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The Magpie and the Wolf Duology #2
Wolftamer
Legends don't die.
Saoirse and Foalan's quest for freedom turns into a battle for the fate of their entire world, in this aching and lush conclusion to the Magpie and the Wolf duology.
Faolan has escaped death. Twice.
After a lifetime chasing freedom and legends, he was finally on the brink of becoming one himself when it all went up in flames. Stranded on the Isle of Lost Souls, bound by an oath he did not make, Faolan is plagued by dreams of drowning and a past he swore never to revisit. The pirate in him wants nothing more than to raise hell and run away—but with no ship, and no way to untether his wife, Saoirse, from the land she’s pledged herself to, Faolan is trapped.
And everyone knows who tamed the Wolf.
When their sinister rival King Maccus unveils an ancient godly relic—one with the power to unbalance their entire world—Faolan knows the game has changed. There’s only one person who can hunt down the missing relics before Maccus can, and the Wolf of the Wild will do anything to protect his wife.
Even if that means leaving her behind.
Saoirse and Foalan's quest for freedom turns into a battle for the fate of their entire world, in this aching and lush conclusion to the Magpie and the Wolf duology.
Faolan has escaped death. Twice.
After a lifetime chasing freedom and legends, he was finally on the brink of becoming one himself when it all went up in flames. Stranded on the Isle of Lost Souls, bound by an oath he did not make, Faolan is plagued by dreams of drowning and a past he swore never to revisit. The pirate in him wants nothing more than to raise hell and run away—but with no ship, and no way to untether his wife, Saoirse, from the land she’s pledged herself to, Faolan is trapped.
And everyone knows who tamed the Wolf.
When their sinister rival King Maccus unveils an ancient godly relic—one with the power to unbalance their entire world—Faolan knows the game has changed. There’s only one person who can hunt down the missing relics before Maccus can, and the Wolf of the Wild will do anything to protect his wife.
Even if that means leaving her behind.
Audible Audio
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Maggie Rapier
4 books257 followersMaggie Rapier is an incurable romantic and part-time kitchen witch who loves nothing more than wordplay and wandering around the globe.
When she’s not elbows-deep in her garden under the watchful eye of her two cats, you can find her at the library, the thrift store, or the D&D table where she plays with her partner and friends.
When she’s not elbows-deep in her garden under the watchful eye of her two cats, you can find her at the library, the thrift store, or the D&D table where she plays with her partner and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
💫⚔️ Wolftamer by Maggie Rapier ⚔️💫
This picks up right where book one left off, and I was immediately pulled back into the story. I am genuinely sad this duology is over, but it was such a strong one from start to finish. We need more duologies like this. The worldbuilding and character relationships were well developed. I was never bored in either book.
I will say Faolan tested my patience in the first half. He was deep in his no freedom spiral and I really wanted to shake him a bit. Thankfully he pulls it together because I was struggling there for a minute. He just seemed so opposite of how he was for book one!
Saoirse had me stressed the entire time. That woman cannot catch a break and I just wanted to hug her through most of this book.
Overall, I was really happy with how everything wrapped up. Now I just need the audiobook because I loved the narration for book one and already know I will want to experience this one that way too.
✨ What to Expect
• Soulgazer FMC
• Pirate MMC
• Quest for freedom
• Touch her and die
• Cursed island
• Oath bound
• Ancient relic hunt
• Duology finale
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Rating: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
📝 Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ace, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
This picks up right where book one left off, and I was immediately pulled back into the story. I am genuinely sad this duology is over, but it was such a strong one from start to finish. We need more duologies like this. The worldbuilding and character relationships were well developed. I was never bored in either book.
I will say Faolan tested my patience in the first half. He was deep in his no freedom spiral and I really wanted to shake him a bit. Thankfully he pulls it together because I was struggling there for a minute. He just seemed so opposite of how he was for book one!
Saoirse had me stressed the entire time. That woman cannot catch a break and I just wanted to hug her through most of this book.
Overall, I was really happy with how everything wrapped up. Now I just need the audiobook because I loved the narration for book one and already know I will want to experience this one that way too.
✨ What to Expect
• Soulgazer FMC
• Pirate MMC
• Quest for freedom
• Touch her and die
• Cursed island
• Oath bound
• Ancient relic hunt
• Duology finale
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Rating: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
📝 Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ace, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Want to Read
March 13, 2026YES! one of my anticipated continuations! Call me an incurable romantic but if you want a pirate romantasy, look no further! :)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, Maggie Rapier for an early copy!
Publication date: August 25, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, Maggie Rapier for an early copy!
Publication date: August 25, 2026
August 31, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔚𝔬𝔩𝔣𝔱𝔞𝔪𝔢𝔯 𝔟𝔶 𝔐𝔞𝔤𝔤𝔦𝔢 ℜ𝔞𝔭𝔦𝔢𝔯 (𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔐𝔞𝔤𝔭𝔦𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔚𝔬𝔩𝔣 𝔇𝔲𝔬𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔶 #1)
Release Day: August 25, 2026
4.5⭐️3🌶
This one got a little more emotional and less adventurous than the first book, but just as intense. There's still plenty of pirate and high seas vibes.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Saoirse is now the Queen of the Lost Isles and the only one that can release souls from the soul stones after someone has died. So, the Kings and Queens from each of the other Kingdoms come to her to release so many people from their soul stone purgatory.
Faolan has found himself, begrudgingly, the King Consort of a Queen. He realizes now that that was his cousin's plan all along, but all he's ever wanted was to be free to sail the High Seas and never have to deal with court or royals again.
So, he's completely torn, because he has fallen in love and been married to Saoirse, but he never wanted to be a King or King Consort.
Saoirse is only dedicated to the Lost Isles because she feels obligated to free the souls from the stones, but she only wants to be with Faolan on the high seas. So, she sends him on a mission to find the man the almost killed her, the alchemist.
This story is full of so many layers and twists and turns. I found it very enjoyable. Recommend for any fans of L. J. Andrews or the Ever King series.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Pirate x Runaway Princess
🍁Marriage of Convenience & Forced Proximity
🍁Sunshine x Midnight Rain
🍁Slow-Burn Dark Romance
🍁Found Family
🍁Classic Romance Comforts
🍁Irish & Celtic Mythology Inspiration
🍁The Price of Freedom vs. Duty
🍁Stepping into Ultimate Power
TW:
✨Child Abuse & Emotional Abuse
✨Confinement & Imprisonment
✨Death of a Parent & Child Death
✨Grief & Trauma
✨Self-Harm
✨Explicit Sexual Content
✨Violence, Blood, & Gore
✨Sexism & Misogyny
✨Drowning & Sea Peril
✨Kidnapping & Attempted Forced Marriage
Release Day: August 25, 2026
4.5⭐️3🌶
This one got a little more emotional and less adventurous than the first book, but just as intense. There's still plenty of pirate and high seas vibes.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Saoirse is now the Queen of the Lost Isles and the only one that can release souls from the soul stones after someone has died. So, the Kings and Queens from each of the other Kingdoms come to her to release so many people from their soul stone purgatory.
Faolan has found himself, begrudgingly, the King Consort of a Queen. He realizes now that that was his cousin's plan all along, but all he's ever wanted was to be free to sail the High Seas and never have to deal with court or royals again.
So, he's completely torn, because he has fallen in love and been married to Saoirse, but he never wanted to be a King or King Consort.
Saoirse is only dedicated to the Lost Isles because she feels obligated to free the souls from the stones, but she only wants to be with Faolan on the high seas. So, she sends him on a mission to find the man the almost killed her, the alchemist.
