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Soren Chase #3

The Woman in the White Mask

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" One of the most suspenseful and intense supernatural detective novels I've read... This character grabbed hold of my imagination and made me hungry for more." -- One Book TwoEight years ago, Soren Chase was attacked by a vicious supernatural creature that murdered his friends and stole his memory. Now a mysterious woman in a white mask is forcing him to relive that night--as both the victim and the killer.Her arrival couldn't come at a worse time. Someone is raising demons and setting them loose, and only Soren can stop them. But as the supernatural assaults grow more frequent, his visions of the past start to take an alarming toll. It's a grim race to see which might kill him first.The Woman in the White Mask is the third novel in the highly-rated Soren Chase series, which mixes urban fantasy, mystery and suspense. Find out why readers are hailing it as a book with "just the right mix of thrills, action, Maltese Falcon Bogart, strong plot, characters and excellent writing." Readers rave about The Woman in the White Mask :   "Rob Blackwell is a master at this genre.""I literally couldn't put this book down.""In The Woman in the White Mask, I finally got the payoff that I've been waiting for since I first read Closed at Dark. The Soren Chase series is a mystery, at the core. What actually happened years ago, when Soren and his best friends were in a cabin?"

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2017

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About the author

Rob Blackwell

15 books115 followers
Rob 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.

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5 stars
120 (66%)
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50 (27%)
3 stars
9 (4%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Brandi Scholte.
5 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2017
This was my favorite of the Soren Chase books so far! I thoroughly enjoyed the flashbacks provided by the woman in the mask, intertwined with the latest threat by supernatural bad guys faced by Soren Chase and his cronies. I enjoy this character and the humor he brings to these books. Can't wait for the next in the series!!
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,368 reviews48 followers
February 2, 2017
I received this ARC to give an honest review.

This was a great story that we get to learn how the Pretender we know as Soren Chase really came too be. Soren Chase gets his memory back in an unusual way. The Woman in the White Mask is Kuchisake-onna, she is not a woman you want too meet, but somehow Soren keeps seeing her time and time again. Will he even survive because it seems she is not there for fun.
While Soren is dealing with his memory issues, he is also trying to stop a bunch of teenagers from raising demons. With the help of Sara, Friday and hopefully the arm the ritual can be stopped. Though the question is will the 13 succeed. I think this is my favorite book out of the Soren Chase books. Just because so many questions were answered. I also liked how Kuchisake-onna played a part, as soon as I saw her name I went to searching for information to her existence. What I found was fascinating.

So much is answered in this book and the bit of the cliffhanger at the end has me wondering what is the plans that the council has. It just seems to get better and better.
1 review
January 16, 2017
I'm not going to tell you a thing about these books except that I have read all the books in this series and have absolutely loved them! My imagination tends to run ahead of me when reading a book, trying to figure out what is going to happen, or how it's going to end, and these books surprise and surpass my imagination every time! I would sit and read cover to cover non-stop if that were possible for me. I would strongly suggest, even insist, that a reader start at the very beginning of the series, or you will really regret it! Get the books. Now!!
Profile Image for April.
201 reviews10 followers
January 16, 2017
[I was lucky enough to snag an ARC and be able to read and review this early! --I was already a huge fan of the first two books in the series.]

Read the first books first! THE FOREST OF FOREVER, then PRETENDER, otherwise you’ll get spoilers. Just don't do that to yourself and start from book one.

Soren Chase seems to have no sense of self-protection… which is reasonable to a point, since he’s pretty difficult to kill. But here, a mysterious woman in a white mask keeps appearing at bad times and causing him harm and likely, ultimately, death… as well as revealing memories of his hidden past.

“Bad times” means she appears in the middle of life and death battles with supernatural horrors. It seems that someone wants to summon demons and other nasty entities into the world (don’t they always? Well, it keeps paranormal investigators busy! --and that means Soren and friends). And of course, it’s Soren who is needed to clean up the mess and try and stop nefarious plots before the world is invaded by evil.

I love the mix of paranormal investigating and supernatural horror and secret organizations serving powerful entities that can pretty much overcome all humanity. There’s lots of shivers and thrills to be had at all levels (with many different types of creatures--not at all the typical! not a were or vamp in sight, here!), from detective work to full-on battles with Bosses. Plus, there’s Soren’s own horrific past, and his relationships with the humans and other creatures he’s encountered along the way. We find out more about what happened to him during the murders that set him on his current path, and we see people and beings from past books.

This is another satisfying book in a fascinating, action-filled series. I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Marjorie.
7 reviews
February 3, 2017
There is one thing I really don't like about Rob Blackwell! Oh, I know, he's my son's best friend, and I've known him for 30+ years, but...........his books...........They make me crazy!! Once I start one, I cannot put it down! I read the Sandheim Chronicles every October, and they are just as compelling and page-turning now as they were when I first started reading them back in 2012 (incidentally, they are a wonderful way to kick off the Halloween season!). This latest book, "The Woman in the White Mask" is the third book in the Soren Chase novels, and it is a doozy! We were first introduced to Soren Chase in 2014, in the novella "Closed At Dark". Rob then followed that with "The Forest of Forever", another novella, "Carnival of Stone", then the novel "The Pretender", and now "The Woman in the White Mask". It was so good, I read it twice!! In one week!!! I am not going to begin to explain who (or what???) Soren Chase is, or the predicaments he gets into, but suffice it to say, you would do well to get a hold of "Closed At Dark" and start your journey. I love reading a whole series at one time (i.e., Harry Potter, Twilight, etc.), and I am looking forward to shortly beginning my journey with Soren Chase -- again! Honestly, Rob, I'm exhausted!!!
Profile Image for Robert Defrank.
Author 6 books15 followers
February 7, 2017
Blackwell has outdone himself with the latest installment in the Soren Chase series. Questions are answered and more questions are raised, some significant mysteries about that mysterious night of murder are finally resolved, but those revelations lay the groundwork for another phase of adventures, and I await seeing what direction he takes next.

Fans of the series Angel from Joss Whedon will notice some parallels in theme and structure, and they will appreciate them. As in prior books, WWM kicks off with a mystery that touches on the greater storyarc, this an investigation of stupid teens tricked into performing occult demon summoning rituals and unleashing monsters on the world. What connection does this have to the nefarious Council? And meanwhile Soren is haunted by the eponymous woman in the white mask, an enigmatic figure who seems bent on forcing Soren to relive the memories of a tragic night of slaughter that changed his life and ended others. Memories he has perhaps thankfully buried.

We also see light shed on the menacing figure of the past: Falks.

Blackwell has taken an interesting step: finally resolving a key mystery with gusto, delivering a long-awaited payoff, while keeping fans on toes wanting to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Rachele Adams.
8 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2017
This is the third book in the Soren Chase series, and while it can be read as a stand alone, it works much better if you read it as part of the series.

I always expect series to have one book that drags a little, the one that you have to work through to get back into the swing of things. This is NOT that book. I have not had that experience yet in this entire series. This book was an enjoyable read, not completely predictable, kept me guessing where things were going, and an ending that had just enough twist to come as a bit of a surprise.

Great new character development and tie in to characters from the rest of series. A definite must read!
Profile Image for Mary.
767 reviews
January 11, 2017
This next installation of the Soren Chase series did not disappoint. As someone who feels very lucky to be part of Rob's Street Team, I was able to read this book prior to publication and I almost took leave from work so I could keep reading it. I had a few sleepless nights due to the new foes introduced in this series, from the kuchisake-onna to the new creatures and the council. I just did not want to put it down. Another home run for Mr. Rob Blackwell. If you love his other books as much as I do, then you will definitely put this one on your reading list.
3 reviews
January 15, 2017
Wow! Another great ride! If you haven't read the Soren Chase series from the beginning, I would highly recommend that you do before reading this book. It will definitely keep your interest. This installment fleshes out Soren's character and explains how he got to this point, all while adding more excitement, thrills, and chills. Will he survive The Woman in the White Mask? I was engrossed with every page to see how he handled each situation. Plus, Rob throws in some humor in just the right spots! Highly recommend this book and series!
7 reviews
January 14, 2017
GREAT third installment in the Soren Chase series.
Soren is a very complex character and Rob Blackwell does him proud. Lots of action, intense emotional relationships, and all edge of your seat lead up to what is actually Soren Chase.
I can't recommend this book and series highly enough!
Profile Image for Fatimah Gunn.
162 reviews8 followers
February 9, 2017
BEST BOOK I'VE READ SO FAR IN 2017

This book is BEYOND AMAZING!!!!!! Have you ever anticipated having something and wanted it so bad ........you finally get it and you don't even want to unwrap it because you just want to savor the feeling of knowing you FINALLY possess it?!?!!! That is EXACTLY how I felt with this book!! I've had it for awhile but I didn't want to read it because it would be over and what would I have left to look forward to in life??

Luckily, a lot because even though we find out more about Soren and Falk and their twisted history.....we find out that the war is coming faster than we thought and I love the twist at the end!!!!!! Mr. Blackwell, you are a sneaky one and I LOVE it!!!!!!!

This book answers so many questions from the beginning of the series and for some reason, I thought that would mean the end but it is really just another beginning. We find out what really happened all those years ago at the cabin, a big revelation about John and who Soren really is.....all while Soren and friends are trying to stop the Council and their new diabolical plan, as well as battling new foes. And one of the best parts is that we are finding out that some people, friends and foes alike, seem to have hidden agendas.

I find it so awe inspiring and I am really amazed at how Mr. Blackwell is able to transfer this crazy, mad cap, emotional action packed journey from his mind into a book for all of us to enjoy. He never misses a beat. The flow of story is impeccable and I seriously never want this series to end. I mean how great is a book when you literally have been up all night reading....or becoming an expert at one handed Kindle holding while performing tasks that normally require both hands...... only because you don't want to miss ONE. SINGLE. THING!!!!

Soren and his crew of allies have so much potential and the surprises just keep rolling in. This author totally pulls you into his world, captivates you, sends you hurtling and then leaves you awestruck but ready to go again!!! So please don't waste anymore time......clear your calendar, get comfortable and prepare to go on a total thrill ride. Bravo to you Mr. Blackwell.....can not wait until the next book is out!!!!!
Profile Image for Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf).
2,254 reviews44 followers
August 17, 2019
Soren Chase is being stalked by a strange woman in a white mask. Her visits herald his being thrust back into his memories of what happened on the night his 3 friends were killed. As if this wasn't enough, teenagers across the region are raising dangerous demons - but to what end?

This third full-length Soren Chase book is a great addition to the series. It finally gives some closure as to what actually happened that night at the lake house when Soren's friends were killed. Chase's alter-ego, Falk, also makes an appearance in the flashbacks and we learn just how evil he was. It's action-packed and the final scenes are especially nail-biting. I will just say that I really don't like Friday as a character and I'm hoping further books don't see a love triangle developing.

Overall, a thrilling read with twists and turns and finally some closure to a long-running story arc. Very well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Profile Image for TE.
240 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2017
What a mind trip! In The Woman In The White Mask, we get all of our questions from the previous Soren Chase books answered. This story was like a two-in-one. It was really neat with it building up to two climaxes at the same time. I bet you can't guess the ending -- I know I couldn't! Excellent read.

For those who want to know: This one has language and violence.
Profile Image for Verneri.
32 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2017
Book contains Witcher reference, so it has to be great (and I really have to get my hands on those books, loved the games...).

Good continuation to the saga of Soren Chase and it's nice to finally get some answers to the questions raised by the earlier books. Waiting for the next adventure in the series.
506 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2019
What an AWESOME READ!!

Another non-stop read!!! These books just get better and better, so hard to put down. The whole crowd is in this book!! Lots of action, with John, Soren and Sara front and center! A bit of Dungeons and Dragons add to the story line!!
9 reviews
September 9, 2021
brilliant!

The twists and turns and the promise of the secret of Sorens identity kept me turning the pages into the early hours of the morning! Loved it, can’t wait for more!
862 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2021
This is the third book in the Chase Soren series. Soren slowly gets his memory back which answers a lot of questions. This is the best book of the series.
Profile Image for Holly.
Author 40 books275 followers
March 6, 2017
A fun entry into this series with a few interesting twists and turns. The pace was far better than the first book, it seems the author is really coming into his own now. The world is fascinating and I look forward to seeing book 4.
266 reviews
February 2, 2017
You have a secret so powerful that not even you know what it is….

This book is the third installment in the Soren Chase series, and what a read it is. (I would strongly recommend reading the previous books in the series from the beginning, they will make this read that much more enthralling!). From the beginning we have never really understood what happened that fateful night eight years ago when Soren's life got torn apart. He lost his best friend, any chance at a normal life - and himself. Now we finally get to find out what really happened.

The woman in a white mask is determined to force Soren to reveal his secrets. But this being Soren, naturally there is so much more happening, from demon raising rituals, the evil Council threatening him and all he loves, tension between Friday and Sarah. Throw in a whole load of supernatural monsters, most of whom are pretty hard to kill and you can be sure that Soren is not exactly having a great time of it lately. The woman in the white mask strikes just at every moment of peril - and Soren being Soren, has many of them. She is slowly and tortuously drawing his secret out, but at what price to him?

This book starts out intriguing and moves swiftly to riveting and absorbing. You won’t want to put it down until you finish it. You will find yourself almost holding your breath at points, or clenching your body in tension, waiting for the suspense to drop. Rob Blackwell is a master at this genre. This latest book is no disappointment, it is a pinnacle of the Soren Chase series, and one not to be missed.

Note: I received this book from the author in return for a honest review, but all opinions are entirely my own.
3 reviews
February 16, 2017
He has done it again!!

Wow!!! What can I say? This book is impossible to put down. Just when you think you got it figured out here comes the next curve in the road. Every book better than the last and this one is king of the mountain!!
Profile Image for Robert Defrank.
Author 6 books15 followers
January 31, 2017
Blackwell has outdone himself with the latest installment in the Soren Chase series. Questions are answered and more questions are raised, some significant mysteries about that mysterious night of murder are finally resolved, but those revelations lay the groundwork for another phase of adventures, and I await seeing what direction he takes next.

Fans of the series Angel from Joss Whedon will notice some parallels in theme and structure, and they will appreciate them. As in prior books, WWM kicks off with a mystery that touches on the greater storyarc, this an investigation of stupid teens tricked into performing occult demon summoning rituals and unleashing monsters on the world. What connection does this have to the nefarious Council? And meanwhile Soren is haunted by the eponymous woman in the white mask, an enigmatic figure who seems bent on forcing Soren to relive the memories of a tragic night of slaughter that changed his life and ended others. Memories he has perhaps thankfully buried.

We also see light shed on the menacing figure of the past: Falks.

Blackwell has taken an interesting step: finally resolving a key mystery with gusto, delivering a long-awaited payoff, while keeping fans on toes wanting to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Barbara Moffett.
10 reviews
February 7, 2017
Amazing

I read this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. Another great story by Blackwell. Soren Chase is becoming one of my favorite characters. I love all the bits and pieces of The Sanheim Chronicles that have shown up in these books. If you have not read those books do it they are great also.
2 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2019
I loved this book. Best in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
461 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2017
The very best of the Soren Chase novels. Interesting with some great twists and turns!
10 reviews
June 14, 2018
Just like the previous two novels: it's good!

It's Soren, there's not much to say but just enjoy the ride! Full of action and humor! It doesn't take itself too seriously.
Profile Image for Aby Johnson.
5 reviews
April 27, 2017
A terrific third entry into the series. The book is a dual narrative format, weaving a prequel tale through the opening salvos of war.
Profile Image for Glasgowgal.
751 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2018
So good! I would love to see these books made into a movie or a series. Hollywood are you listening?
3 reviews
May 29, 2018
I love Soren Chase

I hope you get alot of requests for more Siren Chase! Very well written and enjoyable. Thanks for entertaining me!

Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews