trapped in the DMV with scratching, sniffling, grumpy old men.
Publisher: Patchwork
Publishing Date: November 2014
ISBN: 9781503104204
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1.6/5
Publisher Description: The seal has been broken and the Soul Keeper Prophecy set in motion. Marcus and Nicolas are battling for the heart of one woman, Pandora’s only daughter; however, not everyone is playing by the rules. With interference from both sides of the lines and too many deities with hidden agendas, the trio must take matters into their own hands and look for another ending, one that removes control from fate.
Review: The prose comes off stilted and the story takes forever to develop. It just drags on an on, from page to page, like your trapped in the DMV with scratching, sniffling, grumpy old men.
January 16, 2015
I definitely enjoyed the 2nd book as much as the first. It was great to see Sam discover more about herself, her past and where she came from. There is a ton of manipulation done by the Gods in this one...I was getting so mad, but that is a testament to the great writing. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, this one left off at a spot that is maddening (in a good way). The characters are fun and full of mischief. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys going to a completely different world, along with some really exciting adventure! Great follow up to the first book in the series.
August 26, 2018
AS THE WORLD TURNS!!!
Talk about kicking up the dust. This is one interesting bad boy. I was a goner after the first paragraph of this page turning dynamo. You get a full range of emotions that are as real to you as the characters. The characters are complex, well developed and believable. Their personalities and traits are vast and varied from one another which balance out perfectly. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a fantastic backdrop that really makes the storyline pop. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a fantastic backdrop that really makes the storyline pop. The twists and turns are exciting and keeps the suspense and tension riding high. Starkey did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Starkey, thanks for sharing this awesome read with read with us.
Talk about kicking up the dust. This is one interesting bad boy. I was a goner after the first paragraph of this page turning dynamo. You get a full range of emotions that are as real to you as the characters. The characters are complex, well developed and believable. Their personalities and traits are vast and varied from one another which balance out perfectly. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a fantastic backdrop that really makes the storyline pop. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a fantastic backdrop that really makes the storyline pop. The twists and turns are exciting and keeps the suspense and tension riding high. Starkey did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Starkey, thanks for sharing this awesome read with read with us.
February 6, 2017
This is a really good series written around the Gods of Olympus. Based on a prophecy that's as old as mankind, Sam must decide (for the good of the human race) who wins the key to her heart. It's quite the journey for Sam and her one true love...her soul mate. As pieces of her life apparently fall into place and she gets closer to the time of decision, we see that things are not always as they appear to be.
Greek mythology has always been a little confusing for me but Ms Starkey did a fantastic job of explaining who was who. Never again will I view ( say Hades) as before. I never even considered that he may have had a softer side to him which gives us lot to think about.
This is a series of three books...with both books (1 & 2) ending with some pretty good cliffhangers.
Greek mythology has always been a little confusing for me but Ms Starkey did a fantastic job of explaining who was who. Never again will I view ( say Hades) as before. I never even considered that he may have had a softer side to him which gives us lot to think about.
This is a series of three books...with both books (1 & 2) ending with some pretty good cliffhangers.
October 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book, but I liked the first one a little bit better. I thought that this story suffered some from ‘middle book syndrome’. There’s a lot of story here and it covers a lot of ground. Probably more than was needed to achieve the end goal. In terms of real action, there isn’t a great deal of activity that truly happens within this book. This was one hundred percent soap opera with all the backstabbing and double-crossing. Even the cliff-hanger ending is handled in true daytime drama style. And just like any soap addict, I’m coming back for the next episode because I have to know what happens next.
July 31, 2018
Wow this series is truly enchanting, the mythology in it makes you believe in the power of the gods, you really don’t know what’s real and what’s dream, the ending was not what I would had imagine, could not put the book down, I’m restless just to finish this story. Would love conquer all? I hope so. Can wait to read the rest.
August 3, 2018
The second book in the Greek mythology series. Marcus and Nicolas are competing for Sam's attention and love. But to keep from one of them being destroyed, they search for an exit clause for the prophecy. I was really sucked into this story, and cant wait to read the conclusion.
August 13, 2018
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It picks up where we left off in Deceived. It starts off a bit slow but definitely picks up towards the end. I loved it and can’t wait to read book 3. I received an ARC for an honest review.
August 22, 2018
Riveting ...Greek poems that let Nicolas and Marcus discover how two can become one to join with the Soulkeeper for eternity as lovers. Great story line for paranormal and Greek mythology- letting Greek Gods use humanity as play things. Onto the next book in this series...
Diane W
Diane W
May 24, 2018
Heartbreaks and new surprises are constantly coming. I am hoping for the light at the end of the tunnel.
January 14, 2019
Had to read again
Great book series made me cry it.was how it was going to end no matter what but i still cried great book reread twice
Great book series made me cry it.was how it was going to end no matter what but i still cried great book reread twice
May 15, 2019
Great
June 8, 2020
Finished the series, kind of heartsick to see that Nick lost Sam and had to witness the wedding of his love to his brother/other part of himself, but he chose the path he took.
April 3, 2015
Sam has unlocked a millennia-old prophecy, that ties her fate to that of Nick and Marcus. Humanity is on the edge of disaster as they play out the role Fate has decided for them. But Greek Gods hardly play fair.
Ok, so this is the second of the Soul Keeper series. I loved the first book - clickee here for the review. (psst - Deceived is now free to download from Amazon, so check it out!)
Destroyed picks up where Deceived left off. Well, in a straight linear time progression. It actual reverts a few weeks as far as Sam is concerned, as she wakes up without any knowledge about who Marcus and Nick really are; nor does she remember about what happened to Julie (which was actually heart-breaking when she had to go through that pain again).
Unfortunately, Marcus and Nick are bound by the prophecy, not able to reveal anything to Sam. She has to learn it all over again, as her dreams slowly awaken several lifetimes of memories.
But one thing is clear, she is in love with both boys; and they have a very important mission ahead (even if the who, what and why of that mission is very murky).
Ok, I'll confess that for most of the book, it was tootling along as a happy 4 star. It was good, but I wasn't completely bowled over like the first one.
I thought it was missing a few of the aspects that I loved from Deceived - the sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek humour was definitely toned down. I mean, I know this is where everything gets serious, as we're immersed in the plot, but I can't remember any part that made me chuckle. Luckily, Sam's inner monologue was still there to make me smile - I think she's my favourite non-character.
There was also no Brent, or very little. Apart from a cameo at the hospital, he doesn't feature at all, which was a little disappointing, I'd been hoping to see more of his character!
Because most of the story is in the hospital, and then a weekend away in Seattle, the characters that we met in the first book are glossed over and left behind. That being said, for the brief flash that Sam's foster parents are mentioned, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy (cough, this may be the only time I ever say those three words). It was really sweet that she finally decided to break down her walls, let her adoptive family in, and call them mum and dad.
There was the introduction of new characters in this book (mainly Greek Gods).
Aphrodite, although she bordered on annoying, was a wily and clever character. I still can't work out whether she's an evil bitch, or trying to do something for the greater good. Who's side is she on, again?
Zeus I wanted to slap. -Wow, that is definitely the first time I've used that sentence-
Stephanie I loved. She gradually seeped in to take Julie's role, without being Julie. She has so much history, and I hope she has a lot more to give in the next book.
Ok, main three. *cracks knuckles*
Samantha. She's great. She's flawed and in over her head, but she's up for the challenge and has a stubborn streak to see her through. She's logical, and not afraid to take the lead and get the job done. Ooh, and you find out more about her mother! And, and! hints about her father!!
Marcus and Nick are still very similar (what with being twin brothers, and two halves of a soul), but the characters start to flesh out and have their own traits.
Marcus is the black coffee and newspaper guy that is sweetly devoted to Samantha.
Nick is the "troublemaker" that can be a little more passionate about it. (Ok, the speechmarks? He's not a bad boy, at all, I wouldn't want you to have that opinion. He sometimes acts first, thinks later.)
I felt that this book was unfairly leaning towards Nick. Marcus was definitely in the background, a background cocoon of love for Samantha, as she fell for his brother. Nick is in the limelight for the majority of the book, and .
I'll be interested to see how book three balances this out, or if we're on the slippery slope to "Nick is the one".
Plotwise, it sweeps you along nicely. Again, it has that slow, lingering build to answers and more questions.
Destroyed spends more time moving between Earth and Olympus, as the Gods are pulled in to play their parts in a prophecy that has being lying dormant for lifetimes. There are so many old and new dynamics affecting what is happening in Olympus, and how that feeds down to Earth. I liked the sections with the Gods, it helped you realise that this is something much bigger than one girl, choosing a boy to love. It sets up the politics, and potential dangers ahead.
Ok, so why the five stars? The ending. I can't help it, I enjoyed the whole book, and that ending just knocked it up an extra mark and demanded I read book three... ok lookee here, Descent all ready to go on my Kindle!
Ok, so this is the second of the Soul Keeper series. I loved the first book - clickee here for the review. (psst - Deceived is now free to download from Amazon, so check it out!)
Destroyed picks up where Deceived left off. Well, in a straight linear time progression. It actual reverts a few weeks as far as Sam is concerned, as she wakes up without any knowledge about who Marcus and Nick really are; nor does she remember about what happened to Julie (which was actually heart-breaking when she had to go through that pain again).
Unfortunately, Marcus and Nick are bound by the prophecy, not able to reveal anything to Sam. She has to learn it all over again, as her dreams slowly awaken several lifetimes of memories.
But one thing is clear, she is in love with both boys; and they have a very important mission ahead (even if the who, what and why of that mission is very murky).
Ok, I'll confess that for most of the book, it was tootling along as a happy 4 star. It was good, but I wasn't completely bowled over like the first one.
I thought it was missing a few of the aspects that I loved from Deceived - the sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek humour was definitely toned down. I mean, I know this is where everything gets serious, as we're immersed in the plot, but I can't remember any part that made me chuckle. Luckily, Sam's inner monologue was still there to make me smile - I think she's my favourite non-character.
There was also no Brent, or very little. Apart from a cameo at the hospital, he doesn't feature at all, which was a little disappointing, I'd been hoping to see more of his character!
Because most of the story is in the hospital, and then a weekend away in Seattle, the characters that we met in the first book are glossed over and left behind. That being said, for the brief flash that Sam's foster parents are mentioned, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy (cough, this may be the only time I ever say those three words). It was really sweet that she finally decided to break down her walls, let her adoptive family in, and call them mum and dad.
There was the introduction of new characters in this book (mainly Greek Gods).
Aphrodite, although she bordered on annoying, was a wily and clever character. I still can't work out whether she's an evil bitch, or trying to do something for the greater good. Who's side is she on, again?
Zeus I wanted to slap. -Wow, that is definitely the first time I've used that sentence-
Stephanie I loved. She gradually seeped in to take Julie's role, without being Julie. She has so much history, and I hope she has a lot more to give in the next book.
Ok, main three. *cracks knuckles*
Samantha. She's great. She's flawed and in over her head, but she's up for the challenge and has a stubborn streak to see her through. She's logical, and not afraid to take the lead and get the job done. Ooh, and you find out more about her mother! And, and! hints about her father!!
Marcus and Nick are still very similar (what with being twin brothers, and two halves of a soul), but the characters start to flesh out and have their own traits.
Marcus is the black coffee and newspaper guy that is sweetly devoted to Samantha.
Nick is the "troublemaker" that can be a little more passionate about it. (Ok, the speechmarks? He's not a bad boy, at all, I wouldn't want you to have that opinion. He sometimes acts first, thinks later.)
I felt that this book was unfairly leaning towards Nick. Marcus was definitely in the background, a background cocoon of love for Samantha, as she fell for his brother. Nick is in the limelight for the majority of the book, and .
I'll be interested to see how book three balances this out, or if we're on the slippery slope to "Nick is the one".
Plotwise, it sweeps you along nicely. Again, it has that slow, lingering build to answers and more questions.
Destroyed spends more time moving between Earth and Olympus, as the Gods are pulled in to play their parts in a prophecy that has being lying dormant for lifetimes. There are so many old and new dynamics affecting what is happening in Olympus, and how that feeds down to Earth. I liked the sections with the Gods, it helped you realise that this is something much bigger than one girl, choosing a boy to love. It sets up the politics, and potential dangers ahead.
Ok, so why the five stars? The ending. I can't help it, I enjoyed the whole book, and that ending just knocked it up an extra mark and demanded I read book three... ok lookee here, Descent all ready to go on my Kindle!
June 1, 2016
ARC kindly provided by L.A. Starkey in exchange for an honest review.
Review
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
Review
After loving the finale of book one, 'Decieved' I was VERY ready to launch into this second instalment. I loved the whole Greek mythology twist that L. A. Starkey put on the series and after fan-girling over FINALLY getting to read a Pandora retelling, I was PUMPED AS!
A lot of the scenes were cute, corny and cheesy in a romantic way that made me fall totally in love with Sam's love interests, Nick and Marcus. It was hilarious at times and I'd laugh out loud. If you're looking for a good mix of romance, comedy and tragedy: then this series is for you!
I felt that the writing was good but that it could have been a lot better if it went through a professional editor. It felt too colloquial at times when the author was trying to make it sound formal or archaic. It drew back from what the author was trying to say and whatever emotions she was carrying across seemed to have been filtered half-way so that some scenes lost their potency.
However, there was great improvement in writing compared to the first novel. The flow of words came off as more professional, confident and mature. It sounded better and just read better in general.
A lot of the old characters returned in this instalment and some new minor ones were also introduced. I felt like the characters blended in a little with their personalities being so similar and sometimes it was hard to remember who was who. I believe that the author could have worked on her character establishment a little bit better.
On the other hand, evolvement of characters was great! They all slowly changed as the story progressed. They were very realistic in that sense!
Plot was good and I once again loved the idea behind it but I still believe that that author could have executed it in a better and a more effective way. I would sometimes get lost and feel like the novel dragged on a little. A few plot twists would have been nice and would have really spiced it up but if there were any in the novel, I wasn't as touched or effected by them as I hoped to be.
But then! Oh my gosh! That cliff-hanger was just something. At the end I felt like the authoress was building up to that one BIG moment! I was not expecting it! I can't wait for the final showdown in 'Descent'!
Grammar is awesome! Everything was written well and there were no typos or spelling mistakes. Prose was good and well done.
Congratulations to L. A. Starkey on publishing the second instalment in the 'Soul Keeper' series!
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
August 27, 2016
After that massive cliffhanger in Deceived (you can read my review for it here), I could not wait to get my hands on Destroyed. I had high hopes that this novel would be as engaging and exciting as the previous one. Unfortunately, that was not so. I really hate to give a negative review to a book series I thought had so much potential, but it can't be helped.
The characters. Ugh. I thought I loved them all, but no. Not this time. Sam was just so narcisstic. That thing with Ken, meeting Stephanie, Marc and Nick. In all of those moments, I didn't like her.
Sam was a little surprised, realizing that she may have misjudged Stephanie, not all girls had an agenda oe were in competition against one another.
I hated this line. How dare she be so assuming and haughty? I couldn't relate to her at all.
And Marcus was almost as bad. When he wasn't wallowing in self-pity, he was angsting over Sam. The only person who remained at least a little likable was Nick, which is surprising because I liked Marcus better in Deceived.
The pacing. It was so. Darn. Slow. The story lingers in unnecassary places, especially scenes with Aphrodite, who was by far the most hateable character in the book.
The plot. While Deceived kept me on my toes, urging me to turn the pages, Destroyed was nothing like it. The plot didn't move fast enough, and there were barely any twists that surprised me. Half the book involved either Sam and Marcus lamenting over the love triangle, or one of the gods reflecting on what a cunning, evil, twisted witch Aphrodite was.
I don't know whether I'll be reading Descent, the next book in this series, because Destroyed was a let down. Maybe I'll try it. Hopefully, it'll live up to the standard of Deceived.
The characters. Ugh. I thought I loved them all, but no. Not this time. Sam was just so narcisstic. That thing with Ken, meeting Stephanie, Marc and Nick. In all of those moments, I didn't like her.
Sam was a little surprised, realizing that she may have misjudged Stephanie, not all girls had an agenda oe were in competition against one another.
I hated this line. How dare she be so assuming and haughty? I couldn't relate to her at all.
And Marcus was almost as bad. When he wasn't wallowing in self-pity, he was angsting over Sam. The only person who remained at least a little likable was Nick, which is surprising because I liked Marcus better in Deceived.
The pacing. It was so. Darn. Slow. The story lingers in unnecassary places, especially scenes with Aphrodite, who was by far the most hateable character in the book.
The plot. While Deceived kept me on my toes, urging me to turn the pages, Destroyed was nothing like it. The plot didn't move fast enough, and there were barely any twists that surprised me. Half the book involved either Sam and Marcus lamenting over the love triangle, or one of the gods reflecting on what a cunning, evil, twisted witch Aphrodite was.
I don't know whether I'll be reading Descent, the next book in this series, because Destroyed was a let down. Maybe I'll try it. Hopefully, it'll live up to the standard of Deceived.
February 7, 2017
Marcus and Nicholas...two awesome guys, two sides of the same soul. Is that really a fair choice? Unfortunately, for Samantha, it's her new reality. She lost Julie and she was the closest thing to family Sam had.
She's trapped in a Greek prophecy that was put in place long before her, Julie, Nick, and Marcus were even a thought. I loved the twists about Samantha's own existence.
Every part about this installment is deep in a Greek mythology. While I enjoyed the story, there was almost too much detail into the mythology aspect for me. I love a good story, and I did like this one.
Okay, so all in all, this is an enjoyable series. If you are a fan of Greek mythology, love triangles, and lots of twists, then this read is for you. Four glittery stars!
She's trapped in a Greek prophecy that was put in place long before her, Julie, Nick, and Marcus were even a thought. I loved the twists about Samantha's own existence.
Every part about this installment is deep in a Greek mythology. While I enjoyed the story, there was almost too much detail into the mythology aspect for me. I love a good story, and I did like this one.
Okay, so all in all, this is an enjoyable series. If you are a fan of Greek mythology, love triangles, and lots of twists, then this read is for you. Four glittery stars!
March 21, 2015
If you hate cliffhangers go get the box set, that way you can resolve the cliffhanger and feel 100% better about life. With amazing characters, tons of action, this book is incredible.
You see Sam, Marcus, and Nick get to know each other, or re-get to know as it seems. You see the parallels between the boys, but some of their differences become very apparent. I prefer Nick, but he's slightly more my type, seeing and Marcus is pretty cool too.
I love the amount of POV shifts in this book. You get to see Sam processes everything that's going on, Marcus and Nicks feelings on the developments, the nefarious plotting of Aphrodite, and a few other wonderful people. All of these perspectives helps you get to know exactly what is going on. Seeing as no one person knows everything, or anywhere close to everything.
In conclusion awesome continuation to a great series!
You see Sam, Marcus, and Nick get to know each other, or re-get to know as it seems. You see the parallels between the boys, but some of their differences become very apparent. I prefer Nick, but he's slightly more my type, seeing and Marcus is pretty cool too.
I love the amount of POV shifts in this book. You get to see Sam processes everything that's going on, Marcus and Nicks feelings on the developments, the nefarious plotting of Aphrodite, and a few other wonderful people. All of these perspectives helps you get to know exactly what is going on. Seeing as no one person knows everything, or anywhere close to everything.
In conclusion awesome continuation to a great series!
April 6, 2015
OK. So if you want a book with a very linear plot line between one girl and one boy, then this is probably not the book for you.
Question: When is a love triangle not a love triangle?
Answer: When its an integral part of a modern Greek Gods love story. And what an intricate story. The plot weaves seamlessly through a variety of intrigue, deception and betrayal. This book contains tons of detail and many characters, many of which will be vaguely familiar from fables and history lessons.
But the impressive bit about this book is that, despite all of the detail, I never felt lost or confused.
And, just a hint – when you get to the end, you may want to have access to the kindle app, so you can download the concluding volume without delay!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Question: When is a love triangle not a love triangle?
Answer: When its an integral part of a modern Greek Gods love story. And what an intricate story. The plot weaves seamlessly through a variety of intrigue, deception and betrayal. This book contains tons of detail and many characters, many of which will be vaguely familiar from fables and history lessons.
But the impressive bit about this book is that, despite all of the detail, I never felt lost or confused.
And, just a hint – when you get to the end, you may want to have access to the kindle app, so you can download the concluding volume without delay!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
May 26, 2015
I personally really enjoyed this book and all of its characters. Yes, I will admit that occasionally I was confused as to who was aligned with whom sort of. And had to remind myself. But I felt that the story was well put together and full of adventure. Also the connection between Sam and Marcus and Sam and Nick is great to witness. But let's talk about the ending!!!! That marked it up a notch in my book. I mean come on!!! So, please excuse me now as I prepare myself to begin Descent as I can not wait to see how this series wraps up!!!
February 23, 2015
Dnf at 28%
The story dragged. It wasn't going anywhere. There was no intrigue, nothing to make me want to turn the page. The Greek gods were unrealistic which induced a few roll eye moments.
Samantha, Nick, Marcus, Brent and Ken were bland with no depth.
I hoped this book would improve on the first. But it didn't the author continued with the slow monotonous writing. It completely failed to grab my attention.
The story dragged. It wasn't going anywhere. There was no intrigue, nothing to make me want to turn the page. The Greek gods were unrealistic which induced a few roll eye moments.
Samantha, Nick, Marcus, Brent and Ken were bland with no depth.
I hoped this book would improve on the first. But it didn't the author continued with the slow monotonous writing. It completely failed to grab my attention.
April 3, 2015
Okay, book 2 of the Soul Keeper series.
SURPRISE! There might be a way out! It's possible that there IS a choice. The three main characters do not have to be Zeus and Prometheus' minions; Pawns in some cosmic game. New characters emerge: Persephone and Pandora. Delightful!
This is a normal 2nd book of a trilogy; It gives detailed background, fills in some questions, ends in a surprise cliffhanger.
Can't wait for the conclusion!
SURPRISE! There might be a way out! It's possible that there IS a choice. The three main characters do not have to be Zeus and Prometheus' minions; Pawns in some cosmic game. New characters emerge: Persephone and Pandora. Delightful!
This is a normal 2nd book of a trilogy; It gives detailed background, fills in some questions, ends in a surprise cliffhanger.
Can't wait for the conclusion!
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