This story is full of so many layers and twists and turns. I found it very enjoyable. Recommend for any fans of L. J. Andrews or the Ever King series.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Pirate x Runaway Princess
🍁Marriage of Convenience & Forced Proximity
🍁Sunshine x Midnight Rain
🍁Slow-Burn Dark Romance
🍁Found Family
🍁Classic Romance Comforts
🍁Irish & Celtic Mythology Inspiration
🍁The Price of Freedom vs. Duty
🍁Stepping into Ultimate Power
TW:
✨Child Abuse & Emotional Abuse
✨Confinement & Imprisonment
✨Death of a Parent & Child Death
✨Grief & Trauma
✨Self-Harm
✨Explicit Sexual Content
✨Violence, Blood, & Gore
✨Sexism & Misogyny
✨Drowning & Sea Peril
✨Kidnapping & Attempted Forced Marriage
Want to Read
November 29, 2025look at that cover I'm OBSESSED
December 1, 2025
Already my second favourite book ever (the first is Soulgazer.)
Did Not Finish
August 13, 2026There were definitely some things about this book that didn’t work for me but I will also allow that some of this DNF is my fault. I didn’t reread book 1 and was a bit lost and that, combined with a super busy few days as summer comes to an end, made it extra hard to pick up. I love the idea of a pirate romance and a now completed duology but I struggled with some plot and character choices in this one. I knew from book 1 that the author’s writing style is really poetic and full of similes and metaphors but the second half of book 1 seemed to settle in a way that made me hopeful for book 2. However it continued and the way they were woven into the story made it hard for me to discern what was real and what wasn’t at times. These are the author’s debut and I think there’s potential here but unfortunately, just not for me.
Thank you to the author and Berkley Publishing for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author and Berkley Publishing for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 3, 2026
Wolftamer absolutely delivered on the things I came for. The action and adventure sequences are genuinely thrilling -Maggie Rapier keeps the pacing tight and the stakes feel real in a way that had me flying through chapters. And the found family dynamic? My kryptonite! Watching these characters choose each other, protect each other, and build something that feels like home in the middle of chaos is exactly the kind of emotional core that makes romantasy worth reading.
So why only 3.5 stars? Faolan.
I love him, I do, but his arc in this book genuinely frustrated me. Now that Saoirse has come into her power as queen, Faolan is struggling hard with no longer being the center of the story, labeled a 'tamed wolf" and honestly? I felt that struggle right alongside him, just not in the way the author probably intended. There were moments where his resentment of being sidelined felt repetitive, and his sense of feeling trapped by Saoirse's new role started to drag on me after a while. I understood where it was coming from emotionally, but it pulled me out of the story more than it drew me in.
That said, the world, the romance, and the found family threads are strong enough that I found myself turning pages as fast as I could.
I recommend this for romantasy readers who love: action-heavy plots, queens coming into their power, and a found family that will absolutely wreck you.
So why only 3.5 stars? Faolan.
I love him, I do, but his arc in this book genuinely frustrated me. Now that Saoirse has come into her power as queen, Faolan is struggling hard with no longer being the center of the story, labeled a 'tamed wolf" and honestly? I felt that struggle right alongside him, just not in the way the author probably intended. There were moments where his resentment of being sidelined felt repetitive, and his sense of feeling trapped by Saoirse's new role started to drag on me after a while. I understood where it was coming from emotionally, but it pulled me out of the story more than it drew me in.
That said, the world, the romance, and the found family threads are strong enough that I found myself turning pages as fast as I could.
I recommend this for romantasy readers who love: action-heavy plots, queens coming into their power, and a found family that will absolutely wreck you.
August 21, 2026
This book jumps right back into the world we were first introduced to in Soulgazer. Because of this, it is HIGHLY recommended to read Soulgazer prior to reading Wolftamer. Before starting this book, I went back and reread Soulgazer so I could be fully immersed in the world, and I feel this may have done a disservice to Wolftamer. Soulgazer is this beautiful tale of marriage of convenience and forced proximity, all while on a pirate ship. Wolftamer is what happens next, which made it a little difficult for me to let go of the ambience of the first book. Once I was able to settle into Wolftamer, it was a delight.
Saoirse has pledged herself to the Isle of Lost Souls to fulfill specific duties. This pledge has essentially stranded her husband, Faolan, the Wolf of the Wild, as he will not leave his wife, and his ship is no more. When a rival King Maccus suddenly shows up with a god relic and threatens to use its power to unbalance their world, Faolan sets out to find the other missing relics to keep them out of power-hungry Maccus’s hands, forcing him to leave his wife behind in an attempt to save the world they know.
I love pirates. This book is still full of them, with lots of adventure, villains, a righteous quest, gods and goddesses, and, of course, love. We are given more of Faolan’s backstory, which honestly gives him some time being center stage in the story after he spends the first part pouting around about being a “tamed wolf.” Calm down, Faolan. You are still the fierce Wolf of the Wild despite being married to a queen, you big baby.
I loved seeing Saoirse really come into her own. She is a queen, but getting to decide what that looks like to her and how to best fulfill her role was heartwarming. And the found family aspect showed up big time in this book. The side characters showing up for both Faolan and Saoirse made me so happy. They got the companionship and caring they were both seeking from the people they chose to surround themselves with.
This book is its own. It is the second in a duology, but as mentioned previously, this book has a different focus and vibe. While you need book one to set up the world and understand the characters, this one has its own unique story and plenty to offer beyond the romance that carried the first book. Once I settled into the shift in tone and story, I really enjoyed seeing where these characters ended up and getting to spend more time in this world. It still has the pirates, adventure, gods and goddesses, and romance that made the first book so much fun, but it also gives us a chance to see Saoirse and Faolan grow into their new roles and figure out what comes next for them. Overall, I had a good time with this duology and am excited to see what Maggie Rapier will come out with next.
Thank you so much to Maggie Rapier and Berkely Publishing Group | Ace for the opportunity to read and review this book as an e-ARC.
Saoirse has pledged herself to the Isle of Lost Souls to fulfill specific duties. This pledge has essentially stranded her husband, Faolan, the Wolf of the Wild, as he will not leave his wife, and his ship is no more. When a rival King Maccus suddenly shows up with a god relic and threatens to use its power to unbalance their world, Faolan sets out to find the other missing relics to keep them out of power-hungry Maccus’s hands, forcing him to leave his wife behind in an attempt to save the world they know.
I love pirates. This book is still full of them, with lots of adventure, villains, a righteous quest, gods and goddesses, and, of course, love. We are given more of Faolan’s backstory, which honestly gives him some time being center stage in the story after he spends the first part pouting around about being a “tamed wolf.” Calm down, Faolan. You are still the fierce Wolf of the Wild despite being married to a queen, you big baby.
I loved seeing Saoirse really come into her own. She is a queen, but getting to decide what that looks like to her and how to best fulfill her role was heartwarming. And the found family aspect showed up big time in this book. The side characters showing up for both Faolan and Saoirse made me so happy. They got the companionship and caring they were both seeking from the people they chose to surround themselves with.
This book is its own. It is the second in a duology, but as mentioned previously, this book has a different focus and vibe. While you need book one to set up the world and understand the characters, this one has its own unique story and plenty to offer beyond the romance that carried the first book. Once I settled into the shift in tone and story, I really enjoyed seeing where these characters ended up and getting to spend more time in this world. It still has the pirates, adventure, gods and goddesses, and romance that made the first book so much fun, but it also gives us a chance to see Saoirse and Faolan grow into their new roles and figure out what comes next for them. Overall, I had a good time with this duology and am excited to see what Maggie Rapier will come out with next.
Thank you so much to Maggie Rapier and Berkely Publishing Group | Ace for the opportunity to read and review this book as an e-ARC.
September 7, 2026
Wolftamer is the fantastic sequel to Soulgazer. I truly could not wait to discover what came next for Saoirse and Faolan!! With the unexpected power that Saoirse gained at the end of book one, her relationship with Faolan has changed. What does it mean to be a living legend? Are heroes destined or is it a choice?
I love Saoirse!! She is the same fanciful girl, but this time it might just be what saves her. I love how magic always has a price! Even when Faolan and Saoirse are apart, I loved how they remained connected. The Wolves are a tight-knit group of found family; I especially loved getting to learn more about their stories.
Maggie Rapier’s writing is gorgeous and atmospheric. I highlighted so many quotes!! One of my favorite scenes was when Saoirse and Faolan reunite in the midst of an epic battle that reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean! It was great to learn more about Faolan’s backstory and explore the intricate worldbuilding. I also really enjoyed the soulstones!
The story of Faolan and Saoirse is one of my favorites and I can’t wait to read whatever Maggie Rapier writes next!
Thank you so much to Maggie Rapier, Ace, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love Saoirse!! She is the same fanciful girl, but this time it might just be what saves her. I love how magic always has a price! Even when Faolan and Saoirse are apart, I loved how they remained connected. The Wolves are a tight-knit group of found family; I especially loved getting to learn more about their stories.
Maggie Rapier’s writing is gorgeous and atmospheric. I highlighted so many quotes!! One of my favorite scenes was when Saoirse and Faolan reunite in the midst of an epic battle that reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean! It was great to learn more about Faolan’s backstory and explore the intricate worldbuilding. I also really enjoyed the soulstones!
The story of Faolan and Saoirse is one of my favorites and I can’t wait to read whatever Maggie Rapier writes next!
Thank you so much to Maggie Rapier, Ace, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2026
Pirates, plots, and a queen coming into her own—what more is there to want?! Wolftamer picks up right where Soulgazer left off, flinging us right back into the action with MR’s signature prose full of beautiful lines and vivid images that weave a lush story, giving us a couple working for their HEA and a satisfying end to the political machinations introduced in Soulgazer. And that epilogue?! Can’t wait to see what Maggie does next with this one wrapped up!
August 4, 2026
Many thanks to Ace and PRHAudio for the preview. All opinions are my own.
I LOVED Soulgazer when I read it last year and recommended it to everyone I met. Wolftamer was a satisfying conclusion to the duology, though it didn't quite meet my sky-high expectations. But the heart-achingly beautiful relationship between Saoirse and Foalan remains the star and my favorite part.
This book is incredibly emotional. And I love how much we get from Faolan's POV. He loves Saoirse sooooo much, and his internal conflicts feel very real and are very fleshed out. You truly get his torment about leaving her, about possibly losing her, about losing himself, about no longer being a legend. The emotional work here is just next level; my heart was ACHING so many times. If nothing else, read this duo for some masterful relationship dynamics between 2 characters with traumatic pasts and how they can grow together and remain together when love isn't always enough.
All that being said, the actual plot here wasn't my favorite. The pacing was a bit uneven, and there were just so many threads with the gods, the relics, the power struggle, the different factions, the magic, and more. It got overwhelming and confusing at time. The end also resolved sooo quickly! Almost in a, wait, that's it? sort of way.
The writing is really beautiful, and I truly love these characters so much. I still recommend this duology! And I really loved the narration from Eric Nolan and Alanna Kerr Collins--their accents are just gorgeous!
I LOVED Soulgazer when I read it last year and recommended it to everyone I met. Wolftamer was a satisfying conclusion to the duology, though it didn't quite meet my sky-high expectations. But the heart-achingly beautiful relationship between Saoirse and Foalan remains the star and my favorite part.
This book is incredibly emotional. And I love how much we get from Faolan's POV. He loves Saoirse sooooo much, and his internal conflicts feel very real and are very fleshed out. You truly get his torment about leaving her, about possibly losing her, about losing himself, about no longer being a legend. The emotional work here is just next level; my heart was ACHING so many times. If nothing else, read this duo for some masterful relationship dynamics between 2 characters with traumatic pasts and how they can grow together and remain together when love isn't always enough.
All that being said, the actual plot here wasn't my favorite. The pacing was a bit uneven, and there were just so many threads with the gods, the relics, the power struggle, the different factions, the magic, and more. It got overwhelming and confusing at time. The end also resolved sooo quickly! Almost in a, wait, that's it? sort of way.
The writing is really beautiful, and I truly love these characters so much. I still recommend this duology! And I really loved the narration from Eric Nolan and Alanna Kerr Collins--their accents are just gorgeous!
Did Not Finish
September 14, 2026DNF
This was a big disappointment after how great the first book was.
This was a big disappointment after how great the first book was.
Did Not Finish
July 20, 2026DNF @ 29%
I loved book 1 in this duology but the pacing was sadly off in this installment. We switched to dual POVs as well which is understandable considering the plot. I felt like nothing was happening to progress the story. I have a feeling the last half of the book picks up but sadly this just wasn't for me.
I loved book 1 in this duology but the pacing was sadly off in this installment. We switched to dual POVs as well which is understandable considering the plot. I felt like nothing was happening to progress the story. I have a feeling the last half of the book picks up but sadly this just wasn't for me.
August 25, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wolftamer by Maggie Rapier, the thrilling finale of The Magpie and the Wolf duology, provided a satisfying end to a great series. It picks up right where book one left off, and I was immediately pulled back into the story. I'm so glad I went back and did a reread before jumping in!
Saoirse and Faolan's quest for freedom turns into a massive battle for the fate of their entire world. Saoirse is easily one of the most interesting characters I have read in a while, and the quest she and Faolan go on is frustrating at times, but in the best way possible. Faolan is struggling with being landlocked after his ship sank, feeling like he needs to stay close to Saoirse, who is now tied to the land. The scheming between all the Ri’s and Riona’s never stops, and the twists just keep coming to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
The pacing in this series is tight. Even when nothing major is happening, the passage of time feels intensely stressful because you are right there waiting with Saoirse and Faolan, completely feeling their anxiety. The world-building and character relationships were so well-developed that I was never bored for a single second in either book.
While I truly enjoyed this, it wasn't without its flaws. Faolan tested my patience quite a bit. I had to keep reminding myself that he was deep in depression about feeling trapped, losing control, and his resentment of being sidelined. I understood where it came from emotionally, but watching him feel trapped by Saoirse's new role started to drag on me after a while, and it was hard to get through. The betrayal at the end felt like it didn't really add to the plotline; it almost didn't make sense, and seemed to be completely forgotten halfway through the scene.
Even with those bumps, this book had it all: adventure, heartbreak, betrayal, and a deeply satisfying HEA for our main characters. While I am genuinely sad this duology is over, it is refreshing to finish a series in just two books while still feeling complete and satisfying. We need more fantasy duologies like this that balance incredible world-building with a really great romance.
A solid 4 stars. Would absolutely recommend and read again, especially for any fantasy lover looking for a romance!
Wolftamer by Maggie Rapier, the thrilling finale of The Magpie and the Wolf duology, provided a satisfying end to a great series. It picks up right where book one left off, and I was immediately pulled back into the story. I'm so glad I went back and did a reread before jumping in!
Saoirse and Faolan's quest for freedom turns into a massive battle for the fate of their entire world. Saoirse is easily one of the most interesting characters I have read in a while, and the quest she and Faolan go on is frustrating at times, but in the best way possible. Faolan is struggling with being landlocked after his ship sank, feeling like he needs to stay close to Saoirse, who is now tied to the land. The scheming between all the Ri’s and Riona’s never stops, and the twists just keep coming to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
The pacing in this series is tight. Even when nothing major is happening, the passage of time feels intensely stressful because you are right there waiting with Saoirse and Faolan, completely feeling their anxiety. The world-building and character relationships were so well-developed that I was never bored for a single second in either book.
While I truly enjoyed this, it wasn't without its flaws. Faolan tested my patience quite a bit. I had to keep reminding myself that he was deep in depression about feeling trapped, losing control, and his resentment of being sidelined. I understood where it came from emotionally, but watching him feel trapped by Saoirse's new role started to drag on me after a while, and it was hard to get through. The betrayal at the end felt like it didn't really add to the plotline; it almost didn't make sense, and seemed to be completely forgotten halfway through the scene.
Even with those bumps, this book had it all: adventure, heartbreak, betrayal, and a deeply satisfying HEA for our main characters. While I am genuinely sad this duology is over, it is refreshing to finish a series in just two books while still feeling complete and satisfying. We need more fantasy duologies like this that balance incredible world-building with a really great romance.
A solid 4 stars. Would absolutely recommend and read again, especially for any fantasy lover looking for a romance!
August 25, 2026
I’m not going to lie, it feels a little bittersweet now that my favorite duology is completed. If you are looking for a good summer to fall transition read, I cannot recommend this one enough. The Magpie and the Wolf duology is a fantasy romance that is about a princess with a secret curse and a pirate who wants to be a man of legend. It has incredible world building and such a unique magic system with an epic quest that weaves beautifully together as the story pans out.
Soulgazer really shook my world when I first read it. It sunk its teeth in me and never let go so I’ve been yapping about it nonstop ever since. I recommend it to literally anyone that asks. It’s no surprise that Wolftamer is having that same effect to the point where I’m downloading the audiobook as we speak so that I don’t have to let go of Saoirse and Faolan just yet.
Their romance is spectacular, full of yearning and growth between a woman who did whatever she could to make herself small and a pirate that turned all attention onto himself the moment he entered a space that grew together and fit perfectly with one another.
The cast of characters all throughout are all beautifully written; Maggie didn’t shy away from embracing their flaws and making them feel like real people which I think is important in a story like this one where magic and adventure have such a major part of the plot. Faolan in particular, I think it would have been easy to mold into something that didn’t feel as real but she did such a beautiful job when writing him and all of his characteristics.
This duology is one of my heart books, a forever favorite and Maggie Rapier is an autobuy author for me from here on out and I can’t wait to see what adventures she takes us all on next. I have genuinely nothing to critique about this duology, nothing that I would change. It was perfect and I am sad to let it go.
Soulgazer really shook my world when I first read it. It sunk its teeth in me and never let go so I’ve been yapping about it nonstop ever since. I recommend it to literally anyone that asks. It’s no surprise that Wolftamer is having that same effect to the point where I’m downloading the audiobook as we speak so that I don’t have to let go of Saoirse and Faolan just yet.
Their romance is spectacular, full of yearning and growth between a woman who did whatever she could to make herself small and a pirate that turned all attention onto himself the moment he entered a space that grew together and fit perfectly with one another.
The cast of characters all throughout are all beautifully written; Maggie didn’t shy away from embracing their flaws and making them feel like real people which I think is important in a story like this one where magic and adventure have such a major part of the plot. Faolan in particular, I think it would have been easy to mold into something that didn’t feel as real but she did such a beautiful job when writing him and all of his characteristics.
This duology is one of my heart books, a forever favorite and Maggie Rapier is an autobuy author for me from here on out and I can’t wait to see what adventures she takes us all on next. I have genuinely nothing to critique about this duology, nothing that I would change. It was perfect and I am sad to let it go.
August 24, 2026
Oh to find a love like Faolan and Saoirse!!!
I don’t even know where to put this book. It has action, fantasy, romance, magic - it has it all!!
Picking up where we left off in Soulgazer, we get to see how Faolan and Saoirse have been living on the Isle of Lost Souls. Along with the rest of the crew.
Faolan - The Wolf of the Wild!! The legend himself. I loved this character. He’s broken inside, even though he puts up an amazing front for his “fans” and crew. Even though he seems adventurous and without fear. Deep inside, he’s a lost little boy with no name. And the only one who sees that, who can see beyond the bright colors and gold rings and charming smile, is Saoirse.
Saoirse - I think what I loved most about her is that she never tried to be anything other than what she was. She never pretended like she wasn’t afraid, like she was stronger than she was. She was loyal. She was smart. She knew what was the right thing to do, and that’s all she needed. She was someone who never wanted power but had it thrust upon her because she was worthy of it.
Yearning! A burning yearning!! Faolan fell hard y’all!! And I loved every bit of it! I loved how he was tamed by someone so quiet and meek. And how both of them didn’t hesitate to sacrifice for the other just to make them happy. 🥰🥰
I loved the action in here. I was on the edge of my seat. I had no idea what to do with Marcus!! I mean 😳😳. I was screaming and clenching and biting my nails!
This one cuts, deeply. There are moments where I cried, where I smiled, where my heart hurt. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! And the ending! That’s where the tears def came! The cry over the boat - it being heard through the water 🥲🥲
I’m sad to see the story end. To know that I won’t revisit these characters again is def bittersweet!
I don’t even know where to put this book. It has action, fantasy, romance, magic - it has it all!!
Picking up where we left off in Soulgazer, we get to see how Faolan and Saoirse have been living on the Isle of Lost Souls. Along with the rest of the crew.
Faolan - The Wolf of the Wild!! The legend himself. I loved this character. He’s broken inside, even though he puts up an amazing front for his “fans” and crew. Even though he seems adventurous and without fear. Deep inside, he’s a lost little boy with no name. And the only one who sees that, who can see beyond the bright colors and gold rings and charming smile, is Saoirse.
Saoirse - I think what I loved most about her is that she never tried to be anything other than what she was. She never pretended like she wasn’t afraid, like she was stronger than she was. She was loyal. She was smart. She knew what was the right thing to do, and that’s all she needed. She was someone who never wanted power but had it thrust upon her because she was worthy of it.
Yearning! A burning yearning!! Faolan fell hard y’all!! And I loved every bit of it! I loved how he was tamed by someone so quiet and meek. And how both of them didn’t hesitate to sacrifice for the other just to make them happy. 🥰🥰
I loved the action in here. I was on the edge of my seat. I had no idea what to do with Marcus!! I mean 😳😳. I was screaming and clenching and biting my nails!
This one cuts, deeply. There are moments where I cried, where I smiled, where my heart hurt. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! And the ending! That’s where the tears def came! The cry over the boat - it being heard through the water 🥲🥲
I’m sad to see the story end. To know that I won’t revisit these characters again is def bittersweet!
August 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, ACE, and Ms. Rapier for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
This is the second half of the duology and follows Soulgazer.
I was looking forward to another adventure with Faolan and Saoirse and was unpleasantly surprised by the first, IDK, third(?) of this book. Both MCs are struggling mentally and emotionally, especially Faolan. Faolan's issues with being caged and limited unfortunately came across, to me anyway, as sort of petulant sulking, and I was truly expecting him to end up leaving Saoirse. All that resentment does not exactly add up to a healthy relationship. The background plot also seemed to move very slowly which left even more time to wallow in Faolan and Saoirse's unhappiness.
Having both MCs' perspectives helped a little bit (so they could explain themselves a little better, at least), but honestly I was very close to throwing in the towel on this one.
Once things got moving things got better, but it didn't escape my notice that things got BETTER when Faolan was back with his crew and apart from Saoirse. Frankly if this was real life and not a romantasy they'd probably just break up. Things did resolve in the end of course but sort of rushed compared to all the angst of the beginning. Overall I'd give this a solid 3 stars, it was a good read but it was a big ask to live up to Soulgazer.
This is the second half of the duology and follows Soulgazer.
I was looking forward to another adventure with Faolan and Saoirse and was unpleasantly surprised by the first, IDK, third(?) of this book. Both MCs are struggling mentally and emotionally, especially Faolan. Faolan's issues with being caged and limited unfortunately came across, to me anyway, as sort of petulant sulking, and I was truly expecting him to end up leaving Saoirse. All that resentment does not exactly add up to a healthy relationship. The background plot also seemed to move very slowly which left even more time to wallow in Faolan and Saoirse's unhappiness.
Having both MCs' perspectives helped a little bit (so they could explain themselves a little better, at least), but honestly I was very close to throwing in the towel on this one.
Once things got moving things got better, but it didn't escape my notice that things got BETTER when Faolan was back with his crew and apart from Saoirse. Frankly if this was real life and not a romantasy they'd probably just break up. Things did resolve in the end of course but sort of rushed compared to all the angst of the beginning. Overall I'd give this a solid 3 stars, it was a good read but it was a big ask to live up to Soulgazer.
August 30, 2026
This sequel to Soulgazer completes the duology—if you like finished stories with pirates and goddesses and a unique world, give this a try.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the first book. But one con is that I read it so long ago, going into this, I couldn’t remember enough. I needed a recap or a study guide, and there wasn’t a ton of context built into this one. I didn’t want to keep switching to my copy of Soulgazer, so I was just perpetually a little confused. Now that it’s complete, I’d recommend reading the two closer together.
I wish I would’ve been more sucked into this one. I don’t think the confusion helped. I was just missing that level of engagement in the plot. We get dashes of adventure, but most of the time, I felt a little directionless. There was also enough repetition I had to fight the urge to skim sometimes.
A strong point is the romance. It reminds me of Jamie and Claire in the best way. Their romantic scenes kept my attention so well. I always wanted a bit more of it.
All in all, I’m thankful for discovering this duology. I will definitely continue following Rapier to see where she goes next.
Bookstagram
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⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️
Spice level: A step more than Soulgazer. On page, but hazy/low descriptions
Graphic: Self harm (wrists), blood, death
Moderate: Sexual content
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the first book. But one con is that I read it so long ago, going into this, I couldn’t remember enough. I needed a recap or a study guide, and there wasn’t a ton of context built into this one. I didn’t want to keep switching to my copy of Soulgazer, so I was just perpetually a little confused. Now that it’s complete, I’d recommend reading the two closer together.
I wish I would’ve been more sucked into this one. I don’t think the confusion helped. I was just missing that level of engagement in the plot. We get dashes of adventure, but most of the time, I felt a little directionless. There was also enough repetition I had to fight the urge to skim sometimes.
A strong point is the romance. It reminds me of Jamie and Claire in the best way. Their romantic scenes kept my attention so well. I always wanted a bit more of it.
All in all, I’m thankful for discovering this duology. I will definitely continue following Rapier to see where she goes next.
Bookstagram
Let’s Connect
---
⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️
Spice level: A step more than Soulgazer. On page, but hazy/low descriptions
Graphic: Self harm (wrists), blood, death
Moderate: Sexual content
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2026
I was very excited for this sequel to come out after reading the first book, and unfortunately I was disappointed, though not terribly surprised after my reread of the first book. I still like the characters, and I'm very interested in the world Rapier built, but in terms of plot I had the same problems as the first book, but a bit worse. The plot felt very aimless and vague, and the strongest impressions I have of it are "Faolan's quarter-life crisis" and "Maccus wants to rule the world." Neither of which gave me a very strong sense of direction, except "we gotta stop that ... somehow." And true to its sensibilities, the plot is resolved by ... them just really, REALLY wanting it?
Like the first book, I felt like I wandered through this book instead of reading it because the author's writing style is so vibes-based. Sure, the words sound pretty, but that's not enough to support a whole plot and characters. Sometimes it IS useful and good to give your reader a vibe instead of concrete things, but it can't be all the time. I had no idea what was even happening half the time.
Like the first book, I felt like I wandered through this book instead of reading it because the author's writing style is so vibes-based. Sure, the words sound pretty, but that's not enough to support a whole plot and characters. Sometimes it IS useful and good to give your reader a vibe instead of concrete things, but it can't be all the time. I had no idea what was even happening half the time.
September 15, 2026
4⭐
thank you berkley romance and ACE publishing for the e-ARC.
oh how i've missed saoirse and faolan, i devoured this book in just a little over a day! this was just as action packed as soulgazer and i enjoyed the fact that we picked up right where we left off. the pirate adventure was a fun time and i really loved seeing saoirse embrace her powers and coming into her own, with becoming the new queen. i've always admired how strong-willed she was. what did sort of irk me was how faolan handled a lot of the conflict, i was sort of taken out of the story whenever he kept pitying himself over being called the "tamed wolf." but together, i couldn't help but smile whenever he and saoirse had some of their softer moments together. the found family in this was incredible and that's one of the main reasons why i really enjoyed wolftamer so much!
thank you berkley romance and ACE publishing for the e-ARC.
oh how i've missed saoirse and faolan, i devoured this book in just a little over a day! this was just as action packed as soulgazer and i enjoyed the fact that we picked up right where we left off. the pirate adventure was a fun time and i really loved seeing saoirse embrace her powers and coming into her own, with becoming the new queen. i've always admired how strong-willed she was. what did sort of irk me was how faolan handled a lot of the conflict, i was sort of taken out of the story whenever he kept pitying himself over being called the "tamed wolf." but together, i couldn't help but smile whenever he and saoirse had some of their softer moments together. the found family in this was incredible and that's one of the main reasons why i really enjoyed wolftamer so much!
September 14, 2026
a fun end to such a good duology :)
however, my main issues is that this definitely could have been a trilogy! (and not just because i love this story, world, and characters) the lore drops and development felt a little rushed and sometimes almost half baked? i would’ve loved to have gotten the information (like the ruins for example) in previous books to make their discovery and important to the situation even more dire/urgent. without that it just left like i was being -told- information rather than feeling it and knowing it like the back of my hand. does that make sense?
and faolan my love, i wish i got/saw just a tad bit more emotional growth/journey from him. maybe it’s just how i read it, but i feel like most of his inner reflecting didn’t happen till the last 20% or so
anyways i loved this book and this duo as a whole :)
however, my main issues is that this definitely could have been a trilogy! (and not just because i love this story, world, and characters) the lore drops and development felt a little rushed and sometimes almost half baked? i would’ve loved to have gotten the information (like the ruins for example) in previous books to make their discovery and important to the situation even more dire/urgent. without that it just left like i was being -told- information rather than feeling it and knowing it like the back of my hand. does that make sense?
and faolan my love, i wish i got/saw just a tad bit more emotional growth/journey from him. maybe it’s just how i read it, but i feel like most of his inner reflecting didn’t happen till the last 20% or so
anyways i loved this book and this duo as a whole :)
September 26, 2026
I’ll be honest book one was my favorite in the duology. The pacing on this was much slower, it took a while to get back into this story which felt disappointing because I loved book one.
But when the action does pick up its full speed ahead until the end Faolan is down catastrophic still. I loved his intern struggles the entire book it gave him more depth than before.
We do see more lore dropped in this one to add to the storyline and I think that’s where it felt slower. The end did seem a little rushed to finish after all the build up we went through but it was a good ending to the duology.
This was a for the vibes book for me. I enjoyed it.
