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Tainted Souls
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jul 26In a world where humans and vampires fight for domination, only Penn City stands as the uneasy exception. But even citadels fall, and when they do, the innocent bleed first.
Seraph Rosen, the dhampir born of two enemies, watched her father die in cold blood. She has since sworn to hunt down and kill the vampire responsible—Revenant. Years of pursuit finally bring her a lead when a brutal attack tears through the city’s streets.
But he isn’t there to finish what he started.
He’s there to protect her.
As the underworld rises in rebellion and threatens to widen the cracks in an already fragile peace, Seraph finds herself at the center of it all. Her dhampir abilities make her a target for everyone with ambition—or malice.
With survival becoming the only law, she must decide whether to pursue revenge, redefine her loyalties, or trust the very monster she once wanted dead.
Tainted Souls is the first book in the high-stakes, dark fantasy romance series Carved From Divine, set against a backdrop of urban conflict and gothic ambience, where technology and magic collide. It is filled with morally gray characters, slow-burn tension, political intrigue, and epic battles for heart and power.
Seraph Rosen, the dhampir born of two enemies, watched her father die in cold blood. She has since sworn to hunt down and kill the vampire responsible—Revenant. Years of pursuit finally bring her a lead when a brutal attack tears through the city’s streets.
But he isn’t there to finish what he started.
He’s there to protect her.
As the underworld rises in rebellion and threatens to widen the cracks in an already fragile peace, Seraph finds herself at the center of it all. Her dhampir abilities make her a target for everyone with ambition—or malice.
With survival becoming the only law, she must decide whether to pursue revenge, redefine her loyalties, or trust the very monster she once wanted dead.
Tainted Souls is the first book in the high-stakes, dark fantasy romance series Carved From Divine, set against a backdrop of urban conflict and gothic ambience, where technology and magic collide. It is filled with morally gray characters, slow-burn tension, political intrigue, and epic battles for heart and power.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 6, 2026
“not all cages are made of stone and magic, seraph. sometimes the worst prisons are the ones we build ourselves.”
i enjoyed this one! this book definitely focuses more on the world building and the plot which i know will set us up nicely for book 2.
the world building was immersive and really easy to follow, i love an urban fantasy but add vampires to it?? i’m sat!!
seraph’s character is well developed and i liked the flashbacks to help us better understand her past. her grief and her need for revenge is portrayed well and you can really feel her struggle when she comes to learn more and more about where she comes from and who she can trust. i’m really rooting for her!
there were tiny crumbs of tension between seraph and revenant towards the end of the book so im excited for how they will develop!! i love it when we have an enemies to lovers trope but we don’t even see a hint of a romance between the two characters in the first book!
thank you so much to the author for the arc, this was really good for a debut and i’m looking forward to book 2!! 🫶🏻
i enjoyed this one! this book definitely focuses more on the world building and the plot which i know will set us up nicely for book 2.
the world building was immersive and really easy to follow, i love an urban fantasy but add vampires to it?? i’m sat!!
seraph’s character is well developed and i liked the flashbacks to help us better understand her past. her grief and her need for revenge is portrayed well and you can really feel her struggle when she comes to learn more and more about where she comes from and who she can trust. i’m really rooting for her!
there were tiny crumbs of tension between seraph and revenant towards the end of the book so im excited for how they will develop!! i love it when we have an enemies to lovers trope but we don’t even see a hint of a romance between the two characters in the first book!
thank you so much to the author for the arc, this was really good for a debut and i’m looking forward to book 2!! 🫶🏻
May 25, 2026
I had the privilege of reading this as an early release! If you like books with magic, vampires, and politics have I got the book for you. I loved learning about the inner workings of their different societies. Also the vampires have different ways to curb their appetite. Mae really paid attention to the little details. Of course she left us on a cliffhanger and a plot twist so I will be back for book two!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is absolutely beautiful. I absolutely LOVED Tainted Souls. I was hooked immediately from the prologue and instantly needed to know what was going to happen next. It was completely unputdownable. The world-building is incredibly detailed and the plot is captivating, and the pacing is done so well that there’s never a dull moment.
Mae adds so much depth through the backstories, giving you a full understanding of the characters and everything unfolding around them. I genuinely loved learning more about the past and how it all connected to the story. Her writing is so vivid and descriptive that I could picture every single scene perfectly. You don’t just read the emotions you feel them. This book is SO intense, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat.
One thing I really loved was the banter between the characters. Even with all the intensity and darker moments, the funny scenes and dialogue balanced everything out perfectly. Those moments made the characters feel even more real and gave the story little moments to breathe before throwing you right back into the chaos.
The unpredictability of this story was another one of my favorite parts. I never knew what was coming next, and I was genuinely shocked by how everything played out. None of the twists went the way I expected.
I absolutely loved Saraph from the very beginning. I fell in love with her character instantly ! She’s such a badass, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time. You can truly feel her struggle of being caught between two worlds, and it adds so much emotional depth to her character.
There were so many jaw-dropping moments, and that ending was unbelievably powerful. Did I finish the book, or did the book finish me?! I seriously cannot wait to see where this story goes next.
Mae adds so much depth through the backstories, giving you a full understanding of the characters and everything unfolding around them. I genuinely loved learning more about the past and how it all connected to the story. Her writing is so vivid and descriptive that I could picture every single scene perfectly. You don’t just read the emotions you feel them. This book is SO intense, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat.
One thing I really loved was the banter between the characters. Even with all the intensity and darker moments, the funny scenes and dialogue balanced everything out perfectly. Those moments made the characters feel even more real and gave the story little moments to breathe before throwing you right back into the chaos.
The unpredictability of this story was another one of my favorite parts. I never knew what was coming next, and I was genuinely shocked by how everything played out. None of the twists went the way I expected.
I absolutely loved Saraph from the very beginning. I fell in love with her character instantly ! She’s such a badass, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time. You can truly feel her struggle of being caught between two worlds, and it adds so much emotional depth to her character.
There were so many jaw-dropping moments, and that ending was unbelievably powerful. Did I finish the book, or did the book finish me?! I seriously cannot wait to see where this story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review – This review contains spoilers…
I really enjoyed Tainted Souls (Book 1 of the Carved from Divine series) by Mae Olivine. I started reading her book over a long weekend and finished within two days.
This book has all the elements that make a great fantasy read: a strong female lead, immersive writing, dark fantasy vibes, and twists that leave you thinking… WHAT?!
A standout element is the world-building and character development. We get glimpses into the main character's past throughout the story, which adds depth to her character and layers to the overall plot. The descriptions of the characters and locations throughout the book are vivid and immersive—I could easily picture everything happening as I read.
In this world, humans and vampires coexist in Penn City. The main character, Seraph, is a dhampir (half human, half vampire), and she’s constantly battling with who she is and what she’s becoming. We learn that her father died at the hands of a vampire named Revenant, and she seeks to avenge his death.
One detail I especially liked, (because I drink Cosmopolitans) was when one of the characters is drinking a “Plasmapolitan” (a cosmo with a dash of plasma) in a bar scene. This detail made the vampire culture feel creative, fun, and distinct. Also, I liked the way that Seraph dresses. Goth vibes for sure, functional, and bad ass.
No spice in this book, but honestly, it didn’t need it. I’m interested to see if that changes or develops more in Book 2 of this series.
And the ending… WHOA. I absolutely did not see that coming.
“Memory is a Curse with Wings”
Thank you to Mae Olivine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: July 1, 2026.
I really enjoyed Tainted Souls (Book 1 of the Carved from Divine series) by Mae Olivine. I started reading her book over a long weekend and finished within two days.
This book has all the elements that make a great fantasy read: a strong female lead, immersive writing, dark fantasy vibes, and twists that leave you thinking… WHAT?!
A standout element is the world-building and character development. We get glimpses into the main character's past throughout the story, which adds depth to her character and layers to the overall plot. The descriptions of the characters and locations throughout the book are vivid and immersive—I could easily picture everything happening as I read.
In this world, humans and vampires coexist in Penn City. The main character, Seraph, is a dhampir (half human, half vampire), and she’s constantly battling with who she is and what she’s becoming. We learn that her father died at the hands of a vampire named Revenant, and she seeks to avenge his death.
One detail I especially liked, (because I drink Cosmopolitans) was when one of the characters is drinking a “Plasmapolitan” (a cosmo with a dash of plasma) in a bar scene. This detail made the vampire culture feel creative, fun, and distinct. Also, I liked the way that Seraph dresses. Goth vibes for sure, functional, and bad ass.
No spice in this book, but honestly, it didn’t need it. I’m interested to see if that changes or develops more in Book 2 of this series.
And the ending… WHOA. I absolutely did not see that coming.
“Memory is a Curse with Wings”
Thank you to Mae Olivine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: July 1, 2026.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and WOW. Did I devour it in under a day? Yes I did. I had anticipated this book for a while, having read it whilst it was still an Episode story, so I was so excited to see Seraph’s story come to life! And for a debut book, it was amazing. It had me hooked into the world from the beginning and I could not put the book down.
The world itself is a sort of dystopia fantasy world filled of vampires and humans…and then Seraph a human-vampire hybrid. I liked how the operation of human vampire coexistence was very realistic, throughout the book you start to sympathise with both sides much like Seraph’s own conflict. The world building was good and everything was incredibly well explained as it came, so much so I’d now say I’m an expert with my vampire knowledge.
From first meeting her, Seraph has always been my girl. She’s strong and brave but confused by a world around her where she doesn’t quite belong. Her development through the book as a character was so clear, nearing the end you could see her start to question who she could trust and the shift in where her loyalties lie. I loved seeing her and her brother get closer as the book progressed as they started to trust each other more.
Romance wise….this book is a slowburn. I mean SLOWBURN. But I like that. The ending sets up for where we can suspect the second book will go to. Or maybe I’m just giddy waiting to see more of Revenant? I am very ready for current boyfriend Max to be gone 🙅♀️.
All in all, I’m very excited for this become available for EVERYONE to read. That cliffhanger ending makes me NEED the next book now. I’m very excited to see more of what this author has to offer.
The world itself is a sort of dystopia fantasy world filled of vampires and humans…and then Seraph a human-vampire hybrid. I liked how the operation of human vampire coexistence was very realistic, throughout the book you start to sympathise with both sides much like Seraph’s own conflict. The world building was good and everything was incredibly well explained as it came, so much so I’d now say I’m an expert with my vampire knowledge.
From first meeting her, Seraph has always been my girl. She’s strong and brave but confused by a world around her where she doesn’t quite belong. Her development through the book as a character was so clear, nearing the end you could see her start to question who she could trust and the shift in where her loyalties lie. I loved seeing her and her brother get closer as the book progressed as they started to trust each other more.
Romance wise….this book is a slowburn. I mean SLOWBURN. But I like that. The ending sets up for where we can suspect the second book will go to. Or maybe I’m just giddy waiting to see more of Revenant? I am very ready for current boyfriend Max to be gone 🙅♀️.
All in all, I’m very excited for this become available for EVERYONE to read. That cliffhanger ending makes me NEED the next book now. I’m very excited to see more of what this author has to offer.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This story is very much about building the world and setting the tone. Mae Olivine takes her time developing the atmosphere and the tension between humans and vampires, and you can really feel how fragile everything is. It creates a strong foundation for what feels like a much bigger story to come.
Seraph is a really interesting main character. Her world is completely turned upside down, and you can feel her struggle as she tries to figure out where she belongs and which side she should stand with. Being caught between two worlds makes her journey feel emotional and layered, especially as everything around her begins to shift.
The focus of this book is more on the setup. There is some fast paced action, but low romance angle. However, you can feel things starting to build. There is a hint of romantic tension in the final chapters, just enough to make you curious about what’s coming next.
There is no spice in this one, so if that’s something you look for, just know this leans more into story and development right now.
Overall, this is a strong start for readers who enjoy immersive worlds and character driven stories that take their time unfolding.
Seraph is a really interesting main character. Her world is completely turned upside down, and you can feel her struggle as she tries to figure out where she belongs and which side she should stand with. Being caught between two worlds makes her journey feel emotional and layered, especially as everything around her begins to shift.
The focus of this book is more on the setup. There is some fast paced action, but low romance angle. However, you can feel things starting to build. There is a hint of romantic tension in the final chapters, just enough to make you curious about what’s coming next.
There is no spice in this one, so if that’s something you look for, just know this leans more into story and development right now.
Overall, this is a strong start for readers who enjoy immersive worlds and character driven stories that take their time unfolding.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was HOOKED. I genuinely could not put this book down. The writing flows so smoothly making it easy to get lost in the story and desperate to know what happens next.
This book is advertised with tropes like slow burn and enemies to lovers, and I will say…the slow burn is SLOW. Seriously, it is so slow that you barely even get a glimpse of that relationship starting.
While I know this is part of a larger series, I I found myself wanting even more detail during the some events simply because I was so invested.
My biggest complaint? It wasn’t long enough. The ending felt like more than just a cliffhanger. It felt incomplete in the most agonizing way possible, like I needed just one more chapter. Now I’m left impatiently waiting for the next book.
Thank you to Mae Olivine for the ARC opportunity!
This book is advertised with tropes like slow burn and enemies to lovers, and I will say…the slow burn is SLOW. Seriously, it is so slow that you barely even get a glimpse of that relationship starting.
While I know this is part of a larger series, I I found myself wanting even more detail during the some events simply because I was so invested.
My biggest complaint? It wasn’t long enough. The ending felt like more than just a cliffhanger. It felt incomplete in the most agonizing way possible, like I needed just one more chapter. Now I’m left impatiently waiting for the next book.
Thank you to Mae Olivine for the ARC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Mae Olivine for the ARC!
OOMGI devoured this book in less than a day 🖤🖤
🖤I am not usually for an urban Gothic setting, however, the world is truly well designed and provides the perfect backdrop for a vampire versus human plot.
🖤 The political divide in this book is incredible and had me wanting more... nothing is as it seems and to say it's just humans versus vampires doesn't quite cover the depth of the divide in this world.
🖤 Seraph, our FMC, starts the book as quite a damaged dhampir and her journey across the book is phenomenal as her self discovery is messy, fun and full of blood.
🖤 The found families in the book are truly wonderful and the similarities in both the Ravens and in Penn City was a lovely touch.
🖤 That cliffhanger.... book 2 needed ASAP 💔💔
OOMGI devoured this book in less than a day 🖤🖤
🖤I am not usually for an urban Gothic setting, however, the world is truly well designed and provides the perfect backdrop for a vampire versus human plot.
🖤 The political divide in this book is incredible and had me wanting more... nothing is as it seems and to say it's just humans versus vampires doesn't quite cover the depth of the divide in this world.
🖤 Seraph, our FMC, starts the book as quite a damaged dhampir and her journey across the book is phenomenal as her self discovery is messy, fun and full of blood.
🖤 The found families in the book are truly wonderful and the similarities in both the Ravens and in Penn City was a lovely touch.
🖤 That cliffhanger.... book 2 needed ASAP 💔💔
Review of advance copy received from Author
Although I have not quite connected with the book, it is objectively well written. I love all things vampires, and while the book does remind me of Vampire Academy and Rose's story in that kind of nostalgic way that makes it appealing, I just couldn't fully vibe with the story, which is sad because the book shows a lot of dedication put into everything from the worldbuilding to the development of the story and characters.
So, even if I cannot say it was IT for me, the book is IT. So yes, I do recommend it, and I'm sure I will revisit it this summer, once I'm stress-free, or at least with a mindset chill enough to enjoy a good book without jumping to how many chapters I have yet to study for my finals. Wishing the bestest of lucks to the author, who did an amazing job with this one!
So, even if I cannot say it was IT for me, the book is IT. So yes, I do recommend it, and I'm sure I will revisit it this summer, once I'm stress-free, or at least with a mindset chill enough to enjoy a good book without jumping to how many chapters I have yet to study for my finals. Wishing the bestest of lucks to the author, who did an amazing job with this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 STARS. Serph is caught between the human and vampire world, never completely fitting in either. Her unique strength allows her to be one of the most prolific hunters, but the one vampire she wants still alludes her- the one that killed her father as she watched. But now that the humans are under attack from a rival group of powerful vampires, Serph must chose to align herself with the monster she hunts, or become one herself. This was a very well-written and enjoyable story with a fresh look at the vampire world, where vampires and humans co-exist. Definitely a good read and the cliffhanger has me excited to read book 2!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has so much potential.
The story was amazing, the Idea is also amazing, but it got a little slow at the middle that I got bored, and nothing was happening really, the FMC was trying so hard to prevent something just to do one thing to make it all fall apart.
Yet the last few chapters were amazing. And the ending, oh my god. It was so so Good that I got angry.
Would I read this book again? Probably not
Would I read the next book? Definitely, yes!
The story was amazing, the Idea is also amazing, but it got a little slow at the middle that I got bored, and nothing was happening really, the FMC was trying so hard to prevent something just to do one thing to make it all fall apart.
Yet the last few chapters were amazing. And the ending, oh my god. It was so so Good that I got angry.
Would I read this book again? Probably not
Would I read the next book? Definitely, yes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the arc.
I liked the world building and the lore to do with the vampires.
I liked seraph and her brother's relationship even though they were estranged. I liked the bond between the Ravens.
I also really liked Max and Seraph's friends and the details in all of their relationships and dynamics.
I liked the world building and the lore to do with the vampires.
I liked seraph and her brother's relationship even though they were estranged. I liked the bond between the Ravens.
I also really liked Max and Seraph's friends and the details in all of their relationships and dynamics.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews