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Soren Chase #2
The Pretender
A young girl slaughters her entire family in a quiet suburban neighborhood. The police say she snapped, but Soren Chase knows the truth. Having dedicated his life to hunting down the creature that murdered his best friend and left him framed for the crime eight years ago, Soren expertly recognizes the villain’s hallmarks in the young girl’s rampage: a pretender—a supernatural creature that can steal the identity and memories of its targets—has struck again.
Recently shattered by the realization that the monster he hunted for so long is far closer than he ever imagined, Soren needs to find a way to put the pieces back together if he wants to protect his remaining loved ones. To face this new threat, Soren must learn to cope with the past, forge an unlikely alliance, and battle an ancient foe with a sinister agenda that could kill millions.
Don’t miss this exciting sequel to The Forest of Forever and the next chapter in an addictive, urban fantasy series that One Book Two calls “amazing… with twists and turns that left me seriously unbalanced.”
Recently shattered by the realization that the monster he hunted for so long is far closer than he ever imagined, Soren needs to find a way to put the pieces back together if he wants to protect his remaining loved ones. To face this new threat, Soren must learn to cope with the past, forge an unlikely alliance, and battle an ancient foe with a sinister agenda that could kill millions.
Don’t miss this exciting sequel to The Forest of Forever and the next chapter in an addictive, urban fantasy series that One Book Two calls “amazing… with twists and turns that left me seriously unbalanced.”
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2016
84 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Rob Blackwell
15 books114 followersRob is an award-winning journalist with 17 years' experience, and the author of The Sanheim Chronicles and The Soren Chase novels, two series that combine urban fantasy, mystery and suspense.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and has been the co-winner of two Jesse H. Neal awards for business journalism. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Tim White Award for Editorial Integrity, which recognizes a journalist “whose work demonstrates extraordinary courage, integrity and passion.”
He has appeared several times on various media outlets, including NPR, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC and C-Span.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and has been the co-winner of two Jesse H. Neal awards for business journalism. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Tim White Award for Editorial Integrity, which recognizes a journalist “whose work demonstrates extraordinary courage, integrity and passion.”
He has appeared several times on various media outlets, including NPR, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC and C-Span.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 21, 2018
Another excellent instalment in the Soren Chase paranormal mysteries. Following the revelation in the first full-length book, Soren wants to know the kind of person he really is but has to put this on hold, when Sara's son, Alex is kidnapped. Enjoyed this one except for the character of Friday whom I disliked from first appearance.
May 11, 2016
I received this book from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are fully my own. I had read (and loved) the first book in this series, The Forest of Forever, so I had high hopes for The Pretender. I can honestly say it did not disappoint!
The book starts out high in action, and the pace is kept up throughout. However at no time do you feel like it is action for the sake of action, it is all bringing you on a fantastic journey, continuing Soren's path of discovery and growth from the first book, and taking it way beyond what we could have ever imagined. This book took the story well past what I could have ever imagined, and I love it all the more for that. I felt like at every moment I was discovering with Soren. Nothing disappoints me more in a book then when I am able to anticipate what will happen next, and at absolutely no stage was I able to anticipate with this book - I truly loved that about it. I sat and read for the day, and did not once want to put it down, constantly feeling like egging Soren and the rest of the characters on towards the end discoveries. I am purposely not giving away any of the story as I want everyone to read it and experience it for themselves. But I will say, if you have not yet read The Forest of Forever, I would highly recommend reading that first, as I feel it gives you a real understanding of who Soren is in The Pretender, and you can really fully understand his angst, and emotions, and what is driving him. Then once you have read it, you can thank me for recommending the read, and get straight to reading The Pretender and have one of the best reads in the Urban Fantasy / Horror / Supernatural genre in a long time!
The book starts out high in action, and the pace is kept up throughout. However at no time do you feel like it is action for the sake of action, it is all bringing you on a fantastic journey, continuing Soren's path of discovery and growth from the first book, and taking it way beyond what we could have ever imagined. This book took the story well past what I could have ever imagined, and I love it all the more for that. I felt like at every moment I was discovering with Soren. Nothing disappoints me more in a book then when I am able to anticipate what will happen next, and at absolutely no stage was I able to anticipate with this book - I truly loved that about it. I sat and read for the day, and did not once want to put it down, constantly feeling like egging Soren and the rest of the characters on towards the end discoveries. I am purposely not giving away any of the story as I want everyone to read it and experience it for themselves. But I will say, if you have not yet read The Forest of Forever, I would highly recommend reading that first, as I feel it gives you a real understanding of who Soren is in The Pretender, and you can really fully understand his angst, and emotions, and what is driving him. Then once you have read it, you can thank me for recommending the read, and get straight to reading The Pretender and have one of the best reads in the Urban Fantasy / Horror / Supernatural genre in a long time!
May 24, 2016
This is a dark urban fantasy mystery thriller. Some violence and more than one mention of suicide.
I was hit with a mind bender at the end of Book 1. Soren Chase is a paranormal investigator who figured out he is actually the monster that he’s been hunting for so many years after the deaths of his friends. The creature that Soren hunts is called a Pretender. They can take the body shape and memories of their victims to essentially take their place.
I have mixed feelings about this story. Oh, don’t get me wrong, the writing and the story is great, it’s just *I’m* having as much trouble coming to terms with Soren’s identity as he is. Soren hates what he is enough to create a list of different ways to kill himself; when one way doesn’t work, he crosses it off the list. I feel such empathy for this character that it’s hard to remember that he’s actually a monster….or is he?
Something is wrong in the paranormal/supernatural world. The presence of evil creatures are increasing. There are demons making sacrifices. There is a more evil being is forcing other creatures to help him so he may forward his evil plan. I learned more about Pretenders and what they can do. I learned that there aren’t that many and Soren may be the key to save us all. I learned that Pretenders don’t have to kill their hosts. I learned exactly why Soren isn’t “Falk” (his Pretender name). I have never met a twist like this, and it’s very well written and even though I wanted to look away several times after my favorite character was damaged, I couldn’t. It’s that good.
I was hit with a mind bender at the end of Book 1. Soren Chase is a paranormal investigator who figured out he is actually the monster that he’s been hunting for so many years after the deaths of his friends. The creature that Soren hunts is called a Pretender. They can take the body shape and memories of their victims to essentially take their place.
I have mixed feelings about this story. Oh, don’t get me wrong, the writing and the story is great, it’s just *I’m* having as much trouble coming to terms with Soren’s identity as he is. Soren hates what he is enough to create a list of different ways to kill himself; when one way doesn’t work, he crosses it off the list. I feel such empathy for this character that it’s hard to remember that he’s actually a monster….or is he?
Something is wrong in the paranormal/supernatural world. The presence of evil creatures are increasing. There are demons making sacrifices. There is a more evil being is forcing other creatures to help him so he may forward his evil plan. I learned more about Pretenders and what they can do. I learned that there aren’t that many and Soren may be the key to save us all. I learned that Pretenders don’t have to kill their hosts. I learned exactly why Soren isn’t “Falk” (his Pretender name). I have never met a twist like this, and it’s very well written and even though I wanted to look away several times after my favorite character was damaged, I couldn’t. It’s that good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2016
I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
First thing first you will have to read book one to understand this book, the reason I say that is I read book one not too long ago and when I started reading this one I had to stop and think about what happened in the first book.
In this story Soren learns who he truly is via another Pretender but Soren isn't what people truly expect him to be. We also see Sara and her kind of boyfriend police officer Ken fight to stop a powerful being from killing tons of innocents and stopping his menacing plan. Will all his crazy creatures (some of them were quite scary, especially the spider?)
There is so much here within the story that I will give too much away.
I don't remember much of Sara in book one but I have to say I liked how she never gives up in this book she is constantly wanting to be on the front line of it all.
Now the reason I gave this book a four was only because towards the end it was a bit hard for me to keep all the characters straight as far as who was impersonating who.
This book has plenty of action from the get go and leaves you wondering what exactly is the end game for all involved.
If you like action, paranormal creatures that you may have never heard of I say pick this book up.
First thing first you will have to read book one to understand this book, the reason I say that is I read book one not too long ago and when I started reading this one I had to stop and think about what happened in the first book.
In this story Soren learns who he truly is via another Pretender but Soren isn't what people truly expect him to be. We also see Sara and her kind of boyfriend police officer Ken fight to stop a powerful being from killing tons of innocents and stopping his menacing plan. Will all his crazy creatures (some of them were quite scary, especially the spider?)
There is so much here within the story that I will give too much away.
I don't remember much of Sara in book one but I have to say I liked how she never gives up in this book she is constantly wanting to be on the front line of it all.
Now the reason I gave this book a four was only because towards the end it was a bit hard for me to keep all the characters straight as far as who was impersonating who.
This book has plenty of action from the get go and leaves you wondering what exactly is the end game for all involved.
If you like action, paranormal creatures that you may have never heard of I say pick this book up.
May 31, 2016
OMG
This paranormal series is one of the Best I have read in awhile. I love it because there is so much detail and that makes it so entrancing! Soren Chase is the absolute greatest because he is so down to earth and just wants to get the job done, even if it puts his life on the line. This book had alot of new revelations for him and he did good with trying to master them. And it's so insidious the way the Council is in the background, orchestrating everything. All the secondary characters from Sara to Glen, they are like people from your favorite TV series. Bravo Mr. Blackwell! You've penned another winner. Can't wait for the next one!
This paranormal series is one of the Best I have read in awhile. I love it because there is so much detail and that makes it so entrancing! Soren Chase is the absolute greatest because he is so down to earth and just wants to get the job done, even if it puts his life on the line. This book had alot of new revelations for him and he did good with trying to master them. And it's so insidious the way the Council is in the background, orchestrating everything. All the secondary characters from Sara to Glen, they are like people from your favorite TV series. Bravo Mr. Blackwell! You've penned another winner. Can't wait for the next one!
May 1, 2016
I really enjoyed the book, couldn't put it down. Even though it's part of a series, the story can stand alone, although there is a lot of back story that easier understood by reading the series in order.
The writing flows through the whole book, never slowing down or dragging at any point. I'll be honest, I've never been one for paranormal investigation type books, but I am very rapidly becoming a Soren Chase fan.
The writing flows through the whole book, never slowing down or dragging at any point. I'll be honest, I've never been one for paranormal investigation type books, but I am very rapidly becoming a Soren Chase fan.
May 28, 2016
Addictive!
Another great Soren Chase tale. It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next installment
Another great Soren Chase tale. It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next installment
June 10, 2016
Loved it
Can't wait to find out what happens next - Alex, the little girl, Soren, Friday, even Glen. Fantastic story! Write faster, Mr. Blackwell.
Can't wait to find out what happens next - Alex, the little girl, Soren, Friday, even Glen. Fantastic story! Write faster, Mr. Blackwell.
July 18, 2017
I thought The Pretender was a pretty good second book to the series. It's a little more character based instead of just "monster" stuff. There is still a lot of action and suspense but we also get to see some of the characters grow, evolve, change. And of course, there's a couple of twists just to keep things interesting. Good read.
For those who want to know: This one has language, violence and sex.
For those who want to know: This one has language, violence and sex.
June 29, 2018
Must Read for Monster Lovers......and Haters!
Much better plotline than the first Soren Chase novel. I didn't want to put it down. Unlike "Forever Forest" which I needed to do several times to absorb the characters and story. However, if you don't read "Forever Forest," then you'll be lost in this novel, " The Pretender. " I look forward to the 3rd book of the Soren Chase series!
Much better plotline than the first Soren Chase novel. I didn't want to put it down. Unlike "Forever Forest" which I needed to do several times to absorb the characters and story. However, if you don't read "Forever Forest," then you'll be lost in this novel, " The Pretender. " I look forward to the 3rd book of the Soren Chase series!
May 26, 2019
AWESOME, AWESOME READ!!
The Pretender was a non stop read!!
Soren Chase is trying to find a missing boy, but it won't be an easy job for this Supernatural Detective!! Sara's child, Alex has to be found and protected! Alex's father, John was Soren's best friend from childhood and nothing will stop Soren from finding Alex!!
The Pretender was a non stop read!!
Soren Chase is trying to find a missing boy, but it won't be an easy job for this Supernatural Detective!! Sara's child, Alex has to be found and protected! Alex's father, John was Soren's best friend from childhood and nothing will stop Soren from finding Alex!!
July 20, 2020
A great read.
Even better than the first. Read it in one sitting and then told my friends to get it. I highly recommend it and I hope this review can help convince anyone on the fence to take the chance. Enjoy
Even better than the first. Read it in one sitting and then told my friends to get it. I highly recommend it and I hope this review can help convince anyone on the fence to take the chance. Enjoy
March 5, 2017
This was definitely tighter and more enjoyable than book 1. That being said, Sara did bug me quite a lot. Seeing more of the world and the hints at the larger plot were fun though.
August 3, 2017
Good contemporary scifi/fantasy. Really addicting read and Soren Chase is great main character. I'm eager to read the next book in the series, since the main plot is slowly starting to progress.
August 9, 2017
Great Series
This has been a surprisingly good series, and a really fun time. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book and novella. 4 out of 5 stars 🌟.
This has been a surprisingly good series, and a really fun time. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book and novella. 4 out of 5 stars 🌟.
November 2, 2017
I liked it, although I enjoyed the first one more. I'll definitely read the 3rd.
February 10, 2018
Can't beat this series for imagination and plot.
May 4, 2018
Wow, this was so good! The first book was good, but this one is even better. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 8, 2021
Chase Soren is dismayed when he learns that he is a Pretender. But then Alex, Sara's son is kidnapped and he needs to rescue him. Very good story. Interesting characters.
July 9, 2016
Rob Blackwell keeps getting better and so does Soren Chase. I'm a little sad because, if this is a trilogy, I'll be saying goodby to Soren Chase. *sniffle* There will be only one book to go and it will be published in the fall. *sigh*
Mr. Blackwell has a special gift. As I have stated before, the action sequences are wonderful. The timing is very-nearly-perfect; you don't have to read too much which breaks the momentum, but you never feel anything is left out. I wish I could do that.
The character arch for Soren Chase was a huge one at the end of the first book. The arch continues and he develops into an amazing character. You don't want to let him go.
The middle book of a trilogy is often the weakest. If this is the case, I can hardly wait for the finale. Then again, it will be over and I will have to suffer Soren Chase withdrawals.
I'm going to cut this review short. There is so much I want to say, but since I adopted a ten month old Springer Spaniel pup, my life is topsy turvy. Springers are a wired breed to begin with, but I think I have the ADHD of all Springers. Duncan Donut Macleod (you can't have only one) is the personification of joie de vivre and I'm exhausted most of the time. It's like having a two year old with sharp teeth. I'm sure he's off being naughty as I type.
Cheers! Please enjoy 'The Pretender' and let me know what you think. If you haven't read the previous book, you have to read that first. This is not a stand-alone book. (was that a cat hiss from the dining room???) I gotta go.
Mr. Blackwell has a special gift. As I have stated before, the action sequences are wonderful. The timing is very-nearly-perfect; you don't have to read too much which breaks the momentum, but you never feel anything is left out. I wish I could do that.
The character arch for Soren Chase was a huge one at the end of the first book. The arch continues and he develops into an amazing character. You don't want to let him go.
The middle book of a trilogy is often the weakest. If this is the case, I can hardly wait for the finale. Then again, it will be over and I will have to suffer Soren Chase withdrawals.
I'm going to cut this review short. There is so much I want to say, but since I adopted a ten month old Springer Spaniel pup, my life is topsy turvy. Springers are a wired breed to begin with, but I think I have the ADHD of all Springers. Duncan Donut Macleod (you can't have only one) is the personification of joie de vivre and I'm exhausted most of the time. It's like having a two year old with sharp teeth. I'm sure he's off being naughty as I type.
Cheers! Please enjoy 'The Pretender' and let me know what you think. If you haven't read the previous book, you have to read that first. This is not a stand-alone book. (was that a cat hiss from the dining room???) I gotta go.
July 13, 2016
Read the first book first! THE FOREST OF FOREVER. Otherwise you'll get big spoilers. Just don't do that to yourself. THE FOREST OF FOREVER was a great book, so start there. If you don't enjoy it, then you probably won't like this one, either.
This, like the first book, is more HORROR than any other genre. Only Paranormal/Fantasy because Fantasy is just a catch-all. Beyond that, it has a lot of other stuff: suspense, action, adventure.
Life goes on after the revelations of the first book. The murder of a family by girl who had been, by all accounts, adjusted and loving, prompts Soren Chase to investigate, since he sees the signs of a Pretender, a supernatural entity that can take the form and memories of others. He finds murders and disappearances of other children and seeks the totally evil and horrific thing behind this.
As before, more harrowing, horrific and bloody events than you can imagine. Just "wow" again!!! These stories and characters are just riveting. But it's not mindless horror. There is always a nice complexity that makes it worthwhile. I'm not into bloody slasher tales just for the gratuitous violence and gore. This series has that, but it's not just gratuitous. So I hope for many more books in this series!
This, like the first book, is more HORROR than any other genre. Only Paranormal/Fantasy because Fantasy is just a catch-all. Beyond that, it has a lot of other stuff: suspense, action, adventure.
Life goes on after the revelations of the first book. The murder of a family by girl who had been, by all accounts, adjusted and loving, prompts Soren Chase to investigate, since he sees the signs of a Pretender, a supernatural entity that can take the form and memories of others. He finds murders and disappearances of other children and seeks the totally evil and horrific thing behind this.
As before, more harrowing, horrific and bloody events than you can imagine. Just "wow" again!!! These stories and characters are just riveting. But it's not mindless horror. There is always a nice complexity that makes it worthwhile. I'm not into bloody slasher tales just for the gratuitous violence and gore. This series has that, but it's not just gratuitous. So I hope for many more books in this series!
August 18, 2016
The Pretender takes the revelation at the end of the last book and in the course of the prequel novellas and runs with them, with Soren Chase having quite a few internal questions to struggle with, and while he seeks answers, the dark forces glimpsed before now reach out to claim Alex, the son of Soren’s unrequited love, Sara, widow of his best friend.
Soren must put his personal torments aside and embrace new and frightening skills if he’s to have a chance of helping her. Meanwhile Sara herself has grown in her role and capabilities, now working for a secret outfit that investigates and opposes malign supernatural incursions.
But that may not be enough to fight a more dangerous enemy than any they’ve yet faced, and who has gathered an army of supernatural monstrosities to his call.
The series invites comparisons with the legendary Buffy and Angel series, with its blend of supernatural action, horror and touches of humor. It’s a tricky mix to pull off, but Blackwell succeeds, creating a story and characters you want to follow.
And the ending…it leaves no doubt there are much bigger challenges in store for Soren Chase and company.
Soren must put his personal torments aside and embrace new and frightening skills if he’s to have a chance of helping her. Meanwhile Sara herself has grown in her role and capabilities, now working for a secret outfit that investigates and opposes malign supernatural incursions.
But that may not be enough to fight a more dangerous enemy than any they’ve yet faced, and who has gathered an army of supernatural monstrosities to his call.
The series invites comparisons with the legendary Buffy and Angel series, with its blend of supernatural action, horror and touches of humor. It’s a tricky mix to pull off, but Blackwell succeeds, creating a story and characters you want to follow.
And the ending…it leaves no doubt there are much bigger challenges in store for Soren Chase and company.
May 2, 2016
I could not stop reading this book and thankfully it was Saturday so I did not have to. Rob Blackwell has created another intricate and well crafted Soren Chase story that keeps you reading because the action just keeps happening so fast and you don't want it to stop. I was fortunate enough to be given an advance review copy to read so I did not have to wait until the release date. Now I am ready to read the next installment to find out what really happened to Soren Chase...
May 27, 2016
Excellent & Amazing
I love the character Soren and his personal story. These books are well written and full of humor and action. You like the main character Soren and feel his angst as he tries to figure out who he really is and how he will ultimately deal with the truth and the consequences. This is a series I really enjoy and want them to continue as I wait eagerly for the next one!!!!
I love the character Soren and his personal story. These books are well written and full of humor and action. You like the main character Soren and feel his angst as he tries to figure out who he really is and how he will ultimately deal with the truth and the consequences. This is a series I really enjoy and want them to continue as I wait eagerly for the next one!!!!
June 3, 2016
The pretender
Great story, the author has an amazing imagination. I am waiting on the next book in this series. The fighting sequences were a bit drawn out for my taste, however the Soren Chase is a winner. Enjoy.
Great story, the author has an amazing imagination. I am waiting on the next book in this series. The fighting sequences were a bit drawn out for my taste, however the Soren Chase is a winner. Enjoy.
April 27, 2017
A great second entry for the series. I was very surprised the series had great momentum. More of the key players are revealed as we move closer to the looming war between humans and outsiders.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews