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The Runes Universe
Splintered Souls
Aricela Topaz trusts no one.
At seventeen, she learned that promises are nothing more than lies, honored only by the weak or naïve. And Aricela is no longer either.
After Narcos destroyed her innocence, they took her life, but Aricela escaped her childhood village with a new purpose. As Valkyrie, she is charged to take the souls of fallen warriors and athletes to Valhalla to await the final battle. But souls need to trust her before they’ll follow, and Aricela has no trust to give.
When collecting failures, instead of souls, draws the attention of the Norns, they give Aricela an ultimatum. If she can’t collect, she’ll be stripped of her powers and sent to Hel.
But when she meets Chase Adymn and Kai Cipriano in the small town of Kayville, everything changes. Forced to face the myths of her past, Aricela will also have to decide the fate of her future.
At seventeen, she learned that promises are nothing more than lies, honored only by the weak or naïve. And Aricela is no longer either.
After Narcos destroyed her innocence, they took her life, but Aricela escaped her childhood village with a new purpose. As Valkyrie, she is charged to take the souls of fallen warriors and athletes to Valhalla to await the final battle. But souls need to trust her before they’ll follow, and Aricela has no trust to give.
When collecting failures, instead of souls, draws the attention of the Norns, they give Aricela an ultimatum. If she can’t collect, she’ll be stripped of her powers and sent to Hel.
But when she meets Chase Adymn and Kai Cipriano in the small town of Kayville, everything changes. Forced to face the myths of her past, Aricela will also have to decide the fate of her future.
- GenresFantasy
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2017
6 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Raye Wagner
31 books1,216 followersRAYE WAGNER is the USA Today Bestselling author of young adult fantasy books, but she hates writing bios. She’d much rather tell you a story. She’s partial to fantasy, with dragons or magic or something so she can lie and not feel guilty. She also has an obsession with sweets (all the bakery goodies), nerf wars, wigs, and occasionally tutus.
When she isn’t writing, shenanigating (I’m sure that’s a word), or lying, Raye is with her family . . . preferably at the beach.
Come chat with me! I love to hear from readers. You can connect with me via Facebook (Raye Wagner), Twitter (@rayewagner), Instagram (rayewagnerauthor), or her website: rayewagner.com
When she isn’t writing, shenanigating (I’m sure that’s a word), or lying, Raye is with her family . . . preferably at the beach.
Come chat with me! I love to hear from readers. You can connect with me via Facebook (Raye Wagner), Twitter (@rayewagner), Instagram (rayewagnerauthor), or her website: rayewagner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 19, 2017
I love Raye Wagner’s Sphinx series and when I found out she had a new series coming out I knew I needed to read it.
This is a new series that follow Aricela who is a Valkyrie in charge of gathering souls for a battle. Aricela has a few issues that she facing herself and she now must work on keeping her job.
The ending of this book is very intense and very well written. There is a lot of action going on and decisions that must be made. The author does a great job keeping emotions involved as well as having the story move along. It captured my attention and I couldn’t put it down once the story developed. I became very invested in the characters and wanted to know more about what was going on with collecting the souls.
The author does a great job creating Aricela’s background and showing us why she doesn’t trust anyone. We get a great view her past and she opens up as the story progresses. Aricela has real reasons for not trusting anyone and she changes as the book develops. We get to see a whole new side of Aricela once she is faced with a new set of hard decisions to make.
Chase is an interesting character in this book. We get him to open up a little bit during the book as well, but I would love to see more on him. Chase had a rough childhood and he has had a lot to deal with on his plate. Chase and Aricela hit it off in a very intense way that works for these two in this book.
My one complaint would be that the beginning starts off a little rough. I feel like we are thrown into the action right away, which I like in a book, but we are missing so much background information it is a little too confusing for me. Once the story picks up a lot of the information that is missing is explained, but I felt off when I first started the book and that makes it harder for me to read.
Also, I am not sure where the series will be going after this book. I still have a lot of question and want to get a lot more details on what exactly the Valkyrie is planning the ware for. The author is great at giving a lot of details and creating a whole story so I can’t wait to see where the story will go and what will happen next.
I would suggest this as a weekend read. The book is very short and has a quick pace so you will be able to read it quickly.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinion of this book.
This is a new series that follow Aricela who is a Valkyrie in charge of gathering souls for a battle. Aricela has a few issues that she facing herself and she now must work on keeping her job.
The ending of this book is very intense and very well written. There is a lot of action going on and decisions that must be made. The author does a great job keeping emotions involved as well as having the story move along. It captured my attention and I couldn’t put it down once the story developed. I became very invested in the characters and wanted to know more about what was going on with collecting the souls.
The author does a great job creating Aricela’s background and showing us why she doesn’t trust anyone. We get a great view her past and she opens up as the story progresses. Aricela has real reasons for not trusting anyone and she changes as the book develops. We get to see a whole new side of Aricela once she is faced with a new set of hard decisions to make.
Chase is an interesting character in this book. We get him to open up a little bit during the book as well, but I would love to see more on him. Chase had a rough childhood and he has had a lot to deal with on his plate. Chase and Aricela hit it off in a very intense way that works for these two in this book.
My one complaint would be that the beginning starts off a little rough. I feel like we are thrown into the action right away, which I like in a book, but we are missing so much background information it is a little too confusing for me. Once the story picks up a lot of the information that is missing is explained, but I felt off when I first started the book and that makes it harder for me to read.
Also, I am not sure where the series will be going after this book. I still have a lot of question and want to get a lot more details on what exactly the Valkyrie is planning the ware for. The author is great at giving a lot of details and creating a whole story so I can’t wait to see where the story will go and what will happen next.
I would suggest this as a weekend read. The book is very short and has a quick pace so you will be able to read it quickly.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinion of this book.
April 22, 2017
Splintered Souls (A Runes Universe Story) by Raye Wagner is a novella written in the setting of Ednah Walter's bestselling Paranormal YA Rune series.
I am a huge fan of Ednah Walters (don't go searching for reviews, there aren't any written yet as I had no blog when I read them). She is a fantastic writer, and the series is on of my favorites. So when I received an ARC for The Runes Universe: Splintered Souls (Kindle Worlds Novella), I was a wee bit worried.
I like Raye Wagner's work and enjoy the light-hearted yet deep mythological connection of her books. But what should I do with a book that is based on something I have loved a lot and honestly it's a long series with blockbuster characters?
I did what I was supposed to, read and think about it, and decided I liked it. Maybe this isn't comparable to the Runes series in complexity or its high capability to wrap a reader's mind into the world of Valhalla, Valkyries disguised as students, and extremely passionate romance, but it has a charm of its own.
This book may not be as happening as Raye's own series, but the satisfying action, enough information on the characters considering the short length of the book, and Raye's superpower of writing sweet emotional scenes. Oh, the book is more adult than the Curse of the Sphinx series.
So yeah, I offer a 3.5 Bohostars and want to get back to the rest of the Sphinx series.
Did I like the idea of a renowned setting being used for a new story? Not sure. I am seriously biased towards the books from the Runes series. But Raye is planning a new series (I think I heard that or maybe I am mistaken. Need to ask), so I am interested where it goes.
I am a huge fan of Ednah Walters (don't go searching for reviews, there aren't any written yet as I had no blog when I read them). She is a fantastic writer, and the series is on of my favorites. So when I received an ARC for The Runes Universe: Splintered Souls (Kindle Worlds Novella), I was a wee bit worried.
I like Raye Wagner's work and enjoy the light-hearted yet deep mythological connection of her books. But what should I do with a book that is based on something I have loved a lot and honestly it's a long series with blockbuster characters?
I did what I was supposed to, read and think about it, and decided I liked it. Maybe this isn't comparable to the Runes series in complexity or its high capability to wrap a reader's mind into the world of Valhalla, Valkyries disguised as students, and extremely passionate romance, but it has a charm of its own.
This book may not be as happening as Raye's own series, but the satisfying action, enough information on the characters considering the short length of the book, and Raye's superpower of writing sweet emotional scenes. Oh, the book is more adult than the Curse of the Sphinx series.
So yeah, I offer a 3.5 Bohostars and want to get back to the rest of the Sphinx series.
Did I like the idea of a renowned setting being used for a new story? Not sure. I am seriously biased towards the books from the Runes series. But Raye is planning a new series (I think I heard that or maybe I am mistaken. Need to ask), so I am interested where it goes.
April 17, 2017
Aricela Topaz is seventeen years old and a Valkyrie which means her job is to take souls to Valhalla to await their final battle. Aricela likes to go in right before the tragic accident happens get her names and take her souls to Valhalla. She’s not like others who likes to go in hang around with her souls you know get to know them so they will trust her which makes her job easier when it comes time for them to follow her to Valhalla.
With the souls not knowing her or trusting her; Aricela has lost quite a few souls in the past; no one following her to Valhalla. Now she has the eyes of the Norns on her. If she doesn’t get her act together she is going to be in big trouble with the Norns and I really don’t think that is something Aricela really wants.
When Aricela is sent on her next job she is sent in earlier than she likes where she has lots of time to get to know a couple of guys Chase Adymn and Kai Cipriano and becomes to like very much especially Chase. This could be the hardest job Aricela has ever had to do with getting to know everyone and then learning who the souls were that she has to help cross over.
I have enjoyed reading and following along with Aricela on her journey of collecting souls and also being with her when she met Chase and Kai and watching their relationships grow and watching Aricela open up and start letting other people in after all that she has suffered. I would like to know what Aricela’s life will be like now after she has met Chase and Kai. Where will she go now? What is in store for Chase and Kai? What will their lives be like? I can’t wait to see what Raye has in store for Aricela, Chase and Kai in the future. I can’t wait to read more of their world.
If you have not read Splintered Souls then let me suggest that you do. I just know you will love it as much as I did.
With the souls not knowing her or trusting her; Aricela has lost quite a few souls in the past; no one following her to Valhalla. Now she has the eyes of the Norns on her. If she doesn’t get her act together she is going to be in big trouble with the Norns and I really don’t think that is something Aricela really wants.
When Aricela is sent on her next job she is sent in earlier than she likes where she has lots of time to get to know a couple of guys Chase Adymn and Kai Cipriano and becomes to like very much especially Chase. This could be the hardest job Aricela has ever had to do with getting to know everyone and then learning who the souls were that she has to help cross over.
I have enjoyed reading and following along with Aricela on her journey of collecting souls and also being with her when she met Chase and Kai and watching their relationships grow and watching Aricela open up and start letting other people in after all that she has suffered. I would like to know what Aricela’s life will be like now after she has met Chase and Kai. Where will she go now? What is in store for Chase and Kai? What will their lives be like? I can’t wait to see what Raye has in store for Aricela, Chase and Kai in the future. I can’t wait to read more of their world.
If you have not read Splintered Souls then let me suggest that you do. I just know you will love it as much as I did.
April 24, 2017
Raye Wagner, you have done it again, you have written a fantastic story, that pulls you in all the right directions, makes you fall in love with the secondary characters, just as much as the main character. The writing is this story was beautiful and tragic, and gives you hope. To witness someone strive for better, to overcome their past, is a lesson we would all learn. I am sure falling in love with Raye Wagners writing!
April 10, 2017
This book is phenomenal! Chase and Ari had nothing but heartache and turmoil. The two tortured souls heal? Read this amazing short story that's part of the Runes World to fund out! Raye did an out standing job incorpering her story into the Runes World.. the characters are awesome and the story sucks you in, I couldn't put the book down once I opened it. Loved every moment of the story, I want more lol!
May 9, 2017
Splintered Souls is a story from the Runes Universe by Ednah Walter. I read Splintered Souls because this one was written by Raye Wagner and I love her Sphynx series. This one, however, is based on the amazing Norse mythology and the main character is a Valkyrie, collecting the souls of dead warriors and taking them to Valhalla. This Valkyrie is a struggling newbie and this books centers around the story of when she is given a very difficult task by the Norns (the Norse version of the fates) that will determine whether she is indeed capable of her job or not.
This is a very interesting way of modernizing the Old Norse mythology and Raye did a great job with it. I may just read the rest of the series, if they are like this one then it will be good.
This is a very interesting way of modernizing the Old Norse mythology and Raye did a great job with it. I may just read the rest of the series, if they are like this one then it will be good.
July 20, 2017
4 stars
Splintered souls is one of the best short stories/novellas I have ever read. Usually, short stories or novellas don't develop the storyline or characters well but this wasn't the case here. I loved the fast paced plot and the characters.
Even though I have not read the Runes series the Norse mythology inspired world was fascinating I loved it.
Despite this being short it kept my attention throughout the whole story. I couldn't stop thinking of when I would read the next scenes. If you're a fan of the runes series or Raye Wagner's books you need to check this one out.
Splintered souls is one of the best short stories/novellas I have ever read. Usually, short stories or novellas don't develop the storyline or characters well but this wasn't the case here. I loved the fast paced plot and the characters.
Even though I have not read the Runes series the Norse mythology inspired world was fascinating I loved it.
Despite this being short it kept my attention throughout the whole story. I couldn't stop thinking of when I would read the next scenes. If you're a fan of the runes series or Raye Wagner's books you need to check this one out.
May 12, 2017
Aricela is a Valkyrie that trust no one which makes her job difficult. When she is sent on a new assignment she will have to learn how to trust and how to gain others trust. Raye Wagner did a great job on this short story. I really enjoyed the characters and hope to see more of them in the future. I'm new to the Runes Universe, this was the first one I read, but can't wait to read more.
July 19, 2017
I love these continuations of the Runes Universe
I love Raye Wagner as an author. Getting to read her perspective of the RU made this one extra awesome. Not saying the other authors books are anything less than amazing, but I recently finished her Sphinx Series and was in serious withdrawal. lol!! ;) So check that out if you can. It's a can't miss series!! <3
DawnBee
I love Raye Wagner as an author. Getting to read her perspective of the RU made this one extra awesome. Not saying the other authors books are anything less than amazing, but I recently finished her Sphinx Series and was in serious withdrawal. lol!! ;) So check that out if you can. It's a can't miss series!! <3
DawnBee
June 14, 2017
Excellent addition to the Runes world. I wish it was longer as I would like to know what happened with Aricela and Chase.
For such a short story it was so well written and the characters were developed well. I really could not put it down and was so disappointed when it ended. Hopefully we will see more from these characters in the future.
For such a short story it was so well written and the characters were developed well. I really could not put it down and was so disappointed when it ended. Hopefully we will see more from these characters in the future.
April 6, 2017
This was so beautiful and it was nice to see a different author with another style take a stab at this world and it was gorgeous. I gotta say though nice job bringing your hate for Andris shining through and that low key mention at the coopers *wink* *wink* can't wait to read the whole collection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2017
Such a beautiful and sappy story, I feel like this story needs to be longer so we can all know what happens with Aricela and Chase
April 10, 2017
wow powerful fast paced ugly cry , story that will keep you on the edge of your seat , waiting for the next shoe to drop. Aricela life was never easy, and chances are it will stay that way, when the past comes back to haunt her will her heart be able to take it ? Every heart has it's breaking point what will it take to mend what has been broken, Find out in this fantastic drama you won't want to miss . The message of the story is one you won't want to miss . I loved this book and hope you will to I recommend it as a should read .
April 23, 2017
This is a great addition to the Runes World
April 18, 2017
“Splintered Souls” by Raye Wagner is a beautiful and powerful story. One full of growth from a trouble past, new friendship, and love. It follows Aricela, a trouble Valkyrie in the small town of Kayville. I really enjoyed her development of a character as she tries to overcome her past. The chemistry she and Chase has is amazing and HOT!! I really enjoyed the supporting characters in the story too. They play a very important role in Aricela’s story. Raye does an amazing job with this story and you find yourself not wanting to put it down. I wish there was more to the story. Don’t miss this Runes Universe Story. It’s well worth the read.
April 13, 2017
Is it possible for Valkhyrie to fall truly in love or will IT be only imagination with pheromons? To know it you have to check this pleasure book by Raye Wagner!
I really enjoyed the story as Ari wasn't in any kind of distess. She was her own master. Chase was full especially part with his past.
Recommended and i want more of your work in this world Raye Wagner!
I really enjoyed the story as Ari wasn't in any kind of distess. She was her own master. Chase was full especially part with his past.
Recommended and i want more of your work in this world Raye Wagner!
April 15, 2017
This is a Rune-Universe story. Ednah Walters wrote a great - ongoing- romantic fantasy serie about a world were valkeries, witches, nornes and more mythology-figures are living among us. If you are interrested ( and you should it is SOOO good!) Runes is the first in the series. It is one of my favorite series.
Ednah invited other writers who love the serie to write stories about this same world and this is one of them.
Raye Wagner made this new Rune story also a romantic fantasy story. I love the characters and the story is great, you plummet in the book from the first words and I want to know how the story goes on after the ending - always a sign you have read a great story.
It is worth it Five stars!
Ednah invited other writers who love the serie to write stories about this same world and this is one of them.
Raye Wagner made this new Rune story also a romantic fantasy story. I love the characters and the story is great, you plummet in the book from the first words and I want to know how the story goes on after the ending - always a sign you have read a great story.
It is worth it Five stars!
April 17, 2017
Absolutely LOVED this story!
April 17, 2017
This book was amazing!! I loved seeing the Runes universe expand with these new characters. Chase and Ari make a great couple and I hope Raye continues their story because I need more. I also would love to see stories from the other characters.
April 18, 2017
This book completely tore me up, but in a good way. I felt so much while reading. Im really hoping there will be another book because i would love to see more of the characters and see how far they've come after everything that happened in the first book!
April 18, 2017
This author never ceases to amaze me. This book is a phenomenal short read that I promise you does not feel short at all. So much information is packed in this book and the reader gets a great sense of what's going on. This book tugged at heart strings and was more than I was expecting. A great read!
April 18, 2017
I am loving the Runes Universe
If you haven't started this little world you are missing out. I am loving them so far. Souls are a pain in the butt, at least for her it is. Until she finds someone she wants to save. Will she be able to save him? Read the book and find out lol
Happy Reading.
If you haven't started this little world you are missing out. I am loving them so far. Souls are a pain in the butt, at least for her it is. Until she finds someone she wants to save. Will she be able to save him? Read the book and find out lol
Happy Reading.
April 18, 2017
Aricela is a Valkyrie that trust no one which makes her job difficult. When she is sent on a new assignment she will have to learn how to trust and how to gain others trust. Raye Wagner did a great job on this short story. I really enjoyed the characters and hope to see more of them in the future. I'm new to the Runes Universe, this was the first one I read, but can't wait to read more.
April 18, 2017
At first I had a hard time understanding this book but forced myself to finish it. I'm glad I did. Splintered Souls is an amazing story about finding your soulmate, mortals and the immortals.
April 18, 2017
I opened this book an hour and a half ago and read it cover to cover as my daughter played on the playground. My only complaints are that crying in public as you stare at your phone earns funny looks from strangers and that I wanted the story to keep going. Bravo, Raye Wagner, and thank you for the introduction to the Rune universe.
April 18, 2017
I opened this book an hour and a half ago and read it cover to cover as my daughter played on the playground. My only complaints are that crying in public as you stare at your phone earns funny looks from strangers and that I wanted the story to keep going. Bravo, Raye Wagner, and thank you for the introduction to the Rune universe.
April 18, 2017
This was a powerful and heart breaking story that was completely unexpected. It touches on subjects that are hard to discuss much less think about living through. But that is just what Aricela did; she survived, becoming a Valkyrie. However, she's always worked with a closed heart making it difficult to do her job. It isn't until she tasked with living among the very humans whose souls she was sent to take. One in particular, Chase, shows her what it can be like to open yourself up to another person. When the Norns enter the picture, her task became that much more difficult. But how do you deal with the fact that you are tasked with taking the souls of people you've grown close to? I'm not telling, because Ms Wagner tells the story so much better than I could attempt.
Once again, she knocked one out of the park with this tale. It's not just tragic but disturbing, and I found myself rooting for the heroine from the first page, hoping and wishing that she would find something inside herself to climb out of the rut her terrifying life she'd endured. It was difficult to walk through Aricela's days with her and feel the way her heart clenched with each hurdle placed before her. But Raye Wagner has a way with words, a story telling ability that is unique to her and carries you through, hanging on the edge of each word. And that's exactly what I did. My hope is that some day, she will add to the story and give us a glimpse into the future of the young Valkyrie in question along with the people she befriended.
Once again, she knocked one out of the park with this tale. It's not just tragic but disturbing, and I found myself rooting for the heroine from the first page, hoping and wishing that she would find something inside herself to climb out of the rut her terrifying life she'd endured. It was difficult to walk through Aricela's days with her and feel the way her heart clenched with each hurdle placed before her. But Raye Wagner has a way with words, a story telling ability that is unique to her and carries you through, hanging on the edge of each word. And that's exactly what I did. My hope is that some day, she will add to the story and give us a glimpse into the future of the young Valkyrie in question along with the people she befriended.
April 23, 2017
THE WRITING. I don’t know how Raye did it but in that short, 12-chapter story, I got so involved in the book. I like how the author weaves her modern world mythology, kinda makes me think of the YA Percy Jackson. The only downside that I saw was there are just some awfully written lines that made me go “ugh”.
THE PLOT. I like how the plot was laid out for the reader and then there were some “baby bombs” that was dropped , especially on Larissa. It’s just that its so fast-paced and quite predictable that made the plot a bit less appealing to me though I love the concept and the world but I think it’ll me much better if there’s more development on it especially the chemistry between the characters since the mating bond between them is the only thing that makes the kinda Edward-Bella type of attraction going on, it kinda felt rushed.
THE CHARACTERS. They are so fun to read especially Kai, there was enough character development that made them remarkable. I like how they have their own key features, maybe not on the physical sense but in their attitude and humor. I like these group of characters so much, I’m excited to see more of them.
THE ENDING. It’s quite satisfying but still left enough hints that the room is big enough for more to come (looking at you Larissa).
THE PLOT. I like how the plot was laid out for the reader and then there were some “baby bombs” that was dropped , especially on Larissa. It’s just that its so fast-paced and quite predictable that made the plot a bit less appealing to me though I love the concept and the world but I think it’ll me much better if there’s more development on it especially the chemistry between the characters since the mating bond between them is the only thing that makes the kinda Edward-Bella type of attraction going on, it kinda felt rushed.
THE CHARACTERS. They are so fun to read especially Kai, there was enough character development that made them remarkable. I like how they have their own key features, maybe not on the physical sense but in their attitude and humor. I like these group of characters so much, I’m excited to see more of them.
THE ENDING. It’s quite satisfying but still left enough hints that the room is big enough for more to come (looking at you Larissa).
Read
April 19, 2017Splintered Souls sucked me in from the beginning. Aricela is charged with bringing souls to Valhalla and she has a hard time getting them to come with her. She has one last shot and is sent back to high school to connect with the souls she has to bring back. There she meets Chase, Kai, and Nysse and connects with them in ways she hasnt been able to connect with people before. Aricela's back story is both compelling and heartbreaking. My major complaint is that it is a novella and I want so much more!! This is a great addition to the Runes universe!
April 19, 2017
I was captivated from the start....Raye Wagner knows how to weave a story that grabs you and doesn't let go until you're finished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews