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The Blake Soul
Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B009R7UMCS.
Josh Blake wakes up to the sound of the chilling scream echoing inside his head. His childhood nightmares are haunting him again. But why return now after all those years of oblivion? He sets out to investigate and he changes the natural course of events, rewriting destiny and creating a whole new world for himself and for those around him. His turbulent childhood mingles with the present, unveiling the deep insecurities that lurk behind his polished exterior of fame, glory and wealth.
The Blake Soul is a gripping, emotional love story which violently collides with family feuds, guilt, betrayal and revenge.
Interview with the Author
Q – What is the idea behind the Blake series?
A – The Blake books are supernatural thrillers with a dash of romance. I try to mould that moral fibre inside the heart of all my novels:
-The sanctity of human life is highlighted in The Blake Soul
-The susceptible young mind lost to alcohol and drugs features in The Blake Curse
-The detrimental effect of childhood psychological trauma is depicted in The Blake Mistake.
-The Blake Legacy: A Fracture in Time deals with peer pressure, intimidation and that desperate search for an exquisite type of pure love, a love untainted by monetary gains or sexual intentions, a love for the sake of love itself.
I try to raise awareness...whether I succeed to do this in all my novels remains debatable, I guess, but the intention is there.
Q - What order should I read the books in?
A – Each book in the Blake series could be read as a stand-alone. Chronologically they run in the following sequence:
- The Blake Soul
- The Blake Curse
- The Blake Mistake
- The Blake Legacy: A Fracture in Time
Q - What else have you written?
A - Week of Lies is a revenge thriller and romance set in London and it spans a fateful week of lies and deceit. The opening chapter takes us to New Year’s Day where Beth Banks wakes up to find her father dead in their multimillion pound house in London. It appears to be a suicide, but Beth has her doubts. She looks back on her previous week, her introduction into the cryptic world of Rob Menezes, the righteous law graduate desperately seeking a living, the man she has grown to love and trust despite his many facets. She sets out in search of the truth and she uncovers a dark secret that could radically change her life.
Thank you for reading!
Josh Blake wakes up to the sound of the chilling scream echoing inside his head. His childhood nightmares are haunting him again. But why return now after all those years of oblivion? He sets out to investigate and he changes the natural course of events, rewriting destiny and creating a whole new world for himself and for those around him. His turbulent childhood mingles with the present, unveiling the deep insecurities that lurk behind his polished exterior of fame, glory and wealth.
The Blake Soul is a gripping, emotional love story which violently collides with family feuds, guilt, betrayal and revenge.
Interview with the Author
Q – What is the idea behind the Blake series?
A – The Blake books are supernatural thrillers with a dash of romance. I try to mould that moral fibre inside the heart of all my novels:
-The sanctity of human life is highlighted in The Blake Soul
-The susceptible young mind lost to alcohol and drugs features in The Blake Curse
-The detrimental effect of childhood psychological trauma is depicted in The Blake Mistake.
-The Blake Legacy: A Fracture in Time deals with peer pressure, intimidation and that desperate search for an exquisite type of pure love, a love untainted by monetary gains or sexual intentions, a love for the sake of love itself.
I try to raise awareness...whether I succeed to do this in all my novels remains debatable, I guess, but the intention is there.
Q - What order should I read the books in?
A – Each book in the Blake series could be read as a stand-alone. Chronologically they run in the following sequence:
- The Blake Soul
- The Blake Curse
- The Blake Mistake
- The Blake Legacy: A Fracture in Time
Q - What else have you written?
A - Week of Lies is a revenge thriller and romance set in London and it spans a fateful week of lies and deceit. The opening chapter takes us to New Year’s Day where Beth Banks wakes up to find her father dead in their multimillion pound house in London. It appears to be a suicide, but Beth has her doubts. She looks back on her previous week, her introduction into the cryptic world of Rob Menezes, the righteous law graduate desperately seeking a living, the man she has grown to love and trust despite his many facets. She sets out in search of the truth and she uncovers a dark secret that could radically change her life.
Thank you for reading!
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2012
382 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
I.C. Camilleri
7 books77 followersInterview with the Author
Q – What is the idea behind the Blake series?
A – The Blake books are supernatural thrillers with a dash of romance. I try to mould that moral fibre inside the heart of all my novels:
-The sanctity of human life is highlighted in The Blake Soul
-The susceptible young mind lost to alcohol and drugs features in The Blake Curse
-The detrimental effect of childhood psychological trauma is depicted in The Blake Mistake.
-The Blake Legacy: A Fracture in Time deals with peer pressure, intimidation and that desperate search for an exquisite type of pure love, a love untainted by monetary gains or sexual intentions, a love for the sake of love itself.
I try to raise awareness...whether I succeed to do this in all my novels remains debatable, I guess, but the intention is there.
Q - What order should I read the books in?
A – Each book in the Blake series could be read as a stand-alone. Chronologically they run in the following sequence:
- The Blake Soul
- The Blake Curse
- The Blake Mistake
- The Blake Legacy: A Fracture in Time
Q - What else have you written?
A - Week of Lies is a revenge thriller and romance set in London and it spans a fateful week of lies and deceit. The opening chapter takes us to New Year’s Day where Beth Banks wakes up to find her father dead in their multimillion pound house in London. It appears to be a suicide, but Beth has her doubts. She looks back on her previous week, her introduction into the cryptic world of Rob Menezes, the righteous law graduate desperately seeking a living, the man she has grown to love and trust despite his many facets. She sets out in search of the truth and she uncovers a dark secret that could radically change her life.
Thank you for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 12, 2015
This is just brilliant - crammed with suspense, mystery and intrigue.
February 16, 2013
A psychological horror novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Maria was on top of the world, until she lost her parents and her fiancée. As her world fell apart around her, all she wanted to do was run. She jumped on a plane to LA and hit the nearest bookstore. She wanted to lose herself in someone else’s story. Without a thought for where she would stay while in LA, she went to the park to read.
Josh‘s nightmare had changed. Now there was a man crying and he, himself, was a man instead of a boy. He saw the path and knew he had been down it before. What he had seen made him determined not to go there again.
Josh’s mother rarely saw him, and when she did, the mental abuse she heaped on him was almost more than he could stand. She was wealthy and he had been raised in luxurious surroundings by his English nurse, Julie, and he thought of her as his mother. His father was unknown to him, but he had an obsession about finding him.
He dove into books to escape, so it wasn’t that odd that he became an Oscar winning, heart-throb of an actor. Maybe it wasn’t ironic, that he had no respect, only scorn for women.
In his dream, he had seen the time on the man’s watch, 5:00. He knew he had to be there.
He drove to the park to meet his “father”. He needed a book to pass the time while he waited for him to appear, so he went to the bookstore. That’s when he saw her. He sensed he knew her, had cared for her, but he couldn’t remember ever meeting her. How could it be? Why couldn’t he remember?
As he sat on the bench, reading, Maria walked by. He surreptitiously watched her. He was drawn to her. She fell asleep and he felt the need to watch over her. Even though he was wide awake, he was dreaming. In his dream, she was there.
When he came back to the present, confused, she was still asleep. His mind must be playing tricks on him. He had a photographic memory and thought that was why he was able to see into the future. It was only memories.
As he watched her, his dream became reality. He tried to send her a message with his eyes and she responded, but it was too late. He remembered his dream, the blood and the screams.
They began dragging her off the path. Deja vu. His dream was really happening, right before his eyes. She felt it too and questioned herself. How could this be?
They talked in the Ferrari, as he drove her to the hospital. Her name was Maria Conti and she was a doctor, a cancer researcher, from England. He could tell, as they talked, that she was naive and trusting. He kept trying to figure out how he knew her. He kept asking her questions. He knew, as if he had ESP, that he had cared deeply for her and they had been together.
He thought that his photographic memory and great observations skills were why he knew what was going to happen, but it was so much more than that.
She told him her father had studied the paranormal. When he touched her hand, he saw their future flash before his eyes.
She had nowhere to stay, so he talked her into spending her two-week holiday at his place. They would just have fun.
” Are you up for that challenge?”
He fell hard for her and he had only two weeks to figure out how to make her fall in love with him and want to stay. She kept wondering why she was so drawn to him. She was very independent and had kept her fiance at a distance. Why was it so different with Josh?
Maria told him she had to go back to the UK. She knew she had to go back and break up with Rob. Then she could decide where to go from there. He told himself, he would give her two weeks, then he was going to get her. He couldn’t imagine his life without her.
What would happen when she went home? Would she forget him? Would she welcome him, when he came to bring her back with him? What about the dreams? Was that their future?
They talked and he kept thinking of all the clichés.
“Out of sight, out of mind”
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”.
Being separated made it worse, but now it was time for him to go to her. Would he find the answers to his dreams with her?
The man he had seen in his visions wasn’t his father. Why would he come to Josh – a selfish womanizer?
Will he find the answers when he joins Maria in the UK? Or is his destiny to live life over and over and over again?
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
I loved the cover and the title is short, to the point and appropriate for the story.
The book is long and detailed, so grab a cocktail, start up the fire, put your feet up and open the cover, or kindle, for a dive into Josh’s world. The pain and anguish he goes through, not once, not twice, but three times….What if you knew your future? Would you interfere and change it, and keep changing it if you didn’t like the result?
The bad comes with the good. How do you know if by changing it, you are only making it worse. Would it happen any way? Maybe a different day or time? What do you think?
I loved that the subject of books was worked into the plot and played an important part in it. I also love fancy, fast sports cars. Add in some paranormal, a little romance and a lot of questions and mystery, I am yours.
It seemed to slow in parts, but I felt that was because she was laying a foundation for what was to come. I could anticipate some of what would be, but liked that I couldn’t see it all.
Even the paranormal episodes in the books seemed realistic. I got so caught up in it, I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to get to the end to see what happened . I can’t help but think my heart will break when Josh s does.
I didn’t think I would want my hubby to be the type to bend so easily to my will, even though he does. But after reading this, it made me realize, they do that because they love us so much and want us to be happy. It is nice to know that someone cares that much for you and to know it would take something extraordinary to make them cheat on you or leave you. Josh’s love was so powerful, that he would stop at nothing to save her or make her happy.
The book was very well written with a great plot and characters. I got so involved in their life, that I hated to see the book end. Josh does his best to redeem himself and be worthy of Maria. Maria is so sweet and naive, that it was easy to become attached to her.
Were the dreams his future or just dreams? Visions? Premonitions? Read the book and let me know what you think.
I can hardly wait to read The Blake Curse.
I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Blake Soul
I.C. Camilleri
Maria was on top of the world, until she lost her parents and her fiancée. As her world fell apart around her, all she wanted to do was run. She jumped on a plane to LA and hit the nearest bookstore. She wanted to lose herself in someone else’s story. Without a thought for where she would stay while in LA, she went to the park to read.
Josh‘s nightmare had changed. Now there was a man crying and he, himself, was a man instead of a boy. He saw the path and knew he had been down it before. What he had seen made him determined not to go there again.
Josh’s mother rarely saw him, and when she did, the mental abuse she heaped on him was almost more than he could stand. She was wealthy and he had been raised in luxurious surroundings by his English nurse, Julie, and he thought of her as his mother. His father was unknown to him, but he had an obsession about finding him.
