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Soothsayer #1
Soothsayer: Magic Is All Around Us
Violet Evans couldn’t possibly be linked to the medieval legends of King Arthur, or so she thought until a near death experience changed everything. With undeniable proof that magic is real, she will have to decide whether she’ll run for the hills or face her destiny head on.
Violet is used to capturing magic on film but when real magic enters her life in the form of Robert Maxwell, the mysteries of her connection to the Arthurian legends begins to unfold. With a price on her head, Violet struggles with what path she will follow as Robert becomes the one person in the world she can trust. No matter what choice Violet makes, she knows that her life has been altered forever, both by the man who brought her back from the brink of death and by the magic that will be a part of her forever.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2015
90 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 13, 2015
I fell in love with Soothsayer almost immediately. It draws you right in with a great, well-formed backstory, going back to the late 1700's around the King Arthur period. Alisson Sipe had me at "Arthurian Legend"! I love everything about that particular era and I loved that the magic component in her book stemmed from that era. It was pure genius and original to boot! The plotline and backstory were well formed and executed brilliantly. And I absolutely loved Violet! She was just a normal woman that had had some rough times but was getting through life well and happily. Only to discover that there is more to her and her world. So much more! I loved that she was just a regular girl. I definitely related to her and I love it when I can empathize with a protagonist. I think that is why so many people love Sookie Stackhouse(Charlaine Harris) so much. We don't always want the effortless badass! The romance between Violet and Robert was paced well, in my opinion. I'm so sick of hearing people complain about the "insta love" thing. There is a such thing as chemistry and you do feel it pretty quickly sometimes. Love is different for everyone though. I didn't find it to be instant in this book. If I had to describe their romance in a word I would choose sweet. This is definitely a book for all ages. The world-building is well done- simple and believable, which makes it easy to follow and enjoyable to read. Overall this was an amazing book. It had everything I look for- a fantasy/magic premise, a relatable, three-dimensional lead female, great supporting characters, some history and myth thrown in to make it interesting, twists in the plot to keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages until the sun comes up, humor, and a great romance. The ending left me ready for more right away. I'm so eager to delve back into the amazing world Allison Sipe has created. I would definitely say that this is going to be on my list of best books of 2015! 100% recommend!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
July 15, 2015
*** Received a free copy in exchange of an honest review***
First: The cover... WHAT A COVER! Absolutely fantastic. Really, its awesome!
What I liked in this book? The general idea of this story and the way the author wrote it. I normally don't like much the supporting characters, but Allison made them so cute and lovable that they are great.
What I did not like? Violet. I'm sorry! Really. She starts pretty good, actually, but after the first five chapters (or so), she goes downhill with all her bipolar self. And I found Robert a bit too touchy-feely. I mean, since the first meeting, he's caressing her... like... WTH? She's been through a lot in her life, and she prides herself on being tough and hard with boys and life in general. But she knows Robert (who is a total adonis, by the way) and she's melting and yelling in the span of a second, and... she lets him caress her like it were nothing strange for someone you JUST meet to caress you. I guess that is a perk of being such a god among humans LOL.
All in all, I'm waiting for the second book!! So if you're wondering if this book is worth it, then I have to say: IT IS!!!
First: The cover... WHAT A COVER! Absolutely fantastic. Really, its awesome!
What I liked in this book? The general idea of this story and the way the author wrote it. I normally don't like much the supporting characters, but Allison made them so cute and lovable that they are great.
What I did not like? Violet. I'm sorry! Really. She starts pretty good, actually, but after the first five chapters (or so), she goes downhill with all her bipolar self. And I found Robert a bit too touchy-feely. I mean, since the first meeting, he's caressing her... like... WTH? She's been through a lot in her life, and she prides herself on being tough and hard with boys and life in general. But she knows Robert (who is a total adonis, by the way) and she's melting and yelling in the span of a second, and... she lets him caress her like it were nothing strange for someone you JUST meet to caress you. I guess that is a perk of being such a god among humans LOL.
All in all, I'm waiting for the second book!! So if you're wondering if this book is worth it, then I have to say: IT IS!!!
April 27, 2017
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the idea of a new twist on the King Arthur legend and this book promised some "time-travel" type stuff, so I was intrigued. I mean, right up my alley, ohk?! The cover is pretty cool, but the model doesn't look like Violet in my head. Anyway, this book was a fun, quick read! It started a little slow and there were parts that were a little mundane (like her photography jobs), but I was able to get past those once the characters started coming to life.
For the role of eye candy love interest, we have the token mysterious-rich-white-snappy-dresser-dude, Robert Maxwell.
Feast your eyes on the glory that is his royal highness, magical hunkness. At first I didn't like Robert. He seemed like such a cardboard "hot" love interest character with all the eHarmony boxes checked off, but I really started to like him much more as the story moved on. He had a good personality and seemed competent in his role as protector. He quickly became less "bachelor of the year" and more a good guy who genuinely cared about Violet. Diggin' it.
And then there's photographer-with-a-sad-past-but-kind-of-normal-somehow, Violet Evans.
I don't know what she really looks like, but I think this works. I honestly never entirely warmed up to Violet as a character. She was a little difficult for me to get a handle on and I could never figure out why. I liked her, but I never really "connected" (to use terminology from the novel), so a lot of what she did annoyed me. The good thing is the storyline was strong enough that it didn't matter. I really liked how Violet was afraid and failed when she tried growing her magic. I liked the fact that she was uncertain about everything and angry, even lashing out in understanding fashion at family betrayals. I liked her the most when she was raw in those moments of pain and struggle. That was the depth I was looking for.
The only thing that really jumped out at me negatively was Violet's reluctance to allow Robert to buy her poetry book - which was awesome because I'd love a smart rich dude to bankroll my bookshelf, STAT - and make it about empowerment. Umm...huh? Once he did what he did and they were connected, she kept melting like a candle around him and going weak in the knees all the time. It grew a little stale at the beginning but got understandable the more their relationship grew. And he was really handsy on the pier for my taste, but I guess it was ok considering he was a healer who was trying to comfort her non-magically.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and I'll be grabbing the sequel!
I loved the idea of a new twist on the King Arthur legend and this book promised some "time-travel" type stuff, so I was intrigued. I mean, right up my alley, ohk?! The cover is pretty cool, but the model doesn't look like Violet in my head. Anyway, this book was a fun, quick read! It started a little slow and there were parts that were a little mundane (like her photography jobs), but I was able to get past those once the characters started coming to life.
For the role of eye candy love interest, we have the token mysterious-rich-white-snappy-dresser-dude, Robert Maxwell.
Feast your eyes on the glory that is his royal highness, magical hunkness. At first I didn't like Robert. He seemed like such a cardboard "hot" love interest character with all the eHarmony boxes checked off, but I really started to like him much more as the story moved on. He had a good personality and seemed competent in his role as protector. He quickly became less "bachelor of the year" and more a good guy who genuinely cared about Violet. Diggin' it.
And then there's photographer-with-a-sad-past-but-kind-of-normal-somehow, Violet Evans.
I don't know what she really looks like, but I think this works. I honestly never entirely warmed up to Violet as a character. She was a little difficult for me to get a handle on and I could never figure out why. I liked her, but I never really "connected" (to use terminology from the novel), so a lot of what she did annoyed me. The good thing is the storyline was strong enough that it didn't matter. I really liked how Violet was afraid and failed when she tried growing her magic. I liked the fact that she was uncertain about everything and angry, even lashing out in understanding fashion at family betrayals. I liked her the most when she was raw in those moments of pain and struggle. That was the depth I was looking for.
The only thing that really jumped out at me negatively was Violet's reluctance to allow Robert to buy her poetry book - which was awesome because I'd love a smart rich dude to bankroll my bookshelf, STAT - and make it about empowerment. Umm...huh? Once he did what he did and they were connected, she kept melting like a candle around him and going weak in the knees all the time. It grew a little stale at the beginning but got understandable the more their relationship grew. And he was really handsy on the pier for my taste, but I guess it was ok considering he was a healer who was trying to comfort her non-magically.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and I'll be grabbing the sequel!
November 17, 2015
Living her life in Pismo Beach, Violet Evans is used to capturing magic on her camera. As a photographer she has a busy life taking photos of all different occasions. With a little help of her best friend/assistant named Becky.
One day her and Becky spend some time together catching up on live while having coffee and going to their favorite local bookstore. Knowing that she has a big wedding occasion that day, Violet makes her stop at the bookstore quick all until a hot guy basically pops up out of nowhere and is a little too friendly as a stranger.
Brushing off her encounter at the bookstore, Violet gets herself and her camera equipment ready for the Maxwells wedding.
While taking photos of the beautiful outdone scenery she stumbles upon the too friendly,hot, mystery man named Robert. Violet can't pinpoint it but she feels tat something is different with Robert. She just doesn't know yet.
Spending a full day at a wedding taking photos of the lovely bride and groom, Violet starts to pack up. When all of a sudden a near death experience happens to Violet.
That's when Robert comes into the picture.
Soon finding out that she isn't normal Violet goes into a state of shock because she's been kept in the dark. A whole family called the Patridge's are all magically trained people set out to kill her because she's The Waker..
Learning more about there history and magic Violet cannot accept that she is powerful and destined to do great things. But how can she when she's been living a lie and she can't even call upon magic?
Robert and Violet spend more time together now that Robert is her protector. Starting to fall for him Violet pushes their relationship back further, not wanting her heart to hurt anymore than it already has. But with nowhere left to run the only place she feels safe is in Roberts arms.
Gosh!!! I cannot put words into how much I enjoyed Soothsayer!!! At the beginning of the novel theres a prologue set in the 1700's that draws you into the book so far to the point you have to keep reading to find out what happens next!
I felt that the story overall as very great! Many of the aspects that I enjoyed were the descriptive parts of Soothsayer. Allison Sipe has a talent of making the scenery in the novel feel like it's actually surrounding you. I've never read a fantasy novel that ties into the King Arthur time period. And I really liked that because it has some old myths and history from the 1700's.
I felt that the plot was well done it had a lot of suspense and rollercoasters! Although throughout Soothsayer I found that the story could be very predictable at times..
The characters were also very well done. Since Soothsayer is read from Violets perspective we learn more about her life rather than Robert's.
Violet's character is very independent,responsible, caring, and sensitive.The humor that Violet has is contagious and those little treats thoughtout the book kept it lighthearted when though there was a lot dark things happening to Violet.
Towards the end of the novel, Violet's character becomes wiser and stronger while accepting that she power.
I don't have much to say about Robert since we don't learn much about him in Soothsayer, other than that he's super caring,powerful/strong, and that he will do anything he can to protect Violet.
Their romance throughout the novel is so cute!!! I love the hesitation that Violet has about having a relationship with Robert. And I really liked that the progression in their intimate relationship is continuing to prolong itself. Just because many of the novels I've read that contain romance seem to rush when it comes to an intimate relationship.
The tension of wanting to be with one another had me on the tips of my toes because I kept anticipating what would happen next between Robert and Violet.
I'm super intersted to find out more about the special powers that the characters have.
I feel that Allison Sipe did a great job wither characters in Soothsayer as well as the overall writing and story.
All in all Soothsayer was one of the best books I've read that also tied into ancient myths and magic from the King Arthur period. The writing style and setting of the novel was so addicting!
If you want some magic,suspense, romance,with dark elements and a twist of myths you are most defiantly going to fall in love with Soothsayer!
One day her and Becky spend some time together catching up on live while having coffee and going to their favorite local bookstore. Knowing that she has a big wedding occasion that day, Violet makes her stop at the bookstore quick all until a hot guy basically pops up out of nowhere and is a little too friendly as a stranger.
Brushing off her encounter at the bookstore, Violet gets herself and her camera equipment ready for the Maxwells wedding.
While taking photos of the beautiful outdone scenery she stumbles upon the too friendly,hot, mystery man named Robert. Violet can't pinpoint it but she feels tat something is different with Robert. She just doesn't know yet.
Spending a full day at a wedding taking photos of the lovely bride and groom, Violet starts to pack up. When all of a sudden a near death experience happens to Violet.
That's when Robert comes into the picture.
Soon finding out that she isn't normal Violet goes into a state of shock because she's been kept in the dark. A whole family called the Patridge's are all magically trained people set out to kill her because she's The Waker..
Learning more about there history and magic Violet cannot accept that she is powerful and destined to do great things. But how can she when she's been living a lie and she can't even call upon magic?
Robert and Violet spend more time together now that Robert is her protector. Starting to fall for him Violet pushes their relationship back further, not wanting her heart to hurt anymore than it already has. But with nowhere left to run the only place she feels safe is in Roberts arms.
Gosh!!! I cannot put words into how much I enjoyed Soothsayer!!! At the beginning of the novel theres a prologue set in the 1700's that draws you into the book so far to the point you have to keep reading to find out what happens next!
I felt that the story overall as very great! Many of the aspects that I enjoyed were the descriptive parts of Soothsayer. Allison Sipe has a talent of making the scenery in the novel feel like it's actually surrounding you. I've never read a fantasy novel that ties into the King Arthur time period. And I really liked that because it has some old myths and history from the 1700's.
I felt that the plot was well done it had a lot of suspense and rollercoasters! Although throughout Soothsayer I found that the story could be very predictable at times..
The characters were also very well done. Since Soothsayer is read from Violets perspective we learn more about her life rather than Robert's.
Violet's character is very independent,responsible, caring, and sensitive.The humor that Violet has is contagious and those little treats thoughtout the book kept it lighthearted when though there was a lot dark things happening to Violet.
Towards the end of the novel, Violet's character becomes wiser and stronger while accepting that she power.
I don't have much to say about Robert since we don't learn much about him in Soothsayer, other than that he's super caring,powerful/strong, and that he will do anything he can to protect Violet.
Their romance throughout the novel is so cute!!! I love the hesitation that Violet has about having a relationship with Robert. And I really liked that the progression in their intimate relationship is continuing to prolong itself. Just because many of the novels I've read that contain romance seem to rush when it comes to an intimate relationship.
The tension of wanting to be with one another had me on the tips of my toes because I kept anticipating what would happen next between Robert and Violet.
I'm super intersted to find out more about the special powers that the characters have.
I feel that Allison Sipe did a great job wither characters in Soothsayer as well as the overall writing and story.
All in all Soothsayer was one of the best books I've read that also tied into ancient myths and magic from the King Arthur period. The writing style and setting of the novel was so addicting!
If you want some magic,suspense, romance,with dark elements and a twist of myths you are most defiantly going to fall in love with Soothsayer!
June 5, 2016
Soothsayer follows the story of Violet, a photographer who discovers that she not only possesses the ability to perform magic but that she is also very important in the magical world. She develops a relationship with a young man named Robert, who leads her through this discovery and who is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! I loved the way that this story evolved and at times felt more like a contemporary young adult novel than a fantasy novel. If you don’t want to be spoiled stop here and go check out Soothsayer, the first in what looks to be a very promising series.
The parts that I LOVED-
1. Violet is a photographer, as someone who loves photography herself this was a massive draw card and something that I could relate to
2. The beautiful language that Allison uses to describe scenes- for example the scene at the wedding with the gorgeous big house. I felt like I was right there in the moment with Violet
3. Robert Maxwell! What a perfect character. It started well when Violet met him in a bookstore and then only improved from there. Many books of this genre fall into the trap of “instalove” but this was not the case here. The relationship felt very original but also plausible and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
The parts I not-so loved-
1. Some scenes did seem to drag on a little bit like at the winery. This is a small critique but it needed to be made.
The parts that I LOVED-
1. Violet is a photographer, as someone who loves photography herself this was a massive draw card and something that I could relate to
2. The beautiful language that Allison uses to describe scenes- for example the scene at the wedding with the gorgeous big house. I felt like I was right there in the moment with Violet
3. Robert Maxwell! What a perfect character. It started well when Violet met him in a bookstore and then only improved from there. Many books of this genre fall into the trap of “instalove” but this was not the case here. The relationship felt very original but also plausible and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
The parts I not-so loved-
1. Some scenes did seem to drag on a little bit like at the winery. This is a small critique but it needed to be made.
May 27, 2017
This was a book that I really did not like at the beginning but got better towards the end. While I love stories involving King Arthur's legend, I did not like the romance as described in this book. The characters were all adults, yet the romance felt no different from reading about teens. It just felt so immature to me.
July 2, 2015
Great book! The characters are so lovable and the story pulls you in and keeps you there. I want more!!! Sequel now please...
June 8, 2017
My Kindle e-book
August 20, 2019
Good Idea, Execution Weak
I am of several minds of this book. I liked the Arthurian backdrop, though I don't think it was explored to its full extent. The characterization seemed inconsistent, and I thought the heroine was a bit too naïve and trusting of the hero. Just because he's hot and saved her life doesn't mean he's necessarily trustworthy. There were definite issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Commas were problematic, as they often are in self-pubbed work, but there are other places where the wrong punctuation was used as well, like errant periods and incorrect punctuation of dialogue. The dialogue tags were a little odd at times and didn't seem to always go with what the action was, so it was a little jarring. I think the story definitely needed tightening and focusing at the hands of a good editor. That being said, the author did create an interesting world; the execution just didn't quite live up to the ideas.
I did receive a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I am of several minds of this book. I liked the Arthurian backdrop, though I don't think it was explored to its full extent. The characterization seemed inconsistent, and I thought the heroine was a bit too naïve and trusting of the hero. Just because he's hot and saved her life doesn't mean he's necessarily trustworthy. There were definite issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Commas were problematic, as they often are in self-pubbed work, but there are other places where the wrong punctuation was used as well, like errant periods and incorrect punctuation of dialogue. The dialogue tags were a little odd at times and didn't seem to always go with what the action was, so it was a little jarring. I think the story definitely needed tightening and focusing at the hands of a good editor. That being said, the author did create an interesting world; the execution just didn't quite live up to the ideas.
I did receive a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
April 5, 2022
Okay, now I had the Author of this book reach out to me, and I am so very glad they did!
This was such a great story! The emotions I felt in this book were up and down...and i was on the edge of my seat! I wanted to RAGE for Violet , and then right when I thought I had the story figured out...BAM Plot twist so hard I got whiplash!
I did honestly fall in love with the story in the first few chapters because the characters were written to be relatable and sensible enough that you felt like you were Violet. I know some people didn't like her, but I actually liked her strength to handle everything dealt to her so well.
Robert.....well I want him...HA! Idk there was just something about his character that had me a little weak in the knees :P He was a great ops character and man...I did not see THAT coming! lol!
Over all I loved this book so much and the story....it checked my boxes! So I will be continuing this series for sure...especially after that cliff hanger!
I received an copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such a great story! The emotions I felt in this book were up and down...and i was on the edge of my seat! I wanted to RAGE for Violet , and then right when I thought I had the story figured out...BAM Plot twist so hard I got whiplash!
I did honestly fall in love with the story in the first few chapters because the characters were written to be relatable and sensible enough that you felt like you were Violet. I know some people didn't like her, but I actually liked her strength to handle everything dealt to her so well.
Robert.....well I want him...HA! Idk there was just something about his character that had me a little weak in the knees :P He was a great ops character and man...I did not see THAT coming! lol!
Over all I loved this book so much and the story....it checked my boxes! So I will be continuing this series for sure...especially after that cliff hanger!
I received an copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2019
I always love a story that adds the Arthurian touch. After an attack Violet is opened to a world of magic she didn't know before. AS she soon learns to understand is that she must embrace her magic or everything including Robert will be lost to Morgana.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2021
I am hooked! Soothsayer was the perfect escape into a magical world that I needed. I fell in love with the characters and the story. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
August 6, 2018
desperate for something to read + free ebook = no further conmment
December 19, 2021
Couldn’t put it down! My sister recommended the book. Got into it right away. Loved the storyline, the writing, the magical world! Can’t wait to read the next one
October 17, 2023
More like 2.8 ⭐️
December 28, 2016
As a professional photographer running her own business, Violet thinks her life is complete … and completely romance-less. Until Robert steps into the picture. It’s during a chance encounter when the two crash into one another in a bookstore—and then again at a wedding she’s photographing—but it ends up being much more than chance. It’s destiny. For Violet is a Soothsayer—the Waker who is destined to wake a mystical Lady that was foretold during the Arthurian era. And this Lady protects the magical world’s future, a future only Violet’s magic can set in motion, even though she is unaware of her abilities until Robert helps her discover them. Yet her hidden identity nearly costs her life, until Robert steps in and heals both her life and her heart.
As the romantic tension builds, Violet takes a shot at love elsewhere, only to circle back to Robert as they are drawn together. Her magic develops as she discovers a journal of spells and history, but by the end readers are left to wonder what side Robert is on—along with a cliffhanger about Robert’s future.
The story is a passionately woven tale of magic and legend, with an intricate plotline that combs through history and evolves into a modern-day culmination of action and budding relationships.
If you’re looking for a romance novel with a compelling story that segues into a promising sequel, you’ve found your next read.
As the romantic tension builds, Violet takes a shot at love elsewhere, only to circle back to Robert as they are drawn together. Her magic develops as she discovers a journal of spells and history, but by the end readers are left to wonder what side Robert is on—along with a cliffhanger about Robert’s future.
The story is a passionately woven tale of magic and legend, with an intricate plotline that combs through history and evolves into a modern-day culmination of action and budding relationships.
If you’re looking for a romance novel with a compelling story that segues into a promising sequel, you’ve found your next read.
November 14, 2021
Soothsayer by Allison Sipe is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one a wonderful start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loved reading about paranormal romances and fantasy in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to Read
October 28, 2016I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is autographed.
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