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Age of Endings #1
Secret of Souls
“A gorgeously imagined new world, filled with action and intrigue. I was enthralled until the very end.” –New York Times Bestseller Lisa Maxwell, author of The Last Magician and UnHooked
“True high fantasy, gritty and consuming!” –New York Times Bestseller, Wendy Higgins
The Empire of Lucent has stood for centuries as a beacon of strength and light. But now an otherworldly realm has unleashed an army of nightmarish creatures upon the peaceful empire, spreading a lethal plague called The Decay which consumes its victims mercilessly from the inside out.
The king of the Empire of Lucent calls upon “Lady of Death” Zephera Travelle—an infamous assassin with a weakness for braided cinnamon bread and a striking aptitude for murder and mayhem. He sends her on an impossible quest to find the one person who can concoct a cure and save the realm from total annihilation. Together with her best friend, Zadkiel, and crew of misfits comprised of a mage extraordinaire, a girly city-guard, and a broody warrior, she embarks on a journey that will test her wits, will, and sanity. Along the way, she discovers that no one—and nothing—is as it seems, including herself.
“Aubrie Nixon has created a story filled with twists and turns, where nothing is as it first appears. Fans of kick-butt female assassins will love Zephera, who never loses her humor as she takes on the darkest mysteries of her world. Secret of Souls kept me turning pages until the very end!” –Julie Eshbaugh author of Ivory and Bone
“Dark, enthralling, and so thrillingly beautiful! This book will have you on the edge of your seat and over the edge with needing the next! Aubrie’s debut is one that will knock you out of your socks and begging for more!” –Bestselling Author Amelia Hutchins
“A twisty, mind-bending fantasy with fresh and inventive world-building that kept me compulsively turning pages.” –Martina Boone, author of The Heirs of Watson Island series
“From monsters and mayhem to snark and swords, this story has all the right ingredients to make any fantasy lover’s heart swoon! Compulsively readable, you’ll find yourself wishing you’d brought a blade of your own as you accompany Zephera through the darkness.” –Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of Reign of the Fallen and Fear the Drowning Deep
“True high fantasy, gritty and consuming!” –New York Times Bestseller, Wendy Higgins
The Empire of Lucent has stood for centuries as a beacon of strength and light. But now an otherworldly realm has unleashed an army of nightmarish creatures upon the peaceful empire, spreading a lethal plague called The Decay which consumes its victims mercilessly from the inside out.
The king of the Empire of Lucent calls upon “Lady of Death” Zephera Travelle—an infamous assassin with a weakness for braided cinnamon bread and a striking aptitude for murder and mayhem. He sends her on an impossible quest to find the one person who can concoct a cure and save the realm from total annihilation. Together with her best friend, Zadkiel, and crew of misfits comprised of a mage extraordinaire, a girly city-guard, and a broody warrior, she embarks on a journey that will test her wits, will, and sanity. Along the way, she discovers that no one—and nothing—is as it seems, including herself.
“Aubrie Nixon has created a story filled with twists and turns, where nothing is as it first appears. Fans of kick-butt female assassins will love Zephera, who never loses her humor as she takes on the darkest mysteries of her world. Secret of Souls kept me turning pages until the very end!” –Julie Eshbaugh author of Ivory and Bone
“Dark, enthralling, and so thrillingly beautiful! This book will have you on the edge of your seat and over the edge with needing the next! Aubrie’s debut is one that will knock you out of your socks and begging for more!” –Bestselling Author Amelia Hutchins
“A twisty, mind-bending fantasy with fresh and inventive world-building that kept me compulsively turning pages.” –Martina Boone, author of The Heirs of Watson Island series
“From monsters and mayhem to snark and swords, this story has all the right ingredients to make any fantasy lover’s heart swoon! Compulsively readable, you’ll find yourself wishing you’d brought a blade of your own as you accompany Zephera through the darkness.” –Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of Reign of the Fallen and Fear the Drowning Deep
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2017
16 people are currently reading
2540 people want to read
About the author
Aubrie Nixon
4 books155 followersAubrie plays mom to the cutest demon topside. When she isn’t writing she is daydreaming about hot brooding anti-heroes and sassy heroines. She loves Dragon Age, Game of Thrones and reading all things fantasy. She runs a local YA/NA bookclub with 3 chapters, and over 200 members. If she could have dinner with anyone living or dead it would be Alan Rickman because his voice is the sexiest sound on earth. He could read the dictionary and she would be enthralled. Her current mission in life is to collect creepy taxidermy animals because she finds them cute and hilarious. She resides just outside of Washington DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 8, 2018
I'm going to rate my own book 5/5 Haha I might be a bit biased, though!
April 27, 2017
"Dark, enthralling, and so thrillingly beautiful! This book will have you on the edge of your seat and over the edge with needing the next! Aubrie’s debut is one that will knock you out of your socks and begging for more!"
#1 Best Selling Author Author Amelia Hutchins
#1 Best Selling Author Author Amelia Hutchins
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March 29, 2017If you're looking for a true high fantasy fix, add this to your tbr!!! It's gritty with amazing world building, and don't get me started on the twists and turns!
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April 22, 2017Secret of Souls is a twisty, mind-bending fantasy with fresh and inventive world-building and a deadly, sassy protagonist. Kept me compulsively turning pages!
June 12, 2017
I received an ARC of this book. I would like to preface this review by saying that some books aren’t for some people; different strokes for different folks and all.
That being said, this book was really, really not for me.
I was initially intrigued by the premise and the cover was gorgeous (I totally judge books by their covers, sue me).
Zephera is a teenage assassin who is charged with finding a woman called “The First” so that her world can be saved from the the rot, a dark plague that is infecting people and turning them into flesh-eating creatures. She is joined by her best friend and fellow assassin, Zad, a mute light mage named Brenner, a brooding knight named Daegan, and a thief? warrior? random girl? Named Oriana.
I really have no idea what her purpose was except to maybe add another girl in there.
They are sent to gather three objects to ultimately find the location of “The First,” and we are thrown into their extremely sudden adventure with hardly any preamble or really any idea of where or why they’re going other than what seems to be the whim of the king and Baleem, Zephera’s master.
I had a lot of issues with this book, the main one being that I found the dialogue extremely stiff and unnatural, and none of the characters had a unique voice. They all sounded the same and reacted in the same way to literally everything – sometimes I would forget who was talking and had to go back and re-read just to sort it out because they all sounded that alike. It drove me crazy.
The same words were used over and over again, giving an extremely repetitive feel to the whole narrative, a quick fix with a thesaurus or dictionary at your fingertips that will spout synonyms at you.
Zephera is a self-proclaimed badass (and honestly she’s an assassin, she has to be) who is cold and dark and unfeeling… and who goes and cries and throws tantrums every other chapter.
It is one thing to tell us that someone is a certain way, but a completely separate thing to actually show us and make us believe. The very first scene we see her being ruthless, it draws you in how cold and slightly demented she is, but that’s where her darkness ends. She turns into a petulant child after that and honestly I could hardly stand her except for those few bright moments when she was having a few witty words with her companions.
We are also told in the beginning that Zephera is frightened of the task she is being sent to complete, but she hardly knows anything yet so I was left wondering what it was exactly that had her breaking down and crying in a forest.
And then there’s the rot. I think we get a total of two or three mentions of it, this plague that they’re supposed to be trying to prevent from spreading and the main driver for the urgency of their mission. Anything resembling action didn’t arrive until about 70% of the way through… up until then I’m not really sure what was happening. So many things could have happened in that time, including more world-building and explanation of the magic and it’s rules, since we were left with the barest skeletons and just forced to accept what was happening regardless if it made sense or not (I wouldn’t know, I don’t know the rules since I wasn't told).
The final few chapters were the light at the end of the tunnel.
All in all, I was disappointed with it. The plot had amazing potential and maybe more will be done with it and the world building in the second book, but I will not be finding out.
That being said, this book was really, really not for me.
I was initially intrigued by the premise and the cover was gorgeous (I totally judge books by their covers, sue me).
Zephera is a teenage assassin who is charged with finding a woman called “The First” so that her world can be saved from the the rot, a dark plague that is infecting people and turning them into flesh-eating creatures. She is joined by her best friend and fellow assassin, Zad, a mute light mage named Brenner, a brooding knight named Daegan, and a thief? warrior? random girl? Named Oriana.
I really have no idea what her purpose was except to maybe add another girl in there.
They are sent to gather three objects to ultimately find the location of “The First,” and we are thrown into their extremely sudden adventure with hardly any preamble or really any idea of where or why they’re going other than what seems to be the whim of the king and Baleem, Zephera’s master.
I had a lot of issues with this book, the main one being that I found the dialogue extremely stiff and unnatural, and none of the characters had a unique voice. They all sounded the same and reacted in the same way to literally everything – sometimes I would forget who was talking and had to go back and re-read just to sort it out because they all sounded that alike. It drove me crazy.
The same words were used over and over again, giving an extremely repetitive feel to the whole narrative, a quick fix with a thesaurus or dictionary at your fingertips that will spout synonyms at you.
Zephera is a self-proclaimed badass (and honestly she’s an assassin, she has to be) who is cold and dark and unfeeling… and who goes and cries and throws tantrums every other chapter.
It is one thing to tell us that someone is a certain way, but a completely separate thing to actually show us and make us believe. The very first scene we see her being ruthless, it draws you in how cold and slightly demented she is, but that’s where her darkness ends. She turns into a petulant child after that and honestly I could hardly stand her except for those few bright moments when she was having a few witty words with her companions.
We are also told in the beginning that Zephera is frightened of the task she is being sent to complete, but she hardly knows anything yet so I was left wondering what it was exactly that had her breaking down and crying in a forest.
And then there’s the rot. I think we get a total of two or three mentions of it, this plague that they’re supposed to be trying to prevent from spreading and the main driver for the urgency of their mission. Anything resembling action didn’t arrive until about 70% of the way through… up until then I’m not really sure what was happening. So many things could have happened in that time, including more world-building and explanation of the magic and it’s rules, since we were left with the barest skeletons and just forced to accept what was happening regardless if it made sense or not (I wouldn’t know, I don’t know the rules since I wasn't told).
The final few chapters were the light at the end of the tunnel.
All in all, I was disappointed with it. The plot had amazing potential and maybe more will be done with it and the world building in the second book, but I will not be finding out.
April 30, 2017
And yes, I do bring death. I crave it, and if you aren’t careful, you will meet yours at my hand.
Zephera is a highly trained assassin who is sent on a quest to retrieve three items in order to summon, Reina, the first. She is the one who will give the cure for the Rot, a plague that turns anyone who touches the blood of the infected into dark mindless zombieesque creatures. Joined on her quest by Zadkiel, a fellow assassin and her oldest friend, Brenner, a light magician from the Tower of Light, Daegan, a mysterious knight, and Oriana, a sweet tempered thief. But it seems like everything Zephera knows is a lie, and she's not sure what to think anymore.
I really liked Zephera and i'm glad she finally embraces herself at the end. I actually didn't like Zadkiel from the beginning, never truly accepting who Zephera is. I wish we got to know Orielle, Brenner, and Daegan a bit more. Also wish there was a bit more action, more sword fighting and the like. And lastly get into the magic system a bit more, like explain it more thoroughly. This is Nixon's debut novel and I think it turned out really well! Her writing will only get stronger from here on out! Look forward to reading Aubrie Nixon next book in her series!
It was as if time stopped, and she was its keeper.
Zephera is a highly trained assassin who is sent on a quest to retrieve three items in order to summon, Reina, the first. She is the one who will give the cure for the Rot, a plague that turns anyone who touches the blood of the infected into dark mindless zombieesque creatures. Joined on her quest by Zadkiel, a fellow assassin and her oldest friend, Brenner, a light magician from the Tower of Light, Daegan, a mysterious knight, and Oriana, a sweet tempered thief. But it seems like everything Zephera knows is a lie, and she's not sure what to think anymore.
I really liked Zephera and i'm glad she finally embraces herself at the end. I actually didn't like Zadkiel from the beginning, never truly accepting who Zephera is. I wish we got to know Orielle, Brenner, and Daegan a bit more. Also wish there was a bit more action, more sword fighting and the like. And lastly get into the magic system a bit more, like explain it more thoroughly. This is Nixon's debut novel and I think it turned out really well! Her writing will only get stronger from here on out! Look forward to reading Aubrie Nixon next book in her series!
It was as if time stopped, and she was its keeper.
November 27, 2016
FANTASTIC!
May 21, 2017
Finally!! I managed to finish this after a few weeks of ill health stopped me completing it, as quickly as I could and would have liked! No reflection on the book itself! ;)
So, I won a copy of this ARC, and here is my honest review... as far as I can do these things - I get a bit, erm, tongue tied. X
Annnnyway! Great start to this series, Aubrie! I really want to know what comes next in the characters' story arc. I thought the characters were well constructed and the world building was really descriptive. It was interesting to watch how each of the group gelled... or did they? ;)
The only thing for me, was I found (now this is my own personal 'taste', shall we say) that some of the dialogue wasn't as flowing as it could be? I mean, it made sense, but it was too perfect. I wanted a bit of contraction in there! So. That is my only 'thing'; apart from my quibbles with wordage, its a fantastical, fantasy world to start out in.
Zephera is a great character, she's badass :) If you like Fantasy, you will love this!
I'm looking forward to the next one, to see where it's all leading!!
So, I won a copy of this ARC, and here is my honest review... as far as I can do these things - I get a bit, erm, tongue tied. X
Annnnyway! Great start to this series, Aubrie! I really want to know what comes next in the characters' story arc. I thought the characters were well constructed and the world building was really descriptive. It was interesting to watch how each of the group gelled... or did they? ;)
The only thing for me, was I found (now this is my own personal 'taste', shall we say) that some of the dialogue wasn't as flowing as it could be? I mean, it made sense, but it was too perfect. I wanted a bit of contraction in there! So. That is my only 'thing'; apart from my quibbles with wordage, its a fantastical, fantasy world to start out in.
Zephera is a great character, she's badass :) If you like Fantasy, you will love this!
I'm looking forward to the next one, to see where it's all leading!!
May 16, 2017
Absolutely fantastic!!
Not what your expecting!
Zephera is a highly trained assassin who is sent on a mission along with a few other companions who all have talents! She a pure heroine through and through and doesn't take anything from anyone! she has her difficulties and a past she's unsure of but that just makes the story! It's fast paced and you have to pay attention to the story both past and present to understand! It does not go the way you think it will!! I can't say too much without giving anything away but after finishing the story and realising she hadn't been betrayed by the one I actually cared about, I need the next book! Aubrie, I will be your best friend forever if I can read this as soon as you have finished it. Can't find another book that holds a candle to this one!
If you love kickass female and an actual story that has you on the edge of your seat, this is the book for you!
Not what your expecting!
Zephera is a highly trained assassin who is sent on a mission along with a few other companions who all have talents! She a pure heroine through and through and doesn't take anything from anyone! she has her difficulties and a past she's unsure of but that just makes the story! It's fast paced and you have to pay attention to the story both past and present to understand! It does not go the way you think it will!! I can't say too much without giving anything away but after finishing the story and realising she hadn't been betrayed by the one I actually cared about, I need the next book! Aubrie, I will be your best friend forever if I can read this as soon as you have finished it. Can't find another book that holds a candle to this one!
If you love kickass female and an actual story that has you on the edge of your seat, this is the book for you!
May 20, 2017
Was able to read a previous version of this book, which was epic. Am Soooo excited to read the published version!
May 29, 2023
Rating currently based on the author being so cool (when I initially wrote this review back in November 2016, I had only known her a day and felt like she's bestie material) and pre-contract version of SoS called Darkness Whispers! Review of Secret of Souls to come soon.
The book's (Darkness Whispers) description and blurb got me right away. I loved the idea for this story. It has a cool concept that discusses what is good and what is bad in one's soul. There was great character development and world building but I felt at times that more time could have been spent explaining some I thought this idea was very fascinating and made me want to keep reading even when I was forced to put it down. The main character, Sephera, struggles between the good and the bad within herself, while trying to save the world she knows from a 500 year cycle that brings monsters and plague.
Darkness Whispers started off really really slow to me. I had to read the first chapter 3 times cos I found it kinda boring. 😕 Once I got past that and after a few chapters I really started getting into it. Around Chapter 30 (I wanna say) I felt like the book kinda turned into another. Sephera's dream sequence while understandable seemed out of place to me and the remainder of the book seemed to be following that storyline. I didn't really like that it seemed like it was two different books and there was the lack of continuity. Looking forward to seeing how things changed and progressed as Aubrie revised it after signing with a publisher.
The book's (Darkness Whispers) description and blurb got me right away. I loved the idea for this story. It has a cool concept that discusses what is good and what is bad in one's soul. There was great character development and world building but I felt at times that more time could have been spent explaining some I thought this idea was very fascinating and made me want to keep reading even when I was forced to put it down. The main character, Sephera, struggles between the good and the bad within herself, while trying to save the world she knows from a 500 year cycle that brings monsters and plague.
Darkness Whispers started off really really slow to me. I had to read the first chapter 3 times cos I found it kinda boring. 😕 Once I got past that and after a few chapters I really started getting into it. Around Chapter 30 (I wanna say) I felt like the book kinda turned into another. Sephera's dream sequence while understandable seemed out of place to me and the remainder of the book seemed to be following that storyline. I didn't really like that it seemed like it was two different books and there was the lack of continuity. Looking forward to seeing how things changed and progressed as Aubrie revised it after signing with a publisher.
May 23, 2017
Official comments: From monsters and mayhem to snark and swords, this story has all the right ingredients to make any fantasy lover's heart swoon! Compulsively readable, you'll find yourself wishing you'd brought a blade of your own as you accompany Zephera through the darkness.
Unofficial comments: What a wild ride!!! This is my kind of fantasy--dark, gritty, and epic! If you love high fantasy, don't miss Aubrie Nixon's breathtaking debut!
Unofficial comments: What a wild ride!!! This is my kind of fantasy--dark, gritty, and epic! If you love high fantasy, don't miss Aubrie Nixon's breathtaking debut!
May 19, 2017
dark and tatalizing, Nixon definitely brought new flavor and fantastic story building to the fictional world.
Her dark, but sometimes comical assassin, though sometimes a little brash with her decisions, brought life to the Secret of Souls.
the book, for me, was a little slow to pick up but really gained momentum as you read on.
the concept of light and dark is refreshing, making you switch teams in the middle of the story!
though I felt like the actual story line got a little bogged down and lost a little direction, the finale definitely makes up for any questions that were nagging at me to be answered!
the final chapters did not dissapoint!
I am anxiously awaiting the continuation in hopes to see our spunky assassin play the role destiny gave her!
Her dark, but sometimes comical assassin, though sometimes a little brash with her decisions, brought life to the Secret of Souls.
the book, for me, was a little slow to pick up but really gained momentum as you read on.
the concept of light and dark is refreshing, making you switch teams in the middle of the story!
though I felt like the actual story line got a little bogged down and lost a little direction, the finale definitely makes up for any questions that were nagging at me to be answered!
the final chapters did not dissapoint!
I am anxiously awaiting the continuation in hopes to see our spunky assassin play the role destiny gave her!
May 16, 2017
It was as if time stopped and she was its keeper.
Time stopped for me as I delved into this thrill ride of a fabulous debut novel by Aubrie Nixon. Journey with the feisty heroine as she searches for three items and a woman known as "The First". With the vivid description you will go on the adventure , fight the fights, and cheer on Zephera as she discovers not only herself, but realizes some things are not always what they seem. If you are looking for a new voice in world building and high fantasy , then Aubrie Nixon and Secret of Souls is for you!
May 25, 2017
I received an ARC for an honest review. The protagonist is confident, strong and independent. I enjoyed the renaissance/fantasy world Aubrie weaves. Full of darkness and deceit abounds! Never going over board with descriptions, which helps keep the pace of the story. More importantly just enough detail to keep you immersed in this wicked and tumultuous fantasy. It has lovable and wretched characters. An exciting story line with twist and turns. An awesome start to a fascinating series. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
June 23, 2017
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. The book was able to hold my interest, it felt more like a short-ish story or part of one larger novel, I figured out some of it but I was still interested to find out what happened. The characters were fascinating enough that I want to know more an look forward to the next installment.
May 1, 2017
I loved, loved this book!! Aubrie has created a whole world full of magic and intrigue. Her descriptions are so clear you will smell the cinnamon. You can't help but cheer on Zephera throughout her quest of finding light and dark. Aubrie will have you laughing one second and reeling the next, or like me just wishing you could kick butt like Zephera! 😜 Can't wait for book 2 Aubrie!
April 25, 2017
Complete review to follow!!
September 30, 2017
Great Book!
Five star all around. Very dark and twisted. The turn of events leave you speechless. Zephera will have a lot of choices to make.
Five star all around. Very dark and twisted. The turn of events leave you speechless. Zephera will have a lot of choices to make.
June 6, 2017
I was asked by the author to read and write a review of her book and she provided me a kindle copy. I enjoyed the premise of the story, the twists in the plot (and wow, what twists they were!!), as well as the idea of this world she created. I would have loved for more background about the dark and light sides and more action and suspense for these characters to obtain their goals/complete their quest. I am still not quite sure how this world functions or came to be. At times I felt the dialogue didn't fit the characters' personalities and didn't move the story along. I found the descriptive gory scenes to slow the pacing of the story and I didn't understand or like how easily these characters flew into violent rages.
I am intrigued about these characters and world to want to continue reading about this series and get to know these characters better. If you enjoy fantasy, magic, and romance, then check this book out.
I am intrigued about these characters and world to want to continue reading about this series and get to know these characters better. If you enjoy fantasy, magic, and romance, then check this book out.
May 21, 2017
Awakening magic, angsty romance that makes you want to pull your hair out, a kick-butt heroine who can take down monsters and men with the mere glint of her blade, a storyline that will have you up all night flipping pages so you can find out what happens next, shocks and twists galore, guy characters that you want to slap and kiss at the same time, and dark things clawing their way into the guts of the story (maybe even your mind). Yep, this book has it all. It should go at the top of your TBR list!
October 12, 2016
The beginning of this book pulls you in. It's exciting and adventurous. You are drawn to the characters and these new creatures. The tale of a bunch of misfits thrown together on a quest made the story so much more. All the twists and new surprises through out the book kept me interested and on my toes. The ending had me wanting more. I was instantly ready to read the second book. Needing to know what's next for this group.
August 7, 2017
As the first time I won a Goodreads Giveaway, I am really honored to be able to read Secret of Souls before its publication date. The fast pace, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists make this book one I really enjoyed. I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers and all who would like a great story to enjoy.
I cannot wait for the second book of this series to come out and really want to know what happens on Zephera's next adventure!
I cannot wait for the second book of this series to come out and really want to know what happens on Zephera's next adventure!
December 10, 2016
Assassins and a world ending plague!
A smashing success for debut author Aubrie Nixon, she balanced the characters, plot and world creation expertly so that nothing was lacking or dragging.
A smashing success for debut author Aubrie Nixon, she balanced the characters, plot and world creation expertly so that nothing was lacking or dragging.
November 30, 2017
Aubrie Nixon is a new author to me and she is going to go far as a writer and author. She had me thinking that I was a part of the story. She had me so wrapped up into the storyline, that I lost all track of time.
Everybody is made of dark and light, good or evil and it’s what you choose to be that defines who you are. But what if you have both in you from your parents? Your father is dark and your mother is light. Zephera is this such person. Let for dead as an infant, Baleem took her in and raised her as his own. Preparing her to be an assassin and teaching her just about everything he knows. Zephera would become to be known as the lady of death and she was very proud of it.
One day Zephera was sent to get a stag and when she finally found one and shot it with her bow and arrow, it changed into something else. She did what she does best and worked hard to kill this beast. Slicing the beast apart for its organs, she wonders what it is. The blood is black and smells of rot. She returns excited to tell Baleem about the creature, but he already knows. What?
So the storyline goes from here with Zephera and Zad, her best friend and possibly love of her life, along with three others all set out to find three items to use in a spell to bring back a strange lady who can give them a cure for a disease that the creature brings. There is action in fighting theses creatures and not getting their blood on you. Then there is the mystery of what and where these items are. You have want to be love, Mag magic, Betrayal, adventures and so many surprises throughout the whole book. Just as yo think you have figured out who Zephera and the others are, there is a wrench thrown into the mix and you end up with a “Wow!” or a what the? Yup! Aubrie Nixon keeps you guessing throughout the whole story. She also reveals the truth and leaves you hanging with the dark or light. I can’t wait for the next book!
Everybody is made of dark and light, good or evil and it’s what you choose to be that defines who you are. But what if you have both in you from your parents? Your father is dark and your mother is light. Zephera is this such person. Let for dead as an infant, Baleem took her in and raised her as his own. Preparing her to be an assassin and teaching her just about everything he knows. Zephera would become to be known as the lady of death and she was very proud of it.
One day Zephera was sent to get a stag and when she finally found one and shot it with her bow and arrow, it changed into something else. She did what she does best and worked hard to kill this beast. Slicing the beast apart for its organs, she wonders what it is. The blood is black and smells of rot. She returns excited to tell Baleem about the creature, but he already knows. What?
So the storyline goes from here with Zephera and Zad, her best friend and possibly love of her life, along with three others all set out to find three items to use in a spell to bring back a strange lady who can give them a cure for a disease that the creature brings. There is action in fighting theses creatures and not getting their blood on you. Then there is the mystery of what and where these items are. You have want to be love, Mag magic, Betrayal, adventures and so many surprises throughout the whole book. Just as yo think you have figured out who Zephera and the others are, there is a wrench thrown into the mix and you end up with a “Wow!” or a what the? Yup! Aubrie Nixon keeps you guessing throughout the whole story. She also reveals the truth and leaves you hanging with the dark or light. I can’t wait for the next book!
October 9, 2018
This is chaos. A dark, beautiful chaos.
Secret of Souls has been a wickedly intriguing, one bloody awesome dark fantasy you shouldn't miss. I had an engrossing time reading about Zephera Travelle, a highly-trained assassin, also known as the Lady of Death and her motley crew of warriors and mage, as they journeyed to a realm where Rot and Decay existed, and a mission to save the world from getting ruined.
When I first met Zephera on her hunting trip, she was quite a character already. An ill-tempered assassin who would prefer to wear dresses on certain occasions made Zephera strikingly appealing to me. As the story progressed, we get to know more about her quirks and distinct personality. Her relationship with Zadkiel was further explored, her affiliation with Daegan Sorrowhand gingerly intensified and the truth about her immunity and identity definitely made the story much more enthralling.
Aubrie Nixon's writing style is fast paced and terrific! I found myself drawn into that fascinating, at the same time, devastating world she had created. The characters each had their own unique psyche and each had a story to tell. (I can't stop thinking about Daegan and Zephera, they're both absoutely kickass!!) Secret of Souls is a dark fantasy that will lure you in, keep you still and entranced on your seat and will have you clamoring for more in the end! Looking forward to the next books that Aubrie Nixon will write!
Secret of Souls has been a wickedly intriguing, one bloody awesome dark fantasy you shouldn't miss. I had an engrossing time reading about Zephera Travelle, a highly-trained assassin, also known as the Lady of Death and her motley crew of warriors and mage, as they journeyed to a realm where Rot and Decay existed, and a mission to save the world from getting ruined.
When I first met Zephera on her hunting trip, she was quite a character already. An ill-tempered assassin who would prefer to wear dresses on certain occasions made Zephera strikingly appealing to me. As the story progressed, we get to know more about her quirks and distinct personality. Her relationship with Zadkiel was further explored, her affiliation with Daegan Sorrowhand gingerly intensified and the truth about her immunity and identity definitely made the story much more enthralling.
Aubrie Nixon's writing style is fast paced and terrific! I found myself drawn into that fascinating, at the same time, devastating world she had created. The characters each had their own unique psyche and each had a story to tell. (I can't stop thinking about Daegan and Zephera, they're both absoutely kickass!!) Secret of Souls is a dark fantasy that will lure you in, keep you still and entranced on your seat and will have you clamoring for more in the end! Looking forward to the next books that Aubrie Nixon will write!
top-to-read
July 21, 2017The Decay, I read about it in Snow Like Ashes and it was awesome.
This book looks promising!
"...“Lady of Death” Zephera Travelle—an infamous assassin with a weakness for braided cinnamon bread and a striking aptitude for murder and mayhem." And this sounds interesting!
This book looks promising!
"...“Lady of Death” Zephera Travelle—an infamous assassin with a weakness for braided cinnamon bread and a striking aptitude for murder and mayhem." And this sounds interesting!
April 27, 2017
This one was pretty good. You can really tell how the author grew in strength as the book progressed. How she became comfortable with her characters and the story. I do slightly think that some of the descriptions could have been cut out especially in the beginning as it slows the story down. But all in all, this was a great fantasy for those who die hard love high fantasy. This is one that the cover will draw you in and the story will keep you there. With wonderful new creatures and great characters and an even better plot. This new book from Nixon will keep you on your toes as you delve into this wonderful world she has created.
July 22, 2020
3.75 stars
May 21, 2017
I was really interested in Secret of Souls by Aubrie L. Nixon from the moment I read the synopsis. With such an interesting plot, I knew it would be awesome and I was right. This book is so good I couldn't put it down until I devoured every single page. Aubrie L. Nixon is a master story weaver, Secret of Souls will enchant you and you will find yourself not wanting to leave the marvelous world she's created.
Secret of Souls began with Zephera (the awesome badass main character) on a hunt. Being sent on a hunt after a stag (or so she thought) was a little belittling for Zeph because she's an assassin (who is very deadly by the way) not a huntress. But it turns out things weren't as it seemed and the stag she was hunting turned out to be a Dark Creature. Dark Creatures are monsters of dark magic whose dark blood contains a plague known as the Decay which gives everyone who comes in contact with it a slow and painful delusion filled death ( Oh it also makes them crave flesh and it doesn't seem to affect Zephera). The aim of the Darkness is to lead way for The Rot. This troubling turn of events made the king send Zephera, her best friend Zadkiel and some other warriors (Brenner the light Mage, Daegan the fierce unyielding warrior and the pacifist Orianna) on a mission to find an old powerful woman called 'The First'.
Their quest/adventure is quite epic and full of action, humor, drama, magic, romance, surprises and so many twists and turns I couldn't see coming. Zephera is a really fascinating character that is nice to read about. This book was a really great read. Seeing Zephera learn about herself and her destiny while also figuring out the grand scheme of things was really entertaining. I don't want to say too much about the villain of the book but you won't be disappointed.
That explosive ending was really great and it left me thirsting for more in this series. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read, it has a little bit of everything for just about everyone. Aubrie L. Nixon is a wonderful author whose brilliant graceful writing has woven a gripping world which you won't want to let go of.
P.S: That cover is really beautiful, I can't help but ogle it.
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