He dove into books to escape, so it wasn’t that odd that he became an Oscar winning, heart-throb of an actor. Maybe it wasn’t ironic, that he had no respect, only scorn for women.
In his dream, he had seen the time on the man’s watch, 5:00. He knew he had to be there.
He drove to the park to meet his “father”. He needed a book to pass the time while he waited for him to appear, so he went to the bookstore. That’s when he saw her. He sensed he knew her, had cared for her, but he couldn’t remember ever meeting her. How could it be? Why couldn’t he remember?
As he sat on the bench, reading, Maria walked by. He surreptitiously watched her. He was drawn to her. She fell asleep and he felt the need to watch over her. Even though he was wide awake, he was dreaming. In his dream, she was there.
When he came back to the present, confused, she was still asleep. His mind must be playing tricks on him. He had a photographic memory and thought that was why he was able to see into the future. It was only memories.
As he watched her, his dream became reality. He tried to send her a message with his eyes and she responded, but it was too late. He remembered his dream, the blood and the screams.
They began dragging her off the path. Deja vu. His dream was really happening, right before his eyes. She felt it too and questioned herself. How could this be?
They talked in the Ferrari, as he drove her to the hospital. Her name was Maria Conti and she was a doctor, a cancer researcher, from England. He could tell, as they talked, that she was naive and trusting. He kept trying to figure out how he knew her. He kept asking her questions. He knew, as if he had ESP, that he had cared deeply for her and they had been together.
He thought that his photographic memory and great observations skills were why he knew what was going to happen, but it was so much more than that.
She told him her father had studied the paranormal. When he touched her hand, he saw their future flash before his eyes.
She had nowhere to stay, so he talked her into spending her two-week holiday at his place. They would just have fun.
” Are you up for that challenge?”
He fell hard for her and he had only two weeks to figure out how to make her fall in love with him and want to stay. She kept wondering why she was so drawn to him. She was very independent and had kept her fiance at a distance. Why was it so different with Josh?
Maria told him she had to go back to the UK. She knew she had to go back and break up with Rob. Then she could decide where to go from there. He told himself, he would give her two weeks, then he was going to get her. He couldn’t imagine his life without her.
What would happen when she went home? Would she forget him? Would she welcome him, when he came to bring her back with him? What about the dreams? Was that their future?
They talked and he kept thinking of all the clichés.
“Out of sight, out of mind”
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”.
Being separated made it worse, but now it was time for him to go to her. Would he find the answers to his dreams with her?
The man he had seen in his visions wasn’t his father. Why would he come to Josh – a selfish womanizer?
Will he find the answers when he joins Maria in the UK? Or is his destiny to live life over and over and over again?
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
I loved the cover and the title is short, to the point and appropriate for the story.
The book is long and detailed, so grab a cocktail, start up the fire, put your feet up and open the cover, or kindle, for a dive into Josh’s world. The pain and anguish he goes through, not once, not twice, but three times….What if you knew your future? Would you interfere and change it, and keep changing it if you didn’t like the result?
The bad comes with the good. How do you know if by changing it, you are only making it worse. Would it happen any way? Maybe a different day or time? What do you think?
I loved that the subject of books was worked into the plot and played an important part in it. I also love fancy, fast sports cars. Add in some paranormal, a little romance and a lot of questions and mystery, I am yours.
It seemed to slow in parts, but I felt that was because she was laying a foundation for what was to come. I could anticipate some of what would be, but liked that I couldn’t see it all.
Even the paranormal episodes in the books seemed realistic. I got so caught up in it, I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to get to the end to see what happened . I can’t help but think my heart will break when Josh s does.
I didn’t think I would want my hubby to be the type to bend so easily to my will, even though he does. But after reading this, it made me realize, they do that because they love us so much and want us to be happy. It is nice to know that someone cares that much for you and to know it would take something extraordinary to make them cheat on you or leave you. Josh’s love was so powerful, that he would stop at nothing to save her or make her happy.
The book was very well written with a great plot and characters. I got so involved in their life, that I hated to see the book end. Josh does his best to redeem himself and be worthy of Maria. Maria is so sweet and naive, that it was easy to become attached to her.
Were the dreams his future or just dreams? Visions? Premonitions? Read the book and let me know what you think.
I can hardly wait to read The Blake Curse.
I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Blake Soul
I.C. Camilleri
October 23, 2012
Once again, I.C. Camilleri has written a fabulous and engaging novel in The Blake Soul. Although this is a prequel of sorts to her other novel, The Blake Curse, I'm really glad I read this second; I would have known too much about the characters for the Blake Curse to work so well for me if I'd read this first!
The Blake Soul, however, provides a wonderfully detailed and action packed insight into the motives and family of Josh Blake, protagonist in this story and father of the protagonist in Camilleri's other novel. I find her characters to be vividly written, and despite their 'curse', I find their motives to be heart-wrenching and understandable, no matter how much you may disagree with their actions. Camilleri really makes them seem alive, and I was not disappointed by this long-awaited exploration into their lives prior to The Blake Curse.
This novel is action packed, filled with not only deceit and conspiracy but love and devotion, all existing in juxtaposition. It is an amazing read that will not disappoint you if you go into it with an open mind; I shall be looking forward to more from this author!
The Blake Soul, however, provides a wonderfully detailed and action packed insight into the motives and family of Josh Blake, protagonist in this story and father of the protagonist in Camilleri's other novel. I find her characters to be vividly written, and despite their 'curse', I find their motives to be heart-wrenching and understandable, no matter how much you may disagree with their actions. Camilleri really makes them seem alive, and I was not disappointed by this long-awaited exploration into their lives prior to The Blake Curse.
This novel is action packed, filled with not only deceit and conspiracy but love and devotion, all existing in juxtaposition. It is an amazing read that will not disappoint you if you go into it with an open mind; I shall be looking forward to more from this author!
October 23, 2012
Well I read the Blake Curse as a freebie and really enjoyed it, then got a message from the author via Goodreads that she had written another and broke my really mean rule and bought it! very glad that I did, I can be really picky on grammar etc but I can't on this book, not because it didn't have any but because I didn't notice. I think there was 1 thing that I thought I'd mention but by the time I got the end it was forgotten. Loving these stories which can be read alone but desperate to know more. Roll on the next one. Thank you I C Camilleri but perhaps you could arrange the release of the next one in time for a holiday so I don't get distracted from all the things I should be doing
January 23, 2013
Got hooked right from the start! Has become one of my all time favorites!
April 29, 2013
Headline: Destiny takes a hand in this taut thriller.
Predestination and choice – one of the most profound debating subjects for believers in a Supreme Power. If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, is there anything we can do to alter our destiny? If it is not my moment to die, why bother to look both ways before crossing the road?
For Josh Blake, who is all too human, the same challenges are made manifest by troubling dreams that conjure up images of a future populated by people dear to him and who face terrible hardship. Some of the scenes are so ghastly that he resolves to anticipate the events and, by various methods, alter the seemingly inevitable – sometimes at great personal risk.
At first, the story seems unlikely. Why would a wildly successful and handsome Hollywood actor fall for Maria Conti who, while attractive and accomplished in her own field, does not possess the attributes and morals of his normal diet of beautiful starlets and hangers-on who take his arm at award ceremonies and fill his bed imaginatively and with no strings attached. But, just as we watch the Oscars and wonder about the lives of the beautiful people with a certain amount of envy, we overlook the fact that they are simply high-profile human beings with all the doubts, disappointments and fears of us all. And Josh, more than most, has reason to be troubled. He has, after all, his recurring dreams, an obscure past with a dreadful mother who has her own secrets, a cousin, Freddie, who shares Josh’s good looks and sexual voraciousness but devotes himself to medicine and envy, plus the freedoms and dreadful restrictions of wealth and fame and the limitless opportunities of a photographic memory.
This tangled web gradually unravels and we realise why Maria is central to Josh Blake’s destiny long before Maria does. In fact, Josh’s increasingly obsessive behaviour which understandably threatens their domestic harmony is entirely justified by the terrifying events that overtake the central characters. And while Josh dimly and indistinctly sees the future, he is no God. He cannot map out a perfect world for himself and those he loves. But, given the gift of a glimpse into the future, he is able to take a hand in the final outcome.
‘The Blake Soul’ is one of a trilogy. ‘The Blake Curse’ is already loaded into my ‘to-read’ file on my Kindle and I eagerly await the third. I. C. Camilleri’s ambitious project has been a revelation to me. Her vivid imagination and ability to keep a story flying add up to a promising start for this interesting writer.
Roderick Craig Low, author of 'Rewards and Dilemmas'.
August 14, 2013
Josh Blake is a Hollywood actor who has an amazing career and more money than anyone could dream of. But his life is tainted, unwanted by his mother at birth and told by her every year when they meet for his birthday and constantly told that they don't know who his father is. He's god's gift to women and he knows it. His past is strewn with a never ending line of women but still he feels empty. His dreams are filled by a shadowy figure, possibly his father trying to send him messages, in his dream they meet in a park. When Josh wakes he goes to the park to wait for his father but instead he see's a young lady who falls asleep, she is then attacked by a group of merciless drug addicts. Josh has power, a sixth sense which shows him snippets of the future. He is shown paths that will happen if he helps and if he doesn't. He saves Maria from the attackers and they end up going for dinner, his sixth sense kicks in and the shady figure in his dreams helps him choose the right path to try and make them an item, married and lots more. With a jealous, malicious cousin who is his best friend, a mother who hates him and a dreamy figure trying to lead him to Maria, can Josh choose the right path to save her.
Wow! Amazing! I was literally reading solidly to find out what happened. Great book i loved it! I had a few issues with how quickly the story moved, it was blindingly brilliant but i felt that one thing moved to another a little too quickly (but that's just a matter of taste). This is a book that you will read and love. It's a romantic fiction that is told from the Male Perspective which makes a refreshingly different read. This book has things happening from the very start, with love, loss, tears of joy and horror i recommend this to all.
Wow! Amazing! I was literally reading solidly to find out what happened. Great book i loved it! I had a few issues with how quickly the story moved, it was blindingly brilliant but i felt that one thing moved to another a little too quickly (but that's just a matter of taste). This is a book that you will read and love. It's a romantic fiction that is told from the Male Perspective which makes a refreshingly different read. This book has things happening from the very start, with love, loss, tears of joy and horror i recommend this to all.
November 7, 2013
I loved this story. It's well-written, as well as full of exciting content and sub-plots. In addition to that, the characters are realistic and Josh and Maria's romance story is really unique as it is anything but typical. This book is a roller-coaster, with unexpected twists and turns and a character of its own - and that is a rare achievement nowadays. The childhood background, dreams, ability to change the future and the inescapability of fate, as well as the actions taken by the characters, add a philosophical touch to the book, as they serve as a perfect example of what a human being is capable of and why.
SORT OF SPOILER ALERT: I'd also like to say that I liked Josh a lot more than Maria, as I often felt her treatment of Josh was anything but fair. I often felt bad for him and found myself thinking he deserved someone better than her. That said, the end was satisfying enough to calm my frustration.
I highly recommend this! It'll be worth your while. Four plus one, that's right - I give it 5 stars. =)
SORT OF SPOILER ALERT: I'd also like to say that I liked Josh a lot more than Maria, as I often felt her treatment of Josh was anything but fair. I often felt bad for him and found myself thinking he deserved someone better than her. That said, the end was satisfying enough to calm my frustration.
I highly recommend this! It'll be worth your while. Four plus one, that's right - I give it 5 stars. =)
December 13, 2012
This latest offering by I. C Camilleri will be perhaps considered a prequel to the author's debut, The Blake Curse.
I understand that this will be followed by a novel in 2013 to complete a Blake trilogy in 2013.
Continuing in the author's modern fluent and Mediterranean flavour used effectively The Blake Curse, and with another strong beginning, the author distributes the events in the story evenly throughout the book while maintaining the pace. While the underlying family and romantic themes are traditional the dialogue is contemporary and plausible. It will appeal best to both the younger and more experienced female reader.
Plentiful in deceit, romance and action without being a modern equivalent of swashbuckling, delicate in feminine observations without ever being syrupy the Blake saga’s origins in The Blake Soul deserves to be read and particularly before the Blake Curse.
Five stars.
I understand that this will be followed by a novel in 2013 to complete a Blake trilogy in 2013.
Continuing in the author's modern fluent and Mediterranean flavour used effectively The Blake Curse, and with another strong beginning, the author distributes the events in the story evenly throughout the book while maintaining the pace. While the underlying family and romantic themes are traditional the dialogue is contemporary and plausible. It will appeal best to both the younger and more experienced female reader.
Plentiful in deceit, romance and action without being a modern equivalent of swashbuckling, delicate in feminine observations without ever being syrupy the Blake saga’s origins in The Blake Soul deserves to be read and particularly before the Blake Curse.
Five stars.
November 3, 2014
I REALLY enjoyed this story. When I first started the book I thought it was like every other typical romance novel. BOY WAS I WRONG! It was a romance with so many twists and turns along the way. It starts out the typical two guys want the same girl and will do whatever they can to one up the other. It all SEEMS typical until the snippets of dreams start and the pieces all start to fall in place. This was the kind of book that you stay up late for and try to catch a few minutes to see what's next anytime you can. I don't want to say too much to give away the twists and turns, but I will say if you think you have it figured out in the first half of the book, just wait until the end!
Very well done!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!!
Note: I was provided this book by the author to provide an unbiased review.
Very well done!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!!
Note: I was provided this book by the author to provide an unbiased review.
January 23, 2013
another great read l love this story. And l'm just waiting for a follow up. l vote this book best of the year. keep it up.
July 4, 2015
Fantastic book.
Great book from beginning to end. A must read! Once you start you can not put it down. I recommend reading it.
Great book from beginning to end. A must read! Once you start you can not put it down. I recommend reading it.
April 29, 2013
THE BLAKE SOUL is a paranormal romance. The vivid dreams that Josh has do indeed tell the future and in some cases those dreams are downright dark and devastating. He can plan for the events but he can’t seem to stop them. The inevitability of fate has to make everything Josh faces harder and Camilleri plays the feeling of helplessness in the hands of fate well.
I do wonder, as I did previously with E.L. Lindley’s Business As Usual, why Camilleri chose to set the story as much in LA as she did. The story is interlaced with purely English idioms. Freddie and Josh are the children of wealthy folks and likely spent a lot of time internationally so their usage is easily excused. Maria, of course, is English and would use certain words and phrases that one would not hear in the US. In the scene in which Josh and Maria meet, Camilleri has LA gangbangers attack Maria. When Josh intervenes said gangbangers say to him, “What is a rich toff like you doing here anyway?” Perhaps if one uses gangbangers straight from central casting at a British film studio but not so much something one would hear in a park located in a bad area of LA. There are other examples and often the dialogue is very stiff and formal and almost seems to have been written from a technical writing standpoint and not in the way people actually speak.
THE BLAKE SOUL has nothing but five star reviews on Amazon. In the romance novel genre THE BLAKE SOUL is grittier than a lot of novels I’ve read. Camilleri is a risk taker. She may keep some of what happens “off-screen” but her baddie is an adversary who will stop at nothing to attain the ultimate goal that defies all logic. Aren’t the best baddies the ones that are simply crazy beyond all comprehension?
I do wonder, as I did previously with E.L. Lindley’s Business As Usual, why Camilleri chose to set the story as much in LA as she did. The story is interlaced with purely English idioms. Freddie and Josh are the children of wealthy folks and likely spent a lot of time internationally so their usage is easily excused. Maria, of course, is English and would use certain words and phrases that one would not hear in the US. In the scene in which Josh and Maria meet, Camilleri has LA gangbangers attack Maria. When Josh intervenes said gangbangers say to him, “What is a rich toff like you doing here anyway?” Perhaps if one uses gangbangers straight from central casting at a British film studio but not so much something one would hear in a park located in a bad area of LA. There are other examples and often the dialogue is very stiff and formal and almost seems to have been written from a technical writing standpoint and not in the way people actually speak.
THE BLAKE SOUL has nothing but five star reviews on Amazon. In the romance novel genre THE BLAKE SOUL is grittier than a lot of novels I’ve read. Camilleri is a risk taker. She may keep some of what happens “off-screen” but her baddie is an adversary who will stop at nothing to attain the ultimate goal that defies all logic. Aren’t the best baddies the ones that are simply crazy beyond all comprehension?
April 1, 2013
I really really really enjoyed this book!
Totally not was I was expecting, but I was instantly hooked, it was fast paced lots of twist and turns, and many heart stoping moments. I could never predict any of the plot and it was the kind of book to keep you awake most the night with ‘just one more page!” I was so caught up in the book. I could also see it as a movie!
I felt the characters were perfect, strong and easy to connect with two big males Josh and Feddie falling for Maira but at times I wanted to give Maria a shake!
Don’t want to give to much away as it’s a very well written, clever book and will keep you guessing…..
The Blake soul has it all, it made me laugh,get so mad l had to stop reading and made my heart pound on many occasions even held my breath a few times, a really gripping read and will defiantly be reading The Blake Curse.
Rachel for the Orchard Book Club
Totally not was I was expecting, but I was instantly hooked, it was fast paced lots of twist and turns, and many heart stoping moments. I could never predict any of the plot and it was the kind of book to keep you awake most the night with ‘just one more page!” I was so caught up in the book. I could also see it as a movie!
I felt the characters were perfect, strong and easy to connect with two big males Josh and Feddie falling for Maira but at times I wanted to give Maria a shake!
Don’t want to give to much away as it’s a very well written, clever book and will keep you guessing…..
The Blake soul has it all, it made me laugh,get so mad l had to stop reading and made my heart pound on many occasions even held my breath a few times, a really gripping read and will defiantly be reading The Blake Curse.
Rachel for the Orchard Book Club
April 10, 2015
THE BLAKE SOUL
Blake Soul is the prequel to the Blake series. This highly original book follows the complicated, tangled relationship of Josh Blake, a brilliant, but complex character, who possesses frightening paranormal powers and Maria Conti, the young doctor with whom both he and his cousin Freddie form a compelling, but destructive bond. This roller-coaster book is full of twists and turns, containing terrifying accounts of violence and torture, including rape. Some graphic scenes in the book were difficult for me to read, but the fears and uncertainties of the troubled characters were well described. The book throws up many questions, including whether choices in life or pure predesigned destiny dictate how our lives unfurl and also if we could see and directly influence our future, how would we act? A good read for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance.
Blake Soul is the prequel to the Blake series. This highly original book follows the complicated, tangled relationship of Josh Blake, a brilliant, but complex character, who possesses frightening paranormal powers and Maria Conti, the young doctor with whom both he and his cousin Freddie form a compelling, but destructive bond. This roller-coaster book is full of twists and turns, containing terrifying accounts of violence and torture, including rape. Some graphic scenes in the book were difficult for me to read, but the fears and uncertainties of the troubled characters were well described. The book throws up many questions, including whether choices in life or pure predesigned destiny dictate how our lives unfurl and also if we could see and directly influence our future, how would we act? A good read for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance.
May 28, 2015
Lovely writing, a terrific plot and pretty decent character development; the latter is often difficult to achieve with a thriller. As a writer I often struggle with the balance between character development and story thrust, but I.C. Camilleri has no such problems. Pacing, dialogue and storyline are of the same quality as previous 'Blake' books and that is no mean feat. I won't go into a detailed expose of the plot since I don't believe it serves any purpose and, even with care, can ruin a reader's enjoyment, but the book is a page turner and rewarding to read.
All in all a worthy successor to previous novels and well worth five stars!
All in all a worthy successor to previous novels and well worth five stars!
July 29, 2013
I read this on the recommendation of a friend, I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The author takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout this book. There is never a dull moment.
Brilliantly written with great depth to the characters. I will be reading The Blake Curse and The Blake Mistake very shortly.
Brilliantly written with great depth to the characters. I will be reading The Blake Curse and The Blake Mistake very shortly.
June 3, 2015
A good, well written story with many twists and turns and surprises. Its characters fit well into the intriguing plot and its air of mystery and difference make for a good read.
I don't give spoilers but will say that this is a tale worth reading with themes, actions and reactions that will make you wonder about the human condition and its capabilities.
I don't give spoilers but will say that this is a tale worth reading with themes, actions and reactions that will make you wonder about the human condition and its capabilities.
March 30, 2013
I enjoyed reading The Blake Soul. The author has chosen a very original and intriguing concept for this series of novels and I will look forward to reading the rest of the series. A most unusual storyline with very likeable characters.
February 16, 2015
The Blake Soul is a gripping, emotional love story which violently collides with family feuds, guilt, betrayal and revenge.
June 8, 2013
A very original concept. Loved every page. No boring bits
June 19, 2017
This book was fantastic! For a freebie, I couldn't have asked for a more compelling, very well written book. Highly recommend.
July 16, 2018
"Not for me"
I suffered three chapters and decided life was too short.
I suffered three chapters and decided life was too short.
April 24, 2014
The truth is...
The truth is really out there for this book. As I opened the first page and spend some 3 days to complete this book, I noticed that this author really has a flair into bringing the characters to life. I particularly like to find quotes that worth mentioning. One quote that caught my attention is, "Thanks for covering up my lie." She was suddenly feeling more independent and capable of thinking for herself. "You probably have better things to do than babysitting me." These quotes from the author tells me that she is good at describing scenes, dialogues, and many others. You have to read the book to find out for yourself.
This novel has a modern setting in the UK, perhaps is because the author is from the UK. The author is able to paint a vivid pictures of various places in UK even though I have not been to England. This book really stirs my imagination to the max.
What I like about the main character, Josh Blake is that, he is a very fine young and handsome man with always lots of women around him. But there are nightmares that haunted him since his childhood. He is an introvert with his upbringing even though he's smart, having good memory, and many other abilities. In fact, I find that he has a hatred waiting to be erupted.
The overall plot is good, simple to follow and is suitable to most people, even young adults. There are some scenes that really caught me by surprise. The paranormal suspense essence is so real that I read the whole under one sitting. I couldn't believe that when I read from the first page to the last.
This is my first time reading I.C. Camilleri's The Blake Soul. This book is a great book with lots of surprises, twists. If you like great paranormal suspense like what I like to write, you'll definitely get lots of entertainment and enjoyment out of this novel series. The author has also written the Blake series. You should check it out.
If there's one thing I'd change about this book, it would be the cover art of the Blake series. The cover should reflect the old English background with at least the character Josh Blake on it to some hand-drawn illustration with a broken mirror. It should be consistent with the rest of the series. However, the truth is the whole plot is good and nice to read. I believe the author can do it.
This book looked great on my Kindle Fire HD tablet. It has good formatting and layout.
If you found this review useful, let the community know.
The review was written by Zhu Hsia of The Third (An Urban Paranormal Romance Novel) and The Elements (A YA Urban Fantasy).
The truth is really out there for this book. As I opened the first page and spend some 3 days to complete this book, I noticed that this author really has a flair into bringing the characters to life. I particularly like to find quotes that worth mentioning. One quote that caught my attention is, "Thanks for covering up my lie." She was suddenly feeling more independent and capable of thinking for herself. "You probably have better things to do than babysitting me." These quotes from the author tells me that she is good at describing scenes, dialogues, and many others. You have to read the book to find out for yourself.
This novel has a modern setting in the UK, perhaps is because the author is from the UK. The author is able to paint a vivid pictures of various places in UK even though I have not been to England. This book really stirs my imagination to the max.
What I like about the main character, Josh Blake is that, he is a very fine young and handsome man with always lots of women around him. But there are nightmares that haunted him since his childhood. He is an introvert with his upbringing even though he's smart, having good memory, and many other abilities. In fact, I find that he has a hatred waiting to be erupted.
The overall plot is good, simple to follow and is suitable to most people, even young adults. There are some scenes that really caught me by surprise. The paranormal suspense essence is so real that I read the whole under one sitting. I couldn't believe that when I read from the first page to the last.
This is my first time reading I.C. Camilleri's The Blake Soul. This book is a great book with lots of surprises, twists. If you like great paranormal suspense like what I like to write, you'll definitely get lots of entertainment and enjoyment out of this novel series. The author has also written the Blake series. You should check it out.
If there's one thing I'd change about this book, it would be the cover art of the Blake series. The cover should reflect the old English background with at least the character Josh Blake on it to some hand-drawn illustration with a broken mirror. It should be consistent with the rest of the series. However, the truth is the whole plot is good and nice to read. I believe the author can do it.
This book looked great on my Kindle Fire HD tablet. It has good formatting and layout.
If you found this review useful, let the community know.
The review was written by Zhu Hsia of The Third (An Urban Paranormal Romance Novel) and The Elements (A YA Urban Fantasy).
September 6, 2013
I gave this book three stars because I loved the idea behind the book, a man who can see his future and has the ability to change it. The main character is a famous actor that to the outside world is a heartless playboy. In reality, he is a depressed introvert because he was never loved or wanted as a child, and because no one could understand or relate to his amazing mental abilities.
One day he meets a woman that he feels he has known forever, and instantly has a connection to her. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he makes it his mission to make her fall in love with him. I had a very difficult time understanding or even liking this woman, Maria. The author made her out to be this sweet, little soft-spoken woman that could see into a person's soul. However, throughout the book, she makes horrible decisions, only thinking of herself, and lashing out at Josh who does nothing to deserve it.
The author plays with psychology when building the characters in this book and how a person's childhood could affect the way a person acts as an adult. You see that play out with Josh and his cousin Freddie. It makes you somewhat sympathetic rather than disgusted at the characters' actions in the book. However, I wanted someone to be on Josh's side, but he was beat down every step of the way by those he loved.
Although many of the characters were revolting, I like the way the author wrapped everything up in the end. A lot of character flaws came to light and Josh finally stood up for himself. I just wish that it happened a little earlier on in the book.
With regard to the action/plot of the story, I felt as if it was constantly premonition, planning how to change the future, and action, then another premonition and so on. I thought that there could be a little less repeat of that, and a little more character development and sub plots occurring in the book.
Overall, the book was very interesting, entertaining, and a good read. I would definitely recommend it. I am also interested to see what happens next in the following book based on Josh's son, Ben.
One day he meets a woman that he feels he has known forever, and instantly has a connection to her. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he makes it his mission to make her fall in love with him. I had a very difficult time understanding or even liking this woman, Maria. The author made her out to be this sweet, little soft-spoken woman that could see into a person's soul. However, throughout the book, she makes horrible decisions, only thinking of herself, and lashing out at Josh who does nothing to deserve it.
The author plays with psychology when building the characters in this book and how a person's childhood could affect the way a person acts as an adult. You see that play out with Josh and his cousin Freddie. It makes you somewhat sympathetic rather than disgusted at the characters' actions in the book. However, I wanted someone to be on Josh's side, but he was beat down every step of the way by those he loved.
Although many of the characters were revolting, I like the way the author wrapped everything up in the end. A lot of character flaws came to light and Josh finally stood up for himself. I just wish that it happened a little earlier on in the book.
With regard to the action/plot of the story, I felt as if it was constantly premonition, planning how to change the future, and action, then another premonition and so on. I thought that there could be a little less repeat of that, and a little more character development and sub plots occurring in the book.
Overall, the book was very interesting, entertaining, and a good read. I would definitely recommend it. I am also interested to see what happens next in the following book based on Josh's son, Ben.
June 11, 2014
Awesome Novel, Unsightly Cover
I have found the old truism, you can't judge a book by its' cover to be true - most definitely in the case of The Blake Soul by I.C. Camilleri. The writing, plot, characters, pacing, dialogue, imagery, settings, just about everything showed the skill of a very talented writer. The cover does not represent the excellence of the novel.
Do not be fooled by the cover!
This is a dramatic story of love and hate, an extremely dysfunctional family, MPD ( Multiple Personality Disorder ), kidnapping, torture, violence, seduction, and psychic ability and even a helpful spirit.
The first few pages were not abundantly clear, but very soon after, I was riveted to the story of Maria and Josh. Josh has to be on of the best protagonists that I have seen. I have to admit, there were times where I wanted to slap some sense into Maria. She can be so frustrating at times. Freddie was perfect in his role, so was Phil. Clearly the author has a lot of experience with women. You will have to read the book to find out what that means.
Bottom Line: Very exciting, thrill ride of a book. So good, just don't look at the cover. Thumping Good Read. Highly Recommended!
I have found the old truism, you can't judge a book by its' cover to be true - most definitely in the case of The Blake Soul by I.C. Camilleri. The writing, plot, characters, pacing, dialogue, imagery, settings, just about everything showed the skill of a very talented writer. The cover does not represent the excellence of the novel.
Do not be fooled by the cover!
This is a dramatic story of love and hate, an extremely dysfunctional family, MPD ( Multiple Personality Disorder ), kidnapping, torture, violence, seduction, and psychic ability and even a helpful spirit.
The first few pages were not abundantly clear, but very soon after, I was riveted to the story of Maria and Josh. Josh has to be on of the best protagonists that I have seen. I have to admit, there were times where I wanted to slap some sense into Maria. She can be so frustrating at times. Freddie was perfect in his role, so was Phil. Clearly the author has a lot of experience with women. You will have to read the book to find out what that means.
Bottom Line: Very exciting, thrill ride of a book. So good, just don't look at the cover. Thumping Good Read. Highly Recommended!
February 4, 2017
Josh is a successful actor who has a photographic memory together with other supernatural abilities. Despite his successful career, he doesn't have any self esteem due to the way he is treated by his mother and other members of his family.
Maria is a successful doctor who is engaged to be married but not long before her wedding, she finds herself in an unpleasant situation with her fiancé leading to her leaving the UK for the US, to think things through. When she finds herself in danger of losing her life, Josh comes to her rescue and they quickly become good friends.
As the story develops, it becomes very apparent that not everything is the way it seems. As soon as one crisis is averted, another one surfaces. I like the way Josh handles each and everyone of them despite his own insecurities. The revelations about his cousin Freddie and his uncle Phil are very surprising and quite incredible. Maria's behaviour leaves a lot to be desired at times. This novel is completely different to anything else I have read to date and I was totally engrossed from beginning to end.
Maria is a successful doctor who is engaged to be married but not long before her wedding, she finds herself in an unpleasant situation with her fiancé leading to her leaving the UK for the US, to think things through. When she finds herself in danger of losing her life, Josh comes to her rescue and they quickly become good friends.
As the story develops, it becomes very apparent that not everything is the way it seems. As soon as one crisis is averted, another one surfaces. I like the way Josh handles each and everyone of them despite his own insecurities. The revelations about his cousin Freddie and his uncle Phil are very surprising and quite incredible. Maria's behaviour leaves a lot to be desired at times. This novel is completely different to anything else I have read to date and I was totally engrossed from beginning to end.
August 20, 2013
This is one of those novels which leave you with a sense of wondering what just happened but in a good way. The author pulls you along, giving you tidbits of anticipation mixed in with a bizarre feeling of wondering if you really want to do this or not.
The story has romance in it which is slightly off kilter, they are in love but they hurt each other by saying the most bizarre things and you are allowed to watch as if you were looking through the CCTV camera which is hidden on the wall in their apartment in the story. It's like they both periodically lose their minds. They dip in and out of reality, with their insecurities playing a deep role in their outlook of love and their future.
This book is all about the extremes and flaws in human nature, the moments of madness, the five second thoughts of revenge most sane people dismiss as unacceptable. It is the first in a series of three.
I rather liked it.
The story has romance in it which is slightly off kilter, they are in love but they hurt each other by saying the most bizarre things and you are allowed to watch as if you were looking through the CCTV camera which is hidden on the wall in their apartment in the story. It's like they both periodically lose their minds. They dip in and out of reality, with their insecurities playing a deep role in their outlook of love and their future.
This book is all about the extremes and flaws in human nature, the moments of madness, the five second thoughts of revenge most sane people dismiss as unacceptable. It is the first in a series of three.
I rather liked it.
February 26, 2014
A paranormal romance thriller, which is chilling in parts. This novel is full of suspense, desire and deceit with lots of twists. But I found it hard to read at times. Half of me liked this story the other half not so much. I couldn't connect with the characters, and the dialogue was childish, especially Maria, a doctor from the UK, awful woman. Josh, the main character a lost boy to the end, is a famous actor, good looking and wealthy, lives a life of bed-hopping and sharing women with his cousin, Freddie. Until he meets Maria. He is completely infatuated with her. Josh has the ability to see into the future, he soon sees flashes of their future which are terrifying and he tries to change that path, but her behaviour proves reckless! And so a tumble weed of events happen that are shocking. An okay read.
October 30, 2013
I read The Blake Curse first and really enjoyed it. Then I found that this author has written another book The Blake Soul. This did not disappoint me because I really enjoyed it to the end. I was so engrossed reading this book that time seemed to have stopped for me and also distracted me from things I should have done. The story barely slows long enough to take a deep breath. It is a paranormal love story and the characters are vividly described. My next read would be her latest book The Blake Mistake. Thank you for such an enjoyable book and I hope to see them as a movie one day. I will definitely recommend these books.
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