Thank you Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy
But when the action does pick up its full speed ahead until the end Faolan is down catastrophic still. I loved his intern struggles the entire book it gave him more depth than before.
We do see more lore dropped in this one to add to the storyline and I think that’s where it felt slower. The end did seem a little rushed to finish after all the build up we went through but it was a good ending to the duology.
This was a for the vibes book for me. I enjoyed it.
Thank you Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy
May 17, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Faolan and Saoirse are back with another high-stakes adventure which is sure to satisfy fans of the first book. Having more background on Faolan in Wolftamer was a stand out aspect for me, and definitely felt like a valuable part to balancing the two main characters out.
Despite loving these two characters so much, I felt the pacing was quite slow for roughly the first 40% of the book which made it difficult to feel invested in the plot and mythological elements. Additionally, despite Wolftamer picking up where Soulgazer ended, the characters undergo a level of emotional and physical separation which makes the whole first part feel disjointed and “off” compared to Soulgazer. However, the plot did pick up quickly after the 40% mark and the characters became more reminiscent of all their great qualities further into the book which motivated me to keep reading.
Overall, Wolftamer was a solid end to an engaging duology and it was a pleasure reading about Faolan and Saoirse’s experiences! Big thanks to NetGalley and Ace/Berkley Publishing for the e-arc to review!
#indigoemployee
Faolan and Saoirse are back with another high-stakes adventure which is sure to satisfy fans of the first book. Having more background on Faolan in Wolftamer was a stand out aspect for me, and definitely felt like a valuable part to balancing the two main characters out.
Despite loving these two characters so much, I felt the pacing was quite slow for roughly the first 40% of the book which made it difficult to feel invested in the plot and mythological elements. Additionally, despite Wolftamer picking up where Soulgazer ended, the characters undergo a level of emotional and physical separation which makes the whole first part feel disjointed and “off” compared to Soulgazer. However, the plot did pick up quickly after the 40% mark and the characters became more reminiscent of all their great qualities further into the book which motivated me to keep reading.
Overall, Wolftamer was a solid end to an engaging duology and it was a pleasure reading about Faolan and Saoirse’s experiences! Big thanks to NetGalley and Ace/Berkley Publishing for the e-arc to review!
#indigoemployee
August 28, 2026
**Thank you to the Publisher for the ARC; all opinions are my own. Did cross-read via audiobook.**
4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶
🎧/📱
This was a really solid end to the Magpie & the Wolf duology. Wow. This second book really explored the emotional mess that our two MCs are in and how fast they have had to adapt to their new circumstances since the end of book 1. I love that they were forced to confront themselves as the story progressed.
I honestly don't know what else to say other than you just need to read Soulgazer if you haven't already, and that if you have, Wolftamer is the perfect end to such an emotional story.
4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶
🎧/📱
This was a really solid end to the Magpie & the Wolf duology. Wow. This second book really explored the emotional mess that our two MCs are in and how fast they have had to adapt to their new circumstances since the end of book 1. I love that they were forced to confront themselves as the story progressed.
I honestly don't know what else to say other than you just need to read Soulgazer if you haven't already, and that if you have, Wolftamer is the perfect end to such an emotional story.
August 30, 2026
Didn't love it as much as the first book. I don't know it just didn't hook me. The ending was good and I liked some pieces in-between.
September 2, 2026
Absolutely loved this, just as I did the first book, and am sad the series is over! Maggie Rapier is definitely now an auto-buy author for me!
September 5, 2026
I really thought - hoped - I’d love this one more. The first book was incredible and I couldn’t wait for this sequel. And it might just have been me because there was nothing fundamentally wrong with it. It just didn’t hold my attention. Normally, I can’t wait to get back to a good book, but I didn’t feel that pull here.
I might try again later, re-reading the first book and then this one again and see if that helps with the ennui I felt upon this first read. The journey felt right for the characters, just not for me, if that makes any sense…
I might try again later, re-reading the first book and then this one again and see if that helps with the ennui I felt upon this first read. The journey felt right for the characters, just not for me, if that makes any sense…
Read
September 13, 2026i was honestly so checked out by the end of this, like who cares
November 1, 2026
This was such a great follow-up to Soulgazer and I truly love this duology. I loved the further exploration into Irish folklore and the songs aspect, adding to the atmosphere of the story and expanding on the world. So, while I did not love this one as much as Soulgazer, I still adored it and will forever hold this duology dear to my heart.
First and foremost, Faolan.
In my last review, I ranted and raved on and on about Saoirse and did very little ranting and raving about Faolan because I loved Saoirse so much. Well, in this book, Faolan is the one who stood out a little bit more between the two. I LOVE Saoirse, I always will, but I found myself connecting more to Faolan in this one, which I did not expect to happen.
Faolan’s character was much more explored, and I really appreciated that. He did get on my nerves several times, and I mean SEVERAL times, but I am pretty sure he was supposed to. But while he was on my nerves, I never disliked him, and that is quite the feat on Rapier’s part, being able to write a layered character like that and have him get on your nerves and still like him a whole awful lot.
I really related to him more than Saoirse in this book, whereas I related to Saoirse more in the first wholeheartedly. You get both POVs in this book, which is great, but Faolan’s complete and utter need to be free, to chase adventure, to be someone influential and important without sacrificing his freedom, and to live a very extraordinary life filled with stories and tales of risks, quests, and danger is one that I share. I see that part of myself in him deeply, as well as how unhealthy that can be. So, maybe that was why I could never fully dislike him, even though he was starting to annoy me with that need for freedom and chasing the wind on nothing more than an ego and a story; I see that own need in myself. I do not have as much ego as Faolan; very few could, but it made so much sense for his character, particularly with his past.
His past was another weird connection point to me with him. I will not list details here to avoid spoilers, but I came from a very similar situation, and so I understood why Faolan has been obsessed with freedom and making a name for himself. He fears living an ordinary life that is dull and empty. He wants to be a hero (even though he is equally terrified of being one and fears he is not one); he wants to be remembered as a legend. He wants to make stories and pass stories down, to sail the open sea freely with adventure and excitement. I fully see myself in that. I do not have a hero complex as he does, but the need for adventure, freedom, stories, and to have a name all your own carved out of what you made, I understand that to my very core. So, I loved this aspect of the book, even if at times it drove me mad.
Besides Saoirse and Faolan, I loved all the side characters in this book, even though we did meet a few of them in the first one. But in this one, we got to see them on a deeper level, and I loved it. I still love Brona with all my heart and her relationship with Lorcan. I want a book with those two in it so bad. I want to know their history, how they came to be. All of it. I need to know more about both of them, but especially Brona. But every side character had their role, and they were all distinct. They were all so very well done.
Outside of the characters, I loved the story and the plot, finding relics and dealing with souls and soul magic, but I also loved the sneaky peek at religion in this book specifically. We get it a little in the first book, but it was explored much more deeply in this one, as it was more centered on the Gods themselves rather than finding the Island of Lost Souls. I saw all the layers and undertones of religion being discussed, and I think Rapier did a fabulous job with it.
Clearly, I loved the finale to this duology, as it was just as atmospheric, moody, layered, and adventurous as the first one, with characters that are complex, messy, and complicated. However, I did like the first one more for a few reasons. The first of those being that it feels too long. I sort of felt like I was waiting for the story to get started up until about 60% through. It got really exciting at that mark, and the story took off. But I don’t think it should have taken 60% of the book to get that exciting, not with a pirate book anyway. And, of course, I know why it took time, with setting everything up and building characters and such, but it still felt too long.
The second issue I had was that the ending felt too easy and a bit like a cop-out. After a very gritty and brutal first book with a sequel just as gritty and brutal, the ending happened too fast and was too easy. It was a good ending; I was just expecting something grander, I think, with a little more layers, given how layered everything else was.
I also did not connect with Saoirse as much as I wanted to or hoped to in this book. She felt much meeker in this one, and I didn’t love that. She was incredibly strong throughout the whole first book despite being gentle and soft, and she had those moments in this one too, but she didn’t feel as capable as she did in the first one, and that bothered me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, she was still capable. But it just wasn’t as clear in this.
I also wanted a little bit more romance and connection. I felt like Faolan and Saoirse were more romantic and connected in the first one than in this one, and I missed that a bit. But, all in all, these were small things, and I love the duology as a whole.
So, if you are looking for an Irish folklore pirate romantasy with adventure and lots of layers, please try this duology. It is beautifully written with moody but expert prose and has everything you could ever want in a fantasy set on the high seas. First and foremost, Faolan.
In my last review, I ranted and raved on and on about Saoirse and did very little ranting and raving about Faolan because I loved Saoirse so much. Well, in this book, Faolan is the one who stood out a little bit more between the two. I LOVE Saoirse, I always will, but I found myself connecting more to Faolan in this one, which I did not expect to happen.
Faolan’s character was much more explored, and I really appreciated that. He did get on my nerves several times, and I mean SEVERAL times, but I am pretty sure he was supposed to. But while he was on my nerves, I never disliked him, and that is quite the feat on Rapier’s part, being able to write a layered character like that and have him get on your nerves and still like him a whole awful lot.
I really related to him more than Saoirse in this book, whereas I related to Saoirse more in the first wholeheartedly. You get both POVs in this book, which is great, but Faolan’s complete and utter need to be free, to chase adventure, to be someone influential and important without sacrificing his freedom, and to live a very extraordinary life filled with stories and tales of risks, quests, and danger is one that I share. I see that part of myself in him deeply, as well as how unhealthy that can be. So, maybe that was why I could never fully dislike him, even though he was starting to annoy me with that need for freedom and chasing the wind on nothing more than an ego and a story; I see that own need in myself. I do not have as much ego as Faolan; very few could, but it made so much sense for his character, particularly with his past.
His past was another weird connection point to me with him. I will not list details here to avoid spoilers, but I came from a very similar situation, and so I understood why Faolan has been obsessed with freedom and making a name for himself. He fears living an ordinary life that is dull and empty. He wants to be a hero (even though he is equally terrified of being one and fears he is not one); he wants to be remembered as a legend. He wants to make stories and pass stories down, to sail the open sea freely with adventure and excitement. I fully see myself in that. I do not have a hero complex as he does, but the need for adventure, freedom, stories, and to have a name all your own carved out of what you made, I understand that to my very core. So, I loved this aspect of the book, even if at times it drove me mad.
Besides Saoirse and Faolan, I loved all the side characters in this book, even though we did meet a few of them in the first one. But in this one, we got to see them on a deeper level, and I loved it. I still love Brona with all my heart and her relationship with Lorcan. I want a book with those two in it so bad. I want to know their history, how they came to be. All of it. I need to know more about both of them, but especially Brona. But every side character had their role, and they were all distinct. They were all so very well done.
Outside of the characters, I loved the story and the plot, finding relics and dealing with souls and soul magic, but I also loved the sneaky peek at religion in this book specifically. We get it a little in the first book, but it was explored much more deeply in this one, as it was more centered on the Gods themselves rather than finding the Island of Lost Souls. I saw all the layers and undertones of religion being discussed, and I think Rapier did a fabulous job with it.
Clearly, I loved the finale to this duology, as it was just as atmospheric, moody, layered, and adventurous as the first one, with characters that are complex, messy, and complicated. However, I did like the first one more for a few reasons. The first of those being that it feels too long. I sort of felt like I was waiting for the story to get started up until about 60% through. It got really exciting at that mark, and the story took off. But I don’t think it should have taken 60% of the book to get that exciting, not with a pirate book anyway. And, of course, I know why it took time, with setting everything up and building characters and such, but it still felt too long.
The second issue I had was that the ending felt too easy and a bit like a cop-out. After a very gritty and brutal first book with a sequel just as gritty and brutal, the ending happened too fast and was too easy. It was a good ending; I was just expecting something grander, I think, with a little more layers, given how layered everything else was.
I also did not connect with Saoirse as much as I wanted to or hoped to in this book. She felt much meeker in this one, and I didn’t love that. She was incredibly strong throughout the whole first book despite being gentle and soft, and she had those moments in this one too, but she didn’t feel as capable as she did in the first one, and that bothered me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, she was still capable. But it just wasn’t as clear in this.
I also wanted a little bit more romance and connection. I felt like Faolan and Saoirse were more romantic and connected in the first one than in this one, and I missed that a bit. But, all in all, these were small things, and I love the duology as a whole.
So, if you are looking for an Irish folklore pirate romantasy with adventure and lots of layers, please try this duology. It is beautifully written with moody but expert prose and has everything you could ever want in a fantasy set on the high seas.
First and foremost, Faolan.
In my last review, I ranted and raved on and on about Saoirse and did very little ranting and raving about Faolan because I loved Saoirse so much. Well, in this book, Faolan is the one who stood out a little bit more between the two. I LOVE Saoirse, I always will, but I found myself connecting more to Faolan in this one, which I did not expect to happen.
Faolan’s character was much more explored, and I really appreciated that. He did get on my nerves several times, and I mean SEVERAL times, but I am pretty sure he was supposed to. But while he was on my nerves, I never disliked him, and that is quite the feat on Rapier’s part, being able to write a layered character like that and have him get on your nerves and still like him a whole awful lot.
I really related to him more than Saoirse in this book, whereas I related to Saoirse more in the first wholeheartedly. You get both POVs in this book, which is great, but Faolan’s complete and utter need to be free, to chase adventure, to be someone influential and important without sacrificing his freedom, and to live a very extraordinary life filled with stories and tales of risks, quests, and danger is one that I share. I see that part of myself in him deeply, as well as how unhealthy that can be. So, maybe that was why I could never fully dislike him, even though he was starting to annoy me with that need for freedom and chasing the wind on nothing more than an ego and a story; I see that own need in myself. I do not have as much ego as Faolan; very few could, but it made so much sense for his character, particularly with his past.
His past was another weird connection point to me with him. I will not list details here to avoid spoilers, but I came from a very similar situation, and so I understood why Faolan has been obsessed with freedom and making a name for himself. He fears living an ordinary life that is dull and empty. He wants to be a hero (even though he is equally terrified of being one and fears he is not one); he wants to be remembered as a legend. He wants to make stories and pass stories down, to sail the open sea freely with adventure and excitement. I fully see myself in that. I do not have a hero complex as he does, but the need for adventure, freedom, stories, and to have a name all your own carved out of what you made, I understand that to my very core. So, I loved this aspect of the book, even if at times it drove me mad.
Besides Saoirse and Faolan, I loved all the side characters in this book, even though we did meet a few of them in the first one. But in this one, we got to see them on a deeper level, and I loved it. I still love Brona with all my heart and her relationship with Lorcan. I want a book with those two in it so bad. I want to know their history, how they came to be. All of it. I need to know more about both of them, but especially Brona. But every side character had their role, and they were all distinct. They were all so very well done.
Outside of the characters, I loved the story and the plot, finding relics and dealing with souls and soul magic, but I also loved the sneaky peek at religion in this book specifically. We get it a little in the first book, but it was explored much more deeply in this one, as it was more centered on the Gods themselves rather than finding the Island of Lost Souls. I saw all the layers and undertones of religion being discussed, and I think Rapier did a fabulous job with it.
Clearly, I loved the finale to this duology, as it was just as atmospheric, moody, layered, and adventurous as the first one, with characters that are complex, messy, and complicated. However, I did like the first one more for a few reasons. The first of those being that it feels too long. I sort of felt like I was waiting for the story to get started up until about 60% through. It got really exciting at that mark, and the story took off. But I don’t think it should have taken 60% of the book to get that exciting, not with a pirate book anyway. And, of course, I know why it took time, with setting everything up and building characters and such, but it still felt too long.
The second issue I had was that the ending felt too easy and a bit like a cop-out. After a very gritty and brutal first book with a sequel just as gritty and brutal, the ending happened too fast and was too easy. It was a good ending; I was just expecting something grander, I think, with a little more layers, given how layered everything else was.
I also did not connect with Saoirse as much as I wanted to or hoped to in this book. She felt much meeker in this one, and I didn’t love that. She was incredibly strong throughout the whole first book despite being gentle and soft, and she had those moments in this one too, but she didn’t feel as capable as she did in the first one, and that bothered me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, she was still capable. But it just wasn’t as clear in this.
I also wanted a little bit more romance and connection. I felt like Faolan and Saoirse were more romantic and connected in the first one than in this one, and I missed that a bit. But, all in all, these were small things, and I love the duology as a whole.
So, if you are looking for an Irish folklore pirate romantasy with adventure and lots of layers, please try this duology. It is beautifully written with moody but expert prose and has everything you could ever want in a fantasy set on the high seas. First and foremost, Faolan.
In my last review, I ranted and raved on and on about Saoirse and did very little ranting and raving about Faolan because I loved Saoirse so much. Well, in this book, Faolan is the one who stood out a little bit more between the two. I LOVE Saoirse, I always will, but I found myself connecting more to Faolan in this one, which I did not expect to happen.
Faolan’s character was much more explored, and I really appreciated that. He did get on my nerves several times, and I mean SEVERAL times, but I am pretty sure he was supposed to. But while he was on my nerves, I never disliked him, and that is quite the feat on Rapier’s part, being able to write a layered character like that and have him get on your nerves and still like him a whole awful lot.
I really related to him more than Saoirse in this book, whereas I related to Saoirse more in the first wholeheartedly. You get both POVs in this book, which is great, but Faolan’s complete and utter need to be free, to chase adventure, to be someone influential and important without sacrificing his freedom, and to live a very extraordinary life filled with stories and tales of risks, quests, and danger is one that I share. I see that part of myself in him deeply, as well as how unhealthy that can be. So, maybe that was why I could never fully dislike him, even though he was starting to annoy me with that need for freedom and chasing the wind on nothing more than an ego and a story; I see that own need in myself. I do not have as much ego as Faolan; very few could, but it made so much sense for his character, particularly with his past.
His past was another weird connection point to me with him. I will not list details here to avoid spoilers, but I came from a very similar situation, and so I understood why Faolan has been obsessed with freedom and making a name for himself. He fears living an ordinary life that is dull and empty. He wants to be a hero (even though he is equally terrified of being one and fears he is not one); he wants to be remembered as a legend. He wants to make stories and pass stories down, to sail the open sea freely with adventure and excitement. I fully see myself in that. I do not have a hero complex as he does, but the need for adventure, freedom, stories, and to have a name all your own carved out of what you made, I understand that to my very core. So, I loved this aspect of the book, even if at times it drove me mad.
Besides Saoirse and Faolan, I loved all the side characters in this book, even though we did meet a few of them in the first one. But in this one, we got to see them on a deeper level, and I loved it. I still love Brona with all my heart and her relationship with Lorcan. I want a book with those two in it so bad. I want to know their history, how they came to be. All of it. I need to know more about both of them, but especially Brona. But every side character had their role, and they were all distinct. They were all so very well done.
Outside of the characters, I loved the story and the plot, finding relics and dealing with souls and soul magic, but I also loved the sneaky peek at religion in this book specifically. We get it a little in the first book, but it was explored much more deeply in this one, as it was more centered on the Gods themselves rather than finding the Island of Lost Souls. I saw all the layers and undertones of religion being discussed, and I think Rapier did a fabulous job with it.
Clearly, I loved the finale to this duology, as it was just as atmospheric, moody, layered, and adventurous as the first one, with characters that are complex, messy, and complicated. However, I did like the first one more for a few reasons. The first of those being that it feels too long. I sort of felt like I was waiting for the story to get started up until about 60% through. It got really exciting at that mark, and the story took off. But I don’t think it should have taken 60% of the book to get that exciting, not with a pirate book anyway. And, of course, I know why it took time, with setting everything up and building characters and such, but it still felt too long.
The second issue I had was that the ending felt too easy and a bit like a cop-out. After a very gritty and brutal first book with a sequel just as gritty and brutal, the ending happened too fast and was too easy. It was a good ending; I was just expecting something grander, I think, with a little more layers, given how layered everything else was.
I also did not connect with Saoirse as much as I wanted to or hoped to in this book. She felt much meeker in this one, and I didn’t love that. She was incredibly strong throughout the whole first book despite being gentle and soft, and she had those moments in this one too, but she didn’t feel as capable as she did in the first one, and that bothered me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, she was still capable. But it just wasn’t as clear in this.
I also wanted a little bit more romance and connection. I felt like Faolan and Saoirse were more romantic and connected in the first one than in this one, and I missed that a bit. But, all in all, these were small things, and I love the duology as a whole.
So, if you are looking for an Irish folklore pirate romantasy with adventure and lots of layers, please try this duology. It is beautifully written with moody but expert prose and has everything you could ever want in a fantasy set on the high seas.
September 20, 2026
I tried to finish this. Really, I was giving it my all, making it 277 pages until I finally realized I had had enough of Saoirse’s stupidity and Faolan’s insecurities. There was just nothing keeping me interested and the plot was a meandering disaster. Saoirse is a shaking, weepy, confused martyr who cannot put two and two together. Faolan is bitter because he if he’s not a showboat pirate, he doesn’t know who he is. I honestly do not see what these two see in one another and they have zero chemistry.
So, of course, they separate for most of the book for reasons that become completely unnecessary but then they somehow meet in dreams, but then not just in dreams but when Saoirse is scared or if Faolan is drunk? I don’t even know because if Saoirse isn’t having some unexplained and confusing vision, then she’s doing literally nothing besides making inane choices that get her caught by people she should not trust.
This is all made worse by the sheer assault of items, names, places, lore, and more that are impossible to keep track of. There’s souls stones, relics, blood rites, gods, and a ton of Gaelic terms that are not defined anywhere—BUT! We have a pronunciation guide! How helpful! How about a glossary? Nope.
I disliked the first third of book 1 but persevered and then grew to love that book. This one is just a mess. I don’t care how it’s resolved because Saoirse is so patently unlikable that even the few chapters filled with Faolan’s charm can’t save this.
So, of course, they separate for most of the book for reasons that become completely unnecessary but then they somehow meet in dreams, but then not just in dreams but when Saoirse is scared or if Faolan is drunk? I don’t even know because if Saoirse isn’t having some unexplained and confusing vision, then she’s doing literally nothing besides making inane choices that get her caught by people she should not trust.
This is all made worse by the sheer assault of items, names, places, lore, and more that are impossible to keep track of. There’s souls stones, relics, blood rites, gods, and a ton of Gaelic terms that are not defined anywhere—BUT! We have a pronunciation guide! How helpful! How about a glossary? Nope.
I disliked the first third of book 1 but persevered and then grew to love that book. This one is just a mess. I don’t care how it’s resolved because Saoirse is so patently unlikable that even the few chapters filled with Faolan’s charm can’t save this.
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